Automotive

Top 10 Fastest Cars in the World (2018)

Top 10 Fastest Cars in the World (2018) There are many ways to judge how fast a car is. Acceleration is important; being able to jump from zero to 60 mph quickly is probably the most realistic performance benchmark, since we’re actually able to drive 60 mph on most highways.
But there’s no better ultimate ranking factor than top speed – the most unrealistic, no holds barred, balls-to-the-wall stat a car can have. Even though we’ll probably never be able to actually achieve these speeds, top speed is the one that deserves the most bragging rights. It takes huge amounts of engineering genius to produce hunks of metal (and carbon fiber) that can safely propel themselves this quickly down a strip of pavement without falling apart.
So here we are, the list of the top 10 fastest production cars in the world, ranked by top speed. All the cars you would expect are on the list, ranked from fastest to slowest (though calling any of these cars slow is blasphemy.)
We start the list with the king of fast:
Koenigsegg Agera RS

Top Speed: 277.87 mphPower: 1,341 hp
Just try and tell me that’s not one mean looking car.
The Koenigsegg Agera RS is a hybrid of sorts (no, not that kind of hybrid). It’s an Agera R at heart, with some of the advanced tech of the One:1, and some of the Agera S sprinkled in for good measure.
There were only 25 examples of the Agera RS produced. Powered by a 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8, the “normal” Agera RS only produces 1,160 hp (on regular pump gasoline, mind you), but 11 lucky owners are able to (theoretically) hit this top speed due to checking the “1MW” special package when ordering theirs, which increases the ponies to 1,341.
Koenigsegg said goodbye to the Agera in mid-2018 with the final two examples of the car, named Thor and Väder.
Hennessey Venom GT

Top Speed: 270.49 mphPower: 1,244 hp
This supercar from Texas-based car tuner-made-manufacturer Hennessey is an impressive machine, to say the least. Sporting a twin-turbo 7.0-liter V8 producing a massive 1,244 hp, the Venom GT beat a world record set by the Koenigsegg Agera R as being the fastest accelerating production car in the world when it did a run from 0-300 km/h in 13.63 seconds.
That’s crazy fast. Not to be outdone by the French, Hennessey’s Venom GT broke the Veyron’s top speed at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida back in early 2014.
This beast can go 0-100 mph in 5.6 seconds (a world record), and 200 mph from a stop in only 14.51 seconds (also a world record). Hennessey also claims the Venom GT can reach a top speed of 278 mph if given a bit more room to do it. Let’s hope they find a track long enough.
Bugatti Chiron

Top Speed: 261 mphPower: 1,479 hp
Bugatti, never one to back down from a top speed fight, built the Chiron as a successor to the already world-record-breaking Veyron Super Sport (below). The Chiron carries over the same 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine as the Veyron, but modified to produce (quite a bit) more power and a smoother power band.
But here’s the really interesting part. The top speed of the Bugatti Chiron – 261 mph – is electronically limited due to safety limitations. Simply put, nobody’s built a tire that can handle speeds in excess of 280 mph. Michelin says they’re working on it, but until tire tech can catch up, don’t expect top speeds to go much past 180 mph.
So, how fast can the Chiron go? Nobody knows for sure (or dares to try), but the speedometer goes up to 500 km/h (about 311 mph). Since the much less powerful Veyron SS below hit over 268 mph with the speed limiter removed, we’re going to just fudge it a little bit and pretend the Chiron is officially faster (because we can, that’s why!)
Think Bugatti’s just sitting around waiting? Think again; they recently revealed the Chiron Sport, and it’s even better.
Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

Top Speed: 267.81 mphPower: 1,200 hp
Not to let SSC’s Ultimate Aero supercar keep Bugatti in second place for long, the French supercar company slapped bigger turbos and intercoolers on their previous world-record-holding Veyron to produce a seriously impressive 1,200 horsepower. The Veyron SS still houses the same 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine, but now produces 200 more horsepower.
To handle the extra speed and power, Bugatti also had to revise the chassis and suspension. Only 30 Veyron Super Sport models were produced. Electronically limited to 258 mph for the production cars, Guinness World Records went ahead and said even though the speed limiter was removed, the top speed was still valid.
I just wish they would have let the Chiron above do the same.
SSC Ultimate Aero TT

Top Speed: 256.18 mphPower: 1,183 hp
Boutique supercar maker Shelby Super Cars (SSC) unleashed the Ultimate Aero in 2007, destroying the more expensive Bugatti Veyron’s top speed record. The car in question was a 2007 model – since then, SSC has upgraded the Aero to include an all-new twin-turbo V8 engine, producing 1,287 hp, giving the car a theoretical top speed of 290 mph.
Nope, that’s not a typo. It’s also theoretical.
SSC says given a long enough road, they could get the car up to 270 mph. That would break the Veyron’s record again, so let’s see if they ever get around to it.
Koenigsegg CCXR

