Automotive

2019 Audi RS 5 Sportback: Tech, Safety & Lumpy Cams! But $75,000?

2019 Audi RS 5 Sportback: Tech, Safety & Lumpy Cams! But $75,000? 2019 Audi RS 5 Sportback tops $75,000.
Expect a literal boatload a tech and safety features.
The engine utilizes a special combustion cycle for better efficiency.
The powertrain distributes drive forces asymmetrically for better handling.
But is it worth 75 grand? Tony Borroz gives us the inside scoop on this new Audi.
Packing Heat
It looks like the Euros aren’t going to give up on this big “coupe”/five-door hatchback thing, so we better get used to it. On the upside, when it comes to the Audi 5 Series big “coupe”/five-door hatchback, this one isn’t even “just” an S variant, oh no, this one’s a full blown RS.
Smooth Talkin’ & Fast Walkin’
Yes, yes, an RS. And, like all the Audi RSs out there, this one has a bunch of go-fast bits and bobs, but it’s really all ’bout dat engine, yo! Specifically, we’re dealing with a 2.9 liter TFSI V6 bi-turbo plant that generates 444 horsepower and 443 lb-ft. o’torque.
Said grunt starts at 1,900 rpm and goes all the way up to 5,000 rpm. Beefy!
That adds up to a sprint from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 174 mph with the optional Dynamic plus package. Our recommendation: Get the Dynamic plus package.
V’s Company
As is the fashion of our day, both turbochargers sit on the inside the “V” of the 2.9-liter engine. Audi says this promotes “engine responsiveness and performance,” but certinately raises holy hell with the thermodynamic loading. But hey, if it works, I won’t complain. Another novelty found in the engine room is a B-cycle combustion process with central direct injectors with shorter compression and longer expansion phases.
In other words, the 2019 Audi RS 5 Sportback has what we would have called a “lumpy cam” back in the day, only the Germans do this with computers and math and stuff like that.
Audi explains the the B-cycle process this way: “It creates an unusually short opening time during induction in part-load. The intake valves close at a crank angle of 130 degrees – well before the pistons reach bottom dead center (BDC). This and increased pressure in the induction manifold reduce throttle losses. Air intake remains relatively small; accordingly, the compression phase begins later when the piston travels upward after the BDC point. This permits a high geometric compression ratio of 11.2:1 – the combustion takes place with a relatively small combustion chamber volume. Compared to the short compression phase, the expansion phase is lengthened significantly. The result is better performance and fuel efficiency.” Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Transmission & Traction Nannies
All that power coming from the 2.9 mill reaches the quattro permanent four-wheel drive system via a self-locking center differential and an eight-speed Tiptronic with optimized shift times. Torque is split 40:60, front to back, for responsive handling and optimal performance. A traction control nanny is there to manage how much of that torque goes where with minimal slip.
Suspension & Drive Modes
The 2019 Audi RS 5 Sportback now sits 7 mm lower and, when combined with the Dynamic Ride Control, things are plenty grippy. Single-tube shocks are driver variable in three stages. The diagonally opposed pairs of shocks are linked via hydraulic lines and, when cornering at speed, pitch and roll is reduced. You can customize your driving experience through the drive select system, which offers four drive modes: comfort, auto, dynamic, and individual.
2019 Audi RS 5 Sportback interior layout. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Tech & Safety
Infotainment? Yup, of course. This is 2019. The Audi RS 5 Sportback sports a smartphone interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s a standard Audi phone box for wireless charging and antenna amplification, standard Audi virtual cockpit, standard Audi MMI Navigation plus, and Audi connect CARE and PLUS. The displays are unique RS deals and inform you of tire pressure and temperature, torque, horsepower, and g-forces.
And of course there’s lots of safety caretakers too. Standard systems include Audi pre sense basic, Audi pre sense city, Audi side assist, Audi pre sense rear with rear cross traffic assist. Also available: adaptive cruise control with stop and go and traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, Audi active lane assist, and high beam assistant.
That’s it? Oh no, of course not. New is park steering assist to automatically steer into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces because you’re lazy and inept.
Pricing & Availability
The 2019 Audi RS 5 Sportback starts at just over $74,000. Tack on another $995.00 for the destination charge. It’s a lot, I’m not going to kid you. But then again, 444 horsepower and 443 lb-ft. of torque is also a lot, so there’s that.
Expect the new RS 5 Sportback at Audi dealerships near the end of the 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: Audi of America, Inc.

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Letter From The UK: Is The SUV Bubble Going To Burst?

