Automotive

Audi Driving Experience Opens To All Enthusiasts

Audi Driving Experience Opens To All Enthusiasts

Audi, like a number of other car companies, is doing that “driving academy,” “driving weekend,” “track experience” thing where they let you flog their cars and, hopefully, by the end of it, make a few sales. In Audi’s case, their deal is called The Audi Driving Experience and it takes place at the Circuit of The Americas, or COTA, in Austin, Texas. My initial response upon hearing this can be summed up in six words: SEND ME, SEND ME, SEND ME!!!
Come One, Come All
Look, I am not that much of a track-tard – to use the current parlance of those who spend every waking minute either at, going to, or prepping to get whatever car they can afford to the track. Then again, I am not above wanting to drive the bejeebers out of someone else’s car on a track, especially in a relatively consequence-free way. Plus, I am almost sure we have corporate insurance here at Automoblog for something like this.
The all-new driving experience that Audi of America put together in collaboration with the Circuit of The Americas is specifically for customers and fans. To me, that kinda reads like you don’t have to have already bought an Audi, just convince them that you’re considering one. Audi says their Driving Experience is open year-round to drivers of all experience levels. Meaning you can be a complete stoop of a driver with fists of ham and fingers of butter and a small, yet burgeoning career as an automotive “journalist” and still be invited (nudge-nudge, wink-wink, hint-hint).
The program is more than just turning you loose on the track by yourself though. It includes hands-on coaching from professional instructors, dynamic car control exercises, proper cornering techniques, and high speed lead and follow exercises on the track. All of which sound very enlightening and fun.
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Healthy Stable

And the cars, you ask? What kind of Audis do you get to drive? Oh, that’s where things go from the ridiculous to the sublime. The vehicles featured include the Audi Q7 (yes, that would be the huge, Shamu-like SUV thing) the all-new RS 3 (interesting, yes) the Audi TT RS (potentially more interesting still) and the R8 V10 plus (which is where I stop typing and start calling the purchasing and accounting department at One Automoblog Towers and beg them for the cash).
The nuts and bolts break down into four distinct track activities: The Audi Sport dynamic experience, Audi Sport track initiation experience, Audi Sport R8 track initiation experience, and the Audi Sport R8 pro track experience. Each offer unique programs that span from half-day, one day or two day experiences, and each program comprises a classroom session followed by “a hands-on interactive experience.” Or, to put it in terms you gearhead track-tards will grok: You get to go drive!
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Dynamic & Track Initiation Experience
The Audi Sport dynamic experience gets you guidance from a professional instructor, with an introduction to understanding and working the key principles of performance driving. The driving seems to take place in the paddock and features the Audi RS 3 and the TT RS.
The Audi Sport track initiation experience, which I sincerely hope does not involve goats or the full moon, is a half-day program where you get to master vehicle control and handling in the TT RS, RS 3, and the R8 V10 plus. Audi says this is through “dynamic exercises that demand a high level of coordination utilizing both the exercise paddocks and the circuit.” All I know is that I heard the phrase “and the circuit,” and stopped worrying about the particulars.
The next step up is the Audi Sport R8 track initiation experience (also sans goats et al (I hope)). This is a one-day program that gets you behind the wheel of the R8 V10 plus to “discover its full potential on the Formula 1 Circuit.” To me, that sounds like “have fun over-cooking it.” The Audi Sport R8 track initiation experience revolves around race course sector training. This allows you to get acquainted with all of the race track’s particular features before trying to string an entire, hopefully flawless, lap together.
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.

R8 Pro Track Experience
And finally, we arrive at the summit, the Audi Sport R8 pro track experience. First you have to complete the Audi Sport R8 track initiation experience, carry a burning brazier with your forearms, and save Ra’s Al Ghul, but then you go through training with the professional instructors for two days behind the wheel of the R8 V10 plus. And, you know, to me, that sounds like a pretty good bargain, all in all. Audi says this is “designed for true driving enthusiasts,” to which I respond with a resounding “duh!”
And, of course, there are extras. In addition to the pro instructors, you also get to enjoy dedicated suites and garages along with catered meals. All this and a free lunch too!? What’s not to like?
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photos & Source: Audi of America, Inc.

