Automotive

Toyota Camry & Avalon AWD: Nice Option But Do You Need It?

Toyota Camry & Avalon AWD: Nice Option But Do You Need It? Toyota Camry and Avalon now have all-wheel drive as a standalone option.Different components from the RAV4 and Highlander were used for the sedans.Although a nice option, all-wheel drive may not be necessary for some buyers. Toyota’s research team in Saline, Michigan came back from the drawing board with an all-wheel drive option for the 2020 Camry and 2021 Avalon. With more room in the market as players like Ford and GM exit, Toyota is making a seemingly simple but crucial addition here with all-wheel drive. In short, both cars will be more capable in snowy weather, but if you are a longtime Camry or Avalon buyer, is all-wheel drive worth it?

How Does All-Wheel Drive Change Things?

According to Toyota, buyers will notice little, if any, change between the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive Camry and Avalon. Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) allows the all-wheel drive models to retain the same suspension tuning, wheels, and tires as the front-wheel drive versions. In other words, you might only notice all-wheel drive in slippery or snowy conditions (if that, since most systems on the market today are fairly seamless).

Otherwise, for all intents and purposes, Toyota claims the cars ride like their front-wheel drive cousins.

Blending Two Vehicles Together

Since TNGA is a flexible platform for Toyota, engineers had the freedom to incorporate the components necessary for the all-wheel drive Camry and Avalon. When Toyota started planning for the addition, they looked at the RAV4 as an eligible bachelor since it is also based on the TNGA platform. It may feel like an unconventional pairing, but Toyota seems to believe this true love encounter will produce the ruggedness of an SUV in an affordable sedan.

Toyota took the upper body structure of the Camry and Avalon and combined it with the RAV4’s multi-link rear suspension. From there, the RAV4’s suspension was adapted with specific modifications and tuning to suit the sedans. The RAV4 wasn’t the only SUV on Toyota’s radar either. They put a modified version of the Highlander’s propeller shaft in both the all-wheel drive Camry and Avalon.

2020 Toyota Camry XSE with all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive components account for an additional 165 lbs. versus a front-wheel drive Camry. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.Engine & Powertrain

Both the all-wheel drive Toyota Camry and Avalon have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a dual overhead cam. The engine, complete with an aluminum alloy block and aluminum alloy heads, is paired to an eight-speed automatic. The Camry delivers 202 horsepower which is more than enough for your daily routine. The Camry XSE and Avalon bump things up a little bit with 205 horsepower and dual exhaust.

Related: Everything you need to know about a Toyota Warranty. How Does AWD Work In The Camry & Avalon?

Up to 50 percent of the engine’s torque can be directed to the rear wheels by the electromagnetic controlled coupling. This coupling engages and disengages the propeller shaft from the differential depending on if the situation demands all-wheel drive. During acceleration and slippage at the front wheels, all-wheel drive will kick in to distribute power more effectively, but then disconnect during long highway stretches or casual cruising to conserve fuel.

2021 Toyota Avalon Limited with all-wheel drive. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.What Is The Fuel Economy?

EPA-ratings for the all-wheel drive Toyota Camry LE and SE are 25/34 city/highway and 29 combined; whereas the XLE and XSE return the same city/highway numbers, but one mpg less combined at 28.

A quick look at the Carmy shows it is a bit behind its all-wheel drive competitors like the Nissan Altima and Subaru legacy. Both the Legacy and Altima with all-wheel drive have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, the same displacement as the all-wheel drive Camry. The 2020 Altima gets an estimated 26/36 city/highway and 30 combined. By comparison, the 2020 Legacy comes in at 27/35 city/highway and 30 combined.

Standard Safety Features

All 2020 Toyota Camry and Avalon models are standard with Toyota Safety Sense-P (often written as TSS-P). The package includes:

Automatic High Beams.Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist.Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection.Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert is available for the Camry, but standard on Avalon. Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Rear Cross Traffic Braking is available for both cars.

2020 Toyota Camry interior layout. While the contents varies slightly by trim level, a Cold Weather Package is available for the all-wheel drive Camry and Avalon. It adds things like heated seats and a heated steering wheel. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.Should I Buy My Camry or Avalon With AWD?