Letter From The UK: Is The SUV Bubble Going To Burst? Does the modern SUV over-promise and under-deliver?
Do we really need all that fancy tech stuff in today’s vehicles?
Geoff Maxted goes back to the basis in his latest Letter From The UK.
At the time of writing this, I’m driving my own car for once. No press vehicles for me for a couple of weeks and I have to say it is quite refreshing. The reasons for this are clear in my mind: My own small car is pleasingly devoid of the latest, happening now, this-will-change-your-life technology but it does have some thoughtful and sensible touches applied by me.
To my mind, that’s the important thing.
On My Cloud
For example, there’s a ticket holder on the windscreen. Big deal, you might reasonably say, but you have to admit that it is useful every time you utilise, here in the UK at least, a pay and display car park. No more worrying if it will slip off the dashboard or be carried away to one of those dark, mysterious corners of the car, where small coins go to die, by the draught from the closing door; usually much to the delight of the evil, smirking guy who checks that you have paid your due.
Similarly – and I know this to be true because I use it every winter – there’s a simple plastic window ice scraper fitted neatly into space beside my driving seat. It works too. It scrapes. I have Bluetooth via the medium of an inexpensive gadget purchased locally and my nine-year-old (with free updates for life) Garmin navigation has never let me down.
Meanwhile other buyers are being sold a massive SUV absolutely bristling with expensive technology, some of which the owner will likely never use. See where I’m going with this?
Size Isn’t Everything. Mostly.
Not only are cars, like the population, getting bigger and heftier but they are also filling up with pointless technology for the sake of it. The TV advertisement here for the new Kia Sportage SUV is a case in point. It says the car is “more fun.” It has “even more tech” apparently. Neither of these items is further defined with added detail and it leaves me furiously shouting at the television from the comfort of my couch with increasing ridicule at all this pointless hyperbole.
This stuff is meaningless!
A car is a car. It is no more or less “fun” than the car next to it. In my opinion a car is only “fun” if it is driven in exciting and sporting ways or, harking back to the golden years, when it was used for, ahem, illicit romantic liaisons.
Kia Sportage. Photo: Kia Motors UK.
Technology Fatigue
For most of my life I am connected whether I like it or not. Folks can get hold of me any time of the day or night via smartphone or tablet or laptop or personal computer. Sometimes they even write an actual letter on paper with an envelope and postage stamp!
Sometimes I stand back in amazement at how many devices I seem to have accumulated without consciously realising it. I own four cameras! Why? At least in my own small city car, unless I turn the Bluetooth on, I have sanctuary. It is my retreat; my place of refuge like a motoring monk. Put on a CD of Gregorian chants and just drive.
Although I can see that having your own mobile hot spot could be useful for business users, in a country as small as Great Britain, just how long would you be out of touch without it? Free Wi-Fi is everywhere, like air. Nothing in the world of work is that important even if they would like you to think it so.
The infotainment (oh, how I hate that artificial word, now in common use, alas) and navigation systems can now do many, many things, not all of them well. Be honest, how much of it is really necessary? How often will you really use that special option that looked so good in the showroom? Mood lighting? Come on! The fact is that once the novelty has worn off the chances are it will languish, forgotten at the bottom of the tech box, like an old, discarded toy abandoned by a child.
The 2019 Audi A7 has over 900 different interior or “ambient” lighting combinations. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
The End of The SUV?
It isn’t just the technology that irks me (I have an “irk” list. How long have you got?); the Sport Utility Vehicle is getting bigger and bigger but to what end exactly? Most of them couldn’t handle much more than a dusty trail. They are not tough enough to work, like say, a simple F-150 or Silverado is. Seven seats sir? Unless you have an especially fecund relationship with your spouse, how many children are you planning on?
Need to move big, bulky things once in a while? What’s wrong with a U-Haul?
With less superfluous weight, a car automatically becomes faster and/or more economical. For example, we are often exhorted to stop keeping junk in the trunk to lighten the load. The same applies if your new, massive motor weighs in at two tons and is the size of Mount Rushmore.
Wouldn’t it be good if we could order our favoured choice of car without any of the technology thrust upon us? Drive a classic car from our glorious automotive past and you’ll see what I mean. There is nothing to distract you from the pleasure of motoring: no games, just driving.
While the modern SUV is often ripe with technology, there is something about an old car and the open road.
Navigation & Umbrellas
Once, we drivers used to manage with things called maps to get about. They were made of folded paper and, if not in book form, had to be unfurled to read them, sometimes to the consternation of other road users. It’s fair to say that the sat-nav has made things easier but not necessarily more accurate, given the number of heavy commercial vehicles that get stuck in quaint English villages, because the driver believed the “suggested” route without thinking.
You don’t have to specify it on the order book. It is not compulsory. No audio connection? Burn a CD. And so on.
Obviously much of the safety kit available today is good, especially given the sloppy standard of driving we all too frequently witness. ABS, ESP, and all the other automotive acronyms have proved their worth but I don’t really need a klaxon to sound any time I go within six feet of a parked car. I don’t need a heads-up display – I’m not a fighter aircraft pilot. What I want is useful stuff on a day-to-day basis like the “umbrella in the door” option the Skoda brand offers on some of their European models.
How about a head-torch that charges up when the car is on the move?
Photo: Skoda UK.
Bare Essentials & Universal Truths
All I really want though is a supportive seat, a quality engine, smart handling, an open road, and my best girl by my side. (That’s Mrs. Maxted by the way before you raise an eyebrow). This is why I like my own car so much. It is small and easy to park. It is economical yet can keep up with average traffic road speed. In short, it does the job.
It is my firm conviction that, no matter how seemingly popular they are now, the SUV bubble will burst. They are simply getting too big and bulky, they are not as rugged as the name implies, and out here in the real world they can’t do any more than your average family wagon, which I think is the preferred option. An SUV just costs more to own and run and repair and maintain.
Sometime soon, Joe Public is going to realise this. And don’t even get me started on “crossovers.”
I’m off now to have a cold shower.
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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6 Key Consumer Demands & How The Auto Industry Is Responding

