Automotive

New Study: Interest Growing For Electric Vehicles, Range Anxiety Still A Concern

New Study: Interest Growing For Electric Vehicles, Range Anxiety Still A Concern The American Automobile Association or AAA has revealed their top green vehicle picks, and released a survey that shows Americans are warming up to electric vehicles. What’s particularly striking is how 20 percent – or close to 50 million Americans are looking to buy an electric vehicle as their next car. That’s a 15 percent jump from 2017.
“Today, electric vehicles have mainstream appeal,” said Greg Brannon, Director of Automotive Engineering, AAA. “While concern for the environment is still a major motivator, the AAA found that U.S. drivers are also attracted to the lower long term costs and advanced technology features that many of these vehicles offer.”
Advantages, Disadvantages & Concerns
One of the biggest motivators for buying an electric vehicle is fuel cost. Although electricity is not free, you pay less money to charge the batteries in an EV compared to buying gas for a conventional car. Did you know Americans spend an average of $2,000 to $4,000 on gas each year? You have more money in your pocket if you shift to an electric car.
“Gas prices are some of the highest we have seen since 2014, and we expect these to increase as we head into the summer travel season,” Brannon said. “As the gas prices increase, more consumers will be looking to go electric.”
Photo: Kia Motors America.
Advantages
Zero emissions. Electric cars do not emit smog or toxic gases. You are doing the environment a huge favor each time you drive an EV over a gasoline-powered vehicle.
Less maintenance. Conventional cars require periodic maintenance. This includes the requisite oil changes, tune ups, brakes, tires, air filters, and cleaning products that accumulates to thousands of dollars over the life of the car. Modern electric vehicles like the Tesla Model S are reputed to have only 18 moving parts, which is surprising considering normal vehicles will have an average of ten thousand moving parts. You simply pay less money on maintenance if you choose an EV.
Zero noise pollution. Electric vehicles are meek and quiet compared to gas-guzzling V8s.
Blazing performance. The 2017 Tesla Model S P100D in Ludicrous mode can hit 60 mph in a mind-boggling 2.27 seconds. Electric vehicles are capable of unleashing a genuine rush of torque from zero rpm, which equates to a mesmerizing and exhilarating driving experience.
Photo: Tesla Motors.
Top Concerns
Range anxiety. Electric cars are fast, but lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries are exhausted quickly if you push hard. Even though the new Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf have a range of 220 and 151 miles respectively, range anxiety is a concern for 87 percent of EV shoppers.
AAA concluded 63 percent of potential EV buyers cited not enough places to charge as a detractor while 58 percent expressed concern about running out of charge. Automakers like Kia and Hyundai have proposed new innovations to make charging more accessible to the general public. Last year, a grouping of automakers proposed a high-power charging network for Europe.
“The AAA provides over 30 million emergency roadside events every year, and the number of times an EV owner runs out of charge would be counted in many decimal places,” Brannon said. “Plan your trip accordingly and use public charging when available.”
Lengthy charging times. Even though more Americans are more eager to buy an electric vehicle, the number and location of charging points is also a concern. There are now more than 16,000 charging stations scattered across the U.S. but charging times are a different issue.
A majority (68 percent) of respondents feel a charging time of no more than 30 minutes is reasonable. The new Nissan Leaf can be fully charged in 7.5 hours using the latest 7kW chargers, but you can get an 80 percent charge in as little as 40 minutes using a commercial rapid charger.
“Consumers are accustomed to the time it takes to fill their fuel tanks currently,” Brannon added. “They understand electric charging may take longer, but the idea of waiting more than 30 minutes for a charge when out on the road is not appealing to consumers.”

Disadvantages
Battery replacement. While EVs require less money to maintain, the batteries will eventually need replacing. Most EV manufacturers are currently offering an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on their batteries. But if you are planning to own your EV for longer, the cost of replacing the battery is a huge concern. The battery pack in a Chevrolet Bolt is estimated to cost $205 per kWh, which is no small deal!
Uninspired styling. Early EVs can only be described as unconventional or plain ugly. However, the AAA survey concluded fewer drivers are concerned with style, color, or appearance. In fact, 34 percent are not worried about style while 33 percent are not particular when it comes to the brand.
“This is an interesting shift,” Brannon said. “As consumers look to advanced technology available on a car, brand becomes less of a deciding factor.”

