Automotive

2018 Honda Accord To Debut In Detroit

2018 Honda Accord To Debut In Detroit

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

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2018 Hyundai Elantra Trim Levels Expand

2018 Hyundai Elantra Trim Levels Expand

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

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

Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.

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Long-term Review: Starting a life with the Mazda Miata

Long-term Review: Starting a life with the Mazda Miata This Mazda MX-5 Miata is my only car, but it’s not that simple.

I woke up yesterday and wafted my Volvo C30 150 miles south to trade it for a 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club in Soul Red with the Brembo/BBS package. In English, I traded a car for what a lot of people think of as a tent for people with no kids.
By grabbing a Miata instead of a Toyota Camry, or even a hot hatch, I’m voting with my wallet—to breath life back into the small car market. Apart from the Miata/’Fiata, the world is my oyster if I only want to pick two of the following: Small, light, rear-drive, new, inexpensive, convertible, non-pretentious, three pedals. So what happened?

First, let’s bench race the Mazda Miata.
Mazda is a fairly young company in some ways. After being sold off from Ford, Mazda is left in a place that is a touch like BMW was in the late 1960s: not much cash, something slightly less than a bomb-proof reputation, and a handful of relatively affordable cars that offer the driver more than whatever the segment leader might be. Mazda’s styling has been on the awesome side of experimental.
On paper, the Club trim level comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox, Bilstein shocks, and a limited slip differential. 60 miles per hour happens in just under six seconds and the top speed is less than most station wagons. Mazda was obsessive about weight savings, and that’s part of what makes this car so special in today’s market of safety, and emissions regulations and anticipated levels of equipment. 2,300 lbs is a virtually unobtainable statistic for new cars available in the US today.

I’m making this sacrifice for science.
When I’m not shooting and writing about cars, I work in an office. I live in a sparsely populated area; my 20-mile commute includes an elevation change with many low-speed S-curves. The small-car culture here thrives and hosts the largest British car event on the continent. The state agency of transportation maintains publicly available interactive maps that track the quality of the pavement, the last time it was swept for debris, and if there’s even a drop of snow, where each state plow is.

All of the above is true, but there’s a snag: I’m living the same place I’ve lived and driven daily for over a decade: Vermont.
By the way, I’m an avid backcountry skier, hiker, and photographer. Now, every box has been ticked—landing me in crossover territory. Over the next year, I’ll wear this car, collect data on the joys, the monetary costs, and the sacrifices to advise you, the reader, of the slurry of brilliance and idiocy that befalls a year-round Miata driver in the rustbelt.

One day in, what’s it like?
This is a momentum car, that, like the ‘Subota is not set up out of the box to rip your face off in the corners—it’s meant to put a smile on your face instead. Which it does. Given the wind noise, 50 mph feels like a million, and the exhaust note and intake noise are genuinely satisfying in a number of ways. The car feels quite a bit faster than it really is—something many modern enthusiast-level road cars fail at. I’m thinking and feeling a bit more through corners that my C30 would have me snoring through at the same speed. I no longer feel like a passenger.
Yesterday brought endless sunshine and and 85 degrees, and today, the roads are flooding—still, I’m pretty compelled by this experiment. I’ll let you know how it goes.

-By: Sawyer Sutton
© All images copyright Sawyer Sutton/egmCarTech
The post Long-term Review: Starting a life with the Mazda Miata appeared first on egmCarTech.

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Volvo Inaugurates First U.S. Manufacturing Plant, Doubles Down On Environmental Initiatives