6 Key Consumer Demands & How The Auto Industry Is Responding New consumer demands and preferences are changing how automakers design cars.
From intuitive GPS to virtual assistant technology, cars may become computers on wheels.
Automakers are seeking to meet consumers where they are from a technology standpoint.
6 Key Consumer Demands & How The Auto Industry Is Responding
Today, our vehicles offer more than just a trip from A to B. Now drivers can connect to their vehicles for things like on-demand music, GPS guidance, and even cloud access. Each year, an average commuter spends more than 100 hours traveling to and from work, and with all that time on the road, drivers are looking for features to help them be more productive or simply pass the time.
So, what are the technology trends driving consumers to the point of purchase? What are the biggest consumer demands facing car makers today? Let’s take a look.
#1: Personalized Travel
A recent McKinsey report states that, in the future, cars will become “computers on wheels” – they’ll possess the ability to connect to third-party applications, process data in the cloud, operate autonomously, and provide features and connectivity mirroring the home-entertainment experience.
Manufacturers are taking necessary steps to provide these bells and whistles. As a result, consumers feel more in control of their travel experience and more “connected” to the car.
#2: GPS Your Way
General Motors opted to forego a built-in GPS system for the new Chevy Bolt. Instead, the front screen pairs directly with the driver’s phone mapping system for route directions. This feature allows drivers to pick and choose which GPS platform – like Waze or Google Maps – they want to utilize on any given day. This is a great example of meeting drivers where they are, catering to their daily habits versus forcing them to adjust to a built-in vehicle feature.
To add the cherry on top, GM teamed with Apple and Android to replicate a driver’s phone on their in-vehicle screen. This creates a more familiar, comfortable, and integrated experience.
GMC Sierra pickup equipped with Apple CarPlay functionality. Photo: General Motors.
#3: Alexa On The Go
Ford and Amazon have teamed up to offer Alexa’s virtual assistant capabilities in Ford vehicles. Drivers can listen to audiobooks, search directions, request news, and even add items to their Amazon shopping cart. Owners can use voice commands to start, lock or unlock their car, and get important vehicle information from home.
Nissan introduced similar technology late last year.
#4: App-Assisted Parking & Mobile Diagnostics
Also on trend, Tesla recently introduced Summon, a Model 3 feature which allows drivers to park using the Tesla app. Additionally, Tesla has the ability to communicate with all of its vehicles, allowing the downloading and updating of major fixes. Consequently, vehicles stay up-to-date without inconveniencing the driver.
Tesla Model 3. Photo: Tesla Motors.
#5: More Secure Experiences
Hyundai partnered with Cisco to deliver real-time traffic updates, prevent vehicle hacking, and monitor the car’s condition to identify and resolve issues remotely. The feature also delivers internal communication within the vehicle, as well as external communication with smart-road infrastructure. This includes things like street lights, road signs, lane markings, other vehicles, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and the cloud.
“Future connected cars will open new innovations in quality, safety, and security, as never before,” said Euisun Chung, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor.
“Digital disruption into the automotive industry is being driven by technologies that are creating new user experiences,” added Chuck Robbins, CEO of Cisco.
Hyundai and Cisco are developing a more secure connected car in response to evolving consumer demands. Photo: Hyundai Motor Company.
#6: Wireless Hitches A Ride
Manufacturers aren’t the only ones catering to the latest technology trends. Wireless carriers are jumping on the trend as 5G and IoT play an important role in the connected car. For example, AT&T allows customers to purchase an unlimited data plan for their built-in vehicle hot spots or add the feature to their monthly phone bill.
Earlier this year, Verizon Connect also introduced connected vehicle software and services that improve driver safety and efficiency. The service provides fuel monitoring, the ability to protect perishable items during transport, and more efficient routes to reduce emissions.
Future Considerations
Whether at home or on the road, consumers are looking for more enhanced experiences. It’s clear that technology’s role in the future of transportation will continue to grow, paving the way to a more connected future between the home, the car, and the driver.
Scott McLaren is the Chief Marketing Officer of Fortegra Financial Corporation, a Tiptree Inc. company. He once flew the Saturn VUE Lightship and awarded a Saturn Sky to Travis Pastrana for the first double back flip in the history of the X Games.