AAA Top Green Vehicle Award
In 2018, the following earned AAA’s Top Green Vehicle award. The full survey and complete list of winning vehicles can be found here.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier
The Bolt is equipped with a 60 kWh lithium-ion battery good for an average range of 238 miles on a single charge. This EV comes with an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty and a bumper-to-bumper limited warranty of three years or 36,000 miles.
Nissan Leaf SL
The Leaf is reputed to be the world’s best-selling electric car. It has a range of 151 miles and offers 40 percent more range than the previous generation Leaf. This EV is also accompanied by an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.
Tesla Model X 75D
Backed by the technological vision of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the Model X 75D is the first-ever electric vehicle designed to accommodate the whole family (yes, including the dog). It hits 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, faster than most sports cars.
So, would you buy an electric vehicle for your next car?
“EVs are the future,” Brannon concluded. “Americans are beginning to realize that, as well as the automakers that are investing billions in development of electrified options.”
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.
Cover Photo: Honda North America.

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Aston Martin V12 Vantage V600: The Golden Eyes

Aston Martin V12 Vantage V600: The Golden Eyes Back in 1998, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage V600 was (briefly) the most powerful car you could buy. And now, 20 years later, the Gaydon outfit has seen fit to resurrect the idea of the V600 with the limited run V12 Vantage V600. Impressive? Yes. Heavier than it should be? Also yes. Overthought styling? Of course, this is an Aston Martin. Worth it? Mos def!
Golden Eyes
Q by Aston Martin, the veddy British carmaker’s everso unique personalization service, accepted a customer commission for a limited run of 14 new Aston Martin V12 Vantage V600s. There will be seven coupes and seven roadsters produced, all 14 of them designed and handcrafted without compromise. AM calls it the Triple V, for some pretentious reason, but never fully explains why. My guess is that it has a V12, is called the V600, and is built on the previous-gen ‘VH’ Vantage.
The 2018 Aston Martin V12 Vantage V600 merges the modern performance, safety, and comfort features into what Aston calls a “muscle sportscar.” I’m not sure what that is but, honestly, sounds like something Detroit would say to convince you a Camaro is a real sports car (I also like how AM did it old school and called it a sportscar, one word).
Or, to put it another way: The V12 Vantage V600 is the ultimate analogue Vantage.
Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Power & Performance
Propelled by an upgraded version of Aston Martin’s already imposing six-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine, the Vantage V600 cranks out 600PS (effectively 600 ponies). Said mill is mated to a seven-speed manual transmission. I’ll say that again: a seven-speed manual transmission! Aston Martin says it “provides an engaged driving experience.” Ya think?
The thing is held up via a front and rear, dual independent wishbone suspension with three-stage adaptive damping that yields a beautiful ride in all conditions.
Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Exterior & Interior Treatments
To say the V12 Vantage V600 has a commanding road presence and aggressive styling is sort of like saying Mike Tyson comes across as slightly angrier than the Dalai Lama. The exterior is full-carbon fiber, and on the V600, utilizes a re-imagined side-strake referencing the 90s version. The big bulging on the hood hints towards the powerful engine contained within – guess that’s why they call them “power bulges” huh?
The gaping grille provides maximum air flow to the car’s engine, which is probably working right at the limits of thermal efficiency. At the back end there’s an all-new carbon fiber diffuser and an attention-getting quad exhaust system. Also setting the V600 apart from the rest of its siblings are bespoke center-lock forged and machined aluminum wheels.
The inside is accented, trimmed, and flourished with carbon fiber and dark anodized aluminum. The seats are lightweight and have an all-new perforation pattern. The center console is also carbon fiber and features bespoke driver information dials. The center armrest is even hand-crafted saddle leather.
Availability
If you’ve got the wherewithal (i.e. many, many, many Benjamins) the Aston Martin V12 Vantage V600 is available per your request with deliveries taking place in the third quarter of 2018.
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: Aston Martin The Americas.

