Automotive

Ram Unveils New Rebel & Limited Options In Houston

Ram Unveils New Rebel & Limited Options In Houston

Ram has utilized Texas lately as the stage to announce new changes to their model lineup. In Dallas last month, Ram revealed a new color scheme for the Laramie Longhorn trim, one of their most luxurious models.
Now the Ram 1500 Rebel and Limited get a few visual tweaks to set them apart. Delmonico Red becomes the seventh available color for the 2017 Rebel 1500, Ram’s designated off-road cruiser. Also, Ram Limited is now available with new, body-colored R-A-M tailgate lettering and unique side steps.
The announcements came as the Houston Auto Show kicked off today (April 5th 2017).
“Truck buyers are looking for new colors and features that make a statement and allow them to stand out from the crowd,” said Mike Manley, Head of Ram Truck, FCA – Global.
Deep Rebel Red
Standing out from the crowd is a banner mantra for Ram Trucks today. Delmonico Red, for example, is a deep, eye-catching shade of red. It’s available in all Rebel models with two-tone or monotone paint. Delmonico Red can also be paired with the Rebel Black package, which includes a blacked out front skid plate and wheels.
The color option comes at no extra charge.
Inside, Ram Rebel Delmonico Red features a black and gray interior with black anodized bezels on the doors, center console, instrument panel, and gauge cluster trim rings. The heated seats include the word “Rebel” stitched into them, highlighted by Light Slate Gray accent stitching, which also traces the instrument panel, center console lid, doors, and seats. All-weather floor mats finish off the interior.
2017 Ram Rebel Delmonico Red interior with “Rebel” seat stitching. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Rebel Power & Performance
The standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 delivers 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft. of torque. The optional 5.7-liter HEMI V8 jumps horsepower to 396 and torque 410 lb-ft. Both engines are mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 2017 Ram Rebel is equipped with a factory lift, 33-inch all-terrain tires, Bilstein shocks, skid plates, tow hooks, and other off-road features. Although the truck is designed and backed by Ram Engineering for heavy off-road use, it is available as a 4×2.
Limited Lettering
All Ram Limited trims (1500, 2500, and 3500) can now be ordered with the aforementioned monochromatic R-A-M tailgate lettering. The new letters offer an alternative appearance option from the standard bright chrome letters introduced last year. In addition, all Ram Limited trucks are available with new cab-length running boards (body colored) for increased curb appeal and versatility.
The Ram Limited is the brand’s highest expression of detail, poise, and composure. Premium materials inside include all-black, full-leather seating, Black Argento wood, subtle stitching accents and pin-striping, and model-specific badges. Where trucks like the Laramie Longhorn represent a sort of rugged luxury, the Limited is the black-tie affair.
The most prominent feature of the Limited exterior-wise is the grille, as the billet port moves the eyes to fixate on the boldly positioned “RAM” lettering. Limited also features 20-inch forged multi-surface aluminum wheels and an exclusive Active-air suspension with five different settings.
“Whether it’s the off-road-enthusiast appeal of the Ram 1500 Rebel or the luxury and sophistication of the Ram Limited, Ram trucks deliver features and durability that are winning over more and more owners,” Manley said.
2017 Ram 1500 Limited EcoDiesel Crew Cab 4×4. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Pricing & Availability
The Delmonico Red editions of the Ram Rebel start at $45,095 MSRP. The trucks will arrive at Ram dealerships in May, although pre-orders are open now.
Houston Auto Show
The Houston Auto Show runs April 5th through the 9th at the NRG Center. Attendees can visit Ram Truck Territory where Ram’s professional drivers will navigate attendees through a course that features a payload demonstration, hill descent test, and stability exercise. The latter takes place on the High Banked Wedge, a structure over 6 feet tall and 70 inches in diameter with a 30 degree tilt.
Those looking to pilot a Ram on the streets of Houston can visit the nearby Drive FCA ride-and-drive experience. FCA representatives will be on hand with a full lineup of vehicles for test drives, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Fiat 124 Spider, and Dodge Challenger.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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3 Ways To Inexpensively Indulge Your Classic Car Hobby