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Here Kitty Kitty! Ford Design Inspired by Cats

Here Kitty Kitty! Ford Design Inspired by Cats

Today (August 8th) is International Cat Day in the United Kingdom and to mark the occasion, Ford Motor Company is reflecting on how felines have inspired their products over the years. From the Cougar, Kuga, and Puma to the Panther platform used for a range of Ford’s American sedans, it appears the blue oval has an affinity for kittys.
I wonder if they are watching cat videos on YouTube over in Dearborn today? We do over here in nearby Detroit. Great way to waste an hour (or several) of your day, in case you need to be less productive.
Feline Fury
Ford’s feline design is inspired by the inherent athleticism and agility found in cats, particularly terrifying ones like a mountain lion or Bengal tiger. Truthfully, if you’re a big cat in the jungle, you can pretty much stroll around and do whatever you want. I once saw a video of a lion backing down a crocodile. A crocodile. The lion gives one roar and the croc is like “I’m outta here” and sinks into the water like a brick. The point is, Ford believes a feline-inspired design gives drivers, much like the lion, a sense of confidence.
In the front, Ford’s kitty cues are intended to make a face; to stare back at oncoming traffic and other drivers. The headlights play an important role in making this happen, mimicking the eyes of a big cat. Moving around a given Ford vehicle, drivers often find strong, powerful haunches over the rear wheels. This is to make it appear like the vehicle will leap and pounce, much like a cat would after a ball of yarn or defenseless rodent.
A 2017 Ford Escape claims its territory in the wild. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Cat Calls
Cats are proportioned very well, especially wild ones, between their legs, body, teeth, and tails. Even housecats (well, maybe not Garfield) very much show the genes of their counterparts higher up the food chain. Ford designers have emulated these characteristics over the years.
“A car’s athletic yet stable exterior is largely due to the proportion of the wheels to the body, the body to the ground, and the body to the glass,” explained Jordan Demkiw, Exterior Design Manager, Ford of Europe. “This all needs to be perfectly balanced to create that look.”
And it’s not just cats that inspire Ford’s designers and engineers. The aerodynamics of sharks have proven effective for certain Ford vehicles, while the posture of thoroughbred horses have influenced others. Essentially, the more ferocious or majestic the animal, the more likely it is to make it into Ford’s product line. In the words of Herb Powell, Homer Simpson’s half-brother, “people don’t want cars named after hungry old Greek broads! They want names like ‘Mustang’ and ‘Cheetah’-vicious animal names.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Source: Ford Motor Company.

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Memory Lane: A Car Show Trophy 20 Years In The Making

Memory Lane: A Car Show Trophy 20 Years In The Making

In order to celebrate my Lincoln Mark VIII LSC being born in 1997, I thought I would enter it in a car show and hopefully win a trophy. So, the previous day was spent cleaning, waxing, and polishing – and that was just the wife. Badda bing! It’s the kind of joke Rodney Dangerfield would have said in one of his routines. The clouds wanted to break open while I was busy tending to the car. Years ago, I found out there was such a thing as chrome polish. I would like to know how it is different from other types of products.
And do I want to take a small brush or Q-Tip and clean the lip around the rim before show time? I think not.
After laboring for a few hours, including touch-up paint here and there, I was somewhat satisfied with the results. We are never fully happy with how our car looks, are we? As I was admiring my handy work, the clouds burst open and soaked everything around for miles. At least the rain drops beaded on the fresh coat of wax and slid off the car.
No point in fighting the weather.
Rainy Day Dreamers
Despite a less than stellar spring and beginning of summer, organizers and participants alike were hoping for clement weather. Over 300 cars were on display at last year’s event in Lachute, Quebec and organizers were expecting a repeat performance and record attendance. Lachute is a charming town and gateway to the Laurentians; cottage country and year-round fun. The car show takes place on main street. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. Mother Nature had other plans. The wife was smart and stayed home.
No matter, a few of us hardcore enthusiasts showed up despite the pouring rain. I was given a ballot to vote for a favorite car and a signup sheet to display on my dash. I should have brought a black felt pen instead of an ultra fine blue ball point. You could hardly read the info about my car through the windshield with the rain and all. It was wet and it got wetter, coming down so hard rain was falling from inside my umbrella.
One guy walked around my car looking at it from all angles, his neck stretched. He even took notes. I went over to him offering to answer any questions. He said he didn’t know Lincoln made two-door cars. He probably thought my car was recent. That’s how good it looks. “Well,” I said, stretching the well. “Lincoln used to make them. The last year was 1998.” Cadillac kept manufacturing them. The ETC, Eldorado Touring Coupe, for example, and now you can purchase a 2017 ATS Coupe off the dealer floor. But Lincoln has moved away from Coupes. Regardless, I’m still hoping they will come out with a Mark IX. One can dream, right?
A lone family showed up. The kids were eating ice cream, which was getting diluted by the minute. The boy leaned over trying to see inside the car. My mind says “don’t put your strawberry-flavored sticky fingers on my car.” Instead, I turn to the mother and congratulate her on her great kids. I had to keep in mind they were car fans and the rain would wash off the paw prints. It’s all part of the fun and besides, my hours of polishing were all in the past.
1997 Lincoln Mark VIII LSC. Photo: Michael Bellamy for Automoblog.net.
Memorable Models
In my estimation, there were fewer visitors than show participants. Final tally was about 20 cars and trucks, but I was eager and happy to talk about my car and inquire about other rides. I walked around and talked to the other guys who were mostly mechanics by profession. Few can afford to pay someone to maintain their cars. A few couples were in attendance. Parked behind me was a mint 1980 Ford F100. In front of me, the elderly gentleman brought his Cadillac Seville with plush velour seats. Even with the air ride lifting it at maximum height, the tail drooped according to the design.
Since it had front-wheel drive, my thoughts drifted to the 1972 Olds Toronado I used to own. In the mid-sixties, the Buick Riviera was the first big GM car to offer front-wheel drive. Those three models were ahead of the curve in many ways.
In front of the Seville was a 1964 Pontiac Tempest convertible. The man had driven 6 hours to attend the show. Earlier in the year, he had driven it to West Palm Beach and spent a couple of days at the Barrett-Jackson shindig. He had attended the Thursday auction where a Duster sold for quite a few coins. He told me he attends about a dozen car shows a year and puts quite a bit of mileage on his Tempest.
And on I went to look at all the cars. There were a few surprises. Ford Racing showed up with a superb white and blue Mustang. Before I reached the car to ask questions, the guys who trailered it to the site had sought shelter from the rain and were nowhere to be found. The last two participants to arrive were a father and son team. The father drove a bright orange 1972 Road Runner and the son brought a 1964 Chevrolet Bel-Air, I think. I was too soaked to go look at the badge.
The hoods on every car were closed. Good thing because I hadn’t had time to clean my own engine compartment.
1972 Road Runner. Photo: Michael Bellamy for Automoblog.net.

