Automotive

2018 Ford Mustang GT: Gone In 4 Seconds

2018 Ford Mustang GT: Gone In 4 Seconds

Ford Motor Company is putting the screws to the competition, revealing the 2018 Mustang GT will hit 60 in less than four seconds in Drag Strip mode. Acting as one of five driver-selectable modes in the 2018 Mustang, Drag Strip mode utilizes the transmission to maximize straight-line performance. Drag Strip mode enhances the Mustang GT’s acceleration so well, it’s faster than a $94,000 Porsche 911 Carrera.
Vital Elements
Last year, we sat down with Dave Pericak, Global Director of Ford Performance. Pericak, the subject of the 2015 documentary A Faster Horse, shared with us the vision behind the 50th anniversary Mustang. Carl Widmann, Mustang’s Chief Engineer today, attributes the high performance of the 2018 model to five different elements: Improved horsepower and torque of the redesigned 5.0-liter V8, quicker response times in the available 10-speed SelectShift transmission, and available custom-designed Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires (Performance Pack).
The fifth element, the aforementioned available Drag Strip mode, is especially worth noting.
“Typically, when you shift gears, you give up time,” Widmann explained. “In Drag Strip mode, the engine torque doesn’t drop when you’re shifting. You get peak engine torque and horsepower straight through thanks to our new Ford-built 10-speed transmission.”

2018 Ford Mustang GT with the Performance Package in Orange Fury. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Power & Performance
At the heart of Ford’s pony car since 2011 is the 5.0-liter V8, now with dual-fuel, high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection for increased power and efficiency. Ford engineers worked to achieve robust low-end torque, high-rpm capability, and fuel efficiency. The new 5.0 registers 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft. of torque; the current 2017 Mustang delivers 435 horsepower and 400 lb-ft. of torque by comparison.
EcoBoost Mustangs see a “boost” as well. The retuned engine packs 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft. of torque, a 30 lb-ft. gain over the 2017 model. In Drag Strip mode with the Performance Package and the 10-speed automatic, the 2018 EcoBoost Mustang hits 60 in under five seconds. Those wanting more will appreciate this little feature on new EcoBoost Mustangs.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Transmission Tech
Ford’s new 10-speed is calibrated with a wide-ratio span and specific gear spacing. The arrangement is multifaceted, helping a driver accomplish power, acceleration, responsiveness, and efficiency. Ford utilizes a patented process in which the architecture of the transmission allows for a certain power flow in conjunction with direct-acting hydraulic controls. The design is again multifaceted, allowing for ideal ratio progression, efficiency, and quicker shift times.
A new electronic control system with real-time adaptive shift-scheduling algorithms help ensure the right gear is engaged at the right time. When it comes to Drag Strip mode and its effectiveness, the transmission plays the most vital role.
“Gearing matters,” Widmann said. “And in Drag Strip mode, this car launches better than ever off the line.”
Pricing & Availability
Customers can build and price their 2018 Mustang on Ford’s website. Expect to see the first models at dealerships this fall.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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2018 Ford Mustang GT breaks the 4-second 0-60 barrier

2018 Ford Mustang GT breaks the 4-second 0-60 barrier The now-quicker Ford Mustang GT gets a power bump and a new transmission.

