Automotive

Nissan Rogue Trail Warrior Project: Oh. My. Word.

Nissan Rogue Trail Warrior Project: Oh. My. Word.

Great jumpin Johannes Erwin Eugen Rommel, are you kidding me? You have got to be kidding me! No, Nissan is not kidding. This is an SUV with friggin’ tracks! Okay, it’s just kind of a show car deal, and not a factory option, but it is made up from available off the shelf parts.
So you could kinda buy this? And drive it around town? Cool! Okay, well, yeah, no, you can’t.
Tank You Kindly
Turns out those tracks are simply listed as “snow/sand tracks,” which I can understand. It does raise the question of how I would get to either the snow or sand in the first place, because, what, am I supposed to trailer this thing and then use it? Also, I know that you can, in some instances, actually drive tracked vehicles on the road without a problem. Don’t ask.
Okay, here, it works like this: When I was in college, I knew this guy, Jeff, who owned a half-track. Yeah, I know, strange. But anyway, from what I gather, you can run rubberized tracks on almost any tracked vehicle, up to and including tanks, and not chew up the pavement the way steel tracks do. The track set up on this Nissan Rogue Warrior Trail Project looks to be semi-rubberized with cleats so you might (might) be able to get away with just driving it around. By the by, Jeff was seriously in the market for an used tank to play with. He was heir to a lumber fortune, and had plenty of woods and stuff to go crashing around in. He had a friend with a tank (a World War II Sherman I recall) and said it was amazing to drive.
Literally nothing stood in your way or slowed you down. Not even fully grown fir trees.
Anyway, the Nissan Rogue Warrior Trail Project features not only a full snow track system, but also a special camo exterior wrap. I’m not a big fan of this kind of camo. Yes, I know it works, but I’m more partial to the old-school wavy patterns rather than the newer “digital” schemes.”
Photo: Nissan North America.
Armageddon Ready
The Nissan Rogue Warrior Trail Project is based on the redesigned 2017 Rogue crossover, which is Nissan’s best-selling model, so it’s a good place to start. Nissan says the Rogue Warrior Trail Project, or NRWTP – pronounced nurWART in military parlance (if this were a DoD thing I bet) – takes “family adventure ready Rogue design to the next level.” Yah think? I bet it also really gets those full on prepper types (you know, the morons that are anxiously awaiting some sort of societal level catastrophe so they can finally be “right”) all in a lather too.
The NRWTP is a special one-off project created solely for this year’s New York International Auto show. Nissan points out that of the two dominating features of the NRWTP (say it with me now: “nurWART”), the first is arguably the exterior design treatment that combines a custom camouflage body wrap (sadly not painted) and a matching khaki-painted track system and military-style yellow glassworks; headlights windshield and side glass, etc.
And then there are the snow/sand tracks.
Photo: Nissan North America.

Track Attack
Those would be DOMINATOR Tracks, yes all caps, and yes, yelling “DOMINATOR!” might be acceptable in this case. They come courtesy of American Track Truck, Inc., which is a hysterical name, and even funnier if you say it out loud, over and over again as fast as you can. The tracks clock in at 48 inches long, 30 inches high, and 15 inches wide, all of which are very impressive measurements. They directly replace the Rogue’s regular wheels and tires although the suspension and wheel wells were modified slightly to simply fit the track system into place.
Otherwise, says Nissan, all drivetrain components, including the 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder engine, along with the Xtronic transmission are standard factory gear.
Photo: Nissan North America.
Performance Tech
Said mill is rated at 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft. of torque, which should be more than enough for climbing snow banks, sand dunes, or intimidating the bejeebus out of hybrid drivers. Seriously. This is one of those rare instances where too much power is a bad thing. You can, potentially, end up throwing snow or sand or dirt all over the place and simply dig yourself in deeper and deeper. And honestly, if you get stuck in a vehicle with tracks, well I don’t have much sympathy for you son.
Other goodies found on the Nissan Rogue Warrior Trail Project include custom fender flares, an ARB Gear Basket, a big honkin’ LED light bar, and a Warn 4K winch.
“If you want to stand out from the crowd during a day on the slopes or the beach, this is the vehicle to take,” said Michael Bunce, Vice President, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc., in the greatest understatement since Erwin Rommel said, “In a man to man fight, the winner is he who has one more round in his magazine.”
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.
Nissan Rogue Warrior Trail Project Gallery

Photos & Source: Nissan North America.

