Jaguar To Debut Compact Performance SUV Next Month

Jaguar To Debut Compact Performance SUV Next Month

Jaguar has announced the new E-PACE, a compact performance SUV meant to expand the automaker’s PACE lineup. The forthcoming E-PACE is said to have sports car like design elements, agile driving dynamics, and functional, everyday practicality.
The E-PACE is the third new nameplate in Jaguar’s already diverse and growing portfolio.
Success Streak
The new E-PACE comes on the heels of the already successful introduction of the Jaguar XE sports sedan and F-PACE performance SUV. The combination has proven effective for the British marquee, with a 44 percent sales growth and increase in the United States as of May. With this expansion comes the all-electric variant of the I-PACE Concept, set to enter production next year; the new E-PACE is expected to go on sale at the beginning of 2018 as well.
“The combination of sports car looks with Jaguar performance will ensure that the E-PACE stands out,” said Ian Callum, Jaguar’s Director of Design.
Performance-Inspired Dynamics
The Jaguar E-PACE features standard all-wheel drive and the brand’s all-Ingenium lineup of internal combustion engines. The new E-PACE will also offer a suite of connected technologies and other convenience features. Callum emphasized the importance of keeping the E-PACE in tune with the automaker’s design and performance ideologies.
“Every Jaguar is designed to excite the senses, and we think E-PACE will do just that, albeit with its own individual character,” he said.
Jaguar’s new compact performance SUV will be revealed to the world on July 13th via an online stream. Lately, Jaguar has been up to some pretty interesting things. The company recently launched their Classic Works facility, a location designed to serve fans and enthusiasts of the brand. The location in Coventry has been referred to as the United Kindgom’s version of a “Motor City.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.  
Photo & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.



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2018 Subaru Crosstrek Pricing, Trim Levels Announced

2018 Subaru Crosstrek Pricing, Trim Levels Announced

Alright, listen up! Pay attention all you campers, large dog owners that need walking havers, urban dwellers with fully paid-up REI memberships, and especially people that live in areas of the planet with particularly difficult weather: Subaru has finally dished on the cost of the all-new Crosstrek for 2018. Have no fear, it’s not that bad.
We’ll get to the price breakdown for all the variants of Subaru’s Crosstrek in this handy little matrix chart thing at the end, but for now, all you need to know is how the Crosstrek starts at just $100 over the previous generation.
Essential Details
Which means they effectively stay the same as they were last year (i.e. rather affordable) and on top of that, with all of the goodies, tech, safety, and otherwise that Subbie has now thrown into the mix, the 2018 Crosstrek actually gets you more stuff for (relatively) the same amount of cash. The broad brushstroke version is that Crosstreks will run you between $22,710 to $27,210, irrespective of specific options and dealer prep and that sort of stuff. So under $30K for a well equipped, near-SUV is a pretty good deal, but what do you get this time around? What are all the goodies Fuji Heavy Industries as ladled into the Crosstrek without raising the price?
First off, every Crosstrek comes standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (natch) and is offered with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or CVT, depending on which trim level you choose. I will not go into what a CVT is or how they work because, frankly, I’m not sure. I think it has something to do with an evil magical dwarf trapped within the gearbox casing. Maybe a gnome. Anyway, the 2018 Crosstrek has a new 6-speed manual transmission, an upgrade from last year’s 5-speed. The CVT features a 7-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters if you want to play Petter Solberg and choose between the pre-set ratios yourself.
Subaru’s 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine powers the 2018 Crosstrek. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.
Power & Performance
All Crosstreks are powered by a revised version of Subbie’s evergreen FB-series 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder Boxer engine, but this time around it gains direct fuel injection for a boost in performance. And now you get 152 ponies to play with, versus last year’s 148, but like all Subarus, gas mileage is a little below what you’d expect. The Crosstrek delivers 23 city, 29 highway, and 25 combined miles per gallon. Yeah, like I said, kind of low, but AWD saps efficiency, and the wider the cylinder spread, the less the efficiency too. Combine those and the Crosstrek, like all Subarus, are little bit on the back foot, mileage-wise.
The new Crosstrek rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and has a whole bunch of new standard features, including a raised Stablex suspension and Active Torque Vectoring. The CVT models have X-MODE and Hill Descent Control for better performance in low-friction and off-road conditions (i.e. “winter” and “rally” environments). The 2018 Crosstrek’s platform improves crash energy absorption by 40 percent for added safety.
Interior Fashions
The interior gets a black simulated carbon fiber finish on the center dash panel, plus the front and rear door panels. A new gloss black rear roof spoiler is standard, and all Crosstreks are equipped with roof rails and black side cladding. On the inside there’s a new 6.5-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Power windows with auto up/down, a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat, power door locks and side mirrors, multi-function display with fuel economy information, tilt and telescoping steering column, a security system with engine immobilizer, and carpeted floor mats are all standard.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited interior layout. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.


