Automotive

CARCHEX vs. Endurance Extended Warranty (2019 Review)

CARCHEX vs. Endurance Extended Warranty (2019 Review) CARCHEX and Endurance offer extended auto warranties for new and pre-owned cars.
We compare CARCHEX vs. Endurance and their available plans.
Why buy an extended warranty? An extended warranty can increase resale value and save you thousands in repair costs.
We recommend CARCHEX for extended auto warranties.
When it comes to customer service, CARCHEX has a higher customer satisfaction rating than its competitor, Endurance.
Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.
Should you choose CARCHEX or an Endurance warranty for your car, and why does it matter?
According to a study by AAA, the average annual cost of owning and operating a vehicle in 2018 was $8,849. That price includes insurance, repairs, maintenance, and even depreciation. When you buy a new (or used) car, you’re thinking primarily about the best deal at that moment. However, it’s important to consider the increasing annual costs as the car ages and accrues miles. An extended auto warranty can cover the cost of expensive repairs once the manufacturer’s warranty expires, but choosing the right provider can make all the difference.
We compare CARCHEX vs. Endurance – two of the leading providers of extended warranties – including their coverage, cost, and customer service, to show you why we recommend CARCHEX plans for your vehicle.
To get a free, customized quote, call 866-254-0205 or visit the CARCHEX website.
Is An Extended Car Warranty Really Worth It?
Before you even start comparing providers, you may be wondering about the benefits of having an extended warranty. The answer to this question depends on your vehicle and your driving habits. Is your car an ultra-reliable brand? Do you expect to put more than 100,000 miles on your vehicle? Does your vehicle’s manufacturer offer a shorter warranty than you expected?
Here are a few reasons why an extended warranty is a good option:
An extended warranty can increase your car’s resale value and give you peace of mind.
Extended warranty companies help you in the event of a breakdown, so you don’t have to negotiate price or repairs with the mechanic on your own.
Manufacturer warranties don’t last forever. In fact, many only last three years or 36,000 miles. An extended warranty continues your coverage sometimes up to 10 years.
Vehicles are lasting longer and going greater distances, meaning you may be more likely to need a major, costly repair. A service contract can save you thousands on replacement parts.
There is an added benefit to choosing a third-party warranty company. Edmunds explains:
“The only benefit to getting an extended warranty as you purchase a car is the ability to wrap the warranty’s cost into your financing. But unless you’ve shopped in advance and can negotiate a lower price for the extended warranty on the spot, this route could cost you more in the long run.”
Head-to-Head Comparison: Endurance & CARCHEX
Two key players in the industry, Endurance and CARCHEX, have provided vehicle service contracts for over 10 years. While they both offer extended car warranties, an Endurance warranty and a CARCHEX warranty are different in terms of coverage and benefits.
Let’s break it down.
Endurance Warranty Overview
Who is Endurance?
Endurance offers five levels of coverage, from powertrain to exclusionary coverage.
All Endurance plans come with Endurance Elite Membership.
Endurance handles all claims, so you only communicate with one company.
Endurance has relatively positive reviews, though it is not BBB accredited.
Plans
Endurance offers five coverage plans:
Secure: The Secure plan covers powertrain components, including the engine, drivetrain, and transmission. It is the most basic and affordable plan.
Select Premier: This plan is a step up from the Secure plan with additional coverage for cooling system components, fuel delivery systems, and electrical components. This plan is best for high-mileage vehicles.
Secure Plus: Slightly more comprehensive than Select Premier, this plan also covers steering components. It has a short waiting period of 30 days or 1,000 miles.
Superior: With the highest stated component coverage, the Superior Plan covers almost all vehicle system components, except for seals and gaskets.
Supreme: The Supreme plan is a “bumper-to-bumper” or exclusionary plan, meaning the service contract only lists items that are excluded from coverage. This is the most extensive plan and therefore the most expensive.
While Endurance offers coverage up to 200,000 miles under certain plans, some coverage information and terms are not readily available or easy to find on their website. Though sample contracts are available for each plan, customers may find it difficult to obtain important information.
Additional Benefits
Endurance warranties include additional “coverage” for drivers under their Endurance Elite Membership, a one-year program that comes with all plans and includes:
Key locator.
ID theft protection.
Key fob replacement.
Endurance Protect app.
24/7 roadside assistance.
Up to two annually replaced tires.
Repair finance loans up to $5,000.
$250 in member rewards with partnered merchants.
Live personal concierge for reservations, directions, emergencies, etc.
Exclusions
