Automotive

2019 Ram Heavy Duty: Drugstore Cowboys Need Not Apply

2019 Ram Heavy Duty: Drugstore Cowboys Need Not Apply Hey Cool! I get to write about a truck for once. Normally this is Carl Anthony’s end of things, but this time the truck news finally ended up on my desk. I like trucks. They’re no BS, no screwing around kind of deals. They’re tools that exist to get the job done, and everything else; the bells and whistles, the frills and things like that, just don’t really matter. In this case, we’re talking about the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty.
Posers Need Not Apply
Before we get into how good of a tool the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty is, we should deal with the growing trend of (shudder) trucks heading upmarket. The very top of the line trucks these days are getting as fancy as Buck Owens’ stage get up. Near as I can tell, the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty is not aimed at the drugstore cowboys of this world. No, thankfully, even with its luxurious treatments, the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty is aimed at those who need to haul stuff to and from a work site.
Powerful Tools
In that respect, the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty fits the bill. The standard 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with cylinder deactivation and variable cam timing provides 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft. of torque. Remember, this is the base model engine. The specs just get better and better from there.
For example, the all-new 6.7-liter Cummins I-6 High Output Turbo Diesel cranks out 1,000 lb-ft. of torque at 1,800 rpm. Yes, that is a lot. But it’s also not overkill either. If you have to tow something really heavy, or have the bed weighed down with a bunch of stuff and you’re starting out on a slope . . . in the rain . . . in the mud and sand . . . you get the idea. Speaking of that stuff, the new Ram HD can tow 35,100 lbs. and carry 7,680-lb. of payload when properly equipped.
If you’re a numbers kind of guy, that’ll pretty much settle the argument for you.
The front-suspension cross-member adds a longer welded interface for greater frame strength, while the three-link front suspension ensures roll stiffness. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Related: An in-depth look at the 2019 Ram 1500.
By The Numbers
The new 6.7-liter Cummins High Output Turbo Diesel features a compacted graphite iron block, cast-iron cylinder heads, stronger pistons with low-friction rings, and new exhaust valves, springs, and rocker arms. A new exhaust manifold serves as the mounting point for the variable-geometry turbocharger, delivering boost pressures up to 33 psi. The standard Cummins Turbo Diesel improves to 370 horsepower (2,800 rpm) and 850 lb-ft. of torque (1,700 rpm).
Attached to the High Output Cummins is an Aisin AS69RC electronically-controlled six-speed automatic. The standard Cummins runs an upgraded version of the 68RFE six-speed automatic; and the 6.4-liter Hemi receives the TorqueFlite 8HP75 eight-speed automatic with more than 40 shift maps to optimize performance and fuel economy.
These powertrains aim to make your job easier, whatever that might be.
A trailer tire pressure monitoring system accommodates up to six pickup tires and 12 trailer tires, and includes up to four trailer profiles. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Essential Foundations
Ram’s engineers placed an even greater emphasis on strength, reworking the frame to yield the highest levels of torsional rigidity yet. The new frame is over 98 percent high-strength steel with six separate cross-members, hydro-formed main rails, and fully boxed rear rails; all meant to increase durability and efficiency. Furthermore, new lightweight materials in the frame and powertrain, along with an aluminum hood, cut the overall weight by 143 pounds.
You’ll also notice the redesigned Ram HD is the best riding and handling truck they’ve ever made. For example, two “Active-Tuned Mass Modules” mounted on the frame rails search out unfavorable vibrations and apply countermeasures to eliminate them. Active-Level rear air suspension (meaning air bags replace coil springs) is available, and includes a new bed-lowering feature to help when hooking up trailers. Ram says the supplemental air bags help soften the feel of a heavily-loaded truck.
They also upped the ride quality with Frequency Response Damping shocks, more progressive springs, and re-engineered bushings. The braking system receives upgraded calipers and booster and master cylinders to help shorten stopping distances and improve brake-pedal feel.
The front bumper is cut with larger openings for the truck’s intercooler. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Related: From work to family, do trucks make our lives better?
Interior & Technology Treatments
But hey, this is a 2019 truck we’re talking about here, so it’s not all Spartan minimalism. That refinement is enhanced by active noise cancellation, various anti-vibration devices, and acoustic glass; each contributing to the quietest cabin yet for a Ram HD truck. The interior receives new materials, colors, and textures, including hand-wrapped leather instrument panels. The Uconnect 4C NAV, with its 12-inch configurable screen, is complimented by SiriusXM and a 750-watt, 17-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. In the center console, there are 12 different storage configurations with dedicated and assignable switches, a wireless charging dock, and five USB ports.
Finally, the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty has more than 100 safety and security features, including adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning.
2019 Ram Heavy Duty Laramie Longhorn interior layout. Diesel models have in-duct electric heating elements to speed cabin warm-up on cold days. Further, larger system controls and new larger panel ducts work better when wearing gloves. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Pricing & Manufacturing
Add all this up and the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty is a tool you can use and trust; around home and to and from the job site. Or, in my case, towing a race car to and from the local track. Starting MSRP varies greatly: between $35,000 and $90,000 depending on trim level and preferred options.
The 2019 Ram Heavy Duty is built at the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Coahuila, Mexico.
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 Ram Heavy Duty Exterior Gallery