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The Hyundai LAFESTA Is An Alright Car, But The Marketing Could Use Some Work

The Hyundai LAFESTA Is An Alright Car, But The Marketing Could Use Some Work Hey all you go-gettin’ red hot Chinese Millennials, Hyundai has got the car for you: LAFESTA (all caps)! This is a Chinese-market-only sedan that comes with enough marketing gibberish to choke a horse and enough sloganeering to make the Zhongxuanbu nod in quiet approval.
The vehicle made its debut recently at Auto China 2018 and here is what Hyundai had to say: “At the 2018 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition Hyundai premiered the LAFESTA. A car with a powerful driving performance packaged in stylish design.”
Then they added: “LAFESTA is a landmark addition to the aggressively expanding Hyundai line-up in China.”
Seriously, the press release is riddled with sayings like that.
Pop Quiz
Can you pick which ones were written by Hyundai Motor Company for the Beijing show:
1 – “LAFESTA embodies Hyundai’s new design philosophy, Sensuous Sportiness.”
2 – “Long live the 23rd of August, the great celebration of the LAFESTA.”
3 – “LAFESTA targets young generation looking for smart performance.”
4 – “All the best on the occasion of November 7th, followed by the slogan LAFESTA forever.”
If you thought numbers 2 and 4, you would be wrong, those are Romanian Communist Party slogans. Numbers 1 and 3, however, are direct quotes. Can this marketing strategy work? Even in a sellers market like China? I dunno, but we’re going to find out, because Hyundai is not slowing down.
LAFESTA, which, yeah, is the word for festival, or party, although Hyundai specifies they nicked it from the Italians. That’s an obvious nod to making the point of: SPORTY-SPORTY-SPORTY! Buy our car all you young hip sportsters in China! LAFESTA, according to the Korean auto manufacturer, is a “high-performance sporty sedan designed to meet the dynamic and passionate demands of a new mainstream generation from the 80s and 90s.”
See! See!
Photo: Hyundai Motor Company.
Power & Performance
The LAFESTA is a coupe-styled sedan with a fairly modern powertrain and a slew of innovative driving assistance systems. It’s propelled by a 1.6 turbo GDi engine that puts out an unspecified amount of power and torque. That giant, throbbing mill is mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmmission for efficient gear changes.
The inside is said to be spacious and made from quality materials. The overall cockpit environment is driver-focused and designed to be engaging. Safety? Set your mind at ease, my friend: “the LAFESTA features the most advanced and safest driving assistance systems. Further details will be disclosed in due course.”
See? Doesn’t that make you feel safer already?
Jumbled Jargon
And that is about it for deets on the (maybe) 2019 Beijing Hyundai LAFESTA, but the fun doesn’t stop there. Did you think we were done with the slogans? No we are not comrade.
Read this: “Beijing Hyundai today reiterated its new Chinese market strategy slogan ‘Quality Hyundai, Smart Future’, which was first announced last year in its 15th anniversary in the Chinese market, as the company sets about to develop and embrace the new generation, rapidly developing in the Chinese market.”
Does that make sense to you? Is it supposed to make sense? Is there some sort of entraining rhythm to the gibberish that will eventually make me shoot Bobby Lembeck in the forehead? I don’t know, but there it is: “Quality Hyundai, Smart Future.”
Here’s what I want to know: What if this marketing plan (such as it is) actually works for Hyundai in China? Will they try and use it over here? On Us? Sheesh, that’s a bleak thought. But now you know, if you start seeing things like “Pringles Now, Happytime Tomorrow” or “Chevy Man, Chevy Strong” you can’t say I didn’t warn you.
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.

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2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt Review: A Real Sleeper!