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2018 Chevy Corvette Carbon 65 Edition: More Than Just Trim

2018 Chevy Corvette Carbon 65 Edition: More Than Just Trim

Sweet jumpin’ Zora Arkus-Duntov! Is the Vette really 65 years old? Really? Man, either I’m showing my age, or I’m just too enamored with the current gen of Chevy’s plastic fantastic to realize or care that the first Corvette hit the scene when Eisenhower was president. Yes, the first Vette had rather uninspiring performance.
And yes, at various other times over that 65 years, “uninspiring performance” was a term used more often than Chevy would have liked (cough-disco era Corvettes-cough!). However, that is never something you’ll hear uttered about the current generation.
Literal Sense
The C7 Vette is a flat out world beater of a car. I had two friends, and I mean dyed-in-the-wool Euro car guys who traded in BMW M3’s within minutes of test driving C7s. I mean they’re that good. If you’re a gearhead, I would not counsel you away from a current Corvette. If, and while I’m on the subject, if you’re a gearhead aged less than, oh, 40, I would counsel you away from a current Corvette. It’s not that I don’t think you could handle it, it’s that insurance companies don’t, and you would literally be paying through the nose. And yeah, I mean that as literally.
When my brother was in grad school many, many moons ago, he bought a 1965 Corvette to go AutoX-ing with, and as I recall, Allstate would literally come over to his place on Comm. Ave., stuff the 20s up one nostril, and extract them out the other just to make the point. He said it was worth it though.
Photo: Chevrolet.
What’s In A Name?
It’s actually pretty straightforward. The Carbon 65 Edition is a trim and semi-performance add-on available on all 2018 Grand Sport 3LT and Z06 3LZ models. The package is limited to only 650 numbered vehicles globally, which goes well with the “65” in the name. Lots of visible carbon-fiber exterior elements cover the “Carbon” part of the moniker. There is also a new Ceramic Matrix Gray exterior along with special interior appointments, including a new carbon-fiber-rimmed steering wheel.
“Corvette is one of the most storied names in Chevrolet and sports car history, with a heritage few can match,” said Paul Edwards, U.S. Vice President, Chevrolet Marketing. “The new Carbon 65 Edition honors that legacy, while offering customers another unique, special-edition model that personalizes the ownership experience.”
Hold up, hold up, fine, but, let me just break this down:
“Corvette is one of the most storied names in Chevrolet . . . history.” Yes, okay, I can agree with that. “Corvette is one of the most storied names in sports car history.” Yes, I can agree with that too. ” . . . with a heritage few can match.” Riiiiiiight. Except for Ferrari and Porsche and Maserati and Aston Martin and Jaguar. You sure did put the Ford T-Bird in its place though.
Photo: Chevrolet.

Exclusive Treatments
If you opt for the Carbon 65 Edition package (order code Z30) you get the Ceramic Matrix Gray exterior. If you go for the Carbon 65 package on a drop top, said top will be blue. The Carbon 65 package has exclusive fender stripes and door graphics for a little bit of added flash, while the wheels are black with machined grooves paired with summer-only tires* (pay attention to that asterisk, I’ll get back to it in a sec). Grand Sport buyers get Cup-style wheels and Z06 buyers get Blade-style wheels. The brake calipers are painted blue and the carbon-fiber ground effects, hood section, and roof (on the Coupe models) or tonneau inserts (for the Convertible models) are more visible.
Speaking of visible, there’s also a new carbon-fiber spoiler to gawk at on all models, and carbon-fiber quarter intake ducts on the Coupe. Honestly, I’m not sure why you would limit them to only being on the coupe, but there it is. The wheel center caps feature a carbon logo and there’s carbon flash badges too.
There’s a jet black suede-wrapped interior with blue stitching (which sounds rather handsome), a carbon-fiber steering wheel, and gloss carbon-fiber trim throughout. The chairs are Competition Sport seats, a nice performance add on that will hold your butt more securely and, of course, Carbon 65 Edition sill plates.
Photo: Chevrolet.