Interior Gallery

Mechanical Components Gallery

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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McLaren 720S GT3 Hits The Track

McLaren 720S GT3 Hits The Track This is unsurprising, yet cool nonetheless. McLaren is taking its 720S sports car and turning it into a full-blown, factory-supported racer. McLaren, like all serious sports car builders, has more than a little history in turning the factory cars into racers. This is not a new thing. Indeed that’s what the “sports” in sports car means: You can, are encouraged, and are supposed to race the thing.
Specific Intent
Back in the 1950s (to just pick an era at random) if you drove something like a Jaguar XK120 and didn’t race it on the weekends, you were somewhat suspect. You raced your Jaguar, because Jaguar raced theirs. It was what one did, old sport. Of course, back in the 1950s, a McLaren road car wasn’t even a gleam in young Bruce McLaren’s eye. At that time, he was messing about with modified Austins and such in his rural New Zealand. And winning with the darn things. Fast forward more than half a century, and the company that bears his name is still in the thick of things.
The thumbnail sketch here is how the new 720S GT3 will be a follow on effort to McLaren’s successful 570S GT4 and 650S GT3 racing program. The 650S stacked up the trophies like nobody’s business, winning 19 races, landing on 19 podiums, and grabbing the pole position for the Spa 24 hour race. The 720S GT3 will begin testing next year and launch with customer teams in 2019.
Technical Specs
The specs for the upcoming 720S GT3 are very impressive indeed. Power is supplied by a race-prepped 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, M840T engine. No power output is specified (of course), but since the street version puts out in excess of 700 ponies, you can expect the race car to either put out more than that, or safely match that number and not blow up over the course of a race (not blowing up is a very important thing in racing). Ratios are selected from a six-speed sequential motorsports transmission. This is all a nice way of saying the internals are all-new, the ratios available comprise a much broader spectrum; and out are such niceties as syncros and in are things like dog rings, straight cut gears, and change over times literally faster than you can blink your eye. Naturally the drivetrain is situated longitudinally (mainly for packaging reasons) and sits in the middle of the chassis, powering the rear wheels.
McLaren 720S GT3. Photo: McLaren Automotive.
Chassis & Suspension
The chassis is all cloth and glue. The McLaren carbon fiber MonoCage II setup is an ongoing refinement of what the Woking-based outfit has been doing for quite a while now. It’s very light, very rigid, and could probably take a broadside impact without deforming much, if at all. Carbon fiber is also used in the body panels, front splitter, floor assembly, dive planes, and GT3-specification rear wing. All of these: the chassis, bodywork, and aero bits are specific to the 720S GT3 racer, or bespoke, as the Brits love to say. The 720S GT3 will be shod with Pirelli racing tires that will be controlled at all four corners via adjustable dampers (i.e. shocks) with coil-over springs.
Interior Treatments
On the inside, the pilot will be cosseted in an FIA approved seat with winged head-rests. Trust me, you don’t want to look too hard into stuff like side impact Gs, basal skull fractures, routine concussions that would get you permanently benched in the NFL, or the thousands of other reasons modern racing seats have headrests that hold your head firmly in place. Naturally, the driver in question is held in place via a six-point race harness, surrounded by an FIA approved roll cage tougher than jail bars with a fire extinguisher system just in case things get too hot.
Fierce Competition
The only real problem that McLaren has with their 720S GT3 is who they are facing off against. They’re going to have to run against Porsche 911 variants. And those things are nasty! They’re going to have to race against Ferrari 488s. And those things are nasty! They are going to run with Aston Martin GTs. And those things are nasty looking! The upside of this equation is that if you can win against competition like that, you will have every right to be proud of your achievement.
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.
Photos & Source: McLaren Automotive.