Premium & Limited Treatments
Premium trim Crosstreks with the standard 6-speed manual come standard with SUBARU STARLINK Connected Services, and the all-weather package that includes heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer, heated exterior mirrors, and automatic headlights linked to windshield wiper operation. The windshield is new and sound insulated and welcome lighting is standard. Ticking the “premium” option box also brings other items such as a power moonroof and multiple driver assist systems.
The Limited package above the Premium will come with the CVT with X-MODE and Hill Descent Control, a multimedia-plus system, 18-inch machine finished alloy wheels, keyless access with push-button start and pin code access, 6-way power driver’s seat, and new steering responsive headlights. You also get blind spot detection with lane change assist, and rear cross traffic alert.
The EyeSight system, which is an option, includes adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, and lane departure and sway warning. You can also choose the optional navigation system, high beam assist, reverse automatic braking, and overhead console shower light with the Crosstrek Limited. All 2018 Crosstreks include front and side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and a driver’s knee airbag.
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 SUBARU CROSSTREK
Model/Trim
Transmission
Option Code
MSRP
MSRP + Delivery
2.0i
6MT

‘01


$21,795


$22,710

2.0i
CVT

‘01


$22,795


$23,710

2.0i Premium
6MT

11


$22,595


$23,510

2.0i Premium
CVT

11, 12, 13, 14


$23,595


$24,510

2.0i Limited
CVT

21, 22, 23


$26,295


$27,210






2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK OPTION PACKAGE MSRP
 CODE 01 Standard Model 2.0i base 6MT
 N/A
 CODE 11 Standard Model 2.0i Premium 6MT
 N/A
 CODE 12 Moonroof + Blind Spot Detection/ Rear Cross Traffic Alert
 $1,400
 CODE 13 EyeSight® + Blind Spot Detection/ Rear Cross Traffic Alert
 $1,395
 CODE 14 Eyesight® + Moonroof + Blind Spot Detection/ Rear Cross Traffic Alert
 $2,395
 CODE 21 Standard Model 2.0i Limited
 N/A
 CODE 22 EyeSight® with Reverse Automatic Brake + High Beam Assist + Moonroof
 $2,095
 CODE 23 EyeSight® with Reverse Automatic Brake + High Beam Assist + Navigation System + Harman Kardon® Amplifier and Speakers
 $3,445
Photos, Source & Chart: Subaru of America, Inc.



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Report: Mercedes A-Class comes to the US for Millennials