Top Speed: 249 mphPower: 1,004 hp
The Koenigsegg CCXR is a more “eco-friendly” version of the CCX. Powered by the same 4.7-liter twin-supercharged V8 engine as the CCX, the engine was modified to run on E85 gasoline, bringing the power output up from 795 to a whopping 1,004 hp.
Although the Koenigsegg CCR broke the top speed record in 2005 on a totally unfair circular track, the updated CCXR has a better engine, aerodynamics, and, well, pretty much everything else. I’d love to see the Swedish company get this out on the VW test track, which is the same track on which the Veyron was tested (and a straight line, not a circle.)
We’re glad to see our favorite Swedish car brand (sorry Volvo!) taking up two spots on this list.
Saleen S7 Twin-Turbo

Top Speed: 248 mphPower: 750 hp
Saleen’s first car not based on an existing model, the S7 supercar grabbed a lot of attention when it was released in 2000. An updated Twin-Turbo model followed shortly afterward, providing 750 hp and a 248 mph top speed. Saleen offers a competition package increasing power to 1000 hp, which brings the top speed up to a rumored 260 mph.
Interest has dropped for the S7, but if they can come back and claim a top speed close to Bugatti and SSC, we might see some more of Saleen’s supercar in the future.
There was the 80’s retro-cool Saleen S5S Raptor Concept they came out with in 2008, but that never saw the light of day.
McLaren F1

Top Speed: 240.14Power: 618 hp
The McLaren F1 was first produced in 1993, and it’s still one of the fastest cars in the world. It also happens to be the first car on this list I would purchase if I had the cash. Produced from 1993 to 1998, the F1 still sells for well over $1 million each, and I have a feeling it will only appreciate over the years.
The amount of “firsts” that McLaren introduced to road cars via the F1 is far too long to list in this article, but suffice it to say, the British company blew everyone else out of water at the time, and it’s still one of the most sought-after cars in the world. With only 64 versions of the road car ever made, only a lucky few will ever have the honor of owning (or even driving) one.
This is a timeless car and will remain on the all-time greatest car lists for decades to come. Even though it’s no longer the fastest production car in the world, it’s still the fastest naturally-aspirated road car in the world, sporting a special BMW-sourced 6.1-liter V12 (surrounded by freaking gold, BTW) capable of biting your head off…allegedly.
Pagani Huayra

Top Speed: 238 mphPower: 720 hp
The Pagani Zonda, even since I first laid eyes on it, has been one of my favorite cars of all time. Now, while I’m not a huge fan of the Huayra’s styling (or name) when compared to the Zonda, I have to admit it’s a helluva car.
720 hp from the Huayra’s AMG-sourced 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine, mated to a seven-speed single-clutch sequential gearbox lets the car hit 60 mph from a stop in only 2.8 seconds, up to a top speed of 238 mph.
Ferrari Enzo

Top Speed: 221 mphPower: 651 hp
Another one of the few naturally-aspirated cars on this list, the Ferrari Enzo is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 producing 651 hp. Only 399 Enzos were built for sale, and as usual, all were sold to existing customers (via invitation) before anyone else even heard about the car. There was one more Enzo built – #400 – and donated to the Vatican for charity.
Interestingly, the Enzo’s successor – the LaFerrari – is only able to hit an approximately similar top speed despite begin significantly more powerful. What it is, however, is much quicker; we’re talking 0-62 mph times of 2.4 seconds, compared to the Enzo’s 3.2 (which is still ridiculously fast).

Pushed off the Top 10 List
Aston Martin One-77

Top Speed: 220 mphPower: 750 hp
The Aston Martin One-77 is a very limited edition (only 77 made, who’d have thought?) supercar. Originally the top speed was estimated at a relatively paltry 200 mph but later tests confirmed a top speed of 220.007 mph.
The 3,307 lb car can rocket from zero to sixty in 3.5 seconds thanks to its 750 horsepower, 7.3-liter V12 engine and six-speed automated manual gearbox.
Pagani Zonda F Clubsport

Top Speed: 215 mphPower: 640 hp
Powered by a 7.3-liter AMG-built V12, the 640 horsepower Pagani Zonda F Clubsport created ripples in the car community when it lapped the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife test track in only 7:24.7 seconds.
A very impressive car – I’m actually confused as to why it’s not higher on the list, although Pagani claims that without the car’s aerodynamic equipment (added to increase cornering ability,) the Zonda F Clubsport would have a top speed of 220 mph.
Bugatti EB110 Super Sport

Top Speed: 213 mphPower: 560 hp
The third Bugatti on this list, the original EB110 was powered by a 3.5-liter quad-turbo V12 producing an impressive 560 hp and was able to hit 213 mph – still just enough to be on this list.
But then in 1992 (a year after the EB110 was unveiled,) a lighter and more powerful (612 hp) version came out – the SuperSport – that hit 216 mph and able to hit zero to 62 mph in only 3.2 seconds. Keep in mind this was in 1992 – a feat impressive by today’s standards.