The Man With The Kaiser
Because of the poor attendance, organizers decided to cut the event short. No one complained. It was time for the trophies and prizes. The mayor was in attendance. His Honor’s pick was a Polaris. Was it a car? Was it a motorcycle? No, it was a Slingshot, and highly modified, it seemed. It looked like a Transformer. A trophy was given to the car voted favorite by the participants. That trophy went to the owner of a 1947 Kaiser. I actually voted for that car.
Funny enough, I told the guy I would vote for him. I asked him to fill out my ballot since I was out in the rain and he was sitting nice and dry in his Kaiser.
Back in the heyday of automobile manufacturing, the Big Three had some competition. One such manufacturer was Kaiser-Fraser, a team effort by Henry Kaiser and Joseph Fraser. They produced both Kaiser and Fraser automobiles which were available to the public right after World War II. They also made Allstate cars for Sears Roebuck & Company, sold through Sears Auto Centers. In the late 1940s through the first part of the 1950s, they joined with car designer Howard Darrin. In 1954, they offered a sports car with a fiberglass body and a six-cylinder engine. And I believe it was featured in the Sears “Wish Book.” Mr. Fraser was bought out, and eventually, Kaiser purchased Willys-Overland, famed maker of Jeeps. However, in the long run, they could not compete with the Big Three. Despite tentative agreements in place with GM to supply parts like transmissions and detuned Rocket 88 engines from Oldsmobile, it didn’t work out and Kaiser had to close shop.
1947 Kaiser. Photo: Michael Bellamy for Automoblog.net.
Prizes & Polish
The organizers ended up giving trophies to everyone since there were more trophies than participants. So, I received one just for showing up. After the trophies were awarded, it was time for gifts from local merchants to be handed out. I ended up winning two gift certificates and a shoulder bag containing a hat, a thermos, and a deck of playing cards with old photos of the town on them. There was a 50/50 draw, which I didn’t win, but half the proceeds went to a charitable cause.
Despite the miserable weather, a good time was had by all. It may not appear to be so, but a lot of work and time goes into organizing a car show, the next one being in Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada over Labor Day weekend. That’s not too far from the New York State border and a stone’s throw from the province of Quebec. Participants and visitors come from all over; last year, they had upwards of 500 cars and trucks register for the event. Fingers crossed for Mother Nature to be kind.
There are thousands of such events taking place all across this great continent of ours, much to the delight of car and truck aficionados. If you own a car that is show worthy, polish that baby and enter it. If you are a car enthusiast, make sure to attend at least one event. It will be well worth your time, plus the guys and gals who spend countless hours on their vehicles will be grateful you visited them.
Michael Bellamy is the author of our Memory Lane series. He enjoys driving his 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII LSC and until an untimely collision claimed it, his 2001 Ford F-150 7700.
Lachute, Quebec Car Show Gallery

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Ford Introduces “Quiet Start” So You Don’t Annoy Your Neighbors

