Automotive

2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray: The Right Design (Still Looks Like A Vette)

2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray: The Right Design (Still Looks Like A Vette) The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is the first mid-engine Vette in history.
With an LT2 Small Block V8, the new Stingray is the fastest entry-level Vette ever.
Prior to its on-sale date, the performance car will embark on a cross-country tour.
In a bunch of ways, how a Corvette looks is more important than nearly anything else about the car. Corvette fans are amazingly picky about this, and if it doesn’t “look like a Vette” they would most likely riot. Moving the engine from the front to the middle causes all sorts of design re-dos and re-thinks, so GM had to pull off a huge task here. And it looks like they succeeded with the 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray.
If anything, the Vette’s biggest design failing (and it’s not much of one) is that it looks like a mid-engine supercar. But given the demands of engineering, packaging, and aerodynamics, that was bound to happen anyway.
2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray: Bold & Futuristic
Chevy says the 2020 Corvette Stingray is a “bold, futuristic expression with mid-engine exotic proportions, but it is still unmistakably Corvette.” And they’re right. The front end, the tail, and even the overall stance all say Vette to my eyes. It just looks like a Vette with the greenhouse moved further forward. Chevy also says it’s “lean and muscular, with an athletic sculptural shape conveying a sense of motion and power from every angle.” I’m not going to argue with that either. The description is, however, kind of childish and outré and lacking in the subtle elegance and grace you’d find in Italian supercars. But alas, not everyone is Pininfarina.
Still, the 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray looks pretty durn good.
With the engine truly being the focal point for the car’s design, it sits like a jewel in a showcase, visible through the large rear hatch window. No, not an innovation, but a nice design touch nonetheless. Chevy paid close attention to the details, even the very appearance of every wire, tube, bolt, and fastener. The overall level of craftsmanship is way up.
2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray. Photo: Chevrolet.
Noteworthy Touches
Some other noteworthy design features include the low profile headlamps; the completely-hidden door, hood, and hatch releases (a nice touch); and the massive side air intakes for cooling and aerodynamic performance. The large rear hatch, with its seven air vents, showcases the LT2 Small Block V8. The quad exhaust tips are pushed to the Vette’s outboard ends. Finally, the LED taillamps have “animated” turn signals.
Although the canopy of the 2020 Corvette Stingray is pushed farther forward, the rest of the car, such as the face, maintains the traditional Corvette signature. There’s also that classic horizontal crease and the familiar positioning of the headlamps. Designers were even able to create 12.6 cubic feet of cargo volume with the dual trunks, enough for some luggage or two sets of golf clubs
Related: The 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray is the everyday supercar.
2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray: Interior Layout
The interior also gets the treatment with a cockpit that has traveled forward by 16.5 inches. Corvette designers wanted something that would simultaneously envelop the driver, while still conveying the exterior’s high-performance character. The climate controls, for example, are vertical while the vents are razor-thin to minimize the overall height of the instrument panel. The steering wheel is a squared-off, two-spoke, small-diameter job that gives drivers a better view of the 12-inch reconfigurable cluster display. Some people dislike it, but it looks okay to me.
And a big round of applause for how the bean counters were kept at bay, as the build quality appears exceptionally high as does the number of premium materials. All the leather is hand-wrapped and hand cut-and-sewn with thick-press stitching. Real metal, not plastic adorns the interior. The speaker grilles, for example, for the Bose audio system are stainless steel; the trim on the GT2 and Competition Sport Seats is real carbon fiber. And you get your choice of either real aluminum or real carbon fiber for the console and door trim plates.
2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray interior layout. Photo: Chevrolet.
Jump In, Sit Down, Hang On!
And finally, your butt. You get to plant it in one of three seat options. The GT1 seat emphasizes comfort while providing good support for those performance driving situations. It features Mulan leather and an optional two-way lumbar support and wing adjustment. GT2 seats (a first for Corvette) have a racing-inspired look with Chevy’s dual density foam to help add comfort to any longer road trips you plan to take. Carbon fiber trim is included along with a Napa leather insert, Mulan leather bolsters, two-way lumbar support and wing adjustment, plus heating and ventilation.
Finally there is the Competition Sport seat option. This is for the serious, track-focused driver. You know, us gearheads! There are more aggressive bolsters, full-on Napa leather, heating and ventilation, and carbon fiber trim on the headrest.
Torsional rigidity improves with the 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray, allowing for better performance be it on the track or open road. Photo: Chevrolet.
Corvette Visualizer