2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt Review: A Real Sleeper! 97Excellent 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt Overall Impression Ideal summer car.Fast, fun, and furious.Nice slice of nostalgia.ProsStylingManual TransmissionEngine Performance & SoundConsSmall Backseat Parking In Big Cities The 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt marks the 50th anniversary of the 1968 movie Bullitt. If you aren’t old enough to remember, or haven’t seen the movie, you need to. The film has one of the most iconic car chases in cinema history. The film stars Steve McQueen and a Highland Green 1968 Mustang fastback. The car was the biggest hit and it made the already successful Mustang even more popular at the time. The Mustang Bullitt returns and it’s a sports car any performance enthusiast would want sitting in their garage.
Over the weekend, we drove a 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt in Dark Highland Green.
Ford Mustang Bullitt: What’s New For 2019?
Ford dipped into the nostalgia pool and created the 2019 Mustang Bullitt, and we could tell they had fun doing it. It’s available in Dark Highland Green or Shadow Black, but we can’t imagine anyone not getting the iconic green hue. The manual gear shifter features a white cue ball knob as a nod to the original car.
The optional Electronics Package includes navigation, driver memory seats and mirrors, upgraded sound system, and blind-spot detection with cross-traffic alert. Ford’s MagneRide suspension and RECARO seats are the only other two options for this classic Mustang.
Features & Options: A Real Sleeper
The 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt comes standard with black alloy wheels, power-adjustable front seats, and rear parking sensors. The Performance Package is standard on the Bullitt. It includes red Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheels, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 summer performance tires. The Performance Package gives your Bullitt a shorter differential ratio, a bigger radiator, stiffer front springs, and a larger rear stabilizer bar. Our Bullitt tester came with the optional MagneRide adaptive suspension and blind-spot monitoring.
We liked how the new Mustang Bullitt is a real sleeper. The spoiler, fender logos, and grille badges are all removed. You can’t tell this coupe is a special edition or a high-performance model. There’s added chrome trim around the side windows and grille, but the only thing that gives it away is a Bullitt-specific crosshair badge on the rear. Maybe the red Brembo brake calipers peeking through the wheels – but that’s about it. Otherwise, it’s a true sleeper.
Our Bullitt tester came with the optional Electronics Package which included a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and navigation. Our tester was not for sale and Ford did not give us any exact pricing info. Based on our research and depending on options, plan for $47,000 to $53,000 if you are going to purchase a new Mustang Bullitt. Ford could get a lot more money from this coupe if they wanted to.
2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt.
Interior Highlights: Symphony of V8 Sound
The first thing you have to consider is parking your Bullitt! You don’t want to park too close to someone for fear of door dings on that gorgeous Highland Green paint. We also found out real fast how the long doors make it nearly impossible to get in and out of the low-slung Mustang. If you have rear passengers they need to be child-size, because they will have a hard time accessing the rear. The seat belts are another issue in this performance car. It’s quite a long reach back just to get the belts. Once we got in, however, there’s a good range of adjustment for the steering column and seat height, allowing both tall and short drivers the ability to find a comfortable driving position.
We immediately noticed the white cue ball shift knob, and that brought back good muscle car memories. Our Bullitt tester came with green accent stitching, a 12-inch LCD instrument cluster, and a heated steering wheel.
The cabin feels spacious up front and there’s plenty of elbow room to get comfortable. Everything is well laid out and the build quality feels solid, even though there are some hard plastics. The fit and finish feels tight with no annoying rattles to detract from the 5.0 V8’s rumble. Visibility is not great as you would expect from a raked roof coupe like this. Decent side mirrors help shrink the typical blind spots, and we were thankful for the standard rearview camera when backing into a tight spot. Given the rear seats are very size-restrictive for passengers, it’s a great place for additional storage.
2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt interior layout.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt is powered by a sweet 5.0-liter V8 with an open-element air induction system and an intake manifold sourced from the Shelby GT350. Although torque stays the same as the current Mustang GT (420 lb-ft.), horsepower gets a bump to 480. The Bullitt only comes with a six-speed manual gearbox; an automatic is not available.
EPA fuel mileage ratings come in at 15/24 city/highway, but you won’t even get close to that.
Driving Dynamics: Perfect For Those Who Love Cars
Power from the Mustang Bullitt is off the charts, and the sound from the dual exhaust is even better. We downshifted the healthy V8 and heard the rev-matching system, which is addicting to the ears. You can’t drive this Mustang without getting a big grin on your face! Anyone within earshot will know this is a special car.
We had more fun this weekend than any auto journalist should be allowed to. We took out more friends who couldn’t wait for us to give them a ride. After a few drives, we seriously thought about charging admission! Everybody we knew wanted to feel the raw power and listen to the throaty growl from this 5.0 V8.
We pushed the Bullitt hard around the mountain corners near Denver and it gave us everything we could ask for. The MagneRide suspension provides plenty of stability at higher speeds, and the manual transmission’s short throws make it a rarity when so many cars today have automatics. The Bullitt is a special car for rare occasions. As an everyday driver, you would likely get a boatload of speeding tickets.
Anyone within earshot will know the 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt is a special car.
Conclusion: An Ideal Summer Ride
The 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt is for the performance enthusiast who wants a car for extreme fun. This needs to be a second car that’s taken to the track on weekends ideally. It’s the only way you will experience the optimum performance this pony car has to offer.
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 Ford Mustang Bullitt Gallery

Photos: Ford Motor Company.