Volvo Inaugurates First U.S. Manufacturing Plant, Doubles Down On Environmental Initiatives Volvo has inaugurated their first manufacturing plant in the United States, a new state-of-the-art production facility in Charleston, South Carolina. The plant is central for Volvo’s “Build Where You Sell” strategy, establishing a manufacturing presence in all three of the company’s major sales regions. Volvo says the new South Carolina facility nicely compliments the company’s three European plants – two manufacturing, one engine – plus three factories and an engine plant in China, and assembly plants in India and Malaysia.
“The opening of our first American factory is a very big deal,” said Anders Gustafsson, President and CEO, Volvo Car USA. “Our U.S. business is developing well, our cars have won prestigious awards, and the new South Carolina facility will be a big asset to both Volvo Cars and the community.”
Home Team
Volvo Cars is investing over a billion dollars in the South Carolina plant to create 4,000 new jobs during the coming years. The site includes an office building for up to 300 staff from R&D, purchasing, quality, and sales. Approximately 1,500 will be employed by the end of this year, just as production of the new S60 is beginning. The plant can produce 150,000 cars per year at full capacity.
“The Charleston plant establishes the U.S. as our third home market,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive, Volvo Cars. “The sedan segment and the SPA platform’s proven ability to boost profitability offer significant growth opportunities for Volvo Cars in the U.S. and globally.”
Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Environmental Focus
Volvo also wants at least 25 percent of the plastic used in every new model to come via recycled material from 2025 onward. Volvo has already unveiled a specially-built version of the XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid that looks identical to the current model, but has several of its plastic components replaced with recycled materials.
The vehicle’s interior has a tunnel console made from renewable fibres, plastics from discarded fishing nets, and maritime ropes. The carpet contains fibers made from PET plastic bottles and a recycled cotton mix from clothing manufacturers’ off-cuts. The seats also use PET fibers from plastic bottles; seats from old Volvo cars were even re-purposed for sound-absorbing material.
“Environmental care is one of Volvo’s core values and we will continue to find new ways to bring this into our business,” Samuelsson said. “This car and our recycled plastics ambition are further examples of that commitment.”
This purpose-built XC60 contains a number of recycled components. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Collaborative Effort
Volvo is urging suppliers to work closely with automakers to develop a more sustainable approach to manufacturing.
“We already work with some great, forward-thinking suppliers when it comes to sustainability,” explained Martina Buchhauser, Senior Vice President of Global Procurement, Volvo Cars. “However, we do need increased availability of recycled plastics if we are to make our ambition a reality.”
Volvo is also pushing for climate-neutral operations by 2025, and in January, the engine plant in Skövde, Sweden became the company’s first such facility.
“That is why we call on even more suppliers and new partners to join us in investing in recycled plastics and to help us realize our ambition,” Buchhauser added.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Volvo’s South Carolina Plant Gallery

Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group.

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AutoSens Returns To Brussels, Belgium With Robust Agenda Focused On Autonomous Driving

AutoSens Returns To Brussels, Belgium With Robust Agenda Focused On Autonomous Driving Fresh off a successful Detroit conference in May, AutoSens, a global summit on automated driving, is returning to Brussels, Belgium in September. Organizers have announced the agenda for the event which includes over 60 different sessions meant to facilitate meaningful dialogue on the topic of autonomous cars.
“The challenge of the automotive industry is to design computers and robots that can perform tasks better than humans can, while also causing minimal disruption to a system that will include human driven vehicles for many decades to come,” explained AutoSens founder Robert Stead. “It’s no easy task.”
Collaboration & Communication
AutoSens covers nearly every aspect of autonomous driving, from the supply chain, infrastructure, and engineering challenges, to legal, financial, and ethical considerations. Attendees, speakers, sponsors, and participants are encouraged to leverage each other’s expertise during the event, which takes aim at the biggest challenges facing autonomous cars. Collaboration and creativity are the central themes of AutoSens, whereby professionals in the field are encouraged to share ideas and devise solutions to the obstacles facing autonomous driving.
“This is a fiercely competitive market, but all companies can benefit from a forum with a free exchange of ideas,” Stead told us earlier this year. “Of course people don’t come and give away all their trade secrets, but so often engineers across the supply chain are facing similar challenges, and by working together to solve some of those core problems, they can spend more time focusing on the real value-add IP at the cutting edge of research.”
“I would say the biggest challenge for people is trying to understand the different technologies,” said Phil Magney, Founder and Principal Advisor, VSI Labs, during AutoSens Detroit in May. “This conference has been good for us because we meet like-minded people that are facing similar challenges; we talk, we exchange our views, and we learn from each other.”
Dataspeed Founder Paul Fleck (black shirt, jacket, middle) talks with AutoSens Detroit attendees in May. Dataspeed showcased the company’s ADAS Kit which helps engineers maximize their development of autonomous systems in the field. Photo: Alex Hartman for Sense Media.
For Engineers, By Engineers
Organizers say they are focused on the technical integrity of the conference, making sure attendees have an accurate picture of what is going on the market. In other words, there are no sales pitches or slides; “for engineers, by engineers” is the approach organizers take, and it can be seen in every aspect of the conference, from the autonomous vehicle demonstrations, to the expert panel of speakers.
“AutoSens brings together engineering minds in a way incomparable with other events this this sector,” Stead said. “A real sense of community is what makes it tick. You’ll find the attendees, even if they are doing research on a niche technical area, will be very open to explain what it’s all about to those who are not so experienced.”
AutoSens Brussels 2018 will include keynotes from Professor Christoph Stiller, KIT, on Solutions and Open Challenges in Vehicular Perception, Professor Michael Watts, MIT, with a review of the latest research in photonics-sensor technologies as they relate to the automotive sector, and Jack Weast, Intel, on sharing an Open, Transparent, Industry-Driven Approach to AV Safety.
Expert speakers include representatives from BMW Group, Intel, Hailo, Lyft, NXP Semiconductors, Waymo, University of Surrey, Siemens, Renesas, Smart Eye, The University of Warwick, ABI Research, VSI Labs, and Arbe Robotics. Session leaders have expertise in robotics, computer vision, automotive electronics, digital imaging, and functional safety.
“The difference between AutoSens and many other events on this hot topic of self-driving cars is that the AutoSens attendees are the actual engineers who are building the systems that will make it all possible,” Stead said. “They know first-hand what technologies work well, what the bottlenecks are, and what the future capabilities will be.”
Attendees sit in during one of the many technical presentations that took place at AutoSens Detroit in May. The conference will return to the Michigan Science Center beginning on May 13th 2019. Photo: Alex Hartman for Sense Media.

