“Greatest Hits” Jaguar Created For Iron Maiden Drummer Nicko McBrain

“Greatest Hits” Jaguar Created For Iron Maiden Drummer Nicko McBrain Who said Jaguar is a stodgy old British company? If you did, this factory-custom 1984 XJ6 Series 3 they just turned out should dispel that notion. And if that’s not enough, look who they made it for: Nicko McBrain. Yes, that Nicko McBrain, the drummer for Iron Maiden. That doesn’t sound all that stodgy, now does it?
Full disclosure here: I’m not much of an Iron Maiden fan. It’s not that I dislike them, it’s just that if I’m in the mood for some British heavy metal, my tastes run more toward Motorhead [Killed By Death currently playing]. I’ve always thought the guys in Iron Maiden seem like good blokes, and seeing the drummer’s taste in cars just confirms that.
Running Free
The Jag in question was made to kick off the XJ’s 50th anniversary celebrations for 2018 and was rolled out at the Geneva International Motor Show. And, for a car customized for a metal drummer, it’s pretty tastefully done.
The bespoke commission was a collaboration between McBrain (great heavy metal name, that), the engineers and craftsmen from Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works in Coventry, and Jaguar Design Studio Director Wayne Burgess. From start to finish, the project encompassed more than 3,500 man hours of work and more than 4,000 parts refinished, replaced, or redesigned. By the time they were finished, the XJ had considerable modifications to the exterior, interior, drivetrain, and suspension.
Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Modifications & Treatments
Let’s run this down, shall we? For starters, there are unique front and rear bumpers that blend into the modded fenders. Also note the bespoke chrome brightwork and flush-fit US side markers – a nice touch (the car is full of them). Those fenders were flared and re-profiled, front and back, so the wheel arches can fit those beefy, custom-made 18-inch wire wheels fitted with 235/45 R18 Pirelli P Zero tires. The door sills are unique and the rear door pressings were modified. The suspension was upgraded with adjustable rear dampers.
The paint color is unique to this car, a mauve that comes across like a very dark purple/blue. See what I mean, rather restrain and understated for a heavy metal drummer? Jag also went the subtle route by using door handles from the Series 2 XJ, but they also added bullet rearview mirrors. The headlights are also modern LED deals with Halo daytime running lights. Jag even recessed the twin fuel fillers, a nice hot rod touch. Other modern niceties include the door sealing and additional sound deadening materials.
Of course the interior has been seriously gone through, but still just as restrained as the exterior. The leather seats are hand-trimmed in Pimento Red with black piping and embossed head rests, black hand-crafted carpet lines the floor, and Alcantara headlining finishes off the trimmings. The dashboard features Dark Grey stained Sycamore veneers – the preferred material for Nicko’s favorite snare drums – another nice touch.
Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Burning Ambition
There is a custom audio system with USB connectivity and machined aluminum amplifier-style control knobs (they look like Marshalls t’me). That audio system is an Alpine touchscreen-controlled piece that cranks out over 1,000 watts! Other sentiments of Nicko’s “day job” include drum kit inspired pedals, finished in chrome and black, and a three-spoke steering wheel featuring his unique mascot “Eddie Growler.”
Power comes from the classic Jag 4.2-liter in-line six-cylinder engine rigged with three two-inch SU carburetors from an E-type, and machined quad-exhaust tail pipes.
Honestly, what’s not to like?
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. 
“Greatest Hits” Jaguar Gallery














Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.



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2019 Acura RDX & RDX A-Spec To Debut In New York

2019 Acura RDX & RDX A-Spec To Debut In New York Acura will hold the world debut of the new RDX and RDX A-Spec, in production-ready form, at the upcoming New York International Auto Show. Earlier this year, the RDX Prototype was showcased at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The forthcoming RDX is the first in what Acura bills as a new generation of products. Said products will demonstrate the brand’s new design language, Precision Cockpit cabin, and True Touchpad Interface.
Power & Performance
The third-generation Acura RDX marks the return of Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) to the RDX lineup. Acura says this system is paired to a “powerful and new” 2.0 VTEC Turbo engine and the segment’s first 10-speed transmission. Acura also says the new RDX includes an NSX-inspired Integrated Dynamics System, making it the quickest and best-handling RDX ever.
Design & Development
The 2019 Acura RDX was designed and developed in America for the first time, styled by the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, California and developed by engineers in Raymond, Ohio. The new RDX will be produced at the company’s East Liberty, Ohio plant, while its new VTEC Turbo engine will be manufactured in Anna, Ohio.
The reveal is set for March 28th at 12:15 p.m. (Eastern) and will be broadcast live on Acura’s YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter pages.
Photo & Source: Honda North America.



