Automotive

Polestar: The 600 Horsepower Netflix

Polestar: The 600 Horsepower Netflix

Okay all you German makers of certified Bahn-burners, here we go. This, Volvo’s Polestar, is a shot right across and very close to the bow of Mercedes-AMG, Audi’s S Class, and BMW’s M Series. Volvo wants, no, expects Polestar to get out there and mix it up with those vaunted German brands. Not only do they want to set new benchmarks and push for higher standards, but they expect Polestar to seriously kick some.
And they are not doing this the old fashion way, oh no. Polestar is an internal combustion/hybrid Stånga kicker.
Polestar 1 is the first of three models the Swedes are going to build. And, being Swedish, they are simultaneously clever, innovative, and pragmatic about it. Polestars will be manufactured at a new, purpose-built production facility in China with a customer-focused route to market Volvo says will “set a new industry benchmark for performance vehicles.”
Upward Trajectory
But Volvo is also being very smart about not putting all their tech know-how into just the car itself. They are working the whole Polestar equation – the design, supply chain logistics, manufacturing, everything – through a new way of thinking, product planning, and management. Volvo is leveraging the company’s wider synergies and economies of scale to benefit Polestar’s overall technology and product offerings. Thus helping Polestar to accelerate design, development, and production processes at a fraction of the time it takes other new entrants. What I really love about this is how other companies do stuff like that to make minivans more efficiently or paint bumpers and other mundane stuff. Polestar said, “nah man, let’s use this to make a car so fast and efficient it’ll blow the Germans right off the väg.”
Volvo Cars has formed a joint venture with two companies within its parent company, Zhejiang Geely Holding. This JV was realized by 5B RMB (640M Euro/$756 million) of equity to support Polestar’s development. Polestar remains a subsidiary of Volvo Car Group and will be fully consolidated into Volvo Car Group. Pictured is the Polestar 1 set for production in 2019. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Performance Setup
Polestar 1, the first car set to roll off the production line in mid-2019, comes packing 600 horses of motivational power and 738 lb-ft. of torque. Volvo says this “places the car firmly in the performance car segment.” Which I can only respond by saying “duh” in Swedish (if I knew what that was).
The Polestar 1 will be the halo car for the future. It will set the tone aesthetically, as well as technologically and performance-wise for the entire brand. Polestar 1 (and I really do wish it some cool Viking name like Slaktare or Krigare instead of a number) is a two-door, 2+2 seat Grand Tourer Coupé with an “Electric Performance Hybrid” drivetrain. Or, put more simply, it’s an electric car supported by an internal combustion engine.
Essential Foundations
Practically speaking, Polestar 1 is based upon Volvo’s Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA). This is simply Volvo’s version of a common chassis architecture that can be stretched or widened, shortened or narrowed as needed to make a wide range of cars. Even though that’s the basis, around 50 percent of the Polestar 1 is new and bespoke by Polestar engineers. The half that is new features impressive tech goodies like the world’s first use of an Öhlins Continuously Controlled Electronic Suspension (CESi). The body is carbon fiber to reduce weight, improve torsional rigidity by 45 percent, and lower the center of gravity to improve handling.
Polestar 1 uses a double electric rear axle to enable torque vectoring, a process which will increase handling and through-the-corner acceleration.
Polestar 1. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Mold Breaking
Now, you can’t just walk into a dealership and get a Polestar. Shoot, they won’t even let you “buy” one to “own.” Polestar will move away from today’s traditional car ownership model in a big way. Polestars will be ordered completely online, so no dealership involvement, and the car is offered on a two or three year subscription basis. You don’t own it, rent it, or even lease it. Think of it as a 600 horsepower version of Netflix on wheels.
You get your Polestar with a zero-deposit, all-inclusive subscription that adds features like pick-up and delivery servicing, and the ability to rent other vehicles from the Volvo and Polestar range. All for one monthly payment.
Polestar 1 interior layout. Photo: Volvo Car Group.

Meaningful Interactions
Choosing your Polestar is done via a Polestar app or online portal. Polestar also recognizes that customers still want to physically engage with cars that are high value and cost more money than a book you buy from Amazon. So Polestar is opening a network of “Polestar Spaces” around the world where customers can fiddle with knobs and slam doors and kick tires or, as the Swedes put it, “interact with products and the brand.”
And no, “Polestar Spaces” will not be a fancy-smancy section of a Volvo dealership, they will be standalone facilities.
This is kind of out there and experimental on a number of levels, and the big question is will it work and how will it not work? The order books for the new Polestar 1 are now open, so only time will tell. Whatever hesitation I might have toward this scheme is mitigated by the 600 horsepower and 738 lb-ft. of torque. Personally, I’d love to try one of these things out!
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Polestar 1 Gallery

Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group.

