Automotive

2018 Audi TT RS: Most Powerful TT Yet

2018 Audi TT RS: Most Powerful TT Yet

Remember when the Audi TT hit the scene? It was hard not to notice it, and the worst charge that could be leveled against it, was that the Audi TT was “inoffensive.” Say what you want about it, at least it stood out from the crowd of sport coupes. But now, Audi’s TT looks like this. It’s all angles and sharp lines and comes across as some sort of distant echo of what a Korean car company will do next year.
Unfortunately, the all-new 2018 Audi TT RS is a rather fast car.
I say unfortunately, because it’s always hard to ignore, if not outright covet fast cars. Even if they’re ugly. Okay, so maybe implying the 2018 TT is ugly is a bit of a stretch, but it sure ain’t beautiful.
Eye Of The Beholder
Audi says this about how their new car looks: “The design of the new TT RS features the same timeless lines of the original TT coupe coupled with reinterpreted sporty elements that harken back the vehicle’s racing heritage.” Yeah, no. It looks nothing like the original TT. The first Gen TT was all curvilinear forms and arcs; rounded planes where all over the surfaces.
This new thing? It says “generic sports coupe” from almost every angle. Besides those four rings on the grille, how am I supposed to tell if this is an Audi? At any rate, this is all subjective, but what underpins this crumpled-paper-look exterior makes for a pretty impressive car.
The 2018 Audi TT RS features 19-inch, five-arm design Galvano silver wheels with summer performance tires. Also available are 20-inch, seven-spoke-design, Galvano silver forged wheels with summer tires. Other styling elements include standard LED headlights with LED daytime running lights. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Power & Performance
Nestled beneath the hood sits a new 2.5-liter TFSI five-cylinder engine. Sadly, this is not the same amazingly strong and powerful five-banger that Audi handed over to the Rorhls and Moutons of this world (and also stuck in the first gen S6, an overlooked, yet fantastic ride). Nope, this is an all-new plant but it makes the 2018 Audi TT RS the most powerful production TT ever.
The all-new five-pot produces 400 horsepower and 354 lb-ft. of torque at all four corners. Audi ladled on the lightweight aluminum to reduce internal friction and increase power delivery, so max torque is available between 1,700 and 5,850 rpm. Mmmmm, broad-shouldered.
The new engine is less than 20 inches in length, which strikes me as being really short and compact. It also tips the scales 57 pounds lighter than the previous generation’s engine. They shaved off more than 40 pounds alone by making the upper portion of the oil pan from magnesium and the engine block from aluminum. The crankshaft is also lighter and smaller than its predecessor.
Couple this engine with a traction control system specifically calibrated for the new TT RS and you get a 0 to 60 sprint mph in 3.6 seconds. Top (track) speed is 155 mph. Or, if you’re like us here at Automoblog, you go with the optional Dynamic plus package and that top end is moved all the way up to 174 mph. Rumor has it that our Editor-in-Chief and Founder Chris Burdick is able to get from the Brandenburg Gate to Wannsee and back in less than an hour in the new TT.
The 2018 Audi TT RS features the automaker’s distinctive engine sound. At the rear of the vehicle sit two large signature oval tailpipes – or the optional RS sport exhaust with black oval tailpipes. The unique 1-2-4-5-3 ignition sequence, which allows the ignition to alternate between adjacent cylinders and those further apart, gives the TT RS its signature sound. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.