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Infiniti Engineering Academy Seeking Student Applicants

Infiniti Engineering Academy Seeking Student Applicants You know that Infiniti Engineering Academy deal? Well Infiniti is doing it again, and this time around they are partnering with the Renault Sport Formula One Team. This means trackside finals at F1 Grand Prix races with the Renault F1 team. It’s obviously an amazing opportunity for students looking to tackle a career in engineering.
Infiniti has just announced the 2018 edition of its successful Infiniti Engineering Academy. This marks the fifth consecutive year they are looking to recruit the best engineers from across the globe to work with both the high-end Japanese auto manufacturer and, a new twist this time around, also work with the Renault Sport Formula One Team.
Rare Opportunities
Infiniti calls this a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” and I, for one, am not going to argue with them. The program is intended to enlist decidedly driven students looking to make it in the “vehicle engineering industry.” In other words, if a given student has the skills to make it in something besides road cars, Infiniti is not going to stop them. And this is the cool part: these students will get to rub shoulders with some of the most experienced engineers at the Renault Formula 1 team.
The finalists, 10 per participating region, will be given full access to the pit lane, garage, and motorhome areas of the Renault Sport Formula One Team starting on the Thursday before their local Grand Prix. While there, they will carry out several challenges under the watchful eyes of Bob Bell, Chief Technical Officer of the Renault Formula One team, drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Carlos Sainz, and other team members. By the way, everyone says that Bell is a softy deep down inside, but you didn’t hear that one from me kids. Good luck if you get on his bad side.
Photo: Infiniti.
Ivy Leagues
But wait, things look even more intense for the 2018 version of the Infiniti Engineering Academy. For this year’s go-round, Infiniti has partnered with Harvard University Professor Dr. Julia Minson. Dr. Minson specializes in decision science and will work with the Infiniti Engineering Academy to conduct research into engineering decision making, and how engineers perform under pressure making choices when faced with vast amounts of complex data. The statistics gathered by Dr. Minson will be incorporated by both the Infiniti engineering and Motorsport teams to optimize their decision making processes in the future.
Selection Process
Dr. Minson and her team will also help during the recruitment process and will assist the judges during the finals to confirm that the best winners are selected. Infiniti and Dr. Minson will have a big job ahead of them for 2018. Applications are up this year, and last year, 2017, attracted over 12,000 registrations from 41 different countries. That was nearly three times more than before. Remember, there will only be seven places available globally, so to call the competition “fierce” would be a bit of an understatement.
How To Apply
This is a golden opportunity, will most likely be tons of fun, and look great on your resume. For more information and to register, see the Infiniti Engineering Academy’s official site.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz. 
Photos & Source: Infiniti.



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Why You Might Want A Porsche Extended Warranty

Why You Might Want A Porsche Extended Warranty Porsche’s factory warranty is somewhat average compared to other brands.Porsche’s CPO warranty is one of the best in the industry.Porsche only offers two extended warranty options.Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.



Porsche owners aren’t looking for a car to just get from point A to point B. Porsche is as much about automotive art as it is transportation. So, what does Porsche provide for the driver after the sale? Let’s get into the details on Porsche’s warranty, CPO program, and extended warranty options. 



To extend coverage beyond the factory warranty, you can either go with a dealer-backed plan or a third party. Both options can work for different situations, but we’ve noticed third parties usually provide more freedom and better prices. CARCHEX, Endurance, and CarShield all cover a number of Porsche models, so get a quote from each to find the best deal. 



Top Car Warranty Companies
We reviewed the top extended warranty providers, and here are our top picks for Porsche vehicles. 


No. 1 Used Car Warranty Provider
Best Direct Provider
Most Popular



CARCHEX
Endurance
CarShield



Get Quote
Get Quote
Get Quote
(866) 254-0205
(877) 374-1840
(800) 563-2761
 
 
 



Porsche Warranty Overview



Porsche’s New Car Limited Warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Porsche’s warranty includes both bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage. It covers most mechanical and electrical parts when defective in materials or workmanship. 



Beyond the new car limited warranty, Porsche also covers the following items: 



Service adjustments: 3 monthsHybrid battery: 8 years or 100,000 milesCalifornia emissions: 7 years or 70,000 miles Corrosion perforation: 12 yearsPorsche parts, exchange parts, and accessories: 2 yearsFederal emissions: 2 years or 24,000 miles (some parts for 8 years or 80,000 miles)All of these warranty items come standard on new Porsche vehicles – you don’t have to make an extra purchase. The Porsche warranty transfers fully to secondary buyers, as well. 



There is no extra powertrain coverage for hybrid vehicles besides the battery warranty. As an example, a Porsche Taycan warranty would last four years or 50,000 miles, just like its petrol-burning counterparts. 



Unlike many other brands, Porsche doesn’t separate powertrain coverage from bumper-to-bumper coverage. Everything, except a list of exclusions, is covered under the New Car Limited Warranty. Usually, brands offer longer coverage for the powertrain, which is made of the engine, transmission, and drivetrain.