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Automoblog Book Garage: The Art of Mopar

Automoblog Book Garage: The Art of Mopar

“There’s an adage in Detroit,” writes Tom Glatch on page 44 in The Art of Mopar. “You can sell an old man a young man’s car but you can never sell a young man an old man’s car.”
Glatch describes how in 1966, Dodge was an old man’s marquee, quickly sinking in a sea of youthful baby boomers. Although a vibrant spokeswoman, a brilliant designer, and a powerhouse car would later turn the tides. Many enthusiasts will know the latter; Mopar muscle aficionados will likely know all three. And that Detroit adage has yet to leave town.
In This Corner . . .
Page 171 documents the words of Car and Driver in 1970 that proposed Chrysler never did anything first (unless we are counting minivans but that’s a conversation for another day). However, Glatch insists Car and Driver missed both the Dodge Charger and Plymouth Road Runner, who Ford and General Motors seemed to overlook as well; neither the blue oval nor the bowtie breathed an answer to these Mopar machines. Although the honorable automotive publication did get one thing right about Chrysler in their 1970 assessment: “it tries to make up for being late by jumping into said spot harder than anybody else.”
The reason why that’s still true? 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon.
And we will leave it at that.
Fly Like An Eagle (Or Bee)
Detailed sidebars decorate the pages of Art of Mopar, highlighting the features, options, pricing, and performance specs of Chrysler’s muscle cars at the time. Interesting stories are told along the way, like how a carving on a kitchen table inspired the most famous Mopar logo ever. Indeed, The Art of Mopar is one of our all-time favorites to appear in this Book Garage series. To paint the picture a little more clearly, since the book arrived in the mail, we have yet to put it down. Our Detroit office is filled with the psychedelic sounds of the Steve Miller Band, and I’m fantasizing about a Dodge Charger Daytona right this moment instead of focusing on my work.
The Art of Mopar reinforces why we continue to love things with four tires, three pedals, two brass balls, and one big flippin’ engine. To the two Toms that worked on this book, hats off to you good sirs.
1968 Dodge Charger 426 Hemi. Photo: Tom Loeser.
Author & Photographer
Since 1983, Glatch has contributed hundreds of stories and photographs to major collector, Corvette, Mustang, muscle car, and Mopar magazines. Glatch grew up during the muscle car era, later owning a 1970 Plymouth Duster 340. He and his wife Kelly have contributed photographs for others in the Motorbooks family. When not pursuing old muscle cars, he works for a Fortune 500 corporation as a data and systems analyst and developer.
Tom Loeser has worked as a Firefighter for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (now known as CAL Fire), as a graphic designer and photographer, and as chief photographer for the Long Beach Grand Prix. He is now a full-time book photographer and has worked on a range of Motorbooks’ titles.
The Art of Mopar: Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth Muscle Cars is available through Amazon and Motorbooks.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
The Art of Mopar Gallery

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2018 Honda HR-V Expected To Lead Segment

2018 Honda HR-V Expected To Lead Segment

For all of you out there patiently waiting, the time is nigh. The new Honda HR-V cute-ute/SUV/crossover is sitting on dealer lots and showrooms as you read this. Technically speaking, the HR-V is a subcompact SUV and the sales leader in that segment. The 2018 version gets new colors and cooler wheels and continues Honda’s overall direction in giving everything they make “coupe-like” styling.
Slow & Steady
Honda sells a lot of these HR-V things. They are, in many ways, the go-to choice for urban dwellers that want an SUV-like vehicle, but have to live in the crowded confines of a city and don’t want to blow half their monthly take-home on gas.
And, let’s face facts here, not only does the Honda HR-V hit all those targets dead on, but the price point is pretty nice as well. The bottom line is a rather wallet pleasing $19,570. All those add up to make the HR-V America’s best-selling subcompact SUV as of April. The little guy has allowed Honda to post seven consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains. This is why Honda exists: to make good, reliable cars, crank them out like Coke cans, and sell them by the millions.
So what does the 2018 Honda HR-V bring to the party that’s new? Basically some cosmetic stuff, wheels and paint choices, and some new trim bits here and there. Mechanically it’s an evolution on the platform that has come before – but that’s what Honda does: slow, steady, measured engineering growth and product development.
Safety & Design
Naturally, the 2018 Honda HR-V is waist-deep in standard safety and driver-assistance goodies. Anti-lock brakes, of course, along with Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist. There is also this gizmo called Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) which is an electronic stability control system. There’s also a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Shoppers can pick a new color, Aegean Blue Metallic, which is a rather pleasing shade, but they also get refreshed wheel designs with black-painted inserts. Honda says this enhances the HR-V’s “sporty personality,” and sure, whatever.
The interior is still just as accommodating and versatile as before, thanks to Honda’s second-row Magic Seat (wait, wasn’t “Magic Seat” Cal Naughton Jr.’s nickname in Talladega Nights?) that has four different modes for multiple seating and cargo-hauling configurations. The HR-V has 100.1 cu.-ft. of passenger space and 58.8 cu.-ft. of cargo volume with the second row seats folded down, very close to what mid-sized SUVs provide.

