Automotive

An Afternoon Shine With Mothers Polish

An Afternoon Shine With Mothers Polish Living in Michigan is a challenge, especially during the winter, but summer isn’t any better. The weather lately in Detroit has been unpredictable, warm and sunny one day, then rainy and cool the next. Many of the roads I frequent here in the Detroit metro – Woodward Avenue, Southfield Freeway, Interstate 94, M10, and Fort Street – are loaded with traffic, and my daily drives take me through industrial areas and patches of road construction.
You can wash a vehicle here, and by the time you get home, there is a layer of dust on the paint.
Recently, the team at Mothers asked if I would evaluate a few of their most popular products. I obliged, putting them through the paces during my latest wash outing. Mothers has over 70 car care products in their portfolio but the ones below will work regardless of what type of vehicle you own.
Disclosure: This article is sponsored by Mothers. All views and opinions expressed here are my own. Check out our advertising guidelines to see why we’d never steer you wrong.
Mothers sent us a care package as part of their #PristinePolish campaign. Up until this point, I had never used a Mothers product.
Polishing Cloths & Quick Detail Towel
Mothers sent me one of each and both are very specific in their uses. The polishing cloth is “edgeless” and lighter, and is best suited for removing leftover glazes and waxes. The cloth is soft, lint free, and glides nicely across the paint. By contrast, the Quick Detail Towel is more robust and acted like a vacuum when I used it, removing any leftover particles, dirt, and grime following the initial wash.
The Mothers Quick Detail Towel has two “naps”: the long one is best for wiping down the vehicle immediately after washing it, whereas the shorter nap will help with that final buff and polish.
I really liked the longer nap. I always wipe down my vehicles after washing and before applying any other products. The long nap gave me that ability.
After a few minutes of use, I would shake out both cloths.
The Mothers Polishing Cloths and Quick Detail Towels are perfect for those “finishing touches.” I kept them in my pocket so I could easily grab them when I noticed any leftover dirt or grime.
Instant Detailer
This was my favorite in the Mothers package because my wash jobs are not complete until I apply something like this. It comes from my early years in the automotive business when I sold cars at a dealership. When you put a car on the showfloor, a good shine is essential. The nasty pink stuff we had in our desks was referred to as “showroom shine,” and we would wipe down the vehicles when we had spare time.
Nice thing is, the Mothers Instant Detailer gave me the shine without the terrible smell (it actually smells pleasant).
Spray it on, spread evenly with a soft cloth, and then wipe away/buff the excess with another towel, like the short nap of the Quick Detail Towel.
If you don’t have a lot of time, a bottle of this will do the trick. It took me ten minutes using the two towels Mothers provided. The Instant Detailer comes from the Mothers “Speed” line, a series of products designed to work quicker than their counterparts.
Word of caution: don’t apply it when it’s too hot out because it evaporates quickly.
The Mothers Instant Detailer gave the Venezia Blue Metallic paint of my 500X a laser-like look in the sunlight. With the rain in Michigan lately, this was a welcome treat.
Carnauba Wash & Wax
This was quite useful on my lower quarter panels where grime, especially from these recent rainstorms, builds up. Hitting it with a high pressure hose is not enough to remove it either. You can opt for the scrub brush at the car wash, but I understand if you are hesitant – they are often dirty from frequent prior use and I’ve known them to cause a scratch or two.
The Mothers Carnauba Wash & Wax can be a good substitute. Add a little to a bucket of water and “shampoo” accordingly with a sponge or mitt. You can use this between your regular waxing too – in this case, I applied it to the “problem areas” on my vehicle, but it can be used on the entire exterior.
Carnauba, native to Brazil, is known for its heat tolerance.
The photos below are of the three biggest “problem areas” on my 500X – areas that, no matter what, always collect dirt and grime. They include the rear window, lower quarter panels, and the section behind my rear wheels. A normal spray gun won’t get these areas clean, neither will an automatic wash. It always takes me giving these areas some extra attention and care, and the Mothers Carnauba Wash & Wax was a huge help.

PowerBall
I award Mothers some serious cool points here. Attach this little guy to the end of any variable speed drill and you have a built-in polisher. Mothers says it can be used on just about everything, from taillight lenses and wheels, to tile and marble.
Consensus
These items were given to me by Mothers to raise awareness for their #PristinePolish campaign. Still, I enjoyed using them considering I made a New Year’s resolution to wash my vehicle more. And up until they sent me this package, I didn’t have any nice cleaning supplies to really act on that resolution.
Mothers has products for those that detail vehicles for a living, but these “ordinary” ones are still professional grade. Prior to this, I had never used a Mothers product. I always assumed they were for the higher-end types of cars you see at auto shows, or again, for those making a living as a detailer.
I was, however, glad to have this misconception corrected, especially by things like the Instant Detailer. Mothers is still ideal for that dream exotic or ultra-powerful muscle car, but for those of us who drive ordinary everyday cars, trucks, and crossovers, Mothers will work nicely.
For those of us who live in colder climates, it takes some extra work when it comes to keeping a vehicle clean, but I will be excited to try these items Mothers sent me when winter hits.
True to form, we had another rain storm overnight, but the Mothers treatments from the prior afternoon held up.
Wish List For Next Time
(Mothers Products I Would Like To Try)
Mothers Bug & Tar Remover: From the Speed product line. Bugs and tar are always hard to remove and very few products on the market are actually up to this task. I’ve been let down by other brands.
Back to Black Tire Cleaner/Shine: From the Classic product line. Like the Instant Detailer, no wash job is complete without some type of tire cleaner or shine.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.

