Automotive

Honda Debuts Tech That Can See Around Buildings. Here Is How It Works.

Honda Debuts Tech That Can See Around Buildings. Here Is How It Works. Honda rolls out new vehicle communication tech in Ohio to reduce intersection collisions.
Research shows intersection collisions are increasingly common and dangerous.
Smart Intersection technology and subsequent systems play a role in the success of autonomous cars.
Honda is taking their next steps towards a driverless portfolio with the introduction of Smart Intersection technology. Honda says it enhances vehicle-to-everything (or V2X) communication, and can reduce deadly intersection collisions. According to the United States Department of Transportation, 51 percent of all injury crashes and 28 percent of all fatal crashes occur at either an intersection or T-junction.
Recent data from the National Safety Council suggests roadway deaths this year may climb as high as 40,000.
Essential Communication
V2X communication, like Honda’s Smart Intersection technology, uses proprietary object recognition software via intersection-mounted cameras and other communication devices. This allows cars to “see” around and through buildings, walls, traffic, and even bad weather. Drivers then receive an alert to notify them of otherwise hidden hazards.
“Honda believes that V2X technology is an essential component of a smarter and safer transportation ecosystem and can play a role in our dream for a zero-collision society,” explained Ted Klaus, Vice President of Strategic Research, Honda R&D Americas, Inc.
Photo: Honda North America.
Smart Intersection technology represents a joint venture between Honda and the City of Marysville, Ohio as part of the 33 Smart Mobility Corridor project.Click To TweetPilot Program Debuts “Where The Grass Is Greener”
Smart Intersection technology is a joint venture between Honda and Marysville, Ohio as part of the 33 Smart Mobility Corridor project. The pilot program will address the limitations of current on-board vehicle sensors with regard to preventing intersection collisions.
“Research underway in Marysville and along the U.S. 33 Smart Mobility Corridor holds great promise in advancing world-changing transportation technologies, and is the 21st century version of Huffman Prairie where the Wright Brothers made their early aviation discoveries,” said Ohio Governor John R. Kasich. “With the help of strong public- and private-sector partners, and our unmatched Transportation Research Center, Ohio is aggressively working to maintain its leadership role for developing vehicles and smart technologies of the future.”
“The City of Marysville is appreciative of our rich history with Honda of America and we are committed to our partnership with them to support their development and testing of autonomous and connected vehicles,” added Marysville Mayor J.R. Rausch. “We are proud they chose Marysville to deploy Smart Intersection technology here.”
Honda’s Smart Intersection technology detects an oncoming vehicle running a red light. Photo: Honda North America.
How Smart Intersection Technology Works
Four cameras above the traffic lights at each corner of a given intersection provide a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding area. Honda says the cameras have a range of 300 feet to detect vehicles and pedestrians from farther away. The image processing software creates a 360-degree image of the intersection that classifies vehicles and other moving objects. That information is then broadcast to surrounding vehicles via a dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) signal.
Each connected vehicle’s on-board computer decodes the information and, when necessary, provides visible and audible alerts to the driver. With this information, the driver has the ability to take corrective action to avoid or mitigate a collision. Thus far, Honda has committed 200 vehicles for Smart Intersection testing.
“We believe this research will give us a better understanding of how V2X technologies can be further advanced and most effectively deployed for the benefit of all road users,” Klaus said.
Graphic: Honda North America.
Until cars chauffeur us entirely, law enforcement officials recommend all motorists practice defensive driving. Click To TweetAuto Industry Pushing Towards V2X
V2X is a viable solution when it comes to safety and autonomous cars, something consumers are wrestling with. Honda is showcasing Smart Intersection technology not a moment too soon; Hyundai and Autotalks announced a V2X-centered partnership in July, while back in June, Cadillac said their Super Cruise system would serve as a springboard for future V2X features. Consumers could see such features as early as 2023.
Continental, a Tier 1 Supplier, unveiled a similar technology last year.
While promising, nothing is here just yet. And until cars chauffeur us entirely, law enforcement officials recommend all motorists practice defensive driving.
“It only takes being distracted for a brief moment and a tragedy can occur,” said Special First Lieutenant and Traffic Safety Specialist Jim Flegel of the Michigan State Police. “As drivers, we still have to maintain control of our vehicle at all times.”
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report.
Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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These Chevy Silverado Concepts Are Headed To SEMA