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2017 Shanghai Preview: The BMW M4 CS is a successor to previous M3 Competition Sport models

2017 Shanghai Preview: The BMW M4 CS is a successor to previous M3 Competition Sport models Meet the first-ever BMW M4 CS, a harder, more performance oriented variant to the standard M4.

What’s going on?
BMW revealed an all-new M4 CS at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show, a harder-edged M4 coupe that’s more biased to performance than comfort.
Munich claims the M4 CS is a first, but in concept, it is not. The M4 CS is only a first-ever because of the M4 badge. The idea of an M3 coupe–in this case, the M4–in a “Competition Sport” variant, is as old as the M3 is itself.
So, what’s new about the M4 CS?
Like previous M3 Competition Package cars, the BMW M4 Competition features =more aggressive tuning in various aspects of the car. However, it’s not as hardcore as the M4 GTS.
The body gains a sportier body kit for improved aerodynamic stability and cooling. The brakes get upgraded with fade-resistant M Compound pads, assisted by four-piston calibers up front and two-piston clamps at the back.
For instance, the M4 CS receives a lot of performance tuning for the DSC, ABS, Adaptive M Suspension, Active M Differential, and the M Servotronic steering and M DCT seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The 3.0L TwinPower twin-turbocharged inline-six receives some tweaks to coax out an additional 29 horsepower, ringing the total to 454hp. The transmission is fitted with an additional, separate oil cooler.
When all is said and done, BMW claims a 0-60 time of just 3.8 seconds and a Nürburgring Nordschleife lap of only 7 minutes 38 seconds.
The suspension benefits from revised forged aluminum to keep things light. The Adaptive M suspension also had its geometry slightly redesigned to optimize performance for both track and road use. And helping to keep things grippy are tandard Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, measuring at 265/35 R 19 at the front and 285/30 R 20 at the back.
Ok, enough chatting. When can I buy one?
BMW confirmed the M4 CS will come to the United States by 2018. Pricing details should surface closer to then.
– By: Chris Chin
2017 Auto Shanghai – 2018 BMW M4 CS Gallery

The post 2017 Shanghai Preview: The BMW M4 CS is a successor to previous M3 Competition Sport models appeared first on egmCarTech.

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Inside The Brembo Brakes On The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk & Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

Inside The Brembo Brakes On The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk & Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ horsepower binge was felt dramatically during the recent reveals of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and Dodge Challenger SRT Demon at the New York International Auto Show. Both vehicles boast 707 and 840 horsepower respectively. To keep that balanced, FCA has turned to Brembo SpA.
“Brembo is pleased to carry its relationship forward with FCA US on the next generation of performance vehicles with the new Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon,” said Dan Sandberg, President & CEO, Brembo North America.
Trackhawk Brakes
The calipers for the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk are newly engineered and more responsive, with high-strength aluminum components to reduce weight and dissipate heat. The aluminum composition of the fixed calipers allow a 30 percent weight reduction. The complete system consists of front aluminum 6-piston monoblock calipers and 4-piston rear calipers. The front Brembo discs are large two-piece units (400 x 36mm), complimented by one-piece units in the rear (350 x 28mm).
“The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk brake package is specifically designed to slow the 707 horsepower SUV while providing excellent pedal feel,” Sandberg said. “The caliper is the largest on a production vehicle in North America and looks as strong as it stops behind the Trackhawk’s 20-inch wheel.”
The brake pads are entirely free from copper, a first for a domestic vehicle. Further benefits come in terms of residual torque for lower emissions and fuel consumption; Brembo’s system adheres to California’s strict regulations.

