Automotive

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE Review

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE Review
Sedans are losing their appeal in America as SUVs and crossovers take a lion’s share of the market, but this sedan will get you to look twice. The 2018 Toyota Camry has received a complete makeover and it’s a good one. Camry needed a redesign and Toyota engineers excelled with the popular sedan, with new styling inside and out, and improvements to bump up fuel efficiency. If you don’t need a lot of cargo-carrying room, this newly-redesigned sedan will save you boatloads of money at the pump.
We recently drove the all-new 2018 Camry Hybrid XLE.
What’s New For 2018
Toyota Camry gets a complete redesign and the Hybrid gets an updated version of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Various tweaks provide an improvement in fuel economy and a slight increase in power. The 2018 Camry Hybrid also gets a new suspension, giving it a smoother ride over uneven pavement.
Standard Features
The 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE ($32,250) comes standard with automatic LED headlights, keyless ignition and entry, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver’s seat (with power lumbar adjustment), heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, a rearview camera, lane departure warning and mitigation, and Toyota’s Entune Audio interface. Entune Audio includes a 7-inch touchscreen display, voice controls, a USB port, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.
The XLE Hybrid also gets unique 18-inch alloy wheels, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable passenger seat, wireless smartphone charging, a heads-up driver display, two extra USB ports, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and heated exterior mirrors.
Optional Features
This Hybrid tester came with the optional Driver’s Assist Package ($1,050), which included the Bird’s Eye View Camera, Power/Tilt Moonroof ($845), Upgraded Audio Package ($1,800), and Adaptive Headlights ($415). Total MSRP including destination: $37,255.

Interior Highlights
The Camry’s interior is all-new and trimmed with quality materials, making for nice improvements when compared to the outgoing model. The fit and finish is on par with what we’d expect from Toyota. The cabin has a more premium feel and is more stylish like the outside, thanks to the use of softer touch materials and more attractive colors. The touchscreen has been updated with a 7-inch version of Toyota’s Entune interface as well, although it’s not the most user-friendly system.
Hybrid models get comfortable, heated leather-trimmed seats with 8-way power adjustments, so any size driver can find the perfect position. The cabin feels light and airy, and there’s lots of head, shoulder, and elbow room for driver’s to get comfortable. Front and rear passengers have ample space around them, and rear passengers won’t feel encroached on if the front seat is all the way back.
For a sedan, we felt visibility in almost every direction was quite good from the driver’s seat. Mirrors, both inside and out, are appropriately sized, and blind spots are kept to a minimum. The standard rearview camera helped us see shoppers who were too busy to slow down as we backed out of the shopping mall lot on Black Friday.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid gets an updated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with the brand’s latest hybrid system with two motors. It develops 176 horsepower alone and 208 horsepower with the hybrid’s additional net power. XLE hybrids use the nickel-metal-hydride batteries to achieve 46 combined mpg, with an EPA-estimated 44/47 city/highway mpg.
Driving Dynamics
You won’t buy the Camry Hybrid for its driving dynamics, but you will want it for its excellent fuel mileage. We pushed the hybrid hard in the mountains while driving west of Denver and achieved 41.3 mpg through the higher altitudes. We were also impressed with hybrid’s power and torque, which propelled us up the mountain roads without issue. We don’t particularly like the continuously variable transmission that revs up as you press the pedal down, but passing and merging with traffic was never a concern
On the flats, and even at medium speeds on the highway, the batteries allow the car to run in electric-only mode quite frequently. When driving slowly through parking lots for example, the vehicle will use strictly battery power. We hardly noticed the transition from the electric mode to when the gas engine took over. The Camry Hybrid isn’t the fastest sedan, it’s just smooth and quiet, and it offers up a comfortable commute as a result. In the mountain curves, body roll isn’t excessive, and on dirt roads leading to our house, the sedan soaked up the bumps with ease. The XLE’s standard heads-up display was a pleasant addition, making it easy to keep our attention on the road.
Conclusion
The best reason to check out the 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid is the excellent fuel mileage. You’ll save money at the pump and it’s a pleasingly comfortable commuter. If you want more luxury, the XLE is the model to get with heated leather seats, heated steering wheel, and extra safety features.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid Gallery

2018 Toyota Camry Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
*LE and SE models also shown.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2018-toyota-camry-hybrid-xle-review/