Report: Mercedes A-Class comes to the US for Millennials After 20 years, the Mercedes A-Class sedan is coming over, here’s why
Mercedes thinks it has a volume-selling opportunity in the premium compact market, particularly with the middle-class millennial set. The costs to do research and development on any car have gone up significantly in the past half-century, so sheer volume has become the name of the game. The Mercedes A-Class has been sold over in Europe and other parts of the world since 1997, but the market hasn’t appeared strong in the US for the baby Merc, largely sold as a hatch overseas.
Benz and many others seem to be riding a wave of CUV popularity and have seen some success with marketing compact entry level luxury sedans stateside like the CLA, the BMW 2 series and the Audi A3. This has increased brand awareness for folks making a bit less than the average new Mercedes buyer or lessee 10 years ago—and there may be more of these folks around looking for a new car.
The economy and ‘maturing’ options from high-volume marques make it a good time for the Mercedes A-Class to show up.
20 years ago, a Honda Civic could be had with roll-up windows, no power steering, and a stick across all trims. The Civic now offers available heated rear seats and competes, albeit in Type-R guise, with $40,000 cars.  At roughly $32,000, the Mercedes CLA starts lower under the base price of a loaded Civic, and people are buying both of these cars.
The economy in the US has pulled up nicely since the great recession, and the average transaction price of a vehicle in the US is hanging well over the alleged starting price of the A-Class (just under $30,000).
Daimer reportedly showed the Mercedes A-Class to a number of dealers; it may go on sale in September 2018
Various sources are reporting that dealers have been shown the car, which has been given a warm reception. Built on the company’s MFA2 architecture, the car will likely be offered in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive and related to the Concept A sedan pictured below. Much of the competition is offered in this configuration, so MB shouldn’t have difficulty tempting  millennials wanting a comfortable transportation pod with a bit of cachét that supports their devices, offers all of the modern safety features, and is available with internet service.












-By: Sawyer Sutton
Source: Automotive News, Carscoops 
The post Report: Mercedes A-Class comes to the US for Millennials appeared first on egmCarTech.



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Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works: The UK’s Motor City

Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works: The UK’s Motor City

Jaguar, along with corporate sibling Land Rover, have been doing the factory refurbished thing for a while now. They join the growing trend of auto manufacturers keeping the original flame burning for those who desire, or can afford, factory originality. Their latest press release is slugged as being from “Ryton-on-Dunsmore, UK” and believe me, it only gets more quant and British from there on in.
And it’s not like Jaguar is doing this on purpose or to hype things up, this is the way they naturally are. And, let’s face it, Jaguar is about as British as a marque can get.
Proper Space, Prestigious Cars
And since the British are an everso proper lot, you can’t have your factory classics department taking up an old out building, can you? Oh no, no-no-no. One shant do that. No, if you’re Jaguar, you’re going to open your own special refurbishment “factory” or “works” as they call it in their own charmingly Anglo-centric way. As any gearhead with a project car (or cars) will tell you, you never have enough garage space. You always need a bigger workshop. Jaguar, heeding this well known Truth of the automotive world, went big.
The Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works facility tips the scales at a staggering 150,000 square feet. Jag says it’s the largest of its type in the world, with a dedicated showroom and a whopping 54 workshop bays for restoring and servicing all older Jaguar and Land Rover models. The Classic Works is also home to the Jaguar Land Rover Classic Collection of more than 500 vehicles. Jaguar foolishly points out the cars in the collection are also available for loan to car clubs and museums. This makes me wonder if we could turn Automoblog into a “museum,” but I’ll leave that for management to work out.
Now if you’re rich enough – I have no idea how rich you need to be – but far be it for Jaguar to be so gauche as to mention costs, dear boy – the lineup of available classics to buy is very impressive. Classic Works offers the full range of Legends vehicles including the nine “new” examples of the XKSS, the “Missing Six” Lightweight E-type continuation models, the two-door Range Rover Classic, the 10 Series 1 E-type cars, the Jaguar E-type Reborn, and full restoration services for clients.
Land Rover Reborn Legends. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Exceptional Service
And Jag is not kidding around about stuff like restoration, repair, and maintenance. Literally all models out of production for 10 years or more are welcome to the spa treatment at Classic Works. From the XK120 and XK8, to Land Rover vehicles like the Discovery and Freelander from the 1990s; you own it, you love it, so bring it on by and your automotive needs will be attended to. Jaguar is thorough and professional to an exceedingly high level too. When your car is delivered to the Classic Works facility, it gets a comprehensive 121-point visual inspection. This generates a report detailing any work required and, as the work is carried out, it’s recorded in a Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works Service Book.
Oh, and here’s an interesting little add on: There’s a dedicated XJ220 servicing section operated by Jaguar supercar technicians, some of whom supported the XJ220 program during production 25 years ago. They use tailor-made service tools for the 212 mph supercar. This is good because the XJ220 has service requirements slightly more involved than an Aérospatiale/BAC Concorde.
Jaguar XJ220 servicing and maintenance bay. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.