These Chevy Silverado Concepts Are Headed To SEMA The SEMA Chevy Silverado Concepts will showcase the various customization options available.
Equipment upgrades include soft tonneau covers, lift kits, cold air intakes, and Brembo braking systems.
After getting a delicious taste of the new Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison, it seems they are not done yet. Not by a long shot. Chevrolet will introduce four new concepts of the 2019 Silverado 1500 at the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Chevy says these trucks will show off the brand’s full line of truck accessories and performance parts.
Here are the four new Chevy Silverado concepts debuting at the SEMA Show.
Silverado High Country Concept
The 2019 Chevy Silverado High Country is not a concept per se; more like the ultimate Silverado. It combines outdoorsy looks with the space and refinement of a luxury sedan. And the High Country looks pretty darn good whether towing a horse carriage or cruising on the freeway.
You won’t mistake the High Country for a lesser-endowed Silverado because it has jeweled headlights and a specific grille. The grille has chrome and amber accents complete with a High Country logo on the upper left side. It also has a painted front bumper with chrome recovery hooks, chrome accents, and a set of beautiful, low-profile LED fog lights.
The High Country is motivated by a burly 6.2-liter V8 motor, churning out 420 horsepower. With this engine, the High Country is the most powerful Chevy half-ton truck to ever roll out of the factory. Couple this with a two-inch suspension lift, 22-inch wheels, a cold air intake, and a genuine cat-back dual exhaust system (yes, dual freaking exhaust!) and what you have is a pretty badass truck.
Oh, and the High Country also comes with Brembo six-piston front brakes with color matching rear calipers.
Our favorite features include the automatic retractable side steps that sway towards the rear for easier access to the bed. And the push-button powered tailgate.
2019 Silverado High Country Concept. Photo: Chevrolet.
Silverado RST Off-Road
The 2019 version of the Chevy Silverado RST Off-Road shares the design DNA of the Colorado ZR2 Bison. However, the RST is bigger, taller, and meaner. It has the same Baja-inspired vibe of the Ford F-150 Raptor albeit a bit more civilized. Think Doc Martens instead of a Carolina Domestic Work Boot or Wolverine Tacoma Durashocks and you won’t be far off.
“We know every truck customer is unique, which is why the Silverado offers eight trims, each with a different combination of technology, performance, and design,” explained Hugh Milne, Silverado Marketing Manager.
The Silverado RST Off-Road comes with 18-inch wheels, chunky off-road tires, and a two-inch suspension lift. The Off Road Appearance Package includes assist steps, a soft roll-up tonneau cover, and a sport bar. It is powered by GM’s evergreen 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft. of torque.
The 2019 Silverado RST Off Road Concept features a factory-installed two-inch suspension lift. Photo: Chevrolet.
Silverado LTZ Concept
The Silverado LTZ Concept is the workhorse of the four. It starts with the aforementioned 5.3-liter V8 engine to provide the necessary pulling power. The plethora of dealer-available accessories and performance parts will make your eyes water:
Cold air intake.
Trailering camera system.
Retractable tonneau cover.
Cat-back single exhaust upgrade.
22-inch aluminum multi-spoke chrome wheels.
Brembo front brakes with six-pistons and color-matched calipers.
“With a full catalog of accessories and performance parts, we offer exponentially more ways for customers to build their ideal truck,” Milne said. “And, unlike certain aftermarket components, these are designed, engineered and validated to the same engineering standards as the Silverado itself, and backed by Chevrolet.”
2019 Silverado LTZ Concept. Photo: Chevrolet.
The plethora of dealer-available accessories and performance parts will make your eyes water.Click To TweetSilverado RST Street
Boost your street cred with this one! The RST Street comes with a lower suspension, body side graphics, faux carbon-fiber exterior accessories, and 22-inch gloss black wheels. Accessories and performance parts include the aforementioned Brembo brakes, a cold air intake, Borla cat-back exhaust with two-piece carbon-fiber exhaust tips, and a Kicker sound system with a 200-watt subwoofer.
The 5.3 is also available.
The 2019 Silverado RST Street Concept goes for a carbon fiber look. Accessories include a Borla cat-back exhaust system with carbon fiber exhaust tips and an UnderCover one-piece hard tonneau cover. Photo: Chevrolet.
Chevy says these trucks will show off the brand's full line of truck accessories and performance parts.Click To TweetIn Person
If you want to see these Chevy Silverado concepts in person, clear your schedule from October 30th to November 2nd, and book a trip to Viva Las Vegas! The SEMA Show will be in full swing then. Also, if you are happening by the State Fair of Texas (now through October 22nd) there are more Silverados on display at Chevy’s exhibit.
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.

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2019 BMW Z4 Roadster: Stand On It Stroker Ace!

