2018 Ford Mustang GT Review: One Quick Pony!

2018 Ford Mustang GT Review: One Quick Pony! The 2018 Ford Mustang GT gets a significant refresh. The upgrades, like a re-tuned suspension, plus newly available adaptive suspension dampers, improve ride quality. And there’s more power for the coupe’s 5.0-liter V8, which will make it more enticing for performance enthusiasts.
This weekend, we drove the 2018 Ford Mustang GT Premium.
What’s New For 2018
The 2018 Ford Mustang gets revised front and rear styling and newly available adaptive suspension dampers.
Features & Options
The 2018 Ford Mustang GT Premium ($39,095) is the model for performance enthusiasts! It comes standard with the 5.0-liter V8, a six-speed manual gearbox, leather upholstery, power front seats, and a nine-speaker audio system. Additional features include dual-zone automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an eight-inch touchscreen with the Sync 3 infotainment system.
The Performance package ($3,995) includes larger brakes, 19-inch wheels and summer tires, a shorter differential ratio, bigger radiator, stiffer front springs, and a larger rear stabilizer bar. This package also allows the new-for-2018, MagneRide adaptive suspension dampers ($1,695).
Other optional but notable features include the digital gauge clusters, navigation system, Recaro front sport seats, a 12-speaker sound system, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
Total MSRP including destination: $53,160. By comparison, starting MSRP for the 2018 Ford Mustang is $25,680.  
2018 Ford Mustang GT in Ruby Red with the Black Accent Package.
The center stack is attractive and there are chrome accents throughout the cabin. Click To TweetInterior Highlights
The Recaro bucket seats are a must with the 5.0-liter V8, as they keep you firmly planted in this high-performance coupe. They are comfortable around town and were extra-supportive in the tight mountain curves we powered through over the weekend. And there’s a wide range of adjustments, so even tall drivers have enough room.
The center stack is attractive and there are chrome accents throughout the cabin. The GT Premium model features sweet toggle switches with a background looking like machined aluminum. The radio and climate controls are even easy to operate. There are a fair amount of hard plastics, however, which takes away from the interior quality.
The rear seating is only useful for kids and adults who need to ride for a short trip. The Mustang is a 2+2, so rear legroom is seriously limited. At just 29 inches, it’s less than the Camaro. But the two slim seats are supportive, as occupants sink in. Climbing in and out is a challenge without hitting your head on the roofline, although it’s easier than the Camaro which has even less headroom.
The Mustang’s trunk offers up a decent 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, but the optional Shaker stereo ($895) includes a trunk-mounted subwoofer that limits the usable space.
2018 Ford Mustang GT interior layout.
When you start up the 2018 Ford Mustang GT, you hear the V8 come to life! The performance exhaust has an unmistakable throaty rumble that will wake the neighbors. Click To TweetEngine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2018 Ford Mustang GT comes powered by a sweet 5.0-liter V8, producing 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft. of torque. The power plant was revised for 2018 with the implementation of direct and port injection. The GT’s six-speed manual gearbox gets revised gearing this year too.
EPA fuel mileage estimates come in at 15/25 city/highway and 18 combined mpg. That is, if you can keep your foot out of the gas pedal.
Driving Dynamics
When you start up the 2018 Ford Mustang GT, you hear the V8 come to life! The performance exhaust has an unmistakable throaty rumble that will wake the neighbors. Ford says the GT can accelerate to 60 in less than four seconds, a stunning performance claim we can attest to. The active exhaust system made us giddy as we turned up the volume from almost silent, to the deep bass of a V8 rumble, to a menacing bellow.
If you want to do flawless burnouts (at the track of course), Ford offers an electronic line lock as standard equipment.
Our 2018 Ford Mustang GT had both the Performance Package and MagneRide Suspension, features that improve agility and driving dynamics. By switching to Sport mode, the dampers stiffen to produce handling that’s sharp and steady even on rough roads. When the dampers are set to their softest mode, and the exhaust system to its quietest tuning, the Mustang feels like a mild-mannered sedan.
But who would want to do that?
The performance exhaust has an unmistakable throaty rumble that will wake the neighbors.Click To TweetConclusion
For sportiness and driving fun, the 2018 Ford Mustang GT Premium with the 5.0-liter V8 and six-speed manual is a must for performance enthusiasts. However, the Mustang offers solid performance for the dollar in any trim level.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Ford Mustang GT Gallery

