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2019 Ford Ranger Production Kicks Off In Michigan

2019 Ford Ranger Production Kicks Off In Michigan 2019 Ford Ranger Production is underway in Michigan.
Ford says the new Ranger has segment-leading performance.
A special configuration tool for pre-ordering is open on Ford’s website.
Pricing begins at $25,395 MSRP.
2019 Ford Ranger production is underway at Michigan Assembly, following a special ceremony with the plant’s 3,000 employees. After an eight year absence, the Ranger returns for the 2019 model year. Ford has invested $850 million into Michigan Assembly for both the Ranger and Bronco, the latter set for production in 2020.
“The revitalization of the Michigan Assembly Plant and renewed production of the Ford Ranger is another exciting chapter in our state’s comeback story,” said Governor Rick Snyder. “This is also an opportunity to look toward its promising future with production of the all-new Ford Bronco on the horizon.”
“Ford truck fans demanded a midsize pickup that’s ‘Built Ford Tough,’ and we’re delivering with our all-new Ranger that’s specially designed and engineered for American truck customers,” added Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s President of Global Operations. “At the same time, we’re revitalizing our Michigan Assembly Plant and securing good-paying jobs for our hourly employees here in the U.S.”
Ford’s Michigan Assembly is a 369-acre plant in Wayne, Michigan. Station wagons were the first vehicles to roll off the line when the plant opened in 1957. Then in 1966, a 30-year run of Bronco production began. As of October 22nd, 2019 Ford Ranger production is underway. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
New Family
Ford is transforming their product lineup, building their truck, SUV, and commercial vehicle momentum. Earlier this year, Michigan Assembly ended Focus production, taking the necessary retooling measures in anticipation for the Ranger’s launch. The 2019 Ranger is the first in a series of all-new vehicles as Ford looks to replace over 75 percent of their North American portfolio by 2020.
“We have been waiting for this day for a long time,” said Michigan Assembly Plant Manager Erik Williams. “The Ranger is back home in the U.S., and our employees at Michigan Assembly Plant are thrilled to be able to build it for our customers.”
The 2019 Ranger is the first in a series of all-new vehicles as Ford looks to replace over 75 percent of their North American portfolio by 2020.Click To TweetPower & Performance
The 2019 Ford Ranger’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost features direct fuel injection, a twin-scroll turbocharger, a forged-steel crankshaft (and con rods), and chain-driven dual overhead cams. It’s paired to a 10-speed automatic.
Ford says the new Ranger will offer driver-assist and connectivity features, as well as best-in-class payload, gas towing, and gas torque. An available FX4 Off-Road Package includes Terrain Management and Trail Control systems to increase performance during adverse or rough driving conditions.
2019 Ford Ranger on display at the North American International Auto Show, Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan.
The 2019 Ford Ranger will feature new tech for easier towing.
Availability
In May, Ford revealed the intense and rigorous testing the 2019 Ranger was enduring prior to production. Ford is currently taking orders on their website. Customers who order before January 2nd will receive their new Ranger by July 2nd 2019.
“UAW-Ford members take pride in relaunching the all-new Ranger right here in Michigan,” said UAW-Ford Vice President Rory Gamble. “Our UAW brothers and sisters take great care in the quality and craftsmanship customers will discover when they experience the relaunch of this iconic nameplate.”
“I thank our partners at Ford for investing in Michigan and contributing to the Motor City’s legacy as the automotive capital of the world,” Snyder added.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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2019 Chevy Silverado By The Numbers