It’s easy to get bogged down in comparing the ‘5-0 V8 in the new Ford Mustang GT with Chevy’s 350 V8—they belong in museums, not modern cars, some might say—but it’s equally easy to shunt those remarks. The new ‘stang will get to 60 miles per hour in under 4 seconds in a new “Drag Strip” mode and a new 10-speed automatic transmission. In common terms, the new mode is Ford’s label for “launch control”. The tuned and fettled V8 gets a bump from model year 2017’s ‘paltry’ 435bhp and 400 ft-lbs of torque while managing to get improved fuel economy, though no hard-and-fast numbers yet are available from Ford.
It’s pretty hard to get around how far the ponycar has come in its most recent generation:
This is blinding acceleration from a car that goes for the average transaction price in the US at just a shade over $33,000.
The EcoBoost 4-cylinder model gets a 30-ft-lb torque increase.
The car now pulls 0.96 g on the skidpad and (finally) has independent rear suspension.
On one hand, the GT and lower variants are plain-vanilla cars available at a car rental agency near you, on the other, something that does all of the above is available for a relatively small outlay per day.
FoMoCo has only just released this luscious tidbit of information, so it’s likely we will learn in the coming days what the conditions are of this recent conquest in acceleration statistics (temperature, tires used etc.).
For more information, check out the press release below:
“DEARBORN, Mich., July 24, 2017 – Ford’s most advanced and powerful Mustang GT is also the fastest ever, achieving 0-to-60-mph in less than four seconds in Drag Strip mode.
The new Mustang is also faster than a $94,000 Porsche 911 Carrera, which Carl Widmann, Mustang chief engineer, attributes to five factors:
Improved horsepower and torque output of the redesigned 5.0-liter V8
Maximum acceleration of available Drag Strip mode
Quicker, smoother shifting of the available 10-speed SelectShift® transmission
Optimized traction courtesy of the available custom-designed Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires on new Performance Pack
“Typically, when you shift gears, you give up time,” said Widmann. “In Drag Strip mode, the engine torque doesn’t drop when you’re shifting. You get peak engine torque and horsepower straight through thanks to our new Ford-built 10-speed transmission.”
The car’s 5.0-liter V8 now features dual-fuel, high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection technology for increased power and efficiency. The engine’s 460 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque represent improvements over the current model’s 435 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. The result is an engine that delivers robust low-end torque, high-rpm power and improved fuel efficiency.
Drivers of EcoBoost®-equipped Mustang also will feel increased power on the strip. The retuned EcoBoost four-cylinder generates 310 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque – a 30 lb.-ft. gain over the current model. In Drag Strip mode with Performance Package and the 10-speed automatic, the 2018 EcoBoost-powered Mustang posts an impressive 0-to-60-mph time of under five seconds.
Drag Strip mode – one of five driver-selectable modes available for 2018 – has been designed to provide maximum acceleration and performance for straight-line driving. Drag Strip mode is primarily controlled by the transmission and delivers a significant acceleration boost, eliminating the lost time usually associated with automatic shifting.
The new 10-speed transmission, with a wide-ratio span and optimized gear spacing, helps deliver higher average power for acceleration – resulting in improved responsiveness and performance. The 10-speed architecture features Ford-patented power-flow and Ford-patented direct-acting hydraulic controls. It’s designed for optimum ratio progression and efficiency, and provides more accurate, quicker upshift and downshift capability.
In addition, an all-new electronic control system features real-time adaptive shift-scheduling algorithms engineered to help ensure the right gear is engaged at the right time, including skip-shift and direct downshift capability.
Compared to the outgoing six-speed, the new 10-speed automatic has quicker shift times and better low-speed tip-in response. It’s uniquely tuned for all five drive modes – normal, sport, track, Drag Strip and snow/wet. Steering wheel-mounted shift paddles allow drivers maximum manual control.
“Gearing matters, and in Drag Strip mode, this car launches better than ever off the line,” said Widmann.
Fans will be able to build and price their very own 2018 Mustang from July 25 by visiting www.ford.com/mustang/2018. New Mustang is due to reach showrooms this fall.”
-By: Sawyer Sutton
The post 2018 Ford Mustang GT breaks the 4-second 0-60 barrier appeared first on egmCarTech.

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Jaguar XE SV Project 8: Target Germany?

Jaguar XE SV Project 8: Target Germany?