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Lotus Evora GT430: Fastest Evora Yet

Lotus Evora GT430: Fastest Evora Yet

Hethel is at it again, with Lotus pairing down and refining their Evora even further with the Evora GT430. This one has gotten so far to the outside of what the existing structure can take, I wouldn’t be surprised if this will be the final iteration of the Evora line. To push the envelope any further, you’d basically end up with a race car-like ride devoid of stuff like seat padding and carpet and flywheels; so light that 90% of the people on the planet would stall the thing.
Oh sure, for morons like me, an Evora like that sounds pretty close to ideal, but Lotus is smart enough to know they’d only end up selling four of them.
Too Much, Too Little?
Of course, as fine as the Lotus Evora GT430 is, one terrible fact is becoming obvious. Have you noticed Lotus has been cranking out lots of variations on the Evora. Look, I don’t fault them, on the one hand. I’d be doing it too. The Evora is a great car, even in its mildest form, and is obviously flexible enough to be tuned to the stratosphere. But the other thing here is how the constant tinkering with the Evora might just say that’s all they got is the Evora. There’s no updated Elans for the 21st century, no Esprits at the top of the line. One could say this constant messing about with Evora points to a huge deficiency in the current lineup, but why dwell on negatives when we have the Lotus Evora GT430 to consider.
“The Evora GT430 is a landmark car for Lotus. Lightweight engineering and class-leading handling, paired with Lotus’ aerodynamic expertise, define the Evora GT430 as a legendary Lotus,” explained Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc. “It’s a truly beautiful car, meticulously finished in hand-crafted carbon, and employing the latest aerodynamics and lightweight materials. We expect the lucky owners to be blown away by its pure presence and staggering performance.” Photo: Group Lotus plc.
Power & Performance
The Lotus Evora GT430 follows in the tire tracks of the Evora 400 and Evora Sport 410, but that’s about the only thing it’s going to be following. Actually, the latter two will be the ones doing the following since the Evora GT430 is the most powerful road-going Lotus ever. In no small part this is thanks to Lotus lavishing scads of carbon-fiber components, and working the engine for even higher power output. The Evora GT430 is powered by the same 3.5-liter V6 supercharged and intercooled plant found in other Evoras, only now Lotus has massaged it into producing 430 horsepower.
And, just like the company’s founder Colin Chapman had a fetish for making things as light as possible, the latest Evora is anything but heavy. The Evora GT430 tips the scales at 1,258 kg (around 2,800 lbs. for you Americans out there). That light weight, coupled with the 430 ponies produced by the engine, results in . . . well, c’mon, you can see where this is going. And of course, since this is a Lotus, it’s going to handle better than 99.9 percent of the cars out there. All around, the new Evora GT430 delivers tremendous speed and performance; 0 to 60, for example, is dispatched in just 3.7 seconds and the Evora GT430’s top speed is 190 mph.
The Evora GT430’s six-speed manual transmission features a low-inertia, single-mass flywheel, to help ensure swift changes, while a Torsen-type limited slip differential gives better traction, and faster exit speeds, when cornering. Photo: Group Lotus plc.

Aerodynamic Advantages
Thanks to the exposed carbon weave sections of the new and specifically designed body panels, the Evora GT430 produces up to 250 kg of downforce through aerodynamic improvements. That’s around 550 lbs., and on a car this light, you’ll notice it in high speed bends. There are larger front apertures for cooling the brakes and radiator, there’s a new carbon fiber splitter, the air blades allow for better front end downforce, and louvers positioned on top of the front wheel arches cut front end lift and bleed off high pressure air from inside the wheel wells.
Out back there are aero ducts behind each wheel to cut pressure within the wheel arch, along with a bit of style that allows you to check out the wider Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. There’s a big honking rear diffuser to provide a “sharp visual finish” but it is also functional. And, as you would expect, there’s a large, profiled carbon wing.
The removal of critical weight from the Evora GT430 results in a more responsive and agile car for the driver. Photo: Group Lotus plc.
Pricing & Availability
Want one? Of course you do! Well, better get in line yesterday because Lotus is producing only 60 copies of what it terms the “supreme Evora.” The price will be around 150,000 Euros, depending on taxes and exchange rates for markets like Germany, Italy, Japan, and such. The ordering window is currently open.
There is no direct mention of the Evora GT430 being sold in America, which, I will readily admit, is a worrying proposition. So you know, a little confirmation of the Evora GT430 showing up on these shores would be nice Lotus. You know what would be even better? Dropping a couple off at One Automoblog Towers in Detroit for test and evaluation. Talk to Carl Anthony, our Managing Editor about it. I think he’s the fellow that gets to sign for this sort of thing . . . our legal/psychiatric team won’t let me sign for stuff any longer.
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.
Lotus Evora GT430 Gallery

Photos & Source: Group Lotus plc.