3 Ways To Inexpensively Indulge Your Classic Car Hobby

Watching the old car auctions on TV, your pulse races as you see a beautifully restored Hemi ‘Cuda or Shelby Mustang sell for upwards of six figures. Then you mutter to yourself, “everything is priced out of sight. I’ll never be able to enter the classic car hobby.”
It’s true that top-shelf automobiles seem to be on a never-ending upward trajectory in value. Financially secure Baby Boomers, remembering the cars of their youth, now have the means to buy one. That pent-up desire is helping to drive prices today.
That puts these cars out of reach for the average Joe, who needs cash AND a place to store the car AND spare time to maintain it. But there are still plenty of ways to immerse yourself into the hobby, while spending very little money. Here are three such ways, with a range of varying expenses.
#1 Car Club Membership
Car clubs have been around almost as long as cars themselves. One of the largest, the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), was founded in the 1930s. Whether it’s an all-makes club like AACA or a marque-specific club like the Mustang Club of America, one thing they have in common is that vehicle ownership is not a pre-requisite for club membership.
Should this dissuade you from joining? Absolutely not. These clubs are full of individuals who welcome all car nuts, no matter what you own. You’ll get to hang out with like-minded individuals, talk about topics of interest to you, and learn more about the models you love from fellow club members. Depending on your available time, you can also volunteer for various activities. Here are some of the tasks for which clubs are usually looking for help:
Writing articles for the club newsletter.
Volunteering to take photos at shows.
Assisting with parking and spectator traffic at club meets.
Providing rides for older club members who no longer drive.
As you get to know people in the club, don’t be surprised when they offer you a ride in their precious jewel, or better yet, tell you that it’s your turn to take a spin behind the wheel!
Your True Cost: Minimal. Most clubs have an annual membership fee (figure an average of $50), plus your gas and tolls for travel. But, you’ll be in the hobby, surrounded by the cars that stoke your passion!
Attending car shows can be a fun and inexpensive way to indulge a classic car hobby. Photo: Dana Rose Crystal.

#2 Collecting Automobilia
Collecting things is a human condition, likely extending back to when we were cave dwellers, and every scrap of stone and wood served some present or future purpose. Today, popular collectibles include coins, comic books, marbles, pens, and watches. How does this apply to you, dear automotive enthusiast? Easy: a large part of the hobby is devoted to “automobilia” (a fancy word created from the mash up of “automotive” and “memorabilia”).
What can you collect? Anything related to the industry. I have a particular weakness for books and magazines, many of which I’ve found at yard sales and flea markets for a buck or two. Old road maps are a recent obsession: they’re cheap, and take up very little room. Model cars, either dealer promos or kits, are a nice way to have cars, just on a different scale. License plates, radiator caps, spark plugs, and dealer signs are also fun to hunt down and bring home.
Speaking of hunting, the fun can be in the chase. Besides yard sales and flea markets, also consider estate sales, antique stores, and friends and neighbors! Online shopping through eBay and similar sites is also an option, but beware of reproductions if an item is represented as “antique.”
Your True Cost: Limited by how little or how much you want to spend. You could literally start a collection of print items and not spend more than $25.00 or so, including a nice storage binder. Warning: this hobby is very addictive!
Searching for vintage advertisements is a great way to build your automobilia collection.
#3 – Driving A Collector Car
Before you think I’m going to suggest that instead of a late-model, mid-size sedan, you put yourself into an unreliable, rusty hulk from the ‘60s, let me explain. The quality of cars has constantly gotten better over time. Incremental improvements have had a positive impact on a vehicle’s quality, durability, and longevity. Innovations such as electronic ignition, fuel injection, sealed bearings, and stronger bodies have resulted in cars that can easily go 150,000 miles or more with regular maintenance.
That was not always true, however.
Let’s pick the year 1987 (30 years ago) as an arbitrary comparison point. In 1987, a 25-year-old car was built in 1962. Your typical 1962-era automobile had a carburetor, drum brakes, bias-ply tires, no seat belts, and zero rust protection. Air conditioning, power windows, and a radio were extra cost options, if available at all. You were lucky to make it to 100,000 miles without a major system failure. If you saw a 1962 car on the road in 1987, your reaction might have been “look at that old clunker, still motoring along!”
1992 Ford Mustang. Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Today (2017), a 25-year-old car was built in 1992. Every new 1992 car had computerized engine controls, 3-point seat belts, disc brakes, catalytic converters, radial tires, and extensive rustproofing. Many 1992 (and older) cars are still on the road today, being driven well past 200,000 miles.
If you can “afford” to put a 25-year-old car into daily-driver use, you just might be able to have your cake and eat it too. This option works best in multi-car families, where one spouse has a newer car for family use, and the other spouse drives a more limited amount.
But it’s not unreasonable to think a 25-year-old car can be driven regularly. Think about which cars come to mind? Consider Ford Mustangs, Chevy Camaros, Mazda Miatas, BMW 3-series models, and even more exotic fare like Corvettes and Mercedes-Benz convertibles! A quick scan of online listings show many of these vehicles available at or below $15,000.
Be Realistic: You need to check out such used cars very carefully. Here is a huge benefit to club membership: bring along a knowledgeable fellow club member to help. Your realism must extend to the more limited versatility of a sporty vehicle. These cars have limited interior room and may ride more harshly.
Back to the positive side: You have a collector car! A 25-year-old car is eligible for AACA shows, and can be taken to cruise nights or “Cars & Coffee” events. Clean it up and bring out your pride and joy for everyone to see!
Your True Cost: The entry price is low if the “collector car” replaces another car in the household. Factor in some additional maintenance and repair costs, and don’t forget to check with your insurance company (telling your spouse might be a good idea too). Pick your price point and dive into the hobby. You can still watch the auctions on TV, but now you’ll pride yourself on having figured out a way to get into the game without spending a fortune.
Richard Reina is a Product Trainer at CARiD.com and lifelong automotive enthusiast.