Turbo Tactics
Things get interesting around the blower of the 2018 TT. For starters, it’s a large BorgWarner turbocharger. Curious that Audi went with BW in the first place, but also curious they went with a single, “large” unit. This was Audi’s practice back in the Groupe B days, and while it does simplify things, it can cause substantial turbo lag. The big BorgWarner turbocharger shoves air into the combustion chambers at up to 19.6 psi (or 1.35 bar, if you measure that way).
No wonder this thing cranks out 400 ponies, huh? To combat the dreaded turbo lag there’s the Audi valvelift system. The AVS changes the duration of the exhaust valve opening, depending on the throttle and engine speeds, meaning it sends more air outbound to keep the turbo spinning happily.
Transmission & Drivetrain
Gear selection is handled by a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission. The 2018 TT RS now offers a launch control program that allows a “heightened level of acceleration” via an automated clutch release. A “heightened level of acceleration” . . . that’s a laugh riot, ain’t it?
The 2018 Audi TT RS has a fully integrated Audi drive select system with four discrete drive modes: comfort, auto, dynamic, and individual. Each mode allows you to change gear shift points, steering, throttle response, and damper control.
Obviously, the TT RS comes standard with Audi’s signature quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. And, just like the days of old, when Audi was kicking butt and taking names on the world rally stages of the early 80s, the quattro system constantly adjusts the distribution of torque to maximize grip and control. I’ve personally messed with quattros with the left rear in gravel, while the right front was in a puddle the size of a kiddie-pool. The thing took off with such ferocity it elicited Elisabeth Kübler-Ross levels of mortal reflection.
The available RS fixed sport suspension for the 2018 Audi TT RS, included in the Dynamic plus package, offers a stiffer ride for enhanced performance. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Suspension & Braking
Out back there’s a four-link rear suspension and at the nose, a McPherson front suspension with forged aluminum lower control arms. Magnetic ride shock absorbers are standard. The steering rack is designed so the steering ratio becomes increasingly direct as you turn to provide more precise road feedback.
Stopping is accomplished via two optional brake systems on the new TT RS. The standard setup is an eight-piston monobloc brake caliper affair with 370mm ventilated and cross-drilled discs at the front. If you really want to stop, there are available front carbon-ceramic brake discs with Anthracite Gray painted calipers as part of the Dynamic plus package. The carbon-ceramic brakes are more than 8 lbs. lighter than the traditional cast-iron rotors and offer increased resistance to brake fade.
That is, from a technical and performance standpoint, a lot to like in a car. Even if you can’t get past the styling, you’ll probably end up passing most everything else on the bahn anyway. The 2018 Audi TT RS launches this spring with an MSRP of $64,900.
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: Audi of America, Inc.

Check out these Automotive tips

https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2018-audi-tt-rs-most-powerful-tt-yet/

2017 New York: The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon unleashed--Quick Rundown

2017 New York: The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon unleashed--Quick Rundown It’s the most powerful muscle car ever and is so freakin’ fast, it’s banned by the NHRA.

What’s going on?
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. That’s what the hell is going on (see what I did there?). And Dodge finally unleashed the beast this evening ahead of the New York International Auto Show Press days.
We’re not going to muck about: it’s absolutely bonkers. There’s a lot you need to know, but here’s a quick rundown of what’s important:
Engine
6.2L HEMI Supercharged Demon V8
Horsepower: 840 (on racing gas)
Torque: 770 pound-feet

Transmission
A seriously beefed-up ZF-sourced eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic
Performance
0-30 mph: 1.0 second
0-60 mph: 2.3 seconds
Quarter-mile: 9.65 seconds at 140 mph
There’s plenty more to know. But these are the most pertinent specs of the latest Dodge Challenger SRT Demon.
Stay tuned for more!
– By: Chris Chin
2017 New York – Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Gallery

The post 2017 New York: The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon unleashed–Quick Rundown appeared first on egmCarTech.

Check out these Automotive tips

https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2017-new-york-the-dodge-challenger-srt-demon-unleashed-quick-rundown/