2019 Chevy Silverado By The Numbers The 2019 Chevy Silverado debuted in Detroit, Michigan, 100 years after the automaker began producing trucks in January of 1918. Chevrolet expanded the range of engines and transmissions, and cut weight to increase overall performance. The 2019 Silverado was subjected to GM’s most rigorous engineering metrics in history. The Silverado team essentially doubled their validation targets and logged seven million miles of real-world testing.
Bed Time
Despite rumors of aluminum and carbon fiber, the 2019 Silverado retains its roll-formed, high-strength steel bed. Yield strength increases from 340 to 500 megapascals of pressure through the use of higher grades of steel; the tie-down hooks now handle 500 lbs. of force. At the moment, the 2019 Silverado offers best-in-class cargo volume, with even the short-box offering up 63 cubic feet of space.
The bed floor was widened by seven inches and the wheelbase extended by 3.9 inches to increase cargo capacity. For easier access to said cargo, an available power up/down tailgate can be operated with the key fob or via a button in the cab.
Light & Tight
The 2019 Chevy Silverado is 450 lbs. lighter when compared to the current generation Silverado with a V8. Weight reduction and strength increases were achieved through “mixed materials and advanced manufacturing processes,” according to Chevrolet. That strategy is demonstrated most noticeably in the truck’s body, frame, and suspension.
The actual body is 88 pounds lighter. The doors, hood, and tailgate are made from aluminum while the fenders, roof, and bed utilize high-strength steel. The underlying safety cage uses seven different grades of steel. Going further underneath, the fully boxed steel frame is also 88 lbs. lighter but offers a 10 percent increase in torsional rigidity. 80 percent of the frame consists of high-strength steel, varying from two to five millimeters in thickness, depending on location. Hydroforming, roll forming, conventional stamping, and tailor-rolled blanking are all performed during manufacturing, according to Chevrolet.
The front independent short/long arm suspension has lighter forged-aluminum upper control arms. Chevrolet notes this change provides better wheel alignment than the stamped components they replace. The live-axle rear suspension is also redesigned, including new carbon-composite, second-stage springs on LT models that cut about 12 lbs. (per side) over the steel springs they replace.

Power & Performance
Duramax fans are likely jumping for joy right now! The 2019 Chevy Silverado has an option for an all-new Duramax 3.0-liter inline-six. Revised versions of GM’s evergreen 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter engines with Dynamic Fuel Management are on offer. The system replaces Active Fuel Management and differs in the sense it can shut off any number of cylinders, in a variety of combinations, to boost performance and efficiency.
Both the Duramax and 6.2-liter are paired with a new Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic transmission. Overall, the 2019 Chevy Silverado will offer six engine and transmission choices.
Functional Styling
The new Silverado borrows from its performance car stablemates, particularly the sixth-generation Camaro. The front grille, for example, includes functional air curtains that move air around the front wheel wells to reduce aerodynamic drag. The truck’s side profile is aerodynamically enhanced too. An integrated spoiler at the rear edge of the cab moves air onto the tailgate lip, reducing wind drag from the bed. Changes like these result in a seven percent increase in aerodynamic efficiency, according to Chevrolet.
Photo: Chevrolet.
Interior Treatments
The interior was strongly influenced by customer feedback, since truck buyers spend a lot of time in the cab. The focus was on developing a comfortable and functional interior, with easy-to-use controls. Right off the bat, the cab was stretched to increase interior space; crew cabs now have three additional inches of rear-seat legroom. Overall, the 2019 Chevy Silverado has 44.5 inches of front legroom and 43.8 inches of rear legroom.
The interior was then subjected to 100,000 seat-slide tests to ensure the surfaces remain supple and supportive. Two new 10-liter storage bins were added for the second-row seatbacks, and a larger, 24-liter storage tray was fitted under the rear seat. The Silverado was the first pickup to offer 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and various OnStar safety and security features. That all remains for 2019.
Production & In Person
The 2019 Chevy Silverado will be on display at the North American International Auto Show through January 28th at the Cobo Center, downtown Detroit. Production will begin at Fort Wayne, Indiana Assembly this fall. When it arrives, the 2019 Chevy Silverado will have eight different trim levels, including an off-road-oriented Trailboss.
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 Chevy Silverado Gallery

Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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Amazon, Nissan Tech Lets Owners Talk To Their Vehicles