2019 BMW Z4 Roadster: Stand On It Stroker Ace! Well, the first thing I can say about the 2019 BMW Z4 Roadster is that it is much better looking then the one it replaces. Seriously, I don’t know what on Earth BMW has to do to get their design mojo back, but, A) they need to, and, B) they haven’t yet. At least not fully.
The next thing I thought was, “Boy, it looks a lot like the current Fiat 124 Spider that’s based on the Miata.” Better not say that in front of any BMW employees. Probably lead to my Arsch getreten werden.
Supra Skin
Which it shouldn’t, since both the Miata and the 124 are fantastic little sports cars. And I’m sure the latest Z4 will be fantastic as well. I mean, come on, this is a German car company we’re talking about here. The other contributing factor to the 2019 BMW Z4 Roadster’s potential greatness is that, under the skin, it’s a – gasp! – Toyota Supra.
The latest Z4 was developed in cooperation with the Japanese auto giant, the fruits of that leading to both the Z4 and the soon-to-be-released (and much anticipated) Supra. Ergo, we’ll have some commonality of parts, and the two minds are better than one philosophy leading to the summation of two very fun vehicles.
How fun? Let’s run the numbers.
Power & Performance
The 2019 BMW Z4 sDrive30i is propelled by a new TwinPower Turbocharged engine. The engine has a new High Precision Injection system, 255 horsepower, and nearly 300 lb-ft. of torque. 60 mph comes up in 5.2 seconds. Nett! Life gets even better with the Z4 M40i Roadster, thanks to a 3.0-liter in-line six-banger offering a 47 horsepower escalation over its predecessor. By comparison, the Z4 M40i makes a whomping 382 horsepower.
BMW added a water-cooled exhaust manifold that’s integrated into the cylinder head, along with a quicker-spooling turbocharger and direct injection. Yeah, I know, water cooling the manifold sounds like an expensive stress point, but we’ll let the second and third owners worry about that. And, with 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque living under the hood, you’ll hit 60 in 4.4 seconds. Super nett!
2019 BMW Z4 Roadster. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
With 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque living under the hood, you'll hit 60 in 4.4 seconds.Click To TweetTransmission & Chassis Tech
Both receive an eight-speed Steptronic Sport box with Launch Control and shift paddles on the steering wheel. There’s a wider ratio spread with shorter ratios in the lower gears for stronger acceleration.
The chassis has a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, with a double-joint spring strut suspension up front and a new five-link suspension out back. The front suspension’s sub frame and control arm mounting points are extremely rigid for more precise cornering, according to BMW. Aluminum control arms and swivel bearings further reduce weight. The rear suspension also uses a lightweight aluminum and steel design.
Added to all this are (by now usual) the computer-controlled gizmos that might turn all of us into Sebastian Vettel (as if!): Dynamic Stability Control, Anti-lock Braking System, Dynamic Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control, and Dynamic Brake Control.
Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Pricing & Availability
And sure, both of the upcoming Z4s have lots of navigation and infotainment features, and all that high-tech glop. But if you really care about stuff like that, this (probably) won’t be the car for you. Screw stuff like that! Drop the top, pull down your hat, and stand on it Stroker Ace! This is a sports car. Go out and be a sport.
How much? The Bavarians do not say, but we know the 2019 BMW Z4 Roadster will hit dealerships around March of next year.
Weit draußen, Mann!
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz
2019 BMW Z4 Roadster Gallery

Photos & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.

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Remembering Sir Stirling Moss, 1929 – 2020

Remembering Sir Stirling Moss, 1929 – 2020 Sir Stirling Moss died on April 12th at the ripe old age of 90. Justifiably called the greatest driver never to have won the World Championship, Moss was like something out of a comic book. Before angry cops would growl, “Who do you think you are, Mario Andretti?” during a traffic stop, it was “Who do you think you are, Stirling Moss?”

In a lot of ways, Moss was the last of his era. Although he was bridging the gap from the 1950s into the 60s when his career was tragically cut short by an accident that should have killed him, he was very much a 1950s style driver. He was one of the last, classical drifters who openly admitted he copped his driving style from Giuseppe Farina.

Back then, cars cornered differently, in a constant, semi-sideways controlled slide, always on the edge of disaster. Moss was one the masters. Although he crashed several times, it was always worth noting it was due to mechanical failure, rarely ever his mistake.

Related: Top 10 moments of Stirling Moss, the man known as “Mr. Motor Racing.”Always Respect Your Car

I remember, decades ago, seeing an interview with Moss where he related one of the great truisms about high-performance driving. “A car is like an animal, like a horse,” he said. “You never want to do anything sudden. You never want to do anything to upset it. You never want to jerk it or make any movements that are too sudden or too quick.”

I knew that, of course, but there was something about hearing him say it that really galvanized the concept in my mind. Never overdrive the car. Never force it. Always listen to what the car is saying. Know what the car can do, then ask it to do that. Never overstep your abilities and never, ever, ask more from the car than it is capable of giving. If you could learn to do that, you were halfway there.

To me, there’s no real point delving into the statistics of Stirling’s career. He nearly won the Driver’s World Championship three times, set the outright record in winning the Mille Miglia in 1955, competed in F1, Le Mans, sports cars, rallies, you name it. Ultimately, those are just numbers, and numbers are a weak way to measure a man.