Check out these Automotive tips

https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/polestar-the-600-horsepower-netflix/

Chevy Reveals New, Special Edition Colorado Models

Chevy Reveals New, Special Edition Colorado Models

At the State Fair of Texas, Chevrolet announced their Centennial Celebration, a series of events and happenings to commemorate 100 years of building trucks. The celebration is marked by the national expansion of Chevy’s Truck Legends program and new, “Centennial Edition” variants of the Silverado and Colorado, among other things. Recently, the new Centennial Edition Silverado was displayed on the 2017 Luke Bryan Farm Tour and at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia.
As part on the ongoing celebration, Chevrolet has revealed two new Colorado models, the ZR2 Midnight and Dusk Edition. The ZR2 is, essentially, the off-road-ready version of the Colorado.
Special Treatments
The 2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Midnight Edition sports an all-black exterior theme, with a blacked-out bowtie and 17-inch, five-spoke wheels. The truck also features a black sport bar with off-road, LED lighting and unique ZR2 logos. The Dusk Edition offers the same content as the Midnight Edition, but can be purchased in all other ZR2 exterior finishes, with black accents throughout.
“The Colorado ZR2 Midnight and Dusk Edition models offer customers even more personalization choices from the only company with three distinct trucks: midsize, full-size, and full-size heavy-duty,” explained Jim Campbell, U.S. Vice President, Chevrolet Truck Strategy, Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “Chevrolet offers more choices because the truck market is too diverse for a ‘one size fits most’ strategy.”
2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Midnight Edition. Photo: Chevrolet.
Power & Performance
When compared to the “normal” Colorado, the ZR2 has a 2-inch higher profile and a 3.5-inch wider track to account for a number of off-road obstacles. Some of the truck’s most notable features are underneath it, like the high-strength, fully boxed steel frame and cast-iron control arms. The off-road suspension is highlighted by the Multimatic DSSV dampers with position-sensitive spool valve technology. With this setup, the Colorado ZR2 can canvass uneven, off-road terrains but still provide a solid, stable feel on paved surfaces.
The Chevy Colorado ZR2 comes standard with front and rear electronic locking differentials, hill descent control, and an aluminum skidplate for the radiator and oil pan. An Autotrac transfer case (with shield), four-wheel disc brakes, Duralife rotors, and a modified, 3.42 rear axle ratio are also standard. Engine choices include a 3.6-liter V6 with 308 horsepower or a 2.8-liter Duramax diesel with 369 lb-ft. of torque.
2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Dusk Edition. Photo: Chevrolet.
In Person
The 2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Midnight and Dusk Editions will make their public debut at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, beginning on October 31st. They will remain on display throughout the event as part of Chevy’s exhibit of concept and production vehicles.
The ZR2 Midnight Edition on display will have the 3.6-liter V6 and a number of accessories and performance parts, including an air intake system and special exhaust. The ZR2 Dusk Edition will be equipped with the Duramax diesel, a cold air intake, and finished in Summit White.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

Check out these Automotive tips

https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/chevy-reveals-new-special-edition-colorado-models/

2017 Lexus GS F Sedan Review: The Quickest GS You Can Buy

2017 Lexus GS F Sedan Review: The Quickest GS You Can Buy

The 2017 Lexus GS F Sedan is the quickest GS you can buy. This sedan isn’t the GS with a random sports package and some exterior badging, it’s a true performance car from Lexus. They have infused a new attitude into the GS F.
When Toyota boss Akio Toyoda said he wanted to give the timid Lexus brand some performance attitude a few years ago, he wasn’t kidding. The 2017 Lexus GS F is a good example of what he wanted the brand to develop into. The GS F ramps Lexus up to its highest performance level yet.
The GS F borrowed performance parts from the RC F coupe and they fit just fine. The sedan gets the high-performance V8 from its RC F stablemate, along with revised braking and suspension. In short, it’s the most powerful sedan Lexus has ever made. The Lexus GS F competes in a tough segment too, with the BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, Cadillac CTS-V, and Audi RS 7.
What’s New For 2017
The Lexus GS F gets continuously variable dampers for 2017.
Features & Options
The 2017 Lexus GS F Sedan ($83,940) comes loaded with standard features like 10-way power-adjustable seats, automatic wipers, forged 19-inch wheels, leather trimmed sport seats, keyless entry and ignition, and Lexus Enform Remote, a smartphone app that includes a vehicle finder, remote unlocking and starting, and climate control operation. Other features include a power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, a backup camera, heads-up display, a 12-speaker audio system, and navigation.
Underneath, the GS F gets an electronically controlled differential, Brembo high-performance brakes, upgraded sport suspension, a 5.0-liter V8, torque vectoring technology, and an 8-speed transmission.
The only optional features on this GS F tester were the premium Mark Levinson audio system ($1,380) and special 19-inch wheels ($600). Total MSRP including destination: $87,490.