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Could The Mazda Miata Outpace One of History’s Greatest Muscle Cars?

Could The Mazda Miata Outpace One of History’s Greatest Muscle Cars? We here at Automoblog are good pals with these guys at RealMazdaParts.com. I’m not sure exactly how they do it, but every so often they ask hilarious questions and put out some highly entertaining infographics. In this case: Could a 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata outrun a 1970 Chevelle 454 SS?
The answer, if you think about it, is actually pretty obvious, but it does also lead us to consider that our heroes of old were not that heroic.
The short answer is yes, a new Miata is “faster” than a Chevelle 454 SS. Or at least it would be around an AutoX course. But that’s obvious, isn’t it? A Chevelle 454 SS weighs nearly twice what a Miata does, it has a suspension better suited to a hay wagon, and don’t get me started on its braking capabilities.
Handling Versus Horsepower
But this is the old “different horses for different courses” argument. Of course a Miata is going to beat the living daylights out of a 454 SS on an AutoX course. That’s what Miatas are made to do. That sort of contest is inherently biased in the Miata’s favor. Shoot, a Miata could probably beat an AA Fuel dragster in a quarter-mile drag race, if the rules were to go halfway down the strip, turn around, and then come back.
If you look at the handy dandy little chart from RealMazdaParts.com (also seen below) it’s amazing how close both cars are in some areas. The zero to 60 times are pretty close, with the Chevy losing out by 0.3 seconds. The exact opposite is true in the quarter mile, with the SS beating the MX-5 by more than a second.
But, in the drag contest, the big block Chevelle has three times the horsepower and more than three times the torque of the Miata . . . which corresponds into more top end which, as always, corresponds to lower ETs down that asphalt strip baby!
With the optional LS-6 454 big-block V8, the Chevelle SS could surpass 100 mph in 13.3 seconds. Photo: GM Media Archive.
Vintage Versus Contemporary
If you look a little deeper, what this really brings into stark contrast is that the “good old days” weren’t all that good. You’ll run into lots of old timers these days, talking about how cool things used to be, back in the 1960s, in the muscle car era. They talk about it like it’s some sort of golden era, never to be attained again.
Talk about looking at the past through rose-tinted racing goggles.
You look at the performance specs for cars across the board from the mid-century, and they’re not all that impressive. At least from today’s vantage point. Sure, back in 1967, a Pontiac GTO was an impressive car. Was. Sure, a Chevelle 454 SS was the top of the Chevy muscle car heap, Camaros and Vettes not really counting, which is good, since they could be even faster. Yes, the Chevelle could run with Buick Grand Sports and Hemi ‘Cudas and such, but today?
Look at the figures. A 2019 Dodge Charger puts out roughly the same amount of power and will go from zero to 60 in 4.4 seconds. That is 1.7 seconds faster than a 454 SS. And the Charger is a four door (for some terrible reason). And the real cherry on top? A new Charger can get over 20 mpg (some as high as 30) on the highway. You will never see that kind of mileage with a big-block Chevelle. Never.
Shoot, you’d be lucky to get it out of the single digits with any of your vintage muscle cars.
Photo: Mazda North American Operations.
Penny For Your Thoughts
What can I say, cars are objectively better today than they were half a century ago. That, of course, does not mean they are more fun. That’s subjective and up to the eye of the beholder.
The only thing that gets me, and I mean really gets me, from this chart is that when you adjust for inflation, the Chevelle is about $7,000 less than a new MX-5. Inflation adjusted, a 454 Chevelle SS would sell for a little under $23,000. 23-thousand! Have you ever seen what these things go for on Hemmings?
Don’t go look. You don’t wanna know. It’s downright chilling.
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. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz

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The Battle For Generation Z In The Small SUV Market

