Automotive

Honda Engine Production Hits 25 Million In Ohio

Honda Engine Production Hits 25 Million In Ohio

Associates at Honda’s Anna, Ohio engine plant celebrated a milestone this week as the facility produced its 25 millionth engine. Honda recently invested $47 million there to bolster engine production for the 2018 Accord. New are two direct-injected VTEC Turbo 4-cylinder engines and a 2.0 i-VTEC Atkinson Cycle engine for the Accord Hybrid.
“Building 25 million engines is not just a major production milestone, but symbolic of the passion and commitment invested by our associates, past and present, to satisfy 25 million customers,” said Paul Dentinger, Plant Manager, Anna Engine Plant.
Versatile Facility
The 25 millionth engine, produced on Line 4, was a 1.5-liter turbo that will be shipped to the Marysville Auto Plant, about 45 miles east of Anna. Anna Engine produces more than 1.18 million engines annually, making it Honda’s largest engine plant in the world. The 2.5 million square foot facility supplies engines and components for 14 Honda and Acura vehicles made across the globe. The plant also makes the turbo engine for the Civic Type-R, the most powerful production Honda in the United States. Further, in the spring of 2016, master technicians at the Anna plant starting building the hand-assembled twin turbo engine for the Acura NSX.
“We continue to invest in our plant and our people to build a new generation of Honda engine products for customers here and around the world,” Dentinger said.
The Anna Engine plant opened in 1985 and total investments there by Honda exceed $2.7 billion. At its current production rate, the Anna staff should reach another 25 million engines sometime in the year 2038.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo & Source: Honda North America.

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What Makes Supercars Super: The Dream

What Makes Supercars Super: The Dream

Recently, we launched our new series What Makes Supercars Super. The first episode follows one Mike Berman, owner of the The Yellow Compass Group, a boutique Ferrari dealership. Automoblog Host Gino D’Orazio introduces us to Berman and takes us through his dealership.
We see a showroom full of classic and unique Ferrari cars and why each one is so memorable and iconic to both Berman and his customers.
Our second installment entitled The Dream builds from the themes of the first episode. From behind the wheel of his BMW, D’Orazio conveys a passion only the truest car enthusiasts will understand. The Dream shows us how supercars bring out our deepest emotions and often leave us speechless. We have set out to determine just what makes supercars super. Indeed, there are probably a thousand answers, but discovering each of them is part of the thrill.
Enjoy.

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2018 Mazda3 Hatchback Grand Touring Review

2018 Mazda3 Hatchback Grand Touring Review

If you want a stylish, fun-to-drive, fuel-efficient car with utility, you might think you need to buy a small, sub-compact city commuter. But it’s all available in the Mazda3 hatchback. Mazda is producing some fun entries and this one competes well with popular rivals like the Volkswagen Golf, Honda Civic, and Ford Focus.
This week we drove the 2018 Mazda3 5-Door Grand Touring, which is the top trim.
What’s New For 2018
The Mazda 3 remains mostly unchanged for 2018, with a shuffling of some features and option packages. Our Grand Touring tester had LED headlights as standard equipment.
Features & Options
Our 2018 Mazda3 5-Door Grand Touring ($24,945) came standard with LED exterior lights (headlights, foglights, taillights), a sunroof, digital speedometer, an upgraded display in the instrument panel, leather upholstery, a nine-speaker Bose system, and satellite radio.
The Premium Equipment package ($1,600) added adaptive headlights, automatic high beams, a heated steering wheel, paddle shifters, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, navigation, lane departure warning and intervention, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with braking for higher speeds, and a traffic sign reader. The Appearance Package ($1,750) added a rear spoiler, front air dam, rear bumper skirt, and side sill extensions.
Total MSRP including destination: $29,770.