Interior Highlights
Stepping inside the GS F reveals special features not offered in the standard trims. The GS F model gets aluminum pedals, carbon fiber trim, and sport seats we think offer up exceptional comfort and support. The additional Alcantara leather throughout the cabin gives it a sportier feel than other Lexus products, especially around the dash. The dash is characterized by its horizontal lines and cool ambient lighting at the perimeter. Yet, it offers the typical Lexus luxury we think beats even the best German sport sedans. There are extra padded leather panels in rich shades, smooth wood trim, and the fit and finish overall is top-notch.
Another area the GS F goes against the typical Lexus luxury grain is by piping engine and exhaust notes into the cabin. The 5.0-liter V8 powerplant gives out a throaty growl unlike any other model produced by Toyota’s luxury brand. We found ourselves jumping hard on the gas just to hear that sweet sounding engine.
The 10-way power seats, which we put to the test this week, are comfortable, supportive, and have more bolstering for hard cornering. The color heads-up display helped keep our eyes on the road and it was a good thing as we pushed the GS F hard this week. The giant, 12.3-inch high-resolution display sits ready for commands from the Remote Touch “joystick” on the console. In the back, there’s good head room for taller passengers but knee room is lacking. Although the rear doors are big, making it easy for adults to climb in and out.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Lexus GS F is the quickest sedan the brand has ever built because it uses a 5.0-liter V8 sourced from the RC F high-performance coupe. The engine has 467 horsepower and 389 lb-ft. of torque. It’s backed by an 8-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters. With both direct and port injection, this V8 gets an EPA-estimated 16/24 city/highway and 19 combined mpg.
This is attainable only if you can keep your foot out of it. Good luck with that.
Driving Dynamics
It’s hard to drive the GS F in a casual manner. The first time we stomped on the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 and heard the engine and exhaust notes, we wanted to have that thrill over and over again. It’s heard like sweet background music through two speakers, one front, one rear, as it is piped in. Lexus says the GS F will sprint to 60 in just 4.5 seconds. You know it’s quick when you look down and you’re going 92 mph before you even get on the highway!
On the road, when weren’t seeing how it handled the corners (where the torque vectoring makes the sedan respond beautifully), the GS F is a comfortable cruiser. The 8-speed automatic transmission is crisp, smooth, and responsive, although it can’t match the German competition’s dual-clutch gearboxes. The big 19-inch staggered wheels gripped the pavement and the Brembo performance brakes (15-inch front and 13.5-inch rear) are needed with all those horses under the hood. The ride is smooth enough, considering the GS F gets a sport tuned suspension with stiffer shocks and springs.
Conclusion
The Lexus GS F offers a rear-drive sedan that’s pushing the limits for the Japanese automaker. It has the character of a true performance car with the luxury you would expect from the Lexus brand. The GS F is the quickest GS you can buy, and our experience says Akio Toyoda is succeeding in infusing a new attitude into the luxury brand.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Lexus GS F Gallery

We trust Edmunds.com to give us the best, up to date, and TRUE pricing of what people are really paying for their cars. Get a free dealer quote at Edmunds on this car:

2017 Lexus GS F Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Check out these Automotive tips

https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2017-lexus-gs-f-sedan-review-the-quickest-gs-you-can-buy/