Performance & Efficiency
The 2018 Honda HR-V is motivated by a 1.8-liter SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with an i-VTEC valvetrain. Peak power is 141 horses and 127 lb-ft. of torque. The HR-V is, of course, available with Honda’s Real Time AWD. This provides better all-weather handling and control. A CVT – that creepy continuously-variable transmission thing-o – is available on all HR-V models. However, if you want a 6-speed manual, you can get that on the LX and EX trims with 2WD.
Fuel economy? You’re worried about that? C’mon, this is a Honda. You look up “fuel economy” in a Japanese dictionary and it shows you a picture of a Honda Accord. You think the HR-V is going to get mileage like a Hummer? The EPA figures are an impressive 28 city, 34 highway, and 31 combined. That’s for the CVT-equipped, two-wheel drive models. The all-wheel drive variants get 27 city, 31 highway, and 29 combined. The 6-speed manual 2WD drops to 25 city, 33 highway, and 28 combined.
Photo: Honda North America.
Pricing & Trim Levels
So, really, what’s not to like in the new for 2018 Honda HR-V? Well, the styling might not be to everyone’s taste, but that is, as always, a personal matter. From a standpoint of ticking all the boxes and getting a vehicle that suits your needs, the HR-V seems to be a solid choice. Then again, I think Honda is the Japanese word that translates as “solid choice.” No, wait, Honda is the last name of the guy that started the company. Still, a solid choice they are.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2018 Honda HR-V Pricing and EPA Data
Trim
Drivetrain
MSRP
EPA MPG Ratings(city/highway/combined)
LX
2WD w/ 6MT
$19,570
25/33/28
LX
2WD w/ CVT
$20,370
28/34/31
LX
AWD w/ CVT
$21,670
27/31/29
EX
2WD w/ 6MT
$21,620
25/33/28
EX
2WD w/ CVT
$22,420
28/34/31
EX
AWD w/ CVT
$23,720
27/31/29
EX-L w/ Navi
2WD w/ CVT
$25,040
28/34/31
EX-L w/ Navi
AWD w/ CVT
$26,340
27/31/29
Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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2019 Ford Gran Torino Release Date and Price

The arrival of the latest car from 2019 Ford Gran Torino will be one event must wait, lots of rumors circulating about this car. We have some information that could be material references for you. The differences are very much you will see on the model next year ranging from interior, exterior, and engine performance. We will also discuss the release date and also the price of 2019 Ford Gran Torino.

Interior and Exterior

2109 Ford Gran Torino is facade seems contemporary. This reproduction force almost certainly is made out of a classic Gran Torino Turbo line in the seventies. Additional LED lights are very nice, and rear lighting installations could extremely nicely make Ford Gran Torino smooth as its herald. Clients are positive to get the tips of the significantly substantially better to evaluate sensitive battles. The wording of 2019 Gran Torino can boost the attributes. New Ford Gran Torino will likely be made applying 17-inch tires. In addition, the exterior may possibly be developed making use of lighter bodyweight parts to restrict the general fat of your overabundance. Consequently, 2019 Ford Gran Torino is able to cut back fuel consumption and reduce physique bodyweight by a number of lbs.