The Battle For Generation Z In The Small SUV Market It’s seems like every generation in the United States has caught sport utility vehicle fever. SUVs sell like hotcakes and it makes sense. SUVs are that super-practical, do-anything machine for the 21st century. It’s not uncommon to hear about baby boomers getting a small SUV in the interest of downsizing, or GenXers opting for something larger and more luxurious as they move through their prime earning years.
Millennials are no exception either as they pass into their formative earning and family-raising years.
And while large, luxurious SUVs have their appeal, their smaller counterparts – often referred to as compact utility vehicles – are catching on with younger buyers.
“We see the emerging entry CUV segment growing at a very fast rate and the industry has seen customers looking for CUV body styles over sedans,” said Tyler Graves, Planner – Chief Marketing Manager, Nissan North America. “CUVs offer the fuel efficiency of small cars while offering additional versatility and cargo space.”
“Saving money drives the younger buyer in their choice,” added Michelle Krebs, Executive Analyst, Autotrader. “Smaller vehicles have smaller price tags and sip less gas.”
Untapped Potential
Generation Z, the cohort after millennials, made up 25 percent of the U.S. population in 2015 according to Forbes. Generation Z consists of those born from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s, and is a larger cultural sect than baby boomers or millennials. Like millennials, they are shaping new models of mobility, which sometimes spurs the idea that younger audiences will forgo car ownership all together.
However, a 2016 study on Generation Z from Kelly Blue Book and Autotrader found otherwise. In that study, 92 percent stated they plan to own a vehicle one day.
“They favored Honda, Chevrolet, and Ford as they see those brands as traditional, practical, and trusted,” Krebs explained. “The zero to now 19 crowd will make up 23 percent of the population with $3.2 trillion in purchasing power by 2020.”
“Baby boomers, Gen Xers, millennials – everybody wants their SUV, and Gen Z is no different,” added Erich Merkle, Ford U.S. Sales Analyst.
Ford has studied SUV ownership among the generational cohorts before, and projects that U.S. sales of subcompact SUVs among those 18 to 24 will surpass those of subcompact cars as early as next year. Ford’s research shows that just four years ago, that same age group purchased 8,121 subcompact cars and only 443 subcompact SUVs. Last year the tables turned as those consumers purchased 3,981 subcompact cars and 2,840 subcompact SUVs – a 541 percent leap for subcompact SUVs.
“As more new small SUVs like the Ford EcoSport become available, you’ll see the subcompact SUV segment continue to climb as a popular new car of choice for first-time buyers,” Merkle said.
Ford EcoSport. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Connected Cultures & Long Roads
Securing a slice of Generation Z pie is paramount for automakers, and the market is now flooded with new CUV offerings pointed directly at today’s youth. In order to further attract them, Ford has made things like in-vehicle Wi-Fi, multiple charging ports, and various smartphone compatible entertainment systems a priority. The new EcoSport is already compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
“To Gen Z buyers, connectivity is everything,” said Karen Sullivan, Ford EcoSport Brand Marketing Manager. “Their car serves as an extension of their phone and their home, and we’re seeing an exciting response from these young customers to our all-new EcoSport.”
Ford is strategic in their engineering and marketing of the EcoSport, focusing on the vehicle’s fuel efficiency, cargo space, connectivity options, and price but Kerbs believes nothing will happen overnight.
“Ford faces a challenge with the EcoSport and has their work cut out in terms of making inroads in the subcompact segment,” she explained. “The EcoSport must establish its name; it currently lacks consumer awareness and the name itself is confused with Ford’s EcoBoost.”
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Finding The Mark
According to Krebs, the Jeep Renegade, Compass, and Honda HRV are among the strongest competition for Ford, and each see more user traffic on Kelley Blue Book than the EcoSport.
“In our Kelley Blue Book Brand Watch, a metric that measures brand health down to the model level, the Ford EcoSport does not lead in any of the nearly two dozen attributes we measure, including the three most important,” she continued. “Our analysis shows the most important attributes to shoppers in the subcompact utility segment are durability, safety, and affordability.”
Krebs believes Ford should continue to expand their tech offerings for the fledgling EcoSport, but not at the expense of other important aspects younger buyers will inevitably consider. The Kelley Blue Book Brand Watch metric concluded the EcoSport did not offer as many safety features, had lower fuel economy, and was higher in terms of sticker price at $19,995 (destination and other fees not included) than the competition.
“Ford needs to find ways to promote the EcoSport, especially to younger, likely urban buyers, to build awareness,” Krebs said. “They need to focus on the aspects in the segment that matter – especially value – and then layer the technology on top of those basics.”
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Satisfied Customer
Ford stands by the price point, saying the EcoSport’s 1.0-liter engine with its EPA-estimated 28 combined mpg has already attracted younger buyers.
“I’d never heard of EcoSport, but I loved it the minute I saw it,” said Kelly Oswald, 19, one of the first owners.
Oswald, a suburban Baltimore college student, represents a growing link between Generation Z and subcompact SUVs. Last year, 11.3 percent of those 18 to 24 who purchased a new SUV purchased a subcompact one, up two percent from five years earlier.
“I went in looking to buy an used car,” she continued. “I didn’t expect there to be an affordable option to buy a new car.”
Although Oswald may be ahead of the curve.
“That age group, regardless of generation, does not typically buy a new vehicle for a first car,” Krebs said. “They generally drive an used car that might be a hand-me-down from their family.”
2018 Nissan Kicks: Photo: Nissan North America.
Kick Start
The Nissan Kicks, another new entry, was introduced last year during the Los Angeles Auto Show as the sixth member of the company’s SUV and crossover lineup. The S trim begins at $17,990, the SV at $19,690, and the SR at $20,290. The Kicks is standard with Automatic Emergency Braking, RearView Monitor, and seven air bags. SV and SR grades add Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
“The new Kicks is designed to fit the needs of singles or couples looking for expressive styling, personal technology, smart functionality, and advanced safety features at an affordable price starting under $18,000,” explained Michael Bunce, Vice President, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc.
Although, like the EcoSport, the Kicks faces an uphill battle in its newness.
“It’s becoming very crowded with entries,” Krebs said of the CUV segment. “There are some all-new ones – Nissan’s is the Kicks – but also some that have been there for a bit and have stronger brand names.”
Nissan doesn’t dispute the market’s little breathing room but remains confident.
“The segment is becoming increasingly competitive with new entrants,” Graves said. “However, we’re very optimistic about Kicks and the value we’re able to offer customers.”
Photo: Nissan North America.
Forward Looking
According to the automaker’s U.S. sales report for May 2018, overall sales of Nissan crossovers, trucks, and SUVs were up four percent. The Rogue lead the way, with a May record of 38,413 units, up 18 percent. However, Nissan noted that total May sales stood at 131,832 units, a decrease of 4 percent compared to 2017.
The Kicks, as it is just arriving, was not included in the report, although a long-term strategy is in play.
“We expect Kicks buyers to have a great experience with the safety and technology that we are offering,” Graves said. “We believe that Kicks will attract younger buyers and we hope to see them eventually move up our lineup as their needs progress.”
The Kicks tops the EcoSport in EPA fuel economy ratings (33 mpg combined versus the aforementioned 28) and has a lower price point, beginning just under $18,000 versus near $20,000 for the EcoSport. The Kicks is one of the best offerings in the segment in terms of these two factors.
Photo: Nissan North America.
Combined Approach
The Honda HR-V, although still relatively new, is a bit more established, having been on the market for three years now. While the HR-V is pointed toward Generation Z, Honda has taken into account older millennials.
“The Honda HR-V was developed with men and women between the ages of 18 and 34 in mind,” explained Jessica Pawl, Media Relations Manager, American Honda. “The HR-V is designed for people with active lifestyles who want a vehicle that makes their lives easy, but want to enjoy getting where they’re going.”
Honda’s HR-V team went for flexible packaging, efficiency, and overall value when engineering the vehicle.
“It’s fuel efficient, fun to drive, and features advanced safety technology,” Pawl continued. “It’s very well rounded and affordable, featuring the dynamics of our best sedans and the functionality of our most practical cars.”
“The HR-V benefits from the very strong brand image of Honda,” Krebs added.
The 2018 HR-V starts at $19,570, with two-wheel drive models earning an EPA-rating of 31 combined and all-wheel drive variants coming in at 28 combined. The HR-V was the number two seller in the segment last year, being edged out by the Subaru Crosstrek. Honda’s long-term strategy is similar to Nissan’s.
“Honda’s balanced portfolio offers buyers the opportunity to grow within the brand, moving up in vehicle size as their family grows and needs adjust,” Pawl said.
Photo: Honda North America.
Future Considerations
CBT Automotive Network notes in this January feature that Generation Z is more tech oriented than millennials and will likely not recall a time without Wi-Fi, smartphones, social media, and any number of streaming services. It’s something the automotive industry needs to be cognizant of as they approach this now rather large and significant cohort.
Despite a competitive CUV segment and the potential there for automakers, how many eggs to place in that basket is open to debate. As manufacturers use entry-level CUVs as a means to introduce younger audiences to their brand, it’s important to consider how these buyers, especially Generation Z, differ from others. While automakers have the best intentions, there is no guarantee these younger buyers will remain loyal, especially with so many rising stars in the SUV and CUV universe.
“The segment remains unclear as to how big it will be,” Krebs said. “They definitely want to own a car, but counting on Gen Z to drive sales of any new vehicle is misplaced, particularly in light of how cost-conscious they are.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company, Nissan North America, Honda North America.