What The Porsche Warranty Doesn’t Cover



The New Car Limited Warranty is an exclusionary warranty, which means it lists non-covered items to define the contract. Here are a few example exclusions: 



Normal wear and tear.Damage from lack of maintenance.Batteries damaged from lack of normal use.Paint damage from abuse or lack of maintenance.Air conditioner refrigerant after the first three months.Damage from accidents, environmental events, track use, racing, or competition.The Porsche warranty also requires drivers to clean sunroof and cabriolet roof parts regularly. Interior water damage from blocked drains isn’t covered. Owners are also required to drive their vehicles at least 6,000 miles per year. If not, the owner should get a battery maintainer from their dealer. 



Porsche knows its owners enjoy the thrill of driving. However, mechanical failures from track events or competitions, even Porsche-sponsored events, may not be covered by the warranty. Does The Porsche Warranty Cover Maintenance?



Porche’s warranty doesn’t cover routine maintenance services like oil changes. It also doesn’t cover maintenance items like hoses, fluids, filters, and wiper blades. 



You’re required to maintain your Porsche to keep the warranty, as well. When you take your car in for a covered repair, the dealer will ask to see your service history (if they don’t have it on file). 



Porsche Roadside Assistance



Porsche provides roadside assistance for four years or 50,000 miles and includes: 



Emergency towingBattery jump-startFlat tire assistanceLockout assistanceEmergency fuel deliveryExtrication/winch serviceTrip interruption reimbursement up to $250/day for three daysPorsche CPO Warranty



Porsche’s CPO warranty is one of the brand’s highlights. It gives drivers an extra two years of full factory warranty coverage even if the factory warranty has expired years before. 



Porsche vehicles newer than 13 model years with less than 124,000 miles are eligible for the CPO warranty, which is called Porsche Approved. That’s one of the longest CPO eligibility periods around. 



Porsche knows its drivers love to keep their cars in good shape for many years. The brochure for Porsche Approved says:



“When the car is timeless, does the model year really matter?”



Porsche vehicles need to pass certain standards to be considered for the CPO program, then they undergo a 111-point inspection and get reconditioned with genuine parts. 



Other details of Porsche’s CPO program include:



No deductible for repairs.Provides 2 years/unlimited miles of roadside assistance.Extends New Car Limited Warranty for 2 years/unlimited miles past expiration or from the sale date if the limited warranty has already expiredCompared to other CPO programs, Porsche’s warranty stands out. We’d say it’s definitely worth buying a certified pre-owned Porsche instead of a non-certified used vehicle. 



Porsche Reliability



Porsche vehicles perform well during the first few years of ownership. The J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Vehicle Dependability StudySM ranked Porsche in fourth place overall, which means drivers encountered fewer problems during the first three years than the industry average. 



However, as time goes on, Porsche drivers can expect to open up their pocketbooks for maintenance and repairs. Porsche is a performance luxury brand, after all, and it doesn’t have a mass-market sister brand. Lexus and Acura can use some of the same parts as Toyota and Honda, which can make maintenance less expensive for those brands. There’s no Toyota version of Porsche. 



According to RepairPal, Porsche owners pay about $1,192 per year on maintenance and repairs. Compare this to $551 for Lexus drivers and $501 for Acura drivers. Of course, a Lexus might not scratch the same itch as a Porsche. Looking at another European brand, BMW drivers pay $968 per year to repair their vehicles. 



That said, you probably won’t spend an equal amount of money per year on repairs. You might only pay a few hundred per year and then get hit with a more expensive repair. In rare cases, you might encounter a $10,000 bill for a Porsche transmission repair.



Here are a few Porsche repair costs drivers have encountered, based on RepairPal data:



 
Porsche Repair
Cost Estimate
Porsche Macan fuel injector replacement
$1,443–$1,525
Porsche Macan engine oil cooler replacement
$576–$674
Porsche 911 AC compressor replacement
$1,197–$2,079
Porsche 911 alternator replacement
$895–$2,046



Porsche Extended Warranty Options



Since factory coverage only lasts four years or 50,000 miles, a 2016 Porsche Macan’s warranty would be expiring in 2020 even if its mileage is low. Fortunately, drivers can get Porsche Vehicle Service Protection (VSP) in two types: Platinum and Powertrain. 



Porsche Protection Plans are available on any vehicle still within the four-year/50,000-mile factory warranty. You can purchase it when you buy a new, used, or CPO vehicle. Or, you can add it on at a later time from a dealership.



The Porsche extended warranty can cover up to 10 years or 100,000 miles from the in-service date. Here are a few more similarities between the Platinum and Powertrain plans: 



24-hour roadside assistance.Towing reimbursement up to $250.Transferable to secondary owners for a $50 fee.Trip interruption up to $200 per day for five days.Rental car reimbursement up to $50 per day for 10 days.Service at Porsche dealerships and some other authorized repair facilities.You can choose either a $100 or $250 deductible for repairs. When you choose a $100 deductible, the cost will be waived if you visit the dealership where you purchased the plan.