Engine Performance

The passage should do consequently highlights like other muscle and right after which has an extreme engine naturally. This new 2019 Ford Gran Torino is going to be controlled by the Ti-VCT motor engine Ford Mustang GT 5.0 liter engine V8 will have the ability to give the top quality of 435 lb-ft of torque, making use of 93 octane fuel and 400 lb-ft of torque.

Release Date and Price

The arrival of these cars are our predictions will come at the beginning of next year, or it could be just in the summer but the obvious 2019 Ford Gran Torino will really come. For the price, we don’t have any information that was so certain, Rumors are circulating the latest generation of the Gran Torino will touch the price in figures $60,000.
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Letter From The UK: English Heritage, Italian Style

Letter From The UK: English Heritage, Italian Style Alfa Romeo cars of the past gave their owners both pride and pain.
Sometimes it was more pain than pride, but is this still the case today?
Geoff Maxted conducts an extensive drive with an Alfa Romeo Stelvio but with one small detail.
That drive involves a trip into the heart of English history, albeit with horses of a different breed.
English Heritage, Italian Style
And so we travelled to Kelmscott Manor. This was once the country retreat of the artist and designer William Morris, founder of the Arts & Craft movement in the UK and friend to the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood. Approached through verdant, remote Oxfordshire country, along the lanes to the village, where grass and weeds grow through the cracks and crevices of neglect, the route becomes increasingly narrow, requiring vehicular passing-places.
We imagine what it must have been like then, near the end of the Victorian era, when the journey was accomplished with a coach-and-four. On this day our horses were of a different kind, found under the hood of a gorgeous blue Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
Sometimes a place simply resonates with you. For this writer it is Kelmscott Manor. I walk in the footsteps of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Edward Burn-Jones, and Morris himself. I mount the narrow stairs, holding on to the worn bannister rail where artistic hands have been before. This place has a unique and inspiring atmosphere.
Did I see a ghost?