Proper Consideration
Remember that asterisk I told you to pay attention to? Here’s what the GM presser says: “Do not use summer-only tires in winter conditions, as it would adversely affect vehicle safety, performance, and durability. Use only GM-approved tire and wheel combinations. Unapproved combinations may change the vehicle’s performance characteristics.”
Really? Ya think?
Are there really knuckleheads out there lacking in cranial horsepower to think you could take a Corvette Grand Sport, let alone a Z06, out for a little jaunt in January in the Upper Peninsula, say on summer tires and live to tell about it? Guess so, or the GM lawyers wouldn’t have to warn us.
Personally, I’d skip the Carbon 65 Edition and go with just the normal Grand Sport in Nassau Blue with an Arctic White stripe, but I’m sort of traditional that way. In case you have your heart set on one, the Corvette Carbon 65 Edition package will run you an extra $15,000. It will be available this summer along with the rest of the 2018 Chevy Corvette lineup.
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.
Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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2019 Nissan Altima Gets Special Edition, Includes Free Goodies

2019 Nissan Altima Gets Special Edition, Includes Free Goodies Reservations will open mid-June for the 2019 Nissan Altima Edition ONE, a limited launch version of the all-new sedan. The Edition ONE, based on the top-level Platinum VC-Turbo, will feature a number of luxury amenities and styling flares, although it will only come in three colors: Scarlet Ember, Pearl White, and Super Black.
“The new Altima Edition ONE is designed for customers who want the best-of-the-best and value exclusivity,” explained Billy Hayes, Division Vice President, Nissan Regional Operations, Nissan North America, Inc. “They are often early adopters, so this reservation program is ideal for them.”
Fashions & Treatments
The Edition ONE is adorned with 19-inch dark gray aluminum-alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, external ground lighting, illuminated kick plates, and signature badging. Inside, drivers are treated to a moonroof, leather seats, and a Bose premium audio system. A special “Concierge” package provides 24/7 live access to things like dinner reservations or ticket purchases. The service is free for the first three years for Edition ONE owners.
So if you want to hit that prime seafood spot before heading out to that hot jazz show, Nissan has you covered.
“Plus, the super-premium gifts should appeal to their love of the latest technologies – in their cars and their homes,” Hayes added.
Gift selections, redeemable a week after purchase, include an Amazon Echo Show and Amazon Prime membership, a Bose Soundlink Revolve+ with an Amazon Echo Dot and Amazon Prime membership, or a Series 3 Apple Watch.
Nissan Altima Edition ONE. Photo: Nissan North America.
2019 Altima: At A Glance
The new Nissan Altima is powered by one of two engines: the standard 2.5-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder, complete with direct injection or an industry first, production-ready variable compression inline four-cylinder turbo. Nissan says the latter, available on the SR and Platinum, delivers “V6 attitude with four-cylinder fuel economy.” All-wheel drive is available.
ProPILOT Assist, a single-lane “hands-on” assistance technology, is standard on the SV, SL, Platinum, and Edition ONE. If that description seems like a lot (and it does), Nissan has provided this quick instructional video on ProPILOT Assist. Also available is Rear Automatic Braking, which helps warn of unforeseen stationary objects when backing up, and can apply the brakes to help avoid a collision if necessary.
The Nissan Safety Shield package includes a number of other advanced safety features.
Photo: Nissan North America.
Trim Levels & Availability
When it arrives this fall, expect the 2019 Altima in five trim levels: S, SR, SV, SL, and Platinum – plus the Edition ONE which reservations open for on June 15th. Those who reserve a “normal” Altima on that day will still be granted a special gift selection as well.
The Nissan Altima first appeared in 1992 and has sold 5.6 million units to date.
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.
2019 Nissan Altima Edition ONE Gallery

Photos & Source: Nissan North America.

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2018 Indy 500 Notebook: Part 2: Hey Hinchcliffe, Wanna Race? Then Go Faster!