We know well in Michigan how desirable all-wheel drive sounds, especially when the forecast is predicting one winter storm after another. Drivers often gravitate toward trucks and SUVs for reasons like this. There is, after all, an added sense of security a 4×4 vehicle can provide.

But if you are more at ease driving a car, a Camry or Avalon with all-wheel drive might be a better option. Versus a “normal” front-whee drive sedan, you will have more traction during snowy and icy conditions without having to make the switch to an SUV or a truck. If you live someplace where it doesn’t – or rarely ever – snows, then you probably don’t need all-wheel drive.

If you are on a shoestring budget like me, the front-wheel drive Camry is more attractive. The front-wheel drive version has the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder, and with some gasoline versions pushing 40 highway mpg, it’s just more affordable in the long run. Those with extended work commutes will benefit the most from the front-wheel drive Camry, as will weekend road-trippers.

2020 Toyota Camry XLE with all-wheel drive. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.Pricing & Availability

The 2020 Toyota Camry is available now, with all-wheel drive as an option on four trim levels: LE, SE, XLE, and the sportier XSE. The all-wheel drive LE starts at $26,370, while the XSE begins at $31,405. The all-wheel Avalon arrives this fall as a 2021 model year. Pricing and fuel economy figures will be announced closer to that time.

Both the all-wheel drive Camry and Avalon are only available in North America, and are assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky.

Emily Pruitt is fascinated by the current changes in the automotive industry, from electric cars and infrastructure, to fully autonomous vehicles. Outside of the automotive world, she can be found writing poetry or unraveling the latest mystery novel.

Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Original article: Toyota Camry & Avalon AWD: Nice Option But Do You Need It?

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Honda Building Advanced Wind Tunnel Facility In Ohio

Honda Building Advanced Wind Tunnel Facility In Ohio

Expect Honda’s future vehicles to be more fuel efficient and fun to drive – that’s the directive behind their latest $124 million investment for a multifunctional aeroacoustic wind tunnel. Groundbreaking is set for this summer at the world renowned Transportation Research Center (TRC), in East Liberty, Ohio.
“This new facility will further enhance our ability to efficiently create products of the highest quality for our customers,” said Frank Paluch, President of Honda R&D Americas, Inc.
Construction & Configuration
A five-belt rolling road system for production vehicle development will compliment a second, single/wide belt system for testing high-performance and purpose-built race cars. The acoustics are a strategic system of microphones and cameras, set up to measure and identify potential noise issues on both the exterior and interior of a vehicle during development.
Wind speeds of nearly 200 mph can be created in the tunnel.
“It will be integral to our aerodynamic and aeroacoustic R&D activity, which spans from advanced research and computer simulation, through scale-model and full vehicle development, to production vehicle performance assurance,” Paluch said.
2017 Honda Civic Hatchback. Photo: Honda North America.
Ohio Proud
Honda’s relationship with Ohio began in 1979 in Marysville with motorcycle production. Subsequently, Honda became the first Japanese automaker to establish automobile production in the United States at its nearby Marysville Auto Plant. An engine plant in Anna, Ohio and a second plant in East Liberty soon followed. A third facility, the Performance Manufacturing Center (Marysville) started the exclusive global production of the 2017 Acura NSX last year. Near the Ohio plants is Honda R&D Americas, the automaker’s largest R&D operating base outside Japan.
Since 1982, Honda has manufactured over 17 million automobiles in Ohio. Today, they operate 13 entities in the state.
Honda purchased TRC from the State of Ohio in January 1988. Specializing in research and vehicle testing, TRC sits on 4,500 acres about 40 miles outside Columbus, Ohio. TRC can and does operate around the clock, conducting brake, crash, durability, fuel economy, emissions, handling, and performance testing for multiple customers. Honda’s new aeroacoustic wind tunnel is expected to enhance TRC’s capability.
“This innovative and industry leading asset provides us with another distinct reason for our customers to take advantage of the world-class testing facilities we have in Ohio at TRC,” said Mark-Tami Hotta, President and CEO, TRC.
Paluch underscored Honda’s continued growth in Ohio.
“All of this is being done right here in the U.S.,” he said.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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2018 Audi Q5: An SUV With Advanced Tech, Great Gas Mileage

