Automotive

Alfa Romeo Tonale: When Concepts Cars Become Social Creatures

Alfa Romeo Tonale: When Concepts Cars Become Social Creatures The Tonale concept is Alfa Romeo’s first plug-in hybrid and premium compact SUV.
Styling elements include throwbacks to the brand’s history but take into account future designs.
New infotainment features allow drivers to be “fully connected” to the social communities around them.
Normally, if you try and cram too many interesting things together into one package, it ends up being a mish-mash and the end product isn’t very good. For example, if you try to combine a plug-in hybrid with a premium, compact SUV it might not work. Add to that mix Alfa Romeo, and you’d think you’d be heading down the wrong road. But check out the new Alfa Romeo Tonale concept from the recent Geneva International Motor Show.
It’s a compact SUV that’s easy on gas and even easier on the eyes.
The Showcase Car
First off, this is a show car, so don’t get your hopes up. Secondly, this isn’t a totally radical show car powered by stellar gasses filtered through rare earth substrates. The Tonale seems to be more of a showcase car than a show car, so maybe do get your hopes up. What Alfa has done here is demonstrate two things: One, you can have an SUV-like vehicle that is stylish and, two, a lot of the stuff you find within the Tonale you could easily find in other Alfas.
A lot could be said about the overall design and styling of the Tonale. And Lord knows I could say it, but I really hesitate to go into that sort of thing. Whether a car looks “good” or not is ultimately up to you and your eyes. What can be said is that Italians have a real gift for making even mundane vehicles (like SUV/crossovers) look like the hottest thing to come down the road since forever. To my eyes, this is a really well done car. The surface tension harks back to Alfa styling moves of the past – the Brera-like headlights, big phone dial wheels and such – all show that while German and Japanese car designers struggle to make stuff work, Italians do it without breaking a sweat.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale concept seats four and is decorated inside with aluminum trim, Alcantara leather, and translucent backlit panels. Photo: Alfa Romeo.
Related: Taking a day trip to Kelmscott Manor in a beautiful blue Alfa Romeo.
At Your Fingertips
Where the Tonale gets more concrete is on the inside. Not so much the styling, but what Alfa has decided to pack in there. Where modern cars currently are with concern to dashboards is becoming well-established. Screens are ideal, if not outright required. Fancy touchscreens and multi-function displays are no longer confined to the Rolls Royces and Bentleys of the world. So, if they are everywhere now, what will our dashboards of the near future look like and how will they function?
Alfa thinks it can answer that question.
The Tonale features a 12.3-inch, full-digital cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the central head unit. The main instrument cluster does what you’d expect, measuring speed, revs, and vehicle status stuff, while the big screen in the center handles all the infotainment. That’s pretty standard. What Alfa concentrates on is, of all things, the UI and software to make a seamless and fluid interface. Thus, multitasking becomes easier, more intuitive, and natural. Alfa says the driver will have all the latest features and functionality readily available at their fingertips.
And here’s where Alfa goes over the top, saying the Tonale allows you to be fully connected to the Alfa Romeo Lifestyle and Social communities through features like “Alfista” and “Paddock.”
The Alfa Romeo Tonale concept takes its name from the Tonale Pass, not far from the Stelvio Pass in the Alps. Photo: Alfa Romeo.
Entering The World of Alfa Romeo
Alfista is an “immersive” Alfa Romeo Lifestyle experience. Which kind of makes me shudder. When Alfa tries to explain itself, it doesn’t make me feel any better. Alfista aims to connect you with select Alfa Romeo clubs and community events. You know, get togethers, gatherings, drives and such; you receive live news and updates about all that as well as the current happenings of the Alfa Romeo brand. Ugh. It’s not a completely bad idea, but I don’t see why your car has to do what your phone already does.
Paddock is the “in-vehicle garage and market.” Paddock allows for the real-time viewing and purchasing of all the latest interior and exterior performance upgrades, equipment, and Alfa Romeo merchandise and apparel. All of which can be ordered direct via the touchscreen. Again, this makes me ask why you should do this with your car and not your phone.
What Alfa is pointing to here, however, is interesting. The problem is they are trying to tie their software to their hardware. What they should be doing is providing Alfista and Paddock to customers as a software download for their phones. Watch, I bet Alfa ends up doing that anyway in a few years. Alfista and Paddock are good ideas, just delivered through the wrong medium.
Alfa Romeo Tonale concept sketch.
Power & Performance: Slim Details But Promising
Sadly, Alfa does not give many technical details on the drivetrain, other than to mention the obvious. It’s a full-on, plug-in hybrid system. You can run on electricity or gasoline or both, and you can charge the batteries by hooking up to the grid. What Alfa does say is that they’ve tweaked the software so that as you drive the Tonale – or any other future hybrid with this system – you can go from electric to gasoline without noticing where the power is coming from. No need to worry, the Tonale figures it out for you. Just aim your nose down the via and go!
They say it still drives and feels like an Alfa Romeo (i.e. a total blast) but it’s now much more eco-conscious on your behalf.
“The Tonale marks the debut of the brand in the premium compact utility vehicle segment and does so in line with the characteristics that have always identified each Alfa Romeo model,” reads a statement from the company. “The goal is to deliver the best driving dynamics in the segment and to apply electrification in perfect Alfa Romeo style.”
Strangely, this mish-mash of stuff that shouldn’t work at all sounds really good to me.
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.
Alfa Romeo Tonale Concept Gallery

Photos & Source: Alfa Romeo.