Lotus Evora Sport 410 GP Edition: Mario, Your Car is Ready

Lotus Evora Sport 410 GP Edition: Mario, Your Car is Ready

Ooo baby! Would you look at that! The all-new Lotus Evora 410 GP Edition, decked out in black and gold. All bridled and saddled and ready to go. My desire is very strong for this version of this car, which I would not normally say. For starters, I’ve always had a problem with the Lotus Evora. It’s that +1 seating option in back of the two front seats. Yes, yes I do realize that Lotus has made 2+2s in the past. The Lotus Eclat, for example. And I also fully recognize that cars like the Lotus Eclat are, by and large, horrible mistakes.
Especially for a company like Lotus.
Colorful Expressions
Also, I try to stay away from black with gold color schemes. I loved it, absolutely loved it when Colin Chapman painted his cars in John Player Special cigarette livery and handed them over to people like Emerson Fittipaldi to club Jackie Stewart with. But then the cheap imitators latched onto it, and next thing you know, black with gold was being applied to everything from “theme” custom vans to those horrid black and gold Pontiac Trans Ams, and handed over to that equally horrid quarter-talent Burt Reynolds.
Ruined it, just ruined it.
All that said, I would really like to get my hands on one of these, at least for a week or a weekend, or if not forever. From what I gather, the Lotus Evora, despite design compromises, is a pretty fun car to drive. It is, as many people have told me, “like a little bit bigger Elise with a much bigger engine.” Which sounds just great. And most of the people who told me were Elise owners, not Evora owners.
This particular Evora model is the work of Lotus Exclusive, the fine folks from Hethel that work on the higher end, bespoke stuff. The Evora Sport 410 GP Edition indeed honors Team Lotus’ iconic John Player Special F1 color scheme that was raced between 1972 and 1986 – from the crushingly effective Lotus 72 and the gorgeous and truly groundbreaking Lotus 79, to the momentarily fast Lotus 98T. Seriously, that 98T was the car they coined the term “grenade engine” for. They could squeeze around 1,200 to 1,300 horsepower out of that 1.5 liter engine for about two laps then kaBLAMMMO! Ayrton or Elio or whoever would splatter it all over the tarmac from Estoril to Jacarepaguá.
The 98T was a great car for qualifying, but sadly, only had the life expectancy of a random guy in a red shirt on the Starship Enterprise.
Photo: Group Lotus plc.
Feather Dusting
Other than the paint job, the Evora Sport 410 GP Edition is pretty much just like every other Evora you could buy, but it comes with all the lightness goodies as standard. It scales out at 2,910 lbs. which is fairly light these days (” . . . but could still be lighter!” I hear the ghost of Colin Chapman shriek). All that wonderful, wonderful lightness is accomplished by looking after all the little details. The Evora uses the now-standard Lotus practice of a hydroformed aluminum architecture, which delivers very high torsional rigidity at very low weight. And, as one would expect, the Evora also has carbon fiber everywhere. From the front splitter on the nose to the revised front access panel, roof section, tailgate, rear quarter panels, and the rear diffuser out back, it’s carbon fiber, carbon fiber, carbon fiber.
Other weight savers include the lithium-ion battery for 23.8 lbs., the ultra-lightweight forged wheels for 15.9 lbs., and a new lightweight windscreen surround for 7.5 lbs. They all total up to 132 lbs. of overall weight reduction.
Not only does this make things lighter overall, but it also lowers the center of gravity. So you get better ride and handling and less mass. And that lead Lotus to recalibrate the suspension and revise the total chassis setup, improving wheel geometry and the dampers. The ride height has been dropped by 5 mm so you get better body and roll control for even sharper, more direct handling.
Photo: Group Lotus plc.

Power & Performance
The Evora Sport 410 is powered by an integrated water-to-air cooled, supercharged, 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine, cranking out 400 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 301 lb-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm. This gives you a nice, broad RPM powerband to play with. Said mill is joined to a standard six-speed manual gearbox, which features a low-inertia flywheel and a Torsen-type limited slip differential for greater traction in the corners. There’s an optional six-speed automatic transmission with a dedicated ECU for fast changes and sequential gear selection via lightweight aluminum paddles mounted to the steering wheel.
Besides your right foot, all that power is controlled via a trio of user selectable ESP driving modes: Drive, Sport, and Race. There’s also an “Off” mode, but to me, that doesn’t really count as a mode. The ESP driving mode thingy proportionally increases throttle response, lowers traction thresholds, and removes understeer recognition. The ESP allows progressive degrees of driver control before the system intervenes. So rather than Drive, Sport, Race, and Off, you could also think of it as Nun, Mom, Nanny, and “Absolutely no adult supervision whatsoever!”
Pricing & Availability
And now, the bad news . . .
Lotus is only going to make a global production run of 150 vehicles per year of the Evora Sport 410, and here’s where it gets really bad: The MSRP, excluding taxes, is $104,200 and $110,000 for Lotus Evora Sport 410 GP Edition. Shoot. Ah well, used Elise prices are still pretty reasonable though.
Oh, and if by Mario you thought I meant a character from a pixelated Nintendo game, I will find you, and our conversation will not be long, and it will not be pretty.
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: Group Lotus plc