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk front brakes. The front disc is slotted for proper ventilation and cooling; Brembo also increased the pad area by 20 percent. Photo: Brembo SpA.
Challenger SRT Demon Brakes
The unveiling of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon put the competition on notice. Dodge’s epitome of American muscle is currently the world’s fastest 0 to 60 production car, and officially banned by the National Hot Rod Association at the drag strip. Naturally, Brembo designed the brakes accordingly.
“On the Challenger SRT Demon, Brembo is able to brake the 840 horsepower muscle car from Dodge with maximum balance,” Sandberg said.
The Brembo setup on the Challenger SRT Demon includes front aluminum 4-piston monoblock calipers and two-piece rear calipers. The front discs are two-piece units (360 x 32mm), accompanied by one-piece units in the rear (350 x 28mm). While the Challenger SRT Demon’s brakes are engineered for optimum cooling and maximum performance, aesthetics were still considered.
“Our brakes help to accentuate the fiery performance look of the Challenger SRT Demon,” Sandberg said. “We offer great looking all-aluminum red calipers behind the five spoke wheels.”
2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Front Brakes. Photo: Brembo SpA.

Innovative Growth
Brembo has more than 300 championships in racing and that experience from the track carries over to the street. They supply high performance braking components for prominent manufacturers of cars, commercial vehicles, and motorbikes worldwide. These braking systems, which have performance benefits on the track, translate to safety benefits for the everyday driver. A responsive braking system is worth its weight in gold, especially on a performance-oriented vehicle.
Brembo operates in 15 countries on 3 continents, with 24 production and business sites, and a pool of about 8,000 employees, 10 percent of whom are engineers and product specialists active in research and development. Their Homer, Michigan location includes a foundry and facilities specific to rotor, caliper, and corner production. In 2016, car applications provided the most growth for Brembo, closing the year with a 12.3 percent increase compared to 2015. With vehicles like the Trackhawk and Demon hitting the market, it’s plausible that upward trend for Brembo will continue.
“All of our sectors of operation, from cars to motorbikes, from racing to aftermarket, have contributed to Brembo’s growth on both its reference markets and emerging markets, thanks to a well diversified, constantly evolving product portfolio,” said Matteo Tiraboschi, Executive Deputy Chairman, Brembo SpA.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Photos & Sources: Brembo SpA, FCA US LLC.

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2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet: The Comfortable Convertible

2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet: The Comfortable Convertible

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (that’s a convertible for those of you yokels out there) has always been a bit of a rare bird. Unlike most drop tops that are two-seaters, or two-seaters with a notional back seat (like Mustang or Camaro), the E-Class Cabriolet is a full on four-seater. Although it only has two doors, the back seat can actually accommodate two adults comfortably.
The E-Class Cabriolet debuted recently at the New York International Auto Show, just in time for spring, which means top-down convertible driving weather.
Fine Fabrics
The all-fabric cloth-top is a huge expanse of fabric, seemingly sourced from an America’s Cup yacht when viewed from a distance. Up close, however, you can see this is some very fine material indeed. Buyers of the new E-Class Cabriolet get their choice of four colors for the top: dark brown, dark blue, red, or black. The top is fully automatic, of course, because there’s no way Mercedes-Benz would expect you to do the work on your own. The top has so many square feet that wrestling the thing up and down, if it were a manual, would resemble a scene from The Three Stooges.
Functional Fabrics
Mercedes-Benz calls it an “acoustic soft top” because it features sophisticated insulation that reduces wind and road noise when the top is raised. A side benefit is how the soft-top is robust enough in terms of heat loss, meaning climate control and passenger comfort are not a problem so the Cabriolet is suitable for year-round use. Mercedes-Benz points out that up or down, the trunk is still usable. They say there’s enough space to store luggage for a weekend getaway, and the 50:50 folding rear seats provide a pass-through loading area for hauling longer stuff.
Compared to the previous version, the new E-Class Cabriolet has a longer wheelbase and a wider track. This larger footprint benefits rear seat passengers in particular. The rear seats are not a bench affair, but like the front seats are “sportily sculpted” for “individual-seat character.” Yeah, seriously, they said “sportily sculpted.” Oh, and the front seats have those automatic belt presenters that Mercedes-Benz has used for decades now, so you don’t have to contort yourself to reach the seatbelts.
2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (European model shown). Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.