Interior Highlights
When we stepped inside the Mazda3, we thought the cockpit was truly driver-focused. Everything is centered on driving enjoyment, with all the controls arranged symmetrically around the driver. The heads-up display is available to make it easier to have fun driving this sporty hatch. The electronic emergency brake is another small thing some might not notice, but it provides room for the gear shifter to be optimally placed.
The leather-trimmed front seats are supportive, comfortable, and among the best in the class; we think they’re near-luxury level. Mazda has some of the best interiors for this price point of any automaker. The quality of materials is top notch and the fit and finish is excellent for a vehicle under $30,000.
In the back, there’s 35.8 inches of rear legroom, so taller passengers will feel cramped. It’s fine for short rides, but not long road trips. When it comes to cargo space, the hatch is among the best. The 5-Door Grand Touring offers 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat. With the seats folded flat, it offers up an abundant 47.1 cubic feet of cargo space, moving it into small SUV territory.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Grand Touring comes powered by a 2.5-liter engine, producing 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft. of torque. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic with Sport Mode and paddle shifters. It’s a front-drive configuration and gets an EPA-estimated 26/35 city/highway and 30 combined mpg.
Driving Dynamics
The first thing we noticed after getting behind the wheel was the heads-up display. It’s one of the best features for any driver so you can keep your eyes on the road. We like it because we push our testers to the limit. The 2.5-liter had ample power for most driving situations, and small hatch buyers will like the four-cylinder with the automatic because of the excellent fuel mileage.
The 6-speed Sport Mode automatic is ideal for enthusiasts because it offers steering wheel paddles, and it shifts with the decisiveness of a dual-clutch transmission. Mazda says “Driving Matters” and this car is a good example of what they transfer to the driver. We found the Mazda3 handles the tightest curves and mountain roads like more expensive German sedans. The ride can be a bit busier than most compact cars and somewhat stiff because the suspension is tuned for sport over comfort.
But that’s why you would buy this car: for the driving enjoyment.
Conclusion
The 2018 Mazda3 5-Door Grand Touring is one of the best hatchbacks for the money. It not only ramps up the fun-to-drive meter, but it offers functionality, sporty styling, a top-notch cabin, excellent fuel economy, and safety. If it were offered with all-wheel drive it would be even better.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Mazda3 5-Door Hatchback Gallery

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2018 Mazda3 5-Door official site.
Photos: Mazda North American Operations.

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Aston Martin Vantage GT3 To Take On Abu Dhabi

Aston Martin Vantage GT3 To Take On Abu Dhabi Aston Martin Racing’s new Vantage GT3 set for the Gulf 12 Hours.
Three works drivers will join the partner teams in the Abu Dhabi event.
Aston Martin will be dragging three of its customer teams halfway around the globe to run the endurance race at the sparkling Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi. This can easily be seen as Aston carrying on the fine tradition of factories supporting gentleman race drivers and semi-independent teams.
They could win, but they will most surely have fun.
Desert Gold Mines
A few years back, Abu Dhabi, as a nation, realized they were sitting on a small ocean of oil, which effectively means they were sitting on a small ocean of money. Thankfully (from a gearhead perspective) they decided to spread some of that cheese all over the desert floor in the form of a not-at-all-bad racing complex. At the time, the rumors were they dumped more than a billion dollars into the project, and boy, it sure looks like it. Yas Marina (the name of the place) looks like a race track from a sci-fi movie set 50 years in the future.
And, from what I gather, it’s a blast to drive.
Hence, F1 runs there, locals run there and, in the case of Aston Martin, we will see three Aston Martin Racing partner teams run the new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 at the Gulf 12 Hours on December 15th.
Related: An in-depth look at the Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE.
Aston Martin Vantage GT3. Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Team Work Makes The Dream Work
The lead teams will be Oman Racing and TF Sport in the PRO class. A good choice since Oman Racing finished on the podium, third overall, at the same event in 2015. They also came in second in the PRO/AM class last year. The graph is running in the right direction. The Oman entry will be piloted by two Brits, the works drivers Darren Turner, a three-time Le Mans class winner and another team regular Jonny Adam. Joining them will be Omani racer Ahmad Al Harthy.
TF Sport, which has been campaigning an Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTE in the FIA World Endurance Championship, also ran a V12 Vantage GT3 in the 2018 Blancpain Endurance Series as well as the British GT Championships. So no wet-behind-the-ears newbies here. TF will be running the new Vantage GT3 in the UK next year, so gaining experience at the Abu Dhabi enduro will be quite valuable.
Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
New Prospects
Also in the PRO class will be up-and-comers R-Motorsport. They’ve already won once in the Blancpain Endurance Series with the V12 Vantage GT3, nabbing three consecutive pole positions in their debut season. R-Motorsport have been loyal and long-time campaigners of Aston Martin racing cars, so the factory gave them full backing for this race.
“We are really excited to run the new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 on its debut outing outside Europe,” explained R-Motorsport Team Principal Florian Kamelger. “The challenging event in Abu Dhabi will give us the best opportunity to test the car in a long-distance race before we run it in 2019.”
R-Motorsport will have their regular drivers, Jake Dennis and Marvin Kirchhöfer, with a third yet to be confirmed. Just to mention: I can be contacted at: One Automoblog Towers, Detroit Michigan. Although I do not come cheap, I am available.