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2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD Review

2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD Review

While most muscle cars are sitting all winter, there’s one performance car that won’t be covered up in the garage. If you live in a colder climate, you may have been held back from looking at a performance-oriented car because they are often rear-wheel drive.
Now there’s the new 2017 Dodge Challenger GT, for cold weather areas. It’s the first two-door American muscle car to offer all-wheel drive, and we had a chance to test it this weekend.
What’s New For 2017?
Dodge now offers the Challenger GT for 2017 and it comes with all-wheel drive for the first time. This model features a V6 engine and an active transfer case with front axle disconnect for improved fuel mileage.
Features & Options
The 2017 Dodge Challenger GT ($33,395) comes standard with loads of features. It comes equipped with Dodge Performance Pages, Super Track Pak settings, launch control, projector fog lights, a rear spoiler, ParkSense rear park assist, and a rear camera. Inside, it gets Nappa leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats with four-way power driver lumbar adjustment, a heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescoping column, a universal garage door opener, Hectic Mesh aluminum bezels, and bright pedals.
Uconnect features include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility and a six-speaker Alpine audio system with a 276-watt amplifier.
Options on this tester included a GT Interior package ($995), featuring a leather performance steering wheel, and a nine-speaker, 506-watt Alpine audio system. The Technology package ($1,195) offers automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive speed control, and forward collision warning. The Driver convenience group ($1,095) comes with HID headlights, blind spot and rear cross path detection, and a remote start. The Navigation package ($795) gets a Uconnect system featuring a 8.4-inch touchscreen.
Total MSRP including destination: $38,965.