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2019 Dodge Charger Lineup: The Automotive Industry’s John Bender

2019 Dodge Charger Lineup: The Automotive Industry’s John Bender The Dodge Charger is the captain of the Detroit Muscle team; there is no better example of a modern day muscle car. On the whole, Dodge is becoming (even more so) the most rebellious brand in the automotive industry with their amped-up Chargers, Challengers, and Durangos. As things shift toward electrification and automation, and as countless small SUVs flood the market, Dodge is flying a pirate flag through a sea of Claire Standish wannabes.
The 2019 Charger lineup is proof Dodge is not budging from the table. By all accounts, they have propped their feet up, typical of their John Bender attitude.
“Despite a shift toward utility vehicles in the United States over the past decade, the Dodge Charger and Challenger continue to buck the trend,” explained Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands, Dodge//SRT, Chrysler and Fiat – FCA North America. “Charger and Challenger retail sales have increased 70 percent since 2008, and since the launch of Scat Pack in August 2014, high-performance model sales increased from four percent to more than 25 percent.”
Here is a look at the Dodge Charger lineup for 2019.
2019 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Charger SRT Hellcat
The Hellcat is the big dog in the 2019 Charger lineup, standing as the quickest, fastest, and most powerful sedan in the world. The supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 twists out 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft. of torque, and comes connected to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Helping this massive Hemi breathe are dual inlets that feed cooler outside air into the engine compartment.
The Launch Assist feature uses the Hellcat’s wheel speed sensors to watch for driveline-damaging wheel hop when launching. If hop is detected, engine torque is modified within milliseconds to regain grip. With Line Lock, the front brakes engage and the rear is left open for burnouts to heat up and clean the tires.
After arriving for that late night jazz show (it’s where I would take it), the Charger Hellcat will employ its After-Run Chiller system. This allows the supercharger/charge air cooler to continue cooling down after the engine is turned off.
Charger R/T Scat Pack
This Super Bee can sting rival pony cars with its naturally-aspirated 392 Hemi V8 and TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic. The aforementioned Launch Assist and Line lock are now standard on the Scat Pack which puts 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft. of torque to the pavement. Optional for 2019 is a Bilstein three-mode Adaptive Damping Suspension system.
Inside, drivers are treated to a “Dark Dub Plate” instrument panel and Houndstooth cloth performance seats with plenty of bolstering. When the Scat Pack’s Launch Control feature is engaged, those seats are greatly appreciated. The system coordinates the engine, transmission, driveline, and suspension for hard straight-line sprints.
In the words of Samuel L. Jackson from Jurassic Park: “Hold Onto Your Butts.”