Automoblog Book Garage: Boss Mustang: 50 Years

Automoblog Book Garage: Boss Mustang: 50 Years Of all the legendary names in the history of the Ford Mustang, one stands apart: Boss.
Mustang Historian Donald Farr takes us on a pony car journey in Boss Mustang: 50 Years.
Our Book Garage series features the books every gearhead and enthusiast needs in their library.
You know, one of the things about car books, is that if they’re of a certain ilk (e.g. coffee table books – and Boss Mustang: 50 Years is nearly one of those) it’s really hard to see anything new in them. It seems, if you’ve spent years staring into car books, as I have, there’s the same pictures over and over again.
There is nothing new under the sun.
You get to feeling very Ecclesiastical.
Not Your Normal Coffee Table Affair
Boss Mustang: 50 Years, written by this fellow named Donald Farr, is nearly a coffee table book, like I said. It’s kind of largish in format (one giveaway) and it is loaded with pictures (another tell in the coffee table book game). And that is where the similarity ends. This is actually a good book, all around. Oh sure, if you’re a Mustang person or a Ford fan, then this book is pretty much a gimme for your library. But if you like racing in the 1960s, automotive history, or just like cars in general, you will probably end up buying this book.
Originally meant to homologate the new Boss 302 engine and option package for SCCA Trans-Am racing, the Mustang Boss 302 debuted in 1969, being built in limited numbers for the street through 1970. Farr, a renowned Ford historian and Ford hall-of-fame inductee, spent time interviewing the designers and engineers who were closest to the Boss in preparation for the book.
In other words, not only is there the occasional new shot here and there, the whole thing is pretty in-depth.
Boss Mustang: 50 Years, chapter 9 cover photo. Designed by Larry Shinoda, the Boss cars easily stood out from their less potent stablemates. Race-bred powerplants, a standard front spoiler, and bold graphics were all Boss signatures. Photo: Donald Farr.
Boss Mustang: 50 Years: One Fine Spread
99 percent of the single car books out there; books with titles like The Samparo Super-Squid: Making of a True Legend and a Genuine Myth, are usually short on prose poems and very long on large-format glamor shots. Boss Mustang: 50 Years, although having few prose poems within, is not some lightweight faire you buy for your nephew who’s “into cars.”
It tips the scales at 176 pages and is slightly larger than a sheet of printer paper. Hardback, of course. Speaking of, the paper they use is rather nice, as are the fonts, layout, color choices, and all that sort of technical printing stuff. There’s whitespace, but not too much; the captions are well-written and easy to figure out which one goes with which shot. (Without having to resort to using numbers or other remedial methods for the navigationally and deductively inept).
Boss Mustang: 50 Years, page 43. With its Trans-Am characteristics, the 1969 Boss 302 Mustang established a new performance image for Ford. Street and track modifications were common. This one, for example, has a lowered suspension and wider tires. Photo: Randy Ream.
Mountain King
It’s easy to tell that Farr both knows his subject and loves his subject. This is to be expected but, what over the top praise there is, is not distracting. This is a book about the development, manufacturing, and racing of Ford’s Boss Mustang. What do you expect him to say: “Yeah, good car, but overall, pretty much a wash between it and a Camaro.”
No, the Mustang is clearly a better car for this ilk, but it’s also pleasantly apparent that Farr doesn’t think the Mustang lives at the top of the mountain; just at the top of his mountain. Farr, by the by, is an editor at Mustang Monthly and has written a bunch of other Ford and pony-car related books.
In Boss Mustang: 50 Years, what Farr is really after, is a complete history of the pony car, from its late 1960s origin in Ford’s boardroom, to its Trans-Am successes, and then untimely demise in 1970.
Boss Mustang: 50 Years, chapter 6 cover photo. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Hidden Treasures
As you would expect, the book is thorough, without bogging you down with “inside baseball” stuff; like 369-page chapters on VIN codes and junk like that. Farr does give out specs, both relevant and fan-oriented. For instance, did you know that in 1969 there were 850 Boss Mustangs made? Sure, I bet some of you do. But do you know how many came in Wimbledon White? Royal Maroon?
Or how about this: do you know how many Ford made in Silver Jade? One. One! And get this: It was a factory painting mistake that was finished as a 429, then shipped to a Ford dealer in Colorado in 1970.
It is my truly fond wish that, right about now, there’s an old guy showing his grandson around a barn outside Greeley or Leadville or some place by Oak Creek and the kid asks, “why is that car a funny green color, grandpa?”
Boss Mustang: 50 Years, page 30. In 1969, the Boss 302 Mustang came in just four colors: Bright Yellow, Calypso Coral, Acapulco Blue, and Wimbledon White. Photo: Billy Jay Espich.
Big Boss Man
The book is split about 50/50 between the classic, 1960s Mustangs and the newer ones that received the Boss moniker about 40 years later. There’s a really nice development section about Ford’s refining (and refining and refining) of the reborn Boss. They didn’t just slap some stickers on it, grab a truck exhaust out of the parts bin, and call it good.
Ford doesn’t mess around and Farr shows this in detail.
Although a modern car maker today, Ford was resurrecting a beloved family name. If they went with a “good enough” approach, fans would have noticed. Ford eventually made them and sold them and raced them; and there was much rejoicing in Mustang clubs throughout the land. I rejoiced myself when I saw the heading on page 139 that read “Racing Improves The Breed,” something I have been saying for years.
That section of chapter 12 deals with the frustrations the Boss team faced on the track at the time.
Boss Mustang: 50 Years, page 158. This 2013 Boss 302 Mustang is making full use of its 444 “ponies” on the track. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
An Extra Resource
At the end there’s some nice appendices with tech specs and bibliographies and such. Better to put them there. You know where to find them (if a bench racing discussion is in full swing) because they don’t clutter up the body of the written content. All in all, this is a good book for your coffee table.
Boss Mustang: 50 Years is published by Motorbooks and, at the time of this writing, retails for $40.00.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.