Exterior Treatments
Our Challenger came with Go Mango exterior paint that is both bright and law-enforcement attracting. The exterior of the Challenger GT features a small “GT” badge that sets this model apart from its rear-drive stablemates. Hyper Black alloy wheels are wrapped in 235/55R19 all-seasons tires. The exterior also gets fog lamps and a rear deck-lid spoiler.
Interior Highlights
The cabin of the Challenger GT comes equipped for cold weather with comfortable, Nappa leather performance seats, that are heated and ventilated with 4-way power driver lumbar adjustment. The heated steering wheel kept us warm during an early spring cold snap that hit the Denver area. The outside mirrors also come heated to help clear snow and ice.
The Challenger has a lot of front leg and shoulder room and tall adults will feel comfortable up front. The rear seat isn’t quite made for taller adults, but it offers up more room than most of the competition with three seats versus two. Rear seat access is tight but better than other sporty coupes.
We thought the Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is one of the most user-friendly interfaces in the industry. It offers crisp graphics, quick responses, and simple, easy-to-use menus.
Visibility is average with significant blind spots over the shoulder while the large hood limits forward sight lines. It can be difficult to judge the front corners when pulling into a parking space. The large-display rearview camera helps considerably when backing out, and the rear-cross path alert helped us when we couldn’t see an approaching vehicle.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2017 Challenger GT is powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which produces 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a Sport mode that holds gears longer to keep revs higher.
The large performance coupe gets an EPA-estimated 18/27 city/highway and 21 combined mpg.
Unfortunately, the Challenger GT isn’t offered with a Hemi V8.
Driving Dynamics
We had a chance to drive the new AWD Challenger in snowy conditions with the early spring cold snap that hit the Denver area recently. The Challenger GT had no issues accelerating or braking in the snow, but we thought the V6 felt hindered and slow to accelerate when trying to pass traffic going up I-70 at altitude. We wished it came with the Hemi V8 engine, but it has all-weather capabilities that no other American muscle car offers.
The all-wheel drive system is adapted from the Dodge Charger, a stablemate of the Challenger. It features an active transfer case that can send extra torque to the front wheels when needed. It also has a front-axle disconnect feature to reduce drag and improve fuel mileage when front traction isn’t needed.
In normal driving, the Challenger GT feels like a rear-drive car, and switches to all-wheel drive in low traction situations, wide-open throttle when passing, in Sport mode, and manual shifting via the steering wheel paddle-shifters. The Challenger GT is a big, heavy sports coupe and body roll was pronounced in the tight mountain corners. It still offers plenty of grip, however, to have an enjoyable time commuting or when taking a trip to the local car show.
Conclusion
For those needing an all-wheel drive muscle car, the 2017 Dodge Challenger GT is the only choice – if it were offered with the Hemi V8, it would be an ideal high performance option. Overall, the 2017 Dodge Challenger GT is an acceptable, if not enjoyable, daily commuter.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Dodge Challenger GT Gallery

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2017 Dodge Challenger Official Site
Photos: FCA US LLC

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Chevrolet Cars Set For “Restyled” Faces

Chevrolet Cars Set For “Restyled” Faces Coherency. Coherency is a good thing, especially when it comes to corporate brands and styling. Ideally, you want everything you make to have it. Take Chevrolet, for example. You wouldn’t want a Chevy Malibu to look way different from a Chevy Impala. So, when a car company, Chevrolet in this case, makes a styling update, that update has to propagate across the entire company line.
Special Characteristics
Mainly what we’re talking about here is styling cues; belt lines, overall greenhouse shapes, grill designs, badging and where the badges go, that sort of thing. Chevy says what they are going for in the immediate future is muscular designs, new features, and more choices.
“The restyled face of Chevy cars for 2019 is characterized by a family-like appearance, with each model honoring its Chevrolet heritage while showing off expressive designs,” said John Cafaro, Executive Director, Global Chevrolet Design.
And I can totally see where he’s coming from. ‘Family-like appearance‘ is the key here.
“We are committed to offering consumers a full lineup of products with fresh designs, new technologies, and efficient powertrain options,” added Brian Sweeney, U.S. Vice President of Chevrolet. “The investments we have made in Spark, Cruze, and Malibu will help position the brand for success in competitive segments that still make up a significant part of the total industry.”
2019 Chevy Malibu. Photo: Chevrolet.
Design Language
As Sweeny alluded to, Chevy’s first go ’round will start with the 2019 Malibu, Cruze, and Spark. To that end the cars will each offer a broad diversity of trims and packages from entry-level to high-end. And Chevy will also have to serve fleets since they represent a quarter of the industry’s retail market.
Chevy’s first task in shepherding the DNA of their fleet is restyling the faces of the cars with signature lighting that will make each instantly recognizable as a Chevy. The redesigned front ends for the Spark, Cruze, and Malibu will offer a more premium look while maintaining their athletic body sides. And yeah, this is the first time I’ve heard the phrase “athletic body” used in conjunction with the Spark and Cruze. Anyway, Chevy will give greater attention to detail like the intricate sculpting on the grilles and the brand’s signature dual-element taillamps.
Malibu RS
The Malibu RS, a first for this ‘Bu generation, will offer a sporty, personalized appearance propelled by blacked-out styling cues like the sport grille, bowtie emblems, rear spoiler, 18-inch machined wheels, and dual exhaust. The inside introduces a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, black cloth seats, and a standard eight-inch touchscreen for the Infotainment 3 system. There will also be a new CVT transmission standard on models that come with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine.