Added Touches
And if you think this is all about making old cars good as new, you’d be wrong. Sadly, gloriously, unforgettably wrong. On top of selling old cars, services, and parts, clients can encounter a selection of legendary Jaguar and Land Rover models through the Classic Drives portion of the new facility. Two of the locations offered include the MIRA test facility (where Jag hot shoe Norman Dewis crashed and barrel rolled the only Jaguar XJ13 in existence back in 1971) and Eastnor Castle, where many of the vehicles were developed.
There’s even a Jaguar Classic Challenge race series for pre-1966 Jaguar cars now underway. So, you know, if your mind “works” like mine, there’s another outlet for your Lotto winnings. This five-round series starts at Donington Park and includes races at Brands Hatch, the Silverstone Classic in July, Oulton Park, and the season finale at September’s Spa Six-Hours meeting in Belgium. And if you ball up your XKSS at Eau Rouge, well, that’s the way of it old chap. But not to worry! The boys back at the Coventry Works will see to your ride and make it right as rain. Safe as houses. Good as new. You lucky bloke.
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.
Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works Facility Gallery




















Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.



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Ford Will Start Phase Production In North America With Safety Protocols

Ford Will Start Phase Production In North America With Safety Protocols Dearborn, Mich., May 7, 2020 – Ford is targeting a phased restart for its North America operations beginning May 18, including restarting vehicle production in North America and bringing back the first wave of employees unable to do their jobs remotely.



“We’ve been working intently with state and federal governments, our union partners, and a cross-section of our workforce to reopen our North American facilities,” explained Jim Farley, Ford’s Chief Operating Officer. “We have reopened our facilities in China, successfully begun our phased restart in Europe, and have been producing medical equipment in Michigan for more than six weeks and are using the lessons from all of that to ensure we are taking the right precautions to help keep our workforce here safe.”



Plans To Restart Production



In this phased restart, Ford’s North American parts depots will resume full operations on Monday, May 11. On May 18, Ford’s North American assembly plants previously operating on three-shift patterns will return with two-shifts. Most two-shift plants will return on one shift and most one-shift plants will continue to operate on one shift. Flat Rock Assembly Plant (Flat Rock, Michigan) and Oakville Assembly Complex (Oakville, Ontario) are expected to resume production the week of May 25 on one shift. Components plants will restart production as needed to support this plan.



The ramp-up process will be gradual as workers adjust to the new health and safety protocols and the entire supply chain comes up to speed.



“We’ve developed these safety protocols in coordination with our union partners, especially the UAW, and we all know it will take time to adjust to them,” said Gary Johnson, Ford’s Chief Manufacturing and Labor Officer. “We are in this together and plan to return to our normal operating patterns as soon as we are confident the system is ready to support.”



Ford is targeting a phased restart for its North America operations beginning May 18. Photo: Ford Motor Company. Designing New Protocols



Ford is implementing a staggered approach to bring back approximately 12,000 “location-dependent” employees who are unable to do their jobs remotely. This includes product development, IT, and facilities management among other departments. The staggered approach allows Ford to effectively implement new safety protocols and provide proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for all employees as they return to work.



To guide the workforce with the new health and safety protocols, Ford has compiled a comprehensive Manufacturing Return to Work Playbook to help protect its workforce, assembled using best practices and input from experts around the world. Some of the safety protocols include:



Daily online employee and visitor health self-certifications completed before work every day. Employees or visitors who indicate they may have symptoms or may have been exposed to the virus will be told not to come to Ford facilities.No-touch temperature scans upon arrival – anyone with a raised temperature will not be permitted to enter and will need to be cleared of symptoms before returning to work.Required face masks for everyone entering a Ford facility. Every Ford team member will be provided a care kit including face masks and other items to help keep them healthy and comfortable at work.Safety glasses with side shields or face shields will be required when jobs don’t allow for social distancing.There will be more time between production shifts to limit interaction between employees and allow for additional cleaning.Ongoing Efforts To Combat COVID-19



Ford is producing face masks at the Van Dyke Transmission Plant for use at its facilities across North America, and face shields at its Troy Design & Manufacturing facility in Plymouth, Michigan. Company-provided face masks will be required for anyone working at a Ford site, in line with the company’s global protocols, while safety glasses or face shields will be required in some instances.



Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.  
Original article: Ford Will Start Phase Production In North America With Safety Protocols



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2018 Honda Accord To Debut In Detroit

2018 Honda Accord To Debut In Detroit

The 2018 Honda Accord will make its global debut in Detroit, Michigan on July 14th, now less than a month away. The automaker released the above concept drawing which gives us some insight as to what the car will look like. Although we can only see a portion of the vehicle, Honda promises the new Accord will have an aggressive stance, dramatic styling, fuel efficient powertains, and sporty driving dynamics.
Top Gun
Honda has raked in the dough with the Accord to say the least. According Urban Science, the Accord is the best-selling midsize sedan in the United States among car buyers cumulatively since 2010. Furthermore, Urban Science data shows the Accord has been the U.S. midsize sedan segment’s retail sales leader for last four years. 2017 is shaping up strong for Honda too – during the first five months of the year, based on retail sales to individual buyers, the Accord is the top midsize sedan again, second only to the new Civic.
Power & Performance
To keep this benchmark intact, Honda promises the forthcoming Accord, now in its 10th generation, will be the most fun-to-drive Accord yet. Expect to see two new turbocharged engines paired with either a new Honda-developed 10-speed automatic, CVT, or 6-speed manual transmission. Hybrid buyers will want to pay close attention to the new iteration of Honda’s two-motor hybrid powertrain system.
Live Reveal
Honda will share all the vital details via a YouTube Livestream session in the Motor City on July 14th, 11:00am Eastern. Here is the link. If you can believe it, since its launch in 1976, more than 13 million Honda Accords have been sold. Production remains at Honda’s Marysville, Ohio plant, the home of the Accord since November 1982. Cumulative U.S. production now exceeds 11 million units across 35 years of American manufacturing. That said, we are pretty excited to see this new machine from Honda.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo & Source: Honda North America.



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2018 Hyundai Elantra Trim Levels Expand

2018 Hyundai Elantra Trim Levels Expand

Hyundai has gone and messed with its popular Elantra for 2018, or at least tweaked one of the available option packages. That could be trouble – monkeying with the Elantra, pretty much Hyundai’s bread and butter car, might spell disaster – but have no fear, Hyundai is on top of the situation.
Hyundai’s Elantra, now in its sixth generation, has racked up more than 2.9 million sales since its launch in America, and is aimed squarely at its midsize sedan competitors, the Chevrolet Cruise and Ford Focus.
More Stuff
The short version here is that Hyundai’s new trim level for the Elantra (SEL) will replace the soon-to-be-outgoing SE trim. The SEL will add more tech goodies without raising the price. Thus, the 2018 Hyundai Elantra SEL will come with blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert and lane change assist. Infotainment is centered around a seven-inch display audio system with AM/FM/HD/Sirius radio pumping out the sounds via six speakers. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are in there too, of course.
There is a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines to help you back up and park and such.
The SEL trim also features 16-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, heated outside mirrors, and auto headlamp control. Oh, and since this is America, you also get better rear cup holders that are mounted just aft of the center console, so Junior doesn’t spill that Big Gulp Mountain Dew all over the place. The Elantra Limited and Sport trims get some new features as well.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Trim Level Treatments
The Limited trim now includes gloss black interior accents and an auto-dimming rearview mirror (which is just lazy) with Blue Link and HomeLink now standard. Hyundai also points out that all available Blue Link features come standard for three years. The Sport Elantras now come with a power sunroof, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-traffic Alert, and Lane Change Assist standard to help you not do things like pull into oncoming traffic or run over cyclists while changing lanes. All trim levels, SEL, Limited, and Sport get a new machine gray exterior color, if you’re more into the subtle pallet.
The Value and Eco trim levels are still available. Value, is, well, the value-oriented model that comes well-equipped with popular options at “attractive” (read: inexpensive) price points. The Eco trim gets you an EPA estimated 35 miles per gallon combined thanks to a 1.4 turbo GDI four-cylinder engine and seven-speed DCT gearbox.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.