Here’s an overview of what parts the two plans cover:



 
Coverage Level
Platinum
Powertrain
Engine
X
X
Transmission
X
X
Drive axle
X
X
Seals and gaskets
X
X
Climate control
X
 
Shocks
X
 
Suspension
X
 
Fuel system
X
 
Electrical system
X
 
Steering
X
 
Brakes
X
 
Navigation
X
 
Audio/high-tech
X
 



The options for extended coverage don’t stop there. Here are a few more Porsche Protection Plans:



Key protectionDent protectionLease-end protectionWindshield protectionTire and wheel protectionGuaranteed auto protection (GAP)A Porsche extended warranty offsets the cost of repairs. However, you must have a high-tier plan to get coverage for navigation, audio, and other connectivity features.Porsche Vehicle Service Protection Plan Cost



Like most extended warranty providers, Porsche doesn’t publish prices online. The cost will be influenced by your model, its mileage, and how long you want coverage to last. For example, a Porsche Macan extended warranty could be a different price than a Porsche 911 extended warranty, even if both vehicles had the same mileage. 



Looking at Porsche extended warranty forums, one driver on Rennlist.com said they were quoted $4,000 for an eight-year/60,000-mile plan. Other posts indicated plans could cost $6,000 or more for varying coverage terms. 



As far as extended warranties go, Porsche Protection Plan costs are on the high end. Of course, any warranty company will charge more to cover a Porsche than a Toyota. But Porsche aftermarket warranties from third-party providers are typically more affordable than dealer-backed plans, and many still let you visit the dealer if you want to. 



So, how much should an extended warranty cost? It depends. You have to compare quotes between similar plans to get an idea of the value of a plan. The total cost can usually be split over 12- or 24-month periods. In general, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 per month for an extended warranty (possibly more for a Porsche warranty). 



Advantages of a Third-Party Extended Warranty



Porsche’s Platinum and Powertrain plans require you to go to the dealership for repairs. In contrast, most third-party warranty companies will let you go to any ASE-certified mechanic, which can be more convenient. 



Since you have to buy a Porsche VSP through a dealer, your best bet at finding a good price would be to negotiate in person or visit separate dealerships. But when you shop online for a third-party plan, you can compare prices from different providers at home without entering an in-person sales situation. You can probably find comparable coverage at a lower price from a third-party provider. 



Lastly, while Porsche’s extended warranty coverage is long – 10 years/100,000 miles – you’re still required to purchase a VSP within the factory warranty period of 4 years/60,000 miles. 



Drivers can add a plan from Endurance, one of our recommended providers, many years beyond the factory warranty. Another recommended provider, CARCHEX, can cover vehicles up to 250,000 odometer miles. 



If you’ve taken good care of your Porsche, it will continue to provide thrills for years to come. Get extended repair coverage for peace of mind during those years. Before settling on the Porsche VSP, get quotes from a few different providers to compare your options.



Top Car Warranty Companies
We reviewed the top extended warranty providers, and here are our top picks. 


Best Overall
Best Direct Provider
Most Popular



CARCHEX
Endurance
CarShield



Get Quote
Get Quote
Get Quote
(866) 254-0205
(877) 374-1840
(800) 563-2761
 
 
 




Original article: Why You Might Want A Porsche Extended Warranty



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This 2020 BMW M5 Celebrates 35 Years of Bavarian Goodness