Like many extended warranties, Endurance coverage excludes repairs and replacements due to wear and tear, neglect, weather, and accidents.
Most car warranties don’t cover damage done by weather or other environmental elements, such as snow or salt.
Cost
One of the advantages of having an Endurance extended warranty is that all processes are handled by Endurance itself. Unlike some other providers, Endurance doesn’t simply promote plans offered by other companies.
Unfortunately, this means only one contract is available under each level of coverage: an Endurance contract. This can limit your competitive pricing options. Currently, a deductible with Endurance is typically between $100 – $200.
Endurance Reviews
Endurance has an overall positive reputation among third-party warranty companies, but the company’s BBB (Better Business Bureau) rating is not the highest among its competitors. They have a current BBB rating of B+.
This is what one Endurance customer said on Trustpilot:
“My issues have been resolved with Endurance. Initially the process was stressful, but ultimately they resolved my vehicle’s damages and fully covered the repairs for both parts and labor.” – Daniel R.
The majority were pleased with the service, though some customers complained they could not immediately download their policy or had to wait longer periods for reimbursement.
Quick Facts
Started in 2006.
Coverage up to 20 years or 200,000 miles.
Official name is Endurance Warranty Services, LLC.
Located at 400 Skokie Boulevard, Suite 105, Northbrook, IL 60062-7937.
Pros:
Excellent coverage.
Directly handles claims.
Long terms for high-mileage vehicles.
Cons:
Higher number of complaints from customers.
Fewer contract options (in other words, fewer pricing options).
CARCHEX Warranty Overview
Who is CARCHEX?
CARCHEX is endorsed by many reputable companies, including Edmunds, CARFAX, Kelley Blue Book, and more.
The company is BBB accredited and has the highest satisfaction rating among competitors, including Endurance.
CARCHEX offers five coverage levels, including powertrain and bumper-to-bumper coverage, from several plan providers.
All plans are insured, so you know repairs will be paid.
Plans
With terms ranging from five to 10 years, CARCHEX offers five coverage levels with several plan options under each tier:
Bronze: Bronze powertrain coverage cuts the cost of repairs on your engine, drivetrain, transmission, and cooling system. This is the most basic and affordable coverage plan.
Silver: This coverage plan includes the powertrain, fuel delivery system, air conditioning, and electrical components.
Gold: This plan is best for vehicles with more than 60,000 miles. It covers all components under the Bronze and Silver plans, as well as steering and braking components.
Platinum: Like Endurance’s Superior plan, this plan is the one with the highest stated component coverage. It also includes coverage for heating/cooling, advanced electrical components, and suspension.
Titanium: This is CARCHEX’s exclusionary coverage plan, and therefore it is the most comprehensive and expensive option.
In addition to the components stated above, CARCHEX Care Gold, Platinum, and Titanium plans offer seal and gasket coverage.
Their website provides sample contracts and makes it easy to find terms and information for each contract.
Additional Benefits
CARCHEX offers the following “coverage” for all of its customers:
Key lock-out service.
Battery jump service.
24/7 roadside assistance.
Rental car reimbursement.
Towing and wrecker services.
Emergency gas delivery service.
Limited trip interruption reimbursement for hotels, food, etc.
Exclusions
Coverage plans limit repairs and replacements in a similar manner to Endurance. Damages caused by wear and tear, weather, neglect, and accidents are excluded from coverage. In addition, CARCHEX plans do not cover replacements for tires, brake pads, windshield wiper blades, and other routine maintenance items.
Cost
Though CARCHEX is not the direct provider, it has a larger number of available contracts to choose from based on the number of reputable providers it markets. Therefore, you have more competitive pricing options.
The cost of an extended warranty will depend on the model and year of the car, as well as your current mileage. CARCHEX plan deductibles can range from $0 to about $200, which can be less expensive than Endurance.
CARCHEX Reviews
With 20 years of experience in the industry, CARCHEX has mastered customer service, thanks to their easy claims process, direct payments to repair facilities, and prompt responses from specialists. They are BBB accredited with a current BBB ranking of A+.
Here’s what one CARCHEX customer said about their service on Trustpilot:
“My alternator went out on my 2011 Nissan Maxima. I called CARCHEX to set up a claim within minutes they told me it was covered under warranty. CARCHEX saved me a lot of money!” – Jackema W.
The majority of CARCHEX customers were satisfied with their service and the claims process, especially the low pressure to buy.
Quick Facts
Started in 1999.
Coverage up to 10 years.
Located at 118 Shawan Road, Suite 210, Hunt Valley, MD 21030-1318.
Pros:
Greater number of available contracts.
Bumper-to-bumper coverage available.
Higher customer satisfaction and fewer complaints.
Cons:
Company does not handle all processes directly (claims are handled by contract providers).