2018 Indy 500 Notebook: Part 2: Hey Hinchcliffe, Wanna Race? Then Go Faster! Tony Borroz opens up what has been dubbed “The 2018 Indy 500 Notebook” for an unedited look at The Greatest Spectacle In Racing. This new series will span the days leading up to and after the 102nd Indianapolis 500, set for Sunday, May 27th. The 2018 Indy 500 Notebook is not exactly live coverage, more like raw coverage. It’s an unfiltered look and what makes the Indy 500 so alluring in the first place.
The prologue can be found here. Part three is forthcoming as the action in Indianapolis continues.
So I’m watching the first day of qualifying for the 2018 Indy 500. And, for the first time in a long time, there’s actual bumping going on. The starting field at Indy is limited to 33 cars, 11 rows of three. So, if you’ve got, say 38 people wanting to race, some of them are going to get left out, or bumped, in the parlance of The Speedway.
I am one of those people that are happy to see bumping return. It’s a healthy sign of interest, from drivers, teams, sponsors. The more of that, the better.
Bump & Grind
What I like about Bump Day (as it used to be called) is that it adds a ton of drama. If you’re sitting at 33rd in qualifying, “on the bubble” as they say around The Brickyard, every half-bright, crazy-brave driver gunning to make it in means you are going to get bumped out. Those poor racers in spots 30, 31, 32, and 33 . . . they’re like ducks in a shooting gallery. Bump Day is drowning in a sea of emotion; hope, fear, dread, elation, resignation, confidence, terror, anxiety, ecstasy, acceptance. You can see all of those cross a driver’s face in a matter of minutes while they watch another competitor try to knock them out of the race before it’s even begun.
Bump Day has the expected cruelty meted out to the lower, shoe-string teams. Outfits with 29 percent of the sponsorship cash they need, crewed by a handful of overworked mechanics going up against teams with scores more wrench turners and driven by drivers . . . desperate drivers; desperate because they are on their way up and have something to prove or, even more alarming to see, desperate because the driver is on their way out, and they want, no, need, one more chance; just gimme one more chance and I can show you I still got it, please!?
But there is the other side of Bump Day when, due to circumstances, one of the expected front runners, a series regular, is hanging out at the back of the grid. Dangerously so. And this time around, it happens to be James Hinchcliffe.
James Hinchcliffe. Photo: Schmidt Peterson Motorsports.
Reality Sets In
Hinchcliffe, all around affable Canadian guy and last year’s pole sitter, just got his butt bumped off of this year’s grid? The entire team – owner Sam Schmidt, the engineers, mechanics, and most especially Hinchy himself – are literally apoplectic as the nasty fact sinks in: We will not be competing in this year’s 500. There are lolling heads, literal wringing of hands, confused grimaces, shaking of heads. Hinchcliffe seems to be walking around in a small circle repeatedly. I literally see one mechanic mouth the words ” … be happening,” as in ‘this can’t be happening.‘
While all this is happening, while the clock is ticking down and Hinchy’s team realizes they’re too far back in line to make another run, the ABC/ESPN announcers go into full-blown panic and recrimination mode. The two color commentators, Eddie Cheever and Scott Goodyear, start to rail about how there needs to be guaranteed spots for series regulars, or drivers with enough points, or a driver who . . . who . . . who . . . they’re grasping at straws faster than Rumpelstiltskin and, as usual, showing themselves to be the irritating hacks that have no business in a broadcast booth.
James Hinchcliffe’s statement on missing the 2018 Indy 500.
No Exceptions, No Excuses
Both Eddie Cheever and Scott Goodyear are former race car drivers, and they both were, largely, mediocre at best. Yes, I do know that Eddie Cheever won the 500, but he did that back in the dark days of the Tony George era, claiming victory over the likes of such racing titans as Billy Boat, Marco Greco, John Paul, Jr. I’m joking of course, those guys were even worse than Cheever, but that was the level of competition he faced back in 1998, and I, for one, am not going to let him forget about it. Goodyear? He’s primarily famous for two things: Losing to Al Unser Jr. in 1992 and getting beat like a drum by Jacques Villeneuve in 1995 and whining about it after the checker.
So of course these two make-up-the-numbers boys are whining about how Hinchcliffe got robbed and that getting bumped is unfair. But you know what? It was completely fair. Hinchcliffe’s team was running under the same rules as everybody else. They were qualifying under the same conditions as everybody else. You want to race in The Indy 500, James? Then you’ve got to go fast.
This is not “Everybody Gets A Trophy Day” at the kids go-kart track. This is not “most popular driver gets a spot.” Hinch is really well-loved, and I personally like the guy, but this is not “can we make an exception?”
This is Indy baby. Put up or shut up.
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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2018 Indy 500 Notebook: Part 1: Prologue