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2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Review: Perfect For The Weekend Warrior

2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Review: Perfect For The Weekend Warrior 92Solid 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD ProOverall Impression Plenty capable off-road or in bad weather.
Perfect truck for those weekend getaways.ProsRugged Towing Capability Cargo & Storage CapacityConsDriving Position Cramped For Taller DriversFor those wanting to get off the beaten path and away from civilization, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is a truck for extreme adventures. Get the Double Cab and you can take all your friends, and have room for extra gear on the excursion. If you need to cross a river (or two), read on to see how this Tacoma will get you deep into the wilderness.
This week, we’ve been driving the 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro 4×4 Double Cab.
What’s New For 2019
The Toyota Tacoma gets an updated TRD Pro trim with more off-road-ready equipment and an available high-mounted “snorkel” air intake. All trims now have two additional USB charge ports.
Features & Options: Roads Not Required
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro 4×4 Double Cab ($45,365) has a five-foot bed with a 400-watt power outlet, a full rear seat, and turn signals in the mirror housings. Automatic transmission-equipped trucks gain smart entry, push-button start, and navigation via the Entune premium audio system’s seven-inch touchscreen.
The off-road performance upgrades set this trim apart: knobby all-terrain tires on 16-inch alloy wheels, the deletion of the front air dam, extra skid plates, a lockable rear differential, and an advanced off-road traction control system with multiple terrain settings and crawl control.
The TRD Pro also includes a Fox Off-Road Suspension with front coilovers and remote reservoir rear shock absorbers. The TRD Pro benefits from a one-inch suspension lift, larger anti-sway bar, a 1/4-inch aluminum front skid plate, and the aforementioned 16-inch wheels that offer an inch wider track. The unique hood with a (non-functioning) scoop, “eye-black” decal, and TRD cat-back exhaust were also included.
TRD-themed trim elements include the grille, headlight and taillight bezels, badging, shift knob, and floor mats. Our tester even came with the Desert Air Intake ($725). Total MSRP including destination: $47,383. By comparison, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma starts at $25,700 (4×2 Access Cab).
The optional Desert Air Intake system, a snorkel-like device that runs up the passenger side pillar, allows the engine to take air (likely to be less dusty and dirty) from above the windshield.
Interior Highlights: Nice But Cramped
The Tacoma’s cabin is comfortable enough for longer trips to the back country, and with the heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and premium JBL audio, it’s an enjoyable place to spend time. Although, with the high floor and low roof, you need to watch your head getting into the cab. It can feel a bit cramped for taller drivers.
Our tester came with an attractive, all-black interior and lots of soft-touch materials throughout. It featured plenty of storage plus a convenient cell phone charging pad in front of the gear shifter. The front seats could use more adjustment capabilities as they offered minimal support, but the tilt/telescoping steering wheel makes it easier to find the right driving position.
The backup camera made things simple, especially with the longer cab as we navigated around. This model features a full-size rear seat (split 70/30) and flips up to reveal convenient under seat storage for valuables. The rear seat offers adequate room for two adults but would be cramped with three.
2019 Toyota Tacoma interior layout.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Tacoma TRD Pro is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with direct injection, making 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft. of torque. Our tester came mated to a six-speed automatic with a 3.909 final drive ratio. Additional off-road capability comes via a 4WDemand Partime 4×4 system with a two-speed transmission. TRD Pro models include a locking rear differential for extra traction. With the V6 Tow Prep Package, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma can tow a maximum of 6,400 lbs.
EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 3.5-liter V6 is 18/22 city/highway and 20 combined mpg for a 4X4 with the automatic transmission.
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma comes standard with a 2.7-liter in-line four-cylinder (159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft. of torque). However, it’s hard to justify this engine in terms of fuel economy versus the larger, more powerful V6. In a 4×4 configuration, the 2.7-liter returns an EPA-estimated 19/22 city/highway and 20 combined mpg.