An extended auto warranty can cover the cost of expensive repairs, but choosing the right provider can make all the difference.
Endurance vs. CARCHEX: Our Pick
Sometimes your vehicle fails regardless of how well you take care of it. Brandon Grade, Service Advisor at Findlay Toyota in Las Vegas, states, “Regular maintenance and inspections can help a problem be caught before a catastrophic failure happens. But I don’t believe you are going to be able to prevent a window motor failure, regardless of how well you maintain your car.” In cases like this, you need an extended car warranty.
When it comes to Endurance vs. CARCHEX extended warranties, we believe CARCHEX is your best bet for affordable protection, easy claims procedures, and no-nonsense customer service.
A Direct Competitor Comparison
When choosing the best extended warranty provider for your specific vehicle, there are several factors you should take into account:
Competitive prices.
Ease and convenience.
Plan flexibility and customization.
Transparency (understanding the fine print).
Both companies offer high-level service, but it’s the details that matter. It’s a close race, but you can see for yourself with this head-to-head comparison of Endurance vs CARCHEX.

Endurance
CARCHEX
Coverage Levels
5
5
Contracts Available
5
16
Deductibles
$100 – $200
$0 – $200
BBB Rating
B+
A+
BBB Complaints
428
86
Years of Experience
13
20
Accepted Repair Sites
30,000+
30,000+
Transferable Plans
Yes
Yes
Cancellable Plans
Yes
Yes
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Yes
Yes
Endorsements
Courtney Hanson, Katie Osbourne, and Vehicle Protection Association
CARFAX, SiriusXM, RepairPal, DMV.org, CarAdvise, AutoBlog, Zubie, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, and more
Our Top 5 Reasons For Choosing CARCHEX
With a more transparent site and easy-to-navigate plans, you know exactly what you’re getting with a CARCHEX extended warranty.
Endurance extended warranty plans and CARCHEX extended warranty plans have very similar coverage, but CARCHEX offers the most customizable plans and options, including windshield repair options and more.
CARCHEX offers deductibles as low as $0, as well as convenient payment plan options. With more contracts, you have more options and flexibility.
Reputation is important. With multiple endorsements and a long history in the industry, you can trust CARCHEX to meet your standards.
Getting a quote is easy and instant. A representative is ready and available to help.
Protect Your Car: Receive a CARCHEX Quote
Your car isn’t getting any younger. To find the most affordable prices and the best level of coverage for your specific vehicle, speak with a CARCHEX expert. A specialist will contact you promptly to discuss plan options without the pushiness of other warranty companies.

Call 866-254-0205 or visit the CARCHEX website to get a free, customized quote.

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2019 VW Jetta SEL Premium Review: An Upscale, Fuel Efficient Package

2019 VW Jetta SEL Premium Review: An Upscale, Fuel Efficient Package 90Good 2019 VW Jetta SEL PremiumOverall Impression Fuel efficient.Nice interior amenities.Ideal for the daily commute.ProsQuiet RideSafety & Tech FeaturesPremium Audio SystemConsSmall Backseat Engine Power At Times If you’re not entirely sold on SUV and crossovers, and are thinking a sedan might be better for you, then check out the 2019 VW Jetta. The Jetta, now in its seventh-generation, gets a full remodel for 2019. With the redesign, it receives more safety technology, an option for a manual transmission, and a new SEL Premium trim, which we recently drove.
Here is our full review of the 2019 VW Jetta SEL Premium.
VW Jetta: What’s New For 2019?
The sheet metal is new, front to rear, but the more significant changes apply to the underpinnings. The new exterior surrounds VW’s front-drive Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture. The same structure has supported the VW Golf hatchback since 2015. MQB brings more rigidity to the Jetta’s chassis to help with handling, safety, and fuel economy. MQB also ushers in a longer wheelbase (+1.3 inches) and a roomier interior, particularly for rear passengers.
All Jetta models receive the MIB II touchscreen infotainment system, with pinch and zoom capability. SEL and SEL Premium come with Car-Net Security & Service, a suite of features that provide additional peace of mind while also allowing owners the ability to remotely access their 2019 Jetta.
Related: A brief walk through the 2019 VW Jetta lineup.
Features & Options: Safety & Convenience Focused
Our 2019 VW Jetta SEL Premium ($27,695) came with high-end features like leather seats, adaptive cruise control, an eight-speaker BeatsAudio system, and an upgraded infotainment system with an eight-inch display. Our tester also had satellite and HD radio, a fully-digital gauge cluster (Digital Cockpit), and an extra USB port. The SEL Premium trim comes with plenty of winter goodies like heated seats (front and rear), heated steering wheel and mirrors, and automatic wipers with heated nozzles.
Safety items for the SEL Premium include lane keeping assist and automatic high-beam control. The latter activates the high beams above 37 mph on poorly-lit roads if no oncoming traffic is detected. We found the feature useful as we made our way home late the other night. Other safety features for the Jetta lineup include blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert and VW’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System.
Lastly, our SEL Premium tester had 17-inch alloy wheels, 10-color interior ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. Total MSRP as tested, including destination: $28,590. By comparison, the 2019 VW Jetta starts at $18,745.
2019 VW Jetta SEL Premium.
Interior Highlights: Upscale Look, Personalized Feel
Volkswagen has given the new Jetta a more upscale look with soft-touch materials throughout the cabin. We especially liked the leather seats (with an attractive stitching), and the new ambient lighting in 10 different colors. The front seats are heated but also ventilated, which we used liberally on our drive with temps hitting the mid 90s in Denver recently. What we didn’t need was the heated steering wheel, but that will be welcomed this fall and winter along with the heated seats.
We enjoyed the other upscale goodies inside, like the 400-watt BeatsAudio premium sound system. It made our commute through the heavy Denver traffic far more pleasurable. Our Jetta SEL Premium tester also came with Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, allowing drivers to customize the instrument display to their preferences. The standard Driver Personalization system offers further customizing of the Jetta’s features, including driver seat memory settings, climate control, and radio presets among others. We didn’t have our tester for very long, so we didn’t input our preferred settings, but we believe this is something buyers will use and appreciate.
In the back, Jetta’s longer wheelbase made it easier for our passengers as we traveled to lunch. However, like most compact sedans, it’s best when used primarily for kids and child seats. The rear seat offers 60/40 folding for cargo and the trunk brings 14 cubic feet of space.
2019 VW Jetta SEL Premium interior layout.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
VW’s 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder carries over as the powerplant of choice for the new Jetta. It produces 147 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque. Our tester came with the eight-speed automatic, but a six-speed manual is available on lower trims. EPA fuel economy ratings with either transmission come in at 30/40 city/highway and 34 combined, although a start/stop system is standard for the automatic. In terms of fuel economy, the 2019 VW Jetta holds its own when compared to others in the segment.
Driving Dynamics: Solid & Stable
We especially like German-made cars because they have the Autobahn designed into their DNA. With no speed limits, their cars are built to be extra stable at higher speeds. The 2019 Jetta gave us confidence on I-70 leading out of Denver. With its new underpinnings acting as the foundation, the 2019 Jetta feels sturdier than the outgoing model. Drivers who find themselves in a lot of traffic each day will appreciate how composed the 2019 VW Jetta feels. The steering, for example, at highway speeds, becomes more firm, while at slower speeds assistance is increased for parking and turning corners.
The small turbo engine spools up and delivers enough power, and did so for us as we passed slower cars even going uphill. We felt the 2019 VW Jetta could use a bit more power, especially when loaded with passengers and cargo, but for most situations power is adequate enough. We chucked the compact Jetta sedan hard around the tighter mountain curves to test the new architecture. Overall, body roll was minimal and the 2019 Jetta kept relatively flat. We even hit a few dirt roads and everything was smooth enough, considering the terrain.
The 2019 VW Jetta is stable and composed on the open road.
Driving Dynamics: More Quiet Than We Remember
The shifting action of the new eight-speed automatic is smooth and responsive, downshifting readily when we needed more power. We barely noticed the start/stop feature when we were at a light. We also noticed a reduction in wind, engine, and road noise in this new generation Jetta. Still, if that stuff bothers you, just crank up the 400-watt BeatsAudio system. That’s the best way to keep the noisy world out.
Related: This infographic shows 40 wonderful years of the VW Golf.
Conclusion: A Good Choice
At just under $30,000, the 2019 VW Jetta SEL Premium offers a good value for the money and plenty of standard features for the price. It’s fairly roomy up front and quiet and confident when on the road. It gets excellent fuel mileage so you will be stopping less at the convenience store to get gas. For a young family, the Jetta also is a good choice as a daily commuter.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his firsthand reviews are archived on our test drives page. Follow Denis on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 VW Jetta Gallery