2018 Audi Q5: An SUV With Advanced Tech, Great Gas Mileage

SUVs are, and rightly so, thought of as being rather more than a given person needs most of the time, and are, at best, not the most fuel efficient vehicles on the planet. Yes, this is all by and large true, but comparatively speaking, the new for 2018 Audi Q5 is actually pretty good on gas. Sure, it’s no Prius, but in comparison to its competition, it actually gets good mileage.
We’ll get to how Audi does this in a bit, but before we do, look at where they fall with regard to the competition.
Fuel Economy Focused
The 2018 Audi Q5 gets 23 in the city, 27 on the highway, and 25 combined. Like I said, not sterling numbers, but not bad for something the size and weight of a mine sweeper. Look at the next best mid-sized SUV, the 2017 Lexus NX 200t AWD. The Lexus clocks in at 22 city, 28 highway, and 24 combined. That’s the next best, the silver medal, if you like. Want to know how bad it can get? Say hello to the 2017 Infiniti QX50 AWD. This tank returns 17 in the city, 24 on the highway, and a near-abysmal 20 combined.
Audi’s point is simply this: not all SUVs are gas swilling swine without capability for self-moderation. Audi gets its Q5 to return these (pretty good) numbers via the magical application of engineering, duh.
Literally Ultra
The Q5 achieves these fuel economy ratings (a +3 mpg improvement over its predecessor by the way) by using the new generation of quattro all-wheel drive, now with ultra technology. No, seriously. That’s how Audi says it. “Now with ultra technology” with the little Circle-R thingo and everything. It sounds like they’re selling laundry soap for starters, and I hate those Circle-R thingos, so I’ll simply refer to it as “ultra technology” from here on out but you can just imagine the rest.
Audi says the new quattro drive system with ultra technology is the most “radical evolution of quattro” since its introduction in the early 1980s. This all-conquering technology is what makes up the literally fearsome Quattro Coupe. Yes, I mean “literally fearsome.” Even with 500+ horsepower being delivered to the “pavement” through all four corners, the rally versions of the Quattro Coupe could snap on you like an inland taipan in a bad mood on the best of days.
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Pins, Levers & Springs
Audi’s ultra technology uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, along with a decoupling differential at the rear axle to accomplish fully variable torque distribution. This allows the Q5’s all-wheel drive system to precisely adapt the torque application as the driver demands or the road conditions require.
And by “demand” and “require,” Audi means “like right now, Jack!” Unlike other on-demand all-wheel drive systems that can be very slow to engage, quattro ultra technology works electromechanically, and can be fully employed in under 250 milliseconds. There’s a whole slew of pins, levers, springs, and such that engage and disengage the unique, front-multi plate clutch to split the grunt between the front and rear as required. A clutch at the rear connects and disconnects the prop shaft and rear differential for maximum efficiency, which is also cool, thoughtful, and probably very expensive to fix when it breaks.
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.

Sensors, Engines & Tech
The quattro ultra technology has sensors to monitor numerous situations, such as wheel slip, cornering speed, and engine torque. All of this sensor data is crunched by a computer running simulations every 10 milliseconds and estimating what traction will be like 500 milliseconds into the future. So, when the ultra system anticipates that torque will exceed available traction, it engages in half the time before it is even needed, with no perceptible difference from a traditional all-wheel drive system.
Pretty keen, huh?
The 2018 Audi Q5 features a new 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine, mated to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. This mill puts out 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. of torque, allowing the Q5 to dash from 0 to 60 in 5.9 seconds, 1.1 seconds faster than its predecessor.
There’s a bunch of other techno-glop lathered onto the Q5 with a number of standard driver assistance geegaws. You get Audi pre sense basic and city, as well as infotainment (loathsome word) features that include the Audi virtual cockpit to help make the driving experience more pleasant. In short, the Audi Q5 turns out to be a stylish, efficient option in the SUV game – the video below explains more.
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, Videos & Source: Audi of America, Inc.

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Toyota reveals new Prius One, making it the cheapest standard Prius available

Toyota reveals new Prius One, making it the cheapest standard Prius available Toyota originally started the latest Prius with the “Two” trim. Now, a “One” trim starts the lineup.