2019 Chevy Cruze and Cruze Hatchback. Photo: Chevrolet.
Cruze
The Chevy Cruze, along with the updated front fascia, welcomes new interior colors and a new infotainment system with a seven-inch color touchscreen. Remote start and automatic climate control are now standard on LT and Premier, but optional on other trims. The LS Hatch trim is added to the Cruze Hatch line for the first time. That sounds like a good move, since 20 percent of all Cruze sales in its first full year of production are the Hatchback.
Spark
The Spark, which sells by the train-load in its segment, gets new front-end styling with the same cues found on the updated Malibu and Cruze. New exterior color options will also be coming along with revised interior trim and an additional available safety feature called Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking. Chevy does not go into detail about what Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking is, but I bet it has something to do with hitting the brakes for you when you’re moving in a forward direction at lower speeds and aren’t paying attention.
Don’t hold me to that, though.
The 2019 Chevy Spark is powered by a 1.4-liter DOHC engine offered with either a manual or continuously variable transmission. Photo: Chevrolet.
Availability & In Person
You will be able to see the new design direction for the corporate automotive giant when the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu, Cruze, and Spark go on sale later this year.
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. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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Will Kia’s Wireless EV Charging System Change The World?

Will Kia’s Wireless EV Charging System Change The World? Kia has come up with a rather nifty wireless charging system for EVs and, honestly, this sounds pretty cool. As anyone who has ever messed with tangled power cords and such knows, wires can be a real pain. And I’m also willing to bet a chunk of people who are hesitant to buy EVs don’t like the idea of having to mess with chords and wires, and always having to plug them in all the time.
Bright Ideas
About a hundred years ago there was this half-crazy Serbian guy named Nikola Tesla. About half of his ideas made logical sense (alternating current, florescent lighting etc.) and the other half were borderline ya-ya (electric death rays, The Tesla Ozone Company etc.) but my favorite idea of his, borderline ya-ya or not, was power transmission without wires. No, I’m not sure how it was supposed to work, or even if it would work, but the idea itself was fantastic. No more wires, no more plugging things in, everything just runs.
What Kia and their tech partner in this, Mojo, have come up with isn’t a full on Tesla deal, but it’s still pretty cool. Kia rigged up a small fleet of its popular Soul to develop the wireless charging system. And the really neat thing about what they came up with is that not only is it wireless, it’s not nearly as finicky as you’d expect. Even when the Kia Soul is misaligned over the charger, the system can wirelessly charge cars with up to 85 percent efficiency.
The wireless charging system, which has been in development for three years already, is said to be an important step in the future of electric vehicles, according to Hyundai and Kia. And it’s easy to agree with them. If you can take another hassle out of owning an electric vehicle, the better our EV future will be. The project, a collaboration between Hyundai and Kia, Mojo Mobility Inc., and the U.S. Department of Energy, shows a way for future electric vehicles in which plugs are no longer necessary.
Photo: Kia Motors America.
Park & Charge
The system works by using an electromagnetic field to transfer energy between two coils. There’s a transmitter on the ground and a receiver on the bottom of the vehicle. You simply park your car above the transmitter to begin charging and the electrical energy is sent through an inductive coupling, which uses that energy to charge the battery. It’s the same way a Sonicare toothbrush charges, only on a much bigger scale. And again, even if there is some misalignment between the transmitter in the ground and the receiver in the car, charging can still happen.
It’s easy to see how this system could play out: every shopping mall and downtown parking lot will have an inductive charging pad buried in it. All you have to do is park your car as you normally would, and while you’re away, it’s automatically charging, no muss, no fuss.
2018 Kia Soul EV. Photo: Kia Motors America.
Future Considerations
Sadly, there are no current plans to offer the wireless charging system on production vehicles for sale to consumers. That makes sense, because while installing the wireless charging gear in the car would be pretty straight forward, it’s the parking space part of the equation where things get sticky. Sure, simply modifying parking spots is relatively easy, but it’s the number of parking spots that’s the potential problem.
There is also a downside on getting the charging pad installed for home use. The home high voltage charger for a Tesla, say, is easy to bolt into your wall and any competent electrician can hook it into your 220V line in a snap. The Kia system potentially means cutting into your garage floor to install the pad and run the wiring. That could be a hassle.
On the upside, if this system works out and becomes widely adopted, driving and charging – and therefore living with – your electric vehicle could become a lot easier.
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. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
Photos & Source: Kia Motors America.