Production of the 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray begins at Bowling Green Assembly later this year. Additional pricing and packaging information will be available closer to launch. When it hits the market, the new Stingray will come in 12 exterior colors; offer six interior color themes and seat belt colors, with two optional stitching packages. If you simply cannot wait, a new digital tool, the Corvette Visualizer, lets you design your dream mid-engine Vette in vivid detail.

Nationwide Tour
The 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray will embark on a cross-country dealership tour leading up to its on-sale date. Corvette specialists, along with the vehicle and numerous other displays, will stop at over 125 dealerships nationwide, as well as major consumer events.
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. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray Gallery

Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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New Interactive Game Highlights The Dangers of Distracted Driving

New Interactive Game Highlights The Dangers of Distracted Driving Research finds that distracted driving is one of the top causes of accidents worldwide.
Kwik Fit’s interactive Driven To Distraction game shows just how dangerous it can be.
The new game tests your traffic and safety knowledge, along with your reaction time.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving accounted for 3,166 deaths in the United States in 2017. Distracted driving is anything that takes your attention from the road, although it’s most commonly associated with smartphone usage. NHTSA finds that sending or reading a text takes approximately five seconds, enough to travel the length of a football field at 55 mph. With the average speed limits of U.S. states being well over 55 mph, it makes distracted driving all that more dangerous.
A new, interactive game from Kwik Fit, a leading automotive service provider in the United Kingdom, highlights the dangers of distracted driving. Like in the U.S., distracted driving is also a concern in the UK. The Department for Transport finds the number of vehicle fatalities caused by smartphone usage is on the rise. Officials and safety advocates describe the latest statistics as a wake-up call.
Disclosure: This article is sponsored by and done in collaboration with Kwik Fit. For more information, please review our advertising guidelines.
Driven To Distraction
Kwik Fit’s Driven To Distraction game tests your road knowledge and your reaction time. The object is to read a text message in the form of a question, and respond with the correct answer; all while looking out for STOP signs. There are three levels: Easy, Medium, and Hard with the car moving quicker and the questions becoming increasingly harder with each level. The questions deal with the rules of the road, and although they are not more than a sentence long, it’s easy to miss the STOP signs. Kwik Fit developed the game to bring attention to the dangers of distracted driving.
Kwik Fit’s Driven To Distraction game tests your knowledge of the road while also testing your reaction time.
Tougher Than We Realized
The question “What should the left-hand lane of a motorway be used for?” we did not answer fast enough, despite it being a relatively easy one. In fact, we could hardly read the multiple choice answers! We quickly clicked our mouse when we caught the STOP sign, avoiding the question entirely. However, we were still 0.190 seconds slower while using the phone, despite abandoning the question. According to Kwik Fit’s Driven To Distraction game, at 30 mph, this would have taken us nearly nine additional feet to stop. That may not sound like a lot, but it can be the difference between life and death.
At one point, we missed the STOP sign by more than three seconds because of looking at the phone. As a result, we traveled over 150 feet past where we needed to stop! We’ve included the screenshot below.
Related: Distracted driving kills and it’s a worldwide problem.
How To Play
Begin by concentrating as the car is moving; when you see the STOP sign, click on the screen. On the next round, a phone will appear obstructing your view. A question about road safety and/or traffic laws will come up; read it carefully and select the right answer. Try to get as many correct as you can, but click the mouse when you see a STOP sign.
Kwik Fit’s Driven To Distraction game records your time on reach round. You can play with your friends at the office to see who has the best reaction times. On your way home, remember to buckle up and drive defensively. Place your phone in the center console or out of reach so don’t look at it while driving.

About Kwik Fit
Kwik Fit opened their first location in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1971 and now operate over 600 service centers across the UK, including Northern Ireland. The company offers an extensive range of automotive parts and repairs, including tires, brakes, exhaust work, MOT testing, and air conditioning recharges. Kwik Fit is one of the UK’s top tire suppliers, carrying some of the world’s most recognizable brands like Pirelli, Goodyear, Michelin, Continental, and Dunlop. Kwik Fit’s Master Technicians are highly-skilled, and complete one of the most in-depth and comprehensive training programs in the industry.