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Equally inspiring but for an entirely different reason, the Stelvio is an SUV. Now, the sport utility vehicle craze has spread across the industry and the land like a plague of triffids, so any addition to the ranks needs to be right on its game. The problem with Alfa Romeo is one of legacy.
Ask Alfa Romeo owners of even a few years standing and they will tell you the cars of yore were uniformly lovely, great to drive but fraught with gremlins, intent on destruction. If your old Alfa just stops and shuts down and you ask it why, it will just shrug and say, “batteria.” When you change the battery and a few miles later all the lights come on at once and you ask the Alfa what’s wrong; it just shrugs and says, “batteria.”
This once was the Alfa Romeo way of ownership. Those wishing to buy into the latest models will admire their grace and beauty, but should they approach with caution?
Gremlins Attack?
No, well, not at first sight. This scribe spent a very happy week with the featured car and all was well. It even returned over 38 miles for our expensive golden gallon, although the company reckons you could get more; as ever this is not possible in the real world. This reasonable frugality was courtesy of the decision to opt not for the desirable and fast Quadrifolglio version, but rather a more family-orientated model with a 2.0 Liter diesel engine.
There are alternative engines available but, if you can overlook the current unwarranted global hatred of diesel, this 210 bhp motor is the one to choose, even if your heart prefers the idea of the 503 bhp 2.9L twin-turbo V6.
Nevertheless, it is still, at its core an Alfa Romeo. With acceleration to 62 mph in just 6.6 seconds, even this appealing and attractive version of the Italian motor is no slouch. Further, and despite being an SUV, the Stelvio makes for a great drive.
Photo: DriveWrite Automotive.
And Speaking of Driving . . .
A pleasant surprise was the performance of this four-cylinder engine. It’s really quiet for a diesel; in fact it doesn’t feel like a diesel at all unless you push it to the outer limits, which of course, serves no purpose. The quality of the drive is enhanced by the “as standard” ZF eight-speed automatic. It’s very well matched to the motor, delivering crisp changes depending on driver inputs. There are a pair of big, racy paddles for manual operation but, although they work well, don’t bring much more to the diesel engine party as they would to the V6.
I soon tired of using them and let the superb ZF box get on with it.
The tested “Super” UK version was a Q4 all-wheel drive model (2WD is standard) with bias to the rear until extra grip is required, yet did not feel at all cumbersome. It feels light and poised with minimal body roll. The steering, although inevitably lacking in old-school feel, remains crisp and direct. Despite the physical size, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio felt more like a saloon. Terrific. Especially when it’s so comfortable . . .
Photo: DriveWrite Automotive.
Common Themes
In the same way Kelmscott Manor is to art and design, so Alfa Romeo is to automotive design. When it comes to shaping metal those Italians know their business. They probably sleep in Armani. I approve of the minimalist approach to the dashboard. It is smart and modern with some of the controls on the now obligatory flat-bottomed steering wheel.
The 8.8-inch infotainment/navigation screen differs from the norm in that it offers split screen options. So used am I to these units being mostly uniform, it took a while to get to grips with it. It all works well though and, in any event, when it comes to technology, as long as it does the job, I’m not all that bothered. If you want to know how not bothered I am, look out for my next Letter From The UK in two weeks time.
For me, it’s the driving that counts.
Interior Treatments
The cabin is big and roomy and comfortable although, in my opinion, a little bit of legroom in the back has been sacrificed for the capacious trunk. That’s really useful for the family motorist. The interior was attractively covered in black leather and the standard of finish was generally very good. The large areas of black make the inside a little gloomy, so a glass roof would be nice to lighten things up.
However, I still prefer that to the alternatives of “Mocha” or the dreaded beige. You may have alternative choices in your United States. Not sure I’m too keen on the porthole-like exhaust outlets though. A bit OTT?
Photo: DriveWrite Automotive.
Should You Buy The Alfa Romeo Stelvio?
My heart says “like a shot,” but my head reminds me that, like a spurned lover, I have been burned by these inconstant Italian beauties before. That said, although older models from the past still cause owners to wail, rend their clothes, and gnash their teeth, the latest choices seem much improved.
If there’s an issue it is one of competition and the Stelvio is up against some quality opposition in the prestige sector. The tested car with added options costs £44k ($57,000) here in Great Britain. There are a lot of highly-regarded SUV’s in the mainstream that can undercut that.
If, however, you want a classy, sexy, head-turning alternative to the prim and proper German mob, then look no further. Especially if you like to add that frisson of excitement every time you press the start button.
Ask me where in the world I would want to stay, I will say Kelmscott Manor; despite the English weather. If you ask me what I would like to drive I will say Alfa Romeo every time. For me, it’s English heritage and Italian style. When something special happens, we should make the most of it.
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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2019 Honda Pilot: Tech, Safety & Puppet-Themed Stuff

2019 Honda Pilot: Tech, Safety & Puppet-Themed Stuff The 2019 Honda Pilot is available now.
A generous array of safety features is standard across the lineup.
Although it trails the CR-V in sales, the Pilot is still ideal for families on the go.
Solid Contender
To me, Honda seems in a dilemma when it comes to the Pilot. While they sell CR-Vs as fast as they can churn them out, sales for the Pilot (not a bad ride by any stretch) seem to be lacking. For example, last month in August, Honda moved 34,610 CR-Vs versus 15,332 Pilots. I’m sure the marketing guys in the office are tearing out their hair over this, but, really, I don’t know why.
The Pilot is a pretty good “truck” and it’s loaded with every modern safety, comfort, convenience, and tech feature you’d expect. It starts out a little over $32,000 for the LX 2WD, topping out around $49,000 for the Pilot Elite with all-wheel drive.
In other words, right at the high end of minivan territory – just perfect for those who will only consider buying a minivan at bayonet point. Even with the entry-level Pilot LX, you get lots of bang for your buck.
The 2019 Honda Pilot Elite features a 3.5-liter V6 with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. of torque. The engine is paired to a nine-speed automatic. Photo: Honda North America.
New Fashions
First, the Pilot has a new set of duds to wear. The front gets a new fascia with standard LED headlights, while the rear has new taillights and chrome accents. The new front bumper even has larger fog lights for a more aggressive look. The grille is redesigned with a new “skid” garnish on the lower front bumper. I don’t really need to point out that putting the word skid in quotes and using the word garnish means that this styling flourish is just that; taking this thing on King of The Hammers probably won’t work.
The fog lights are LED as are the headlights on the Pilot Elite trim. The rear has new taillights with LED backup lights, plus there’s a chrome strip on the rockers and rear bumper. Wheels are also more ruggedly styled, with 18-inchers on LX, EX, and EX-L, with a new 20-inch design for Touring and Elite trims.
Safety & Security
Safety and driver assistance tech? C’mon dude, this is a new Honda. For 2019, all Pilot models come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features. Honda Sensing includes Collision Mitigation Braking with Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Honda’s Blind Spot Information System is now standard on EX, EX-L, and Touring trims as is the Rear Cross Traffic Monitor.