Check out these Automotive tips

https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/automoblog-book-garage-boss-mustang-50-years/

2019 Volvo V60 Review: Quick, Versatile & Safe

2019 Volvo V60 Review: Quick, Versatile & Safe 93Solid 2019 Volvo V60 T6Overall Impression More fun than it looks.Good safety ratings/features.ProsVersatile Sleek DesignComfortable CabinConsSensus Interface Rear Passenger RoomVolvo has a range of family-friendly vehicles that are stylish, safe, and technologically-advanced. Offerings like the 2019 Volvo V60 are much different than the old boxy wagons of the past. However, the Swedish automaker is still one of the best if safety is your number one concern. Volvo remains one of the industry leaders in this area, and has loaded the new V60 with plenty of safety features.
This week, we drove the 2019 Volvo V60 T6 Momentum with all-wheel drive.
What’s New For 2019
The Volvo V60 is fully redesigned for the 2019 model year. The new V60 is built on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture, which underpins 90 and 60 Series models. The more sporty R-Design and the more luxurious Inscription trims are available for 2019.
Features & Options: Convenience & Safety
Standard features for the base Momentum T6 ($43,400) include 18-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights, automatic high beams, heated and rain-sensing wipers, roof rails, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. On the inside, drivers receive dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated 10-way power-adjustable front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Among the convenience features: keyless ignition, a hands-free liftgate, rearview camera, power-folding rear headrests, and power-split-folding rear seats with a center pass-through.
Tech features include the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. Bluetooth connectivity, streaming audio, satellite radio, and two USB ports each pair well with the 10-speaker audio system.
Volvo’s standard City Safety technology detects other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals like moose and deer, and can engage auto-braking to mitigate oncoming collisions. City Safety will also avoid or mitigate collisions with oncoming vehicles at intersections. Other safety features include steering support, oncoming lane mitigation, lane keeping aid, and run-off road protection. The Pilot Assist system, which supports drivers with steering, acceleration, and braking on well-marked roads up to 80 mph, also receives an update.
This tester came with the optional FOUR-C active chassis ($1,000) and 19-inch alloy wheels ($800). Total MSRP including destination: $46,195. By comparison, the 2019 Volvo V60 starts at $38,900 for the T5 front-wheel drive; $43,400 for the T6 all-wheel drive.