Ford Introduces “Quiet Start” So You Don’t Annoy Your Neighbors

You know that guy that always comes bellowing by your house at 5:30 in the morning on his Harley? He’s on his way to work and has to let everyone know that he is the baaaadest guy in the accounts pending department. Yeah, him. Don’t be that guy. As it turns out, Ford has come up with a way to help you not be that guy, and they can do it on a schedule of your choosing.
Ford calls it Quiet Start – although Mustang engineers refer to it as “Good Neighbor Mode” – and it’s an industry-first being available on the Mustang GT.
Essentially, what Quiet Start allows you to do is schedule the time when the Mustang GT’s V8 engine can make lots of noise, and when has to shut up. You know, to show courtesy to your neighbors.
Disturbing The Peace
It seems this all started early one morning with a suburban neighborhood, a Shelby GT350 Mustang, and a rather uncouth neighbor. I don’t mean Steve von Foerster, former head of vehicle engineering for Ford Motor Company and owner of said Shelby GT350 Mustang. No, I’m talking about von Forester’s neighbor who, upon hearing the Shelby GT350 Mustang backing out of von Forester’s driveway, became annoyed at all the racket. The neighbor decided the proper course of action was to pick up the phone and call the cops. (Let me just say, as an aside, this is a totally lame move on the neighbor’s part. Walk over and talk with him, ya dork. Call the police? Sheesh!)
The cops actually showed up, but Von Foerster had already left so he skipped the whole ticketing process.
The whole deal caused von Foerster and fellow Mustang program members to develop a Quiet Exhaust mode, along with the industry-first Quiet Start. Both new features come on “properly equipped” 2018 Mustang GT vehicles (i.e. the ones with a honking V8 and a bunch of dash gizmos) and allow drivers to keep engine notes at a pianissimo if they wish.
2018 Ford Mustang GT. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Slight Overkill?
The Mustang’s Quiet Start is not a simple on/off switch that some sports cars already offer, oh no. Quiet Start is the first to allow scheduling of the times your car will be allowed to make more noise or not. This is all done by steering wheel-mounted thumb controls. The driver toggles through a menu on the instrument cluster to select times their neighbors may consider “quiet hours,” say between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. – the Mustang will then keep things at a more mellow tone if it is fired up between those times. Personally, I think this is overkill, rather stupid, and makes a driver seed more control to the car rather than taking control and responsibility for themselves. A simple switch would have done Ford, but oh no.
The new Quiet Exhaust and Quiet Start features are part of the available active valve performance exhaust system on the new Mustang GT. The active valve performance exhaust system allows three different exhaust volumes: Normal, Sport, and Track modes. That’s all very handy, and I know lots of people who like to constantly fiddle with these available options, but me, I’m more of a set it and forget it sort of gearhead, or in the case of that “Track mode” option, a fire and forget it sort of gearhead.
2018 Ford Mustang GT. Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Annoying Noises
FoMoCo points out that according to a recent poll by Ranker.com, loud engine revving is among the most annoying noises neighbors make alongside power tools, barking dogs, and band practice. I point out this is why I hate most people. Ford further points out that “only early-morning lawn mowing is more robustly despised.” Robustly despised? Sounds like Ford has a recent “creative” writing grad in their press department.
In addition to its active valve performance exhaust, other changes to the Mustang will include a restyled exterior, a redone interior, an all-digital 12-inch instrument cluster, a 10-speed automatic transmission, MagneRide damping, and SYNC Connect with FordPass. With its new Drag Strip mode, the Mustang GT hits 60 mph faster than a Porsche 911 Carrera. The refreshed and enhanced Mustang will reach showrooms 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.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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BMW 3 Series Gets Wrung Out At The ‘Ring