Photos: Volkswagen of America, Inc. (additional trim levels shown).

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Chapter 3: Teslas In The Middle of Nowhere

Chapter 3: Teslas In The Middle of Nowhere The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me is a gasoline-fueled narrative by automotive journalist Tony Borroz. It details the joys, thrills, and even the uncertainties of the car-obsessed lifestyle. In advance of the book’s release, we are previewing the first few chapters. Chapters one and two here.
Thanks to the little voice in my head, okay, the voice from Google maps coming through my Bluetooth earpiece (a necessity in a soft-top, it’s loud in here), I’m bounced off the main route from southern Arizona through Phoenix and on into Palm Springs. Google says this is for traffic, and I believe it.
Besides, since my Miata is both black and lacks air conditioning (must save weight), the last thing I want is to get stuck in the middle of traffic, in the middle of Phoenix, in the middle of yet another broiling day in the desert.
Buzzard Buffet
So I’m shunted off towards Maricopa and Gila Bend and through the Sonoran Desert National Monument. It looks like a Road Runner cartoon. And, as predicted by Google, sparsely trafficked. I’m heading north doing my usual five-over the posted speed limit when a dark blue Tesla Model S blows by me.
“Well you don’t have range anxiety it seems,” I say to myself.
Maybe it’s too many experiences of having the finest in British electrical “systems” fail me in the middle of nowhere that I see this man – older white guy driving, not-as-older white gal in the passenger seat, both of them quaffed and polished, rich-looking, in a word – as being a little on the brave side at first. How far is he from a charging station? If he runs the batteries dry, will Tesla come out to rescue him? If they do, will they get to him before those buzzards do? (Side note: There are literal buzzards in the sky more often than not around here. When you see them wheeling down, closer and closer to the desert floor, you know something (or someone) is coming to a rather grizzly end.)
I figured he knows what he’s doing. The Tesla had Arizona plates, and everything about the guy said “Scottsdale” or “Chandler” or some other rich, white burbclave where you can drop 100K on a car and the rent-a-pigs at the front gate of your “community” stand athwart any of those people who make you feel uncomfortable. But still, it was the rarity of seeing an EV out in the middle of nowhere that caught me by surprise.
You see lots of Teslas in large metro areas. Lots in Phoenix and Tucson – and with the near-constant sunshine and dropping prices of solar panels, here’s the area where you could take your personal transportation completely off the grid. The Bay Area has a lot of them, per car-capita, but Seattle has tons of the things. I’m assuming the rich, well to-do buyers in places like Chicago and Los Angeles and Miami and such look upon Elon’s offerings with approval.
Still . . . desert + middle of nowhere + failing battery capacity = buzzard buffet.
“Well you don’t seem to have range anxiety.”
Tolling Bells
At least in my mind, I’m musing, when whoosh, another Tesla Model S goes stonking by me. Given my rate of speed, this second one must be pushing the ton. This one was white, again with an older white guy driving, but with no passengers. If the first guy was brave, in my initial, conservative estimation, this guy was braver than Indiana Jones.
But there it was: The Future.
That was my conclusion as the white Tesla disappeared into the vanishing point distance. If not one, but two people, and in quick succession at that, felt just fine driving an EV in this situation, then eventually everyone would.
They might not all be Teslas – and probably won’t, given Tesla’s shakiness (both in terms of falling quality at the moment and continued red ink) – but eventually EVs will become a larger and larger portion of what we see on the road. Eventually performance cars with internal combustion engines will be regarded by other drivers and by people walking down sidewalks with the same curiosity they show today when they see a Model T. “Look’it that, you have to start it with a crank!” “No airbags. Not one!” “Your Ferrari has twelve cylinders?!”
I hear our funeral dirge, far off in the distance, can you?
Oh well.
Fast & Furious
Performance cars were always a small slice of the pie. And who cares if nine out of ten drivers choose something with all the personality of a toaster to “drive?” I don’t. I’m actually quite rare for a gearhead: I love public transportation. It’s handy in big cities and, from a gearhead’s perspective, actually beneficial to us. The more people using public transportation, the fewer of them there are on the road. In front of me. Going five miles an hour under the speed limit. Texting. Causing my blood pressure to rise . . . to . . . breathe, breathe Tony. Calm down.
And in a way, a variation about that is how I feel about EVs. The facts of the matter are pretty clear by now: cars are poisoning our atmosphere and are a leading contributor to global warming. We are going to have to Deal with that, or it will Deal with us.
And EVs are fun, even if most people don’t realize it. I’ve played around with my fair share of Teslas and, in addition to being high-tech and flashy and Helping with the environment (with a capital “H”), they are GD Friggin’ fast! Teslas, and any EV with software set up that way, are a complete blast to drive. They almost feel like driving in a video game (Forza or Grand Turismo, take your choice). All you have to do is mash your right foot and point it. BOOM! You are Down The Road. And I mean like now, daddy-o.
Tesla Roadsters, for example, are frighteningly effective on an AutoX track. They’re small enough to fit between gates and around cones and, thanks to the physics of electric motors, all that torque (and there is a lot of it) comes in rightfrigginnow! Sure, the Roadster is heavy, no way to get around that. But as my oldest brother once said: “horsepower overcomes many handling deficiencies.”
Tesla Roadster. Photo: Tesla Motors.
The More Things Change . . .
So what’s the problem? Why aren’t there more EVs out there?
To me, there are two main factors: range and cost.