Driving Dynamics: Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
We drove the new TRD Pro on an ideal trail just west of Denver near Morrison. It was a good place to test the Tacoma’s true capability. The road turns from pavement to dirt, then a trail appears. And that’s when our afternoon fun started! The Fox Off-Road Suspension handled the rough road with ease as we navigated up the mountain trail. The road turns uphill and a short, steep climb required us to slip into low range. A turn of the range-select knob on the dash to “4Lo” quickly puts the truck into low range, and an indicator lights up for confirmation.
As the Tacoma TRD Pro crawled up the steep hill, we steered it to the top without issue. We did it again going down with the same steady and effortless results. For those looking for a true off-road pickup, the Tacoma TRD Pro is an ideal candidate. It excels on primitive trails and rough terrain.
But how does it handle on the highway and in the city?

Driving Dynamics: Taking On The Bomb Cyclone
We were able to drive the TRD Pro in the “Bomb Cyclone” storm that hit Colorado. We pushed through two feet of wet, heavy snow and the truck never missed a beat. There were plenty of unplowed roads around, but this 2019 Tacoma escorted us safely to our destination. Finally, the optional Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are must-haves with this longer Double Cab pickup. They saved us a number of times from getting hit when we couldn’t see traffic and obstacles around us.
Given this Tacoma is longer, the parking sensors are a must as well.
Conclusion: Ready For The Weekend!
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is ideal for adventure enthusiasts who want to get off the beaten path. Toyota’s reputation for durability and strong resale value put it at the top of the list in the mid-size truck segment. If you are transporting dirt bikes, four-wheelers, and snow machines; if you’re heading up the mountain to go skiing, or pulling a small camping trailer, this truck will meet your needs.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his firsthand reviews are archived on our test drives page. Follow Denis on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Toyota Tacoma Gallery

Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (Additional Tacoma models shown).

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2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe: Now With “Broader Shoulders”

2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe: Now With “Broader Shoulders” The 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe has a lower profile than the normal Cayenne.
Two engines are available, including a more powerful and turbocharged V8.
Porsche says to expect the new Cayenne Coupe in the U.S. later this fall.
Porsche is extending the Cayenne model line with a new Coupe body style. Highlights include sharper lines, an adaptive rear spoiler, individual rear seats, and either a standard panoramic fixed-glass roof, or an optional carbon fiber roof. The 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe also has a Turbo variant for those wanting a few more ponies.
“The Coupe includes all the technical highlights of the current Cayenne, but has an even more dynamic design and new technical details that position it as more progressive, athletic, and emotional,” said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG.
Broad Shoulders & Sport Seats
Porsche’s designers went for an athletic and dynamic look. For example, the front windshield and A-pillar are shallower versus the Cayenne; the roof edge is roughly 0.78 inches lower than the standard design. The rear doors and quarter panels also receive a makeover in an effort to “broaden the shoulders.” Even the licence plate bracket gets special treatment. It’s now part of the bumper, making it look as if the Cayenne Coupe sits lower to the ground.
Cayenne Coupe drivers will enjoy the eight-way Sport Seats that offer generous lateral support, according to Porsche. In the rear, the Coupe receives a bench but with characteristics of individual seats. Rear passengers sit 1.18 inches lower than in the Cayenne, meaning headroom is unaffected despite the lower profile. Cargo volume is 22 cubic feet and increases to 54.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
By comparison, the Cayenne Turbo Coupe has 21.2 feet with the rear seats standing; 53.3 cubic feet folded.
2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Power & Performance
The Cayenne Coupe features the same 3.0-liter mono-turbo V6 as the standard Cayenne, generating 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft. of torque. The standard Coupe hits 60 in 5.7 seconds; 5.6 seconds with Porsche’s optional lightweight-sport packages. By comparison, the Cayenne Turbo Coupe employs a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 with 541 horsepower and 567 lb-ft. of torque. The Turbo Coupe hits 60 in 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 178 mph.
All Cayenne Coupe models come with the Sport Chrono Package standard. For the Cayenne Turbo Coupe, Porsche’s Sport Exhaust System is available.
The current Cayenne Turbo was the first Porsche to feature an adaptive roof spoiler, something the new Cayenne Coupe adopts. Every Cayenne Coupe receives both the roof spoiler and an adaptive rear spoiler as part of the Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA) package. The spoiler extends by 5.3 inches to increase downforce to the rear axle at speeds above 56 mph.
2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Pricing & Availability
The 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe will arrive this fall with a starting price of $75,300. The Cayenne Turbo Coupe will start at $130,100. Add an additional $1,250 for delivery, processing, and handling.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report.
Photos & Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

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New Volvo Tech Could Intervene During Distracted & Intoxicated Driving