Everybody Wanted to be Around Stirling Moss

I don’t know who said, “Women want to be with him and men want to be him,” but they might as well have been talking about Stirling Moss. Although one of the fiercest competitors and a bit of a stickler for details and rules, everyone liked Stirling. He was the same way on the track as he was off it; gregarious, competitive, fair to the point of giving up wins (and in one case a championship) and, as odd as it sounds, gentlemanly.

Moss was fun. He was one of those guys that you could hang out with down at the pub, drink too many pints, flirt with the birds and then the next morning, go out and race at places like Le Mans or Reims or Monza; then hang out at the pub again that night and talk it all over. As a guy, you wanted to be Moss, or at least in the same crowd. But women loved this guy.

I don’t know what it was. He was short, balding, and rather odd-looking, but women just loved Stirling Moss, I mean L-U-V the guy. He always, and I mean always, had some fantastically attractive woman on his arm. At the track, off the track, throughout his life. And everybody just shrugged, as if to say, “That’s Stirling.” He dated beautiful women because he could. He raced cars because he could. He’d hang out and have a laugh with his mates like Fangio and Hawthorn and Brooks because he could.

There are sadly few drivers on any grid like him these days. We are all the poorer for that, as we are for the passing of Sir Stirling Moss, The Greatest Driver Never To Have Won The World Championship.

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.
Original article: Remembering Sir Stirling Moss, 1929 – 2020

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Letter From The UK: Technology Will Save Us All. (Or Not). Part 2

Letter From The UK: Technology Will Save Us All. (Or Not). Part 2 Words like “technology” and “revolution” are often used in tandem to describe a brighter future.
But are we actually better off? Despite modern technological advances, our roads are not any safer.
The second in two-part series, Geoff Maxted examines how our greatest technological promises face immense challenges and glaring drawbacks. Part one here.
Recently, a headline across our national newspapers trumpeted the phrase variously, “Ministers unaware of the effects of police cuts.” If you lived in this country you would have been staggered by this news. Government ministers, responsible for running the country, were “unaware” of the rise in stabbings, robbery, murders, street theft or the total loss of confidence in our law enforcers, despite it being all over the press for the last couple of years.
It would be funny if it were not so serious. Consequently it must be therefore assumed they were also unaware of the rise in drunk driving accidents and fatalities?
An Acura RDX A-Spec press photo shows the rear cargo area of the vehicle. Photo: Acura.
It would be funny if it were not so serious. Click To TweetDrinking & Driving
This is something we thought had finally gotten through to the thick-headed, boorish drunks of the UK. It seems not. There has been a seven percent rise in car accidents, “where at least one driver was under the influence of alcohol.” Remember, this is the 21st Century.
One of the primary causes of this is the reduction in the rank and file of our police service. In the last eight years the number of active serving cops has reduced by over 22,000. You would think, wouldn’t you, that someone would realise this could only have an adverse effect on society, but you would be wrong. The authorities clearly did not have a clue.
The cuts were “forced” upon the government because of financial austerity measures. That’s the excuse, and I would remind readers we are talking law and order here. Instead the politically correct police chiefs insist that more officers are needed at computers because crime has gone online. This is disingenuous.
Certainly, there is more international crime but the public also expect to see police “on the beat” as we say here. Instead they use cameras.

Candid Cameras
Cold, glassy eyes in the sky now watch our every move on the roads of Great Britain. Exceed the speed limit under their gaze and you will be fined and given “points” on your driving licence. Twelve points and you’re out. Off the road for usually one year, sometimes more. These so-called safety cameras are ostensibly there for road safety reasons but this again is specious. Not for nothing are they known as “speed cameras” by motorists because we know (and they know) this is really about revenue.
Many millions of British Pounds are taken off motorists over the course of a year and it goes straight into government coffers. It perhaps would not be so bad if this money was spent on improving the road network and making it safer yet this is not the case. Our roads generally are appalling.
Worst of all, a camera can catch speeders, even those who make a genuine error, but it cannot catch drunks. Since our highways no longer have police cars at strategic points, or police officers on foot in our towns and cities, drunk drivers pretty much have free rein.
Not for nothing are they known as speed cameras by motorists because we know (and they know) this is really about revenue.Click To TweetScreens For Everybody
In-car technology has become the latest USP for car makers. The personal opinion of this writer is that cars are becoming increasingly dull and boring as manufacturers continue to believe that we, the car buyers, want more and more high-tech gadgetry as standard. Nevermind the performance, feel the dashboard.
While all this is happening we have seen the rise of the distracted driver. Here in the UK, stupid individuals choose to break the laws of the land and use their mobile devices when driving because there is nobody around to stop them (See police above). It gets worse:
Motorists are fiddling with their touchscreens on the move. The infotainment menus in vehicles today have become more evolved and involving. As someone who drives for a living I see it all the time, everywhere. It’s called distracted driving and there are laws against it so what do car manufacturers do?
Do they install cut-offs to prevent drivers changing the selected set-ups when on the move? No. They add more screens. Yes folks, that’s the new trend; the new gimme. It’s just like having two televisions in one room. Now there are three things to look at: Screen A, Screen B, and the road ahead. Spare me.
2018 Ford Expedition interior layout. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Human Touch
So, although technology can help us clean up the atmosphere (maybe), stay safer in our cars and monitor crime online (including your Twitter feed if you live here), it is not the be all and end all. Society requires a level of human contact, and it demands such personal freedom.
That’s why, here in blighted Britain, more and more motoring colleagues are enjoying the simple pleasures of older cars; those old-stagers whose “classic” days are yet to come but still provide what we all want. A nice drive. Can’t we just have that?
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