Range is something anyone can readily understand. The good thing is this is slowly being dealt with. Slowly, range is becoming greater and greater. That won’t be a problem. Eventually. Of course, this does run right into the concept of energy density. Energy density works like this: How much energy do you get out of a power source of a given size. Look at my 1994 Miata. It has an 11.5-gallon fuel tank about the size of an old hard-sided suitcase. Once full, I can drive 300 miles (easy) before it runs dry.
To get that same range (give or take) out of a Tesla (the current range performance benchmark) takes a battery pack the size of a futon that weighs right around half a ton. That is energy density. And that is the other engineering hurdle to be cleared after getting that range thing finally wired.
Cost, on the other hand, is more problematic. At the moment, the price point of these things, Teslas specifically, are high. Like right around $100,000 high. Yes, there are cheaper alternatives and yes, there is the (slowly) rolling out of the Tesla Model 3, but still, if you want to get what counts as “acceptable” in the EV world, you better have the cash. Is that really so bad? Yes, yes it is. In a way. Because I want one of these, but 100-large is still 100-large (and hey, I’m a writer, I don’t even have one-large at this point).
Of course the thing about electric cars is that you have to realize you’re paying for pretty much everything up front. Since there’s no (real) maintenance to speak of, manufactures build that in to their profit structure (i.e. no dealer profit streams). It’s sort of like you’re buying all the “gas” you’re ever going to need right up front too, in a way, since your electricity rates are (generally) pretty low. So if you factor that in, if you went and bought a Camry and had to pay for all the maintenance up front, and had to pay for all your gas up front too, Camrys wouldn’t be that cheap either.
The More They Stay The Same
But where would I have been a century ago? Would I have been standing on a sidewalk in a city, seeing a rich guy drive by in a Marmon and sighing wistfully, “Man, if only I had the bank account to afford that!” Yes, yes I would. Think about it. 100 years ago, cars were finicky, short-ranged toys for rich people to play around with and have bragging rights over their lessers. And today? Tell me a Tesla Model S or X doesn’t do the same thing. Sure, for now they’re 90 percent owned and operated by rich people, but soon enough, the Model T of the electric vehicle world will show up, and that will be the end of the ball game.
Soon there will be something that does 90 percent of what a Tesla Model S does, and it will be affordable to 75 percent of the public, and that will be that. Goodbye to minivans equipped with internal combustion engines. Good by to sedans and taxis and delivery trucks and school busses and SUVs equipped with internal combustion engines. They will be parked in museums next to horse-drawn wagons. So it goes.
Horse-drawn carriages on display at the Autoworld Museum, Brussels, Belgium. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.
Odd Couple
I’m outside of Blythe or Mesa Verde or Desert Center – who can tell, it’s miles and miles of nothing but miles and miles. I’m stonking along at 85 or so. It’s hard to tell. Did you know first-gen Miata speedos are set a little low? They are. You’re always going about two miles per hour slower than indicated. Anyhoo, ahead of me in the right lane (keep right except to pass (or unless the pavement is too chewed up for a short wheelbase car)) is something red and low and loping along. It looks like a big red running shoe. As I gain on it, and I’m pulling it by the yard, I see what it is: A brand new Ferrari GTC4Lusso. The refined replacement for the rather odd Ferrari FF.
And I mean odd in a bunch of ways.
Both the FF and the GTC4Lusso (yeah, it’s all crammed together in one word like that) had this bizarre, if effective, four-wheel drive system. Sure, it works, but it’s complexity only brings visions of frighteningly large repair bills to my mind. I mean, “You have to re-do the entire foundation on my house?” large. The other odd thing is the way it looks. It’s an old style, shooting-brake, long roof kind of thing. In a way it works.
On the Ferrari, it looks sleek and rapid and well proportioned. And it does have a level of practicality to it. GTC4Lussos seat four (they say) and are, of all things, hatchbacks, so you can carry a fair amount of stuff. But from some angles, they look like a big clown shoe; la scarpa di buffo. Ferrari comes ever so close to pulling it off. So very, very close, but . . . la scarpa di buffo. Whataya gonna do?
Fat Cats, Fast Cars & False Assumptions
So I pull up on the GTC4 and ease around him without breaking my stride. Of course I’m thinking that if our situations were reversed, and I was driving something with a six-liter V12 painted Rosso Corsa I’d be going considerably faster than he was.
“C’mon old man, give it some boot!” I think as I pull alongside him. I glance over and see that he’s looking at me. Older. Well-heeled. Accessorized with a Rolex, a gold bracelet, and a gold neck chain. Money. Moneymoneymoney.
I know he couldn’t hear me, but at that moment he shot me a look like a Mother Superior mid-rage.
It was if he said, “How dare you, you insolent little urchin. You with your mass-produced car from a non-European country. Good day. I said good day!”
I snap my gaze back to the road ahead. The next vehicle is about 30 yards away, so no worries there. I get 15 yards on the GTC4, signal and pull back into the right lane. I swear as I look into the mirror I see the old guy slowly shaking his head at me. “Such an affront! I do say! Away with you, away!”
Immediately my mind drifts to what happens to those who possess his attitude unchecked. Gauzy visions of the Place de la Concorde and jeering crowds and a massive shiny blade held high in the morning sun. Le rasoir national attend, mon vieux! Le rasoir national attend! It’s amusing how the rich and entitled feel so secure and sheltered by their treasures and privileges. Antoinette felt that way; the czarina felt that way I think to myself as I leave the GTC4 in my rearview mirror.
Le rasoir national attend. Attention, ça t’attend!
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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Infiniti Promises New Models, Manufacturing, Electrification In China