Tickets & Location
AutoSens Brussels 2018 will be held inside the city’s famous AutoWorld Museum, September 17th through the 20th. Tickets, including discount packages for females in the engineering community and early bird specials, are available now. The event’s full agenda and speaker lineup can be found here. The AutoSens Awards, also held in Brussels, are set for the evening of September 19th.
Over 400 engineers, researchers, technologists, and other industry experts attended AutoSens in Detroit in May. As they prepare for the upcoming Brussels conference, organizers are grateful – maybe even a little surprised – at the level of support they have received in such a short time.
“We’re incredibly excited to see it grow to such stature in only the fifth edition of the event,” Stead said. “It fills me with a lot of happiness because it shows our hard work pays off. We just work with so many great people.”
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.
AutoSens Brussels Themes & Topics
Image quality and standardization.
Image and signal processing requirements.
Human factors in sensor and autonomous vehicle design.
Regulation/ethical considerations for self-driving vehicles.
How to improve the performance and safety of automated vehicles.
Functional safety and testing, including real world versus virtual validation.
Driver and compartment monitoring on the way towards autonomous vehicles.
Sensor fusion, including validation challenges and discussion of different combinations of sensors.
Sensor technologies, including camera monitoring systems, LIDAR, radar, and time-of-flight imaging.

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First 2019 Subaru Ascent Hits The Road