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This Denmark-Based Watch Company Is Giving Old Mustangs New Life

This Denmark-Based Watch Company Is Giving Old Mustangs New Life Christian Mygh and Jonathan Kamstrup give new meaning to the term “second-hand.” The duo has gathered parts from different classic Ford Mustangs, and turned them into rare, handmade watches. Mygh and Kamstrup visited salvage yards all over the world to find the Mustangs, but they say it’s about more than old car parts.
“Most people would just see a pile of metal, a ghost of a Mustang,” Mygh explained. “We see something completely different – the soul of a car and a story that needs to be told.”
Recovering & Recycling
Mygh and Kamstrup launched REC Watches in 2014 in Denmark, describing it as a “small and independent watch company.” The name “REC” represents the company’s concept of recovering, recycling, and reclaiming and is a play on the pronunciation of the word “wreck.” They even put a little humor into their work, joking on their FAQ page they believe customers prefer to do something else rather than read through the entire list of questions. Although, according to the FAQ section, the company can make anywhere from 400 to 800 watches from a given car.
Salvaged Ford Mustangs are transformed into unique timepieces by REC Watches. Photo: Ford Motor Company, REC Watches.
Inspired Design
The unique identity of each individual watch remains a central them in Mygh and Kamstrup’s work. In addition to collecting the parts, the pair seeks out the history of each vehicle, talking to the owners, and collecting photos and stories of the car for a special video. Each watch incorporates the vehicle’s original identification number, production year, and various classic Mustang design elements. The power dial, which resembles a fuel gauge, shows remaining battery life; the hands, date, and dial numbers are all inspired by the Mustang’s interior. On one trip to Sweden, Mygh and Kamstrup happened across a rare 1966 Raven Black, which later became their P51-04 collection of 250 watches.
“I’m not cutting up Mustangs,” Mygh said. “I’m bringing Mustangs that are beyond repair back to life as a watch.”
Pricing & Availability
The unique timepieces begin around $1,500 and are one of a kind, given how they are made. The watches are available now through the company’s website. With the holidays here, we think something like this would make an amazing Christmas gift for the car enthusiast in your life.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Mustang REC Watches Gallery

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company, REC Watches.

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Twin Turbo Audi R8 vs. Stock Lamborghini Huracan: Which Is Faster?

Twin Turbo Audi R8 vs. Stock Lamborghini Huracan: Which Is Faster? What difference do turbos make? That’s the question Hennessey Performance is asking in their latest video as they race an Audi R8 against a Lamborghini Huracan. Both cars have a naturally-aspirated V10 from the factory, but what happens when the R8 gets a little extra sugar and spice in the engine bay?

The Audi R8 in this video is equipped with a Hennessey HPE900 upgrade, which includes twin ball bearing turbochargers. Running on Shell V-Power 93 octane, with a six psi boost, the Hennessey team was able to squeeze 752 horsepower from this modified R8.

In stock form, the Audi R8 produces 562 horsepower from its 5.2-liter V10 engine. If you were lucky enough to get your hands on an R8 Decennium Edition, you have 602 horsepower at your disposal.

So a jump to 752 horsepower is quite something!

Original article: Twin Turbo Audi R8 vs. Stock Lamborghini Huracan: Which Is Faster?

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2018 Honda Odyssey Elite Review

2018 Honda Odyssey Elite Review
The new Honda Odyssey is designed for families and definitely with parents in mind. Odyssey engineers must have asked families what they wanted because the eight-passenger minivan has been thought out extremely well. Honda has answered the award-winning Chrysler Pacifica by upping its game with the Odyssey, and loading it with features moms and dads will thank them for
This week, we drove the top-of-the-line, 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite.
What’s New For 2018
Honda Odyssey has been completely redesigned for 2018 with a new 3.5-liter V6 engine, a quieter cabin, and loads of family-friendly features. New features include a sliding rear seat with a removable middle section and removable outboard seats that slide sideways as well as forward or back. Remove the middle seat, and it’s like having captain’s chairs.
There’s a new 4G LTE WiFi hotspot that can drive the rear entertainment system. There is a wireless charging pad for smartphones, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Moms especially will love the new optional feature that allows parents to watch their kids on the big screen on the dash, zooming in with infrared vision. There’s no hiding in the back, hitting your brother or sister, undetected.
Standard Features
The 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite ($46,670) comes standard with leather upholstery, auto-dimming rearview mirror, garage door opener, sunroof, and power liftgate. It features navigation with voice recognition, a Blu-Ray rear entertainment system with wireless headphones, 115-volt power outlet, and Honda’s CabinTalk system that allows the driver to talk to all passengers through the speakers or headphones.
Odyssey Elite gets the new 10-speed automatic transmission, stop/start technology, the aforementioned CabinWatch feature that points a camera at any seat, an in-vehicle vacuum cleaner, third-row sunshades, a hands-free power tailgate, LED headlights, LED fog lights, and front and rear parking sensors.
The Elite trim upgrade goes further with an 11-speaker audio system, wireless phone charging, a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats, ambient lighting, gloss black interior trim, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding exterior mirrors, and 19-inch wheels. Total MSRP including destination: $47,610.