Cover Photo: Volvo Car Group.

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Porsche 911 Speedster Concept: Should We Hold Our Breath?

Porsche 911 Speedster Concept: Should We Hold Our Breath? The Porsche 911 Speedster Concept shows a “new equipment range” from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.
Porsche says the concept’s engine revs to 9,000 rpm.
Will it come to market? We will find out soon enough.
Ah, the Porsche Speedster. It’s a name that means so much, but, by their own hand, has been sort of maligned by Porsche themselves. This latest version, which Porsche says is only a “concept” for now, looks to be the business.
But whether it is or not – or whether Porsche will even build the thing – is pretty much up in the air. To begin, there are two things at play here: a car and a wristwatch.
Designer Dog Dishes
Leave it to Porsche to make a fairly simple thing (“Hey! We’ve got this concept car you should check out!“) into something needlessly complicated (“Hey! We’ve got this concept car you should check out! Oh, and this wristwatch, which is kinda the same thing! Oh, and here’s the needless backstory!“).
For those that may not know, there’s a thing called Porsche Design. Porsche Design does all sorts of stuff. Sunglasses and watches and stereo gear and pen sets and other hideously, overpriced knick-knacks. They are a separate entity, but they occasionally collaborate. Such is the case here, but we’ll only go into the friggin’ watch portion of this stuff if space (and my patience) permits.
The car portion of this stuff, the actual Speedster itself, is well worth your time. The concept Speedster had its North American premiere at the recent Rennsport Reunion VI at Laguna Seca. And, so they say, the crowds were very impressed. Then again, Rennsport Reunions are a Porsche-only affair, and Rennsport crowds would be impressed by a Porsche dog dish.
So take all of that with a grain of salt.
Porsche 911 Speedster Concept. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Heritage Design Packages
This Porsche concept is based on the current 991 generation of the evergreen 911. Porsche says it’s a preview of a “potential new equipment range from the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.” Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur is their in-house “we can make it that way just for you (for a hefty price)” shop. Sort of the latest version of the old Porsche Sonderwunsch Programm. The Speedster also is being used as a canvas to show off the company’s Heritage Design packages. If customers go for this idea, then Porsche will consider providing a modern interpretation of their distinctive themes as far back as the 1950s.
Personally, I like this whole idea of painting new cars like they were old racers. I hope this catches on.
Flying Colors
The Porsche 911 Speedster Concept is a two-tone GT Silver Metallic and White. The white note flashes are reminiscent of the red and white schemes found on the first Porsche 917 to win at Le Mans. The whole car was a collaboration between Porsche Motorsport, Style Porsche, and Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.
It’s hard not to like the overall look, with the laid-down windshield, twin headrest fairings, retro paint job, and those gorgeous, Talbot-esque rearview mirrors (chrome, natch).
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
It’s hard not to like the overall look, with the laid-down windshield, twin headrest fairings, retro paint job, and those gorgeous, Talbot-esque rearview mirrors.Click To TweetProof In The Pudding
The Porsche 911 Speedster Concept is powered by a naturally aspirated flat-six engine (duh!) putting out “over” 500 horsepower. This plant, which Porsche seems to have the infinite capability to develop and get more and more out of, can rev to 9,000 rpm. Which is way up there. Really way up there. Like, that would be a lot of fun to hear on a regular basis. All those Pferde get to the rear wheels and only the rears via a six-speed manual transmission.
The development focus was on creating a pure and exhilarating driving experience says ze Deutschers, but at this stage there’s no real way of knowing. If you want us to be sure, oh great engineers of Zuffenhausen, then drop one by One Automoblog Towers, Detroit, Michigan, and we’ll let you know what we think. Ask for Carl.
Limber Lumber Wagons
Yes, the Porsche 911 Speedster Concept is just that: a concept. So talking about its performance potential is kind of beside the point. But it does give us the opportunity to say that if Porsche really wants to create a pure and exhilarating driving experience, they have to go against their recent trend. Porsches back in the day were essentially hot-rodded VW Beetles with swoopier bodies. They were light, tight, and handled . . . well, not right, but in a fun enough way. Until you spun it into a ditch because of the weight distribution and tractor-derived suspension.
But lately, for the past couple of decades, Porsche has gone light, tight, and handles not all that bad. Now they’ve gone bloated, feature-laden, and computer-controlled, but the handling is better (thanks to all those binary nannies).
If Porsche wants to make a new Speedster for the 2020s and beyond, it should weigh close to a Miata but still keep that “over” 500 horsepower. But no. Our customers want features. Our customers expect luxury items. We have to add 158 airbags. Yadda, yadda, yadda.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
But lately, for the past couple of decades, Porsche has gone light, tight, and handles not all that bad.Click To TweetAvailability
A decision about a production version of the Porsche 911 Speedster Concept is forthcoming. Hopefully that decision will be Nicht nur ja, aber Hölle ja!
As for the watch that compliments the car? That’s the “Porsche Design 911 Speedster Concept Chronograph.” Got it? Not a watch, a concept chronograph. People will buy anything, won’t they?
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz
Photos & Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