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Letter From The UK: Influencing & The Art of Selling Cars

Letter From The UK: Influencing & The Art of Selling Cars
Gather round and harken unto this tale of woe . . .
A couple of weeks ago I took delivery of a brand new Audi A6 saloon to enjoy and discuss for seven days with a view to a review in due course. That’s what I do. That’s why car makers lend me cars; to promote their wares. It’s a win-win situation but it does cost the manufacturers a lot of money. Fortunately, being a small country, the cars can be same day delivered by road. It all adds up, one way and another, to around a thousand of our British Pounds to loan cars to tired old hacks like me.
So it doesn’t help when cars get damaged.
The Story of The A6
The sad story is that the A6 (pictured below) was parked (legally!) in the High Street of the attractive country town of Marlborough. While we were away a bizarre road traffic accident occurred and a vehicle broadsided the A6. When my wife and I came back to the car it was double-take time. This was not how we left it; surrounded by damaged motors, police, and an emergency ambulance.
The long and the short of it is that we were stranded. I phoned the Audi press officer and he sprang into action. Within a couple of hours, the stricken A6 had been lifted, the guilty party taken to the hospital, statements organised with the cops, and we were on our way home thanks to my son-in-law. Audi didn’t stop there though: That same afternoon a replacement car in the form of an A3 cabriolet was delivered to my house. How’s that for service? Insurance aside, how much money this must cost the company I shudder to think.
But I do wonder if this situation can continue for much longer and I blame YouTube.
The Audi A6 prior to the unfortunate accident. Photo: DriveWrite Automotive.
The Rise of The Influencer
It is indisputable that automotive media is changing. Later this year, this writer will be starting to video reviews and I have all the charisma of Elmer Fudd, but what can you do? It seems to me that “YouTuber” and “Influencer” are now proper jobs and the young bucks of motoring are taking advantage.
Mostly they are not trained in any way like we old magazine writers. The kit needed: cameras, a computer, even just a phone, plus a confident air are all that is required to make a low-rent car review.
In general, car manufacturers are very generous to motoring journalists and it is appreciated. We have access to press fleet cars and are invited to events and launches, all, or at least most, expenses paid. Recently, I was asked to attend, with VIP status, a prestigious motor racing event, for example. Very nice. Certainly the work can be demanding at times but you can’t fault the coffee and pastries upon arrival. How long now before this ends?
Car makers now invite these influencers to the same launches and events that the old-time hacks have been going to for decades. What has changed is the speed of production. What used to take maybe a month to get to print now can be online in glorious HD in just a matter of hours, as fresh as new paint. It is leading to tension. Old vs New. Changing Times. Sink or Swim.

Are Influencers Any Good?
Often, no. I have seen some truly terrible videos, purporting to be car reviews. I know how autos work; they clearly don’t. The trick seems to be to stand in a scenic place, the sun setting, pose, and talk a load of trendy nonsense. Self promotion as motoring journalism.
Conversely, there are some great new faces on YouTube promoting cars in a truly professional manner. Is it any wonder that car manufacturers like the idea. Firstly, the influencers come to them. They only need the car for a couple of hours or maybe a day. The effect is instant.
I do sometimes wonder who these online promotions are for though. Often times, young vibrant types are featured, frolicking, with little or no information about the car. Where is the sense in promoting a car to an audience who cannot afford to buy or lease it?
An example; I had the misfortune recently to witness a video of a young lad in skinny blue jeans and with very silly hair, speaking in a foreign language (in fact it was English, but not as we know it Jim) allegedly extolling the virtues of an F-Type Jaguar. I do not know any young people who could afford to buy this car. I can’t afford to buy this car. I do not know any older, financially viable people who would even watch this stuff; so who is it for?
Jaguar F-Type. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Sign of The Times
The plain unvarnished truth is that car companies don’t care. They just want it out there and it is not unreasonable of them to want to do it as cost effectively as possible. Vlogging works, there is no question of that. Many car magazines of old have dispensed with the costs associated with paper and circulation and are now online. That’s how you are reading this; that’s if you’ve gotten this far.
Yet some magazines have healthy circulation. In the UK we have two weekly mags and several monthlies and they are doing alright. It’s my view that as things stand, there is space enough for both the old and new . . . for now.
Older people still like to know about the vehicles themselves. They love the smell of petrol in the morning. Youth though are more influenced by the eco-lobby to whom cars are the work of the Devil. It’s a fact that car ownership among the young folk of Britain is falling. Generally, the car industry is in a state of flux. They want to give the people what they want while at the same time giving governments and the green movement what they demand.
All I want is a beer, a V8, and an open road, but that’s just me. I wouldn’t want to influence you.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