2018 Indy 500 Notebook: Part 1: Prologue Tony Borroz opens up what has been dubbed “The 2018 Indy 500 Notebook” for an unedited look at The Greatest Spectacle In Racing. This new series will span the days leading up to and after the 102nd Indianapolis 500, set for Sunday, May 27th. The 2018 Indy 500 Notebook is not exactly live coverage, more like raw coverage. It’s an unfiltered look and what makes the Indy 500 so alluring in the first place.
I’m sitting here, plopped in front of my TV watching a replay of the 1973 Indy 500. ESPN Classic has been replaying all this old ABC coverage wall-to-wall, 24 hours a day, for about a week now, and it’s fascinating on so many levels.
Safety First?
Jackie Stewart, who is working as a color commentator between racing in Grand Prix, is praising the safety orientation of things happening at The 500. Given that Jackie was the original safety Nazi, and also given that I’m watching this from the perspective of forty-five years of experience, I shake my head at how frightening the lack of safety really is. Consider these observations:
Pit lane speed limit? There is none! Drive as fast as you want. Pit crew safety? Next to non-existent. Fire suites? Nope, matching slacks and polo shirts. Pacer lights? Not for a couple of years. Infield hospital? That’s not built yet either.
And yeah, I love this old school stuff. There is so much from past eras of racing that I miss, but when I watch this old stuff, I’m surprised my heroes weren’t dying in higher numbers.
Anyway, Johncock is out front and cruising, A.J. just pushed it back to pit lane, Donohue is having a terrible day, and Parnelli’s new team is doing okay. The cars are big Offy four-bangers with turbos the size of a toilet hanging out in the breeze. The plant puts out around 900 horsepower and the wings are the size of a dinner table. Amazing.
Mark Donohue racing at Pocono Raceway in 1971. Photo: Ted Van Pelt.
Backup Plans
The other thing to factor in is that I am not going to Indy this year. I will have to cover it from afar. There was a mix up with housing (I got ousted by a girls soccer team, no, seriously) that I found out about yesterday. Given that hotels, motels, and camping sites are booked up years in advance, that was practically out. And I don’t even want to get into the money aspects of this. So onto plan B.
Plan B, at this point, means driving four hours south to hang out with my brother John and watch The 500. If anything, Johnny is a bigger 500 fan than I am, and he’s a very articulate guy, so getting his perspective folded into my coverage (such as it is) might actually work out well. But we’ll see, because I have yet to hear back from him, or my sister-in-law, if I can drop in on their hospitality out of the blue.
Anyway, here we go again!
Part 2: “Hey Hinchcliffe, Wanna Race? Then Go Faster!” here.
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.
Mark Donohue photo by Ted Van Pelt is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

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If You Like Audi A6, Wait Until You See The 2020 Audi S6