What’s going on?
It seems the hybrid wars are getting a bit of a boost. The once stalwart of the hybrid world, the Toyota Prius, has since seen competition from Hyundai with the Ioniq Hybird and the Kia Niro. To try and maintain its edge, Toyota just introduced a new entry-level variant to the standard Prius. It’s called the Prius “One,” and it rids any confusion as to why the Prius trim levels started at “Two.”
Click here for more news on the Toyota Prius.
Nonetheless, for those with OCD, it’s ok, you can relax now.
What’s new about the Prius “One?”
For one thing…no pun intended…the Prius One is the cheapest standard five-door Prius available. The Prius Two still starts at around $25,570. But now, buyers have another option to save some monies with the Prius One, which starts at $24,360. That makes out to be $1,210 in savings.
So what disappears as a result of the reduction in price? You get a Prius with no spare tire, rear windscreen wiper, or seatback pockets. Talk about a total loss…./sarcasm.
But value remains to be a hallmark for the Priu as Toyota’s Safety Sense P suite is still standard. That includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision warning and assist, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beams. That’s quite the standard list of technology for a basic fuel-saving Prius.
If this entices you, they’re now available at your local dealer.
– By: Chris Chin
2017 Toyota Prius Gallery

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2017 Shanghai Preview: The BMW M4 CS is a successor to previous M3 Competition Sport models

2017 Shanghai Preview: The BMW M4 CS is a successor to previous M3 Competition Sport models Meet the first-ever BMW M4 CS, a harder, more performance oriented variant to the standard M4.

What’s going on?
BMW revealed an all-new M4 CS at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show, a harder-edged M4 coupe that’s more biased to performance than comfort.
Munich claims the M4 CS is a first, but in concept, it is not. The M4 CS is only a first-ever because of the M4 badge. The idea of an M3 coupe–in this case, the M4–in a “Competition Sport” variant, is as old as the M3 is itself.
So, what’s new about the M4 CS?
Like previous M3 Competition Package cars, the BMW M4 Competition features =more aggressive tuning in various aspects of the car. However, it’s not as hardcore as the M4 GTS.
The body gains a sportier body kit for improved aerodynamic stability and cooling. The brakes get upgraded with fade-resistant M Compound pads, assisted by four-piston calibers up front and two-piston clamps at the back.
For instance, the M4 CS receives a lot of performance tuning for the DSC, ABS, Adaptive M Suspension, Active M Differential, and the M Servotronic steering and M DCT seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The 3.0L TwinPower twin-turbocharged inline-six receives some tweaks to coax out an additional 29 horsepower, ringing the total to 454hp. The transmission is fitted with an additional, separate oil cooler.
When all is said and done, BMW claims a 0-60 time of just 3.8 seconds and a Nürburgring Nordschleife lap of only 7 minutes 38 seconds.
The suspension benefits from revised forged aluminum to keep things light. The Adaptive M suspension also had its geometry slightly redesigned to optimize performance for both track and road use. And helping to keep things grippy are tandard Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, measuring at 265/35 R 19 at the front and 285/30 R 20 at the back.
Ok, enough chatting. When can I buy one?
BMW confirmed the M4 CS will come to the United States by 2018. Pricing details should surface closer to then.
– By: Chris Chin
2017 Auto Shanghai – 2018 BMW M4 CS Gallery

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Inside The Brembo Brakes On The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk & Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

Inside The Brembo Brakes On The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk & Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ horsepower binge was felt dramatically during the recent reveals of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and Dodge Challenger SRT Demon at the New York International Auto Show. Both vehicles boast 707 and 840 horsepower respectively. To keep that balanced, FCA has turned to Brembo SpA.
“Brembo is pleased to carry its relationship forward with FCA US on the next generation of performance vehicles with the new Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon,” said Dan Sandberg, President & CEO, Brembo North America.
Trackhawk Brakes
The calipers for the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk are newly engineered and more responsive, with high-strength aluminum components to reduce weight and dissipate heat. The aluminum composition of the fixed calipers allow a 30 percent weight reduction. The complete system consists of front aluminum 6-piston monoblock calipers and 4-piston rear calipers. The front Brembo discs are large two-piece units (400 x 36mm), complimented by one-piece units in the rear (350 x 28mm).
“The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk brake package is specifically designed to slow the 707 horsepower SUV while providing excellent pedal feel,” Sandberg said. “The caliper is the largest on a production vehicle in North America and looks as strong as it stops behind the Trackhawk’s 20-inch wheel.”
The brake pads are entirely free from copper, a first for a domestic vehicle. Further benefits come in terms of residual torque for lower emissions and fuel consumption; Brembo’s system adheres to California’s strict regulations.