New Volvo Tech Could Intervene During Distracted & Intoxicated Driving Volvo’s new monitoring system aims to reduce the impacts of distracted and impaired driving.
The technology allows the vehicle to automatically intervene if a driver fails to respond to warnings.
As part of a larger conversation, Volvo asks if automakers have an obligation to produce such technology.
Volvo is showcasing new technology that may prevent fatal accidents involving impairment, speeding, and distraction. The automaker is doubling down on their vision of a future with zero traffic fatalities, saying it’s necessary to address these three main “gaps.” This news follows Volvo’s more recent announcement about limiting the top speed on all their cars to 111 mph starting in 2021.
Volvo says they want to start a conversation about whether automakers have the right, or maybe even the obligation to install technology that can change a drivers’ behavior.
“When it comes to safety, our aim is to avoid accidents altogether rather than limit the impact when an accident is imminent and unavoidable,” explained Henrik Green, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Cars. “In this case, cameras will monitor for behavior that may lead to serious injury or death.”
What The Data Shows
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 30 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2017 involved intoxicated driving. Further data from the National Safety Council determined around 80,000 total roadway deaths occurred in the United States through 2017 and 2018. The latest statistics reflect a slow leveling off, with the number of fatalities in the first six months of 2018 dipping slightly. (Less than 0.5 percent from six-month 2017 estimates).
However, experts believe it may only be a “stabilization” of the largest two-year increase in over 50 years; between 2014 and 2016.
“When it comes to this leading cause of accidental death, we aren’t making progress – we’re treading water,” said Ken Kolosh, Manager of Statistics, National Safety Council. “We cannot accept more than 18,700 deaths as the price of mobility.”
Volvo’s new camera monitoring system aims to reduce the impacts of distracted and impaired driving. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Proactive Approach
Volvo believes fatal accidents involving intoxication and distraction can be addressed via cameras and sensors that monitor the driver. If an impaired driver does not respond to warning signals, and is risking an accident, the vehicle can automatically intervene. Intervention measures include automatically limiting the car’s speed, alerting the Volvo on Call service and, as a final course of action, actively slowing down and safely parking the car.
“There are many accidents that occur as a result of intoxicated drivers,” said Trent Victor, Professor of Driver Behavior at Volvo Cars. “Some people still believe that they can drive after having had a drink, and that this will not affect their capabilities. We want to ensure that people are not put in danger as a result of intoxication.”
Graph: Volvo Car Group.
Related: Distracted driving kills and it’s a worldwide problem.
Recognizing Patters
Volvo’s driver monitoring system looks for certain telltale signs involving distracted and intoxicated driving. For example, a lack of steering inputs for extended periods of time, extreme weaving across lanes, and slow reaction times. The system even detects if a driver closes or takes their eyes off the road for too long. Volvo’s technology could intervene if say a driver is texting behind the wheel.
“It takes on average 4.6 seconds to send a text message,” said Special First Lieutenant and Traffic Safety Specialist Jim Flegel of the Michigan State Police. “At 55 mph, that is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded.”
According to NHTSA, distracted driving accounted for 3,450 deaths in 2016. The Traffic Safety Facts Research Note on Distracted Driving, also conducted by NHTSA, found drivers under the age of 20 had the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes in 2015.
Implementation & Future Considerations
Volvo plans to introduce the cameras starting in 2020. The camera’s position, location, and number thereof is still being determined. In the meantime, experts say driving defensively is the best way to stay safe on the road. Always buckle up, ignore text messages, obey all posted signs, and designate a sober driver.
“The sad part is that 100 percent of crashes related to distracted and intoxicated driving are preventable,” Flegel said.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report.
Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group, NHTSA, NSC.

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Inside The 2018 Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE

Inside The 2018 Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE
Yes, like its road-going sibling from which it is derived, the 2018 Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE faces similar aesthetic, a-hem, issues. But this is a race car. A race car that will take part in the FIA World Endurance Championship next season. And, when it comes to racing, effectiveness counts more than aesthetics. It’s sort of like submachine guns. Sure, it might not be as appealing as a Thompson or an MP 40, but a Sten Gun can still do the business, y’know?
Track Ready
The Sten of choice seen here is the new Vantage GTE from Aston Martin, set for FIA’s GTE class at places like Le Mans and Spa and The ‘Ring. The main competition for the new Vantage GTE will be cars like the BMW M3, Chevrolet Corvette C7.R, Ferrari 488 GTE, and Porsche 911 variants. In other words, these are the most road-car-like competitors you’ll see at Le Mans. Also, the racing is fun to watch since the competition is so close and the racing is so tough. Still, Aston Martin has done more than okay with previous versions of this car, chalking up 37 international race victories, including two Le Mans 24 Hour class wins.
Power & Performance
The engine is a force-fed V8 that runs bespoke BorgWarner turbos with integrated electric wastegates. The exhaust system is a full inconel setup made by an outfit called Akrapovic. No, I didn’t know who they were either. Turns out they’re Slovenian, and all they do is make exhaust systems. Fun note: Inconel is a nickel/steel alloy with extremely high heat resistance and was the same stuff they made the X-15 rocket plane out of.
The mill has a dry sump lubrication system and its installation in the actual race car is further back and lower than the street version, all for better track performance. The output figures are stated as “power >400 kW* and torque >700 Nm*” which translates into 536 ponies and 516 lb-ft. o’torque in old money. Two things of note: First, those figures are “greater than” because no race team is going to give away accurate power figures, and you can also reckon that Aston Martin is sandbagging with those numbers. And two, I have no idea what those asterisks are for. Aston Martin never explains them, but I thought I’d include them. What an odd thing for them to do.
Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Drivetrain Tech
Moving on to the driveline and transmission, there’s plenty to geek out about here. Of course it’s rear-wheel drive, because handling. There’s also traction control thrown in (because today’s drivers are a bunch of prima donnas). The transmission is a six-speed sequential unit made by Xtrac, fed by an Alcon motorsport multi-plate clutch about the size of a cheeseburger. There is a mechanical limited-slip differential with externally adjustable pre-load (a nice touch), and since this is 2017, there’s a semi-automatic paddle shift gear change coupled to a direct acting electric gear shift actuator. Did you catch all that?
The carbon fiber propshaft saves weight and increases responsiveness.
Chassis & Suspension
The chassis is a lightweight aluminium deal that uses the latest Vantage production car as a starting point. It is fitted with a steel roll cage to meet FIA safety standards and also sports an on-board, high-speed pneumatic jack for quicker pit stops. The suspension is as traditional as it is adjustable, with double wishbones front and rear, adjustable anti-roll bars, and custom Öhlins five-way adjustable dampers (shock absorbers to us Americans). Like all British cars, this thing can Handle with a capital H.
The body and aero bits are all carbon fiber, of course. The underside of the car is entirely flat and tailed with a carbon fiber splitter and diffuser. That huge rear wing is also carbon fiber and adjustable.
Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.

Ride & Handling
The steering is electro-hydraulic and power-assisted, which kind of rankles purists but literally every driver out there dearly loves, since wrestling with one of these things for 24 hours, even with a power assist is a work out. The steering wheel, which is carbon fiber, is a quick release type, both to aid with driver changes and also having to bail out if things get, um, sticky. The fuel system is the FIA mandated size of 100 liters and is a full-blown fuel cell, of course.
The wheels are huge and light: forged magnesium up front (12.5” x 18”) and forged magnesium in the rear (13.0” x 18”). The boss meats are supplied by Michelin.
Braking
The stoppers are very, very impressive. Everything is made by Alcon with monobloc six-piston calipers and wide, ringed ventilated brake discs up front. Out back, the Aston GTE sports monobloc six-piston calipers with Alcon ventilated rear brake discs. At all four corners there are integrated caliper temperature and pad wear sensors, a handy thing in a 24 hour race. The pedal box is floor-mounted and adjustable (a nice touch). Of course the front and rear brake bias is driver adjustable.
Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Driver Focused
The cockpit is Spartan yet extremely cool. The pilot sits in a RaceTech FIA 8862 safety seat and is held in place by a Schroth six-point safety harness. In case things get too hot, there’s a Lifeline FIA 8865 fire extinguisher. The dash is a Cosworth driver display with shift lights; there is a rearview camera and a Bosch collision avoidance radar system (which is one of those things that beeps at you milliseconds before you clout that Ford GT you thought you were clear of). Air conditioning? Surprisingly yes! The FIA/ACO mandated this a while back (you have no idea how hot it is inside one of these things). There is also an electrically-operated “driver drinks system” to help prevent fatigue.
The whole shootin’ match tips the scales with a dry weight of 1,245 kilos or around 2,800 pounds, give or take. It is worth noting this is the regulated base weight. If you were to take the ballast out, the 2018 Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE would tip the scales considerably lighter than that.
Will this thing win? Maybe. A definite maybe. My money is on the Ferrari 488 (for sentimental reasons) or the C7.R Vettes (for practical reasons), but I wouldn’t count Aston Martin out.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2018 Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE Gallery

Photos & Source: Aston Martin The Americas.

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2018 Ford Super Duty By The Numbers