Further Representation
Aston Martin will also be represented in the PRO AM class by Beechdean AMR, running a Vantage GT3. This will be the race debut for Beechdean AMR. Although new, the team will be headed up in the driving department by two-time British GT and European Le Mans Series champion Andrew Howard (another Brit) and Humaid al Masaood from the United Arab Emirates.
The journeyman Chris Dyson from the good ol’ USA and British works driver Ross Gunn complete the lineup.
“Having been the first team to run the outgoing multiple race and championship winning Vantage, it is a real privilege to be part of a lineup with the first AM drivers to race the new Vantage GT3,” said Beechdean AMR Team Owner Andrew Howard. “We have been lucky enough to test the prototype and if that is anything to go by, then it will be as big a leap from the current car as the Vantage was from the glorious DBRS9.”
Related: Aston Martin Vantage – styling wonder or blunder?
In Person
This will be the eighth running of the Gulf 12 Hours, which will be split into two six-hour races. It all takes place on December 15th. It will most definitely be worth checking out.
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
Photos & Source: Aston Martin The Americas.

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2019 Ford GT Carbon Series: Velocity Mutants Welcome

2019 Ford GT Carbon Series: Velocity Mutants Welcome The Ford GT Carbon Series is the lightest in the blue oval’s GT lineup.
The GT Carbon Series is both track-ready and street-legal.
The window to apply for ownership, however, is slim.
The latest Ford GT hasn’t even hit the secondary market, and Dearborn is already messing with it, making it lighter, faster, and just plain sharper all the way around. Sure, it’s not perfect (what car is?) but with these updates, Ford edges (no pun intended) their GT a little bit closer to perfection.
Ford makes no bones about this new GT having a split personality. “The GT Carbon Series will be shredding tracks soon as the lightest of the road-going Ford supercars – and unlike its sibling racer, it will want to be driven home after time sheets are collected,” reads a statement from the company.
And how can I, or any other track-rat out there, argue with that? Sure, sure, coming up with a ride that is killer on the track is pretty easy. But driving it home after you’ve raced? That can be another problem all together.
Light = Right
The stuff you do to a car to make it perform better on the track – removing everything you can, tightening up the suspension, taking out the sound-proofing to save weight, ditching the air conditioning, stuff like that – only makes it loud, sweaty, and buck like a lumber cart through traffic.
Ford has done that for you, without throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
The Ford GT Carbon Series shelves nearly 40 lbs. thanks to a host of lightweight advances, like carbon fiber wheels, a titanium exhaust and lug nuts, and a polycarbonate rear hatch with better venting for hot air extraction. The carbon fiber wheels are killer, so much so that a number of racing series outright ban them. The titanium exhaust is a nice touch; great material, but expensive to replace. Same goes for the titanium lug nuts, although that’s not very new.
Ferrari has been doing that for 20 years now, cough, cough.
Ditto for the polycarbonate rear hatch. Hey, if it’s good enough for fighter jet canopies, then who am I to argue?
Related: How a rivalry with Ferrari spawned the Ford GT.
2019 Ford GT Carbon Series. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
The Cup Holders Have Left The Building
On the flip side, Ford kept just enough conveniences from the “normal” GT (can you use that word with a car like this?) to make it, at the very least livable, if not exactly usable in everyday situations. The air conditioning is still there, because you know it’s going to get hothothot inside. They also kept the SYNC 3 radio.
“While the Ford GT Competition model appeals to hardcore racing enthusiasts, we found more customers asking for more exposed carbon fiber with the air conditioning and radio still intact,” explained Lance Mosley, Marketing Manager, Ford Performance. “So we developed the Carbon Series to satisfy that need, while providing a distinct look.”
Personally, I would have no problem with ditching the radio. In a car like this, I’m getting enough music from that exhaust and those tires screaming for mercy. Ford, much to their credit, drew the line at the cup holders. I do not have a steering wheel on my coffee table, why do I need a cup holder in my track car?
Also sacrificed to the god of lightness: the driver’s side seat storage bin.
2019 Ford GT Carbon Series interior layout. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
More Carbon Fiber Please
To show off just how special this version is, and to remind you over and over again where the “carbon” in GT Carbon Series comes from, there’s more visible carbon fiber than any other Ford GT. There’s optional accent colors so you stand out from the more plebian GTs, and show what a velocity mutant you really are.
There are two exposed carbon fiber stripes and the interior is slathered in the aerospace stuff as well.
If you are one of the lucky purchasers of the 2019 Ford GT Carbon Series, you can choose between four optional accent colors: silver, orange, red, or blue. Those accents will be found on the mirror caps, center stripe, and brake calipers. You also get a unique seat pattern with silver stitching that is repeated on the steering wheel.
The paddle shifters are clear anodized deals and there’s a unique badge for the instrument panel.
Related: An in-depth look at the Ford GT’s Brembo Braking system.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
I do not have a steering wheel on my coffee table, why do I need a cup holder in my track car?Click To TweetAvailability
Prospective owners can submit their applications now but time is running out according to Ford. Which is a nicer way to utter: “On your knees before us, supplicant! We are not sure if you are valuable of our bounty!!”
Hey, I’d fill out the forms and wait in line too, if I had the cash. But I don’t. Cause I’m an Automotive Journalist. But a boy can dream, can’t he?
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
2019 Ford GT Carbon Series Gallery

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Review: Pavement Not Required