Charger R/T
A solid daily driver, the R/T comes with the evergreen 5.7-liter Hemi V8, good for 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft. of torque. The performance-oriented chassis includes the suspension and steering to match; the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic and 2.62 rear axle ratio are both standard.
The R/T gets a makeover for 2019 with a new hood, fascia, side sills, spoiler, and seats. Opt for the Cold Weather Package and get a heated steering wheel and heated seats.
Charger SXT AWD
Powered by the Pentastar V6, the SXT AWD returns a healthy 27 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel drive system is complete with an active transfer case and “front-axle disconnect” to increase overall efficiency. The Pentastar V6 is attached to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic and delivers 300 horsepower and 264 lb-ft. of torque.
A new Caramel Nappa leather interior and the aforementioned Cold Weather Package are among the available options.
Charger GT
With the same horsepower and torque specs at the SXT AWD, the GT is another ideal daily driver. Like the R/T, the GT gets a new hood, fascia, side sills, spoiler, and seats – and the newly available 20-inch Satin Carbon and Black Noise wheels don’t hurt anything either.
The vehicle’s systems and controls are accessed through an 8.4-inch Uconnect screen, which includes the Dodge Performance Pages like the upper models have.

Charger SXT
Every muscle car needs a mild cruiser and the SXT certinately fits the bill at 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque. Still the Pentastar V6, still the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic, just toned down a bit. Standard features are plentiful: electronic stability control, remote start, cruise control, electric power steering, automatic halogen projector headlamps with LED accents, and three 12-volt power outlets.
The aforementioned Caramel Nappa leather interior and Cold Weather Package are both available.
Colorful Array
What makes the Dodge Charger such an enticing car is the color palette: B5 Blue, Destroyer Grey, F8 Green, Go Mango, Granite Crystal, IndiGo Blue, Maximum Steel, Octane Red, Pitch Black, Plum Crazy, TorRed, Triple Nickel, and White Knuckle.
Hard to pick a favorite.
Availability
The 2019 Dodge Charger is expected in showrooms in the third quarter of this year, although any of the above models can be ordered now. The Charger is on track to lead the large car segment in the U.S. for the fifth straight year.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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2019 Volvo S60: South Carolina’s Tasty Little Treat

2019 Volvo S60: South Carolina’s Tasty Little Treat Volvo Cars simultaneously rolled out a new car and a new manufacturing facility the other day. That’s a double you don’t see happening very often. The new car in question is the S60 sedan, and the factory is the company’s first American manufacturing plant, located outside Charleston, South Carolina. The Swedes say the factory opening reinforces Volvo Cars’ commitment to the United States, and shows how serious they are about the new S60.
Electric Avenue
Volvo points out how the new S60 is the first Volvo car to be sold without a diesel engine. Volvo says this signals “the company’s industry-leading commitment to electrification and a future beyond the traditional combustion engine.” I say it also shows that Volvo doesn’t want to get caught up in a Scandinavian version of diesel-gate and end up with various board members being thrown into Saltvik Prison. (BTW, when looking up a funny Swedish prison name, I came across this: Prison Life in Scandinavia – Discover Scandinavia; seriously dude, an article from a Scandinavian tourist site about how great their prisons are!)
But it’s more than just that, Volvo seems very serious about this whole EV thing, saying that from 2019 all new models will be electrified.
2019 Volvo S60 R-Design. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Power & Performance
This new, American-built S60 will be propelled by the company’s turbo and supercharged T8 Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid system. The internal combustion plant puts out 313 horsepower and the rear electric motor adds another 87 for a combined, healthy power output of 400 horsepower. Tasty!
In addition to the T8 version, the T5 front-wheel drive, and T6 all-wheel drive will also be available.
The new S60 shares the Scalable Product Architecture platform with other Volvo cars, such as the new V60 wagon and XC60.
Safety & Security
And, since this is a Volvo, it’s about as safe as a castle. There’s the City Safety system with Autobrake technology to assist the driver in avoiding potential collisions. Volvo says City Safety is the only system on the market that can recognize pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals and can engage auto braking to mitigate oncoming collisions.
There’s an optional Pilot Assist system to support you with steering, acceleration, and braking on well-marked roads up to 80 mph. The S60 also comes with Runoff Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, and other steering assistance nannies.
Infotainment? Oh sure: The Sensus Connect system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and works via a tablet style touchscreen interface that combines car functions, navigation, connected services, and various entertainment apps.
Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Pricing & Availability
The T5 FWD, T6 AWD, and T8 Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid will carry an MSRP of $35,800, $40,300, and $54,400 respectively. The new S60 will also be “sold” via Volvo’s new subscription service, Care by Volvo. The subscription deal means no down payment and a monthly flat rate. No worrying about maintenance and that sort of thing.
A well-equipped S60 T6 AWD Momentum is available for $775 a month through the program; an S60 T6 AWD R-Design can be had for $850 a month.
The new S60 also has a Polestar Engineered variant, which includes upgrades to the exterior and interior design, wheels, brakes, suspension, and engine control unit. This is the one you want to buy, but they will be extremely limited.
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. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz
2019 Volvo S60 Gallery

Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group.

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A Brief Look At The 2019 Chevy Volt

A Brief Look At The 2019 Chevy Volt With a new propulsion system, the 2019 Chevy Volt will slice charging times nearly in half, being better suited for “opportunity charging,” or plugging in while around town to top off the battery.
“With about twice the range added during 240V Level 2 charging sessions, the 2019 Volt’s 7.2 kW system makes opportunity charging more worthwhile,” explained Jesse Ortega, Chief Engineer, Chevrolet Electric Vehicles. “It effectively extends the vehicle’s all-electric driving range, while providing about twice the range for the money when plugging in at public facilities that charge by the hour.”
Charging & Capacities
With the new 7.2 kW system, a 240-volt outlet, and supporting hardware, a total recharge happens in just over two hours. The new system is standard on Premier trims but available for the LT. A 3.6 kW charger is standard on the Volt LT.
Chevy says the new electric propulsion system, combined with a full tank of gas and a full charge, offers an EPA-estimated 53 miles of pure EV range and 106 MPGe. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas-powered generator activates to extend the driving range to a total of 420 miles on a full tank.
The 2019 Volt also utilizes an automatic, engine-assisted heating system for temperatures below zero to increase all-electric range. New Low and Regen on Demand profiles boost regenerative braking capability, according to Chevrolet.
Photo: Chevrolet.
Technology & Features
The Infotainment 3 system includes an 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen with a new Energy App. The app’s “Impacts Screen” shows how driving style, route, weather, and cabin settings affect range and conveys said impacts in terms of mileage.
A new Power Convenience Package, an extension of the Comfort Package, is available for the LT, adding a six-way power driver’s seat. The wireless charging pad is relocated ahead of the shifter, while a new digital rearview camera replaces the previous analog system. Safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control and a pedestrian alert system.
“The 2019 Volt’s enhancements give customers more of what they love with the vehicle and make it even more useful as an everyday electric vehicle,” Ortega said. “It’s a more seamless experience than ever.”

Pricing & Availability
Chevrolet did not disclose pricing but says the 2019 Volt should arrive this fall. New color themes include a Pacific Blue Metallic for the exterior, and a Jet Black/Porcelain Blue for the Premier’s interior. An available, dealer-installed blackout package includes sport pedals, black front/rear bowtie emblems, and 17-inch machined-aluminum wheels with black-painted pockets.
To date, Volt owners have driven more than 2.8 billion EV miles, saving more than 108 million gallons of gas.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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Toyota Research Institute Joins Study On How Autonomous Cars Will Impact Workforce

Toyota Research Institute Joins Study On How Autonomous Cars Will Impact Workforce The Toyota Research Institute (TRI) is contributing $75,000 to the American Center for Mobility (ACM) for an analysis on how autonomous cars will impact driving-related jobs. ACM’s study, Preparing the Workforce for Automated Vehicles, is being conducted by Michigan State University in collaboration with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute.
“TRI is committed to advancing automated vehicle technology in ways that improve society and individual well-being, and we need to better understand the impact this may have on future jobs and employment,” said Dr. Gill Pratt, TRI CEO and Toyota Motor Corporation Fellow. “Our participation in this study can help address the societal effects in a meaningful way.”
Careful Examination
Officials say the research will provide key insight into the types of jobs that will be affected and to what degree. The study will also identify the skills and education needed for a more automated future. One of the study’s main objectives is to consider a “training template” for commercial drivers, especially in the areas of freight and package delivery, and taxi and ride-hailing.
“If autonomous vehicles become the norm, then truck drivers, taxi drivers, bus drivers, and Uber or Lyft drivers certainly will be impacted – and not in a good way,” Cliff Banks, President of The Banks Report, an automotive retail publication, told us in a special feature on autonomous cars in May. “I’ve watched Uber or Lyft drivers walk up to a house and help an elderly person down the stairs. Can an autonomous vehicle do that?”
Forward Looking
Toyota Motor North America was recently announced as a founding member of the Partnership for Transportation Innovation and Opportunity, a collaboration committed to exploring how autonomous vehicles will impact American workers as well as identifying opportunities to address future challenges. TRI is also in the process of constructing an autonomous vehicle test track in Michigan.
Preparing the Workforce for Automated Vehicles is expected to be published later this year.
“Industry involvement is paramount as we undergo this study, especially when we consider the implications on talent and how the potential needs of employers will shift,” said Soraya Kim, ACM’s Chief Innovation Officer and the study’s leader. “We thank TRI for their continued commitment and for being a partner to get this important work done.”
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Source: Toyota Research Institute, American Center for Mobility.