2018 Ford Mustang Official Site.
Photos: Ford Motor Company.



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2019 Genesis G70 Racks Up Features But Easy On Price

2019 Genesis G70 Racks Up Features But Easy On Price The 2019 Genesis G70 offers two engines and six different trim levels. 
A special manual transmission Sport package is available starting at $34,900. 
As Genesis begins making more headway in the luxury car market, how will they stand up? 
Genesis, the Hyundai sub-brand that is to the Korean automaker what Lexus, Acura, and Infiniti are to their Japanese parents, just announced pricing for its G70. The 2019 Genesis G70 is aimed squarely at competitors like the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Unlike those heavyweights, the G70 costs about as much as a minivan.
Look, I’m going to be right up front here: The Genesis G70 is a very good car, but no one is going to be pining for it like a long lost love 50 years from now. Competence only gets you so far. It gets you loyalty and devotion, but it rarely gets you love.
Then again, competence can earn you lots of sales.
Trim Levels & Engines
The 2019 Genesis G70, which has been on sale in its home market for a while, is now available in the United States. You get your choice of two engines. Either a 2.0T inline four-cylinder turbo, or a 3.3T V6 twin-turbo mill. If you go with the 2.0 four-banger, you get your choice of six liberally equipped trim levels, starting at $34,900.
Trim levels include Advanced, Elite, Prestige, Dynamic, Sport, and Sport M/T.
The 3.3T plant gets four trim levels, plus two limited-production Special Edition models, all starting at $43,750. These are tagged as Advanced, Elite, Prestige, and Sport. The limited-production 3.3T packages are called Dynamic Special Edition and Design Special Edition. Yes, that’s pretentious, but if you’re angling for the perspective Mercedes or BMW driver, a little pretention is probably called for.
For some reason, Genesis is limiting the production on these to only 400 units.
Well, at least “limited” is not just a sticker they slap on the bumper.
Exterior features include LED daytime running lights and heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals. Photo: Genesis Motor America, LLC.
Point Blank Performance
Power-wise, the engines are pretty impressive. The 2.0T four-cylinder turbo puts out 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque. That’s a lot of muscle squeezed from a half gallon of displacement. The 3.3T is similarly impressive, with 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft. of torque on tap. Thank you Genesis.
Across all the trim levels, there’s a lot of overlap in terms of features. So let’s just look at either end of the G70 spectrum.
At the low end (and I’m using that term relatively here), the 2.0T Advanced RWD comes with Shift-by-Wire technology, held up by a MacPherson strut front and a multi-link rear suspension. The power-steering system is rack-mounted and motor-driven. Wheels are 18-inch alloys with Michelin all-season P225/45R18 tires. An eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters and rev match is available.
The brakes are ventilated, of course.





The 3.3T is impressive, with 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft. of torque on tap. Thank you Genesis.Click To TweetInterior Comforts & Tech Treatments
The interior features stainless steel front door sill plates, dual automatic climate controls, a 12-way power driver’s seat (including four-way lumbar), and an eight-way power passenger seat. Perforated leather wraps the tilting and telescoping steering wheel and shift knob. The front vanity mirrors are illuminated and have sliding sun visors.
There’s also a front map and pin light (not sure what that is). The rear seat is a 60/40 split-folding deal. Audio, cruise, and phone controls are located on the steering wheel.
There’s a rearview camera with parking guidelines and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with HomeLink. Leatherette seating surfaces, rear folding armrest with cup holders, and a Bluetooth hands-free phone system are included. Multimedia? Tons: HD Radio, seven-inch color LCD multi-information screen, two front USB ports, and another one in the rear. There is even Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Remember, this is lowest level of stuff (and there’s even more yet). You get all of this on a 2019 Genesis G70 starting right around $35,000! Well, tack on another $995 for destination, but still.