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Infiniti Project Black S: Godzilla Slayer?

Infiniti Project Black S: Godzilla Slayer? The Infiniti Project Black S Prototype debuts at the Paris Motor Show, starting on October 4th.
Infiniti worked the Renault Sport Formula One Team for the Project Black S Prototype.
The car serves as a “springboard” for high-performance engineering, according to the two companies.
Will Infiniti actually produce it? That’s not entirely clear . . .
For all intents and purposes, the Infiniti Project Black S Prototype reminds me of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and its sleek profile. And similar to the Genesis, the Project Black S Prototype is a proper rear-wheel drive sports car. It also shares the same aura as Godzilla, the Nissan GT-R.
But that’s where the similarities will abruptly end.
The Infiniti Project Black S is more than just a conventional sports car. Utilizing the go-fast gimmickry of the Renault Sport Formula One Team, the Project Black S is the first of its kind to come with a dual-hybrid powertrain system.
Infiniti claims its the first time such a hi-tech system is available for a road car. But here’s the clincher: they must give the go-signal for production before making any claims.
F1-Derived Powertrain
Based on the menu, it all sounds and looks delicious. The Infiniti Project Black S is based on the Q60, specifically the Q60 Red Sport 400. But if the Red Sport is a luxury coupe masquerading as a sporty car, the Project Black S Prototype is engineered to go fast, luxury be damned.
That vast rear wing was designed by the blokes from the Renault F1 team. It is the biggest indicator that the Project Black S is a serious performance machine. The wing even shares the same profile as the team’s Monza wing for their F1 cars, so there’s genuine trickery behind the shape and intent in the carbon fiber rear spoiler.
But the main course is the engine. The Infiniti Project Black S is equipped with the VR30 3.0-liter V6 motor with twin electric turbochargers. Yes, you heard me right. This thing comes with electric turbochargers, spooling up delicious servings of power and torque. The hi-tech motor is connected to a seven-speed automatic.
The cream of the crop is the dual-hybrid technology. There are three motor generator units or MGUs in the Project Black S Prototype. There is a single MGU that harvests kinetic energy from braking (MGU-K) and a pair of MGUs to harvest heat from the twin electric turbochargers (MGU-H). Thus, the dual-hybrid system generates electrical power whether you’re accelerating or braking.
Infiniti Project Black S. Photo: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.
If the Red Sport is a luxury coupe masquerading as a sporty car, the Project Black S Prototype is engineered to go fast, luxury be damned.Click To TweetPowerOn Demand
The figures are impressive: 563 horsepower, 350 lb-ft. of torque, and zero to 60 in less than four seconds. The motor-generators spool the turbochargers with a prod of the right foot, delivering power directly to the rear wheels. This means instantaneous response and torque with virtually no turbo lag. If this doesn’t sound like a recipe for a good time, then I don’t know what does.
“The Infiniti Project Black S utilizes high power and smart energy management from advanced powertrains, a thrilling dynamic capability on road and track, and a performance-oriented aesthetic,” explained Roland Krueger, Infiniti Chairman and Global President.
Optimized Aerodynamics
No F1-inspired car is complete without the ability to effortlessly slice the wind. The Renault F1 team utilized all the tricks in the book to give the Infiniti Project Black S Prototype greater aero efficiency with higher levels of downforce. Most of this stems from the unique rear wing. Designed using digital modeling technology, the wing helps stabilize the car during high-speed driving and cornering.
As expected from a track-based road car, the Infiniti Project Black S has large and aggressive cooling ducts. The roof panels, fenders, and hood are carbon fiber to reduce weight. Infiniti claims a curb weight of 3,915 lbs, saying the power-to-weight ratio is 39 percent better than the Q60 Red Sport 400.
Photo: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.
This means instantaneous response and torque with virtually no turbo lag. If this doesn’t sound like a recipe for a good time, then I don’t know what does.Click To TweetBut Will Infiniti Make This Car?
We hope so. The Infiniti Project Black S is the basis for all future electrified vehicles from the brand.
“The Project Black S represents the very top end of electrification in the Alliance portfolio, and is another example of Infiniti’s entrepreneurial spirit on its journey to electrification from 2021 onward,” Krueger said. “A collaborative venture between Infiniti and the Renault Sport Formula One Team, the Project Black S prototype is a testbed for new ideas and technologies, demonstrating how our Alliance partnerships could make our ambitious visions a reality.”
And besides, the Nissan GT-R is no spring chicken, if you catch my drift. I can think of no other car in the alliance that can go as wildly as the Project Black S.
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.
Infiniti Project Black S Gallery