BMW 3 Series Gets Wrung Out At The ‘Ring Forthcoming BMW 3 Series concludes chassis tuning at the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife.
Engineers sought balance between performance and comfort without an electronic damper system.
Is testing at the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife legitimate or nothing more than pomp and circumstance?
BMW 3 Series Gets Wrung Out At The ‘Ring
Say what you want about the Nürburgring Nordschleife – that’s it’s overused, a marketing exercise, that it’s the craziest track in the world, “the green hell” – all that sort of thing. Say what you want but it is a pretty good test track.
And BMW is exploiting that aspect to dial in the chassis tuning for its evergreen 3 Series.
Ring of Fire
In many, many ways, the Nürburgring deserves its fearsome reputation. As anyone who has driven it in Forza knows, it’s a nasty track from several perspectives. It’s narrow, the surface can be wavy (and usually at the worst possible spots), and it’s hard to get around other cars and. Worst of all, there’s little to no run off in the hardest parts of it, hence the fearsome reputation.
In a lot of ways, the ‘Ring is sort of like a public road, which makes it a great place to test cars.
This is what the Bavarians at BMW have been doing with their immortal and beloved 3 Series. Since day one, the 3s have been two very important things: fun to drive and BMW’s bread and butter. They have to get the 3 Series right because they sell so many of them.
BMW 3 Series. Photo: BMW of North America.
New Foundations
BMW says not to worry about the upcoming seventh (!) gen of the 3 since it has just completed validation testing. Everything is new: new suspension, new steering, new braking. And now that testing is over, we know it works and is fully dialed in.
The development process, as with seemingly all things BMW, is definitely geared towards the whole performance end of things. The center of gravity is 10 millimeters lower than before, weight distribution is balanced at an exact 50:50 and, even better, the total weight is 55 kilos less. At the same time, rigidity is up, and the car’s agility and steering profit from wider front and rear track widths and increased wheel camber.
The same is true of the front and rear axles.
Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Performance & Precision
The mill is a revised four-banger gasoline engine, the most powerful four-cylinder ever in a BMW series production model. No figures yet given, sadly. However, fuel consumption is better by five percent and there’s now an eight-speed Steptronic transmission on offer.
But the main deal here, and why there was all that running at the Nürburgring, is the innovative damping system. These are the first-ever progressive dampers fitted to a BMW. Any cruelty that could occur during hard cornering and such is counteracted gently and precisely for a balance between sport and comfort. No electronic trickery, just good old mechanical chassis tuning for the BMW 3 Series.
BMW 3 Series interior layout (from what we can tell). Photo: BMW of North America.
M Sport Goodies
The M Sport variant of the suspension drops 10 millimeters, with 18-inch light alloy wheels and mixed-size performance tires. Driving dynamics are enhanced with the M Sports suspension, thanks in large part to 20 percent higher damping than the standard suspension.
The new M Sports suspension only comes with the Variable Sports Steering. The system is specially tuned for the new BMW 3 Series and responds with much greater precision to minor inputs. The Bavarians say you can really feel the new steering working its magic through long bends, and when changing direction several times in rapid succession. Hello lower AutoX times!
The M Sport differential features an electronically-controlled locking function to ensure quicker rotational speed during turn-in.
So all in all, at this stage of the game, the upcoming BMW 3 Series is looking pretty tasty. Although we won’t know for sure until one arrives at 1 Automoblog Towers in Detroit for our own comprehensive tests.
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
BMW 3 Series Nürburgring Nordschleife Gallery

Photos & Source: BMW of North America.

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2018 Toyota Prius: Still Frugal After All These Years

2018 Toyota Prius: Still Frugal After All These Years The 2018 Toyota Prius “Remains A Hybrid Benchmark,” Toyota is quick to remind us. This is not just marketing puffery or corporate bragging. The little guys are amazingly fuel efficient, and since they were pretty much the first to market, they’re the yardstick against which other hybrids are judged.
And good on Toyota for not resting on their laurels. They’ve updated the Prius with all the modes of the day – comfort, convenience, safety etc. – but have also upped the drivetrain.
Performance & Efficiency
The latest version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive has a 1.8-liter four-banger and two motor/generators with an electronically-controlled planetary-type CVT. There’s shift-by-wire tech to select, er, “gears” via the dash-mounted shifter. Regenerative braking recovers kinetic energy, turns it into electrical power, and stores it in the battery pack.
In this, the fourth-gen Prius, the hybrid components are smaller and lighter than before. The battery is now a lithium-ion unit, replacing the outgoing nickel-metal hydride battery, and is small enough to fit under the rear seat. The 2ZR-FXE 1.8-liter engine is more than 40 percent thermal efficient and quieter than the previous gen’s plant.
Add all this up, and the 2018 Toyota Prius Two Eco gets you an EPA-estimated 58 city / 53 highway / 56 combined, which is pretty staggering.
The 2018 Toyota Prius has a 0.24 coefficient of drag (Cd), among the lowest of current passenger cars. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Interior Treatments
The interior features dual 4.2-inch, full-color TFT multi-information displays controlled via steering wheel buttons. This display provides a variety of readouts through “Simple” or “Segmented” modes. Simple mode shows vehicle speed, the remaining fuel, drive mode indicator, outside temperature, odometer, and cruising range. Segmented mode gives more detail about hybrid operation, such as instantaneous fuel economy. It shows the battery charge state and gives a bunch of ECO functions to encourage efficient driving habits.
There is also a display showing the status of the on-board safety systems.
The Smart-flow mode for the AC system directs airflow only to seated occupants to conserve energy and maximize comfort. The windshield glass is heat-insulating IR-cut and substantially reduces the transmission of infrared rays, according to Toyota.
Because the Prius can operate in battery mode alone, a Vehicle Proximity Notification System alerts pedestrians and cyclists. A small, in-vehicle speaker emits a low but noticeable tone when traveling below 15 mph. The sound changes with speed. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Technology & Trim Levels
The Entune system wirelessly charges Qi-compatible phones and other devices. The standard Entune Audio system on the Prius One, Two, and Two Eco includes a Multimedia Bundle with a 6.1-inch display. The package includes an AM/FM CD player, auxiliary audio jack, USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity, voice recognition, hands-free phone functions, and music streaming via Bluetooth.
Toss in Siri Eyes Free for good measure.
The Prius Three and Prius Three Touring trims enjoy Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and Entune App Suite: a seven-inch high resolution touchscreen with split display, HD radio, HD predictive traffic and doppler weather overlay (nice!), AM/FM cache radio, SiriusXM, and Gracenote album cover art.
The Prius Four and Prius Four Touring grades include an 11.6-inch high-res screen. These models get an Entune Premium JBL Audio system with 10 JBL GreenEdge Speakers in six locations.
In total, the 2018 Toyota Prius is available in seven grades.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Parking Power
If you’re an utterly inept driver that has trouble parking, the 2018 Toyota Prius can park itself. Intelligent Parking Assist uses ultrasonic sensors to automatically steer your Prius into, or out of, parallel and perpendicular spaces. Toyota’s “Intelligent Clearance Sonar” provides warnings if the driver gets too close to things on the vehicle’s sides.
Warranty & Coverage
And all of this efficiency is covered by a 36-month/36,000 mile general warranty, with 60 months for the powertrain and 60,000 miles against corrosion. The hybrid-related components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles.
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: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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2019 Buick Envision Premium II AWD Review