Jag states, right up front: “New Jaguar XE SV Project 8 sits at the pinnacle of performance sedans, with a thrilling mix of explosive power, dynamic agility, and all-wheel drive traction.” And I swear I could hear the engine roars and the howls of contempt from Stuttgart, Affalterbach, and Ingolstadt all the way out here in the middle of the desert.
Special Vehicle Operations
The XE SV Project 8 is Jag’s new hot performance sedan, and also the Coventry firm’s first foray with its new Special Vehicle Operations skunk-works to start encroaching into territory now occupied by the likes of AMG or BMW’s M Division and the like. I’m not saying Jaguar can’t do it, even when it comes to sedans. Jag did some impressive stuff with Mark 2s and Mark Xs (just ask the Kray twins or any other British hoods from back in the day), but that was when “Ferry Cross The Mersey” was a hit. And since then, when it comes to big, fast, nasty performance sedans, it’s all been pretty much going the German’s way.
To counter that, Jaguar has given their Special Vehicle Operations more or less free reign to produce the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 sedan, a 592 horsepower, 200 mph beast of a car that Coventry says is “the most powerful, agile, and extreme performance Jaguar road car ever produced.” Which is saying a lot if you consider that Jag made cars like the XJ220.
The XE SV Project 8 sedan follows, more or less, in the footsteps of Jag’s F-TYPE Project 7 of 2014. The XE SV Project 8 is the second Collector’s Edition ride done up by SVO and is a hand-built, four-door sedan designed to kick butt, take names, and all that. Jaguar will make no more than 300 versions of the car globally, so it will be rare too.
The Jaguar XE SV Project 8 utilizes torque vectoring control via the braking system to minimize understeer by independently braking inside wheels during cornering. It works with the Electronic Active Differential to precisely control torque delivery to the rear wheels. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

Power & Performance
About that engine that is going to motivate the XE SV down to the pub? It would be the most powerful version of Jaguar Land Rover’s 5.0-liter supercharged V8 with a Titanium Variable Active Exhaust. The mill is hooked up to a re-calibrated version of the brand’s eight-speed Quickshift transmission and thence to a standard all-wheel drive system that can deliver a 200 mph top speed and a 0 to 60 time of 3.3 seconds. That makes the Project 8 the fastest accelerating Jaguar. Not just the quickest Jag sedan, the quickest Jaguar, period.
There’s a slew of lightweight and go-fast goodies appended to the Project 8. There’s a carbon fiber bumper with enhanced cooling ducts, a vented carbon fiber hood, and flared bodywork. The underbody is flat, there’s a rear diffuser, and the rear bumper is made from carbon fiber. The wheels are big 20-inch forged aluminum alloy bits and the front splitter is adjustable as is the rear aerodynamic wing. I love how Jag calls it an “aerodynamic wing.” I’m not sure whether that’s a sly British understatement and dig at other “wings” or not.
Carbon fiber is used extensively throughout the Project 8, for a total weight of 3,847 lbs. (1,745kg). Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Suspension, Steering & Braking
The suspension is a double-wishbone up front and Integral Link at the rear. The suspension components are stiffer (natch), there are new knuckles, the coil springs are adjustable, and the shocks are continuously variable. Jaguar’s setup allows the ride height to drop by 0.6-inches. Stopping power comes courtesy of a new carbon ceramic braking system, with Formula 1-style silicon nitride ceramic wheel bearings. Ceramic bearings used in this way is a first for Jaguar Land Rover road cars.
The Project 8 is the first Jaguar with a dedicated Track Mode that tweaks the driveline and stability control systems for circuit use, and sharpens both throttle and steering responses for better precision and driver feedback. The Project 8 features height-adjustable spring platforms with motorsport-specification coil springs and aluminum-bodied Continuously Variable Dampers, with a choice of two ride heights: standard for road and -15mm for track use.
Jaguar’s Project 8 introduces an Electronic Active Differential (EAD) for the first time on the XE, which works with the Intelligent Driveline Dynamics system to precisely manage torque delivery to each of the rear wheels. In conjunction with enhanced large diameter front and rear driveshafts, the EAD is designed to distribute power and traction in varying situations. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