If You Like Audi A6, Wait Until You See The 2020 Audi S6 The 2020 Audi S6 debuts with a mild-hybrid V6 with electric turbochargers.
The new S6 also receives a new eight-speed automatic and Quattro AWD.
Pricing for the new Audi S6 starts just below $74,000. Expect it this fall.
The previous model Audi S6 came with a monstrous turbocharged V8 engine. That car had 450 tire-shredding horsepower and hit 60 mph in four seconds flat. If the BMW M550i is a sporty luxury car, you can think of the 2020 Audi S6 as a luxury car with sporting apprehensions.
Confused? Don’t be. Yes, there’s a difference between the two. And we’ll get more into that in a bit.
Still, if you’re pining for the A6, I’m betting the 2020 S6 will more than tickle your fancy.
Electrified Turbocharging
The normal A6 comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with a 48-volt mild hybrid assist system. It produces 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque. The engine connects to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and Quattro all-wheel drive system. It allows the car to register a zero to 60 time of 4.8 seconds.
But for the new S6, Audi needs something to pace with the hot Mercedes-AMG E53 saloon, a car utilizing EQ Boost electrification and an on-board, 48-volt electrical system to produce 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft. of torque. The biggest rival of the new Audi A6 is the hotter BMW M550i, which came with a 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 mill with 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft. of torque. And if you really need to know, the M550i has the same engine and power output as the M850i Gran Coupe.
As you can see, the 2020 Audi A6 is facing serious competition.
Audi did the next best thing: load the new S6 with mind-numbing amounts of technology. The new 2.9-liter TFSI V6 is now equipped with electric turbochargers. The turbos draw power from the on-board 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Having electric turbochargers is a good thing. For starters, it doesn’t rely on exhaust pressure to spin wildly, which essentially means zero turbo lag at any engine speed. This also means the turbos can spool up instantaneously and provide an immediate response, according to Audi.
With that being said, the new electrified V6 churns out 444 horsepower and 443 lb-ft. of torque, so you won’t exactly miss the lack of cylinders under the bonnet.
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
New Eight-Speed Automatic & Quattro AWD
The 2020 Audi S6 now comes with a new eight-speed Tiptronic automatic. The transmission replaces the dual-clutch seven-speed unit in the outgoing model. It also happens to be more capable of matching the low-end torque of the revised V6. Also standard is Audi’s Quattro AWD system with wheel-selective torque control. It delivers 60 percent of the available power to the rear axles, and 40 percent to the front in normal driving. The AWD system can shift as much as 70 percent of available torque to the front or 85 percent to the rear axle in demanding situations.
If you want to drive like a lunatic in your Audi S6, don’t forget the available Quattro sport differential. The system splits torque between the left and right rear wheel to enhance cornering agility. If you push hard, it can nearly transfer all torque to one wheel. The optional S Sport Package includes dynamic all-wheel steering, a throatier sports exhaust, and luscious red brake calipers. Throw in some more coin, and you get a sport-tuned suspension with adaptive damping.
Sportier Exterior Design
The new Audi S6 also receives a mild exterior makeover. It has S-model front and rear bumpers, aluminum exterior side mirrors, and a double-slat Singleframe grille in a platinum finish. The car also receives an alu-optic front splitter, a rear diffuser inlay in a black chrome matte finish, and four tailpipes. Standard are 20-inch wheels with summer performance tires. You can opt for larger 21-inch wheels if you live in places with pothole-free roads.
Audi A6 interior layout. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Immaculate Interior
Interior fit and finish is one of Audi’s biggest strengths. The cabin is home to soft-touch plastics, leather, and metal trim. The switchgear clicks and clacks with German precision while the seats are comfortable enough to cradle the driver and passengers on those long and arduous journeys.
The 2020 Audi S6 has sporty seats wrapped in Valcona leather, a heated and multi-functional three-spoke steering wheel (with an S emblem), and stainless-steel door sills with an illuminated S logo. The car also comes standard with MMI navigation, 10.1-inch upper and 8.6-inch lower touchscreen displays, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a full suite of driver assistance features. The Audi Virtual Cockpit with Google Earth integration is standard as well.
2020 Audi S6 Pricing & Availability
The 2020 Audi S6 starts at $73,900 for the Premium Plus trim and $77,800 for the Prestige trim. The new S6 has a lower base price than the BMW M550i xDrive but is more costly than the Mercedes-AMG E53. The S6 is in the middle of the price range since it also ranks between the BMW and Mercedes-Benz in terms of power output.
As it stands, the new Audi S6 is a proper luxury car. It exists in the same realm as the Mercedes-AMG E53, although both have the required muscle to run wild on the Autobahn. However, the BMW M550i is a genuine sports sedan with a luxurious cabin. Want proof? The Beamer has more power than both the Benz and Audi. Enough said.
However, if you prefer the apathetic styling of Audi vehicles, the S6 will make you smile. First deliveries begin near the end of the year.
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.
Photos & Source: Audi of America, Inc.

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2018 Ford Explorer: Blue Oval’s Anchor For Promising SUV Projections?