2019 Buick Envision Premium II AWD Review The 2019 Buick Envision has new styling cues, a generous number of features for the price, and an attractive interior trimmed in high-quality materials. It slots between the smaller Encore and the larger three-row Enclave in Buick’s lineup.
This weekend, we drove the top-trim 2019 Buick Envision Premium II with all-wheel drive. This model is powered by Envision’s newly-updated turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. With this powertrain, the Envision is similarly priced to luxury crossovers like the Lincoln MKC and Volvo XC60.
What’s New For 2019
The 2019 Buick Envision comes with refreshed exterior styling, and packs a host of mechanical and technological upgrades. The 2.0-liter engine gets a significant bump in torque (up 35 lb-ft. to 295 lb-ft.) and is now mated with a nine-speed automatic.
Inside, there’s a new wireless charging pad, greater visibility from the rearview camera, faster-acting seat heaters, and an in-vehicle ionizer for better air quality.

Features & Options
The Envision Premium II AWD ($43,600) comes standard with three-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, driver-seat memory settings, heated rear seats, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
The Premium II trim also gets LED headlights, front parking sensors, automatic wipers, a larger driver information display, a seven-speaker Bose premium audio system, a 110-volt household power outlet, a forward collision alert system, and a lane departure warning and intervention system. Additional features include automatic high beams, wireless charging, an automated parking system, navigation, heads-up display, an extendable thigh support for the driver’s seat, and ventilated front seats.
The Driver Confidence package ($1,545) adds adaptive cruise control, a top-down parking camera system, and a forward collision mitigation system with automatic braking. Aluminum 19-inch wheels ($1,895) and Panoramic sunroof ($1,495) rounded out the options. Total MSRP including destination: $49,925.

Interior Highlights
Steeping inside the new Envision reveals a contemporary cabin with quality materials for the entry-level luxury buyer. The well-cushioned front seats are supportive for long drives, and the cabin is impressively quiet at highway speeds. We especially like the heads-up display making it easy to keep our eyes on the road.
Buick’s IntelliLink is easy to use and the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto makes operation even easier. Wireless charging is another nice addition. The eight-inch infotainment touchscreen sits high on the dash with easy-to-read graphics.
Interior storage is generous, with plenty of large bins and pockets to hold your personal items. In the back, there’s plenty of space for three adults, and the slide/recline function kept our passengers comfortable this weekend. The Envision is a bit narrow, which you can feel in the rear seat. There’s 26.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat, and 57.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat, numbers that contradict its exterior size.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
This Buick Envision tester came powered by the fun and confident, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 252 horsepower. It comes mated to a new nine-speed automatic, sending power to all four wheels.
The turbo engine with all-wheel drive gets 20/25 city/highway and 22 combined mpg.
Driving Dynamics
The turbocharged engine delivers solid power and we felt it as soon as we pressed on the gas pedal. It’s enough to merge onto highways, and powered us up I-70 west of Denver at altitude without issue. Even with the bigger 19-inch aluminum wheels, there’s not much road noise.
Envision’s strength is its excellent ride. We felt composed on the choppy dirt roads leading to our house. The all-wheel drive system on gravel roads offered plenty of grip, and we’re confident it would do the same in ice and snow. The system sends power to the rear when traction is needed, then splits it between the rear wheels for better cornering and control. We pushed it hard around the tight mountain corners and the Envision handled them with ease.
Conclusion
The 2019 Buick Envision is certainly worthy of a look as the automaker continues to evolve. It comes with a generous number of features with an attractive interior trimmed in high-quality materials. It’s easy to maneuver around town, has a decent amount of cargo space, and offers all-weather capability.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Buick Envision Gallery

2019 Buick Envision Official Site.
Photos: Buick.

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