Lamborghini SC18: Squadra Corse Unveils Their Unicorn

Lamborghini SC18: Squadra Corse Unveils Their Unicorn The Lamborghini SC18 is track-ready but also street legal.
Customers work with Lamborghini Squadra Corse to design their SC18.
The V12 engine creates nearly 800 horsepower and has a dozen air intakes.
Say ciao! to the SC18, the latest and greatest to roll out of the Lamborghini Squadra Corse shops. Think of it as the road-going version of a dedicated track car, and you’d be half right. Sure, you can drive it on the street, but the SC18 is very, very track-oriented.
A Bone To Pick
Lamborghini Squadra Corse is the Motorsport division of the Sant’ Agata Bolognese firm best known for making cars that go on posters for the bedroom walls of kids (boys, mainly) not old enough to drive.
Yes, Lambo does have the Squadra Corse, but the company doesn’t really race all that much.
This is one of the (major) bones I have to pick with them, but why quibble about that now? Sure, they have a one make series for the well-healed gentlemen racers out there, but that doesn’t really count if that’s the only kind of racing you do.
Testing The Waters
The SC18, designed in-house by Centro Stile Lamborghini, is a one-off road car (the first in the company’s history) that will most likely be a portent of others to come. Yes, it’s “road approved” but Lambo cautions saying it’s “primarily for use on the track.” Which is a polite way of saying it’s harsh, brutish, lacking in comfort and convenience features and, to a chucklehead like me, that makes it even more desirable.
Lambo says the SC18 “paves the way to further personalized development projects for Motorsport customers under the Squadra Corse brand.” So, like I said, this is probably a trial balloon. If people love the Lamborghini SC18, plan on seeing more vehicles in this vein.
Lamborghini SC18. Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.
Dirty Dozen
The aerodynamics package for the SC18 is described as being “extreme.” By the looks of it, they ain’t lying. The air intakes on the hood come from the Huracán GT3 EVO, for example. The sides and rear include fenders, fins, and air scoops inspired by the Huracán Super Trofeo EVO racer.
Hanging off the back end is the “large” (i.e. monstrously huge) carbon fiber wing. It has three mechanical adjustments, so you can tune it for optimal downforce on any given circuit. Lambo also punched in twelve air intakes on the rear deck lid.
They say it’s a way to “increase heat exchange and improve the cooling of the V12 engine.” Which any eagle-eyed, old rail bird will recognize as louvers from back in the hot rod days.
The racer look is finished off by the single nut wheels, 20-inch monsters on the front, and larger, 21-inch monsters at the rear. These are wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires. There’s even a telemetry system to measure all aspects of performance on the track.
Related: The Lamborghini Huracán Performante Spyder is all about open-air emotion.
Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.
Snake Pits & Shedding Skin
The SC18 has a top-of-the-line Lamborghini powertrain, bringing the performance of an honest to Ferruccio true racing car to your life. The naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 reels out 770 horsepower and a pavement rippling 531 lb-ft. torque. All that power is handled through an ISR (Independent Shifting Rod) seven-speed gearbox. No, I have no idea what an Independent Shifting Rod trans is, and they don’t give away any details.
It does sound like a snake pit gearbox from a pro-stock drag car, but I seriously doubt it’s one of those.
This drivetrain is wrapped in a body that has gone on a serious weight loss program. The entire body is new, made entirely of carbon fiber, and other ultra light materials. The whole shee-bang even drops to a low-ride-er 109 mm of ground clearance. If that doesn’t explain Lambo’s assertion that “road approved but designed primarily for use on the track,” then I don’t know what will.
Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.
This is probably a trial balloon. If people love the Lamborghini SC18, plan on seeing more vehicles in this vein.Click To TweetColor Array
The color is Grigio Daytona with visible “details” and red screen-printing to enhance its sportiness. In layman’s terms, its grey with a trim kit with visible carbon fiber here and there. The interior is all done up in Nero Ade Alcantara with cross-stitching in Rosso Alala. In other words, black suede with red stitching. The seats themselves are carbon fiber bucket units.
Pricing & Availability
Lamborghini doesn’t mention cost, but given what their other factory specials have run, it will probably be comparable to a condo overlooking Central Park (and just as hard to come by).
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.
Lamborghini SC18 Gallery

Photos & Source: Automobili Lamborghini.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/lamborghini-sc18-squadra-corse-unveils-their-unicorn/