2018 Ford Explorer: Blue Oval’s Anchor For Promising SUV Projections?

From the “Water is Wet/Pope is Catholic” file, Ford says to expect continued growth in SUV sales. They also announced what the updates for the Ford Explorer will be in 2018, but first let’s talk about these sales projections. Look, every company on the planet says the future looks great. We’re going to be making money by the train car load next fiscal year, yadda-yadda-yadda.
But in Ford’s case, they might be right.
Trending Data
For starters, check this out: According to Ford, not only will the SUV segment continue to grow, but it will actually account for more than 45 percent of the non-premium U.S. retail industry in the next five to seven years. 45 percent. That’s nearly half of the non-premium (i.e. rich folks cars) segment being populated by truck like SUV things.
It seems this trend, as 90% of the trends these days, are being driven by millennials. 35- to 44-year-olds buy more mid and large SUVs than any other given demographic, and millennials are anticipated to join this SUV-loving group even more as they age. Baby boomers (the first millenials in a way, if you care to think about it) are already buying nearly 30 percent of small SUVs as is. And boomers are projected to lean even more heavily into SUVs as they march on up the population pyramid. Even Generation X is getting in on the SUV action.
These numbers make Ford happy. They already sell a ton of trucks and SUVs, so a bigger pie means more sales for Ford. Dearborn is so psyched about what lies ahead for SUVs, they have plans to add five all-new ones to their North American lineup by 2020.
“In the 1990s, SUVs defined the unstoppable American spirit, and once again, we’re seeing a utility boom take hold with a whole new generation of customers,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford Vice President, U.S. Marketing, Sales, and Service. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Cornerstone Connectivity
Ford is planning on the upcoming 2018 Explorer to champion this segue into even more SUVs on the road. The 2018 Explorer has a freshened front, new rear styling details, and even better technology. So the transitional model year gets slathered in tech goodies and gee-gaws such as an available 4G modem with a new standard Wi-Fi hotspot for up to ten devices, plus Ford’s latest SYNC 3 infotainment system.
SYNC Connect also allows owners to “connect” with the Explorer remotely using FordPass. Drivers can start, lock, unlock, and locate their vehicle from almost anywhere. I know that sounds superfluous in a lot of ways, but consider living in up-state New York or Mobile, Alabama. Sounds like being able to fire up your Explorer and get the interior heated in February or chilled in August via your smartphone is a good idea, no? Oh, and FordPass also stores important vehicle diagnostic information which is also handy.
All of this stuff on the 2018 Explorer joins existing high tech perks such as enhanced active park assist and electric power-assisted steering. These features help drivers with parallel and perpendicular parking but there is also park-out assist, which helps drivers pull out of parallel parking spots; and intelligent all-wheel drive with a Terrain Management System that sends power where needed. And yeah, I don’t know why on Earth you’d need something to help you pull out of parallel parking spots (isn’t that just reverse gear?) but hey, the new Explorer’s got it.
Safety tidbits? Oh my yes!
Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Safety & Security
The 2018 Ford Explorer offers a newly available Safe and Smart Package that combines a whole bunch of stuff you should be able to do for yourself, but Americans seem to thrive on having these days. There is adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support that uses the onboard radar to sense any moving vehicles immediately ahead, and change cruising speed if necessary. A Blind Spot Information System also uses radar to trigger a warning when another vehicle is in your blind spot. Cross-traffic alert is almost the same thing as the blind spot deal. It also uses radar to alert you to oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space.
The lane-keeping system automatically detects left- and right-hand lane markers using the front camera system. A vibration in the steering wheel alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of their lane. The system can also provide steering torque to help guide the vehicle back into the lane if needed. I’m sorry, but isn’t that what the Bott’s dots on the highway are already there for? How many warnings do you need?
In a blast from the past, the 2018 Ford Explorer also has auto high-beams. It uses windshield-mounted cameras to automatically switch between high and low beams when oncoming traffic is detected. Which is cool and all that, but I remember my grandfather’s 1970s era Caddy having the same thing, so yay for automatically not blinding oncoming traffic, but this ain’t exactly new.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Power & Performance
You get your choice of three different engines with the 2018 Explorer: the 2.3-liter, 280 horsepower EcoBoost four-cylinder with 310 lb-ft. of torque, or the 365 horsepower 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 with 350 lb-ft of torque. The latter is for the Explorer Sport and Platinum which have new quad exhaust tips. For some reason Ford doesn’t say what the third engine choice is. I’m sincerely hoping it’s a secret quad turbo V16 plant cranking out over 2,000 horsepower at the wheels.
I also sincerely hope that Angelina Jolie left Brad Pitt because she could sense my raw masculine sexuality, but somehow I feel that isn’t true either.
Exterior Colors & Availability
And not to leave out the truly goofy options, customers have four new exterior color choices with the 2018 Ford Explorer: Burgundy Velvet Tinted Clearcoat, Cinnamon Glaze, Platinum Dune Tricoat, and Blue Metallic. What is goofy there is, of course, the “Cinnamon Glaze” option. Dunno, maybe Ford is going for the off-duty cop market or the Cinnabon manager market but Cinnamon Glaze, really?
The built at Chicago Assembly Plant 2018 Ford Explorer arrives at dealerships this fall.
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.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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2018 Volvo XC60 Production Underway