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Buick Enspire Concept Debuts In China

Buick Enspire Concept Debuts In China The Buick Enspire all-electric concept SUV has made its global debut in China, billed as an exploration of the brand’s design ideas and innovative technologies for future mobility. With the Enspire name, Buick retains the general practice of using the letter “e” for their SUV nomenclature; Enclave, Envision, and Encore.
Power & Performance
Buick was slim on the details but the Enspire has advanced propulsion technology, allowing the concept to travel 370 miles on a single charge. The propulsion system, dubbed “eMotion” by Buick, generates a maximum power output of 410 kW and can launch the vehicle to 60 in four seconds. Buick says the Enspire supports both fast and wireless charging, and the battery can be charged to 80 percent within 40 minutes.
2018 Buick Enspire Concept. Photo: Buick.
Styling & Technology
The “surround skyline” interior theme is really of note. Buick says this is a suspended theater-type seating arrangement, meant to open up the cabin for occupants. There is an OLED screen, an augmented reality heads-up display system, and 5G connectivity.
Judging by the press photos, the interior is smooth and streamlined with most of the vehicle’s functions being controlled either by voice, gesture, or touch. Although Buick did not specify, the interior looks befitting of an autonomous vehicle.
Typical to most concepts, the body is aerodynamic and nicely sculpted.
The “surround skyline” interior theme for the Buick Enspire Concept. Photo: Buick.
Availability & In Person
Unfortunately, Buick did not reveal their long-range plans for the Enspire. Given Buick’s presence and following in China, it’s likely to see a release there first if anywhere. No word on if it will arrive in the United States or other nations. In the meantime, the Enspire Concept will be on display at Auto China 2018 in Beijing from April 25th until May 4th.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Buick.

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2019 Honda Odyssey Arrives: A Brief Walk Around

2019 Honda Odyssey Arrives: A Brief Walk Around Families looking to upgrade their daily commuter may find a likely candidate in the 2019 Honda Odyssey. Honda’s top-selling minivan has arrived at dealerships with a variety of technology and safety features. Retail data from Urban Science shows Honda has lead the minivan segment for the last eight years. During our evaluation of the 2017 model, corresponding data from IHS Markit noted the Odyssey is the preferred minivan for buyers under 35.
Power & Performance
The new Odyssey has a 3.5-liter V6 engine, complete with direct injection and Honda’s i-VTEC and Variable Cylinder Management systems to increase performance and efficiency. The engine comes mated to either a nine- or ten-speed automatic, depending on trim level. The engine, which produces a healthy 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. of torque, carries an EPA fuel economy rating of 19/28 city/highway and 22 combined.
During our extensive test drive of the current 2018 Odyssey, we believed the 3.5-liter V6 had enough power for all driving situations. We found the transmission was smooth-shifting and thought the rear sunshades were a nice touch.
2019 Honda Odyssey. Photo: Honda North America.
Safety & Technology
The Honda Sensing package of advanced safety features is standard and includes Collision and Road Departure Mitigation Systems, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. On the tech front, there is everything from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to in-vehicle Wi-Fi and an entertainment system with Blu-Ray and streaming video.
Of note is the CabinWatch feature, available for the Touring and Elite. CabinWatch allows parents to view their kids in the back via the eight-inch display screen, and even talk to them through the rear speakers or wireless headphones if the Rear Entertainment System is equipped.
Pricing & Manufacturing
The entry-level Odyssey LX starts at $31,065, with the mid-range EX-L coming in at $38,585. At the top of the mountain are the Touring and Elite trims, coming in at $45,635 and $47,945 respectively.
The 2019 Honda Odyssey was researched, designed, and engineered by Honda R&D Americas in Raymond, Ohio. The Odyssey and its engine are produced exclusively by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Lincoln, Alabama.
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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2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD Review

