Automotive

Jaguar To Debut Compact Performance SUV Next Month

Jaguar To Debut Compact Performance SUV Next Month

Jaguar has announced the new E-PACE, a compact performance SUV meant to expand the automaker’s PACE lineup. The forthcoming E-PACE is said to have sports car like design elements, agile driving dynamics, and functional, everyday practicality.
The E-PACE is the third new nameplate in Jaguar’s already diverse and growing portfolio.
Success Streak
The new E-PACE comes on the heels of the already successful introduction of the Jaguar XE sports sedan and F-PACE performance SUV. The combination has proven effective for the British marquee, with a 44 percent sales growth and increase in the United States as of May. With this expansion comes the all-electric variant of the I-PACE Concept, set to enter production next year; the new E-PACE is expected to go on sale at the beginning of 2018 as well.
“The combination of sports car looks with Jaguar performance will ensure that the E-PACE stands out,” said Ian Callum, Jaguar’s Director of Design.
Performance-Inspired Dynamics
The Jaguar E-PACE features standard all-wheel drive and the brand’s all-Ingenium lineup of internal combustion engines. The new E-PACE will also offer a suite of connected technologies and other convenience features. Callum emphasized the importance of keeping the E-PACE in tune with the automaker’s design and performance ideologies.
“Every Jaguar is designed to excite the senses, and we think E-PACE will do just that, albeit with its own individual character,” he said.
Jaguar’s new compact performance SUV will be revealed to the world on July 13th via an online stream. Lately, Jaguar has been up to some pretty interesting things. The company recently launched their Classic Works facility, a location designed to serve fans and enthusiasts of the brand. The location in Coventry has been referred to as the United Kindgom’s version of a “Motor City.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.

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2018 Subaru Crosstrek Pricing, Trim Levels Announced

2018 Subaru Crosstrek Pricing, Trim Levels Announced

Alright, listen up! Pay attention all you campers, large dog owners that need walking havers, urban dwellers with fully paid-up REI memberships, and especially people that live in areas of the planet with particularly difficult weather: Subaru has finally dished on the cost of the all-new Crosstrek for 2018. Have no fear, it’s not that bad.
We’ll get to the price breakdown for all the variants of Subaru’s Crosstrek in this handy little matrix chart thing at the end, but for now, all you need to know is how the Crosstrek starts at just $100 over the previous generation.
Essential Details
Which means they effectively stay the same as they were last year (i.e. rather affordable) and on top of that, with all of the goodies, tech, safety, and otherwise that Subbie has now thrown into the mix, the 2018 Crosstrek actually gets you more stuff for (relatively) the same amount of cash. The broad brushstroke version is that Crosstreks will run you between $22,710 to $27,210, irrespective of specific options and dealer prep and that sort of stuff. So under $30K for a well equipped, near-SUV is a pretty good deal, but what do you get this time around? What are all the goodies Fuji Heavy Industries as ladled into the Crosstrek without raising the price?
First off, every Crosstrek comes standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (natch) and is offered with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or CVT, depending on which trim level you choose. I will not go into what a CVT is or how they work because, frankly, I’m not sure. I think it has something to do with an evil magical dwarf trapped within the gearbox casing. Maybe a gnome. Anyway, the 2018 Crosstrek has a new 6-speed manual transmission, an upgrade from last year’s 5-speed. The CVT features a 7-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters if you want to play Petter Solberg and choose between the pre-set ratios yourself.
Subaru’s 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine powers the 2018 Crosstrek. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.
Power & Performance
All Crosstreks are powered by a revised version of Subbie’s evergreen FB-series 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder Boxer engine, but this time around it gains direct fuel injection for a boost in performance. And now you get 152 ponies to play with, versus last year’s 148, but like all Subarus, gas mileage is a little below what you’d expect. The Crosstrek delivers 23 city, 29 highway, and 25 combined miles per gallon. Yeah, like I said, kind of low, but AWD saps efficiency, and the wider the cylinder spread, the less the efficiency too. Combine those and the Crosstrek, like all Subarus, are little bit on the back foot, mileage-wise.
The new Crosstrek rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and has a whole bunch of new standard features, including a raised Stablex suspension and Active Torque Vectoring. The CVT models have X-MODE and Hill Descent Control for better performance in low-friction and off-road conditions (i.e. “winter” and “rally” environments). The 2018 Crosstrek’s platform improves crash energy absorption by 40 percent for added safety.
Interior Fashions
The interior gets a black simulated carbon fiber finish on the center dash panel, plus the front and rear door panels. A new gloss black rear roof spoiler is standard, and all Crosstreks are equipped with roof rails and black side cladding. On the inside there’s a new 6.5-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Power windows with auto up/down, a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat, power door locks and side mirrors, multi-function display with fuel economy information, tilt and telescoping steering column, a security system with engine immobilizer, and carpeted floor mats are all standard.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited interior layout. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.