2018 Volvo XC60 Production Underway

It won’t be long before the 2018 Volvo XC60 arrives in the showroom. Production of the vehicle is underway at Volvo’s Torslanda plant in Sweden. The first customer-bound XC60 that rolled off the line was a T5 Inscription AWD in Crystal White. The new XC60 replaces a prior model that held its own for nine years, becoming the top premium mid-sized SUV in Europe with nearly a million units sold globally.
The XC60 today represents around 30 percent of Volvo’s total global sales.
Solid Foundations
The XC60 is the fourth Volvo based on the automaker’s patented SPA vehicle architecture. Volvo developed it in-house and introduced it with the 2016 XC90. SPA allows Vovlo’s engineers to seamlessly integrate a wide range of vehicle systems and technology, be it performance or safety related. The latter is a huge part of Volvo’s reputation and SPA utilizes its high-strength steel construction accordingly.
Furthermore, SPA-related investments in Sweden have provided thousands of new jobs in production and research and development.
The first new XC60 rolls off the production line in Torslanda, Sweden. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Performance Tech
Building on their safety legacy, Volvo added Steer Assist to the 2018 XC60’s City Safety system. Steer Assist literally “assists” the other vehicle safety systems. Oncoming Lane Mitigation, for example, uses Steer Assist to help prevent head-on collisions. The Blind Spot Indication system also uses Steer Assist to help prevent lane-changing collisions. Other available safety features include Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous program that handles steering, acceleration, and braking on well-marked roads up to 80 mph.
A T8 Twin Engine petrol plug-in hybrid tops the new XC60’s powertrain range, delivering 407 horsepower and hitting 62 mph in a mere 5.3 seconds. Inside, the new CleanZone four-zone climate system removes pollutants, dust, and particles – a necessity if you are like me and have allergies. Expect the latest infotainment and connectivity too, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
Pricing & Availability
No word on pricing yet for the 2018 Volvo XC60, although the vehicle is gradually becoming available for order as production increases.
“This is a proud day for everyone at the plant,” said Magnus Nilsson, Vice President of the Torslanda plant. “We have worked hard in recent weeks and months to prepare Torslanda for this latest new Volvo model, and now we are ready to start delivering new XC60s to customers.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2018 Volvo XC60 Gallery

Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group

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Waymo Expands Self-Driving Program With FCA, Seeking Applicants

Waymo Expands Self-Driving Program With FCA, Seeking Applicants

FCA US LLC is delivering 500 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans to Waymo to boost the tech company’s autonomous driving program. The announcement follows the already 100 Pacifica minivans sent to Waymo in the second half of last year. Production for these additional 500 will begin next month and upon delivery, Waymo will install their self-driving technology.
Proponents say autonomous driving can prevent many of the 1.2 million traffic-related deaths recorded yearly worldwide. 94 percent of these are caused by human error.
Powerful Partnership
As autonomous vehicles loom on the horizon with some concern and scrutiny, the relationship between FCA and Waymo has proven beneficial.
“The collaboration between FCA and Waymo has been advantageous for both companies as we continue to work together to fully understand the steps needed to bring self-driving vehicles to market,” said Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.
John Krafcik, Waymo’s Chief Executive Officer, commented specifically on the vehicle of choice.
“The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan is a versatile vehicle for our early rider program, which will give people access to our self-driving fleet to use every day, at any time,” he said.
Through the early rider program, Waymo is expanding on the software and sensor technology originally developed by Google in 2009. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Community Efforts
Waymo’s early rider program in Phoenix, Arizona gives area residents a chance to experience a self-driving vehicle on their daily commutes. Waymo plans on using the feedback to enhance how they design future self-driving technology.
“This collaboration is helping both companies learn how to bring self-driving cars to market, and realize the safety and mobility benefits of this technology,” Krafcik said.
The Pacifica’s electrical, powertrain, chassis, and structural components were modified to accommodate Waymo’s self-driving technology. The programs Waymo uses were refined through nearly 3 million miles of on-road testing and billions of miles in simulation. Waymo and FCA co-located a select group of engineers at a facility in southeastern Michigan to oversee development. Extensive testing was carried out at FCA’s Chelsea Proving Grounds in Chelsea, Michigan, and Arizona Proving Grounds in Yucca, Arizona, as well as Waymo test sites in California.
“The addition of 500 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans is a further acknowledgement of the hard work put forth by both engineering teams,” Marchionne said.
The early rider application window is open now for those in the Phoenix metropolitan area, including Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, and Gilbert. There is no cost to apply.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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