Amazon, Nissan Tech Lets Owners Talk To Their Vehicles

The worst feeling in the world is forgetting where you put your keys. You dump out your bag, slap all your pockets, and retrace your steps over and over again. Well, Nissan understands and later this month, some Nissan owners will be able to start their vehicle simply by speaking. Amazon Alexa, powered by NissanConnect Services, adds the new skill to a growing list of over 25,000.
This is the ideal time to utter the phrase, “the future is here.”
Voice Activation
Nissan owners will be able to find the new skill, called “NissanConnect Services,” under the connected car category in the Amazon Skills Store. The new skill is free to use and provides Nissan owners a way to vocally communicate with their vehicle, from locking and unlocking the doors, to honking the horn, flashing the lights, and starting the vehicle. A 4-digit pin will be required to send certain commands, like remote starting.
“Alexa, start my GT-R.” Photo: Nissan North America.
Ownership Experience
This approach comes from Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility initiative, which is meant to enhance the relationship between driver and vehicle. For example, owners can even name their Nissan.
“Intelligent integration means helping our customers even when they are not behind the wheel,” explained Dan Teeter, Director, Vehicle Connected Services, Nissan North America, Inc. “We are about bringing unexpected innovations to customers, and are excited to offer this technology to both existing and new Nissan owners.”
The services will be available on vehicles equipped with NissanConnect Services, an on-board telematics system. Amazon’s Alexa integration will require owners to have an active subscription to NissanConnect Services and a Nissan Owner Portal account, although the NissanConnect Services app does not need to be running to use the service. Once linked to a Nissan Owners Portal account with a compatible Nissan vehicle, owners can then utilize the voice commands.
We have included a chart below showing which Nissan vehicles are compatible.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Nissan Altima
2016, 2017, 2017.5
Nissan Armada
2018
Nissan GT-R
2017
Nissan Maxima
2016, 2017
Nissan Murano
2016, 2017.5
Nissan Pathfinder
2017, 2018
Nissan Rogue
2016, 2017
Nissan Rogue Sport
2017
Nissan Sentra
2016, 2017
Nissan TITAN
2017
Nissan TITAN XD
2016, 2017
Photos & Source: Nissan North America.

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2018 Acura ILX Arrives, Special Edition Available

2018 Acura ILX Arrives, Special Edition Available

We recently drove the 2018 Acura TLX A-Spec and enjoyed our time behind the wheel. We thought it was comfortable enough for city commuting but snappy enough for the open road. Recently, the 2018 Acura ILX arrived at the dealership and with it, a new Special Edition designation with A-Spec appointments. Acura says the ILX is meant to capture new luxury buyers and serve as a “gateway” to brand’s entire lineup.
Features Galore
Standard equipment on all ILX models includes Acura’s JewelEye LED headlights, an 8-way power driver’s seat, multi-view rearview camera, auto on/off headlights, one-touch power moonroof, a 5-inch Multi-View Display, Bluetooth capability, and push-button start. AcuraWatch, a suite of active safety technologies, is available on all ILX models, but standard when the Tech Plus package is selected.
The ILX Premium trim treats drivers to HD and Aha Radio, an 8-inch upper display, a 7-inch On-Demand Multi-Use Display, and HomeLink among other features.
Photo: Honda North America.
Premium Feel
The ILX A-Spec trims, Premium and Tech Plus, have a decklid spoiler, front fog lights, 18-inch 10-spoke machined alloy wheels, and exterior A-Spec badging in three locations: left and right front fenders and trunk lid. Acura is going for a lot of curb appeal here with this new look.
The interior is decorated with a Premium Black theme that includes perforated Lux Suede seat inserts. Driving enthusiasts will appreciate the instrument panel’s red background, contrasted with the gray interior stitching and aluminum pedals.
Power & Performance
All 2018 Acura ILX models are propelled by a 2.4-liter direct-injected DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder, creating 201 horsepower and 180 lb-ft. of torque. A Sequential SportShift 8-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission with paddle shifters helps disperse the power. Acura says the transmission is both crisp and responsive with “performance and exceptional efficiency at your fingertips.”
Photo: Honda North America.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Acura ILX is available now with a starting MSRP of $28,100. The new Special Edition, by contrast, begins at $28,900. A handy chart showing the trim levels and corresponding prices is below.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Trim
MSRP
EPA MPG Rating (city/highway/combined)
ILX
$28,100
25/35/29
ILX Special Edition
$28,900
25/35/29
ILX AcuraWatch Plus
$29,400
25/35/29
ILX Premium
$30,100
25/35/29
ILX Premium A-Spec
$32,100
25/35/29
ILX Tech Plus
$33,100
25/35/29
ILX Tech Plus A-Spec
$35,100
25/35/29
2018 Acura ILX Gallery

Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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2018 Audi R8 Competition Package: Engage Gusto, Destroy Subtlety