Free Performance Car Pumpkin Carving Patterns

Free Performance Car Pumpkin Carving Patterns

As the seasons change, fall colors blossom, tailgating excursions ensue, and trick-or-treaters set out for candy hauls of legendary proportions. Marking the fall decidedly is Halloween, a time of sweet treats, costume parties, and the mystery of why radio stations spin Jim Stafford’s Spiders and Snakes in the proceeding days.
It’s a 70s country hit detailing an idiosyncratic boy who, upon realizing the fairest girl in school has a crush on him, is unable to reciprocate the feelings. Granted, unrequited love is probably terrifying but that doesn’t make it a Halloween song.
Moving on . . .
Modern-Day Dragula
If you’re tired of carving the typical spooky kitty into your pumpkins, you might consider these free patterns of a 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE and Subaru WRX STI. The patterns, which only require a printer, steady hands, and a big orange pumpkin, were provided by GMPartsCenter.net, SubaruPartsPlus.com, and StoneyKins. These performance car patterns will look cool on the front porch with candles inside – at least that’s how Matt Mylan, Director at GMPartsCenter.net, puts it.
“A real life Camaro is technically much faster than a pumpkin, and a pumpkin can’t corner as well as a real ZL1 1LE, but, other than all that, a pumpkin with a Camaro carved into it is awesome,” he said.
The Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE is the is the fastest Camaro in history, as verified by its recent Nürburgring time. Under the hood is a supercharged, 650 horsepower LT4 engine, complimented by a literal treasure chest of aerodynamic and suspension technology. The MSRP for a Camaro ZL1 1LE is around $70,000. The MSRP for the average pumpkin is significantly less.
“For the price of a pumpkin spice coffee drink and an hour of spare time, you can have a brand new pumpkin with a Camaro carved into it that’s almost as good as the real thing,” Mylan said. “Almost.”

Spiders, Snakes & Subarus
Subaru fans will delight knowing their porch walkway is now a mini race track. One might not initially describe the WRX STI as “scary” but that probably depends on who you ask, given the car’s specs. The 2018 WRX STI is unlike any other in Subaru’s lineup with its turbocharged, 305 horsepower 4-cylinder engine. The Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control system with Active Torque Vectoring provides exceptional handling and performance.
“I guarantee you’ll scare the heck out of any adult that owns a Mustang, Camaro, or Challenger if you carve an STI into your pumpkin,” says Steve Ferreira, Director at SubaruPartsPlus.com. “When one passes you, you start to freeze, paralyzed by the fact that no one is going to save you from getting lapped.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

2018 Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE pattern.
2018 Subaru WRX STI pattern.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/free-performance-car-pumpkin-carving-patterns/

Range Rover Sport Goes Plug-In Hybrid In 2019

Range Rover Sport Goes Plug-In Hybrid In 2019

Even though the new Range Rover Sport will be in dealerships by the start of the new year, Range Rover is already thinking ahead to 2019. That’s when the Range Rover Sport Plug-In Hybrid will arrive on these streets. For a certain segment of humanity (and it’s easy to picture Range Rover buyers being in that segment), living green is very important.
Now, probably, someone who buys a Range Rover will not be one of those “off-the-grid” types, living on garbanzo beans and recycling household waste for fertilizer, but that doesn’t mean the average Range Rover buyer doesn’t care.
Power & Performance
The 2019 Range Rover Sport will be the first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle produced by Jaguar Land Rover. Officially called the 2019 Range Rover Sport P400e, the new model offers ecologically conscious performance thanks to a 296 horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder Ingenium gasoline engine. It’s combined with a 114 horsepower (that’s 85 kW) electric motor. With a total of 398 horsepower and 472 lb-ft. of torque available for the permanent four-wheel drive system, 60 mph comes up in 6.3 seconds; the entire rig tops out at 137 mph. That maximum speed is both impressive, given this thing is as aerodynamic as the crate it’s shipped in, and also unimpressive, since ’round 140 ain’t all that fast.
But you know they probably have to limit that top speed or risk damaging something like the regen system or burning out an electric motor or something like that.
Electrified Capability
The electric motor is juiced by a 13.1 kWh high-voltage lithium-ion battery that Land Rover engineers setup to maximize interior space and weight distribution. The longitudinally-mounted 2.0-liter Ingenium gasoline engine is paired with the 85kW electric motor, housed in the ZF automatic eight-speed transmission at the center of the vehicle, and alongside the 7kW on-board charger.
The Range Rover Sport P400e can run on just the batteries and not the dinosaur juice in the gas tank, with the all-electric range coming in at 31 miles. The company says “Land Rover customers can experience zero-emission off-road luxury with uncompromised all-terrain capability.” And that is probably true. It will be interesting to see if someone actually tries to get up 25 miles of bad logging road using just the EV drivetrain in this thing though.
The Range Rover Sport is comprised of an all-aluminum body, 39 percent lighter than the steel equivalent. The structure was subjected to extensive testing in something referred to as “optimization processes” by Jaguar Land Rover. This process included computer simulation and a 1,000 years of processor time. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