And There’s More . . .
The 3.3T models add stuff like a multi-plate type limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, dual exhaust, a sport-tuned suspension, alloy pedals, and full LED headlights. And the Genesis logo approach lights too (show offs!). Along with the navigation, there is something called the “front passenger seat walk-in device.” No, I don’t know either.
But there is also a high-zoot Lexicon 15-speaker audio system with Quantum Logic Surround and Clari-Fi Music Restoration Technology.
Price Range
The aforementioned 2.0T Advanced RWD starts at $34,900 with the Dynamic AWD Launch Edition running $52,250 at the top of the mountain. In the middle of the range are the 3.3T Advanced RWD and AWD at $34,750 and $45,750 respectively.
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 Genesis G70 Gallery




















Photos & Source: Genesis Motor America, LLC.



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2019 Subaru BRZ: Still Lacking Power, But Still Good Enough

2019 Subaru BRZ: Still Lacking Power, But Still Good Enough Nice as it would be, the 2019 Subaru BRZ does not see a horsepower increase.
But maybe that’s okay? There are lots of other things to love about this new Subaru.   
Subaru is upping the ante with the introduction of the 2019 BRZ. More power right?! No, just kidding. Instead of tooling around with the 2.0-liter Boxer engine, Subaru decided a limited edition trim was enough.
The new “Series.Gray” includes wheel upgrades, a new paint color, and blacked-out exterior badges.
2019 Subaru BRZ Breakdown
The base BRZ Premium comes with LED headlights, power door locks and side mirrors, rear vision camera, engine immobilizer, and keyless entry. The Premium model adds a welcome lighting system to greet you when approaching the vehicle. Dual USB ports, a 6.2-inch touchscreen audio display with eight speakers, and Bluetooth capability are standard across the range.
Don’t forget the leather steering wheel, and leather accents for the door trim, shifter, and center console.
All in all, not bad. The 2019 Subaru BRZ Premium starts just under $26,000. In truth, I would pay more in exchange for a more powerful and responsive Boxer motor. For the money, the Limited trim offers better value for $28,000 and change. It adds LED fog lights, keyless access with push-button start, Alcantara seats with leather-trimmed bolsters and heating, courtesy lights, and an illuminated vanity mirror for passengers.
Standard on the Limited is Subaru Starlink. It comes with a larger seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system supports SiriusXM radio and a voice-activated navigation system.
2019 Subaru BRZ. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.
By The Numbers
Also standard is the 4.2-inch display screen next to the tachometer. It provides information about the steering angle, oil and coolant temperatures, and lateral G-forces. There is also a stopwatch function so you can measure your lap times, which we assume won’t be blisteringly quick given the lack of power.
But for $1,195 more, the Limited can be optioned with the Performance Package. That adds Brembo brakes with four-piston front and dual-piston rear calipers, SACHS shock absorbers, and new 17-inch black alloys. This package is only applicable to manual models. Sadly, there is no power upgrade.
New for 2019 is the exclusive Series.Gray trim in khaki gray paint, different 17-inch black-finish alloys, and blacked-out exterior badges. The interior gets red stitching, frameless rearview mirrors, and a combination meter visor. Only 250 Series.Gray models are allotted for the 2019 model year with prices starting at $30,140.
And no, you can’t get a more powerful engine in this trim either.
2019 Subaru BRZ Series.Gray. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.
Enough! How Does It Drive?
Same as before, and unsurprisingly similar to the Toyota 86. Look, if you are considering the Toyota 86 or Subaru BRZ, you aren’t exactly looking for balls-out power and acceleration, right? You buy these cars for the sporty driving experience, and not for the boundless rush of torque from the motor. Compared to the Mazda MX-5, the Subaru BRZ is more accurate and more precise, although it is less forgiving than the Mazda.
Do it right, it will blow your mind. Do it wrong, however, and you might end up in a ditch.
Seriously now, both the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ are excellent in the hands of an experienced racing driver. Of course, you need to get the six-speed manual when shopping in this category. Unless you don’t enjoy driving (then it’s perfectly okay to get the automatic).
More About That Engine
Powering all trim levels of the 2019 Subaru BRZ is the familiar 2.0-liter Boxer-four that produces 205 horsepower. Peak torque of 156 lb-ft. comes between 6,400 and 6,800 rpm. The automatic variant gets five less horsepower and a smidgen less torque. The new Subaru BRZ also comes with a TORSEN limited-slip differential to make the most of the close-ratio manual gears.
Now, it’s not as if the BRZ (and the 86 for that matter) is screaming for more power. It’s how the chassis feels it can handle more than a measly 200 horsepower. The car feels quick but you need to squeeze the throttle to get the adrenaline rush.
Maybe a BRZ STi is in the works? Probably not.
Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.
Do it right, it will blow your mind. Do it wrong, however, and you might end up in a ditch.Click To TweetThe Verdict
Despite the absence of a tuned engine, the 2019 Subaru BRZ is still good enough. The funny thing is the 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF (yes, the one with the folding metal roof) feels faster than the BRZ. This is despite the MX-5 having a SKYACTIV motor with only 155 horsepower.
But when it comes to precision, agility, and a fun-to-drive demeanor without spending crazy amounts of cash, the new Subaru BRZ is still worthy of consideration.
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine. 
Photos & Source: Subaru of America, Inc.