2018 Audi R8 Competition Package: Engage Gusto, Destroy Subtlety Audi says this version is the most performance-oriented R8 yet.
Numerous Audi Sport performance parts come factory-installed.
Don’t expect to see very many of them as production will be slim.
Audi didn’t make this version of the R8 any prettier, I’m afraid, but they did make it hotter. It’s lighter, more track-focused and, if you are one of those “performance before all other things” kind of gearhead, then the 2018 Audi R8 V10 plus Coupe Competition is the version you want.
Audi’s cars, it’s sad to say, start out as almost beautiful, but, slowly, over the generations, they get uglier and uglier. When the R8 hit, it wasn’t exactly a Ferrari challenger, but it was pretty darn good, and had tons of on-road Presence. It looked the business. It looked different from the other high end sports cars out there. Every angle seemed to add up.
But now . . . sigh . . . we get this. Fussy. Over thought out. Too many rude angles and creases. It’s not bad, it’s not ugly, but the R8 is heading down a design road it shouldn’t.
All that said, this thing can really haul the mail.
Long Words, Low Weight
Officially, it’s called the 2018 Audi R8 V10 plus Coupe Competition package. Yes, that is a mouthful, but Germans have a penchant for long words (Rechtsschutzversicherungsgesellschaften, for example) (that means “insurance companies providing legal protection”)(no, really). So let us just refer to this bad boy as the “Competition Package” shall we?
The Competition Package, first, shaves some unneeded pounds here and there.
For example, titanium backing plates for the carbon ceramic brake pads cut 2.2 lbs., which helps unsprung weight. The wheels are similar to the R8 GT4 race car, and even though they’re a whopping 20 inches in diameter, carve off another 26.4 lbs. Tally it up, and the Competition Package shaves around 40 lbs. versus the “normal” R8.
2018 Audi R8 V10 plus Coupe Competition Package. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
This thing can really haul the mail.Click To TweetCelebrity Treatment
Audi then had a go at the aero workings for the Competition Package. The latest aero kit (full carbon fiber, of course) not only looks aggressive, but offers noticeable increases in downforce. At around 150 km/h (that’s 93.2 mph for you ‘Muricans out there), the downforce is doubled compared to an R8 V10 plus Coupe (see, long names!). At that speed, you’re garnering to 52 kg (114.6 lbs.) of downforce.
Which is like having Ariana Grande along for the ride, but without the screeching vocals and auto-tuning sins.
When the Competition Package hits its vMax – 315 km/h or 196 mph – the new aero package is producing 100 kg (220.5 lbs.) more downforce than before, for a total of 250 kg (551.2 lbs). Which is like having Shaquille O’Neal and me stuffed into the passenger seat! All this increased downforce and aero tuning, sadly, has the disadvantage of raising drag coefficient from a previous Cd of 0.36, now up to 0.42.
The carbon fiber aero kit includes the fixed rear wing, side sills, front spoiler and front flics, and the rear diffuser.

It's like having Ariana Grande along for the ride, but without the screeching vocals and auto-tuning sins.Click To TweetPerfect Ten
Audi will only be making ten versions of the Competition Package, with all 10 units being identical and “pre-configured” with the same features. The exterior is painted Suzuka Gray (sort of an off-white). The chairs are black racing shell seats with red contrast stitching. Leather is everywhere, with a full leather package including the upper and lower dash, doors, and side panels.
Tunes are provided by a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 13 speakers and 550 watts of amplifier power. All ten versions will come with the aformentioned performance brake pads and titanium backing plates.
Pricing & Availability
This R8 Competition Package is scheduled to arrive next month. And it will run you . . . $237,350! Or, you know, what granny and gramps spent on their retirement home in Palm Springs.
Worth it? That’s really up to you, although, despite the look, I do have a fondness for the R8.
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
2018 Audi R8 Competition Package Gallery

Photos & Source: Audi of America, Inc.

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2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman Review: Simple But Effective

2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman Review: Simple But Effective The 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman is a truck for the business owner who needs a workhorse. The Crew Cab 4×4 gets down and dirty by performing the toughest jobs on the site. With the Tradesman, you can carry the crew and lots of extra equipment. The 2019 model gets a redesign with upgrades making it even more effective as a work truck.
And even though it’s made for work, it’s not totally devoid of conveniences or creature comforts. This was a nice surprise as we spent the week driving the 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman.
What’s New For 2019
The 2019 Ram 1500 is entirely new and redesigned, losing some significant weight in the process. Ram says the new truck is nearly 225 lbs. lighter than its predecessor, despite adding higher grades of steel to its frame. Max towing and payload also increase. Properly equipped, the Tradesman can tow 12,750 lbs. with a payload exceeding 2,000 lbs.
With the Tradesman, you can carry the crew and lots of extra equipment.Click To TweetFeatures & Options
The Tradesman Crew Cab 4×4 ($37,995) comes standard with 18-inch steel wheels, vinyl flooring and upholstery, and the Uconnect infotainment system with a five-inch touchscreen display. Other creature comforts include automatic headlights, a locking tailgate, heated side mirrors, push-button ignition, cruise control, a 40/20/40-split folding bench seat, air conditioning, and a rearview camera.
Connectivity features include Bluetooth capability, rear-seat USB charge ports, and a six-speaker audio system with dual USB inputs and an auxiliary audio jack.
The Tradesman can be upgraded with options that include a Class IV hitch receiver package ($645) with trailer brake controls, an electronic locking rear differential, towing mirrors, chrome exterior trim, a spray-in bedliner, cloth upholstery, a folding rear seat, and satellite radio.
Total MSRP including destination: $44,275. By comparison, the 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman starts at $33,340.
A class III trailer hitch, 160-amp alternator, 3.21 rear axle ratio, and 730-amp battery are standard on the 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman.
Interior Highlights
The cab feels big and is a pleasing place to spend your work day. We used the generous amount of tilt-and-telescoping adjustment range to find the perfect driving position. There’s plenty of head, leg, and shoulder room in all seating positions. Overall, the inside is intelligently-designed for the business owner always on the go. We liked the center console with a large flat surface for a laptop or clipboard, perfect for writing estimates or keeping inventory.
The center stack is close enough too, putting all the controls within easy reach. The buttons and knobs are logically positioned for easy operation, just as you’d expect. Push-button start and an electric parking brake are standard even on the entry-level Tradesman.
The amount of side glass and the design of the dash makes for good visibility, despite the truck’s size. The redesigned crew cab offers more rear legroom than anything else in the class by a long shot. Stepping in the back reveals even more room for employees. When you need to give them a ride, they won’t feel cramped. The rear bench folds up easily, opening up a large cargo area for tools and equipment.