Premium & Limited Treatments
Premium trim Crosstreks with the standard 6-speed manual come standard with SUBARU STARLINK Connected Services, and the all-weather package that includes heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer, heated exterior mirrors, and automatic headlights linked to windshield wiper operation. The windshield is new and sound insulated and welcome lighting is standard. Ticking the “premium” option box also brings other items such as a power moonroof and multiple driver assist systems.
The Limited package above the Premium will come with the CVT with X-MODE and Hill Descent Control, a multimedia-plus system, 18-inch machine finished alloy wheels, keyless access with push-button start and pin code access, 6-way power driver’s seat, and new steering responsive headlights. You also get blind spot detection with lane change assist, and rear cross traffic alert.
The EyeSight system, which is an option, includes adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, and lane departure and sway warning. You can also choose the optional navigation system, high beam assist, reverse automatic braking, and overhead console shower light with the Crosstrek Limited. All 2018 Crosstreks include front and side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and a driver’s knee airbag.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK
Model/Trim
Transmission
Option Code
MSRP
MSRP + Delivery
2.0i
6MT

‘01

$21,795

$22,710

2.0i
CVT

‘01

$22,795

$23,710

2.0i Premium
6MT

11

$22,595

$23,510

2.0i Premium
CVT

11, 12, 13, 14

$23,595

$24,510

2.0i Limited
CVT

21, 22, 23

$26,295

$27,210

2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK OPTION PACKAGE MSRP
CODE 01 Standard Model 2.0i base 6MT
N/A
CODE 11 Standard Model 2.0i Premium 6MT
N/A
CODE 12 Moonroof + Blind Spot Detection/ Rear Cross Traffic Alert
$1,400
CODE 13 EyeSight® + Blind Spot Detection/ Rear Cross Traffic Alert
$1,395
CODE 14 Eyesight® + Moonroof + Blind Spot Detection/ Rear Cross Traffic Alert
$2,395
CODE 21 Standard Model 2.0i Limited
N/A
CODE 22 EyeSight® with Reverse Automatic Brake + High Beam Assist + Moonroof
$2,095
CODE 23 EyeSight® with Reverse Automatic Brake + High Beam Assist + Navigation System + Harman Kardon® Amplifier and Speakers
$3,445
Photos, Source & Chart: Subaru of America, Inc.

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Report: Mercedes A-Class comes to the US for Millennials

Report: Mercedes A-Class comes to the US for Millennials After 20 years, the Mercedes A-Class sedan is coming over, here’s why
Mercedes thinks it has a volume-selling opportunity in the premium compact market, particularly with the middle-class millennial set. The costs to do research and development on any car have gone up significantly in the past half-century, so sheer volume has become the name of the game. The Mercedes A-Class has been sold over in Europe and other parts of the world since 1997, but the market hasn’t appeared strong in the US for the baby Merc, largely sold as a hatch overseas.
Benz and many others seem to be riding a wave of CUV popularity and have seen some success with marketing compact entry level luxury sedans stateside like the CLA, the BMW 2 series and the Audi A3. This has increased brand awareness for folks making a bit less than the average new Mercedes buyer or lessee 10 years ago—and there may be more of these folks around looking for a new car.
The economy and ‘maturing’ options from high-volume marques make it a good time for the Mercedes A-Class to show up.
20 years ago, a Honda Civic could be had with roll-up windows, no power steering, and a stick across all trims. The Civic now offers available heated rear seats and competes, albeit in Type-R guise, with $40,000 cars. At roughly $32,000, the Mercedes CLA starts lower under the base price of a loaded Civic, and people are buying both of these cars.
The economy in the US has pulled up nicely since the great recession, and the average transaction price of a vehicle in the US is hanging well over the alleged starting price of the A-Class (just under $30,000).
Daimer reportedly showed the Mercedes A-Class to a number of dealers; it may go on sale in September 2018
Various sources are reporting that dealers have been shown the car, which has been given a warm reception. Built on the company’s MFA2 architecture, the car will likely be offered in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive and related to the Concept A sedan pictured below. Much of the competition is offered in this configuration, so MB shouldn’t have difficulty tempting millennials wanting a comfortable transportation pod with a bit of cachét that supports their devices, offers all of the modern safety features, and is available with internet service.