2018 Ford Super Duty By The Numbers
Ford is pushing the envelope for the F-Series lineup, announcing updated power, towing, and payload figures for the 2018 Super Duty. The new specs reclaim titles for the blue oval held previously by General Motors and Ram. Ford says they are delivering more for customers by offering “five key best-in-class claims.”
“Super Duty customers expect the best, and for 2018 we’re giving our customers even more power and torque from our 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel – delivering the most horsepower and torque available among all heavy-duty pickups,” explained Todd Eckert, Ford Truck Group Marketing Manager.
By The Numbers
It’s not surprising to see Ford push the line here. In just a “matter of fact” sense, the truck market is highly competitive, and customer loyalty to a particular brand is often lifelong. “We are a Ford (or Chevy) family,” they say, or “I’ve never owned anything but . . . (insert truck make and model here).” While we won’t speculate Ford’s engineering and marketing motives, if the automaker held the belief that bigger horsepower, payload, and towing numbers were the way to a truck buyer’s heart, we would be inclined to agree.
In an already competitive market with such fierce brand loyalty, posting headline-worthy performance figures seems a satisfactory answer to the “how do we attract new buyers and retain existing customers” question. One could argue these increased power numbers for the Super Duty are coming at the right time. Ford’s November sales report indicated that F-Series trucks saw their best November since 2001, with 72,769 pickups sold for a 0.9 percent gain. Conversely, Ford’s heavy truck sales took a 50 percent dip with only 566 units moved last month opposed to 1,133 for the same period in 2016. By the end of November 2016, Ford had delivered 13,417 heavy trucks compared to 10,376 at November’s end this year, marking a 22.7 percent decrease.
It’s possible these new power and capacity increases for the 2018 Super Duty will help bolster Ford’s overall truck sales. Does Ford have specific intent with this latest Super Duty announcement? Perhaps. Ford truck sales are, according to their November report, either up nicely or down significantly, depending on the model. These new performance upgrades for the Super Duty could be a happy accident as far as timing is concerned, but if an automaker wanted to move some trucks, especially near the end of the year, having increased power figures floating through the media certinately wouldn’t hurt.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Fantastic Five
The 2018 Ford Super Duty now claims five vital segment titles, the first of which is a healthy 450 horsepower. Previously held by GM’s Sierra and Silverado models at 445 with the new Duramax, Ford’s announcement gives the Super Duty a slight edge. The second is torque, a now whopping 935 lb-ft., enough to slip past Ram at 930 lb-ft. from the recently revised Cummins. From there, the 2018 Ford Super Duty takes best-in-class gooseneck towing at 34,000 lbs. and best-in-class conventional towing at 21,000 lbs., when properly equipped. By comparison, The 2018 Ram 3500 HD, when properly equipped, has a maximum gooseneck rating of 31,210 lbs. and a maximum conventional rating of 20,000 lbs.
“Plus, our new F-450 pickup now includes a 4X2 model, enabling our customers to get more done with the segment’s best payload and towing,” Eckert added.
The 2018 Super Duty boasts best-in-class payload at 7,360 lbs. for the segment’s top honor.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Vital Components
The grunt for the 2018 Super Duty comes from the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine, which received redesigned cylinder heads, optimized fuel calibrations, and enhancements to the turbo for 2018. The truck’s high-strength steel frame, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body, and integrated gooseneck hitch mounts are also important for capability and efficiency. It’s also worth noting that Ford designs and builds their own diesel engines and transmissions, something no other manufacturer currently does. The automaker says this is critical for getting the powertrain, vehicle calibrations, and chassis to align.
“This approach enables Ford engineers to optimize vehicle performance across the entire lineup and to further refine the powertrain to the specific needs of the customer,” reads a statement from Ford.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Super Duty is available now with the F-450 4×2 dual-rear-wheel pickup coming later this winter. Base MSRP is $52,830, although pricing can vary greatly depending on the selected trim level and the buyer’s desired number of additional options, features, and packages.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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Letter From The UK: What Happens To Our Car Industry Now?