2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Review: Pavement Not Required When Jeep brought the Cherokee back in 2014, they were hoping it would be a big hit with consumers. Well, they hit a home run because it lands in the top 20 best-selling vehicles in America, with more sales than its Grand Cherokee big brother. It comes in seven different trim levels and offers something for just about everyone looking for a small, all-wheel drive SUV.
This week, we are testing a trail-ready, 2019 Cherokee Trailhawk Elite 4×4.
What’s New For 2019?
The Jeep Cherokee gets new exterior styling, an optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and an upgraded infotainment system.
Features & Options: Plenty To Pick From
The off-road-themed 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Elite 4×4 ($33,320) comes with an advanced all-wheel drive system (Active Drive II with Active Drive Lock). It also boasts slightly wider 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, an off-road-oriented suspension, locking rear differential, plus hill ascent and descent controls. Skid plates, tow hooks, unique exterior trim, and special interior upholstery are also standard.
Drivers in colder climates will apprentice the remote start.
Our Trailhawk tester also came with the optional Elite package, Technology group, and the upgraded sound and navigation systems. Total MSRP including destination: $40,245. By comparison, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk starts at $33,695.
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk offers plenty of off-road capability for a smaller SUV. The optional V6 provides smooth, assertive power.
Interior Highlights: Classy & Composed
On the inside, the Trailhawk looks as good as the outside. It’s loaded with leather and premium touches like heated and ventilated front seats. In fact, the heated steering wheel came in handy this week during our chilly Colorado mountain runs, during which we tested this Trailhawk. Other nice touches include the rear backup camera, power liftgate, remote start, eight-way power driver’s seat, and four-way driver lumbar adjustments.
The interior is stylish and comfortable and much different than the Cherokee of the 90s. It’s almost too nice to take off-road, even though this SUV is highly capable. The cabin features black vents, brown titanium-like trim, and stitched leather on the dash. The center console has been redesigned, being shifted slightly rearward, creating a space for stashing a cell phone near a USB port. There’s also a 115-volt outlet and the latest version of FCA’s Uconnect infotainment system.
Behind the front seat, the 40.3 inches of rear legroom is nearly two inches more than the Grand Cherokee. The 60/40 rear seats fold flat easily for more cargo carrying ability. Jeep has included more volume for the rear area for 2019, which expands to 26 cubic feet. That’s wide enough to accommodate a pair of golf bags, according to Jeep.
With the rear seats folded flat, max cargo is 55 cubic feet.
Although the V6 can be a bit noisy, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk accelerates nicely.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
Our Trailhawk came with the optional 3.2-liter V6 that produces 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic, standard in all Cherokees. Jeep’s 3.6-liter has been one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines and it’s a strong suite for the brand.
EPA-ratings for our tester with the V6 were 18/24 city/highway and 21 combined mpg. By comparison, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo for the Trailhawk comes in at 20/26 city/highway with a combined of 22.
Related: In June 1941, the United States Army sought new proposals for a lightweight, four-wheel drive combat truck. And that’s how Jeep was born.
Driving Dynamics: Off-Road Ready
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk has a stiffer ride due to the off-road suspension, but it was surprisingly smooth on the highway. The nine-speed transmission is mostly seamless, but we noticed a slight hesitation between gear changes at lower speeds. This could be the result of first gear being an aggressive 4.71:1 for low-end performance.
But gears six through nine are all geared higher for the highway. Ninth gear is a super overdrive, at 0.48:1. By contrast, the low gear ratio for first gear is perfect for off-road driving.
If you are looking for a true off-road oriented SUV, the Trailhawk is the ticket. The Active Drive Lock (with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit), locking rear differential, and raised, off-road suspension make short work of the trails. It’s designed for climbing over and descending down the steepest terrain. For example, the Trailhawk’s crawl ratio of 56:1 nearly matches the Jeep Wrangler’s.
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk feels tight and controlled off-road.
Traction Modes: A Jeep Thing
The Trailhawk comes with a Selec-Terrain system for extra traction and stability when the pavement ends. It has five modes: Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud, and Rock. There’s a new independent suspension to compliment the increased torsional rigidity in the frame. After we got off the highway, we drove over a steep mining road between Evergreen and Idaho Springs for a good test.
That’s an area we don’t normally travel on our test drives, unless we have something like this Jeep.
Don’t be fooled by its good looks, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk will go wherever you point it. We shouldn’t be surprised because it’s still a Jeep.
Those who visit far-off fishing cabins, do a lot of skiing, or live in places like the Upper Peninsula of Michigan should have this Jeep at the top of their shopping list.
Related: The 707 horsepower Jeep that’s a blast to drive!
Conclusion: High Marks Overall
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is near the top of the Cherokee line, and comes with more goodies for the adventure seeker. But it’s so nice on the inside, it makes us wonder if buyers will be afraid to hit those more serious trails. Still, the Trailhawk is truly in an off-road class of its own because it will take its owner anywhere they want to go.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Gallery

2019 Jeep Cherokee Official Site.
Photos: FCA US LLC.

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2020 Kia Forte GT: Little But Also Big