Interior Highlights
You’ll want to spend lots of time in this cabin. The Odyssey comes with softer materials, new stain-resistant leather, a big functional center console with two main storage areas, one of them deep and the other wide and flat. The best news is the CabinWatch feature on the screen showing a running video feed of the rear seats, so parents can literally watch everything going on in the second and third rows. It’s even infrared, and you can zoom in, so kids watch out!
CabinWatch works with CabinTalk, which plays the driver’s voice over the sound system and directly into the headphones. Kids won’t be able to get away with anything! Family trips just got much more enjoyable for mom and dad.
The new Odyssey also gets a re-engineered Magic Slide seating system with removable second row seats. The middle seat can be removed to create captain’s chairs, and an easier path to the third row. The two outside seats slide up, back, left or right; and they can be pushed together to create one large seat.
If you need a large cargo area, the rear seats can be removed completely, although they do weigh 70 lbs. each if you want to get them out. With the seats removed, it offers up a massive 144.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Behind the second row, with the third row folded flat, there’s 86.6 cubic feet. Behind the third row there’s 32.8 cubic feet of space; the third row can fit an average adult. Families can custom-configure the minivan for each trip, project or adventure.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
Odyssey’s 3.5-liter V6 engine has been completely redesigned for 2018. It produces 280 horsepower and comes mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters. It also comes with an idle stop feature to save gas. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 19/28 city/highway and 22 combined mpg.
Driving Dynamics
All you need for power will be at your disposal with the new Odyssey. The 3.5-liter V6 has enough power for all driving situations and the 10-speed automatic shifts smoothly and responsively, and uses all 10 gears seamlessly. The Odyssey handles like a minivan but it still gives the driver a feeling of control and confidence. What we didn’t like was the lane departure warning – it would flash the “Steering Needed” sign on the dash when we were driving around mountain corners at highway speeds.
Visibility from the driver’s seat is good with the big greenhouse windows. The sun shades in all rear windows keep the sun out for a more comfortable ride for rear passengers too. Overall, the Odyssey offers a smooth ride and the cabin is more quiet than the outgoing model. It’s a place you and the kids won’t mind spending lots of time, especially if you have a long upcoming trip planned.
Conclusion
The all-new 2018 Honda Odyssey is an eight-passenger minivan with class-leading power, space, technology, comfort, handling, and fuel efficiency. With its standard 60/40 folding third row and many safety features, it leads the minivan class for families.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Honda Odyssey Gallery

2018 Honda Odyssey Official Site.
Photos: Honda North America.

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2018 Eclipse Cross: The New Mitsubishi Eclipse