First 2019 Subaru Ascent Hits The Road The very first 2019 Subaru Ascent has hit the road, being sold by Sommer’s Subaru in Mequon, Wisconsin to Samantha Ernest of Pewaukee, Wisconsin. To mark the occasion, the retailer held a small celebration for Ernest who was joined by her two sons Caden and Oliver, and their Boston Terrier, Brewer.
Production of the three-row SUV began in early May.
Personal Greeting
Subaru of America’s District Sales Manager, Mark Schreiber, was on hand with with dealer principals Don and Wally Sommer. Sommer’s Subaru opened in 1997 and remains a family operation today; Wally’s son, Grant, and Don’s daughter, Elizabeth, are employees. All greeted Ernest personally when she arrived to take delivery.
“Samantha is a two-time Subaru owner,” Don Sommer said. “She bought her first Subaru from me in 2006, and in 2008 she bought a Tribeca. She’s been patiently waiting for the Ascent, and following it for a year-and-a-half.”
Ernest was presented with the Starlink Entertainment Anywhere kit that includes two 9.7-inch Apple iPads, two Harman Kardon Bluetooth headphones, and two OtterBox cases. The 2019 Ascent is also the first Subaru to have a dedicated, in-vehicle WiFi hotspot.
Like many Americans, however, Ernest simply needed more room to accommodate her growing family.
“My husband, Pat Henderson, and I have two active little boys,” she said. “They love sports, so we’re always running them to Taekwondo, swimming or team sports with their friends.”
2019 Subaru Ascent. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.
Family Friendly
Subaru’s engineers were tasked with maximizing the vehicle’s available space, creating flexible seating options, and enhancing the overall interior comfort. The 2019 Ascent is now the largest Subaru ever built and comes with a third row, arguably the vehicle’s best feature.
“One of the reasons I wanted this new SUV is because it has the third row,” Ernest said, referencing her sons and their active lifestyle. “Now that they’re getting a bit older and have more friends, I need more room.”
Other family-oriented features include rear doors that open 75 degrees, making access to the third-row seats easier. The vehicle is powered by a 2.4-liter Boxer engine that creates 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft. of torque. All-wheel drive is standard.
Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.
Pricing & Availability

The 2019 Subaru Ascent is priced from $31,995 and is available now in four trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring. Subaru’s Lafayette, Indiana plant is responsible for the SUV’s production, which resulted in 200 new jobs and $140 million in equipment and expansion investments. The plant already produces the Outback, Legacy, and Impreza.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Subaru of America, Inc.

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Ford Invests In Future Technology, Local Neighborhoods With Purchase of Iconic Detroit Landmark

Ford Invests In Future Technology, Local Neighborhoods With Purchase of Iconic Detroit Landmark Ford Motor Company announced the acquisition of Michigan Central Station during a ceremony attended by employees, residents, city and state officials, and members of the media. Michigan Central Station, located in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood, will serve as a hub for autonomous and electric vehicle design, as well as the development of urban mobility services, including – but not limited to – connected vehicles, infrastructure, and public transit.
The announcement comes as the automaker celebrates its 115-year anniversary.
“Michigan Central Station is a place that in many ways tells the story of Detroit over the past century,” said Bill Ford, Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company. “We at Ford want to help write the next chapter, working together in Corktown with the best startups, the smartest talent, and the thinkers, engineers, and problem-solvers who see things differently – all to shape the future of mobility and transportation.”
Brief History
Michigan Central Station has been a fixture of Detroit for generations, finished in January of 1914 as the depot for the Michigan Central Railroad. At the time, the Michigan Central Railroad bought 50 acres of land in Corktown after the downtown depot at Third and Jefferson could no longer sustain the influx of passengers.
Michigan Central Station became the new designation, headed by the same architects that designed New York’s Grand Central Station. When it was constructed, it stood 13 stories high with a roof height of 230 feet, enough to make it the world’s tallest train station
The first train left for Saginaw and Bay City on December 26th, 1913 as the first arrival came from Chicago. In its prime, the depot served some 4,000 people daily. Among the many notable guests: Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1936 and Harry S. Truman in 1948. The park in front of the station was eventually named Roosevelt Park, in honor of Theodore Roosevelt who visited in 1916.
Michigan Central Station remained in service until January 6th 1988, slowly falling into ruin after Amtrak departed the station for the final time. On numerous occasions, the question was raised of who would be able to restore it. Dozens of suggestions, from luxury apartments to a police headquarters were proposed, all to no avail. For years, the iconic train station had plenty of interest, and certinately plenty of potential, but no suitor could be found.
Michigan Central Station (present day) has served as the backdrop for a number of films, including “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” in 2016, “Transformers” in 2007, and “8 Mile” in 2002. Photo: Detroit Historical Society.
Upward Expansion
The purchase of Michigan Central Station is one of several in the Corktown area for Ford. The automaker has also acquired the former Detroit Public Schools Book Depository, the site of an old brass factory, a refurbished former factory, and two acres of empty land. In time, Ford’s Corktown campus will consist of 1.2 million square feet of space, three-quarters of which will be split between the company and its partners.
Another 300,000 square feet will combine community areas, retail space, and residential housing.
Approximately 2,500 Ford employees, many from the mobility team, will be based in Corktown by 2022, with space by that time to accommodate another 2,500 employees of the automaker and/or other partners. Ford believes being situated in Detroit proper will help attract an array of talent, from promising startups to experienced engineers who want to tackle the biggest challenges facing mobility.
A postcard depicting Michigan Central Station, circa 1955. Photo: Detroit Historical Society.
Challenges & Opportunities
Michigan Central Station will be home to some of Ford’s most ambitious and forward-looking objectives. For example, the Corktown campus will facilitate the implementation of what Ford calls a “fresh approach” on how transportation can help citizens lead more productive and fulfilled lives.
“What Rouge was to Ford in the industrial age, Corktown can be for Ford in the information age,” explained Jim Hackett, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company. “It will be the proving ground where Ford and our partners design and test the services and solutions for the way people are going to live and get around tomorrow, creating a Southeast Michigan mobility corridor that spans west from Dearborn to Ann Arbor, and east to Detroit.”
The automaker notes that as cities become more populated, as infrastructure ages, and as new technologies become available, the way people get around will inevitably be impacted. To truly address this, Ford believes it will take more than just new vehicles – or even autonomous ones – but rather smart automobiles that can adapt and react to an increasingly connected world.
“This will be the kind of campus where the emerging economy thrives – a collaborative ecosystem of companies, educators, investors, and innovators,” Hackett continued. “This is where part of our team will live and work as a part of this community, alongside the customers and neighbors whose lives we’re trying to make better.”
“In Corktown, Ford’s efforts can come together in an urban environment, proving-out technology in the same environment where new ideas must be applied,” reads a statement from the automaker. “This campus has the potential to help return Detroit to being the ‘mobility capital of the world’ – shaping the future of transportation for the better.”