2020 Kia Forte GT: Little But Also Big The 2020 Kia Forte GT takes inspiration from the Stinger.
Kia says it’s a practical, compact performance sedan.
The Forte overall is one of Kia’s best-selling models.
2020 Kia Forte GT: Alphabet Soup
Kia decided to roll out the Forte GT way early, showing the 2020 Forte GT at this year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas. SEMA is a good venue for this sort of thing, and the GT version is about as hot as a Forte will likely get. Hopefully, it will not get lost in the blizzard of alphabet soup that are the Forte trim levels. That would be the FE, LXS, EX, GT Line, and GT. Confusing, no?
And on top of that, within the “GT trim levels” you can pick from two: The GT1 and GT2 packages.
Luckily, we’ll only be concerning ourselves with the GT stuff.
Gloss Black Trim & Ambient Lights
The “GT Line” is mainly trim bits that make your car look fast, but it skips the stuff that actually makes it fast. I know, why would someone do this in the first place? I wouldn’t, but I guess somebody does. The GT Line offers stuff like a gloss black grille, offset by red accents. The same gloss black treatment is applied to the outside mirrors (heated and with LED turn signals), the side sills, and rear spoiler.
The GT trim does get a beefier, sport-tuned dual exhaust, 18-inch alloy wheels, and LED headlights. Inside, drivers enjoy contrast stitching, LED ambient lighting, and an illuminated GT dash inlay. The Forte GT Line also gets alloy sport pedals, a flat bottom steering wheel with white contrast stitching, and black sport cloth seats with “performance” side bolsters.
Related: An inside look at the Kia Stinger.
The 2020 Kia Forte GT employs an independent front and rear suspension, with larger front disc brakes and sway bars. Photo: Kia Motors America.
Power & Performance
All this “racy” styling is powered by a naturally-aspirated 147 horsepower, 2.0-liter MPI four-cylinder engine. However, it’s with the actual GT that things get more interesting in the engine room. The GT features a turbocharged 1.6-liter DOHC I4 plant with gasoline direct injection. The engine puts out 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. of torque, sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual clutch automatic.
Safety & Infotainment
A whole bunch of tech, safety, and convenience stuff is found throughout the 2020 Forte GT. Dubbed “Kia Drive Wise,” all the goodies are standard. There’s Forward Collision Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist-Line, and Driver Attention Warning. Available options include Blind Spot Collision Warning with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning, and Smart Cruise Control.
Both GT packages come with LED overhead lighting, a sunroof, and a 320-watt Harman Kardon eight-speaker audio system. Wireless charging, a 4.2-inch LCD screen, and dual-zone automatic air conditioning? Check.
2020 Kia Forte GT interior layout. Photo: Kia Motors America.
Pricing & Availability
Price? Kia only says it will be announced closer to the Forte’s on-sale date for the 2020 model year. However, you have to figure it won’t break the bank. C’mon, this is a Kia. Exorbitantly priced, they’re not.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz
2020 Kia Forte GT Gallery

Photos & Source: Kia Motors America.

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2019 Lexus LX Inspiration: Really Worth 100 Grand?

2019 Lexus LX Inspiration: Really Worth 100 Grand? The 2019 Lexus LX Inspiration Series will debut at the L.A. Auto Show starting on November 30th.
Luxury treatments and limited production make it alluring, but is it really worth the high price tag?
The 2019 Lexus Inspiration Arrives
Lexus wants more money and, knowing the market, they will probably pry a lot of it from our wallets with the LX Inspiration. In general, the 2019 LX Inspiration is loaded down with tech features, comfort, luxury, the whiff of off-road capability and, sadly, what they consider style.
Like all Lexus models, the LX has that horrid grille that is, at best, reminiscent of The Predator’s face. It is, in short, not a good look. However, for reasons completely beyond me, people still go for Lexus; from the entry level sedans and coupes, all the way to these higher echelon models.
There must be something to keep them coming through the door?
What Could It Be?
Lexus says the LX Inspiration is for those who desire a “higher-level driving experience.” Sadly, I think they’re serious. I’d say bring it out to an AutoX course and let’s see how you do, bub, but that would get old before the first pass was over. Anyone seriously looking for a “higher-level driving experience” best look elsewhere.
2019 Lexus LX Inspiration. Photo: Lexus.
Back In Black
The LX is already packed with the materials and performance this market segment craves, but Lexus is going farther with the “Inspiration Series.” This LX comes in stealth Black Onyx and rides on 21-inch black alloy wheels. That grille is black too, which might make it less noticeable. Probably not, but a boy can hope.
There’s also black trim for the headlamps, foglights, and the windows along with smoked headlamp lenses. Out back, there are black chrome accents for the taillamps, license plate, and rear door. Black, black, and black. Sensing a theme here?
The headliner is also black, but the interior is an exclusive Moonlight White Semi-Aniline Leather to complement the exterior. Aniline is a chemical compound, not a color, so I’m not sure what they’re going for here. And making it a semi chemical compound doesn’t exactly clear things up. The carpet, cargo mats, and “key gloves” (what?) all get the luxo-treatment too.
Hey, you wanna know what you spent your money on, right?