Drive Modes
The Range Rover Sport P400e has two driving modes to best suit your luxury transportation needs. The default mode is called Parallel Hybrid, which combines the gasoline and electric drive. You can further optimize the battery charge or fuel economy by utilizing one of two charge management functions while in Parallel Hybrid mode. One is the SAVE function which prevents the battery charge from dropping below a pre-selected level.
The other mode is called Predictive Energy Optimization. Predictive Energy Optimization, or PEO is used by entering a destination into the navigation system. The navigation system will then use built-in GPS altitude data for the selected route, and combine the electric motor and gasoline engine to maximize fuel economy. Pretty slick. The Electric Vehicle or EV mode enables you to run solely on the electric motor using energy stored in the battery.
Exclusive Features
Other niceties found on the Range Rover Sport P400e include Land Rover’s Terrain Response 2 technology. Terrain Response 2 has a unique calibration to logically and accurately distribute torque from the electric motor to all four wheels. Terrain Response 2 gives greater control during low-speed, off-road maneuvers and provides maximum torque from zero rpm.
A new cabin air ionization system, called Nanoe, is a nice feature for passengers. The suite of driver assistance features on the new Range Rover Sport has been “restructured to be even more intuitive for customers.”
Cost? Who knows at this point, but with the upcoming Range Rover Sport topping out at around $140,000 and the plug-in EV coming in on top of that model, don’t expect the 2019 Range Rover Sport P400e to be inexpensive.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/range-rover-sport-goes-plug-in-hybrid-in-2019/

2018 Nissan Maxima Arrives With More Tech, New Colors

2018 Nissan Maxima Arrives With More Tech, New Colors

The Maxima is Nissan’s flagship sedan and for 2018, the vehicle adds a handful of new options. The 2018 Nissan Maxima comes in five grades: S, SV, SL, SR, and Platinum. Standard equipment includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking.
Nissan’s patented V-Motion grille is also present on the 2018 Maxima.
Power & Performance
The heart of the Maxima is a 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 with 300 horsepower. It’s attached to an Xtronic transmission with D-Step shifting logic. Nissan says this provides “rapid shifts at high throttle openings” for a more “performance-oriented” feel. Ride and handling is refined through the 4-wheel independent suspension and monotube rear shock absorbers.
Look & Feel
The 2018 Nissan Maxima is characterized by its wider front end and muscular stance, much of which centers around the aforementioned V-Motion grille. The LED daytime running lights further compliment the body lines. The color selections were tweaked a bit with a new Carnelian Red paint added to the mix.
The more sporty Maxima SR features 19-inch wheels and tires.
The available Ascot leather seating surfaces with diamond-quilted inserts add luxury points. Additional convenience points come by way of two available rear USB charge ports.
Photo: Nissan North America.
Technology & Connectivity
The 2018 Maxima benefits from a host of available tech magic, including NissanConnect. The system features navigation on an 8-inch display with SiriusXM radio and SiriusXM Travel Link. Through NissanConnect, owners can start their Maxima remotely via their smartphone or locate it should it be stolen.
Available safety features include Intelligent Cruise Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Warning, and Intelligent Driver Alertness.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Maxima is now at Nissan dealerships nationwide; we have included a pricing chart below. The 2018 Nissan Maxima is assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee, while the engines are produced in nearby Decherd.
Carl Anthony in Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2018 Nissan Maxima Starting MSRPs
Maxima S
$33,020
Maxima SV
$35,020
Maxima SL
$37,440
Maxima SR
$38,280
Maxima Platinum
$40,690
Photos & Source: Nissan North America.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2018-nissan-maxima-arrives-with-more-tech-new-colors/

Ram 1500 North Edition: Over The River & Through The Woods (Literally)