-By: Sawyer Sutton
Source: Automotive News, Carscoops
The post Report: Mercedes A-Class comes to the US for Millennials appeared first on egmCarTech.

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2019 Dodge Charger Lineup: The Automotive Industry’s John Bender

2019 Dodge Charger Lineup: The Automotive Industry’s John Bender The Dodge Charger is the captain of the Detroit Muscle team; there is no better example of a modern day muscle car. On the whole, Dodge is becoming (even more so) the most rebellious brand in the automotive industry with their amped-up Chargers, Challengers, and Durangos. As things shift toward electrification and automation, and as countless small SUVs flood the market, Dodge is flying a pirate flag through a sea of Claire Standish wannabes.
The 2019 Charger lineup is proof Dodge is not budging from the table. By all accounts, they have propped their feet up, typical of their John Bender attitude.
“Despite a shift toward utility vehicles in the United States over the past decade, the Dodge Charger and Challenger continue to buck the trend,” explained Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands, Dodge//SRT, Chrysler and Fiat – FCA North America. “Charger and Challenger retail sales have increased 70 percent since 2008, and since the launch of Scat Pack in August 2014, high-performance model sales increased from four percent to more than 25 percent.”
Here is a look at the Dodge Charger lineup for 2019.
2019 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Charger SRT Hellcat
The Hellcat is the big dog in the 2019 Charger lineup, standing as the quickest, fastest, and most powerful sedan in the world. The supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 twists out 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft. of torque, and comes connected to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Helping this massive Hemi breathe are dual inlets that feed cooler outside air into the engine compartment.
The Launch Assist feature uses the Hellcat’s wheel speed sensors to watch for driveline-damaging wheel hop when launching. If hop is detected, engine torque is modified within milliseconds to regain grip. With Line Lock, the front brakes engage and the rear is left open for burnouts to heat up and clean the tires.
After arriving for that late night jazz show (it’s where I would take it), the Charger Hellcat will employ its After-Run Chiller system. This allows the supercharger/charge air cooler to continue cooling down after the engine is turned off.
Charger R/T Scat Pack
This Super Bee can sting rival pony cars with its naturally-aspirated 392 Hemi V8 and TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic. The aforementioned Launch Assist and Line lock are now standard on the Scat Pack which puts 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft. of torque to the pavement. Optional for 2019 is a Bilstein three-mode Adaptive Damping Suspension system.
Inside, drivers are treated to a “Dark Dub Plate” instrument panel and Houndstooth cloth performance seats with plenty of bolstering. When the Scat Pack’s Launch Control feature is engaged, those seats are greatly appreciated. The system coordinates the engine, transmission, driveline, and suspension for hard straight-line sprints.
In the words of Samuel L. Jackson from Jurassic Park: “Hold Onto Your Butts.”