Interior Treatments
The interior is all tarted up with go fast goodies, or at least trim, as well. There’s Gloss Carbon Fiber trim here and there and Alcantara on the steering wheel, instrument, and door panels. That eight-speed Quickshift transmission can be actuated by aluminum paddle shifters or by the central “Pistolshift” lever. Jaguar says that “Pistolshift” lever is another first, but not if you’ve driven around Mopar products from the 1960s. Nice try chaps.
For us, the Project 8 is available exclusively as a four-seat model, with Jag’s latest front performance seats featuring magnesium frames and a more heavily contoured rear seat cushion for better support. In most global markets there’s an optional two-seat Track Pack with lightweight front carbon fiber racing seats and four-point harnesses fixed to a retention hoop in place of the rear seat. But not for us! Oh no. We Americans can’t have nice things, it seems. All Project 8 models will be built in left-hand drive configuration only, but that doesn’t really balance out that we don’t get the two-seater if you ask me.
The Jaguar XE SV Project 8 endured extensive testing at tracks like Nardo and the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The initiative was the most track-biased program SVO has ever carried out. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Comparing & Contrasting
Jaguar doesn’t mention the price of the XE SV Project 8, but you can bet it’ll cost more than a packet. So start saving now. When it does hit the streets, it will be interesting to see how the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 stacks up against the more sporty offerings from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi – not to mention Lexus and Acura. It doesn’t seem to be a direct competitor, since it will be limited run, and not really a series production version. Still, a comparison test is (or should be) in order.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.

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2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid: A Brief Walk Around

2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid: A Brief Walk Around The 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid gets a mild refresh for the middle of the year and a slight, I mean very slight, price bump. That said, for your money, between $33,250 and $38,850, depending on model, you get a giant basket of standard stuff.
The main story here is that styling for the hybrid now matches that of the already released Sonata gasoline models. The Korean auto giant says you can travel for 28 miles using all-electric drive, even though the starting price for the 2018 Sonata Plug-In Hybrid has dropped $1,350 from the 2017 model.
The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Limited, however, gets a price bump by $250, but now comes with a bunch of new features.
Safety Tech
Seriously, the list is crazy complete, with Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, LED Headlights with Dynamic Bending Lights, Lane Keep Assist, and Driver Attention Alert.
The Forward Collision Warning is now enhanced with an Automatic Emergency Braking function, and the Lane Departure Warning now adds a Lane Keep Assist function. There’s an additional USB charge port and a wireless charging pad for mobile devices. The steering wheel is heated and the Bi-function LED headlights with dynamic bending lights are there for the ride in 2018.
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid receives a seven-inch Display Audio color touchscreen, a backup camera, Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility, plus iPod, USB, and AUX input jacks. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Power & Performance
And like I mentioned, the all-electric range is up to 28 miles, an improvement of one mile. While Hyundai’s Plug-In Hybrid tech gets you a 99 EPA-estimated MPGe rating, the hybrid efficiency nets you 39 mpg. Add everything up and you get a total driving range of an impressive 600 miles.
The old school portion of the drivetrain ain’t that old school. It’s a 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle engine, which is nifty. The electric motor portion cranks out 50 kW (that’s 67 horsepower, which is a better way to put it) and that’s hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission versus the now chic CVT. The 50 kW electric motor is 32 percent more powerful and allows for more efficient EV operation during higher engine loads and speeds.
The battery pack is a state-of-the-art 9.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer deal that’s more than five times larger than the Sonata Hybrid’s battery, and can be charged using a 240V Level 2 charging station in slightly less than three hours.
2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid interior layout. HD and satellite radio are included, along with heated seats and dual zone climate control. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Styling & Design
The exterior now includes a more dynamic front fascia with new sheet metal on the hood and front fenders. The design refresh, naturally, incorporates the new Hyundai signature cascading grille shape, and the new rear deck lid allows for a sleeker, coupe-like appearance they say. The 17-inch eco-spoke alloy wheels have been redesigned; there’s distinctive blue bezel headlights and taillights with a clear outer lens to further highlight the refreshed styling.
Naturally, the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid’s interior has also been updated with a revised center stack area and instrument cluster, while the steering wheel now has a sportier leather-wrapped three-spoke design.
Like I said, that’s a lot for less than 40-large, y’know?
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: Hyundai Motor America.