Ram 1500 North Edition: Over The River & Through The Woods (Literally) The 2019 Ram 1500 North Edition takes it to Old Man Winter.
Goodies include a one-inch factory lift and locking differential.
Ram’s special edition lineup has seen multiple new entries over the last year.
Pick your poison Mopar fans! The Hydro Blue Sport, Lone Star Edition, Heavy Duty Night Editions; even a Kentucky Derby Edition. More recently, the 1500 Rebel 12 and 2500 Power Wagon Mojave Sand Editions come to mind. Ram is stacking the deck with special edition trucks and they are adding another to the mix.
The 1500 North Edition is arriving just as Old Man Winter sets up shop, but a note of observation first:
Trucks For Every Taste
Ram’s special edition blast (as it were) is not without sound reason or intent. Think of it like this: trucks sell in droves and that trend will continue for the foreseeable future. With so many on the road, driving one with a special edition theme says I’m part of the crowd – but – in my own individual way. Ram has plenty of that in their lineup today. And it’s especially alluring.
Related: Ram tops GM in sales for the time being.
Concerning the 1500 North Edition, it’s more than just looks – although it is that too. Based on the Big Horn, the North’s monochromatic theme includes the body-color bumpers, door handles, mirrors, and grille. But underneath the skin, the bones are solid.
“The 2019 Ram 1500 North is more than a great-looking pickup, it offers cold-weather content for truck owners who require a no-compromise 4×4 as part of their daily regimen,” explained Reid Bigland, Head of Ram Brand. “A factory lift, locking rear axle, and all-weather tires deliver confidence when your path is anything but clear.”
The 2019 Ram 1500 North Edition features a one-inch factory lift, an electric-locking rear axle, and front tow hooks. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Those Tires Though . . .
The all-weather tries are three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF), severe snow service-rated on/off-road Falken LT tires. Say that three times fast! Three is the magic number, however, for the transfer case, which has three different settings: Auto, High, and Low. Ram added an engine block heater too, for those early mornings after the truck sits facing a north wind all night.
Related: Simple but effective: Our full review of the 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman.
Interior Treatments
Plenty of warmth inside with a heated steering wheel and the heated, 12-way power driver’s seat with four-way power lumbar. SiriusXM Travel Link Weather, heated and folding mirrors, and Mopar all-weather floor mats are included.
2019 Ram 1500 North Edition interior layout. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Power & Performance
The North’s 3.6-liter Pentastar with eTorque creates 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft. of torque, and features revised variable valve timing and two-step variable valve lift systems. By comparison, the larger 5.7-liter Hemi creates 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft. of torque. Both engines have Interactive Deceleration Fuel Shut Off (iDFSO), which pauses fuel flow to the cylinders under deceleration in third gear and higher.
Every 2019 Ram 1500 – including the North Edition – is equipped with a fully-electronic TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic. The transmission features a wide spread of gear ratios to balance power and efficiency.
The engine choice is ultimately up to you.
Pricing & Availability
The 2019 Ram 1500 North Edition is available now with a starting MSRP of $47,585. The truck comes in Crew Cab 4×4 with either a short or long bed.
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 Ram 1500 North Edition Gallery

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

Check out these Automotive tips

https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/ram-1500-north-edition-over-the-river-through-the-woods-literally/

Top Automotive Trends 2018 (Driverless Cars Slip, Trucks & SUVs Surge)