Technology & Infotainment
Now, the tech goodies, or “infotainment” to use the parlance of our time is also extensive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, of course, along with an all-new Display Audio system. Honda says it’s easier to use because of customizable shortcuts and simplified menus.
Back-seaters get an updated Rear Entertainment System with a larger screen, and the Pilot is now available with a 4G LTE-based Wi-Fi hotspot. An audio system, gesture-controlled by an eight-inch touchscreen, cranks out 218 watts through six speakers and a subwoofer. Touring and Elite models are even better, with a 10-speaker system, a subwoofer, and 590 watts of power.
Photo: Honda North America.
Cabin Communication
That tech goodness extends to the profligate use of HondaLink, CabinControl, and CabinTalk. HondaLink connects customers to a variety of cloud-based services. CabinControl, a new deal, is a downloadable app for smartphones. With it, you can control features like the audio system, Rear Entertainment System, and rear climate control among others.
CabinTalk allows those in front to “easily communicate to those in the second and third rows using the rear speakers or wireless headphones.” In other words, CabinTalk allows you to say “Knock that off or I’ll turn this car around right now!!” without having to yell.

Are We There Yet?
And speaking of dealing with insolent little brats, say hello to the 4G LTE Wi-Fi and Rear Entertainment System. The Wi-Fi network can support seven devices and enables video streaming to the Rear Entertainment System. This Rear Entertainment System features a ceiling-mounted, 10.2-inch swing down display.
There’s an HDMI port, a 115-volt power outlet, and a pair of USB ports. Two additional headphone jacks are also provided.
The Rear Entertainment System includes a “fun, kid-friendly” puppet-themed “How Much Farther?” app that functions as a “flight tracker.” A colorful, on-screen animated marionette counts down time and distance to the destination. “Okay, I mean it. You either quiet down back there, or you’ll end up watching ‘fun, kid friendly’ puppet-themed stuff! Believe you me!!”
Sounds great.
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: Honda North America.

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2019 Nissan Armada & Frontier Arrive With New Features

2019 Nissan Armada & Frontier Arrive With New Features The 2019 Nissan Armada and Frontier are arriving at local dealerships.
Both see a few changes for 2019, with the Armada adding new safety features.
2019 Nissan Armada
The Armada arrives with new safety features including Intelligent Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Forward Collision Warning. Also standard is Rear Door Alert, which reminds drivers of items unintentionally left in the back seat. Further, the Armada’s Intelligent Rear View Mirror uses a high-resolution rear camera to project an image onto an LCD monitor in the rearview mirror.
The system allows for better visibility by being able to switch to the rear camera to see behind the vehicle when needed.
Under the hood, the 2019 Nissan Armada sports a 5.6-liter Endurance V8 with 390 horsepower and a tow capacity of 8,500 lbs. when properly equipped. The engine is paired with a seven-speed automatic. Expect the new Armada in four trim levels: SV, SL, Platinum, and Platinum Reserve, each with the 5.6-liter V8.
2019 Nissan Armada. Photo: Nissan North America.
2019 Nissan Frontier
Although the truck could use an extensive redesign, Nissan is quick to mention the Frontier’s high marks from J.D. Power. S and SV Frontier trucks receive a standard seven-inch color touchscreen, while the availability of Cayenne Red Metallic expands across the range. The Midnight Edition package is optional for Crew Cab SV 4×2 and 4×4 trucks with an automatic.
The 2019 Nissan Frontier comes in either a King or Crew Cab, in 4×2 or 4×4, with two different engines. The 261 horsepower 4.0-liter DOHC V6 is our choice, but King Cab models do offer the optional, 152 horsepower 2.5-liter inline four.
2019 Nissan Frontier. Photo: Nissan North America.
Pricing Charts
Below are detailed pricing charts for both the 2019 Nissan Armada and Frontier. Add on another $1,395 for the Armada, and another $995 for the Frontier for destination charges.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
2019 Nissan Armada MSRP
Armada SV 4×2
$46,790 USD
Armada SL 4×2
$51,590 USD
Armada Platinum 4×2
$59,690 USD
Armada Platinum Reserve 4×2
$62,690 USD
Armada SV 4×4
$49,790 USD
Armada SL 4×4
$54,590 USD
Armada Platinum 4×4
$62,690 USD
Armada Platinum Reserve 4×4
$65,690 USD
2019 Nissan Frontier King Cab MSRP