Community Service
It was Ford’s Highland Park and River Rouge plants that helped put the nation on wheels and create the middle class. At Willow Run, the War Effort saw the assembly of the planes and tanks that stopped an evil dictator during World War II. In Flat Rock, the Mustang continues to inspire a generation of enthusiasts, while in Kentucky, the big trucks that roll off the line serve as chariots for the working population.
It remains the automaker’s vision that Corktown becomes a similar staple in their history.
“Just as Dearborn does, Corktown holds a special place in my heart,” Ford said. “Henry Ford was the son of an immigrant. His father, William Ford, came over from Cork during Ireland’s potato famine. And Corktown was a destination for immigrants like him who came here with little more than hope.”
Under the company’s ownership, Michigan Central Station will see a complete restoration to its original luster, along with the addition of local shops, restaurants, and dedicated public spaces for area residents. The new Michigan Central Station will strike a balance, serving as a centerpiece for future innovation and standing as a monument to Detroit’s rich history.
“It was a place where you could reimagine what’s possible,” Ford said. “That’s what we want to do all over again, right here in Corktown – to build tomorrow, together.”
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.
Michigan Central Station Gallery

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company, Detroit Historical Society.

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2018 BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance Review

2018 BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance Review The BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance builds on the 7 Series reputation for refined performance, luxurious appointments, and advanced technology. With plug-in hybrid capabilities that promise increased economy and environmental friendliness, BMW delivers in all areas with this full-size luxury sedan.
What’s New For 2018
The 2018 BMW 7 Series comes with more semi-autonomous driving features, otherwise it carries over unchanged for 2018.
Features & Options
As you would expect from the BMW 7 Series, this 740e xDrive iPerformance ($90,700) comes loaded with standard features like adaptive air suspension with driver-selectable modes, 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, automatic windshield wipers, front and rear parking sensors, a power trunk lid, and power-closing doors.
The 740i comes with other luxuries such as 14-way power-adjustable heated leather seats, wood trim, four-zone climate control, a panoramic moonroof, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Standard tech features include a 10.2-inch infotainment screen with navigation and BMW’s iDrive, a touchpad controller with gesture control, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, a wireless Qi charging station, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and a number of connected features that work online or with special BMW apps.