Photos & Source: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.

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2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Innovative To The Core

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Innovative To The Core Last time I checked, Mercedes-Benz had seven SUVs in their American lineup. Need a small luxury SUV? The GLA-Class is not bad for the sub-$34,000 base price. Want an alternative to the BMW X6? The Mercedes GLE Coupe will fulfill your fantasies.
But if you want a Mercedes that can shame the BMW X5, both on and off-road, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is your top choice.
“The GLE exhibits iconic Mercedes-Benz design while remaining true to its character as an off-roader,” said Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer at Daimler AG. “With its design idiom it perfectly embodies our design philosophy of sensual purity, thus representing modern luxury.”
EQ Boost Technology
We got our first taste of Mercedes-Benz’s EQ Boost mild-hybrid system in the 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan. In that car, the 48-volt ISG or Integrated-Starter Generator provides short blips of power as the turbochargers spool up.
It’s not much different in the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE. The electric generator works with the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six motor to deliver more torque. The engine is good for 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque. If you really need to know, the 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i can only muster 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft. of torque from a similar inline-six turbo motor with the same displacement.
The generator also feeds power to the A/C compressor and water pump to lessen the burden on the gasoline motor. I assume this will make the GLE more responsive and more eager to attack as you bury the throttle.
The base model GLE 350 and GLE 4MATIC make do with a smaller turbocharged 2.0-liter four-banger. It summons 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. of torque. Each engine is bolted to a 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic. The EQ Boost system is only available on the GLE 450 4MATIC with the 3.0-liter inline-six motor.
During development of the 2019 GLE, Computer-Aided Engineering simulations were conducted inside wind tunnels in Sindelfingen, Germany. As a result, the new GLE is more aerodynamic and efficient, achieving a 0.29 Cd (drag coefficient) versus the prior model at 0.32. Photo: MBUSA.
It is all creepily high-tech inside the GLE. The features will make you think twice about bashing this SUV on a nearby dirt road or off-road trail!Click To TweetOn & Off-Road Supremacy
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE definitely looks like a luxury SUV with a long wheelbase and short overhangs. It also comes with ultra-bright LED headlights, 19 to 22-inch wheels, and chrome surrounds on the windows. But with an upright radiator grille, chrome-plated front underguards, and a large hood with twin power domes, there is no mistaking the go-anywhere capabilities.
“The new GLE is not only more comfortable than ever before on the road, but also shows its superior off-road character off the beaten track,” explained Ola Källenius, responsible for corporate research at Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz Cars development. “This alone shows our determination to reinforce our claim to leadership in the SUV segment.”
All trim models come with the 4MATIC intelligent all-wheel drive system. The base model gets a mechanical transfer case that feeds the torque an even 50:50 between the front and rear wheels. Higher trim models receive an electronically-controlled multi-disc clutch which can transfer 100 percent of the available torque between the front and rear axles. The torque-on-demand transfer case can also enhance handling on paved roads.
Photo: MBUSA.
New E-Active Body Control Suspension
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE comes optional with the E-Active Body Control Suspension. This new system is developed in-house by Mercedes. It works in harmony with the AIRMATIC suspension to enhance ride comfort, grip, and agility. According to Mercedes-Benz, it’s the only system available that allows the spring and damping forces to be individually controlled at each wheel.
The newly-developed suspension also offers a unique free-driving mode. It can raise or lower the suspension automatically to change the ground pressure on each tire. The theory is to help the SUV if it gets stuck in a mud pit or sand dune.
The new suspension system allows the SUV to lean into bends similar to a motorcycle. The result is sharper cornering and more confident handling even at higher speeds. The system can be equipped with a stereo camera that scans the road surfaces too. This allows the suspension to react in advance.
Of course, if all this tech wizardry scares you, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE can also be fitted with a conventional suspension.
Mercedes-Benz launched the M-Class in 1997, a nameplate that remained until the fall of 2015. The M-Class then became the GLE, further emphasizing its positioning in the E-Class family. Photo: MBUSA.
Next-Generation Driver Assistance Systems
No new Mercedes is complete without an array of clever driver-assistance features. The Active Distant Assist system recognizes and responds to traffic jams or slow-moving traffic.
The Active Stop-and-Go Assist feature is also great for traffic jams, helping drivers maintain a safe distance from the vehicles ahead. It can haul the SUV to a complete stop and get it moving once again, up to one minute after coming to a stop. And it can do this without any inputs from the driver.
The new GLE comes with the latest generation of MBUX, or Mercedes-Benz User Experience. It has two large 12.3-inch screens arranged in-line for a widescreen viewing angle. The system even supports hand gestures courtesy of the MBUX Interior Assistant. It is all creepily high-tech inside the GLE. The features will make you think twice about bashing this SUV on a nearby dirt road or off-road trail!
Photo: MBUSA.
Spacious Accommodations
The new Mercedes-Benz GLE is a huge step up from the previous model. With a 3.1-inch longer wheelbase, interior spaciousness improves. The extra room also allows enough space to fit an optional third-row seat. The front seats are electrically-adjustable and offer different seating kinetics for better comfort. The seats adapt to changes in posture by allowing minute movements in the backrest and seat cushion.
Availability & Manufacturing
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE will debut at Mondial l’Automobile in Paris, starting on October 4th. U.S. sales will begin next year following production in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.
Photos & Source: MBUSA.