Piles & Piles of Stuff
More? Of course there’s more. This is an American-market SUV. More is who we are. More is what we do. For example, the rear entertainment system and a 19-speaker, 450-watt Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound audio system. It has Felix Pappalardi/I’ve gone deaf levels of power!
There’s a Cool Box (to keep things cool) and a wireless charger to charge stuff. You get the picture.
The “Climate Concierge” automatically monitors the four separate climate zones inside the vehicle. It then adjusts the fans, heated seats, and steering wheel accordingly. So, Climate Concierge is like a thermostat? I guess Climate Concierge was a better name than Therm-O-Dictator or Temp-Wizard? Barely.
Related: Plenty of luxury and space. Our full Lexus GX 460 review.
The 2019 Lexus LX Inspiration features a 5.7-liter V8 with 383 horsepower, 403 lb-ft. of torque, and 7,000 lbs. of towing capacity. Photo: Lexus.
Off-Road Capabilities
They say it adapts to any terrain and, given the traditional body-on-frame structure, they’re at least heading in the right direction. Of course there’s a magically-controlled multi-terrain system that adapts to five different types of terrain: Rock, Rock and Dirt, Mogul, Loose Rock, and Mud and Sand.
Although, given what the 2019 Lexus LX Inspiration is and who will buy it, they should have added Soft Rock and Michael Bolton modes.
There’s low-range gearing for “slow-speed crawling” and for handling “steep off-road hills and uneven terrain.” Crawl Control, Turn Assist, and Hill-Start Assist Control systems are standard. Show me the picture of you taking this thing on The King of The Hammers, and then we can talk more about slow-speed crawling.
Related: The 2019 Lexus UX is ideal for those long commutes.

Pricing & Availability
This is, however, a limited edition model, with only 500 being made. It’s available now with a starting price of $100,420. ONEHUNDREDTHOU-!!!! Are they nuts? Here’s my advice: Go out and buy a two-year-old luxo-SUV and an older Corvette.
That’s a much better way to drop 100 large.
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
Photos & Source: Lexus.

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Chevy eCOPO Camaro Concept: Drag Racing Goes Electric!