Charger R/T
A solid daily driver, the R/T comes with the evergreen 5.7-liter Hemi V8, good for 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft. of torque. The performance-oriented chassis includes the suspension and steering to match; the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic and 2.62 rear axle ratio are both standard.
The R/T gets a makeover for 2019 with a new hood, fascia, side sills, spoiler, and seats. Opt for the Cold Weather Package and get a heated steering wheel and heated seats.
Charger SXT AWD
Powered by the Pentastar V6, the SXT AWD returns a healthy 27 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel drive system is complete with an active transfer case and “front-axle disconnect” to increase overall efficiency. The Pentastar V6 is attached to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic and delivers 300 horsepower and 264 lb-ft. of torque.
A new Caramel Nappa leather interior and the aforementioned Cold Weather Package are among the available options.
Charger GT
With the same horsepower and torque specs at the SXT AWD, the GT is another ideal daily driver. Like the R/T, the GT gets a new hood, fascia, side sills, spoiler, and seats – and the newly available 20-inch Satin Carbon and Black Noise wheels don’t hurt anything either.
The vehicle’s systems and controls are accessed through an 8.4-inch Uconnect screen, which includes the Dodge Performance Pages like the upper models have.

Charger SXT
Every muscle car needs a mild cruiser and the SXT certinately fits the bill at 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque. Still the Pentastar V6, still the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic, just toned down a bit. Standard features are plentiful: electronic stability control, remote start, cruise control, electric power steering, automatic halogen projector headlamps with LED accents, and three 12-volt power outlets.
The aforementioned Caramel Nappa leather interior and Cold Weather Package are both available.
Colorful Array
What makes the Dodge Charger such an enticing car is the color palette: B5 Blue, Destroyer Grey, F8 Green, Go Mango, Granite Crystal, IndiGo Blue, Maximum Steel, Octane Red, Pitch Black, Plum Crazy, TorRed, Triple Nickel, and White Knuckle.
Hard to pick a favorite.
Availability
The 2019 Dodge Charger is expected in showrooms in the third quarter of this year, although any of the above models can be ordered now. The Charger is on track to lead the large car segment in the U.S. for the fifth straight year.
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 & Source: FCA US LLC.

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2019 Volvo S60: South Carolina’s Tasty Little Treat

2019 Volvo S60: South Carolina’s Tasty Little Treat Volvo Cars simultaneously rolled out a new car and a new manufacturing facility the other day. That’s a double you don’t see happening very often. The new car in question is the S60 sedan, and the factory is the company’s first American manufacturing plant, located outside Charleston, South Carolina. The Swedes say the factory opening reinforces Volvo Cars’ commitment to the United States, and shows how serious they are about the new S60.
Electric Avenue
Volvo points out how the new S60 is the first Volvo car to be sold without a diesel engine. Volvo says this signals “the company’s industry-leading commitment to electrification and a future beyond the traditional combustion engine.” I say it also shows that Volvo doesn’t want to get caught up in a Scandinavian version of diesel-gate and end up with various board members being thrown into Saltvik Prison. (BTW, when looking up a funny Swedish prison name, I came across this: Prison Life in Scandinavia – Discover Scandinavia; seriously dude, an article from a Scandinavian tourist site about how great their prisons are!)
But it’s more than just that, Volvo seems very serious about this whole EV thing, saying that from 2019 all new models will be electrified.
2019 Volvo S60 R-Design. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Power & Performance
This new, American-built S60 will be propelled by the company’s turbo and supercharged T8 Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid system. The internal combustion plant puts out 313 horsepower and the rear electric motor adds another 87 for a combined, healthy power output of 400 horsepower. Tasty!
In addition to the T8 version, the T5 front-wheel drive, and T6 all-wheel drive will also be available.
The new S60 shares the Scalable Product Architecture platform with other Volvo cars, such as the new V60 wagon and XC60.
Safety & Security
And, since this is a Volvo, it’s about as safe as a castle. There’s the City Safety system with Autobrake technology to assist the driver in avoiding potential collisions. Volvo says City Safety is the only system on the market that can recognize pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals and can engage auto braking to mitigate oncoming collisions.
There’s an optional Pilot Assist system to support you with steering, acceleration, and braking on well-marked roads up to 80 mph. The S60 also comes with Runoff Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, and other steering assistance nannies.
Infotainment? Oh sure: The Sensus Connect system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and works via a tablet style touchscreen interface that combines car functions, navigation, connected services, and various entertainment apps.
Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Pricing & Availability
The T5 FWD, T6 AWD, and T8 Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid will carry an MSRP of $35,800, $40,300, and $54,400 respectively. The new S60 will also be “sold” via Volvo’s new subscription service, Care by Volvo. The subscription deal means no down payment and a monthly flat rate. No worrying about maintenance and that sort of thing.
A well-equipped S60 T6 AWD Momentum is available for $775 a month through the program; an S60 T6 AWD R-Design can be had for $850 a month.
The new S60 also has a Polestar Engineered variant, which includes upgrades to the exterior and interior design, wheels, brakes, suspension, and engine control unit. This is the one you want to buy, but they will be extremely limited.
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 Volvo S60 Gallery

Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group.