2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD Review
The Mazda CX-5 is a driver-focused vehicle meant to deliver a different experience than your average small SUV. We think it offers a more satisfying experience than its chief rivals, the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester. And if looks have anything to do with it, we think it wins in exterior styling too.
Over the weekend, we drove the top trim, 2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring with all-wheel drive.
What’s New For 2018
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 largely carries over from the previous model year, when it received a complete redesign. New for 2018 are standard features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Also new is cylinder-deactivation to improve fuel efficiency.
Features & Options
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD ($30,945) comes with acoustic front windows, power driver’s seat, heated front seats, an upgraded six-speaker sound system, rear USB ports, and blind-spot monitors. It also features keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The vehicle also receives additional driver assistance features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and mitigation, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams.
Grand Touring models add leather and 19-inch wheels to the above. The Premium Package on this tester ($1,306) added a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a heads-up display, power front passenger seat, and windshield wiper de-icer. Total MSRP including destination: $34,535.

Interior Highlights
This CX-5 Grand Touring interior takes a step forward over the standard trim with leather seating and stitching on the dash, console, and door panels. The quality of materials is excellent for this price point. The cabin is driver-focused with a new leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the shift-lever location fits the driver’s hand perfectly.
The seven-inch touchscreen resolution is sharp and it sits high atop the stylish dash, but it’s a bit too far away for our liking. There’s also an infotainment controller in the center console with a radio volume control knob that’s easy to find without taking your eyes off the road. The seats are comfortable and offer plenty of adjustments and support for long-distance driving. The steering wheel also offers a nice range of tilt-and-telescoping positions.
This weekend, we took a couple of six-foot gentlemen to lunch, and they commented on how there seems to be more shoulder room in the rear, likely due to the CX-5’s slightly wider track. The rear doors open wide, so they had no trouble entering and exiting the crossover. And thanks to scalloping in the back of the front seats, there was plenty of legroom for our riders.
If you need to carry cargo, the 40/20/40-split folding backseat reclines. Behind the rear seat, there’s 31 cubic feet of cargo storage, and 60 with the rear folded flat. It’s a bit less than competitors, including the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2.5-liter SKYACTIV 4-cylinder engine produces 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission. Our tester came with Mazda’s all-wheel drive system for all-weather capability, a nice feature for those who live in winter climates. The 2.5-liter engine gets cylinder-deactivation technology which automatically shuts down the two outside cylinders at cruising speeds to maximize efficiency. Fuel mileage has increased 1 mpg over last year’s model.
EPA fuel mileage estimates are 24/30 city/highway and 26 combined with all-wheel drive.

Driving Dynamics
We think the CX-5 is higher on the fun-to-drive meter than any other crossover out there. We took a weekend drive in the mountains west of Denver where this journalist lives, and the small SUV delivered a most satisfying experience. We tossed the CX-5 around the tight curves and it responded like a sports sedan.
The steering is precise, and the suspension is tuned for sporty driving over comfort. Be aware, the CX-5 is not going to win any races. The crossover has enough power for most driving situations, but was fairly tame when we pushed it hard up I-70. The naturally aspirated engine could use a turbo for those traveling up into the high country or hauling extra cargo over a high mountain pass. For normal commuting, you won’t have an issue.
The cabin was quiet when we got underway. It’s not as quiet as a luxury car, but it’s much improved when we pushed the pedal, especially at highway speeds. With the heated seats, steering wheel, and heads-up dispaly, this small SUV feels like a more expensive vehicle. Overall, it’s the most fun we’ve ever had in a compact crossover, having tested the competition. If you live where there’s lots of twisty roads, this is the vehicle for you.
Conclusion
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD nails it in driving dynamics, with a comfortable, quiet cabin, driver-focused interior, and strong exterior styling. If you like to drive, this crossover delivers a different, more pleasurable experience than your average small SUV.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Mazda CX-5 Gallery

2018 Mazda CX-5 Official Site.
Photos: Mazda North American Operations – (2017 models also shown).

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