Model/Drive/Engine/Transmission

Frontier S King Cab 4×2 I4 5MT
$18,990 USD
Frontier S King Cab 4×2 I4 5AT
$23,060 USD
Frontier SV King Cab 4×2 I4 5MT
$23,860 USD
Frontier SV King Cab 4×2 I4 5AT
$24,910 USD
Frontier SV King Cab 4×2 V6 5AT
$25,620 USD
Frontier Desert Runner King Cab 4×2 V6 5AT
$26,300 USD
Frontier SV King Cab 4×4 V6 5AT
$28,510 USD
Frontier PRO-4X King Cab 4×4 V6 5AT
$33,430 USD
2019 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab MSRP

Model/Drive/Wheelbase/Engine/Transmission

Frontier S Crew Cab 4×2 SWB V6 6MT
$24,950 USD
Frontier S Crew Cab 4×2 SWB V6 5AT
$26,000 USD
Frontier SV Crew Cab 4×2 SWB V6 5AT
$26,750 USD
Frontier Desert Runner Crew Cab 4×2 SWB V6 5AT
$27,730 USD
Frontier SV Crew Cab 4×2 LWB V6 5AT
$29,360 USD
Frontier SL Crew Cab 4×2 SWB V6 5AT
$34,010 USD
Frontier S Crew Cab 4×4 SWB V6 5AT
$29,390 USD
Frontier SV Crew Cab 4×4 SWB V6 6MT
$32,780 USD
Frontier SV Crew Cab 4×4 SWB V6 5AT
$29,940 USD
Frontier SV Crew Cab 4×4 LWB V6 5AT
$30,360 USD
Frontier PRO-4X Crew Cab 4×4 SWB V6 6MT
$33,140 USD
Frontier PRO-4X Crew Cab 4×4 SWB V6 5AT
$34,190 USD
Frontier SL Crew Cab 4×4 SWB V6 5AT
$36,850 USD
Photos & Source: Nissan North America.

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Small Drones Keep Large Auto Manufacturing Plant Safe

Small Drones Keep Large Auto Manufacturing Plant Safe Automotive manufacturing facilities must uphold rigorous safety standards.
Inspecting a plant’s pipework, machinery, and roof areas require massive amounts of time and energy.
Ford of Europe is employing camera drones to more efficiently and safely inspect one facility in the UK.
Little Wonders
Innovations are common in the automotive industry. I am continually learning this as I widen my own scope of the business. Naturally, my favorite innovations deal with performance: this suspension makes that car handle better, such and such materials make it lighter, these engine features makes it faster, more efficient.
And on and on it goes.
Transitional Benefits
Those are the tangible innovations, meaning if you buy a new car, you will benefit in some way from said innovations. Then there are the not so tangible ones, unless you work in the business. Or in this case, a manufacturing facility. At least for now.
Little things, like what Ford is doing here, could have immense benefits for the rest of society in time. For now anyway, enter Ford’s Dagenham Engine Plant in the United Kingdom.
Safety Dance
Picture any chore or task with an inherent safety risk becasue of the height involved. This is a common occurrence for Dagenham Engine Plant employees while inspecting the facility’s vast roof areas. Previously, the team used automated and extendable platforms and scaffolding to check the gantries that support the plant’s heavy machinery.
With the average gantry spanning over 130 feet, each inspection would take a laborious 12 hours to complete. The Dagenham Engine Plant is almost two million square feet. Thus, covering the entire facility is as daunting as it is time consuming.
“We joked about having a robot do the work when there was a light bulb moment – use drones instead,” explained Pat Manning, Machining Manager, Ford Dagenham Engine Plant. “We used to have to scale heights of up to 50 metres to do the necessary checks on the roof and machining areas.”
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Working Smarter
Now the crew uses camera drones to inspect the gantries, a process that takes just 12 minutes. The drones also inspect pipework, machinery, and will sniff out any air leaks. The drones ultimately help the plant comply with safety regulations. Manning and his crew can carry out more frequent inspections without having to interrupt production, and without the risks normally involved.
“Now we can cover the entire plant in one day and without the risk of team members having to work at dangerous heights,” he said.
Hence why Ford is evaluating how drones can be incorporated elsewhere in the company. Further, it’s interesting to think how things like this could be applied to life outside a manufacturing facility.
In the meantime, the video below explains more.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.