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2020 Nissan Rogue Redesign

What’s new from the latest generation of the Nissan Rogue. We will be discussing the same for this article. As you know that Nissan is one of the world’s most famous car brands. And it is definitely their products high in many people look forward to. Some technology upgrades will be available at the 2020 Nissan Rogue. and the good news of his car will have this hybrid machine will probably be good news for those of you who are indeed very much like hybrid cars. Nissan Rogue like his will be released early in the year 2020 but this new news rumors. for competitors like his Nissan Rogue will compete with his other great cars such as the Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Subaru Forester, and Chevrolet Equinox.

2020 Nissan Rogue Hybrid

2020 Nissan Rogue Redesign : Interior and Exterior

How about redesign exterior in 2020 Nissan Rogue , there won’t be comprehensive modifications around the physical appearance because it delivers the fantastic and eyesight-getting hunting design and style. It can consider some action will work to boost the appear and also the efficiency. The front side grille is nonetheless the V-designed form which has a bit alteration to the taillight on typically the raised element. It utilizes the 17 ins tires for your key model type at the same time as on then better clip the wheel becomes a lot more important with 18 along with 19 in . in proportion. Subsequent, on the considerable big difference within the wheel sizing, the better-degree clip will even possess a more stainless environment on some choice as appropriately as the streamlined visual appeal. For the lighting fixtures technological innovation, it will utilize the most up-to-date Guided technological innovation for the highest super. On the within the within of each of the interior cabin, the household is bound to get major comfortability and safety. They’ve got lots of regions for that lower leg as well as to the mind. It’s also style and fashion to have a lot more family members-warm and pleasant. Also, it’s likely to feature 7.0-inches touchscreen Liquid crystal display to the amusement aim.

2020 Nissan Rogue Redesign

2020 Nissan Rogue Engine, Hybrid Available

How about an engine, Hybrid engine available? It can be a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine which will be able to produce 170 hp and the torque of 170 pound-feet. The engine will likely be mated to a constantly variable transmission and will come standard with front-wheel drive procedure. Even so, the all-wheel-drive configuration will be readily available for the many trim levels. The FWD model is going to be rated at 26/33/29 mpg. Connected to the all-wheel-drive system, it will get 25 mpg within the city, 32 mpg within the highway, and 27 mpg combined. 2020 Nissan Rogue may also be readily available by using a hybrid engine which can mix a 2.0-liter inline-4 with an electrical motor of 35 kWh. So, the total output of this unit is going to be 170 hp. It is going to also do the job with a CVT and it’s rated at 34 mpg combined.

2020 Nissan Rogue Release Date and Price

The possibility of Trim levels will be available for the Nissan Rogue 2020 include. FWD, FWD S, SV, SV Hybrid FWD, AWD SV, SV Hybrid AWD, FWD SL FWD, SL AWD Hybrid, SL and SL AWD Hybrid. For release date and price of this car, there is no clarity of information all its still news rumor. But we are very sure that this car will be released early in the year 2020 and for the price of $25,500 or maybe $30,000.

2018 Nissan Rogue: Nissan’s best-selling SUV gets better

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