This 2020 BMW M5 Celebrates 35 Years of Bavarian Goodness A forthcoming special edition celebrates 35 years of the BMW M5.
However, production is limited to 350 units globally with 35 for the U.S.
More than a looker, this special 2020 BMW M5 can reach nearly 200 mph. 
The BMW M5 is celebrating 35 glorious years of sport-luxury driving. Commemorating this event is the 2020 BMW M5 Edition 35 Years. Yeah, it’s quite a mouthful. However, this special version of the M5 Competition is limited to 350 units globally, and only 35 will make it to the U.S.A.
Better act quickly, then.
BMW M5 Edition 35 Years: What’s New?
Think of it as a cosmetic makeover rather than an invasive surgical procedure. BMW started with the impressive M5 Competition and went from there. All 35 examples of the M5 Edition 35 Years have “BMW Individual Frozen Dark Grey II” metallic paint (another mouthful). It features a special pigment to exude a silky, matte finish, according to BMW. The gloss-black brake calipers peek out from under those gorgeous, 20-inch alloy wheels with their graphite gray finish.
Enhancing the stealthy look is the absence of traditional badges on the trunk.
The interior receives the 35-year treatment too. For example, the M Sport seats are covered in Merino Black leather with beige stitching. Garnering attention are the door trim sections, instrument area, and center console with a gold anodized carbon structure finish. It all looks classy and modern inside the BMW M5 Edition 35 Years.
2020 BMW M5 Edition 35 Years. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Related: The 2019 BMW Z4 makes us want to hit the road!
Optional M5 Packages
The 2020 BMW M5 Edition 35 Years is available in two themes: Executive and the M Driver’s Package. The former throws in a surround view system with a 3D camera and active park distance control, soft-close automatic doors, power rear and side rear window sunshades, ventilated front seats, heated front and rear seats, four-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, and wireless charging.
In the meantime, the M Driver’s package raises the speed limiter from 155 to 189 mph. You also get a voucher for some high-performance driving lessons at the BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina or Thermal, California.
No matter which package you choose, this special M5 receives a 12.3-inch instrument cluster display and a 10.25-inch center touchscreen display. The latest version of the BMW iDrive 7 operating system with Live Cockpit Professional is also included. Of course, this special M5 also receives the iDrive touch controller with gesture control and cloud-based voice control.
2020 BMW M5 Edition 35 Years interior layout. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
High-Revving Powerplant
This means a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 generating 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft. of torque. No, the 2020 BMW M5 Edition 35 Years is no more powerful than the M5 competition, but this cuts both ways. Seriously, is 617 horsepower not enough for a sport-luxury barge? However, since this M5 pays tribute to 35 years of dominance, would it hurt BMW to sweeten the deal with more oomph under the hood?
It depends on how you look at it.
With this motor, the M5 Edition 35 Years rockets from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, with 124 mph arriving in just 10.8 seconds. I can think of no faster way to complete a school or grocery run, barring a steroidal supercar.
All-Wheel Drive Technology
Keeping everything under control is the M xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system. It includes an active differential with a fully-variable and electronic multi-plate clutch. This ensures immediate power transfer from the engine to the driving wheels. Torque is split between the front and rear wheels by the multi-plate clutch, before the Active M Differential splits it again (as necessary) between the rear wheels. Interestingly enough, this innovative AWD system is capable of operating purely in rear-wheel drive.
In my humble opinion, this is the FUN setting, and basically means you can do powerful burnouts and huge power slides – all in a comfortable, dignified, and luxurious environment.

Related: The 2020 BMW 7 Series receives a comprehensive overhaul.
Performance Suspension & Powerful Brakes
The 2020 BMW M5 Edition 35 Years is seven millimeters lower than the plebeian M5 sedan. This is due to 10 percent stiffer springs and dampers. Meanwhile, the special edition M5 makes good use of a double-wishbone front and five-link rear suspension with a firmer rear anti-roll bar. This helps lessens body roll while giving the vehicle a rear-biased feel.
Stopping power is courtesy of lightweight, six-piston fixed calipers with inner-vented disks in the front and single-piton floating calipers in the rear.
Pricing & Availability
Only 35 examples of this special M5 are allocated to U.S. buyers. Production begins in September with prices starting at $128,995 (including destination and taxes).
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. 
2020 BMW M5 Edition 35 Years Gallery











Photos & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.



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Saying Goodbye To The Rat: Remembering Niki Lauda

Saying Goodbye To The Rat: Remembering Niki Lauda Andreas Nikolaus “Niki” Lauda died on May 20th 2019. In many ways, grand prix racing was forever changed by his time spent behind the wheel. Nicknamed “The Rat” not because of his appearance (although he had more than a passing resemblance to a rodent) but because of his personality. Niki was as tough, focused, and uncompromising off the track as he was on it. He was, in short, a real sonofabitch.
Sorry, scratch that. He was, in short, a real fast sonofabitch.
The Rat: Fast & Furious
If you’ve seen the movie Rush (which, if you haven’t you really should) then you know who Niki is. He’s one of the co-stars in what is (unbelievably) a pretty good movie and a very good racing movie. Austrian by birth and Germanic by temperament, he was, by turns, cold, calculating, scheming, abrasive, abrupt, insulting, pointed, emotionless, shrewd, devious, brusque, terse, insolent, rude, and critical.
People did call Niki a number of things, but no one, and I mean no one, ever called him slow. He had a drive and will to succeed that was, upon first exposure, almost vulgar in its presentation and manner. If for some reason, you were faster than him, he would, like a computer, start calculating. He’d talk with engineers, he’d upbraid the mechanics, he would figure out what, if anything, was wrong with his car; imperiously demand it be made just to his liking, and then, when he was faced with the inescapable conclusion that he, Niki “The Rat” Lauda, was slow, he would simply go out and will himself to be faster.
It was a frightening combination of personal drive and Teutonic belligerence, combined with a cold-blooded killer instinct that saw Niki work his way to the top.