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2019 Honda Insight: The 55 MPG Beast

2019 Honda Insight: The 55 MPG Beast The 2019 Honda Insight hybrid is here, and it offers a whole lot of practicality and reliability with a familiar Honda face – none of that goofy, “look at me driving my car from Mars styling” (cough, Prius, cough) – and it gets you 55 MPG in the city.
Fifty-Five? Holy Sh-
Features & Trim Levels
It is, indeed, a relatively normal looking car. I’m not sure why the first gen hybrids, Priuseseseses and such, had to go with such goofy styling, but all I can assume is that now the car buying public is used to what a hybrid is, and Honda figures they’ll be more comfortable buying them regardless of the wrapper.
Honda says the 2019 Insight has an EPA rating of up to 55 mpg in the city, lots of premium features, and starts at $22,830. Which strikes me as very inexpensive for what you get in the three different trim levels: LX, EX, and Touring. All trim levels come standard with multi-element LED headlights, push-button start (racy!), and the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assist technologies.
Other Insight EX goodies include the eight-inch display/audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Insight Touring adds leather seating surfaces, an eight-way power driver’s seat, Honda’s Satellite-Linked Navigation System, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
But let’s face it, Honda figured out how to make near-perfect automotive interiors back in the 80s. All the cool, discussion worthy stuff here lies under the hood, or unseen altogether.
2019 Honda Insight: Photo: Honda North America.
Power & Performance
The 2019 Insight is motivated by a third-gen Honda two-motor hybrid drivetrain. A 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC Atkinson-cycle inline-4 engine does the heavy lifting, and features a 40.5-percent thermal efficiency rating. That ICE is mated to an electric propulsion motor, cranking out 197 lb-ft. of torque. The whole shootin’ match adds up to a total system output of 151 horsepower.
Honda points out how this two-motor design allows the Insight to run without the need for a conventional automatic transmission. Hmmm, I bet tearing the drivetrain apart on one of these guys would be interesting and fun.
Honda further tweaks the energy regeneration system through the use of steering wheel-mounted Deceleration Selectors. These work similar to transmission paddle shifters, and allow you to toggle between three different levels of regenerative braking performance. Grab the left selector to increase regenerative braking, and the right to reduce it. Honda says the system not only increases battery charging via regeneration, but also helps reduce strain on the brakes themselves, letting the driver tailor their regenerative braking level for different conditions.
And yeah, that’s cool and all that, but why don’t you people make an Si variant where the paddles allow you to tailor performance? Just a thought.
Photo: Honda North America.
Drive Modes & Battery Placement
The full hybrid powertrain on the Insight uses power from all systems – the gasoline engine and electric motors – to accommodate the driving conditions you might find yourself in, moment to moment, and can seamlessly shift through three distinct drive schemes.
In EV Drive, the Insight is powered completely by its electric drive motor, drawing power from the battery. In Hybrid Drive, the gasoline engine drives a generator that supplies electrical power to the drive motor and, in certain circumstances, Engine Drive operation connects the gasoline engine directly to the drive wheels, the way Gottlieb Daimler intended.
The battery for the 2019 Insight lives under the rear seats, housed in something called a “compact intelligent power unit.” The clever packaging solution allows the Insight to offer an impressive 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space. You can fold the rear seatback for long loads (with a 60/40 split in EX and Touring trims), and there’s a grand total of up to 97.6 cubic feet of interior space.

Manufacturing & Pricing
The 2019 Insight will join Honda’s lineup of electrified vehicles, alongside the Clarity series – Clarity Fuel Cell, Clarity Electric, and Clarity Plug-In Hybrid – and the new Accord Hybrid. The 2019 Insight is manufactured at Honda’s Greensburg, Indiana plant, while the 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle two-motor system, intelligent power unit, and hybrid battery pack is produced in Ohio.
Below is a handy chart that shows you the breakdown for the 2019 Honda Insight.
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. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz
Trim
MSRP
MSRP Including $895 Destination
EPA Fuel Economy Ratings(city / highway / combined)
Insight LX
$22,830
$23,725
55/49/52
Insight EX
$24,060
$24,995
55/49/52
Insight Touring
$28,090
$28,985
51/45/48
Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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