Photos, Video & Source: Ford Motor Company, Ford of Europe.

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2019 Hyundai Elantra: All About Dat Safety Package

2019 Hyundai Elantra: All About Dat Safety Package 2019 Hyundai Elantra enters its sixth generation with a handful of new features.
The SmartSense features might, for some, ease the anxiety associated with driving in a busy city.
Hyundai has just rolled out the redesigned 2019 Elantra sedan, and to say they are focused on safety would be a huge understatement. The last time I saw a car company trumpeting their safety features this much was Volvo in the late 70s.
And, you know, this is a good thing. Safety is good, and if Hyundai can give us more of it, then so much the better.
New Stuff
The Hyundai Elantra is now in its sixth generation. They’ve sold more than three million of these things since its launch in 1991, so this focus on safety strikes me as a good thing. For 2019, the exterior changes include a new hood, front fenders, front fascia, grille, and headlights. There is also a new trunk, taillights, and rear fascia.
New 16- and 17-inch wheel designs are there, along with new 15-inch alloy wheels on Eco trims while Limited and Sport get LED headlights. The interior gets a new AVN/Audio/Temperature control, center cluster, air vents, and storage tray.
2019 Hyundai Elantra. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Safe & Secure
But really, Hyundai wants us to talk about the safety features. You’ve got Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist that is designed to help detect and monitor ahead of the vehicle, warning you if a collision is imminent. This system also initiates automatic braking. Lane Keep Assist can apply steering wheel input if the Elantra leaves your lane. Driver Attention Alert warns you of tired driving patterns with audible alerts and visual warnings displayed on the dash.
The SmartSense features on the Elantra Limited with Ultimate Package include Safe Exit Assist. The system sounds an alert letting passengers know it may not be safe to open the door to exit the vehicle. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection utilizes the front radar and camera to help detect a vehicle or pedestrian. If you stupidly do not react to avoid them, the system can apply emergency braking.
Other SmartSense features include Blind-Spot Collision Warning with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Tech Treatments
It’s not all safety at the exclusion of everything else with the 2019 Hyundai Elantra, oh no. There’s tons of audio, video, and navigation stuff around to entertain and help you. The new Elantra comes with Hyundai’s next generation AVN 5.0 infotainment system with an upgraded processor and an eight-inch screen. By comparison, the last generation had a seven-inch screen.
Presets within AVN 5.0 are easy to use because AM, FM, and SiriusXM channels are now on one screen with the HERE HD Traffic feature. A bird’s eye view has been added to the navigation maps, and you can now get traffic flow and incident data. The Elantra also has available goodies like Infinity Premium Audio with Clari-Fi, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging.
2019 Hyundai Elantra interior layout. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Performance & Pricing
The 2019 Hyundai Elantra has two engine options on top aimed at fuel efficiency and a third engine option in the Elantra Sport that is more, well, sporty. The SE, SEL, and Limited offer the Nu 2.0L MPI Atkinson Cycle plant putting out 147 horsepower. The Eco offers the Kappa 1.4L Turbo-GDI mill putting out 128 horsepower. It gets an EPA-estimated 35 mpg thanks in no small part to the seven-speed dual clutch transmission.
No word on pricing or availability just yet, but, c’mon, this is a Hyundai. It’s gonna come at a Hyundai price, not a Bentley-sized bill.
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
2019 Hyundai Elantra Gallery

Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.

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