Top Automotive Trends 2018 (Driverless Cars Slip, Trucks & SUVs Surge) As 2018 comes to a close, trucks and SUVs will continue to dominate.
Aftermarket sales remain strong as consumers seek to personalize their vehicles.
Despite bold promises from manufacturers, the public seems disinterested in autonomous driving.
Here are the top automotive trends of 2018 with a look ahead to next year.
The automotive industry and aftermarket remain strong as Americans continue their love affair with personal transportation. Despite doom-and-gloom predictions to the contrary, cheap gas and a strong economy have encouraged shoppers to step into showrooms and drive out with something new. This year, aftermarket products have provided a large variety of choices to car enthusiasts, leading industry experts to believe that 2019 is primed for steady, continued growth.
Above all, trucks have supplanted import sedans to become the new status-symbol luxury vehicle.
Top Automotive Trends 2018: Trucks & SUVs Dominate
At the beginning of 2018, the auto industry watched to see which direction the trends would move. Concerns included alternate powertrains (hybrids & EVs), passenger car versus truck sales, and the impact of global events on consumer confidence.
With ten months of the year behind us, pickups, SUVs, and minivans have strengthened their dominance, jumping from 63 percent of the total market in 2017 to 68.5 percent as of October 2018. As a result, we have seen major manufacturers like Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Ford drop some sedans due to slow sales. Additionally, luxury manufacturers began entering the light truck game. We even have SUVs from Jaguar, Maserati, Lamborghini, and Rolls-Royce – and it’s rumored Ferrari will also build one!
Related: The battle for younger buyers heats up in the SUV and crossover market.
Lamborghini Urus: Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.
Top Automotive Trends 2018: Online Retailers Benefit
As new vehicle sales go up, sales of aftermarket accessories also go up. Owners of new vehicles who want them personalized turn to their favorite aftermarket retailer. Advances in safety and technology, including lighting and cameras, trickle down to drivers of older cars who also want these features. And they get them from the aftermarket.
With trucks taking a larger slice of the pie, truck-specific wants like big wheels and lift kits sell strongly. And as consumers (including car owners) prefer to shop electronically, it’s online aftermarket retailers who are benefiting greatly from these trends.
On the flip side, hybrids and electric vehicles still account for a very small percentage of the market. Predictions that all road-going vehicles will be autonomous in five years have faded into the background. Several highly-publicized accidents and fatalities have given this technology a black eye, forcing some companies to postpone or even cancel their efforts.
The more realistic predictions are that widespread applications are at least a decade or two away.
Related: A recent AAA study finds most consumers are afraid of autonomous cars.
Earlier this year, Hyundai begun a strategic partnership with Autotalks for the manufacturing of Vehicle to Everything communication chipsets. V2X technology allows vehicles to communicate with each other, as well as road users and infrastructure. Photo: Hyundai Motor Company.
What Was Seen At SEMA 2018
Each year, thousands of car enthusiasts make their way to Las Vegas for the SEMA show. A colleague who attended shared some insights. He said that compared to previous visits, he has never seen the show so crowded, which speaks to the health of the aftermarket.
Unsurprisingly, the number one trend was trucks, trucks, and more trucks.
Horsepower was big, as always, and this year, reaching or surpassing 1,000 horsepower seemed almost par for the course. Electric cars were on display alongside the big gas-engine brutes; both a new electric Camaro concept and a ’49 Mercury converted to electric were shown. By contrast, autonomous vehicles were not a major highlight, as consumers continue to clutch their long-held desire to own their own set of wheels, preferably personalized.
Related: People still love driving despite onset of autonomous cars.
Chevy eCOPO Camaro Concept. Photo: Chevrolet.
2019 Projections: Engine Technology & Ride Sharing
New Engine Tech: Thanks to VW, the diesel engine is all but dead. New technologies like Nissan’s variable-displacement engine and Mazda’s compression-petrol engine will ensure gasoline remains a viable fuel source. Hybrids and pure EVs will slowly but surely capture a slightly larger percentage of sales.
However, as long as gas remains cheap in the U.S., trucks will sell in big numbers, especially with their high horsepower engines.
Ride-Sharing’s Next Ride: Uber, Lyft and the like may add to congestion in places like New York City, but they help convince young adults that old-school car ownership is no longer a given. Connected to this is the nascent “Vehicle Subscription” model. Vehicle subscriptions include maintenance, taxes, and insurance, all for one monthly number. Swaps into other models from the manufacturer’s lineup are usually included.
Consumers can walk away at any time. The downside? Monthly prices that run between $1,000-$3,000. They’re starting with luxury brands but, if it catches on, expect car makers to find ways to reduce that cost.
The “Mercedes-Benz Collection” allows subscribers to switch between different vehicles depending on their needs or lifestyle. The program consists of three tiers – Signature, Reserve, and Premier – with prices ranging from $1,095 to $2,995 per month after an activation fee. Subscribers can choose from all the available vehicles in that tier, sedans, coupes, cabriolets, roadsters, and wagons among them. Photo: MBUSA.
2019 Projections: Smarter Cities & Economic Impacts
Crowded Urban Areas: We are on a collision course as single-occupancy SUVs compete for space with ride-sharing drivers in already jammed urban areas. Add to that: FedEx and UPS trucks making hourly Amazon deliveries, lack of investment in public transportation, electric scooters serving as alternatives, and concerns about pollution and climate change.
Some European cities have already made plans to ban internal-combustion vehicles from their streets in the coming decade.
I predict that in 2019 some U.S. cities, recognizing that an outright ban is too extreme, will instead get serious about congestion pricing and “car-free pedestrian zones” as ways to combat the congestion.
The Elephant In The Room: The automotive industry, perhaps more than any other, depends very much on free global trade. A failure by world powers to reach a solution to trade issues could upend any or all of what we foresee for 2019.
Top Automotive Trends 2018: Boiling It Down
Overall, my predictions for 2019 are more of what we already have; pickups, Jeeps, crossovers, horsepower, customization, and individualization. The aftermarket is healthy and looking forward to continued, strong growth in 2019. Especially as SUVs keep taking a larger percentage of the new vehicle sales pie at the expense of fewer sedans.
Richard Reina is the Product Training Director at CARiD and an auto enthusiast and expert with over 30 years of experience working with cars.

Check out these Automotive tips

https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/top-automotive-trends-2018-driverless-cars-slip-trucks-suvs-surge/