2018 Eclipse Cross: The New Mitsubishi Eclipse I’ll confess two things right up front: One, I keep forgetting Mitsubishi is still selling cars in America, and two: this is what the Eclipse has tuned into? This? The Eclipse used to be a sport coupe with a killer all-wheel drive setup. Then it turned into a more (and more) watered down version of itself; a copy of a copy of a copy.
And that was sad, but now it’s this thing. Sigh.
Waxing Poetics
This is yet another SUV/crossover/thingo which, yeah, makes a certain amount of sense, but not that much sense. Mitsubishi is particularly unrepentant about how it took the name from a (close to a) sports car and slapped it onto what-might-as-well-be-a-station-wagon: “The Eclipse sports car was one of Mitsubishi’s best-selling and iconic vehicles ever. Now, the Eclipse moniker is making its jubilant comeback with the same reputation for driving dynamics and technology in the form of a CUV.” [Gag, gag, ga-ag!!]
What the Eclipse Cross offers, sadly for the marketing outlook, is rather standard faire. Mitsubishi says the Eclipse Cross has coupe-like styling, which is kind of true. When I first saw the pictures, it reminded me of a better looking Pontiac Aztek, but I’ve decided not to mention that, since even that is just too low of a blow to make. Mitsubishi also says it has the look of an Olympic runner in the “get set” position, and that this view is “highly anticipatory, and such is the emotion while looking at the Eclipse Cross.” Seriously. They said that. No, what we’ve got here is a basic two-box shape with a slightly squashed tumblehome, and a rear that looks like it’s been kicked by a giant.
Sure, it has all the Mitsubishi styling cues found on its corporate siblings like a common grille design, which Mitsubishi insists on calling “Dynamic Shield.” It’s not bad looking, but it is rather generic, which can be bad for a floundering car company trying to distinguish itself. Mitsubishi also came up with a new color for the Eclipse Cross: Red Diamond. It’s not just a new color, but a newly developed painting process that creates high intensity and brightness they say. It seems like a nice finish, and you’ll most likely see it on other Mitsubishi products.
Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Power & Performance
The 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross features a standard 1.5-liter direct-injected turbo engine. Mitsubishi always made good engines, even if they couldn’t keep the variant count low. Yes, getting specific in the engine room does improve performance and allows power customization. But if you shy away from commonality, the part costs go way up.
The 1.5-liter turbo mill puts out 152 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 184 lb-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm, and is said to return greater fuel economy than the other corporate engines of this size. Mitsubishi is contradictory, however, saying the plant’s maximum torque is achieved at just 2,000 rpm, but, spec-wise, what we’re dealing with is a torque curve 2,000 rpm wide. Like seemingly all Mitsubishi vehicles, keep the engine spinning, and you’ll have fun. Mitsubishi has also added sodium filled exhaust valves to maximize performance.
Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
All-Wheel Drive Tech
Of course the power and torque is sent to the pavement via an all-wheel drive system of considerable potency. Mitsubishi calls their system Super All-Wheel Control, which is a bit much, but also pretty close to true. Super All-Wheel Control, or S-AWC, is cleverly integrated with the vehicle dynamics control system to monitor each component of the 4WD system, Active Stability Control, ABS, and Active Yaw Control. This is so the torque sent to the rear wheels is manipulated for optimal traction and performance. S-AWC has an advanced sensor monitoring system for the steering angles, wheel speed, engine torque, gear ratios, yaw rate, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, and brake pressure. All this is put under your control through three different modes: auto, snow, gravel.
So Mitsubishi still has that going for it, and their knowledge of all-wheel drive systems allowed Tommi Makinen and Risto Mannisenmaki to beat the rally opposition four years running. Thankfully, that ability is still found in Mitsubishi’s products, even in CUVs.
Safety & Connectivity
Naturally there is a buffet of tech and safety stuff contained on-board. There’s a 7-inch monitor on the dash that controls the audio system and connects to your smartphone (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, of course). A full-color heads-up display provides the driver with real-time vehicle information like speed, cruise control settings, forward collision warnings, lane departure warnings, and paddle shift gear position. The Eclipse Cross also comes with Mitsubishi Connect, which includes everything from a Telematics Control Unit, a 4G LTE cellular modem, and a GPS system.
Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Pricing & Availability
When and how much? The 2018 Eclipse Cross arrives in March and starts at $23,295 for the base ES model. Other trim levels include the LE, SE, and SEL, but no pricing information was given for those. The 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross sounds like it will do what it’s advertised to do; whether you want it to is, uh, up to you. Personally it’s not my cup of tea. I’d much rather have an Evo or something like that, but hey, it’s your garage.
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 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Gallery

Photos & Source: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

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2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE Review

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE Review
Sedans are losing their appeal in America as SUVs and crossovers take a lion’s share of the market, but this sedan will get you to look twice. The 2018 Toyota Camry has received a complete makeover and it’s a good one. Camry needed a redesign and Toyota engineers excelled with the popular sedan, with new styling inside and out, and improvements to bump up fuel efficiency. If you don’t need a lot of cargo-carrying room, this newly-redesigned sedan will save you boatloads of money at the pump.
We recently drove the all-new 2018 Camry Hybrid XLE.
What’s New For 2018
Toyota Camry gets a complete redesign and the Hybrid gets an updated version of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Various tweaks provide an improvement in fuel economy and a slight increase in power. The 2018 Camry Hybrid also gets a new suspension, giving it a smoother ride over uneven pavement.
Standard Features
The 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE ($32,250) comes standard with automatic LED headlights, keyless ignition and entry, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver’s seat (with power lumbar adjustment), heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, a rearview camera, lane departure warning and mitigation, and Toyota’s Entune Audio interface. Entune Audio includes a 7-inch touchscreen display, voice controls, a USB port, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.
The XLE Hybrid also gets unique 18-inch alloy wheels, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable passenger seat, wireless smartphone charging, a heads-up driver display, two extra USB ports, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and heated exterior mirrors.
Optional Features
This Hybrid tester came with the optional Driver’s Assist Package ($1,050), which included the Bird’s Eye View Camera, Power/Tilt Moonroof ($845), Upgraded Audio Package ($1,800), and Adaptive Headlights ($415). Total MSRP including destination: $37,255.