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2020 Mazda CX-5 Changes

2020 Mazda CX-5 Changes

CX-5 for the 2020 Edition like his will soon present before us. mid-size SUVs it will be released in mid-2019. 2020 Mazda CX-5 will get the right change the redesign is very good. Rumors circulating the Mazda CX-5 will use the 2.5-liter engine will be the same as with the CX-9. A very attractive exterior design will leave you in awe. Subaru Forester, Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota RAV4 will be a competitor to this car.

2020 Mazda CX-5 Changes Design

2020 Mazda CX-5 is additionally laden with plenty of modern-day security functions and amenities are decent. Base Sports trim will get 7 color. touchscreen, Bluetooth, Remote keyless illuminated entry, LED headlights, Auto-off headlights Carpet floor mat, 12-volt energy outlet, 17-inch alloy wheels, Rear roof spoiler etc. Safety functions include superior front airbags, Dynamic Stability Manage, Tire-Pressure Monitoring Method.

The exterior changes of 2020 Mazda CX-5 are just not strikingly distinct from its predecessor. The newly styled grille is there at front and headlamps are sleeker and add to your visual oomph. Mazda CX-5 will be sold in 4 trims- Garand Touring, Sport, Touring and Garand Pick. The model will likely be obtainable in some enticing metallic colors. In this edition, high-quality of components used in the cabin has acquired a enhance. The dashboard is streamlined and enough small item storage options are there. Cargo capacity is superior for its class.

2020 Mazda CX-5 Engine

How about the engine, 2020 Mazda CX-5 includes just one engine, but diesel unit really should develop into out there very quickly. Until finally that, the sole drivetrain below the hood is usually a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder and Skyactiv gasoline unit. This engine comes with cylinder deactivation and with a 6-speed automated transmission. It can burst 180 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque.

Individuals numbers show that this drivetrain is neither probably the most efficient or most impressive in its section, however, the combination is great as well as numbers are respectable. The long-awaited diesel model will in all probability use a 2.2-liter and 4-cylinder and it will grow to be obtainable this 12 months on Australia and U.S. markets.

2020 Mazda CX-5 Release Date and Price

The release date of this car will announce soon at by Mazda. rumors circulating this car will be released mid-2019. For the price will probably be on top of the above $30,000. We do not have information that is so true about the release date and price of this car also, but we promise it will soon his preaching to you for information for 2020 Mazda CX-5.

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BMW

BMW

Find The Car Of Your Dreams Through A BMW Las Vegas Dealer

The BMW has long been revered as one of the most luxury vehicles of its time. First introduced in 1913 Munich, Germany, the BMW has stood the test of time in offering customers quality they can depend on and luxury that is unsurpassed in the marketplace. BMW may be a European car but the American culture has embraced it as a high-end vehicle synonymous with success. And nowhere does that hold truer than in some of America’s most prestigious cities. It’s no wonder, therefore, that BMW Las Vegas continues to thrive in delivering customers luxury they expect.

In this city of glitz and glamour, residents and visitors alike have come to expect an elevated level of luxury – in everything from their homes, hotels, and restaurants, to the cars that they drive. BMW Las Vegas dealers keep pace with this demand for luxury by providing customers with a variety of vehicles that fit their lifestyle without compromising the unequaled quality of the BMW brand.

From sedans and compacts, to SUVs and motorcycles, BMW Las Vegas dealers know the vehicles that will excite their customers and offer high performance in this hot dessert climate.