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2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence Review

2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence Review The 2018 Buick Regal TourX is an all-new model for the automaker, and we were a bit surprised they would offer a wagon for Americans who typically don’t buy them in great numbers. But when we looked at the new offering from Buick it begins to make more sense.
Buick and other automakers are going after the adventurous families who need a functional and fuel-efficient vehicle with all-wheel drive standard. The TourX fits in a niche market.
This weekend we drove the top trim 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence.
What’s New For 2018
The Buick Regal TourX is an all-new model for 2018.
Features & Options
The 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence AWD ($35,020) comes standard with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Essence trim adds a hands-free lift gate, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a power-adjustable passenger seat, leather upholstery, a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat, and a heated steering wheel.
The Preferred Driver Confidence Package #1 ($1,725) includes LED headlights, rear parking sensors, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, a driver’s-side auto-dimming mirror, driver-seat memory functions, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. The Driver Confidence Package #2 ($1,190) includes a host of driver safety aids.
The Sights and Sounds Package ($1,200) adds a remote start and upgraded gauges. The upgraded audio and infotainment systems include an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, Bluetooth capability, two rear charge-only USB ports, and satellite radio. This tester also included a panoramic power moonroof ($1,200).
Total MSRP including destination: $41,550.

Interior Highlights
Stepping inside this top-trim Buick Regal TourX reveals lots of luxury, soft-touch materials throughout, and comfortable leather seats. We settled in and felt like we were sitting in a premium European wagon. The lines are contemporary and the two-tone interior is stylish. Passenger space in back is generous and there’s convenient and versatile 40/20/40 fold flat seating options.
The Regal TourX has 32.7 cubic feet of cargo space with its back seat raised and 73.5 cubic feet with it lowered. That’s more than what’s offered by comparable luxury wagons or compact luxury SUVs. Its lower lift over and roof height also make it much easier to load than an SUV.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2018 Buick Regal TourX comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, producing 250 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. The engine is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels.
EPA fuel mileage estimates come in at 21/29 city/highway and 21 combined mpg.
Driving Dynamics
Driving the TourX offers sharper handling than taller SUVs and better ride quality than some luxury sport wagons. Overall, it rides comfortably on the highway and was easy to drive on the busy city streets of Denver. The cabin is noticeably quiet once we got underway at highway speeds. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is peppy and we never had to wish we had more power, even driving at altitude west of Denver.
We pushed it hard around tight mountain curves and the all-wheel drive system and advanced suspension gives you plenty of confidence when you need it. The eight-speed automatic worked well with the 2.0-liter turbo engine and offered quick, seamless shifts as we pushed it hard up I-70.
The Buick Regal TourX should be a capable vehicle in the snow and ice and even for navigating through those mild off-road excursions. It offers a little extra ground clearance compared to normal wagons, but it’s not enough to make a significant difference in terms of extreme off-road ability.

Conclusion
We would recommend the 2018 Buick Regal TourX for families wanting a flexible, comfortable wagon that offers luxury and all-weather capability. It has the utility of an SUV but offers a lower load height, and with all the added safety technology, any family will feel safe in heavy city traffic.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Buick Regal TourX Gallery

2018 Buick Regal TourX Official Site.
Photos: Buick.

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Fiat Introduces New Chrome Packages But The Shine Is Lacking