Interior Highlights
The Camry’s interior is all-new and trimmed with quality materials, making for nice improvements when compared to the outgoing model. The fit and finish is on par with what we’d expect from Toyota. The cabin has a more premium feel and is more stylish like the outside, thanks to the use of softer touch materials and more attractive colors. The touchscreen has been updated with a 7-inch version of Toyota’s Entune interface as well, although it’s not the most user-friendly system.
Hybrid models get comfortable, heated leather-trimmed seats with 8-way power adjustments, so any size driver can find the perfect position. The cabin feels light and airy, and there’s lots of head, shoulder, and elbow room for driver’s to get comfortable. Front and rear passengers have ample space around them, and rear passengers won’t feel encroached on if the front seat is all the way back.
For a sedan, we felt visibility in almost every direction was quite good from the driver’s seat. Mirrors, both inside and out, are appropriately sized, and blind spots are kept to a minimum. The standard rearview camera helped us see shoppers who were too busy to slow down as we backed out of the shopping mall lot on Black Friday.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid gets an updated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with the brand’s latest hybrid system with two motors. It develops 176 horsepower alone and 208 horsepower with the hybrid’s additional net power. XLE hybrids use the nickel-metal-hydride batteries to achieve 46 combined mpg, with an EPA-estimated 44/47 city/highway mpg.
Driving Dynamics
You won’t buy the Camry Hybrid for its driving dynamics, but you will want it for its excellent fuel mileage. We pushed the hybrid hard in the mountains while driving west of Denver and achieved 41.3 mpg through the higher altitudes. We were also impressed with hybrid’s power and torque, which propelled us up the mountain roads without issue. We don’t particularly like the continuously variable transmission that revs up as you press the pedal down, but passing and merging with traffic was never a concern
On the flats, and even at medium speeds on the highway, the batteries allow the car to run in electric-only mode quite frequently. When driving slowly through parking lots for example, the vehicle will use strictly battery power. We hardly noticed the transition from the electric mode to when the gas engine took over. The Camry Hybrid isn’t the fastest sedan, it’s just smooth and quiet, and it offers up a comfortable commute as a result. In the mountain curves, body roll isn’t excessive, and on dirt roads leading to our house, the sedan soaked up the bumps with ease. The XLE’s standard heads-up display was a pleasant addition, making it easy to keep our attention on the road.
Conclusion
The best reason to check out the 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid is the excellent fuel mileage. You’ll save money at the pump and it’s a pleasingly comfortable commuter. If you want more luxury, the XLE is the model to get with heated leather seats, heated steering wheel, and extra safety features.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid Gallery

2018 Toyota Camry Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
*LE and SE models also shown.

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2020 Acura TLX: Letting Those Colors Fly!