Additional Packages
This 740e tester featured the Driving Assistance Package ($1,700), which adds a full-color heads-up display, blind spot monitoring, and a lane departure warning system. The Driving Assistance Plus Package ($1,700) added full-speed adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, collision mitigation brake assist, a lane centering and steering assist system, semi-automatic lane changing assist, and more.
It’s a pretty advanced setup for the money.
A Cold Weather Package ($400) added the heated steering wheel and heated rear seats. Finally, a Parking Assistance Package ($700) upgrades the standard rear camera to a surround view setup with a neat integration in the gesture system that lets you rotate a virtual camera around the car for maximum visibility when parking. This package also includes a semi-autonomous parking assistant feature which, at the touch of a button, takes over the steering while parallel parking.
Total MSRP including destination: $99,845.

Interior Highlights
Stepping inside the BMW 740e reveals an elegant, roomy cabin filled with wood and leather. The instrument panel is contemporary, featuring a horizontal shelf with satin-metallic brightwork on the knobs, many of which change temperatures for the comfort of your fingertips. It’s a place you’ll want to spend lots of time.
The front seats are first-class, and hit the sweet spot between comfort during those long hours behind the wheel, and extra support for more spirited driving through tight corners. The interior has a limo-like feel with plenty of room for drivers and passengers to get comfortable. The rear is luxurious for two, but there is room for three under the Sky Lounge panoramic LED roof.
On the 7 Series there is the familiar iDrive controller, now with a handwriting touchpad (also steering wheel controls and voice recognition) for those who don’t like finger smudges on the screen. The iDrive also now has Gesture Control where you just flash the sensor one of five hand signals: to get the sound system volume raised or lowered, answer or don’t answer the phone, or browse a 360-degree view of the cabin.
We cranked up the Harman Kardon surround sound with 1,400 watts and 16 speakers and enjoyed the ride. The heads-up display kept our eyes on the road and the standard Adaptive Headlamps don’t just turn with the car, they consider speed, steering angle, and yaw and lit the way on our drive to Evergreen, Colorado.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2018 BMW 740e is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, rated at 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. It is mated with a 111-horsepower electric motor that boosts total system output to a healthy 322 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque.
That powerplant is mated to an eight-speed automatic and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. The 740e gets 64 MPGe, 27 combined miles per gallon, and 14 miles of all-electric range.
Driving Dynamics
We were initially concerned since the full-size luxury 740e is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but the electric motor adds plenty of juice to get this large sedan moving. We pushed the 740e hard up I-70 at altitude west of Denver and the twin-turbo left us impressed with its performance. On the road, the luxury sedan is relaxed and the hybrid system is seamless.
We took the 740e around tight mountain corners and the big sedan isn’t exactly nimble, but the electric power steering is light and direct, perfect for the typical luxury buyer. We put the luxury hauler in Sport mode and it felt extra quick for our more spirited driving maneuvers. You can also change the feel of the 740e: Comfort mode smoothes out the ride, for example, while Comfort Plus makes it float over dirt roads or rough pavement.
The eight-speed automatic transmission has special shift characteristics, changing with curves and terrain, making it ideal for the mountain driving we did. To improve fuel mileage, an automatic Stop-Start feature turns off the engine when the car stops, then back on again when it’s time to move.
Conclusion
If you want a large luxury sedan with all-electric plug-in capability, the 2018 BMW 740e is a prime choice. If you’re looking for comfort and performance, you’ll be happy with the BMW 740e.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance Gallery

BMW 7 Series Official Site.
Photos: BMW of North America, LLC.

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1991 GMC Syclone: The Hurricane On Wheels