Related: An in-depth look at Volvo’s safety technology.
Interior Highlights: More Connectivity, But Less Intuitive
The Momentum may be the base trim, but it still features a stylish interior with premium materials. The overall ambiance is one of understated luxury, accompanied by some Swedish flair. Interior standouts include the heated leather seats and steering wheel, the panoramic sunroof, and automatic climate control. We especially liked the Art Deco aluminum inlays that give the cabin a more upscale feel.
Volvo improved the Sensus infotainment system for 2019. The quicker response times are necessary if you’re going to make use of the many entertainment applications like Spotify, Pandora, Baidu, and TuneIn. While the updates and increase in connectivity are welcome, we thought the tablet-style Sensus system wasn’t as intuitive as other vehicles we’ve tested.
The front seats are very comfortable in the 2019 Volvo V60. However, the middle seat in the rear has a high floor, which means passengers sitting there will have limited foot room. Volvo did increase overall cargo space; the V60 now has 23.2 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are upright; 50.9 cubic feet with the back row folded. The 40/20/40-split design makes the best use of the space available and offers some flexibility for carrying additional cargo.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The new V60 comes with a 2.0-liter, in-line four Drive-E engine paired to an eight-speed automatic. With its traverse all-wheel drive layout, the V60 T6 creates 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque via bi-charging. The supercharger on top of the turbo makes this a quick family hauler! In fact, with this engine, the V60 hits 60 mph in under six seconds. EPA fuel-mileage estimates come in at 21/31 city/highway and 25 combined mpg.
The T5 variant features an in-line four with a turbo only. With front-wheel drive, fuel economy improves to 24/36 city/highway and 28 combined mpg, although horsepower drops to 250.
Regardless of the weather, the 2019 Volvo V60 provides a feeling confidence and security, as the wagon is solid and quiet on the road.
Driving Dynamics: More Enjoyable Than It Looks
The 2019 Volvo V60 provides the convenience and utility of a hatchback, but the dynamics of a sedan. The V60 is fun to drive, and if we didn’t know it was a wagon, it would have fooled us into thinking it was a sports car. The 2.0-liter bi-charged engine has plenty of power, making it fun for the daily commute. The selectable drive modes add to the enjoyment.
Furthermore, the all-wheel drive T6 is a good choice for those who live on rough or unpaved roads, and in cold and snowy climates. It handled well in the snow and ice we encountered this week in the Denver area.
Perhaps most importantly for families, the Volvo V60 was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Throughout the city and around the steeper mountain curves, the big disc brakes on all four corners brought us to a quick stop when needed. But knowing Volvo’s City Safe system can detect larger animals, we had extra peace of mind traveling through the less populated areas outside of Denver.

The 2019 #Volvo V60 provides the convenience and utility of a hatchback, but the dynamics of a sedan.Click To TweetConclusion: Good Choice Overall
For young, active families who don’t need a ton of cargo space, the 2019 Volvo V60 is a good choice. You can take this wagon through the snow and the cabin is comfortable and quiet. Overall, despite it being a wagon, we would rate the driving experience on the high side, an added bonus if you’re an enthusiast.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his firsthand reviews are archived on our test drives page. Follow Denis on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Volvo V60 Gallery

Photos: Volvo Car USA, LLC. (Additional models and trim levels shown).

Check out these Automotive tips

https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2019-volvo-v60-review-quick-versatile-safe/