The Tradesman pulls its weight, but these new Ram models turn heads. Our pick is the Rebel 12 but the Hydro Blue Sport Ram is a close second.

The 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman is available in two cab styles and two bed lengths: Quad Cab with a 6 ft., 4 in. bed, Crew Cab with a short bed (5 ft., 7 in.) or Crew Cab with an optional 6 ft., 4 in. bed.
The redesigned crew cab offers more rear legroom than anything else in the class by a long shot.Click To TweetEngine & Fuel Mileage Specs
Standard on the Tradesman is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 producing 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. There’s a selector knob on the dash with 2WD, 4WD -Auto, 4-High, and 4-Low settings.
Fuel mileage estimates come in at 19/24 city/highway and 21 combined for the Pentastar V6. Those looking for more power for their Tradesman can upgrade to the 5.7-liter Hemi V8.
Driving Dynamics
We were impressed with the power of the V6, especially with its eTorque feature. It’s a mild hybrid engine assist technology, and it’s new on Ram trucks for 2019. Not a hybrid technology in the traditional sense, eTorque stores electricity in a lithium battery and helps the automatic stop-start system work smoothly.
It also provides a bit of extra power from a stop and gives a boost on the highway. With the Pentastar V6, up to 90 lb-ft. of additional torque can be sent to the wheels.
The Ram’s weight loss helps when pulling up a steep hill at altitude. We had no trouble passing slower traffic as we pushed hard up I-70, heading west into the high country. The large power exterior trailer tow mirrors made it easy to see small cars on the highway. We even had an early fall snow in Colorado this week. We shifted into 4-High on the fly and the big truck powered through the white stuff without loosing grip.
We had no trouble passing slower traffic as we pushed hard up I-70, heading west.Click To TweetConclusion
The workhorse 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman makes minimal concessions to luxury and offers all the things you need to get the job done. If you spend lots of time driving and going from site-to site, it’s a comfortable place to spend your work day.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman Gallery

2019 Ram 1500 Official Site.
Photos: FCA US LLC.

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Lotus Evora GT410 Sport Emerges From Hethel