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CARCHEX vs. Endurance Extended Warranty (2019 Review)

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

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

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

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

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Cadillac To Expand Super Cruise & Other Vehicle-To-Vehicle Communications Systems

Cadillac To Expand Super Cruise & Other Vehicle-To-Vehicle Communications Systems Cadillac is planning to make Super Cruise available on all models beginning in 2020, with other GM brands to follow after that time. Cadillac’s Super Cruise feature can automatically steer, brake, and keep the vehicle positioned on the highway in certain, optimal conditions. The automaker is also planning to offer V2X communications in a high-volume crossover by 2023, and eventually expand that technology across the product range.
Market Position
With the broader implementation of these technologies, GM believes they can better serve consumers in the future.
“The expansion of Super Cruise and V2X communications technology demonstrates Cadillac’s commitment to innovation, and to making customers’ lives better,” explained Mark Reuss, GM Executive Vice President of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “GM is just as committed to ushering in a new era of personal transportation, and technologies like these will enable it.”
“Cadillac is proud to be the leader for the company’s innovation,” added Steve Carlisle, Cadillac President.
Photo: Cadillac.
Super Cruise Features
Super Cruise uses high precision LiDAR map and GPS data, an advanced driver attention system, and a network of camera and radar sensors. Cadillac says customers can drive hands-free on more than 130,000 miles of limited-access freeways in the United States and Canada, provided they have an active OnStar plan with emergency services.
“The driver attention system helps to keep drivers engaged and detects when drivers need to pay more attention to the road,” reads a statement from the automaker. “Even while using Super Cruise, drivers must always pay attention and not use a handheld device.”
Expanding Technology
Cadillac introduced vehicle-to-vehicle communications on the CTS sedan last year, which uses Dedicated Short-Range Communications technology. With a range of nearly 1,000 feet, drivers can be alerted to possible threats in time to avoid a collision. V2X compatible vehicles can decipher hazardous road conditions, traffic light statuses, and upcoming work zones among other things.
V2X technology can also be expanded to help protect roadway users including cyclists and pedestrians.
“Groundbreaking technologies like these continue to provide unparalleled comfort and convenience for our customers,” Carlisle said.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Cadillac.

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2019 Audi Q8: A Brief Walk Around

2019 Audi Q8: A Brief Walk Around The 2019 Audi Q8 recently made its debut at the Audi Brand Summit in Shenzhen, China. The automaker says the five-passenger SUV will offer advanced connectivity, infotainment and driver assistance systems, and solid on-road capability. The Q8 will serve as the flagship SUV for Audi, who delivered nearly two million vehicles globally last year.
Technology & Connectivity
The MMI operating system utilizes haptic and acoustic feedback that should be fairly easy to acclimate to. Similar to a smartphone, drivers will hear and feel a “click” when they activate a particular function. The MMI system can be personalized with configurable and movable “favorites” buttons.
A natural-language feature means drivers can speak various requests: “I’m hungry,” for example, will prompt the Q8 to search for and suggest nearby eateries.
Those commuting on a daily basis will appreciate the 2019 Audi Q8’s wireless phone charging and Bang & Olufsen stereo.
Styling & Design
The 2019 Audi Q8 represents a new direction for the automaker with regard to SUV design. Exterior highlights include the Singleframe, octagon grille, contoured air inlets, sloping roofline, and “gently inclined” D-pillars.
On the inside, Audi promises plenty of cargo and passenger room as the Q8 is wider and lower than the Q7.
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Driving Dynamics
Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel drive technology (no surprise) will be a mainstay of the new Q8. With a mechanical center differential, the Q8 runs a normal power split of 40:60, but when necessary, can divert a substantial amount of power to the axle with the most traction.
An adaptive damping suspension is standard but an air suspension with different drive modes is available.
A range of engines is likely but Audi did not confirm anything specific in their press materials.
Pricing & Availability
Some reports say the 2019 Audi Q8 will be available in Europe toward the end of this year, with the United States market to follow early next year. Other reports say the vehicle will arrive in the U.S. as soon as this fall.
Audi did not officially disclose the release dates or pricing on the 2019 Audi Q8.
They did, however, provide us with this short and informative video on what inspired the new Q8’s design.
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.