When purchasing a BMW from a BMW Las Vegas dealer you can go online to shop and compare prices. Look to pre-owned vehicles or shop at the end of a calendar year in order to find deep discounts. You will find BMW Las Vegas dealer personnel to be friendly, helpful, and reflective of the BMW reputation for sophisticated and knowledgeable service.

But most importantly, your budget doesn’t have to hinder you from owning a BMW. Any BMW Las Vegas dealer will walk you through the different series of the BMW car and the ways in which you can parlay your budget into luxury vehicle ownership.

For visitors to the area, a BMW Las Vegas dealer can rent you the vehicle of your dreams in which to enjoy the city during your stay. For a very affordable price, you can live the lifestyle of BMW if only for a few days, basking in the luxury and comfort that comes with vehicles of this class. What better way to enjoy your vacation?

By Michelle Bery.

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Bentley

Bentley

That Old Limousine Looks as Good as the Day it Was Made

Types of Vintage Limousines For those who want a vintage limousine with a more casual feel, the Rolls Royce Corniche Convertible from the 1960s is an excellent choice. This car is great for the summer months (most cars now have been upgraded to include air conditioning) and for the couple that wants a vehicle all to themselves, as it fits just two people. This car generally comes in a navy blue exterior with a leather interior.

A QueenÕs Silver Wraith Rolls Royce from the 1950s is the epitome of a high-class vintage limousine. Such a car generally comes with a navy blue or white exterior and a comfortable leather interior. It can hold up to four people, and is often equipped with am AM FM radio and a privacy window separating the driver from the passengers.

The Rolls Royce Bentley S1 from the 1950s is a great choice for those who love the look of a luxury car with a white exterior and a leather interior. Like the QueenÕs Silver Wraith, this type of Rolls Royce can also comfortably fit four people.

The price of renting a vintage limousine depends on where one chooses to rent from, the type of vehicles that are available, and how long one wants to rent one for. It should, however, be noted that it will not be inexpensive to rent one of these cars. Regardless of the price, a vintage limousine is a memorable and romantic way to drive in style.

Rent a Vintage Limousine for a Special Event When one thinks of events like weddings, one generally thinks of using a very special vehicle such as a limousine as a means of transportation, since it is a special way to go to and from a special event. While one could rent the standard limousine, renting a vintage limousine would be a classic and special way to attend any romantic event.

Who Would Rent a Vintage Limousine? Vintage limousines are perfect for the couple that love classic cars and that movie star feel from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. Vintage limousines are perfect also for the couple that is celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary, since the vehicle would remind them of the era in which they first fell in love.

By Brian Gill.

 


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I.D. Buzz Cargo: VW’s New Mystery Machine For The New Age