Lotus Evora GT410 Sport Emerges From Hethel So speaketh Lotus: “Relentless in its development of world-class sports cars, Lotus has unveiled the new Evora GT410 Sport to complete the revised line-up of Hethel’s fastest model.” And all I can say is I really hope this completes the “revised line-up,” because over the paste while I have written articles on nine “new” Lotus models. I love these cars, I really do, but this whole “another month, another sort of new Lotus” thing is starting to get tiring.
Fitting In
In some ways, the Evora GT410 Sport is like the Evora GT430, only with less power, a bit more comfort, and a lot of aero and carbon fiber tweaks. The Evora GT410 Sport is available in both 2 seat and 2+2 configurations, and I’m sure both are fine. But if you buy the 2+2, you better have good reasons. The Evora GT410 Sport comes with either a manual or an automatic transmission, but don’t fret about that auto-box – everyone says it’s quite good. Overall, the new Evora GT410 Sport will be the replacement for the Evora Sport 410.
The revised front panel features two enlarged carbon fiber ducts and integrated air blades to move air around the front wheels. This reduces turbulence and decreases drag. Photo: Group Lotus plc.
Power & Performance
Body-wise the GT410 Sport has new, specifically-designed composite front and rear body panels, sans some of the high downforce elements found on other Evoras. Lotus says it has a far subtler and sleeker silhouette. Even though some aero bits are missing, the GT410 Sport still generates 50 percent more downforce than the Evora Sport 410 for a total of 96kg of downforce.
The Evora GT410 Sport is motorized by a specially-tuned, higher-output version of Lotus’ supercharged, 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine, complete with a water-to-air charge cooler. It goes without mentioning, but I’ll mention it anyway: this 3.5-liter 6-cylinder plant comes from Toyota, so do not worry about engine reliability, that is a thing of the past. Said mill cranks out 410 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 310 lb-ft. of torque from 3,500 rpm. This engine, combined with the company’s fixation for low weight, launches the GT410 Sport to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds with the automatic box. The manual version puts in a time of four seconds. See, that auto ain’t such a bad idea, is it?
Light & Tight
Speaking of the Hethel-based company’s undying love of making things as light as possible, developing the Evora GT410 Sport gave Lotus opportunities to optimize mass and weight. The bottom line turns up at an unladen weight of 2,860 lbs. If you decide to go with the optional titanium exhaust and the Lotus-tuned Öhlins TTX aluminum two-way adjustable dampers, you can shave off another 216 lbs. compared to the plain Jane Evora 400.
Photo: Group Lotus plc.
Careful Considerations
Would I buy the new Evora GT410 Sport? Of course I would! I just wish Lotus would stop messing around with having umpteen models of only slight difference from one step to the next. It’s sort of reminiscent of JDM car versions whose main differentiation from one trim level to the next are things like sway bar bushings. Lotus, you guys have made a name for yourself by making cars simple and light. Please apply that philosophy to your model lineup.
The Lotus Evora GT410 Sport can be ordered now in European and Asia Pacific markets. Availability for China and the United States is expected this summer.
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.
Lotus Evora GT410 Sport Gallery

Photos & Source: Group Lotus plc.

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2019 Ford Edge ST: The SUV Time Machine

2019 Ford Edge ST: The SUV Time Machine Throughout the year at Sioux Falls Ford, we received training on new vehicles before Ford released them. A specialist from Dearborn would arrive in the morning, with said vehicle, and put us sales guys through a day-long session of training and test driving. We learned everything about the forthcoming vehicle so we were prepared to answer any questions future customers might have.
Those were the good old days.
Showroom Shine
Looking back, a few vehicles from those training sessions really stood out: The 2010 Raptor with its suspension, the 2011 F-150 with its EcoBoost engines, and the 2010 Edge Sport with its 22-inch wheels. After training on the Edge that day, we held a public test drive event in the evening. Upper management invited many of our customers in for a chance to see and drive the Edge Sport. We took a few orders that night and enjoyed showing our customers this slick, new vehicle we received training on earlier in the day.
The next morning, I was on first shift, meaning I was usually at my desk by 7:45 before we opened at 8:00. As I was unpacking my things for the day, I glanced across the showroom and caught the morning sun bouncing off the Sport Blue Metallic paint and 22-inch chrome wheels. Since it was a demo vehicle for training, that particular Edge Sport was due to leave us, but for the time being, it was the perfect compliment to the Shelby Mustang sitting only a few feet away.
I get similar vibes from the 2019 Edge ST, Ford’s first SUV to be tuned by Ford Performance.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Power & Performance
The Edge ST features a specially-tuned 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine, pumping out 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic Ford notes as “quick-shifting.” Toggle over to Sport Mode and the Edge ST is suddenly more aggressive, holding gears up to the redline and resonating the exhaust notes a little further. All-wheel drive, a sport-tuned suspension, and an available performance braking package give the Edge ST a little extra “edge” on the road.
Exterior Styling
Just like the 2010 Edge Sport, the 2019 Edge ST catches the eye with its mesh grille, side skirts, redesigned hood, and dual exhaust ports. To enhance curb appeal, 21-inch wheels are available, while LED headlamps are standard.
Interior Design
Edge ST drivers will enjoy seats that offer additional bolstering, especially on longer trips. The center console is redesigned and the rotary gearshift dial reduces clutter and frees up space. The wireless charging pad, built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, and Sync 3 are nice upgrades for those who like having the latest tech. Music lovers will enjoy the available 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Safety & Security
The Edge ST features an array of advanced safety systems, two of which really stand out. Post Collision Braking reduces the likelihood of secondary impacts by applying moderate brake pressure when an initial collision is detected. Evasive Steering Assist, designed to operate at city and highway speeds, uses radar and a camera to detect slower-moving and stationary vehicles. Once detected, steering support is provided to help maneuver around a vehicle if a collision is imminent.
Manufacturing & Availability
The 2019 Ford Edge ST will be built at the Oakville Assembly Plant in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Expect to see the Edge ST at Ford dealerships this summer.
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.

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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