Chevy eCOPO Camaro Concept: Drag Racing Goes Electric! Chevy partners with Hancock and Lane Racing for the eCOPO Camaro Concept.
The Chevy eCOPO Camaro is entirely electric and runs a quarter-mile in the single digits.
Testing is still underway although the concept made its debut recently at SEMA in Las Vegas.
Okay, calm down, calm down. This won’t be easy for some to hear. Chevrolet has just rolled out a COPO Camaro drag car, and it’s an electric vehicle. I know, I know. Given the torque produced by electric motors, this could be one of the coolest moves ever.
Or, it could be a sign of the apocalypse. “And the angel opened the fourth seal, and an electric Camaro came fourth.” I’m pretty sure I read that in the tech sheet about the head bolt torque specs on SBC crate engines. Either way, you know there’s some die-hard Camaro people taking this like a scene from Ghostbusters.
What’s next? Dogs and cats living together?
Torque Baby!
Personally, I have no problem being the heretic this time around and saying the Chevy eCOPO Camaro could be totally cool! Totally cool in two ways: One, racing improves the breed; and better electric race cars will mean better electric cars for us gearheads. And second: Torque Baby, Torque!
As is well known, electric motors put out all their torque from zero RPM on up. Meaning drag racing should be a perfect venue for messing with EVs to make them more fun.
You know there's some die-hard Camaro people taking this like a scene from Ghostbusters.Click To TweetBy The Numbers
Before we get into the nitty-gritty technical stuff here, let’s go over what a COPO is for those not in the know. The COPOs were Chevy’s answer to things like Super Stock Dodges back in the day; factory strippers with all the go fast drag parts thrown in so you could be king of the Saturday night digs. A few years ago, Chevy brought the COPOs back, and a fun time has been had by all as they squared off against Drag Pack Mustangs (thank you, Ford) and whatever beasts Mopar would let escape from the dungeons of Auburn Hills.
Now, this COPO, (or eCOPO) is just like its (literal) fire-breathing, pollution-gushing siblings. It’s not to be taken lightly. Based on the 2019 COPO Camaro, the eCOPO cranks out 700 plus horsepower and 600 lb-ft. of pavement-wrinkling torque. Chevy estimates it can run the quarter-mile in the nine-second range. Nine. Out of the box. That is . . . not bad at all! Nine!
I know guys that have worked all summer to hit single digits, let alone get a turn-key solution. Amazing!
Related: How the Camaro ZL1 became GM’s fastest track car.
The Chevy eCOPO Camaro Concept takes inspiration from the original 1969 COPO Camaro. Photo: Chevrolet.
How The Chevy eCOPO Camaro Works
Well, it starts with an 800-volt battery pack and ends up with your head snapping back like Ali drilled you in the nose. Between the big, whompin’ battery packs and the ground sits a pair of BorgWarner HVH 250-150 motor assemblies, each generating 300 lb-ft. of torque. Things get real goofy at this point, with both electric motors mated to a “conventional racing-prepared Turbo 400 automatic transmission.”