Blue Link Connectivity
Now, about that Hyundai Blue Link. It’s sort of like smart home technology grafted onto your car. It apparently requires some sort of subscription – which Hyundai does not go into details on, but they do mention you get three years of it for free – and it allows you to either automate a range of stuff you can have your car do, or allows you to do it remotely.
For example, one of the Blue Link features is the Connected Care Package which takes care of stuff like Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance, a Monthly Vehicle Health Report (sort of a poor person’s telemetry data storage deal), Automatic Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification (i.e. it tells you more than just “check engine”), a Service Link Maintenance Reminder (a digital version of that oil change sticker normally on your windshield), something called Driving Information (your guess is as good as mine), and On-Demand Diagnostics (again, much more than just “check engine”).
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Extra Tools
Besides being there to get you out of a jam, there are other Blue Link features in the Remote Package that can be activated via things like Amazon Alexa. There is also a remote start, which must really be nice in a place like Chicago in January.
There is also Car Finder? Not sure what that does exactly, but I’m guessing some sort of parking lot/garage assistance thing-o for the memory impaired. Blue Link also gets you Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Stolen Vehicle Slowdown, and Stolen Vehicle Immobilization, which is handy, yes, but also probably fun when it comes to messing with perps. You just never know when your Elantra is going to get targeted by Memphis Raines.
So, yet again, Hyundai steps into the breach for those that want lots of up-to-date tech goodies but are on, shall we say, a more limited budget than your typical Mercedes-Benz buyer.
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 Hyundai Elantra Gallery














Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.



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Long-term Review: Starting a life with the Mazda Miata

Long-term Review: Starting a life with the Mazda Miata This Mazda MX-5 Miata is my only car, but it’s not that simple.

I woke up yesterday and wafted my Volvo C30 150 miles south to trade it for a 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club in Soul Red with the Brembo/BBS package. In English, I traded a car for what a lot of people think of as a tent for people with no kids.
By grabbing a Miata instead of a Toyota Camry, or even a hot hatch, I’m voting with my wallet—to breath life back into the small car market. Apart from the Miata/’Fiata, the world is my oyster if I only want to pick two of the following: Small, light, rear-drive, new, inexpensive, convertible, non-pretentious, three pedals. So what happened?
 
First, let’s bench race the Mazda Miata.
Mazda is a fairly young company in some ways. After being sold off from Ford, Mazda is left in a place that is a touch like BMW was in the late 1960s: not much cash, something slightly less than a bomb-proof reputation, and a handful of relatively affordable cars that offer the driver more than whatever the segment leader might be. Mazda’s styling has been on the awesome side of experimental.
On paper, the Club trim level comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox, Bilstein shocks, and a limited slip differential. 60 miles per hour happens in just under six seconds and the top speed is less than most station wagons. Mazda was obsessive about weight savings, and that’s part of what makes this car so special in today’s market of safety, and emissions regulations and anticipated levels of equipment. 2,300 lbs is a virtually unobtainable statistic for new cars available in the US today.

I’m making this sacrifice for science.
When I’m not shooting and writing about cars, I work in an office. I live in a sparsely populated area; my 20-mile commute includes an elevation change with many low-speed S-curves. The small-car culture here thrives and hosts the largest British car event on the continent. The state agency of transportation maintains publicly available interactive maps that track the quality of the pavement, the last time it was swept for debris, and if there’s even a drop of snow, where each state plow is.