Check out these Automotive tips

https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/lotus-evora-sport-410-gp-edition-mario-your-car-is-ready/

Toyota Announces $1.33 Billion For Kentucky Plant

Toyota Announces $1.33 Billion For Kentucky Plant

Toyota recently announced a massive $1.33 billion investment for Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK). The motion marks the highest investment of any automaker in Kentucky and the second-largest in state history. TMMK will undergo renovations in order to incorporate Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) into future models, including the 2018 Camry.
The investment comes as part of a larger initiative for the automaker.
“This $1.33 billion investment is part of Toyota’s plan to invest $10 billion dollars in the U.S. over the next five years, on top of the nearly $22 billion Toyota has invested in the U.S. over the past 60 years,” said Jim Lentz, Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Motor North America.
Stronger Foundations
TNGA is Toyota’s new vision for designing, engineering, and manufacturing vehicles. This allows for a shorter development cycle and a more streamlined process when it comes to introducing vehicle improvements. It also creates a more versatile production environment, allowing Toyota Kentucky to build vehicles that better match consumer demands. TNGA builds upon Toyota’s desire for a well balanced automobile, one that combines safety with energetic driving dynamics.
“It will improve performance of all models, including increased fuel efficiency, more responsive handling, and a more stable, comfortable feel while driving,” Lentz said.
TMMK is the first vehicle assembly facility in North America to incorporate the new architecture.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Stronger Manufacturing
TMMK will undergo extensive renovations to modernize the facility for Toyota’s future vehicles. Updates to line equipment are planned along with a brand new paint shop.
“This major overhaul will enable the plant to stay flexible and competitive, further cementing our presence in Kentucky,” said Wil James, President, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc.
In 2013, $530 million was invested into Toyota Kentucky to support Lexus manufacturing. Production of the Lexus ES 350 began two years later, marking the first time a Lexus vehicle was made in the United States. Political and world leaders have praised Toyota’s continued investment initiatives.
“Toyota’s decision to invest $1.3 billion in their Kentucky plant is further evidence that manufacturers are now confident that the economic climate has greatly improved under my administration and echoes the recent National Association of Manufacturers’ 2017 Outlook Survey showing that 93% of manufacturers are now optimistic, which is an increase of 37% from just a few months ago,” said President Donald J. Trump.
Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) echoed similar sentiments.
“For more than 30 years, Toyota has been committed to the Commonwealth, and today’s investment is further proof that the company maintains its pledge to grow our economy and solidify Kentucky as a world-class automotive state,” he said.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Economic Impact
A recent study by the Center for Automotive Research shows Toyota Kentucky supports nearly 30,000 jobs across the state (direct, indirect, and spin-off). TMMK employees live in 80 Kentucky counties while Toyota has more than 100 suppliers located across the Commonwealth. Toyota Kentucky is the automaker’s largest plant in the world, employing over 8,000, an all time high.
“Toyota is a global icon and this $1.33 billion investment is further proof of their commitment to producing American-made cars that are among the finest quality found anywhere in the world,” said Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin. “It also serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of the plant’s current employees, and reaffirms Toyota’s confidence in the advantages of manufacturing in Kentucky.”
Last year, TMMK manufactured nearly a quarter of the total number of Toyota vehicles produced in North America, or about 500,000. In total, the plant has produced more than one-third – 11 million – of all Toyota vehicles manufactured in North America since 1986.
“We are grateful that this significant investment further validates the fact that Kentucky is the engineering and manufacturing hub of excellence in America,” Gov. Bevin added.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Community Visions
Toyota remains active in Scott County, where TMMK is located. The automaker is committing $2 million over the next 10 years to Scott County United for economic development initiatives. In addition, Lanes Run Business Park is receiving $1 million for future land purchases.
“I congratulate Toyota on this new initiative, and look forward to continuing my efforts in Congress to promote business-friendly policies to ensure Kentucky continues to reap the benefits of economic growth and expansion as a result of these types of investments,” said Senator Rand Paul (R-KY).
Toyota partners with community, civic, academic, and governmental organizations to address a number of challenges facing society today, including the future of mobility and transportation.
“This is the largest investment in our plant’s history and it speaks directly to the quality of our people and our products, as well as the partnerships we’ve forged in the local community and across the state,” James said.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/toyota-announces-1-33-billion-for-kentucky-plant/