2019 Audi Q8 Gallery

Photos, Video & Source: Audi of America, Inc.

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This LEGO McLaren 720S Is Just Plain Cool!

This LEGO McLaren 720S Is Just Plain Cool! A full-size LEGO McLaren 720S is now on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California. The 1:1 scale model was completed this past Saturday (June 2nd) when the final orange bricks were attached thanks to the help of museum volunteers.
The full-scale model will be displayed through August 19th as part of an interactive exhibit where attendees can customize their own LEGO McLaren via an iPad app. The customization app includes racing stripes, flames, checkered flags, license plates, and other backgrounds.
Attendees can also add their name and print a custom sticker of the car they designed.
Photo: McLaren Automotive.
Attention To Detail
McLaren Automotive worked with the only certified group of professional LEGO builders in the United Kingdom for the project. The group provided in-depth engineering and vehicle CAD data in order to bring the LEGO model to life. Complete with a steel frame, the LEGO McLaren 720S consists of more than 280,000 pieces, tipping the scales at 3,200 lbs.
By comparison, the road-going 720S’s dry weight is 2,828 lbs.
It took a team of six working for over 2,000 hours to complete the project by hand. Builders even included the new Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and corresponding graphics found on the road-going version.
In Person
The Petersen Automotive Museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Boulevard (at Fairfax) in Los Angeles, California, 90036. General admission prices are $16 for adults, $13 for seniors and students, and $8 for children ages three to 12. Active military, personal care attendants, and children under three are admitted for free.
The Petersen’s Discovery Center will also host daily access to race ramps and build tables for museum attendees who want to build their own LEGO race cars.
The McLaren 720S has a starting MSRP of $284,745. The LEGO Speed Champions McLaren 720S miniature set will be available in the Petersen Store for slightly less than that.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: McLaren Automotive.

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

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

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

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Automoblog Book Garage: The Complete Book of Porsche 911