Really? Isn’t that the same slush box Chevy puts in trucks and stuff?
This thing isn’t a rolling advertisement for the future of electric vehicles; it’s a testament to how tough a Turbo 400 automatic is. Sheesh! South of that, all the power gets channeled to the same solid rear axle used in the production COPO Camaro race cars.
Chevy says the 800-volt battery pack allows for more efficient power transfer to the electric motor, and supports faster recharging. This is important, given the limited amount of time between rounds in drag racing. Also – like I need to point this out – when we can figure out how to juice these things up quicker, the more viable they’ll be for day to day use.
SEMA attendees were able to see under the hood of the Chevy eCOPO Camaro Concept.
This thing isn't a rolling advertisement for the future of electric vehicles; it's a testament to how tough a Turbo 400 automatic is.Click To TweetBattery Management System
This monitors all critical voltages and temperatures within the battery pack. It links into an inclusive safety system that constantly gauges all electrical components for proper function and safe operation. Makes total sense, because an electrical system voiding itself of that much power should be running as hot as a blast furnace from green light to checkered flag. The batteries of the eCOPO live in the trunk and are sealed off from the interior.
Also, you crew chiefs will already be thinking about those big, heavy batteries sitting way back. Yes, the eCOPO Camaro holds a 56 percent rear-weight bias, which, yes, helps launch the car like a golf ball off a tee.
And now, the three words that will make your week: Electric. Crate. Motors.
Chevy eCOPO Camaro Concept. Photo: Chevrolet.
New Generation
The eCOPO Camaro’s electric motor uses the same bell house mounting pattern and crankshaft flange as the popular LS engines (hint) in Chevrolet’s crate engine portfolio (hint hint). That allows you to bolt it up to just about any GM transmission (hint hint hint). Also, the transmission, driveshaft, and other drivetrain components remain in the same locations as a gasoline-powered COPO Camaro. Meaning the electric motor simply bolts into the engine compartment in place of the gas engine in a direct swap.
And, if you can do it in a COPO, then you could do it with anything else you could fit an LS into. Again: You could do it with anything else you could fit an LS into.
“The possibilities are intriguing and suggest a whole new world for racers,” said Russ O’Blenes, Director, Performance Variants, Parts and Motorsports, General Motors. “The eCOPO Concept is all about where we go in the future with electrification in the high performance space.”
To which I say, “Shut up and hand me that wrench, O’Blenes!”
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
Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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