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk front brakes. The front disc is slotted for proper ventilation and cooling; Brembo also increased the pad area by 20 percent. Photo: Brembo SpA.
Challenger SRT Demon Brakes
The unveiling of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon put the competition on notice. Dodge’s epitome of American muscle is currently the world’s fastest 0 to 60 production car, and officially banned by the National Hot Rod Association at the drag strip. Naturally, Brembo designed the brakes accordingly.
“On the Challenger SRT Demon, Brembo is able to brake the 840 horsepower muscle car from Dodge with maximum balance,” Sandberg said.
The Brembo setup on the Challenger SRT Demon includes front aluminum 4-piston monoblock calipers and two-piece rear calipers. The front discs are two-piece units (360 x 32mm), accompanied by one-piece units in the rear (350 x 28mm). While the Challenger SRT Demon’s brakes are engineered for optimum cooling and maximum performance, aesthetics were still considered.
“Our brakes help to accentuate the fiery performance look of the Challenger SRT Demon,” Sandberg said. “We offer great looking all-aluminum red calipers behind the five spoke wheels.”
2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Front Brakes. Photo: Brembo SpA.

Innovative Growth
Brembo has more than 300 championships in racing and that experience from the track carries over to the street. They supply high performance braking components for prominent manufacturers of cars, commercial vehicles, and motorbikes worldwide. These braking systems, which have performance benefits on the track, translate to safety benefits for the everyday driver. A responsive braking system is worth its weight in gold, especially on a performance-oriented vehicle.
Brembo operates in 15 countries on 3 continents, with 24 production and business sites, and a pool of about 8,000 employees, 10 percent of whom are engineers and product specialists active in research and development. Their Homer, Michigan location includes a foundry and facilities specific to rotor, caliper, and corner production. In 2016, car applications provided the most growth for Brembo, closing the year with a 12.3 percent increase compared to 2015. With vehicles like the Trackhawk and Demon hitting the market, it’s plausible that upward trend for Brembo will continue.
“All of our sectors of operation, from cars to motorbikes, from racing to aftermarket, have contributed to Brembo’s growth on both its reference markets and emerging markets, thanks to a well diversified, constantly evolving product portfolio,” said Matteo Tiraboschi, Executive Deputy Chairman, Brembo SpA.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Photos & Sources: Brembo SpA, FCA US LLC.

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2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet: The Comfortable Convertible

2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet: The Comfortable Convertible

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (that’s a convertible for those of you yokels out there) has always been a bit of a rare bird. Unlike most drop tops that are two-seaters, or two-seaters with a notional back seat (like Mustang or Camaro), the E-Class Cabriolet is a full on four-seater. Although it only has two doors, the back seat can actually accommodate two adults comfortably.
The E-Class Cabriolet debuted recently at the New York International Auto Show, just in time for spring, which means top-down convertible driving weather.
Fine Fabrics
The all-fabric cloth-top is a huge expanse of fabric, seemingly sourced from an America’s Cup yacht when viewed from a distance. Up close, however, you can see this is some very fine material indeed. Buyers of the new E-Class Cabriolet get their choice of four colors for the top: dark brown, dark blue, red, or black. The top is fully automatic, of course, because there’s no way Mercedes-Benz would expect you to do the work on your own. The top has so many square feet that wrestling the thing up and down, if it were a manual, would resemble a scene from The Three Stooges.
Functional Fabrics
Mercedes-Benz calls it an “acoustic soft top” because it features sophisticated insulation that reduces wind and road noise when the top is raised. A side benefit is how the soft-top is robust enough in terms of heat loss, meaning climate control and passenger comfort are not a problem so the Cabriolet is suitable for year-round use. Mercedes-Benz points out that up or down, the trunk is still usable. They say there’s enough space to store luggage for a weekend getaway, and the 50:50 folding rear seats provide a pass-through loading area for hauling longer stuff.
Compared to the previous version, the new E-Class Cabriolet has a longer wheelbase and a wider track. This larger footprint benefits rear seat passengers in particular. The rear seats are not a bench affair, but like the front seats are “sportily sculpted” for “individual-seat character.” Yeah, seriously, they said “sportily sculpted.” Oh, and the front seats have those automatic belt presenters that Mercedes-Benz has used for decades now, so you don’t have to contort yourself to reach the seatbelts.
2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (European model shown). Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.