Infiniti Promises New Models, Manufacturing, Electrification In China Infiniti has announced plans to build five new vehicles in China in the next five years, beginning with the QX50 crossover. The news comes ahead of the Beijing International Motor Show and highlights the importance of the Chinese market and electrification for Infiniti.
“Over the next five years Infiniti is planning to localize five new vehicles in China, tripling our sales in our fastest growth market, globally,” explained Roland Krueger, Chairman and Global President, Infiniti Motor Company, Ltd. “As part of our roadmap to electrify our portfolio, we anticipate that by 2025, more than 50 percent of new Infiniti vehicles sold globally and in China will be electrified.”
Continued Growth
Infiniti operates in China via a partnership with Dongfeng Motor Company Ltd., China’s largest automotive joint venture. In 2017, Infiniti sold a record 48,408 vehicles in China, a 16 percent increase from the prior year.
“Together with our partner Dongfeng Motor Company Ltd., Infiniti is pursuing localization in China for China, expanding our network footprint and introducing new technologies, Krueger continued.
Before the Los Angeles Auto Show last year, Infiniti revealed the world’s first production variable compression engine for the 2019 QX50. The 2.0-liter engine, known as a “VC-Turbo,” adjusts its compression ratio to maximize performance. Infiniti says this challenges the notion that only hybrid and diesel powertrains can deliver high torque and efficiency.
“We will continue to strive to make Infiniti the top premium challenger brand in the market,” Krueger added.
Infiniti spent 20 years developing Variable Compression-Turbocharged technology for production. Photo: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.
Availability & In Person
During the Beijing International Motor Show the new QX50 will be unveiled for the first time in Asia. Local production of the QX50 will begin in the near future at the company’s manufacturing facility in Dalian, China. The QX50 crossovers built in China will be sold exclusively to the Chinese market and will be available for purchase later this year.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.