All of the above is true, but there’s a snag: I’m living the same place I’ve lived and driven daily for over a decade: Vermont.
By the way, I’m an avid backcountry skier, hiker, and photographer. Now, every box has been ticked—landing me in crossover territory. Over the next year, I’ll wear this car, collect data on the joys, the monetary costs, and the sacrifices to advise you, the reader, of the slurry of brilliance and idiocy that befalls a year-round Miata driver in the rustbelt.

One day in, what’s it like?
This is a momentum car, that, like the ‘Subota is not set up out of the box to rip your face off in the corners—it’s meant to put a smile on your face instead. Which it does. Given the wind noise, 50 mph feels like a million, and the exhaust note and intake noise are genuinely satisfying in a number of ways. The car feels quite a bit faster than it really is—something many modern enthusiast-level road cars fail at. I’m thinking and feeling a bit more through corners that my C30 would have me snoring through at the same speed. I no longer feel like a passenger.
Yesterday brought endless sunshine and and 85 degrees, and today, the roads are flooding—still, I’m pretty compelled by this experiment. I’ll let you know how it goes.












-By: Sawyer Sutton
© All images copyright Sawyer Sutton/egmCarTech
The post Long-term Review: Starting a life with the Mazda Miata appeared first on egmCarTech.



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Volvo Inaugurates First U.S. Manufacturing Plant, Doubles Down On Environmental Initiatives

Volvo Inaugurates First U.S. Manufacturing Plant, Doubles Down On Environmental Initiatives Volvo has inaugurated their first manufacturing plant in the United States, a new state-of-the-art production facility in Charleston, South Carolina. The plant is central for Volvo’s “Build Where You Sell” strategy, establishing a manufacturing presence in all three of the company’s major sales regions. Volvo says the new South Carolina facility nicely compliments the company’s three European plants – two manufacturing, one engine – plus three factories and an engine plant in China, and assembly plants in India and Malaysia.
“The opening of our first American factory is a very big deal,” said Anders Gustafsson, President and CEO, Volvo Car USA. “Our U.S. business is developing well, our cars have won prestigious awards, and the new South Carolina facility will be a big asset to both Volvo Cars and the community.”
Home Team
Volvo Cars is investing over a billion dollars in the South Carolina plant to create 4,000 new jobs during the coming years. The site includes an office building for up to 300 staff from R&D, purchasing, quality, and sales. Approximately 1,500 will be employed by the end of this year, just as production of the new S60 is beginning. The plant can produce 150,000 cars per year at full capacity.
“The Charleston plant establishes the U.S. as our third home market,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive, Volvo Cars. “The sedan segment and the SPA platform’s proven ability to boost profitability offer significant growth opportunities for Volvo Cars in the U.S. and globally.”
Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Environmental Focus
Volvo also wants at least 25 percent of the plastic used in every new model to come via recycled material from 2025 onward. Volvo has already unveiled a specially-built version of the XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid that looks identical to the current model, but has several of its plastic components replaced with recycled materials.
The vehicle’s interior has a tunnel console made from renewable fibres, plastics from discarded fishing nets, and maritime ropes. The carpet contains fibers made from PET plastic bottles and a recycled cotton mix from clothing manufacturers’ off-cuts. The seats also use PET fibers from plastic bottles; seats from old Volvo cars were even re-purposed for sound-absorbing material.
“Environmental care is one of Volvo’s core values and we will continue to find new ways to bring this into our business,” Samuelsson said. “This car and our recycled plastics ambition are further examples of that commitment.”
This purpose-built XC60 contains a number of recycled components. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Collaborative Effort
Volvo is urging suppliers to work closely with automakers to develop a more sustainable approach to manufacturing.
“We already work with some great, forward-thinking suppliers when it comes to sustainability,” explained Martina Buchhauser, Senior Vice President of Global Procurement, Volvo Cars. “However, we do need increased availability of recycled plastics if we are to make our ambition a reality.”
Volvo is also pushing for climate-neutral operations by 2025, and in January, the engine plant in Skövde, Sweden became the company’s first such facility.
“That is why we call on even more suppliers and new partners to join us in investing in recycled plastics and to help us realize our ambition,” Buchhauser added.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Volvo’s South Carolina Plant Gallery








Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group.



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