2020 Acura TLX: Letting Those Colors Fly! From nano pigments to powerful engines, the 2020 Acrua TLX has a lot going for it.
Starting MSRP is fairly modest, although there are plenty of ways to upgrade the car.
The Acura/ELS premium stereo is good for all kinds of music, from Metallica to Manilow.
No Aprils Fools joke here! The 2020 Acura TLX arrives with a long list of premium features, four new exterior colors, and two performance-inspired powertrains. According to data from Urban Science, the TLX outpaced segment competition from BMW, Lexus, Audi, and Infiniti in retail sales last year. Acura is certinately aiming for that crown again with the 2020 TLX.
Let’s take a brief walk around and see what’s in store.
Let Those Colors Fly
An already sharp car, the 2020 Acura TLX receives four new premium paints: Performance Red Pearl (yes!), Majestic Black Pearl (oh baby!), Canyon Bronze Metallic (hold the phone!), and an A-Spec exclusive Apex Blue Pearl (swoon!). These coats are not just slathered on either; Acura gives them the deluxe treatment during final assembly. State-of-the-art pigmentation techniques are applied to the micas, metal flakes, and nano pigments, the latter of which Acura notes as “super-high transparency.”
Furthermore, each color benefits from additional coats to enhance intensity, depth, and luster. This means after the final swipe of the chamois cloth, the 2020 Acura TLX should shine like Spica.
2020 Acura TLX A-Spec. Photo: Acura.
Related: Quick and composed: on the road with the Acura TLX A-Spec.
Power & Performance: The Motherload
The 2020 Acura TLX offers two engines: a 2.4-liter i-VTEC with 206 horsepower, or a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 with 290 horses. The former comes with an eight-speed dual clutch transmission, versus the latter with its nine-speed auto. Both engines employ direct injection to increase overall performance and efficiency, although the V6 does feature Acura’s Variable Cylinder Management system.
Front-wheel drive configurations benefit from Acura’s Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS). The system offers better low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability by allowing precise left and right-rear-wheel toe angle control. The result should make the 2020 Acura TLX feel smooth, be it through a parking lot or over the highway.
Optional for the TLX V6 is Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). It’s not the most creative name but we give Acura props for being blunt. SH-AWD does exactly what it says: makes the handling superb. For example, SH-AWD allows up to 70 percent of the available torque to be distributed to the rear wheels; and up to 100 percent of that torque to be transferred to either the right-rear or left-rear wheel. This type of power transfer creates a stronger sense of control, balance, and agility, regardless of weather conditions.
2020 Acura TLX. Photo: Acura.
Infotainment & Technology For Days
Toss on the Barry Manilow (don’t judge) because the 2020 TLX comes with a 10-speaker Acura/ELS Studio audio system. According to Business Insider, it’s one of the best on the market. Complementing said stereo is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Pandora and Aha compatibility, SiriusXM, and an auxiliary input jack. Now, our recommendation is Barry Manilow II from 1974 but they’re all good.
Bonus points if you name your 2020 TLX “Mandy.”
Elsewhere on the tech front is the AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety gizmos. The robust package includes things like collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist among others. The available 360-degree surround view camera provides an extra set of eyes for those busy parking lots.
2020 Acura TLX interior layout. Photo: Acura.
Related: Sporty and budget-friendly: meet the 2019 Acura ILX.
A-Spec In The House
When the TLX goes A-Spec it becomes more sporty and athletic. In our minds, it’s hard to justify a TLX without an A-Spec package; it really adds a new dimension. Treatments on the front include a matte-black diamond grille with a dark chrome border, and a more aggressive lower fascia with LED fog lights. Out back, the A-Spec adds a gloss-black spoiler, “smoked” LED taillights, and four-inch round dual exhaust finishers.
The 19-inch Shark Gray wheels are wrapped with 245/40-series tires, an A-Spec exclusive.
Inside, the TLX A-Spec features aggressively bolstered front seats with high-contrast stitching and piping, and plenty of brushed aluminum trim throughout. Interior themes include a black leather array with Alcantara inserts; or if you’re feeling really fiery and feisty, full-on red leather. Red ambient lighting adds to the interior warmth.
Pricing & Availability
The 2020 Acura TLX is available now for a starting MSRP of $33,995. The premium paint colors mentioned above are an additional $400.
Carl Anthony 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. Before returning to school, he simultaneously held product development and experiential marketing roles in the automotive industry.
2020 Acura TLX: Model/Trim
Starting MSRP
2.4L 4-Cyl.
$33,995
2.4L 4-Cyl. with Technology Package
$37,695
2.4L 4-Cyl. A-Spec
$40,395
3.5L V6
$37,195
3.5L V6 with Technology Package
$41,095
3.5L V6 A-Spec
$43,795
3.5L V6 SH-AWD
$39,195
3.5L V6 SH-AWD with Technology Package
$43,065
3.5L V6 SH-AWD A-Spec
$45,795
3.5L V6 SH-AWD with Advance Package
$46,945
2020 Acura TLX Gallery

Photos & Source: Acura.

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Letter From The UK: Ford & The Farm Shop