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A Brief Look At The 2019 Chevy Volt

A Brief Look At The 2019 Chevy Volt With a new propulsion system, the 2019 Chevy Volt will slice charging times nearly in half, being better suited for “opportunity charging,” or plugging in while around town to top off the battery.
“With about twice the range added during 240V Level 2 charging sessions, the 2019 Volt’s 7.2 kW system makes opportunity charging more worthwhile,” explained Jesse Ortega, Chief Engineer, Chevrolet Electric Vehicles. “It effectively extends the vehicle’s all-electric driving range, while providing about twice the range for the money when plugging in at public facilities that charge by the hour.”
Charging & Capacities
With the new 7.2 kW system, a 240-volt outlet, and supporting hardware, a total recharge happens in just over two hours. The new system is standard on Premier trims but available for the LT. A 3.6 kW charger is standard on the Volt LT.
Chevy says the new electric propulsion system, combined with a full tank of gas and a full charge, offers an EPA-estimated 53 miles of pure EV range and 106 MPGe. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas-powered generator activates to extend the driving range to a total of 420 miles on a full tank.
The 2019 Volt also utilizes an automatic, engine-assisted heating system for temperatures below zero to increase all-electric range. New Low and Regen on Demand profiles boost regenerative braking capability, according to Chevrolet.
Photo: Chevrolet.
Technology & Features
The Infotainment 3 system includes an 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen with a new Energy App. The app’s “Impacts Screen” shows how driving style, route, weather, and cabin settings affect range and conveys said impacts in terms of mileage.
A new Power Convenience Package, an extension of the Comfort Package, is available for the LT, adding a six-way power driver’s seat. The wireless charging pad is relocated ahead of the shifter, while a new digital rearview camera replaces the previous analog system. Safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control and a pedestrian alert system.
“The 2019 Volt’s enhancements give customers more of what they love with the vehicle and make it even more useful as an everyday electric vehicle,” Ortega said. “It’s a more seamless experience than ever.”

Pricing & Availability
Chevrolet did not disclose pricing but says the 2019 Volt should arrive this fall. New color themes include a Pacific Blue Metallic for the exterior, and a Jet Black/Porcelain Blue for the Premier’s interior. An available, dealer-installed blackout package includes sport pedals, black front/rear bowtie emblems, and 17-inch machined-aluminum wheels with black-painted pockets.
To date, Volt owners have driven more than 2.8 billion EV miles, saving more than 108 million gallons of gas.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works: The UK’s Motor City

Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works: The UK’s Motor City

Jaguar, along with corporate sibling Land Rover, have been doing the factory refurbished thing for a while now. They join the growing trend of auto manufacturers keeping the original flame burning for those who desire, or can afford, factory originality. Their latest press release is slugged as being from “Ryton-on-Dunsmore, UK” and believe me, it only gets more quant and British from there on in.
And it’s not like Jaguar is doing this on purpose or to hype things up, this is the way they naturally are. And, let’s face it, Jaguar is about as British as a marque can get.
Proper Space, Prestigious Cars
And since the British are an everso proper lot, you can’t have your factory classics department taking up an old out building, can you? Oh no, no-no-no. One shant do that. No, if you’re Jaguar, you’re going to open your own special refurbishment “factory” or “works” as they call it in their own charmingly Anglo-centric way. As any gearhead with a project car (or cars) will tell you, you never have enough garage space. You always need a bigger workshop. Jaguar, heeding this well known Truth of the automotive world, went big.
The Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works facility tips the scales at a staggering 150,000 square feet. Jag says it’s the largest of its type in the world, with a dedicated showroom and a whopping 54 workshop bays for restoring and servicing all older Jaguar and Land Rover models. The Classic Works is also home to the Jaguar Land Rover Classic Collection of more than 500 vehicles. Jaguar foolishly points out the cars in the collection are also available for loan to car clubs and museums. This makes me wonder if we could turn Automoblog into a “museum,” but I’ll leave that for management to work out.
Now if you’re rich enough – I have no idea how rich you need to be – but far be it for Jaguar to be so gauche as to mention costs, dear boy – the lineup of available classics to buy is very impressive. Classic Works offers the full range of Legends vehicles including the nine “new” examples of the XKSS, the “Missing Six” Lightweight E-type continuation models, the two-door Range Rover Classic, the 10 Series 1 E-type cars, the Jaguar E-type Reborn, and full restoration services for clients.
Land Rover Reborn Legends. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Exceptional Service
And Jag is not kidding around about stuff like restoration, repair, and maintenance. Literally all models out of production for 10 years or more are welcome to the spa treatment at Classic Works. From the XK120 and XK8, to Land Rover vehicles like the Discovery and Freelander from the 1990s; you own it, you love it, so bring it on by and your automotive needs will be attended to. Jaguar is thorough and professional to an exceedingly high level too. When your car is delivered to the Classic Works facility, it gets a comprehensive 121-point visual inspection. This generates a report detailing any work required and, as the work is carried out, it’s recorded in a Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works Service Book.
Oh, and here’s an interesting little add on: There’s a dedicated XJ220 servicing section operated by Jaguar supercar technicians, some of whom supported the XJ220 program during production 25 years ago. They use tailor-made service tools for the 212 mph supercar. This is good because the XJ220 has service requirements slightly more involved than an Aérospatiale/BAC Concorde.
Jaguar XJ220 servicing and maintenance bay. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

Added Touches
And if you think this is all about making old cars good as new, you’d be wrong. Sadly, gloriously, unforgettably wrong. On top of selling old cars, services, and parts, clients can encounter a selection of legendary Jaguar and Land Rover models through the Classic Drives portion of the new facility. Two of the locations offered include the MIRA test facility (where Jag hot shoe Norman Dewis crashed and barrel rolled the only Jaguar XJ13 in existence back in 1971) and Eastnor Castle, where many of the vehicles were developed.
There’s even a Jaguar Classic Challenge race series for pre-1966 Jaguar cars now underway. So, you know, if your mind “works” like mine, there’s another outlet for your Lotto winnings. This five-round series starts at Donington Park and includes races at Brands Hatch, the Silverstone Classic in July, Oulton Park, and the season finale at September’s Spa Six-Hours meeting in Belgium. And if you ball up your XKSS at Eau Rouge, well, that’s the way of it old chap. But not to worry! The boys back at the Coventry Works will see to your ride and make it right as rain. Safe as houses. Good as new. You lucky bloke.
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.
Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works Facility Gallery

Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.

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2018 Honda Accord To Debut In Detroit

2018 Honda Accord To Debut In Detroit

The 2018 Honda Accord will make its global debut in Detroit, Michigan on July 14th, now less than a month away. The automaker released the above concept drawing which gives us some insight as to what the car will look like. Although we can only see a portion of the vehicle, Honda promises the new Accord will have an aggressive stance, dramatic styling, fuel efficient powertains, and sporty driving dynamics.
Top Gun
Honda has raked in the dough with the Accord to say the least. According Urban Science, the Accord is the best-selling midsize sedan in the United States among car buyers cumulatively since 2010. Furthermore, Urban Science data shows the Accord has been the U.S. midsize sedan segment’s retail sales leader for last four years. 2017 is shaping up strong for Honda too – during the first five months of the year, based on retail sales to individual buyers, the Accord is the top midsize sedan again, second only to the new Civic.
Power & Performance
To keep this benchmark intact, Honda promises the forthcoming Accord, now in its 10th generation, will be the most fun-to-drive Accord yet. Expect to see two new turbocharged engines paired with either a new Honda-developed 10-speed automatic, CVT, or 6-speed manual transmission. Hybrid buyers will want to pay close attention to the new iteration of Honda’s two-motor hybrid powertrain system.
Live Reveal
Honda will share all the vital details via a YouTube Livestream session in the Motor City on July 14th, 11:00am Eastern. Here is the link. If you can believe it, since its launch in 1976, more than 13 million Honda Accords have been sold. Production remains at Honda’s Marysville, Ohio plant, the home of the Accord since November 1982. Cumulative U.S. production now exceeds 11 million units across 35 years of American manufacturing. That said, we are pretty excited to see this new machine from Honda.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo & Source: Honda North America.