Fiat Introduces New Chrome Packages But The Shine Is Lacking Chrome isn’t just for big trucks, now little Fiats are in on the action with a new appearance package for the 500L and 500X. Add this to Fiat’s recent package blitz which includes the Urbana, Blue Sky, and Adventurer editions. And while these appearance packages have their allure, it’s like a sparkler or sugar snake when what’s really needed is a blazing bottle rocket.
The Fiat lineup could use an extensive redesign. Something. Anything. These upgraded packages are great, but only go so far as the brand struggles to maintain traction.
Tiny Tanks
People either love or loathe Fiat; their cars are either amazing or asinine. Their Italian styling is rather unconventional considering what Americans are normally accustomed to. Traditionally, we are a culture of big trucks and stylish SUVs, a stark contrast to the tiny cruisers of the Fiat farm. Although, like a lot of products sold across this great country, the Fiat brand is personality-driven and those who have them closely identify with them.
While it’s a story for another time, I came into Fiat ownership by sheer happenstance. I likely would have bought another Ford because that’s what I drove for years, but my 2016 500X changed the way I see the Fiat.
My 500X is a tiny tank. Literally. Michigan roads, especially around metro Detroit, are rough. A vehicle’s suspension and chassis will take a licking here, and that’s not including winter. The 500X, in its current form, rides on a Jeep platform, a huge advantage in terms of durability. Mine is front-wheel drive, although all-wheel drive is available. I get about 7,500 miles between oil changes and with the nine-speed automatic (which shifts seamlessly), I average upwards of 38 to 40 mpg on the highway.
Although most of what you read on Fiat is exactly the opposite. Just scan the latest rankings from Consumer Reports.
Fiat 500X with the Satin Chrome Appearance Group. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Shot In The Dark
What is Fiat to do? Truthfully, I don’t have the answer. If I did, I would likely be an executive there making the big bucks, but I would suggest we stop scratching for sardines and fry bigger fish. It’s time for an overhaul. Something. Anything. It wouldn’t hurt to “Americanize” the lineup a bit – not saying to abandon the Italian flare entirely – but finding a way to marry the styling cues of both cultures might help, especially for the 500X.
If I’m Fiat, I’m working overtime to make meaningful connections with the younger buyers who want small SUVs.
The 124 Spider and 500 Abarth are cool and they can stay. The 500L cannot. It’s hideous. Yet, according to Fiat, U.S. sales are up more than 20 percent year-over-year through June, making the 500L Fiat’s fastest growing nameplate. Sure. Fine. But the 500L is the one ugly duckling that’s not growing up to be a beautiful swan.
How about a nice, sporty mid-size sedan? Honda, Toyota, and Nissan are profitable with cars like this, why not Fiat? Slap an Abarth badge on there with some horsepower, braking and suspension upgrades, and suddenly the Fusion Sport and Regal GS have company. How about the Audi S4 or BMW 340i? Why not? Kia is taking on the Germans with the Stinger, why not a muscled-up Fiat too?
Fiat 500L with the Chrome Appearance Group. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Happy Accident
I don’t have the whole picture as to what is going on at Fiat, but for better or worse, it seems like a lot. I won’t speak for them and I am sure they know what they are doing, but a complete redesign of key vehicles, like the 500X and 500L (shudder), would help immensely.
I don’t see people waiting on pins and needles going “Oh, I just cannot wait to see the Chrome Appearance Group on the new Fiats.” If somebody gets one of these new chromed Fiats it will likely be by accident. They went in looking at a 500X, liked the one on the showfloor, and it just so happened to have this chrome package.
Just in case you are chomping at the bit for one, the equipment list is below. I’ll be over here, holding my breath for the Fiat Abarth performance sedan.
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.
Fiat 500L Chrome Appearance Group
MSRP: $495.
Fog lamps.
Body side chrome accents.
Front fascia chrome accents.
Rear reflector chrome bezels.
17-inch aluminum wheels with black pockets.
Available for all seven exterior colors: Grigio Chiaro (graphite metallic), Nero (black), Bianco (white), Rosso (red), Grigio Scuro (grey metallic), Blue Tornado, and Blue Denim.
Fiat 500X Satin Chrome Appearance Group
MSRP: $395 (all-wheel drive) / $695 (front-wheel drive).
Satin silver roof rails.
Fog and cornering lamps, automatic headlamps.
17-inch aluminum wheels (front-wheel drive only).
Satin chrome accents: exterior mirrors, door handles, and body side moldings.
Satin chrome accents: fog lamp bezels, front fascia, front and rear badges, liftgate handle.
Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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Hyundai And Amazon Launch Digital Showroom