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2018 Ford F-150: EPA Figures Announced For Power Stroke Diesel Engine

2018 Ford F-150: EPA Figures Announced For Power Stroke Diesel Engine Earlier this year, Ford revealed the performance specs for the F-150’s first 3.0-liter Power Stroke diesel engine. At the time, fuel economy ratings from the EPA were forthcoming but Ford says those have officially arrived. EPA-estimates come in at 22/30 city/highway and 25 combined mpg.
“Even a few years ago, customers wouldn’t have imagined an EPA-estimated rating of 30 mpg highway would be possible in a full-size pickup,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford Executive Vice President, Product Development and Purchasing.
The fuel economy ratings are achieved in part by the F-150’s aluminum-alloy body, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the use of durable materials like compacted graphite iron throughout the engine. The 3.0-liter Power Stroke shares similar commercial-grade technologies with the larger 6.7 found in Ford’s Super Duty trucks.
“Our team of crazy-smart engineers rose to the challenge,” Thai-Tang said.
The 3.0-liter Power Stroke diesel generates 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft. of torque to provide a best-in-class towing capability of 11,440 lbs., according to Ford. In addition to the tow rating, Ford says the new Power Stroke provides a best-in-class diesel payload of 2,020 lbs. for XL and XLT fleet applications, and 1,940 lbs. for retail applications.
The 2018 Ford F-150 with new 3.0-liter Power Stroke diesel will begin shipping to dealers in May.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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Chevrolet Cars Set For “Restyled” Faces

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

2019 Chevy Cruze and Cruze Hatchback. Photo: Chevrolet.
Cruze
The Chevy Cruze, along with the updated front fascia, welcomes new interior colors and a new infotainment system with a seven-inch color touchscreen. Remote start and automatic climate control are now standard on LT and Premier, but optional on other trims. The LS Hatch trim is added to the Cruze Hatch line for the first time. That sounds like a good move, since 20 percent of all Cruze sales in its first full year of production are the Hatchback.
Spark
The Spark, which sells by the train-load in its segment, gets new front-end styling with the same cues found on the updated Malibu and Cruze. New exterior color options will also be coming along with revised interior trim and an additional available safety feature called Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking. Chevy does not go into detail about what Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking is, but I bet it has something to do with hitting the brakes for you when you’re moving in a forward direction at lower speeds and aren’t paying attention.
Don’t hold me to that, though.
The 2019 Chevy Spark is powered by a 1.4-liter DOHC engine offered with either a manual or continuously variable transmission. Photo: Chevrolet.
Availability & In Person
You will be able to see the new design direction for the corporate automotive giant when the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu, Cruze, and Spark go on sale later this year.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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Lamborghini Delivers New Huracán To Italian Police

Lamborghini Delivers New Huracán To Italian Police

Somehow, the Italian police have gotten their hands on a brand new, Lamborghini Huracán to use as a police car, and for the first time in my life, I’d seriously like to be a cop. Normally, being a cop in Italy is 90% low-key and 10% life threatening (when you’re seeing to Mafia-related activities), but you know, I’d definitely put up with those numbers.
Automobili Lamborghini (that’s the official name of the Sant’Agata Bolognese builder of exotic cars) just delivered the police version of its Huracán supercar, dubbed the Huracán Polizia, to the Italian Highway Patrol in Rome.
Passing The Keys
This might come as a surprise to many, because 1 – Italy actually has highways, and 2 – Italy actually has an Italian Highway Patrol. The keys to the Huracán Polizia (which has got to be the coolest name for a cop car, ever) were handed over to Interior Minister, Senator Marco Minniti by Stefano Domenicali, Chairman & CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. Wait, Stefano Domenicali? The same Stefano Domenicali that ran Ferrari’s Grand Prix team? No wonder Lambos have been working so well lately.
The Italian Police Huracán (which is the way Italians say hurricane and is pronounced huruhKAHN) has been assigned to the Highway Patrol in Bologna. Bologna, the ancestral home of both Fascism and probably the best red sauce on the planet – hey, you gotta take the good with the bad, y’know? Bologna is also situated on one of Italy’s main Autoroutes, their version of highways, and like most other Italian Autoroutes or American highways, is chocked full of half-crazed speed freaks flogging all sorts of inappropriate vehicles (e.g. Fiat delivery vans) at velocities you’d think were suicidal.
Emergency Situations
Or, to put it another way, Bologna is a great location for the Huracán Polizia; it’s a big city without being too big, there’s lots of potential “customers” and most importantly, the lunch options are superb and numerous. The Huracán Polizia will be used both in normal police operations and for the urgent transport of blood and organs. Which, c’mon, sounds like the cherry on top for becoming an Italian cop. “You need me to get this kidney down to the hospital in Forli as quick as I can? Si comendatore! Si!”
This is not the first time Lamborghini has provided the Italian cops with cars. There’s another Huracán Polizia that has been operated by the Highway Patrol in Rome since 2015, in case you’re looking for office locations of a more cosmopolitan nature. In 2009 Lambo gave (sold?) the Roman police a Gallardo Polizia. That car is on permanent display at the Highway Patrol Auto Museum in Rome.
An essential task of the Huracán Polizia is to provide medical assistance. To this end, the front luggage compartment features a special refrigeration system for the urgent transport of organs. To provide emergency first aid, the Huracán is also equipped with a defibrillator, which can save lives by inducing targeted electric shocks that restore normal heartbeat in case of serious arrhythmia or ventricular fibrillation. Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.