2017 New York Preview: Nissan unveils 2018 370Z Heritage Edition, reminds us the 370Z is still for sale

2017 New York Preview: Nissan unveils 2018 370Z Heritage Edition, reminds us the 370Z is still for sale Yes, they’re still making the 370Z. Yes, it seem old….because it is, at 10 years old. Does a “Heritage Edition” help to mask that?

What’s going on?
With the 50th Anniversary of Nissan’s perennial Z-Car looming in 2019, Nissan released details on the 2018 370Z Heritage Edition ahead of the New York International Auto Show.
The Heritage Edition Z separates itself from a base-spec Z with the inclusion of two all-new colors, “Chicane Yellow” and “Magnetic Black”, with black and silver exterior graphics applied respectively, and yellow interior trim.
If you squint hard enough, you’ll find the Heritage Z also carries forward updates applied to all Z models for 2018. This includes a factory installed Exedy clutch, and a mild facelift on the headlights, taillights, rear fascia, and door handles.
Word. Any more power?
The 370Z still sends power to the rear wheels from Nissan’s venerable VQ37 power plant. The naturally-aspirated 3.7L V6 still produces 332hp and 270 lb-ft of torque by way of either six speed manual transmission with or optional seven speed automatic.
Available for purchase in 2008, the 370Z was an incremental update to the widely popular 350Z, released in 2004. Fourteen years after the 350Z’s release, fans are left scratching their heads over what’s in store for Nissan’s next Z-car, if one is under development at all. In an age where manufacturers are focusing their efforts on producing “models that sell” (Read: crossovers), dropping the axe on models catered to the enthusiast with shallower pockets (RIP Nissan IDx), and rebranding sports cars as crossovers (I’m looking at you Mitsubishi), the future for enthusiasts cars is looking a little grim.
– By: Nate Damaghi
2017 New York – Nissan 370Z Heritage Edition

The post 2017 New York Preview: Nissan unveils 2018 370Z Heritage Edition, reminds us the 370Z is still for sale appeared first on egmCarTech.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2017-new-york-preview-nissan-unveils-2018-370z-heritage-edition-reminds-us-the-370z-is-still-for-sale/

2017 New York Preview: Is this the new Dodge Challenger SRT Demon?

2017 New York Preview: Is this the new Dodge Challenger SRT Demon? A single photo leaks on the web of what appears to be the hotly-anticipated Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, ahead of its New York debut.
What’s going on?
A new photo surfaced! Wow, I know…./sarcasm. Except, it really is pretty darn exciting since it appears to be of the highly-anticipated Dodge Challenger SRT “Demon,” the end-all-be-all of Challengers.
Official details aren’t yet available, given the Demon’s reveal is set for tomorrow evening. But there are still plenty of tidbits available on the Internet, giving us clues as to how insane the Dodge Challenger Demon really is.
So what should we expect?
Expect a Dodge Challenger. Though, it will be the most insane Challenger yet, more so than the Hellcat. Predictions point to a the same 6.2L supercharged V8 as the Hellcat. But significant tweaks will up the power significantly. For instance, there’s a special mode installed from the factory, enabling the engine’s use of 100-octane racing gas.
There’s a new “TransBrake” system to help launch the new Demon, supposedly to eliminate the need to brake torque (where you hold the brake and feather the gas before setting off).
But to top if all off, rumors are ciricling of over 1000 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and a quarter-mile sprint in less than 10 seconds.
Either way, we will find out soon. Stay tuned.
– By: Chris Chin

Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Teaser Photo Gallery

The post 2017 New York Preview: Is this the new Dodge Challenger SRT Demon? appeared first on egmCarTech.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2017-new-york-preview-is-this-the-new-dodge-challenger-srt-demon/

2017 New York Preview: Lincoln teases the next-gen Navigator's daytime-running lights

2017 New York Preview: Lincoln teases the next-gen Navigator's daytime-running lights Lincoln’s flagship SUV first debuted as a concept last year. Now, it’s heading for a reveal in New York in production form.

What’s going on?
Back in 2016, Lincoln introduced a wicked Navigator Concept, previewing an all-new next-generation model. Despite all odds and pressure from the push to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles, demand for the Navigator seems to be alive and well. That said, Lincoln just tweeted a picture to tease the new Navigator. At least, now we can see what the production model’s daytime-running lights look like.
Click here for more news on the Lincoln Navigator.
Any details on the new Lincoln Navigator?
Not yet, and that’s because its scheduled for a debut on Wednesday morning, at 9:45 AM EST.
But from what we know and expect, the next-gen Lincoln Navigator, like all previous Navigators, is based on the latest Ford Expedition. In this case, we’re likely to see Ford’s venerable 3.5L EcoBoost V6 under the hood. Power figures are guesstimated to hover around 380 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque with an all-new 10-speed automatic.
Additionally, rumors indicate the new Navigator will go on a massive diet of a few hundred pounds, thanks to extensive use of aluminum, like its related Ford F150 cousin.
Just don’t expect those gullwing doors to show up on the production model. Sadly.
– By: Chris Chin
Lincoln Navigator Concept from the 2016 New York Auto Show Gallery – Photos provided by Lincoln Motor Company

The post 2017 New York Preview: Lincoln teases the next-gen Navigator’s daytime-running lights appeared first on egmCarTech.

Check out these Automotive tips

https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2017-new-york-preview-lincoln-teases-the-next-gen-navigators-daytime-running-lights/

2017 New York Preview: This is the new Hellcat-ified Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

2017 New York Preview: This is the new Hellcat-ified Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk After many rumors, spy shots, and teasers, Jeep finally reveals the production Hellcat-ified Grand Cherokee of our dreams.

What’s going on?
In a literal power move that defies all odds, Jeep just unveiled one of the most anticipated new cars of 2017. Meet the hot-new Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Edition and as expected, it’s basically a Grand Cherokee Hellcat with 707 horsepower.
Wow! Finally, the production Grand Cherokee Trackhawk!

Yes! As predicted, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk gets the same whopping 6.2L supercharged V8 as the Challenger and Charger Hellcat. In the Jeep’s application, SRT tweaked the V8 to churn out the same 707 horses remain while torque measures in at 645 pound-feet, versus the Challenger’s and Charger’s 650. This is most likely out of respects to Grand Cherokee’s all-wheel drive system and single-speed transfer case.
Either way, with a ZF eight-speed automatic sitting at the transaxle, Jeep claims the Trackhawk will hit 60 in just 3.5 seconds for a quarter mile time of 11.6 seconds. Those numbers are pretty much the same as the Challenger Hellcat.
Not just more power either…

The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk gets an electronically controlled limited-slip differential to cope with the extra oomph. The rear-drive, half-shaft, and transfer case are all toughened up. And power is split 40/60 front/rear with the all-wheel drive system. That can change however at the touch of a button, thanks to the Jeep’s latest driver selectable programming mode. The 40/60 power split is standard while the car is in its Normal setting. Select the sportiest “Track” mode, and the all-wheel drive system changes the power delivery to 30/70 front/rear. Experience an inclement of weather, and opting for the “Snow” mode alters the traction and stability systems while splitting the power evenly 50/50 front/rear.
When it comes to cutting speed, larger, beefier Brembos do the duty. Six-piston calipers with 15.75-inch rotors sit up front with Jeep claiming they’re the largest front brakes ever fitted to one of their models. Four-piston clamps with 13.73-inch rotors sit at the back.