Letter From The UK: What Happens To Our Car Industry Now? The Brexit debate continues with more questions than answers.
Threats of tariffs loom for an industry already experiencing a slowdown.
Geoff Maxted of DriveWrite Automotive Magazine examines in this Letter From The UK.
Over the last few days, the British public has watched open-mouthed at the antics of their elected representatives in the UK parliament. With just a couple of weeks to go before our nation leaves BY LAW (unless the government passes new legislation or comes to some form of agreement in the meantime), the unseemly meleé over Brexit among both government and opposition political parties makes you wonder about the future of democracy itself in Great Britain. The weak vacillation, the posturing and, yes, the lying has had a devastating effect on industry; generally and specifically on our car manufacturers who simply have no idea which way to turn.
Right now, thanks to European free trade, cars and component parts move freely in both directions, but what happens if borders start to impose tariffs which could be the case in the event of ‘no deal’ Brexit departure. Our motor industry has been consistent and united in the view that a ‘no deal’ Brexit would have a devastating impact on the sector, and the hundreds of thousands of jobs it supports.
Some commentators argue that it will be all right in the end, but it probably won’t.
The Hard Truths
Some say the car industry shouldn’t worry about leaving the EU with ‘no deal,’ yet the reality is that leaving without a deal with our European partners would trigger the most seismic shift in trading conditions UK car manufacturing has ever experienced. As the situation stands right now, literally overnight, it would be hit by an immediate end to free and frictionless trade with its biggest market, an end to being partners in preferential negotiated EU trade with a further 70 countries worldwide, the imposition of billions of pounds of tariffs and severe disruption to supply chains and production.
That’s the Ground Zero prediction.
Already, the past two years have seen a significant drop in investment, car sales, and manufacturing; each driving the industry off course to meet its production target of two million cars by 2020. This is a cyclical sector and other issues are also undermining global growth; falling sales of diesel engine vehicles and the shaky Chinese car market for example, but companies surveyed over time have said that Brexit was costing jobs and competitiveness.
It’s their industry; they should know.
A technician works the line at the Jaguar Land Rover Solihull plant in Lode Lane, Solihull, England. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Related: It’s crunch time across the pond. How will the motor industry respond?
Looming Threats
Only twelve percent of cars sold here in the UK are built here. We export more than 80 percent of the cars we produce, with two-thirds of these sold in the EU and markets such as Canada, Japan, South Korea, and Turkey with which the EU has those preferential trade agreements. Tariffs would disadvantage UK car manufacturers in all of these markets.
It is widely believed that as our car industry would no longer be governed by euro-rules, a ‘no deal’ Brexit will help reduce car prices and increase choice for the consumer. Conceivably, this might be possible but, like walking into a dark and foreboding forest, you never know what might be behind the trees. Unless the UK reaches agreement with the EU, tariffs may very well increase. After all, consumer choice depends on profitability and importers to the UK already have to engineer cars for right-hand drive, which is a significant added cost in itself. If prices rise, the market will contract, further squeezing margins and causing consumer choice to shrink.
The German car industry for example sells 750,000 cars in the UK; clearly it will want to protect its own interests. Both the Germans and the rest of the car manufacturing countries have been clear: the single market matters more to them than a deal with the UK.
Last year, the Nissan Juke became the fourth Sunderland-built model to hit one million units. On average, a Juke is built at Nissan’s UK plant every 105 seconds. Photo: Nissan Motor Company Ltd.
Related: Is the UK car industry about to fall off the cliff?
The Immediate Future
Of course, as is often the way with politicians, it is quite possible that an amicable agreement will miraculously appear, like a genie out of a lamp. It might be that exceptions and accommodations can be made which override the issues. Why would anyone in their right mind jeopardise the future of the car industry across Europe and the UK?
It seems unconscionable, but then of course we are dealing with political ideology and their dodgy proponents in which case it is usually the population that suffers the consequences.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

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Night Vision For The Masses: NightRide Helps Keep Drivers Safe

Night Vision For The Masses: NightRide Helps Keep Drivers Safe Sometimes even with the best of headlights, it’s impossible to see everything at night.
A new product called NightRide uses advanced infrared technology to help drivers see after dark.
The NightRide unit comes with two different displays, including a “fighter pilot” style heads-up display.
There’s no doubt about it. Driving at night is risky business. Throw in visually-impaired drivers, fatigue from the long work day, and rush hour traffic and the odds are further against you. In fact, the National Safety Council finds that 50 percent of traffic deaths happen at night. The developers of NightRide considered statistics like these when they went to work on the innovative plug-and-play device that utilizes far-wave military-grade infrared technology.
Beyond Headlights
NightRide is essentially a thermal camera that allows drivers to see well beyond the range of standard headlights, providing additional visibility in darkness and during severe weather. The unit is designed to detect things like deer, pedestrians, and black ice at night, and during rainy, foggy, and snowy conditions.
“The driving force behind NightRide is our desire to empower people to drive at night with total peace of mind,” said Shawn Groce, Founder of Wesa, the company behind NightRide. “Collisions with animals are costing Americans $1 billion each year.”
NightRide is a thermal camera that detects hard-to-see objects in the dark. Photo: Wesa Inc.
Infrared-Based Night Vision System
Unlike conventional night vision systems that magnify small amounts of ambient light, NightRide can operate in total darkness by using thermal infrared technology. Infrared measures the amount of heat emitted by people or objects to create a visual image of the objects ahead. Groce believes this gives drivers an advantage during the night.
“According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, regular headlights can only help drivers see up to a maximum of 160 feet ahead. Most of the time, this is insufficient to see the road and to make decisions to avoid accidents that lead to injury or death,” he explained. “But since NightRide helps drivers see up to four times further than headlights, and can see beyond rain, snow, and fog, the risk of hitting someone or having an accident is significantly reduced.”
NightRide captures people and objects much farther away than ordinary headlights. Photo: Wesa Inc.
Long-Range Durability & Visibility
The thermal camera within the NightRide unit can withstand changing temperatures and harsh weather, a hallmark of its design. The actual camera housing is hermetically-sealed and rated at IP69 for environmental protection. And in order to operate flawlessly in both hot and cold conditions, the camera sensor is temperature-controlled.
The company says the unit is meant for use in inclement weather and was designed accordingly.
NightRide extends the visibility of common nighttime hazards up to 600 feet. In terms of driving in snow or fog, every inch of visibility makes a huge difference. To sum it up, NightRide’s technology is about providing an added buffer in order to reduce a nighttime collision.
NightRide capturing a deer in the dark. Photo: Wesa Inc.
How It Works
Night vision for cars is nothing new. In fact, high-end BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Cadillac vehicles are currently offering their own versions of night vision as an option. Ticking the box for the Mercedes Night View Assist PLUS in an S-Class sedan will cost upwards of $2,200. It’s basically the same deal with a BMW or Cadillac. However, the brains behind NightRide were looking for a more cost-effective solution; one that fits every type of car on the road.
“The most daunting challenge in developing NightRide was to make it affordable and easy to install,” Groce said. “NightRide is plug-and-play and self-installable in a matter of minutes.”
The NightRide unit mounts cleanly on the hood, near the base of the windshield, using an anti-theft mounting bracket. The unit grabs power directly via a wired connection to the car’s battery.
“And it is cheaper than most smartphones on the market today,” Groce added.
The NightRide unit is easy to install. Photo: Wesa Inc.
Fighter Pilot Display
Drivers can choose between two different displays, depending on their preferences. The first is an engaging, fighter-pilot-style heads-up display. This allows you to view the night vision images from the console display on the windshield itself. The next option is to affix the display console on the windshield using a suction mount. Equipment for both options of the display are ready to go, right out of the box.
Pricing & Availability
NightRide is available for a limited time at the discounted price of $795 with a $50 pre-order deposit. Initial shipments begin in June. For more information about NightRide, see their comprehensive FAQ page.
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.
NightRide Gallery