Air In There
Now, about that option of top down driving even on colder days. Look, as a long time convertible owner, I am a big proponent of this in general. It’s a really nice feeling to take a little two-seater out for an early morning drive on a crisp fall day . . . but this is not a little two-seater. No, the E-Class Cabriolet is somewhere between taxi and tank sized from my perspective, not to mention that keeping back seat passengers from ending up like Creamsicles is a concern.
Mercedes-Benz, ever the thorough German engineering company, has sought to alleviate this.
First is this thingo called AIRSCARF, which is a neck-level heating system. Mercedes-Benz says it makes top-down driving enjoyable even at low temperatures by circulating warm air around the neck area in cooler weather. Actually it’s just a heater vent in the upper seat-back/headrest area to blast warm air onto your neck. People say it works quite well, although I would have to say it is not nearly as jaunty as my preferred method of a warm jacket, scarf, and appropriate hat, but that’s just me.
The AIRCAP system is an electric wind deflector unobtrusively incorporated into the roof frame and an electric wind blocker behind the rear seats. The driver hits a button, and the AIRCAP system deploys to reduce interior turbulence for the passengers.
Magic Words
There are also a number of additional features aimed at making the E-Class Cabriolet work in all seasons and weather conditions. The leather is something Mercedes-Benz dubs “heat-reflecting leather” to keep you cooler in direct sunlight. There’s this tech gizmo called (in all caps too) MAGIC VISION CONTROL. No, seriously, they call it MAGIC VISION CONTROL, and unlike what I first thought, it is not something that came free with every Grateful Dead concert ticket, circa 1973. No indeed, the MAGIC VISION CONTROL is an “intelligent and highly efficient wash/wipe system for the windscreen.” Essentially, when the outside temperature falls below a certain number of degrees, the windshield wiper/washer bits are heated to prevent snow or ice from sticking in winter.
That’s nice.
Lineup & Availability
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet joins a pretty wide range of convertibles already in the lineup, including the smart fortwo cabriolet, smart electric drive cabriolet, C-Class Cabriolet, S-Class Cabriolet, SLC, SL, and AMG GT Roadsters. There is also the ultra-exclusive, full-boat, luxo-battle-cruiser, Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet. The 2018 E-Class Cabriolet will go on sale in the United States later this year.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (European model shown). Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.
Photos & Source: Mercedes-Benz USA

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2017 Shanghai Preview: The Chevrolet FNR-X Concept provides a glimpse into future model designs

2017 Shanghai Preview: The Chevrolet FNR-X Concept provides a glimpse into future model designs Chevrolet introduces a new crossover concept that could be anything for the Chinese market.

What’s going on?
On the complete opposite side of the planet in China is the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show, just as we exit the 2017 New York International Auto Show. That said, some new cars and concepts did make their debut, mainly in the Chinese market. This latest one is the Chevrolet FNR-X Concept Vehicle.
At first, it looks like a slick and handsome take on a sleek compact crossover. But Chevrolet says it’s not quite exactly that….
So…what is it then?
“The Chevrolet-FNR is one of Chevrolet’s most forward-thinking concept cars, truly exemplifying the brand’s passion for innovation and ingenuity,” said Alan Batey, GM’s executive vice president of GM North America and Chevy worldwide. “The FNR-X builds on the design and technology showcased on the original FNR concept and embodies the belief at Chevrolet’s core that anything is possible.”
In Chevy’s words, the FNR-X is more of a design concept, previewing styling cues and other visual elements that will eventually show up in future models. This also leaves ambiguity for the FNR-X itself may or may not reach production in its current form.
Either way, the design concept is very attractive and handsome for a crossover. In fact, if the next-generation Chevrolet Trax resembled anything like the FNR-X Concept, they would get some pretty high scores in the aesthetics department for sure.
What else is cool about the FNR-X Concept?
The FNR-X Concept features active bodywork to improve aerodynamics during high-speed driving. It works in tandem with the suspension modes and the driver-selectable profiles available for choosing.
Powering the FNR-X is a plug-in gas-electric hybrid powertrain. Like most plug-in hybrids today, can switch in between gas and electric propulsion, or all-electric propulsion.
– By: Chris Chin
2017 Auto Shanghai – Chevrolet FNR-X Concept Photo Gallery