1991 GMC Syclone: The Hurricane On Wheels Every once in awhile, you meet people who are masters at thinking stuff up. The team from GMPartsOnline.net is like this, having come way out of left field with one of the most interesting comparisons we have ever seen.
A 1991 GMC Syclone versus a 2017 Camaro SS 1LE.
“We were talking about our favorite vehicles one day at work when someone mentioned the Syclone,” recalled Angel Vigil, Director of GMPartsOnline.net. “Then we had an argument about whether or not the Syclone was faster than a new Camaro.”
Black Knights
From the onset, it doesn’t seem like much of a debate but looks are deceiving. The Camaro, despite modern technology and advanced aerodynamics, only hits 60 mph two tenths of a second quicker than the old Syclone. This lead Vigil and his team to wonder: if the Syclone had the advantage of GM’s newer powertrains, would it be able to best the Camaro?
“The truck was obviously very fast, but the turbo 4.3-liter is a very special engine,” Vigil said. “You can’t find it in any other GM vehicle, other than the Typhoon.”
The Typhoon, like the Syclone, was a short-lived performance version of the GMC Jimmy. The Typhoon ruled the streets from 1991 to 1993, whereas the Syclone saw only one year and one color: 1991 and black.
“The truck was very expensive, and it was a hard purchase to justify if you didn’t love the idea of owning a hot rod pickup,” Vigil explained. “I always wanted one when I first heard about them, but like most people, I suppose I wasn’t in a position to buy one new.”
When the Syclone’s original MSRP is adjusted for inflation, it jumps to $47,278 compared to the 2017 Camaro SS 1LE at $44,400.
1991 GMC Syclone. Photo: RK Motors Charlotte.
Golden Opportunities
To this day, the 1991 GMC Syclone is one of the quickest production trucks ever built. Interesting enough, the Syclone was actually born a Buick when, after the Grand National was halted, engineers from the program stuffed the car’s 3.8-liter plant into a Chevy S-10. Billed as the Grand National Pickup, it was presented to GM brass but they were hardly enthusiastic.
After putting the brakes on the Grand National car, they had other plans for Buick. A performance-oriented truck was not in the cards.
The team then approached Chevrolet’s management, but they already had the 454 SS Sport Truck and were not taking any chances. According to veteran automotive journalist Marty Schorr, the Buick Grand National was stealing the Corvette’s thunder at the time. Schorr detailed the story for us earlier this year, revealing how a bumper sticker for the Grand National that read “we brake for Corvettes” caused a lot of headache for Chevy officials.
It was unlikely Chevy was going to be outdone by Buick again.
This left GMC who immediately jumped at the opportunity.
Photo: RK Motors Charlotte.
Power & Performance
Under the hood, the aforementioned 4.3-liter turbo V6 created 280 horsepower and 355 lb-ft. of torque. To put that into context, the 1991 Corvette L98 engine produced 250 horsepower and 350 lb-ft. of torque. Rumors swirled that the Syclone’s motor was bumped down as to not encroach on the Corvette ZR-1 LT5 engine, which produced 375 horsepower and 370 lb-ft. of torque.
The all-wheel drive system that propelled the Syclone was ahead of the curve too. With an advanced viscous-coupled center differential and limited slip rear differential, power could be split 35/65 front to rear for maximum traction. GMC’s tiny hurricane rode on 16×8-inch aluminum wheels with 245/50/16 Firestone Firehawk tires.
“The truck was also very light,” Vigil added. “That’s always something performance enthusiasts appreciated.”
The GMC Syclone tipped the scales at 3,525 lbs., nearly 250 lbs. lighter than the 2017 Camaro SS 1LE with the track package. The Camaro makes up the difference with more grunt – it’s optional 6.2-liter V8 cranks out 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft. of torque.
“The heritage is probably the thing I love the most about the Camaro, but the car has real race credibility too,” Vigil said. “And the 6.2 V8 is awesome.”

Sneaking Suspicions & Rare Birds
It’s hard to say what would have become of the GMC Syclone had it survived the early 90s, but Vigil has an idea.
“If GM wanted to take the Colorado or Canyon and offer the twin-turbo 3.6-liter used in the Cadillac CTS, that would be a 420 horsepower engine that would probably fit in the engine bay,” he said. “That truck would run with a new Camaro SS too I suspect, only it would weigh 500 lbs. more than the Camaro SS.”
The chart from GMPartsOnline.net comparing the Syclone and Camaro is below, with one you can share on social media here. Although it has already been sold, RK Motors Charlotte has some stunning photos of a 1991 GMC Syclone, including pictures of the truck’s window sticker and owner’s manual.
The Syclones were produced only sparingly before being sent to pasture; the Camaro celebrated 50 years in 2017.
“There were only about 3,000 of them made,” Vigil said. “They’re highly collectible.”
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.

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