Special Treatments
The Huracán Polizia sports the official colors of the Italian Police: A two-tone Police Medium Blue with a broad white area and lettering “specially executed to match the Huracán’s dynamic look.” What, you were expecting them to just slap on some decals that say “Polizia.” This is Italy. Have some style. Whattaya think this is, Germany? The livery is finished off by a tricolor stripe running along both sides of the Huracán Polizia.
Like all Lamborghinis, the Huracán Polizia is equipped with Pirelli P Zero tires, but with the added touch of the sidewalls tinted in Police Medium Blue especially for the occasion.
The Huracán Polizia comes standard with the normally aspirated V10 that produces 610 horsepower. It puts all that power to the strada via an all-wheel drive system. Just like the Huracáns you or I could buy (snicker) the chassis is made of aluminum and carbon fiber. The inside features a whole buffet of cop-related gear. An integrated tablet and computer, recording equipment, and a video camera used to document police operations on the road. There is also a Nuova Simonelli Aurelia Ii Semi 2 Group Espresso Machine and a six capacity doughnut warmer. C’mon, who am I kidding? That was a joke. There’s no way Italian cops would stoop to eating doughnuts.
So, if you are a slow-witted American tourist (is that redundant?) moseying around Rome or Bologna in your rental Fiat Punto and you see a blue and white Lambo blast up onto your tail, do not get all uppity or, even worse, take this as an invitation to race. You will lose and soon be seeing the inside of Regina Coeli, where the red sauce is as mediocre as the espresso.
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: Automobili Lamborghini.
Photos & Source: Automobili Lamborghini.

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Report: Mercedes-AMG is developing a new line of performance EVs and hybrids

Report: Mercedes-AMG is developing a new line of performance EVs and hybrids The instant power delivery of electric motors should find themselves at home in Mercedes-AMG models known for power.

What’s going on?
More electrification!
“Oh jeeze, this really is the end of the internal combustion engine, ain’t it,” you might think. That seems true for the beloved Mercedes-AMG brand as Automobile reports Mercedes-Benz’s performance division seeks to shift its focus to electrification and hybridization.
Despite what seems like the end of the EPA, automakers still insist on moving forward towards EVs and hybrids to continue reducing its carbon footprint.
What can we expect from this new push?
According to the article, AMG plans to develop new high-voltage batteries, fast charging, and stronger motors, all with performance and efficiency in mind. From that, a total of four performance electric vehicles will join the AMG lineup. We can expect some models to sport as much as 612 instant horsepower from two motors powering all four wheels. Juice should be supplied by a 105-kWh battery.
When should we expect some electrified AMG awesomeness?
Probably sometime around 2020 to 2022. Two will be sedans while the remaining two will take form as crossovers.
On top of the complex power- and drivetrain technology, other features such as rear-wheel steering and uniquely tuned Airmatic dynamic suspension should be included.
What about the hybrid front?
All is not lost with the internal combustion engine just yet. Since AMG is all about power, its hard to deny that there will be many customers still longing for that classic AMG V8 burble.
What’s in store for the hybrids? Details are sparse, but more plug-in hybrids will arrive in the future both in Mercedes-Benz’s and Mercedes-AMG’s future.
Hints and rumors imply Mercedes will utilize the technology developed on earlier hybrid models. On those models, Mercedes mounted the electric motors into the transmission housing, assisting the cog swapper with power. This is a more ideal hybrid system overall since the car can still use a traditional transmission rather than the off-putting CVT that other hybrids use.
Other plug-in hybrid cars could include an electric rear-drive system with a separate power pack for front-wheel drive models.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: Automobile
Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ Concept Gallery

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2017 New York Preview: The new Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban RST get more power and 10-speed auto

2017 New York Preview: The new Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban RST get more power and 10-speed auto Chevy tries to inject some more performance into their venerable full-size SUVs. How does 420hp and a 10-speed auto sound?

What’s going on?
Chevrolet just announced some new version of the Tahoe and Suburban called the Rally Sport Truck. What is it exactly? It’s a special edition package that adds the company’s more powerful 6.2L V8 and 10-speed automatic as standard.
Such a power- and drivetrain combination was not yet available previously, even on other versions of GM’s full-size family. The GMC Yukon still only gets a 5.3L EcoTec V8 and an eight-speed auto. You can still get a 6.2L V8 in the Yukon Denali and the flagship Cadillac Escalade. But both still don’t get the latest and greatest 10-speed automatic yet.
That means Chevy Tahoe lovers can get the latest power- and drivetrain combination ahead of their more luxurious stablemates.
So what are the details? How much more power are we talking?
Well, since the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban RST Editions basically just get the Escalade engine instead, that means the 6.2L EcoTec V8 is good for 420hp and 460 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated strictly to GM’s latest HydraMatic 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission. Then, a wider overall gear ratio of 7.39 is added to increase efficiency at highway speeds. But thanks to the forward gear count, shorter gearing allows for improved acceleration as well.
As a result, Chevrolet claims a Tahoe Rally Sport Truck Edition can hit 60 from a standstill in less than six seconds. For a truck weighing close to three tons (6,000lbs), that’s quite impressive.
Buyers also get GM’s Magnetic Ride Control active suspension to help body control and ride quality.
Sounds like a pretty dope Tahoe. When will it go on sale and for how much?
Those details, as expected, weren’t released yet. But we can expect that information to surface later on as we near the Rally Sport Truck line’s official debut at the New York Auto Show.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: Chevrolet
Chevrolet Tahoe Rally Sport Truck Special Edition Gallery

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