I.D. Buzz Cargo: VW’s New Mystery Machine For The New Age The I.D. Buzz Cargo has a range of more than 340 miles according to Volkswagen. 
The 230V socket provides power for tools and other equipment without an additional generator.
When is VW going to release it? They didn’t exactly say . . . 
Volkswagen has this on again, off again thing in going with the reboot of their bus. You know, the Type 2, the hippie bus. They’ve gone through several iterations with this guy. All of them would be produced. But none of them ever were. However, VW says this one is for real.
It’s called I.D. Buzz Cargo. What is this? A cartoon character?
Building A Mystery
Well, it is kind of cartoon-ish looking, what with that snub nose and permanent smile on its face. And those huge expanses of bodywork on the sides are just begging for a Mystery Machine paint job. But if you put all that aside, you can see VW is serious with this thing. As they flatly state, the I.D. Buzz Cargo “has the potential to write history as one of the most advanced light commercial vehicles.”
That’s a big claim, but does VW have the specs to back it up?
The Buzz Cargo, like other vehicles in VW’s I.D. line, is entirely electric. The Buzz Cargo aims to be the urban delivery vehicle in the coming years – at least for smaller stuff, like packages from Amazon. Think of it as the “last mile” delivery vehicle from Tesla, if Tesla were one of the largest automakers on the planet.
VW I.D. Buzz Cargo. Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Payload & Storage
This concept (yes, it’s just a concept for now, but VW says they’re going to make it, honest, cross their hearts, pinky swear!) shows the path the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles division will take. Clocking in at 198.7 inches long, 77.8 inches wide, and 77.3 inches tall, the Buzz Cargo aims to be small on the outside – perfect for urban environments – while being big on the inside – perfect for hauling.
The rear overhang extends about four inches over the vehicle. Maximum payload is 1,760 lbs., or about the all up weight of a Lotus Elise.
The interior cargo space includes a shelving system, so there’s no sliding door on the driver’s side. The front doors and sliding door open electrically, via a sensor, which will come in handy. Essentially, the I.D. Buzz Cargo recognizes authorized persons via a digital key sent to the van by smartphone.
The I.D. Buzz debuted at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. “The Volkswagen brand’s big electric offensive begins in the year 2020 with a completely new vehicle architecture,” explained Dr. Herbert Diess at the time, Chairman of the Board of Management for Volkswagen. “That is when we will be launching an entirely new generation of fully connected, all-electric vehicles to the market.” Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Autonomous Capability
Instead of two single seats up front, there’s a driver’s seat and a double bench-seat on the front passenger side. The middle section of the bench folds down, serving as a work space with an integrated laptop. If the driver is using the automated “I.D. Pilot” mode, work can even be done on the move, since the I.D. Buzz Cargo aims to be fully autonomous. The driver can activate the Level 4 autonomous mode by pushing on the steering wheel for a few seconds. The steering wheel then retracts into the instrument panel.
Once in autonomous mode, the driver’s seat turns 15 degrees to the right in order to work better with that laptop. While on the move, they can handle bills of lading and paperwork, and all that other stuff delivery people have to sort through.
Think of it as the last mile delivery vehicle from Tesla, if Tesla were one of the largest automakers on the planet.Click To TweetAugmented Reality
Important information projects onto the road in 3D via an Augmented Reality heads-up display. The information remains in the driver’s line-of-sight, allowing them to concentrate on road conditions. An integrated tablet controls the infotainment and climate functions. The main driving controls are located on the steering wheel.
The rear view mirrors are gone, replaced by cameras projecting images onto small screens in the cab of the I.D. Buzz Cargo.
VW I.D. Buzz Concept interior layout. Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Does The I.D. Buzz Cargo Deliver?
Other nifty distinguishing features include the new solar roof. This photovoltaic system generates enough power to extend range by up to 9.3 miles per day. The longer this thing is in the daylight, the further it can drive, which should make fleet managers happy.
Add all this up and combine it with the I.D. Buzz Cargo’s 340 mile range, and you have a very usable option for urban delivery services. Of curse, the question, yet again, is will VW be serious this time. I bet they are. After the diesel-gate scandal, VW has invested in EVs big time. And they’re smart enough to realize there is plenty of money in the commercial sector.
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
Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.



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2019 BMW X2 M35i: It’s A Bird! It’s A Plane! It’s A…We Don’t Know!