Air In There
Now, about that option of top down driving even on colder days. Look, as a long time convertible owner, I am a big proponent of this in general. It’s a really nice feeling to take a little two-seater out for an early morning drive on a crisp fall day . . . but this is not a little two-seater. No, the E-Class Cabriolet is somewhere between taxi and tank sized from my perspective, not to mention that keeping back seat passengers from ending up like Creamsicles is a concern.
Mercedes-Benz, ever the thorough German engineering company, has sought to alleviate this.
First is this thingo called AIRSCARF, which is a neck-level heating system. Mercedes-Benz says it makes top-down driving enjoyable even at low temperatures by circulating warm air around the neck area in cooler weather. Actually it’s just a heater vent in the upper seat-back/headrest area to blast warm air onto your neck. People say it works quite well, although I would have to say it is not nearly as jaunty as my preferred method of a warm jacket, scarf, and appropriate hat, but that’s just me.
The AIRCAP system is an electric wind deflector unobtrusively incorporated into the roof frame and an electric wind blocker behind the rear seats. The driver hits a button, and the AIRCAP system deploys to reduce interior turbulence for the passengers.
Magic Words
There are also a number of additional features aimed at making the E-Class Cabriolet work in all seasons and weather conditions. The leather is something Mercedes-Benz dubs “heat-reflecting leather” to keep you cooler in direct sunlight. There’s this tech gizmo called (in all caps too) MAGIC VISION CONTROL. No, seriously, they call it MAGIC VISION CONTROL, and unlike what I first thought, it is not something that came free with every Grateful Dead concert ticket, circa 1973. No indeed, the MAGIC VISION CONTROL is an “intelligent and highly efficient wash/wipe system for the windscreen.” Essentially, when the outside temperature falls below a certain number of degrees, the windshield wiper/washer bits are heated to prevent snow or ice from sticking in winter.
That’s nice.
Lineup & Availability
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet joins a pretty wide range of convertibles already in the lineup, including the smart fortwo cabriolet, smart electric drive cabriolet, C-Class Cabriolet, S-Class Cabriolet, SLC, SL, and AMG GT Roadsters. There is also the ultra-exclusive, full-boat, luxo-battle-cruiser, Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet. The 2018 E-Class Cabriolet will go on sale in the United States later this year.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (European model shown). Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.
Photos & Source: Mercedes-Benz USA

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2017 Shanghai Preview: The Chevrolet FNR-X Concept provides a glimpse into future model designs

2017 Shanghai Preview: The Chevrolet FNR-X Concept provides a glimpse into future model designs Chevrolet introduces a new crossover concept that could be anything for the Chinese market.

What’s going on?
On the complete opposite side of the planet in China is the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show, just as we exit the 2017 New York International Auto Show. That said, some new cars and concepts did make their debut, mainly in the Chinese market. This latest one is the Chevrolet FNR-X Concept Vehicle.
At first, it looks like a slick and handsome take on a sleek compact crossover. But Chevrolet says it’s not quite exactly that….
So…what is it then?
“The Chevrolet-FNR is one of Chevrolet’s most forward-thinking concept cars, truly exemplifying the brand’s passion for innovation and ingenuity,” said Alan Batey, GM’s executive vice president of GM North America and Chevy worldwide. “The FNR-X builds on the design and technology showcased on the original FNR concept and embodies the belief at Chevrolet’s core that anything is possible.”
In Chevy’s words, the FNR-X is more of a design concept, previewing styling cues and other visual elements that will eventually show up in future models. This also leaves ambiguity for the FNR-X itself may or may not reach production in its current form.
Either way, the design concept is very attractive and handsome for a crossover. In fact, if the next-generation Chevrolet Trax resembled anything like the FNR-X Concept, they would get some pretty high scores in the aesthetics department for sure.
What else is cool about the FNR-X Concept?
The FNR-X Concept features active bodywork to improve aerodynamics during high-speed driving. It works in tandem with the suspension modes and the driver-selectable profiles available for choosing.
Powering the FNR-X is a plug-in gas-electric hybrid powertrain. Like most plug-in hybrids today, can switch in between gas and electric propulsion, or all-electric propulsion.
– By: Chris Chin
2017 Auto Shanghai – Chevrolet FNR-X Concept Photo Gallery