First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster Revealed

First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster Revealed Hey, BMW actually went and made a convertible version of their i8! That’s . . . that’s actually kind of cool! The i8, although not everything it’s cracked up to be, is a very interesting idea, and (thankfully) points to a green way forward that is not slow, dowdy, hair-shirted, and boring. Look: I know, you know, and anybody with half a brain knows that we are going to be driving electric cars, or some sort of hybrid car in the future. And I’ve said this countless times: if car manufacturers can make something like a Tesla Roadster in a Miata-like package and sell it inexpensively, the world will beat a path to that automaker’s door.
And BMW might be showing us the way forward.
Efficient Setup
The BMW i8, the first generation or this current iteration, are not the answer I just described. They’re not exactly cheap nor are they really sports cars. What they are though, is a good indication of how a car company can move forward with various and sundry green initiatives and still have cars that are fun to drive and, you know, behave like the cars we already enjoy. The i8 uses a fairly complex layout of batteries and electric motors and a small, gas-fueled engine. The engine is there to provide forward momentum to the rear wheels only and to charge the batteries. The idea is that you drive around on EV power as much as you can, but if you start to run out of juice, the engine kicks in, charges the EV system, and you’ve still got motive power as long as there’s gas in the tank. You can drive around town as an EV, then take off for the hinterlands hundreds of miles away, and not worry about range.
Open Air Excitement
The most important thing about the 2019 BMW i8 is how you can now get it in a drop-top convertible. Although this is not a targa or some slight of hand like, the i8 Roadster does have those silly humps and roll over structure deals behind the passenger compartment. It’s one of those lawyer things; I don’t really care for them in general and I think they kind of ruin the lines here. The lines of the BMW i8 are, well, they are still unconventional. It’s not a bad looking car, per se, it just seems BMW went out of their way to make it look futuristic, but kind of missed on the overall style. Still, it’s not a terrible looking car.
Bucking the ongoing trend of folding hard tops, the i8 Roadster goes with an all-season fabric soft-top with additional soundproofing baked in. The top, which is electrically operated, can be opened or closed in less than 16 seconds and while the vehicle is in motion up to 31 mph, a flashy but cool thing to do. BMW says the i8 Roadster’s top stows away in a perpendicular position, and honestly, I’m trying to picture what they mean by this. I guess the best I can do is trust that it goes back there somewhere and that everything will be okay.
There’s also some fancy colors and trim options. Specifically, we’ve got E-Copper metallic and Donington Grey metallic added to the palette. We have new versions of the standard 20-inch BMW alloy wheels in a radial-spoke style bicolor design with a Jet Black theme as an option.
Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Power & Performance
BMW, never one to not over-label things, calls the drivetrain package “BMW eDrive technology, BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.” Sure, whatever. What that basically means is the internal combustion engine and plug-in hybrid-specific all-wheel drive system work in concert as a squadron of computers see fit, so all you have to do is mash on the “gas” pedal, and down the Straße you go.
What it means in more detail is that the i8’s TwinPower Turbo plant is a 1,499 cc three-cylinder gasoline engine, that on its own puts out 228 horsepower and 236 lb-ft. of torque. The engine’s power is delivered to the rear wheels only via a six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The electric motor takes care of the front wheels through a two-speed automatic gearbox. Why the Bavarians threw a gearbox in there is beyond me, but there it is.
The lithium-ion battery pack has greater battery cell capacity, going up from 20 to 34 ampere hours; gross energy capacity improves from 7.1 to 11.6 kilowatt hours. Since the batteries now hold more juice, the extra energy reserves increase the electric motor’s peak output by 12 horsepower to 141 horsepower. And of course, all of the electric torque (184 lb-ft.) is available from a standstill. All this adds up to an electric only range of 18 miles, 30 percent more than before. Ergo, if you add the electric torque and power from the front wheels with the engine power heading to the rear, you get a car that really goes, turns, and stops like a BMW should. 60 mph comes up in 4.4 seconds for the BMW i8 Roadster while the top end is electronically limited at 155 mph. Boo! Hisssss! How do we take the limiters off?
Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Pricing & Availability
Sadly, no word from BMW on price or availability. The first generation i8s weren’t cheap, but they weren’t all that crazy expensive either. Is it worth it? That’s up to you to decide. If the roadster isn’t your thing, a coupe option is available as well. The charts below explain the high points of each car. The i8 is a pretty good answer on how we move forward without wrecking the planet any more than we already have. And besides, if BMW can work the kinks out of the drivetrain in this car, imagine what they could do with it in other cars.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

Photos, Charts, & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.

Check out these Automotive tips

https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/first-ever-bmw-i8-roadster-revealed/

Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant Responds To Growing Luxury Vehicle Demand

Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant Responds To Growing Luxury Vehicle Demand The Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator are selling like hotcakes! Lincoln dealers say they cannot order new Navigators fast enough; the luxury SUVs are on the lot an average of just seven days before being sold. It’s a similar story for the Expedition, with an increased transaction price of $7,800 and retail sales up nearly 57 percent last month. Like the Navigator, the new Expedition is lucky to spend a week on dealer lots, with the high-level Platinum trim accounting for nearly 30 percent of total sales.
“The response from customers regarding our new full-size SUVs has been exceptional,” said Joe Hinrichs, President, Global Operations, Ford Motor Company.
Demanding The Finest
It’s worth noting how the higher trim levels continue to be the most desired in Ford’s lineup. With regard to the Navigator, nearly 85 percent of all buyers are opting for the higher-end Black Label and Reserve models. In fact, demand for the Black Label and Reserve series contributed to an average transaction price increase of more than $21,000 in January versus a year ago. Add to that how Navigator retail sales were up triple digits in every region of the country last month, and the growing interest from younger buyers, and it’s easy to see the demand is there.
In order to meet this seemingly insatiable appetite for large, luxurious SUVs, Ford is doubling down on their manufacturing strategies at the Kentucky Truck Plant, home of the Navigator and Expedition. The magic number in Louisville is 25: Production targets were increased approximately 25 percent and an additional $25 million is coming to increase overall “operational fitness.”
Sam Kirtley and Derek Clark of Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant work with a collaborative robot to prepare glass for installation. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Factory Fit
The investment covers more than 400 new robots at the Kentucky Truck Plant, many of which were utilized during a remodeling of the body shop last year. The robots inevitably increase line speed but also keep employees safe from repetitive-motion injuries. A special “robot lab” was added, where software is tested and potential issues undergo troubleshooting away from the factory floor.
Also onsite in Louisville is a new 3D printer so parts and tools can be made quickly and economically. In most cases, manufacturing a prototype part with traditional methods can take eight to 16 weeks at a cost of more than $250,000 in tooling. Producing that same part with 3D printing can take days – or maybe just hours – and can be done for a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Wayne McKinney of Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant checks a part that was just printed using a new 3D printer. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Analytics & Vending Machines
Finally, the investment includes an overhaul to the data analytics system so the assembly line moves as efficiently as possible. These systems are as interesting as they are complex but in short, they help plant officials address thousands of concerns in near-real time. The “data analytics hub” at the Kentucky Truck Plant includes seven big-screen TVs with minute-by-minute updates showing whether production is on schedule or not. Any potential concerns are flagged and can be addressed accordingly.
The system also notifies workers as parts are running low so they can have a new batch delivered to their area before they run out. And like in the break room, a spare parts “vending machine” allows workers to easily locate any part.
“Using a combination of Ford’s advanced manufacturing and American hard work and ingenuity, we’ll deliver more high-quality Lincoln Navigators and Ford Expeditions to customers than originally planned,” Hinrichs said.
Brad Steward and Dan Boone of Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant review information at the plant’s data analytic center. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Kentucky Truck
The Kentucky Truck Plant opened in 1969 and employs more than 8,400 people, about 8,100 of which are hourly. The plant builds the Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Super Duty. Like the two former, the latter has a higher-end trim level Ford says is directly proportional to what buyers are looking for today, i.e. luxury and premium features. In fact, the demand for all three is so strong, workers are taking overtime, voluntary, and weekend shifts in Louisville.
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.
Kentucky Truck Gallery