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Letter From The UK: Blast From The Past

Letter From The UK: Blast From The Past

It is a truth universally acknowledged that the more companies talk about the quality of their customer service, the worse it gets. The bigger the organization the worse it gets, and so on. Beyond that is the absolute nadir of customer service that currently is a long established airline company whose name, like the Dark Lord’s, is not mentioned in polite circles.
It was not always like this. Once upon a time, shops and trades and businesses were local and the customer knew with whom they were dealing. Customer service was not spoken of because it was expected and given automatically.
Staff were helpful, polite, and above all, were allowed to use their common sense. You don’t get that out of a company manual.
Too Much Complexity
To be fair, the retail car industry hasn’t really fallen into that trap, although there is a sense of sales staff performing rather than serving. In such a cut-throat business, the need to stay on top of one’s game is obviously paramount. Customer service in car dealerships is usually excellent, if a little slick. What has changed for the worst though is cost. The complexity of modern cars and, for the most part, the total inability of the average customer to fix them at home means expensive garage bills when even the slightest thing goes wrong. The car makers know this.
Well, according to an admittedly dusty and neglected four-year old report I came across, the public are beginning to question the need for more and more superfluous gadgets and unnecessary extras on cars, which simply add to the expense and complexity. Over 70% of drivers, the report states, would happily do without an electronic parking brake or electrically adjustable seats, for example. They prefer to be connected to the road rather than the World Wide Web. Car makers have built themselves into a corner. They’ve nowhere to go to make their product better than the next showroom, except by the practice of adding more and more trinkets and geegaws.
The result of this is that customers are saving money by selecting smaller, less well featured models, like basic city cars, and sales of these have risen exponentially. Here in the UK, there are many sightings of the Dacia Sandero, Europe’s cheapest car, and the thing is, it isn’t at all bad.
But isn’t all this new car business just a bit tedious? Slick servers, boring vehicles, manufactured customer service; please choose from the following twenty-seven options, your call is important to us so we’ll keep you hanging on until hell freezes over and so on. Where’s the fun and what used to be known as the joy of motoring? Where’s the real customer service?
Photo: Classic Trader.
Going Back In Time
There is a way to travel back in time to an era when the words “customer service” actually meant something, and cars were simple to fix. Buy a classic car. In your heart of hearts you know this to be true. Anyone who buys a classic is obviously going to be hated by the monomaniacal lobby who demand, not unlike themselves, that cars emit nothing more than hot air, but this has to be balanced against the pleasure of driving old school.
There are plenty of classic cars to choose from and they don’t all break auction records. In Europe, a recent top ten list is dominated by Porsche with four different classic 911s featured in the top ten, two of which stand at the top of the rankings. Sure, these, and the evergreen Jaguar E-Type are a little costly but the list also includes the Fiat 500 and the old Alfa Romeo Guilia. In the United States, the classic cars are maybe different but the same principles apply.
Photo: Classic Trader.

Clubs & Specialists
Classic supercars are clearly beyond the reach of the average Joe but here in the UK for example, enthusiasts fettle all manner of older cars. Remember, classic cars don’t have to come from the dim and distant past; the cars of the nineties and around the millennium can be purchased reasonably, cheaply, and with no expensive garage bills lurking over the horizon.
For the mechanically uninitiated, there are friendly owner clubs and specialists in vehicle servicing and sales. A good independent garage with a skilled staff can usually help, and almost certainly at a fairer price than most main dealerships.
It really is possible to enjoy simple, no frills motoring in a car that, despite its age, is entirely capable of providing good daily service. Investing in a classic means more than just buying an old banger and hoping for the best. For a start, you’ll be ahead of the game. They are devoid of all the usual extras routinely found on a modern car. They are simply engineered and straightforward to fix, so even if you have to take it to a specialist, it still shouldn’t cost the earth to repair.
People seem to be routinely surprised that these cars keep going, but the fact is there exist many enthusiastic club collectors and professional suppliers who seem to be able to source classic car parts at will. What’s more, they will have true motor knowledge and you will receive good customer care without it ever being mentioned once. Classic car owners must stand, if I may use the word, united.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite
Cover Photo: AutoFarm

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