Hyundai And Amazon Launch Digital Showroom Virtual Reality is here!!! Virtual Reality will be the technology of 1988 1992 1995 2001 2015 2018!! I know, I know. We’ve been hearing this same tired song for decades, but now, if Hyundai and Amazon are to be believed, Virtual Reality might actually be a viable thing.
Houses & Cars
I’ve been involved with more than a few VR companies over the years. Yeah, it’s very intriguing and the experience can be cool but, for what ever reason, it’s never caught on the way they tell us it should. Strangely enough, one of the areas where VR actually does seem to be working is in real estate. I’ve known a couple of guys that make VR environments for yet-to-be-built condos.
Want to see what your million dollar, 20th floor condo looks like? Want to check out the views? Put on this headset. Want to see what the view on floor 28 looks like compared to floor 20? Click, there ya go.
Whether someone from the real estate industry tipped Hyundai off, or whether they just came up with it on their own, Hyundai has something similar for the automotive world.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Virtual Showroom
Hyundai’s new digital showroom, that they cooked up with Amazon (that hosts all the data and acts as the gateway), offers car buyers the ability to not only compare pricing and reviews, but also book test drives, and check on dealer inventories. Hyundai says this is all part of their commitment to exceptional customer service, and it’s hard not to see that they’re right.
The “showroom” Hyundai set up on Amazon takes you, the prospective car buyer, on a “customer journey,” which sounds like some Grade A marketing gobbledygook. You start with the “brand experience” page that highlights the latest in Hyundai’s technology and automotive innovation. Next, if you want to be really linear about this, you can learn about Hyundai Assurance (that highlights the Korean company’s Connected Care, warranty services, 24/7 Roadside Assistance, and Hyundai Care).
You can then see more details on various Hyundais based on your preferences and buying habits. You can also read reviews, check pricing, set up test drives (in the real world), streamline your purchase options, and even find a local Hyundai dealer.

Upward Expansion
Interestingly, this is not the first time Hyundai and Amazon have worked together. They first collaborated in 2016 with “Prime Now, Drive Now,” an on-demand program that allowed buyers to book test drives through Amazon Prime Now. On top of this, Hyundai was the first mainstream automaker to connect cars with homes using Amazon Echo and the Blue Link skill for Amazon Alexa. So look for this Hyundai and Amazon partnership to continue.
The new digital showroom can be found here, if you’d like to give it a look.
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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VinFast: The Future of Vietnam’s Automotive Industry?

VinFast: The Future of Vietnam’s Automotive Industry? There’s a new startup car company – VinFast – looking to revolutionize the world of personal transportation. These days, that’s not very surprising to read. What is surprising is how this new car company is Vietnamese, and will be producing a home-grown sedan and SUV.
These first two rides will be produced at a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in northern Vietnam.
Literary Perspective
In 1992, Neal Stephenson wrote this book called Snow Crash. It’s a pretty interesting book, and there’s a passage in it I was reminded of when this press release wafted across my digital transom:
“When it gets down to it — talking trade balances here — once we’ve brain-drained all our technology into other countries, once things have evened out, they’re making cars in Bolivia and microwave ovens in Tadzhikistan and selling them here — once our edge in natural resources has been made irrelevant by giant Hong Kong ships and dirigibles that can ship North Dakota all the way to New Zealand for a nickel — once the Invisible Hand has taken away all those historical inequities and smeared them out into a broad global layer of what a Pakistani brickmaker would consider to be prosperity — y’know what? There’s only four things we do better than anyone else: . . . “
Or, to put it in more modern terms: “You think Detroit’s got problems now? Wait until they start banging out the 2028 Camaro in Ho Chi Minh City.”
The question is not can they, but when will they. And, if now is the time it all starts, are VinFast the people to do it? We will find out relatively soon, because we’ll be able to see both an SUV and sedan at the Paris Motor Show this coming October. Oh, and they don’t seem to be doing things by half, since both rides are being developed by Pininfarina.
VinFast SUV rendering. Photo: VinFast Service and Trading JSC.
Blazing Speed
VinFast says their cars are developed to “international standards,” meaning they want to compete with the available offerings in Munich and Los Angeles and London. That’s biting off a lot, first time around. And to make this even more interesting, VinFast crowd-sourced the designs, with the Vietnamese people voting on their favorites from a range of options presented in October 2017.
Yes, VinFast is going from design kick off to debut in one year. And these first two models will be for sale in Vietnam by September 2019. All the while Vinfast says their upcoming twins will “meet international standards and customer expectations in terms of design, quality, dynamics, premium in-car features, and the ownership experience.”
A Few Questions
It’s at this point where things turn rather run-of-the-mill concerning the finer points of VinFast. They will be working with “world-leading” European design, engineering, and production technology partners, but they don’t tell you who those partners are, apart from Pininfarina. In the boardroom, VinFast has also recruited senior executives from some of the industry’s “leading automotive companies,” but they don’t mention who those senior executives are, or from which automotive companies they were recruited.
So far, it looks as if VinFast has recruited only from General Motors.
Photo: VinFast Service and Trading JSC.
Real Deal
VinFast is not all vapor and marketing smoke. They are nearly finished with construction of their purpose-built, state-of-the-art 335-hectare plant in Hai Phong, making it one of Vietnam’s biggest industrial projects ever. And yeah, that’s the same Hai Phong that Dick Nixon decided to mine and bomb in 1972.
Also, it’s worth noting that VinFast’s corporate owners, Vingroup, is one of Vietnam’s largest, privately-held businesses, with annual revenues in 2017 of 3.8 billion USD. Which is good, because designing and building cars from scratch takes a lot of money.
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: VinFast Service and Trading JSC.