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/fords-kentucky-truck-plant-responds-to-growing-luxury-vehicle-demand/

These Special Lexus Models Will Be Rare

These Special Lexus Models Will Be Rare Did you know Lexus has been making “F” cars for ten years? Wait, did you know that Lexus was even making F cars? I did but I didn’t know that. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew Lexus had this F designation, but I never knew what it designated. So here we are, ten years on, and we get to celebrate, what, exactly?
According to Lexus, that F badge means the car has “the purest expression of Lexus performance.” Sure, whatever. Essentially F is to Lexus what M is to BMW and S is to Audi. F is the performance sub-brand within Lexus itself. And, to say the least, Lexus is pretty durned happy about making these things for ten years.
Windy City Showcase
They are so happy in fact, that at this year’s Chicago Auto Show, the Japanese luxo-brand rolled out not one but two commemorative rides: The 2018 Lexus GS F and RC F 10th Anniversary. The GS F and RC F special editions are set to arrive at Lexus dealers this summer and, unsurprisingly, will come with exclusive features befitting of limited-edition models.
Starting with the outside, both cars come in a matte finish Nebula Gray paint scheme. This is a fond return to matte finishes for Lexus, since the last time they used it was on their LFA supercar. And while we’re here: Hey Lexus, when are we going to get a follow-on to the LFA? Anyhoo, Lexus says this new Nebula Gray has been toughened up for “the rigors of everyday use, including the ability to withstand the average mechanized car wash.” That’s nice of them.
Polished black multispoke 19-inch wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires come standard, and contrast nicely with the dark gray paint. Beneath these fancy wheels are blue brake calipers to add a splash of color.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Deep Blue Something
On the inside, that theme continues with blue carbon fiber trim for the panels and dash with blue leather accents throughout. Further cool anniversary stuff to be found in the RC F coupe are the sport seats outlined in blue leather with white accents, and a blue shift knob. Same goes for the steering wheel and instrument panel. For the GS F, there’s additional blue carbon trim on the center console, a blue suede dash, and blue seatbelt straps.
Blue, blue, blue. Everywhere blue!
The Lexus GS F and RC F 10th Anniversary will feature an interior themed in blue. Pictured here is the GS F. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Power & Performance
Powertrain-wise, both the coupe and sedan work with the same 467 horsepower 5.0-liter V8, but there are differences and tweaks here and there. The plant in the RC F coupe sends the grunt to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic box. Lexus says this is good enough to scoot to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Nice! There’s also a Torsen limited-slip diff as standard, along with variable dampers (shocks) and multiple drive modes. If you want to take up the option, there’s a torque vectoring differential available. Take it.
Like I said, the GS F sedan has the same mill and also works with the same eight-speed automatic to put power to the rears. The torque vectoring diff, however, comes standard. Even though the GS F is a sedan, it is only a tic slower than the RC F coupe, clocking 4.5 seconds from a stop to 60 mph. Oh, and it gets up to 24 mpg on the highway. Not bad! Variable dampers? Check. A selection of drive modes? Also check, but there’s a full custom setting allowing you to adjust different parameters. Slick.
Lexus RC F. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Pricing & Availability
Finally, there is the nearly compulsory engraved plaque bragging about the car’s limited-edition status. And by limited, Lexus means only 240 10th Anniversary RC Fs will be seen on the streets. That works out to one anniversary RC F per U.S. dealer. So get line now. If your tastes run more toward the GS F, you really got to hustle, since there will be only 100 of them.
Lexus says there will be additional packages for both, but cryptically notes they “will be required.” What on Earth that means, I do not know. There’s no word on pricing either.
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.
2018 Lexus GS F Gallery