Automoblog Book Garage: The Complete Book of Porsche 911 Porsche fans will appreciate this insightful book packed full of wonderful photos.
Author Randy Leffingwell takes us through the history of Stuttgart’s most famous car.
Our Book Garage series showcases what every gearhead and enthusiast should add to their library.
Icon is a word thrown around all to easily these days. You find undeserving people in the music business baptized icons, half-baked actors christened icons and, as far as we’re concerned, souped-up econo-boxes now dubbed automotive icons. It dilutes the word if you overuse it like that. People call the Porsche 911 an icon, and in this case, they are 100 percent right. And in case you doubt it, you should pick up and read Randy Leffingwell’s tome, The Complete Book of Porsche 911: Every Model Since 1964.
A Big Bundle of Porsche Goodness
I live in an old house, a church, actually, that was built in 1906. One of the more distinguishing features, besides being church-shaped and having the dry-wood combustibility of a box of matches, is the front door. It’s this huge, red-painted oak situation supported by iron hinges most likely sourced from Minas Tirith. The whole thing must weigh as much as a VW Jetta being it’s four inches thick. It is, to use the parlance, impressive. It pivots open on iron hinges with a creaking and groaning and cracking of reports like something out of a vintage horror movie.
But the other day it didn’t.
I was going to do something prosaic like buy milk and when I went to open the door; it made it about 10 inches then softly thudded to a stop. I took another run at it, and again it softly thudded to a stop. I could just fit my head out to see what was up, and there was this huge yellow-padded envelope. Whatever resided within had enough weight and mass to stop the door like a wedged battle ax.
“The heck is that?” I mumbled to myself as I walked to the far side of the place, using a different door to leave. I got to the front, hefted the package up (thought it might contain a manhole cover), and tore it open to find a new copy of Leffingwell’s, The Complete Book of Porsche 911 – Every Model Since 1964. This is what was blocking my door. It’s not exactly a big book either at 345 pages. All I can think of is that its mass is down to the quality of the paper.
And the quality of the content.
The Complete Book of Porsche 911, Page 232. Photo: Randy Leffingwell.
Visual Delight
Everything about this book is well-thought-out and beautifully executed. From the inner front cover, which is done up in the same psychedelic warped checkerboard pattern that graced the seats of late 60s Porsches, to the carbon fiber style end cover. Visually speaking, the book’s two covers alone give you an idea of the framework within. Sprawling across the intervening pages is a well-told and very well-photographed story of a true automotive icon: The Porsche 911.
Most of the early photographs have this wonderful palladium tone to their black and white printing. At first I thought they were vintage shots from back in the day, then I realized there were modern buildings in the background. Apart from the occasional credit to a specific photographer or to Porsche Press, Leffingwell himself did the bulk of the shooting here. Bravo!
Related: Porsche versus the S&P: Can this classic sports car top the stock market?
From The Top
The photography follows, in part, because Leffingwell is best known as a shooter, although his writing is pretty durn good too. He starts further back; a little bit before the actual beginning of the 911, covering “Predecessors and Prototypes, 1948 – 1965” in the introduction. So stuff like 356s and speedsters and Gmund coupes lay the foundation for the glories to come. The 911 was a wickedly-simple and Germanic answer to a very basic question: How can we make the 356 better?
The answer, as any Porsche fan worth their sense of superiority can tell you, was this. Ditch the VW Bug floor plan, ditch the VW four-banger, start with a clean sheet of paper but use the same basic layout. The fundamentals that made the 356 such a blast to begin with should work here. Lightweight and low center of gravity; lose the agricultural suspension for a higher-tech torsion bar setup and, most importantly, keep the engine hanging out back.
The Complete Book of Porsche 911, Page 69. Photo: Randy Leffingwell.
50 lbs. of Pig Iron
Yes, like all other lovers of the 911, Leffingwell more or less glosses over that putting the engine way back there leads to some handling issues and deficiencies. I’m sorry, I should say “frightening handling quirks” that make 911s (especially the first generation) near deathtraps in hard cornering situations. Did you know that for the first 150 or so 911s, Porsche resorted to the quick “solution” of welding 50 lbs. ingots of pig iron to the front? They did. And it sort of helped, but that right there is evidence Zuffenhausen knew from the get-go that 90 percent of the time, these things were fantastic; and for the remaining 10 percent, they had handling issues.
But who cares!?
That’s one of the things that makes 911s, even modern ones, such a blast to drive. They’re really quick, stop like you wouldn’t believe, and every so often, you’re just hanging on for dear life. Leffingwell traces this throughout the entire history of the 911 across 10 well-researched, well-written, and very well-photographed chapters. The chapters roughly correspond to each of the eight generations of the 911, with the second gen cars of 1978 to 1989 getting two chapters.
The Complete Book of Porsche 911, Page 341. Photo: Porsche Press.
Quick At Heart
Racing? Yes, of course there’s racing. How could you write a book about the 911 and not mention how these guys were killer-fast right out of the crate. Beyond that, modifying them into 930s and 935s and such turned them into high-power mutants nearly impossible to catch or stay with, let alone beat. Half-mad tuners like Ruf get some cool shots and turns of the phrase. Every model gets a nifty data sidebar so you can see weight and dates and torque figures and all that stuff.
It would be easy, given the size and heft of The Complete Book of Porsche 911, to dismiss it as “just a coffee table book” but it is far from that. As wonderfully complete as it is photographed, it makes a fine addition to any gearhead’s library, even if you’re not that into 911s. If you are (and most of us are) it’s simply a must-have on its own.
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. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
The Complete Book of Porsche 911 by Randy Leffingwell
Series: Complete Book Series
Hardcover: 328 pages
Publisher: Motorbooks; Revised edition (October 9th, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0760349800
ISBN-13: 978-0760349809
Product Dimensions: 10 x 1.2 x 11.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 4.2 lbs.
Price at the time of this writing: $19.99 (Kindle) or $49.95 (Hardcover) on Amazon.
About The Author
Randy Leffingwell wrote his first book, American Muscle, in 1989 while still on staff at the Los Angeles Times. Since then, he has authored another 47 titles for Motorbooks and its sister publisher Voyageur Press. Leffingwell is considered one of the top automotive historians today, and enjoys a close working relationship with a number of manufacturers. He lives in Santa Barbara, California.
The Complete Book of Porsche 911 Gallery

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