Letter From The UK: Ford & The Farm Shop Are today’s cars nothing more than technologically-advanced covered wagons?
As our perspectives change with time, what role does the modern car play in our lives?
Geoff Maxted of DriveWrite Automotive Magazine examines in this Letter From The UK.
‘Quaint’ is an old Middle-England word that once meant wise or skillful but, since around the 18th Century, has come to mean oddly picturesque or pleasing in an old fashioned way. Why, you ask, this lesson in Olde English?
Well, that’s the kind of pedantic, semantic guy I am and because it is relevant to this Letter From The UK.
Surveying The Land
Quaint then used to describe Great Britain as it once was. Sadly, the past is a foreign country; they do things differently there*. There is, alas, not much that is quaint about the UK today. Thankfully though the seeker of calm can still discover some pockets of blissful quaintness; quiet, sleepy villages, and lush countryside of great beauty where the only distraction is birdsong.
This is the land where British traditions survive and maintain.
Among the most popular is the traditional farm shop; and they are just like they used to be in olden times, with locally-grown produce only now, of course, they’ve gone organic. With few exceptions these farms are not conveniently served by public transport. Ideally horseback is how we should do it, but these days we Brits prefer our personal iron transport of many horses: we go by car. Which finally brings me clumsily to the point: how we value cars today as a means to an end.
Automoblog’s Geoff Maxted often travels the English countryside road testing vehicles. This time around, it’s the Ford Focus Active. Photo: Geoff Maxted.
Ford Focus Active
If a car is called an Active it seems only right to do active things. This is not something that comes naturally to this writer, but Ford don’t make a car called The Sedentary. The Ford Focus Active then is a regular Focus, dressed as a crossover with hints of added SUV-style for lovers of the outdoor life. The UK TV campaign shows it in perhaps a more versatile estate car (station wagon) format, but the featured car here is the hatchback version and very good it is too; especially since this 2019 model (fourth-generation) Focus, launched in Europe and China last year, was awarded the maximum five stars for safety, thanks to a full complement of the latest safety equipment.
Sadly, America, you cannot have this car. You have to make do with the still very good but ageing third-generation model. In August 2018, Ford announced the cancellation of plans to import the new Chinese-built Focus crossover to America, citing tariff concerns. As a result, the fourth-generation model is not available in the United States after Ford decided to not manufacture the Focus domestically for the U.S. market as they did with the previous model.
Bad luck; it’s a great car. Still America made us wait for over 50 years for a right-hand drive Mustang so, hey; what goes around comes around.
During a road test, one works up an appetite, so stopping at a local farm shop in the English countryside is a must. Photo: Geoff Maxted.
Family First
It’s the latest Ford in a new family of Active crossover models inspired by sport utility vehicles. As mentioned, the Focus Active is available in spacious five-door hatchback and estate body styles with rugged exterior styling, a raised ride-height, and a bespoke chassis configuration to retain those class-leading Focus driving dynamics. Thrown into the mix we have added rough-road ability and a higher driving position for more confident urban and highway driving.
It is a car that puts the family first yet won’t disappoint the keen driver with its sharp steering and traditionally good Focus handling.
The Oily Bits: Chassis & Drive Modes
The Focus Active features, we learn, unique springs, dampers, stabiliser bars, and front and rear knuckle geometries. This along with a ride-height raised 30mm (approx one foot) at the front front, and 34mm at the rear (over the standard car) means added ground clearance and a high hip-point on the seats that makes access easy. Just step in.
With 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with sturdy, higher-profile 215/55 R17 tyres (in Europe) as standard, like all the other Focus models, this car has Normal, Sport, and Eco selectable drive modes. In addition, the Active also comes with a ‘Slippery’ mode, which adjusts the electronic stability and traction control settings for increased confidence on surfaces with reduced grip such as mud, snow, and ice. Further, there’s a ‘Trail’ mode, which helps maintain momentum on soft surfaces such as sand. This adjusts the anti-lock braking to allow for greater wheel slip and configures traction control to allow higher wheel spin that cleans sand, snow or mud from the tyres.
Blessedly, there was no opportunity to try it on snow, but on gravel farm tracks it worked a treat. Ideal if full-blown four-wheel drive seems over the top which for most users, it is.
Photo: Geoff Maxted.
The Oily Bits: Engine & Fuel Economy
The test car was powered by a 1.5L EcoBlue Start/Stop diesel engine with emissions of only 110g/km, driving through an eight-speed auto with paddle shifts. Don’t believe the negative hype, the latest crop of diesel engines are fine. Otherwise there’s another diesel option or two petrol variants of which the 1.0L three-cylinder EcoBoost is a standout unit. With 118bhp, the Active won’t leave a trail of burning tarmac behind it but the engine does deliver more than adequate power for brisk acceleration.
We saw 50 mpg on test and that’s with putting the car through its paces, on and off the road.
On The Inside
Inside the updated cabin, which is typically Ford, a leather steering wheel and bright elements on the dashboard and door panels, plus Active scuff plates on the sills, all deliver a high-quality feel. The high-bolstered seats are trimmed with distinctive Active cloth and are very, very comfortable, even over long distances and on rough terrain. There’s tons of leg room and the usual array of technology, including navigation and a reversing camera.
Maybe one day Ford USA will relent or tariffs will be reduced because overall this is a fine car.
The Ford Focus Active is the perfect car to take you off the beaten path. Photo: Geoff Maxted.
Changing Times
The Focus Active is also a prime example of this topic: the recent news that the European Union (and the UK depending upon what happens with Brexit and don’t ask) is planning to legislate that all new cars built in or for European consumption from 2022 will have speed limiters fitted to a maximum of 70 mph. Not entirely sure about either our personal privacy and freedoms or indeed what Ferrari and the like will think of that but it is probably likely to happen.
Sorry future drivers, fast cars are out. The car as lifestyle transport is in and to some extent already explains the public’s on-going love affair with the SUV. So our cars henceforth become simply a mode of transport to further our working day and our leisure time. In frontier parlance, they are the modern-day covered wagon, the Romany caravan, the omnibus of the future.
That’s what the Ford Focus Active is and what soon all cars will be. It moves people at their leisure to places that sell fresh vegetables and fruits and all manner of sturdy clothing without unduly polluting the atmosphere or upsetting the country folk. Ford did an excellent job with this car and its all-round usability is to be commended; but, sorry, you’ll have to take my word for that.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite
* Courtesy L.P. Hartley

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