No Questions, No Compromises
A specific scene in Rush drives this home. When the drivers are debating whether to even race at the Nürburgring because of horrid wet conditions, at one point, Niki steps up and says (in so many words) ‘Why debate this? We already know who’s the fastest.’ “Because I’m quicker than all of you.” “Because I’m quicker than all of you,” is a direct quote. Not just from the movie, but from real life. It wasn’t a brag or a boast; that wasn’t a statement meant to knock his competitors off balance, that was a simple statement of fact. Niki was the fastest man ever around The Ring until years later. To him, saying something like that had no emotional weight to it.
Near as I could tell, he was devoid of empathetic understanding. If you took something personally that Niki said about you, then that was on you, not him. If you feel insulted, well, the truth hurts, don’t it buttercup?
The Comeback Kid
Niki made, in terms of a career, the biggest single comeback in the history of sports. At that very same race where he declared his superior speed, the 1976 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, Lauda crashed heavily at a kink just before the Bergwerk corner (now informally referred to as Lauda’s Kink).
His car, a Ferrari 312T, slammed into the barrier, got run into by Brent Lunger’s car, more or less broke up and then exploded. He suffered severe burns to his head and inhaled hot toxic gases that damaged his lungs and polluted his blood. He burned his right ear off and both eyelids. There was extensive scarring from the burns to his head; the hair on the right side of his head and both eyebrows were gone. One lung was completely collapsed and both were filled with the byproducts of your mucus membranes trying to cope with burning race fuel.
Lauda was conscious throughout and able to stand, but later lapsed into a coma. On the way to the hospital, a priest read him the last rites. Two days later, a different priest read them to him again. As far as the Catholic Church was concerned, Niki Lauda was dead. Twice. Only Niki didn’t want to die.
He had his lungs drained and vacuumed out three times without anesthetic. He limited the reconstructive surgery to replacing the eyelids only, since he needed them to drive. Since the rest of his head looked like something from a napalm test, he wore a cap to cover the scars and, get this, sold the space on the front to sponsors for advertising. Six weeks after his crash at The Ring, he was back in a race car for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Six. Figgin’. WEEKS.
Why? Because Niki wanted to, that’s why.
Niki Lauda at the 1977 Dutch Grand Prix.
Jack of All Trades
He lost the chance for back-to-back championships that year in 1976 because he pulled out of the Japanese GP, handing the championship to his archrival James Hunt. And after that season? He won the World Championship again, for the second time. Then he retired. Then he came back. Won the World Championship again for a third time. Really retired. Started an airline. Sold the airline and was somehow involved in the current Mercedes F1 program in a made up role of “non-executive chairman,” which means he was around to call BS where he saw BS, no matter who it torqued off.
Niki was as honest as he was fast, brutally so in both cases.
Lauda died in his sleep at the University Hospital of Zürich while undergoing dialysis treatment after a period of ill health according to Süddeutsche Zeitung. Or, as the paper succinctly, truthfully, and perhaps even coldly put it: “Niki Lauda ist tot.”
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. 



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2020 Toyota Supra: The Best Toyota Sports Car?