2018 Lexus RC F Gallery

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

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/these-special-lexus-models-will-be-rare/

Range Rover Sport Climbs To Heaven’s Gate

Range Rover Sport Climbs To Heaven’s Gate The Range Rover Sport has just completed the Dragon Challenge, climbing up to the arch of Heaven’s Gate, one of China’s most famous landmarks. The Range Rover Sport is the first vehicle in history to accomplish such a feat, covering nearly a thousand steps after it started at the bottom of the seven-mile Tianmen Mountain Road, also known as the Dragon Road.
“This was the hardest Range Rover Sport challenge I’ve ever been involved with because, until we reached the top, we couldn’t categorically say we would succeed,” explained Phil Jones, Land Rover Experience Expert.
Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Stairway to Heaven
The Range Rover Sport was fitted with special, reinforced tires for Panasonic Jaguar Racing’s Ho-Pin Tung, who piloted the SUV for the endeavor. The Range Rover Sport was equipped with the Terrain Response system and placed in “Dynamic” mode. At the summit of the road, Ho-Pin Tung optimized the Terrain Response system for the second part of the challenge, allowing him to climb the 45-degree staircase consisting of 99 turns and 999 steps, ultimately leading him to Heaven’s Gate.
“I’ve experienced Formula E, Formula 1, and won at the 24 Hours of Le Mans but this was without doubt one of the most demanding driving challenges I’ve ever faced,” he said.
“By making it to the summit, we’ve proven the phenomenal capability of the Range Rover Sport like never before – with a genuine world first,” Jones added.

Endurance Marathons
The Dragon Challenge is the latest in a series of events completed by the Range Rover Sport, which received a host of technology and design updates for 2018. The vehicle made its debut in a race against two-time open-water swimming world champion Keri-anne Payne and endurance athlete Ross Edgley in Devon, UK. Previous accomplishments include a record-setting hill-climb at Pikes Peak, a record-crossing of the “Empty Quarter” desert in the Arabian Peninsula, and a 7,119 foot descent of the Inferno downhill course in Mürren, Switzerland.
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: Jaguar Land Rover.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/range-rover-sport-climbs-to-heavens-gate/

2019 Volkswagen Arteon: Not So Fastback

2019 Volkswagen Arteon: Not So Fastback Meet the 2019 Volkswagen Arteon, the automaker’s latest to arise from their now ubiquitous MQB platform. VW unveiled the car at the Chicago Auto Show, billing it as a flagship fastback with an upscale interior and innovate technology. Further to that, VW has high aspirations for the Arteon.
“The Arteon is Volkswagen’s brand shaper,” explained Hinrich J. Woebcken, CEO of the North American Region, Volkswagen. “This car is the spiritual successor to the CC, but it is bolder and faster.”
Underpinnings
The Arteon is characterized by the aforementioned Modular Transverse Matrix architecture, or more commonly known as MQB. The architecture facilitates a “cab-backward design,” giving the Arteon a different look than the CC. For example, the Arteon’s wheelbase is more than 5 inches longer than the CC – 111.9 inches versus 106.7 inches – and is paired with shorter overhangs for more dynamic proportions. Arteon is longer and wider as well, meaning more interior space when compared to the CC.
Power & Performance
The 2019 VW Arteon will jet down the highway courtesy of a 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine with direct-injection. The engine creates 268 horsepower, 258 lb-ft. of torque, and is paired to an eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard but VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system is available on every trim level. The Arteon utilizes a standard DCC adaptive damping system, which manages the suspension’s rebound and compression rates individually to maximize ride and handling dynamics.
2019 Volkswagen Arteon on display at the Chicago Auto Show, McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois.
Exterior Design
VW says the exterior design resembles a “true fastback” and that it “harkens more to luxury models with its wide, planted stance and sloping rear roofline.” Okay, so fair enough. We don’t doubt the luxury elements and the planted stance, but as far as the fastback part goes, in terms of exterior styling, the Arteon is nowhere near as visually appealing as the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe or Kia Stinger. Against those two, it’s C plus at best.
The Arteon is a nice enough looking car, but next to its Gran Turismo contemporaries, the styling barely moves the needle. It’s boring and dry, unfortunately, and filled with significantly more meh than marvel. Still, the Arteon is likely to be embraced by VW fans and should satisfy a good swath of buyers when it arrives.
“Arteon has the style and performance of a luxury Gran Turismo for about the price of a fully loaded midsize sedan,” Woebcken said.
The Arteon is characterized by LED headlights and taillights, a wide chrome grille, and frameless side windows. Dual trapezoidal exhaust tips, chrome window surrounds, and a rear decklid spoiler compliment the standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. 19-inch wheels are available.
Interior Treatments
Drivers will find a host of premium materials throughout that make for a modern and sophisticated feel. Such niceties include standard heated front seats with leatherette surfaces, while ventilated front seats, massaging driver’s seat, Nappa leather, heated rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof are all available.
Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit adorns the 2019 Arteon, which helps drivers mange, configure, and position key data like navigation. The Car-Net App-Connect system, a focal point of the Arteon, is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Availability & In Person
The 2019 Volkswagen Arteon will be available in SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trim levels when it arrives during the third quarter of this year. In the meantime, the vehicle is on display at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show now through the 19th at the McCormick Place in Chicago.
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.
2019 Volkswagen Arteon Gallery

Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2019-volkswagen-arteon-not-so-fastback/

Dodge Durango Upgrade Packages Add Super Cool Features For Little Coin

Dodge Durango Upgrade Packages Add Super Cool Features For Little Coin Ask Dodge any question today and the answer is horsepower! And we’re not just talking about the Charger and Challenger either. The Durango posts up numbers that rival both cars and does so with a lot more cargo space! For example, the new for 2018 Durango SRT features a 392-cubic-inch HEMI V8 with 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft. of torque. This family hauler hits 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and runs the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds as certified by the National Hot Rod Association.
And now enthusiasts can customize their Dodge Durango even further.
Underrated Performer
The Dodge Durango is, in our minds, underrated and unfortunately lost in a flooded SUV market. Those who have an affinity for performance or muscle cars but have “grown up” will find the Durango satisfies both ends of the spectrum. Plenty of room, comfort, and connectivity technology for the family, and plenty of grunt under the hood and exterior styling to match. If the Durango can be labeled anything it most certainly won’t be classified as boring.
This latest round of upgrades focuses on the Durango R/T and SRT. In short, it consists of factory-custom stripes and performance exhaust systems. The Durango SRT, however, will offer a carbon fiber interior option and a lowering spring kit to improve handing. Here is the breakdown of each upgrade package.

Dual Stripes
The dual exterior stripes span the front and rear fascias, hood, and portions of the roof and the tailgate. The stripes are offered in five colors: Bright Blue, Flame Red, Gunmetal Low Gloss (metallic finish), Low Gloss Black, and Sterling Silver (metallic finish). Dealer orders for the new stripe package will start in March for $1,195.
Exhaust System
This Mopar performance exhaust kit was developed alongside Dodge and SRT engineers. The bolt-on system is designed for improved flow, sound, and overall performance. The chromium 304 stainless steel construction is said to improve corrosion resistance while the stainless steel, band-style clamps provide tighter seals. The system is finished with welded and polished 4-inch tips.
The performance exhaust system for the Durango SRT (Part Number 77072487) goes for $1,850 and will be available in the second quarter. The new Durango R/T system (Part Number 77072479) is already available for $1,595.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Lowering Kit
Like the exhaust system, Mopar worked closely with Dodge and SRT engineers, using proprietary data unavailable to the aftermarket, to tune the lowering springs to the factory-fitted dampers. The lowering spring kit improves the Durango’s high-speed performance and handling, dropping the vehicle an average of 15 mm (0.6 inches). The kit minimizes rear-end squat during acceleration and lessens the “nose dive” effect under heavy braking.
The new spring kit (Part Number 77072488) will be available in March for $325.00. Considering the benefits, that’s a really excellent price.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Interior Treatments
Last but not least, the SRT Interior Appearance Group features a premium-wrapped instrument panel, Dinamica soft-touch headliner, and accent paint throughout. This package of fine touches is already available for $2,495.
In Person
Dodge is showcasing these new, decked-out Durangos at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, now through the 19th. If you add any of these modifications to your Durango, send us a picture and we will share it on our Twitter page.
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.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/dodge-durango-upgrade-packages-add-super-cool-features-for-little-coin/