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Letter From The UK: Blast From The Past

Letter From The UK: Blast From The Past

It is a truth universally acknowledged that the more companies talk about the quality of their customer service, the worse it gets. The bigger the organization the worse it gets, and so on. Beyond that is the absolute nadir of customer service that currently is a long established airline company whose name, like the Dark Lord’s, is not mentioned in polite circles.
It was not always like this. Once upon a time, shops and trades and businesses were local and the customer knew with whom they were dealing. Customer service was not spoken of because it was expected and given automatically.
Staff were helpful, polite, and above all, were allowed to use their common sense. You don’t get that out of a company manual.
Too Much Complexity
To be fair, the retail car industry hasn’t really fallen into that trap, although there is a sense of sales staff performing rather than serving. In such a cut-throat business, the need to stay on top of one’s game is obviously paramount. Customer service in car dealerships is usually excellent, if a little slick. What has changed for the worst though is cost. The complexity of modern cars and, for the most part, the total inability of the average customer to fix them at home means expensive garage bills when even the slightest thing goes wrong. The car makers know this.
Well, according to an admittedly dusty and neglected four-year old report I came across, the public are beginning to question the need for more and more superfluous gadgets and unnecessary extras on cars, which simply add to the expense and complexity. Over 70% of drivers, the report states, would happily do without an electronic parking brake or electrically adjustable seats, for example. They prefer to be connected to the road rather than the World Wide Web. Car makers have built themselves into a corner. They’ve nowhere to go to make their product better than the next showroom, except by the practice of adding more and more trinkets and geegaws.
The result of this is that customers are saving money by selecting smaller, less well featured models, like basic city cars, and sales of these have risen exponentially. Here in the UK, there are many sightings of the Dacia Sandero, Europe’s cheapest car, and the thing is, it isn’t at all bad.
But isn’t all this new car business just a bit tedious? Slick servers, boring vehicles, manufactured customer service; please choose from the following twenty-seven options, your call is important to us so we’ll keep you hanging on until hell freezes over and so on. Where’s the fun and what used to be known as the joy of motoring? Where’s the real customer service?
Photo: Classic Trader.
Going Back In Time
There is a way to travel back in time to an era when the words “customer service” actually meant something, and cars were simple to fix. Buy a classic car. In your heart of hearts you know this to be true. Anyone who buys a classic is obviously going to be hated by the monomaniacal lobby who demand, not unlike themselves, that cars emit nothing more than hot air, but this has to be balanced against the pleasure of driving old school.
There are plenty of classic cars to choose from and they don’t all break auction records. In Europe, a recent top ten list is dominated by Porsche with four different classic 911s featured in the top ten, two of which stand at the top of the rankings. Sure, these, and the evergreen Jaguar E-Type are a little costly but the list also includes the Fiat 500 and the old Alfa Romeo Guilia. In the United States, the classic cars are maybe different but the same principles apply.
Photo: Classic Trader.

Clubs & Specialists
Classic supercars are clearly beyond the reach of the average Joe but here in the UK for example, enthusiasts fettle all manner of older cars. Remember, classic cars don’t have to come from the dim and distant past; the cars of the nineties and around the millennium can be purchased reasonably, cheaply, and with no expensive garage bills lurking over the horizon.
For the mechanically uninitiated, there are friendly owner clubs and specialists in vehicle servicing and sales. A good independent garage with a skilled staff can usually help, and almost certainly at a fairer price than most main dealerships.
It really is possible to enjoy simple, no frills motoring in a car that, despite its age, is entirely capable of providing good daily service. Investing in a classic means more than just buying an old banger and hoping for the best. For a start, you’ll be ahead of the game. They are devoid of all the usual extras routinely found on a modern car. They are simply engineered and straightforward to fix, so even if you have to take it to a specialist, it still shouldn’t cost the earth to repair.
People seem to be routinely surprised that these cars keep going, but the fact is there exist many enthusiastic club collectors and professional suppliers who seem to be able to source classic car parts at will. What’s more, they will have true motor knowledge and you will receive good customer care without it ever being mentioned once. Classic car owners must stand, if I may use the word, united.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite
Cover Photo: AutoFarm

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