2020 Toyota Supra: The Best Toyota Sports Car? The 2020 Toyota Supra is the first Supra in the United States in 21 years. 
Toyota GAZOO Racing applied their vision when engineering the new Supra. 
Expect the Supra in July with a fairly reasonable MSRP considering the performance. 
Much has been said about the fifth-gen, 2020 Toyota Supra. We all know how the Supra is a rehashed version of the new BMW Z4, but that’s not exactly right.
And while we’re still left pondering on the fine line between Toyota and BMW sports cars, I think it’s time to stop comparing the Supra to the Z4 and try looking at it from a different perspective.
Setting The Stage
Yes, the BMW has a more powerful version of the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, and I was among the first to voice my opinion on this matter. Toyota claims the new Supra has a stiffer and more rigid chassis than the Lexus LF-A, and that’s saying a lot. Honestly, if the supposedly inferior chassis of the LF-A can handle a stonking 4.8-liter V10 motor with 560 horsepower, what’s holding back Toyota from giving the Supra more oomph?
When you think about it, my arguments are valid. But then again, I’m acting based on emotion. From a more technical and tangible perspective, I’m beginning to think the 2020 Toyota Supra is the best Toyota sports car yet; and this is despite the things I find wrong with it – which I’ll be talking more about in a bit.
2020 Toyota Supra. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
2020 Toyota Supra: Out With The Old
Naturally, I’m expecting the new Supra to be faster and more agile than the previous-gen A80 Supra. The new model has approximately 15 more horsepower than the 2JZ-GTE, and it also has a lighter body. The old Supra had semi-functional rear seats while the new model is strictly a two-plus-two, so I think the new Supra is more of a proper sports car than the old model. I can’t help but think if Toyota purposely went out of its way to wimp out the new Supra to, perhaps, glorify the Z4. I know it sounds ridiculous and that would be totally missing the point.
Let’s look at the nearest competitor of the Supra: the Nissan Skyline GT-R. Before the sixth-gen GT-R came bashing in with its 565 horsepower, turbocharged V6 motor, the fifth-generation Skyline with the RB26DETT inline-six only had 330 horsepower in stock form. That’s a huge jump! And now, the Nissan GT-R is regarded by many as a proper supercar.
Admittedly, I was expecting the new Supra to do the same. Instead, Toyota is talking about balance and how you don’t need a gazillion horsepower to have fun. The funny thing is, they’re right.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
@Toyota is talking about balance with the #Supra and how you don’t need a gazillion horsepower to have fun.Click To TweetPower When You Need It Most
It’s foolish to talk about the Supra’s new inline-six motor without paying homage to the iconic 2JZ-GTE. That engine catapulted the Fast and the Furious movie franchise to dizzying heights. If you had an A80 Supra back in the day, not even a Porsche 911 Turbo 3.6 is fast enough to catch up, and we’re talking stock versus stock.
Naturally, Supra fans were expecting a revival of the 2JZ-GTE. I wouldn’t bat an eyelash if Toyota shoehorned a proper Japanese motor in the Supra for obvious reasons. But instead, the new Supra gets a BMW-derived 3.0-liter, turbocharged inline-six with continuously variable valve timing and direct fuel injection. It produces 335 horsepower and 365 lb-ft. of torque, which sounds measly compared to the 382 horsepower in the BMW Z4.
But with an eight-speed automatic and active differential between the rear wheels, the 2020 Toyota Supra is no slouch. In fact, it is faster than expected. Depending on grip levels and weather conditions, the new Supra can rocket from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 to 4.1 seconds. It scoots towards the quarter-mile in 12.3 seconds.
When you think about it, these performance numbers are inching towards the Chevrolet Corvette, BMW M2 Competition, and Porsche Cayman GTS. The new Supra is basically a muscle car at heart!
2020 Toyota Supra in Phantom Matte Gray. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Sporty Stance & Precise Handling
The 2020 Toyota Supra has the styling elements of the FT-1 Concept, albeit in a more subdued manner. Thankfully, the production model retains those bulbous rear haunches to give the new Supra an aura of sophistication. Although beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I think the new Supra looks cleaner in the rear.
Toyota GAZOO Racing envisioned the new Supra as having a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, and a lower center of gravity. As a result, the Supra today is riding on a new, double-joint spring front suspension with aluminum control arms. The rear consists of a multi-link rear setup with steel and aluminum components. All Supra models have variable-assist and variable ratio, sport-tuned electric power steering and an adaptive variable suspension.
In order to enhance grip, the wheels and tires in the rear are wider. Those 19-inch forged alloys come with 255/35R19 Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires in the front, and 275/35/R19 in the rear.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
2020 Toyota Supra Trim Levels
The 2020 Supra is available in two grades: 3.0 and 3.0 Premium. Both models have the same powertrain. The difference is on the inside. The lower 3.0 grade has Alcantara seats and a 6.5-inch center display with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity. Options include a navigation system and premium JBL audio for an additional $2,400. The Supra 3.0 starts at $49,990.
The Supra 3.0 Premium gets a larger, 8.8-inch touchscreen display with navigation, Apple CarPlay (no Android Auto at the moment), a 12-speaker JBL audio system, heated leather seats, wireless charging, Supra Connect telematics services, and a color heads-up display. This model starts at $53,990.
Convenience & Safety Features
Standard on both is a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless smart entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, rear camera, power-folding mirrors, and auto-dimming rearview mirrors. The new Supra comes with a bevy of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high beams. The Driver Assist Package is optional and includes blind spot monitoring, full-speed adaptive cruise control, rear cross traffic alert, and parking sonar.
There’s also a Supra Launch Edition at $55,250. This model comes with red mirror caps, 19-inch forged matte black alloy wheels, carbon fiber interior accents, and a red or black-themed cabin.
2020 Toyota Supra Launch Edition in Absolute Zero White. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Color My World
There’s no doubt the 2020 Toyota Supra is still a fun sports car, and the paint colors make it even more so. The palette includes Renaissance Red 2.0, Downshift Blue, Phantom Matte Gray, and Nitro Yellow. If you wish for a more subdued look, go for Absolute Zero White, Nocturnal Black, Turbulence Gray, or Tungsten Silver.
Things We Don’t Exactly Like
There aren’t many, but we have a few caveats. First is the non-availability of a proper manual transmission. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure the eight-speed automatic is a delight to drive.
However, if Toyota gave the 86 a six-speed manual, would it hurt for the Supra to get one too?
Next is the interior. It pretty much resembles the cockpit of a BMW. This is not a deal breaker for most people, but many of the buttons and switchgear are clearly out of place in a Japanese sports car. More worrying are the expected maintenance costs given the nature of a car like the Supra. The Toyota name is known for two things: reliability and durability. Admittedly, it will be interesting to see if the new Supra lives up to the bulletproof reliability of the brand. We will find out when it goes on sale in July.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Future Considerations
Despite all this, the 2020 Toyota Supra is probably the best Toyota sports car ever made. It’s not the all-conquering hyper beast we’ve come to expect, nor is it the prettiest or the most exclusive among exotic sports cars. Yet, the Toyota Supra is still properly quick and agile without giving the driver an overwhelming sense of danger. It delivers the type of balance that normal drivers can enjoy each time behind the wheel.
And at the end of the day, isn’t this what we want from a Japanese sports car?
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. 
2020 Toyota Supra Gallery



































Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.