Rounding out the package is a far more aggressive body kit. For instance, the lower front fascia is larger to help cool the 6.2L V8. Wide, bespoke 20-inch wheels are standard. And Nappa leather and suede festoon the insides with options varying from an 825-watt premium sound system to a panoramic roof.
How much will it cost?
Those details are withheld at the moment. Though we expect pricing details to surface during Jeep’s press conference.
– By: Chris Chin
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Gallery

The post 2017 New York Preview: This is the new Hellcat-ified Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk appeared first on egmCarTech.

Check out these Automotive tips

https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2017-new-york-preview-this-is-the-new-hellcat-ified-jeep-grand-cherokee-trackhawk/

Ford Introduces Ranger & Raptor To China

Ford Introduces Ranger & Raptor To China

Ford Motor Company is unveiling its trucks in China to meet the country’s budding pickup market. Ford President and CEO Mark Fields is in Shanghai this weekend to outline the automaker’s strategy. Pricing for the new F-150 Raptor will be announced along with plans to sell the Ranger in China next year.
Recently, shipments of the F-150 Raptor were sent to China while Ranger remains the best-selling midsize truck in Europe, South Africa, and New Zealand
“We’re very excited to bring Built Ford Tough, one of the world’s best loved and most successful brands, to customers in the world’s largest auto market,” Fields said.
Growing Demand
Although tucks represent barely two percent of the Chinese market, the winds of opportunity for Ford are still blowing. The automaker did exhaustive research, finding that Chinese customers thought most pickups fit the typical truck image: lacking features, not very comfortable etc. However, through television, film, and the internet, Chinese customers are more aware of the modern truck. Ford believes this creates potential growth in the market.
“We see a significant white-space opportunity with Chinese buyers increasingly looking for more capable, more refined, and more stylish pickups,” Fields said.
In fact, China is currently the fourth largest truck market with 14 percent growth last year alone. Ford’s research also indicates that Chinese customers lead active lives, both at work and at home, creating a need for an useful but comfortable pickup. At the same time, China is easing restrictions on truck usage.
“We see an opportunity to satisfy unmet need in China – for world-class, stylish, and refined pickups – and also to be a pioneer in this emerging segment,” said Dave Schoch, President of Ford Asia Pacific and CEO, Ford China.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Ranger & Raptor
The F-150 Raptor will introduce Chinese customers to one of the world’s most capable off-road trucks. The Raptor features an exclusive high-output version of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine mated with a Ford-built 10-speed automatic transmission. Other off-road signatures include 3.0-inch FOX Racing Shox and 17-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires.
“The F-150 Raptor has created a lot of buzz among Chinese customers since it was revealed for the first time last year and we are extremely excited to have it arriving in our showrooms in China, ready to be delivered to customers,” said Peter Fleet, Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford Asia Pacific.
The Ranger is the second best-selling midsize truck globally outside North America. Ford has designed the truck with a fine balance of capability, refinement, and technology. The automaker believes the diversity and history of their trucks will find favor with Chinese buyers.
“Built Ford Tough is a proven brand, dating back to 1976 and we believe it has the opportunity to resonate powerfully with Chinese consumers,” Schoch said.
Ford has sold more than 26 million F-Series since 1977, making it the top-selling truck in America for 40 consecutive years, and the country’s best-selling vehicle overall for 35 years.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company

Check out these Automotive tips

https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/ford-introduces-ranger-raptor-to-china/