2019 BMW X2 M35i: It’s A Bird! It’s A Plane! It’s A…We Don’t Know! The 2019 BMW X2 M35i is the newest member of the brand’s Sports Activity Coupe family.
But what does that mean exactly?
The engine is pretty cool – we know at least that much. 
Drum roll please because here it is, the all-new 2019 BMW X2 M35i. The latest in a growing lineup of those sort-of-SUV/sort-of-a-coupe things that are real popular in Europe, and only mildly popular here in The States. What BMW is after here is people who want everything: a car and a sports car and something swoopy and something practical and something sort of off-roady.
Oh, and the X2 M35i is small too.
So Many Rugrats
The 2019 BMW X2 M35i is, as with all things BMW, pretty capable. But, as with much of what’s rolling out of the Bavarian’s factories, it’s one of a bunch of half-way between this and that and another thing model. I swear to Kurt Tank that BMW has so many M variants and X models rolling around, it’s like keeping track of the members of the chorale at a Wagner opera.
It’s tiring and I’m not sure why they do this.
2019 BMW X2 M35i. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
BMW has so many M variants and X models rolling around, it's like keeping track of the members of the chorale at a Wagner opera.Click To TweetPower & Performance
What we have here is the newest member of BMW’s X2 Sports Activity Coupe family. The new X2 has an “extroverted” design. The 2.0L TwinPower turbocharged 4-cylinder puts out 302 horsepower and 332 lb-ft. of torque. No major engine component went untouched either. The crank has larger main bearings for better reinforcement. The pistons are new with a slightly dropped compression ratio (down to 9.5:1 vs. the previous 10.2:1). The intake has a higher flow tract and the cooling system has been upgraded.
The turbo is larger and boost increases.
All that energy goes to the ground via BMW’s xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system. The eight-speed sport automatic with Launch Control also helps. The X2 wears an M Sport Differential on the front axle for the first time ever, and features a Torsen limited slip with a 39 percent lock-up. The transmission has steering wheel shift paddles, M Performance specific tuning, and updated gear ratios.
The 2019 BMW X2 M35i hits 60 in just 4.9 seconds. Not bad.
Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Suspension & Braking
On top of the boss engine is the M Sport suspension, with stiffer spring and damper rates, and a 10 mm lower ride height. The rear axle carrier and lateral control arms improve driving dynamics, according to BMW. An optional adaptive damper suspension with two different manually selectable modes is also available for the 2019 BMW X2 M35i.
The braking system has these fancy Dark Blue M metallic calipers for consistently short braking distances.
Interior Treatments
Complimenting the exterior design is the M Sport Package, with a standard M Sport leather steering wheel, shift paddles, and sport seats. The optional front M sport seats (buy these) have integrated headrests and aggressive lateral support for both driver and passenger.
The M sport seats are available upholstered in Magma Red Dakota Leather with perforations and black accents, or Black Dakota Leather with perforations. The standard sport seats come in Black or Oyster SensaTec.
The latest generation of BMW’s ConnectedDrive and Apple CarPlay are also along for the ride.
Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Pricing & Availability
How much? BMW doesn’t say, but then again, how cheap are BMWs? Not very. Production for the U.S. market begins in November.
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 BMW X2 M35i Gallery

















Photos & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.



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Displate Metal Prints Review: Cars, Movies, 80s Retro & More.

Displate Metal Prints Review: Cars, Movies, 80s Retro & More. Every so often, we at Automoblog get asked to review something. Sometimes those things land on my desk (literally) and I get to level my opinion at it. Such was the case with Displate, a company that makes a variety of graphic design pieces printed onto metal. (Go to the end of this review for a discount code).
I think the name is a portmanteau (look it up) on the words display and plate.
Out of The Ordinary
For one thing, I don’t know what to call this. It’s different than art in a traditional sense. What Displate makes are like metal posters. The company describes them as “magnet-mounted metal prints.” These prints cover a bunch of different subjects – everything from basic graphics and movies, to famous people and cars. But instead of them being a paper poster, they’re printed on metal!
It’s not a revolutionary idea, but it’s not a bad one either, especially if you are an artist. Displate products are designed by talented artists who earn money for their contributions.
Endless Selection
I was asked to pick a “poster” to review and, as expected, I picked a car-themed one. In the largest size available. I have a tendency to like large works of art. It came from seeing Gericault’s Raft of The Medusa at an impressionable age. Displate products come in three sizes, including 35.4″ x 25.2.”
They had a nice selection of blue print-esque versions of various cars, so I went with one of those. Specifically, a Ferrari 166 MM. A personal favorite. People like my mechanic friend Carl would go for one of Displate’s cool Audi blueprints (he’s got a real thing going for Audis these days).

Lions & Tigers & The 80s!
In case you’re wondering, Displate makes more than just car posters. They actually have a ton of stuff on offer. They have blueprints of radial airplane engines (one I would have gladly taken), maps of famous cities, trippy space art (no word on any black light versions), and groovy creatures like foxes and tigers and such. There is even an 80s retro category.
So in a lot of ways, they should have most hobbies and tastes covered.
The only real areas Displate seems to be missing is older stuff of a nostalgic bent. It’d be great to see some Margaret Bourke White or Wee Gee photos from the 1930s. Perhaps the audience is not wide enough?
My Displate Ferrari print is awesome. Can you guess the one behind it?
Shipping & Packaging
Much to my surprise, days after running my request up the chain, a bloody great package appeared on my doorstep. It was wrapped in some sort of bi-colored, bi-faced rubberized plastic. There were two flat boxes taped together. At first I was puzzled. It weighed a ton. I only ordered a single metal wall hanging. I un-taped them and sliced the bags off the boxes to reveal identical Displate shipping boxes. These were cheerfully colored, childishly decorated, custom die-cut affairs.
According to the company, expected delivery time is three to five business days, depending on the shipping destination. Full refunds are granted if the product is returned within 100 days of delivery.
Apart from the decorative failings, the packaging was magnificent. In some cases, I’m a real sucker for good packaging. I’ve worked with companies that handle these sorts of things, so well-designed packaging gets my attention. I open the lid (it’s pretty obvious which way is up) and find cut stacks of corrugated cardboard (miter cut at the corners, no less).
It was topped with a single layer of corrugated cardboard as a buffer.