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2017 Chevy Cruze Diesel Delivers Unprecedented Fuel Economy

2017 Chevy Cruze Diesel Delivers Unprecedented Fuel Economy



Those looking for a fuel efficient car this year might be literally blown away by the 2017 Chevy Cruze Diesel Sedan. The car delivers an EPA-estimated 52 miles per gallon on the highway, the highest highway fuel economy of any non-hybrid/non-EV in America.


While that number is impressive, The 2017 Chevy Cruze Diesel is actually part of a larger initiative by the automaker.


“Chevrolet is dedicated to offering customers a wide range of propulsion options,” said Steven Majoros, Director of Chevrolet Marketing.


Transmission Options


Based upon the EPA highway estimate, the 2017 Chevy Cruze Diesel with the six-speed manual transmission can travel over 700 miles on a single tank of fuel. The six-speed manual returns an EPA-estimated city mileage of 30 with 37 combined. A new, highly optimized Hydra-Matic nine-speed automatic transmission is also available. When equipped with the latter, EPA estimates are 31/47 city/highway and 37 combined.


Engine & Emissions


The 2017 Chevy Cruze Diesel Sedan is powered by an Ecotec 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder turbo-diesel. It creates a solid 137 horsepower (102 kW) and 240 lb-ft. of torque (325 Nm). Chevrolet received a passing grade from the U.S. government for the engine, meeting the strictest environmental standards for validation, including Tier 3 Bin 125 emissions standards.


The vehicle also includes start/stop technology for additional fuel conservation.


Connectivity & Pricing


The 2017 Chevy Cruze Diesel comes with a variety of infotainment options too, including things like the available OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also available and compatible with the Chevrolet MyLink system. Last year, Chevy owners took full advantage of such connectivity and tipped the scales on data usage.


Pricing starts at $24,670 including the $875 destination charge. The 2017 Chevy Cruze Diesel Hatch will follow the Cruze Diesel Sedan later this year, but arrive as a 2018 model.


“We know customers are looking for the right combination of fuel efficiency, driving dynamics, and more,” Majoros added. “With the EPA-estimated 52-mpg highway Cruze Diesel Sedan, they can get it all.”


Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 



Photos & Source: Chevrolet





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Chevy Redline Editions Announced

Chevy Redline Editions Announced



At the Chicago Auto Show, Chevrolet announced the introduction of the Redline special edition series. And by special edition, they mean slapping some badges and trim onto cars. Specifically, the Redline special edition is offered on nine Chevrolet cars, trucks, and crossovers, and Redline is the broadest cross-portfolio special edition ever offered by the brand.


And that, honestly, is saying a lot. Because making these half-baked “special editions” is something all American car companies have been doing ad nauseum since time immemorial.


Chevy’s Redline offerings come with black wheels with red hash marks, black nameplates with a red outline, blacked-out grilles, and black Chevrolet bowtie logos.


There’s more doo-dads and gee-gaws affixed here and there, depending on the model. The Silverado and Colorado Redline pickups have red tow hooks, for example, while the Camaro Redline gets black hash marks above the wheels. Chevy says it’s a design cue taken from their long heritage in motorsports, but everyone usually just calls them Grand Sports Stripes.


The various packages are offered on the Cruze LT (both sedan and hatchback), the Malibu LT, the Camaro LT/SS (both coupe and convertible), and Chevy’s crossover platform rides: Trax LT, Equinox LT, and Traverse Premier. For the trucks, it’s Colorado LT, Silverado Double Cab LT Z71, and Crew Cab LTZ Z71.


This whole idea of the Redline special edition has been knocking around since the 2015 SEMA Show in Los Vegas. Chevy says since everyone loved it so much at SEMA, they decided to make a production run and expand the Redline editions to cover nine vehicles in their car, truck, and crossover segments.


Brian Sweeney, U.S. Vice President of Chevrolet shard his views.


“Redline is another example of Chevrolet bringing SEMA concepts to showrooms. The SEMA show has proven to be a great way to identify customization trends in the industry, and quickly apply those trends to our most popular Chevrolet models. Based on the strong interest Redline attracted at the show, we believe they will be very popular with customers looking for standout cars, trucks, and crossovers,” he said.


No word specifically on how much the Redlines will run you, but you know, most of these things are never too terribly expensive. Silverado Redlines are the first available but orders can be placed at Chevrolet dealerships now for others in the lineup. All Redline vehicles will be available for purchase by the end of 2017.


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.


Chevy Redline Edition Gallery



















Photos & Source: Chevrolet





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