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Honda Promises Family-Friendly, High-Tech Features For 2018 Pilot

Honda Promises Family-Friendly, High-Tech Features For 2018 Pilot

The 2018 Honda Pilot went on sale this week, billed as the automaker’s “family-friendly, high-tech” vehicle. Honda’s three-row SUV arrives on the heels of some solid recognition, including the 2017 Automotive Best Buy Award from Consumer Guide and a designation from U.S. News & World Report as one of the best cars for families in 2017. Honda says Pilot production in Lincoln, Alabama has increased to make availability easier for the automaker’s some 1,000 dealerships nationwide.
Power & Performance
The 2018 Honda Pilot features a 3.5-liter, direct-injected i-VTEC V6 engine, complete with Variable Cylinder Management for increased performance and efficiency. The engine, which creates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. of toque, is paired to either a 6-speed or 9-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available.
Honda’s unibody SUV rides on a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. Steering is electronic and the brakes are a power-assisted and ventilated setup.
Interior Treatments
Honda says the high point here is the cargo and rear seating area, arranged in such a way that neither one intrudes on the other. The entry way to the third row is larger and the available “one-touch slide” feature will fold the second row automatically. Total passenger volume ranges between 151 and 153 cubic feet, depending on the trim level.
The 2018 Pilot also features the latest infotainment and connectivity systems and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Push button start, rear window defroster, cargo area hooks and tie-downs, and a 60/40 split, flat-folding third-row bench seat are standard across the lineup.
2018 Honda Pilot Elite. Photo: Honda North America.
Safety & Security
The 2018 Pilot can be equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies, available as a standalone option on EX and EX-L, but standard on Touring and Elite trims. Honda Sensing includes the Collision Mitigation Braking System with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning. Additional driver assistance features include the standard, multi-angle rearview camera and an available blind spot information monitor with cross traffic detection.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Honda Pilot is available now. We have included the handy chart from Honda below which outlines the various trim levels and corresponding information. The Honda Pilot was designed and developed by Honda R&D Americas, Inc., in California and Ohio.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Trim/Drivetrain
Transmission
MSRP
EPA MPG Rating
(City/Highway/Combined)
LX / 2WD
6AT
$30,900
19/27/22
LX / AWD
6AT
$32,800
18/26/21
EX / 2WD
6AT
$33,330
19/27/22
EX / AWD
6AT
$35,230
18/26/21
EX w/Honda Sensing / 2WD
6AT
$34,330
19/27/22
EX w/Honda Sensing / AWD
6AT
$36,230
18/26/21
EX-L / 2WD
6AT
$36,760
19/27/22
EX-L / AWD
6AT
$38,660
18/26/21
EX-L w/Honda Sensing / 2WD
6AT
$37,760
19/27/22
EX-L w/Honda Sensing / AWD
6AT
$39,660
18/26/21
EX-L w/Navi / 2WD
6AT
$37,760
19/27/22
EX-L w/Navi / AWD
6AT
$39,660
18/26/21
EX-L w/RES / 2WD
6AT
$38,360
19/27/22
EX-L w/RES / AWD
6AT
$40,260
18/26/21
Touring / 2WD
9AT
$41,970
20/27/23
Touring / AWD
9AT
$43,870
19/26/22
Elite / AWD
9AT
$47,470
19/26/22
Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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