Getting The Goods
The buffer layer has a complicated and garish logo die cut right in the center, but there are two relief arches for your fingers to grab and easily remove. While this is a nice touch, it also seemed like a waste of time and money. Or at least that die cut logo did.
Beneath that was – taDAH – my line drawing of a Ferrari 166 MM. It’s wrapped in a clear plastic envelope with some high-tech adhesive closure. Even the bag is more than it needs to be. But beneath the line drawing of the Ferrari, there’s another die-cut buffer layer  . . . and through the overdone cut out logo I see another Displate poster.
What the . . .
Displate sent me not one, not two, but five of their fine products. In addition to the 166 MM, they also sent drawings of a Ferrari 275 GTB, a Porsche Speedster and, somewhat inexplicably, a print of The Stig.
Even more inexplicable, a print tribute to the movie Baby Driver.




An Extra Treat
The Stig looks like something a 14-year-old would put on his bedroom wall right next to the poster of a scantily clad, distressingly pneumatic woman holding a Brand Beer. The Baby Driver one . . . well, it’s about as tastelessly executed and badly done as the movie it is trying to celebrate. Baby Driver is horrible, not just as a car movie (and it is that) but as a movie movie.
While browsing through Displate’s online catalog, I saw the Baby Driver poster and literally chuckled out loud and said, “well I won’t be getting that, I can assure you.” And now a jealous and vengeful deity of sorts has allegorically slapped me in the face with around two square feet of sheet metal.
Displate will probably sell a million of them.





High-Quality, Easy To Hang
What I was going for was something I thought was a blueprint (I have a certain fetish for blueprints) but it’s actually more like a chalk line-drawing on a blackboard. Not exactly a bad look and it can work in a bunch of different locations. My location for the Ferraris and Porsche will be in the large shed/small barn I am slowly clearing and making into a garage. They should fit right in with my old framed racing posters, swoopy hubcaps, bits of crashed race cars, and the like.
The fit and finish on everything Displate sent me was top notch. The edges are rolled and mitered around the back, so there’s no sharp edges or anything. The surface is not overly glossy either. It’s almost a satin-like finish so it won’t glare (even if my photography doesn’t show that).
The fit and finish on everything @Displate sent me was top notch. The edges are rolled and mitered around the back, so there's no sharp edges. Click To TweetObviously these things are not meant to go in barns (even though mine will, and my barn is going to be a super-cool garage when I get done).
Given the breadth of what Displate has on offer, they could work well almost anywhere. Offices, depending on your business, beauty salons, restaurants; any business really. If your home has a full on media room, Displate has tons of movie and TV-themed stuff that would work like a charm. And if that media room is where your game console resides, you could mix it up with game-themed Displate posters too.
Hanging them is fairly straight forward.

The Stig Rides Shotgun
That leaves me with The Stig and Baby Driver? I might use them as a drip pan to catch oil leaks. It also occurs to me that if The Stig poster was a little bigger, I could set him in the passenger seat and use the carpool lane. Or not. Every time I try to get clever that way, I usually end up talking with the cops and/or a judge.
That rarely turns out well for me.
You try it with The Stig and let us know. Your mileage may vary.
Want one? Displate made us a special discount code just for Automoblog readers. Use the coupon code AUTO20 for 20% off everything.
Disclosure: This article is sponsored by Displate and the products used in the review were sent to us for free for an honest review. All views and opinions expressed here are my own. Check out our advertising guidelines to see why we’d never steer you wrong.
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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