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2018 Hyundai Elantra Trim Levels Expand

2018 Hyundai Elantra Trim Levels Expand

Hyundai has gone and messed with its popular Elantra for 2018, or at least tweaked one of the available option packages. That could be trouble – monkeying with the Elantra, pretty much Hyundai’s bread and butter car, might spell disaster – but have no fear, Hyundai is on top of the situation.
Hyundai’s Elantra, now in its sixth generation, has racked up more than 2.9 million sales since its launch in America, and is aimed squarely at its midsize sedan competitors, the Chevrolet Cruise and Ford Focus.
More Stuff
The short version here is that Hyundai’s new trim level for the Elantra (SEL) will replace the soon-to-be-outgoing SE trim. The SEL will add more tech goodies without raising the price. Thus, the 2018 Hyundai Elantra SEL will come with blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert and lane change assist. Infotainment is centered around a seven-inch display audio system with AM/FM/HD/Sirius radio pumping out the sounds via six speakers. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are in there too, of course.
There is a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines to help you back up and park and such.
The SEL trim also features 16-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, heated outside mirrors, and auto headlamp control. Oh, and since this is America, you also get better rear cup holders that are mounted just aft of the center console, so Junior doesn’t spill that Big Gulp Mountain Dew all over the place. The Elantra Limited and Sport trims get some new features as well.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Trim Level Treatments
The Limited trim now includes gloss black interior accents and an auto-dimming rearview mirror (which is just lazy) with Blue Link and HomeLink now standard. Hyundai also points out that all available Blue Link features come standard for three years. The Sport Elantras now come with a power sunroof, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-traffic Alert, and Lane Change Assist standard to help you not do things like pull into oncoming traffic or run over cyclists while changing lanes. All trim levels, SEL, Limited, and Sport get a new machine gray exterior color, if you’re more into the subtle pallet.
The Value and Eco trim levels are still available. Value, is, well, the value-oriented model that comes well-equipped with popular options at “attractive” (read: inexpensive) price points. The Eco trim gets you an EPA estimated 35 miles per gallon combined thanks to a 1.4 turbo GDI four-cylinder engine and seven-speed DCT gearbox.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.

Blue Link Connectivity
Now, about that Hyundai Blue Link. It’s sort of like smart home technology grafted onto your car. It apparently requires some sort of subscription – which Hyundai does not go into details on, but they do mention you get three years of it for free – and it allows you to either automate a range of stuff you can have your car do, or allows you to do it remotely.
For example, one of the Blue Link features is the Connected Care Package which takes care of stuff like Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance, a Monthly Vehicle Health Report (sort of a poor person’s telemetry data storage deal), Automatic Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification (i.e. it tells you more than just “check engine”), a Service Link Maintenance Reminder (a digital version of that oil change sticker normally on your windshield), something called Driving Information (your guess is as good as mine), and On-Demand Diagnostics (again, much more than just “check engine”).
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Extra Tools
Besides being there to get you out of a jam, there are other Blue Link features in the Remote Package that can be activated via things like Amazon Alexa. There is also a remote start, which must really be nice in a place like Chicago in January.
There is also Car Finder? Not sure what that does exactly, but I’m guessing some sort of parking lot/garage assistance thing-o for the memory impaired. Blue Link also gets you Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Stolen Vehicle Slowdown, and Stolen Vehicle Immobilization, which is handy, yes, but also probably fun when it comes to messing with perps. You just never know when your Elantra is going to get targeted by Memphis Raines.
So, yet again, Hyundai steps into the breach for those that want lots of up-to-date tech goodies but are on, shall we say, a more limited budget than your typical Mercedes-Benz buyer.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2018 Hyundai Elantra Gallery

Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.

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