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BMW Marries Car & Ride Sharing In Seattle

BMW Marries Car & Ride Sharing In Seattle The tech explosion of the past 20 years has shown us, more than anything else, that if you combine greed with imitation, you get competitors. Now that Uber (McDonalds) and Lyft (Burger King) came up with the idea of “ride sharing,” along comes BMW with its entry into the game, ReachNow (Wendy’s). The burger joint analogy is on purpose. Anybody can run a good mom & pop burger joint, but going national and franchising your operation?
That’s a little more tricky.
Two In One
ReachNow is the mobility services division of BMW Group, maker of all things fast, boxy, and Bavarian. ReachNow says they are famous for being “the first company to operate both car sharing and ride hailing within a single app.” Sure, but I’ve never heard of it. This app, what ReachNow refers to as a “suite of mobility solutions,” can do essentially more than one thing, transportation-wise.
ReachNow was first rolled out as a multimodal (i.e. more than one kind of transportation) strategy at Automobility LA in November 2016, and now they are putting it out in the real world to see how it works. Or, at least they’re putting it out in Seattle, which may or may not count as “real.”
What sets ReachNow apart from say, Lyft or Zipcar, is that ReachNow combines all of those services into one, big service. With this, you can get a short term vehicle, like a Zipcar sort of deal, or you can just get a ride from point A to B, like with a Lyft. ReachNow allows you to personalized your level of comfort, and also customize your individual plan based on convenience or cost.
Let’s break this down . . .
Photo: BMW Group.
Piece By Piece
“Drive or ride” means customers (ReachNow calls them members) can choose between driving themselves via car sharing or getting a ride from the ride hailing service. Slick. If you choose to drive yourself, you can select from a fleet of hundreds of BMW and MINI vehicles, which sounds like fun. You pay by the minute, by the hour or by the day, meaning that ReachNow offers all the non-car-ownership options: ride, drive for a bit, or rent for a while.
The “go now or go later” option allows you the choice between an immediate, on-demand pick up or planning ahead and scheduling a pick up. You can reserve your transportation needs from 20 minutes to up to seven days in advance, which should come in handy for doing things like getting rides to the airport and such.
With the “personalized comfort” part of the app, you can individualize the in-vehicle experience by setting your temperature and music preferences beforehand. You can also select a “quiet time” feature if you wish to not be disturbed during the trip. You know, this way you keep your interactions with another living, breathing, feeling human down to the absolute minimum.
Another nifty feature is, once you reserve a ReachNow car, the destination will be sent automatically to the in-vehicle navigation. Nice.
Photo: BMW Group.
Pricing & Availability
ReachNow users in Seattle will be the first to get the full experience, with the sign up fee waived for new members who want to try the Ride portion only. The standard ReachNow Ride pricing starts at a $3.24 minimum, with a $2.40/mile plus $0.40/minute premium (no surge pricing).
The app works on both iPhone and Android devices.
Local Perspective
On a final note, let me add this: As a longtime Seattleite, this can’t make things any worse. I hope. Traveling around Seattle is a never-ending Boschian nightmare. 95 percent of the drivers are lack-whit sub-morons, the traffic planning is designed by sadists (I think), and the level of road maintenance makes you think you’re driving in Mogadishu, not Queen Anne.
None of this would matter if Seattle had a workable public transportation system, but it doesn’t. So if BMW’s scheme works, more the better. It’ll get you knuckle-dragging gibbons off the roads. I hope.
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: BMW Group.

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