Automotive

The all-new third generation Bentley Continental GT rolls out of Crewe for the latest jet set

The all-new third generation Bentley Continental GT rolls out of Crewe for the latest jet set Bentley’s latest is the next-generation Continental GT coupe, bound for the nearest affluent neighborhood near you.
What’s going on?
Bentley just revealed the third-generation Continental GT, one of the most iconic, luxurious, and fastest grand tourer coupes to date. Like the previous models, the newest Continental GT combines the very best in British hand-craftsmanship with German engineering. That means a completely revised 6.0L TSI W12 motor, further developed by Volkswagen, and stunning performance to match.
If the new Continental GT looks familiar, that’s because it’s inspired heavily by the beautiful EXP 10 Speed-Six Concept from the 2015 Geneva Auto Show. And that’s a good thing as the resemblances are strong, as if the EXP 10 Speed-Six literally morphed from its concept form into production. When first previewed, Bentley even admitted the EXP 10 Speed-Six previewed the next-gen Continental GT.
So after much anticipation, it’s finally here, delivering on those promises.
“Bentley has been at the forefront of luxury Grand Touring for nearly one hundred years. The new, third-generation Continental GT is the pinnacle of our design and engineering achievements and marks the next step in Bentley’s journey,” said CEO, Wolfgang Dürheimer at the press conference.
“We are the world leader in luxury mobility and our products and services define new luxury in the automotive world. The new Continental GT encapsulates our desire to innovate as well as celebrate our heritage and take the Bentley ownership experience to the next, unparalleled level.”

What powers it?
Under the long hood sits the same 6.0L TSI gasoline W12 as previous Continental GTs. But now, it’s been updated to offer 626 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of twist. Mated to an also new twin-clutch eight-speed automatic, 0-60 mph happens in just 3.6 seconds with a top run of 207 mph, making it the latest and greatest Bentley to enter the 200 mph club.
Delivering the power is standard all-wheel drive, though the system in the latest car is completely new. The old car’s system operated at a 40:60 percent power split between the front and rear. Now, the new car’s all-paw system functions mostly in rear-wheel-drive mode, transferring power to the front wheels only when needed for extra traction, like during the inclement of weather. Bentley says the result is a more dynamic handling experience and ultimately, less understeer.
Like most other performance-oriented luxury cars, the Continental GT comes with driver selectable profiles that adjust various operating parameters according to the chosen mode. For instance, in Sport mode, the Continental GT’s throttle, transmission response, steering, and adaptive air suspension all tighten up and become more responsive. Comfort mode is obviously meant for cruising long distances.
What else is new?
The Continuous Damping Control and Electric Power-Assisted Steering are also newly developed to offer better and improved performance. It features an advanced 48-volt roll control system, which basically translates into a stunning amount of computing power. This means it can monitor and adjust the electronically-adaptive anti-roll bars for each axle almost instantly. Bentley currently touts the system is the only one of its kind and unrivaled in its class.
It also sits on a new platform, which helps the Continental GT shed a considerable amount of weight for improved handling and performance.
When will it go on sale and for how much?
Such details weren’t released with the initial unveiling of the Continental GT. But given how it’s a Bentley, you can expect the price to be rather high. Also, since it’s labeled as a 2018 car, you can expect it to launch in Europe in the coming months. Its arrival in America will likely take place sometime next year.
– By: Chris Chin
2018 Bentley Continental GT Specifications

2018 Bentley Continental GT Photo Gallery

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2017 Lexus RC 350 AWD Coupe Review

2017 Lexus RC 350 AWD Coupe Review

Toyota’s Chief Executive Officer, Akio Toyoda said he wanted to infuse the Lexus brand with a new spirit. The new mission comes from his racing background and love for fast cars. The CEO of Toyota knew he had to change the culture at Lexus in order to survive. Toyoda wants to compete with the BMW 4 Series, Audi A5, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Cadillac ATS coupe, and the RC 350 was his answer.
This week we saw how Lexus was doing in keeping up with their competitors.
What’s New For 2017
The Lexus RC 350 remains unchanged for 2017.
Features & Options
The 2017 Lexus RC 350 all-wheel drive coupe ($45,175) comes with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, power front seats, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, Bluetooth connectivity, a 7-inch color display, voice controls, and a 10-speaker sound system with satellite radio. Also standard is Lexus Enform Service Connect, which provides access to vehicle status and maintenance alerts via a smartphone app.
The Navigation/Mark Levinson package ($2,550) adds a console-mounted touchpad controller, upgraded voice controls, navigation, smartphone app integration (including Destination Search, Yelp, Pandora, and iHeartRadio), and a 17-speaker surround-sound audio system.
The F Sport package ($3,700) pads on appearance items such as a mesh grille and a unique front fascia. The substantive bits include 19-inch wheels with all-season (AWD) tires, adaptive sport-tuned suspension dampers, and sport front seats. F Sport models also get perforated leather upholstery and trim, heated/cooled seats, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel (with a heated rim on AWD models), driver-seat memory settings, and a special instrument cluster. Triple beam LED headlights add ($1,160), moonroof ($1,100), and LED fog lamps ($470).
Total MSRP including destination: $57,198.

Interior Highlights
The cabin’s two-tone black and burgundy color scheme is especially attractive and the F SPORT front seats were comfortable and supportive during our spirited driving this week. The interior features plenty of soft touch material and the quality is first class. If you are looking for comfort, the heated and cooled F Sport front seats will provide it. The F SPORT badge on the bottom of the steering wheel and aluminum sport pedals set the cabin apart from the standard model. The RC still keeps an analog clock, which we think is an interesting choice.
The 10-way power driver seat comes with three pre-set adjustments for different drivers in the family. Push button start and the cooled front seats made the drives comfortable in the August heat we had in Denver. Don’t expect the back seat to be used for hauling adult passengers, however. It’s tight and only useful for smaller children and cargo, though this is normal for a sport coupe. Trunk volume is also a slim 10.4 cubic feet, just big enough for two golf bags.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Lexus RC 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6, delivering 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft. of torque. The RC 350 will launch from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds which is just about average for a sports coupe. A six-speed automatic with steering wheel paddle shifters came with our full-time all-wheel drive tester. It gets an EPA estimated 19/26 city/highway and 21 combined mpg.
Driving Dynamics
The all-wheel drive RC 350 provides a sporty feel with enough power to handle nearly any driving situation. The optional F SPORT package features a firmer, adaptive suspension, different gauges, and other performance goodies that make this Lexus coupe higher on the fun-to-drive meter than the standard variant. The Lexus RC 350 is well-suited for the performance enthusiast looking for an enjoyable, capable daily driver, and we suggest adding the optional F Sport package. Besides sporty cosmetic touches inside and out, it also adds the adaptive suspension, which improves the overall ride comfort and handling.
The Lexus RC 350 handled extremely well in the curves as we tested the coupe on mountain roads this week. The 306 horsepower V6 has enough power for most driving enthusiasts and we had no problem powering past slower drivers going up I-70, into the mountains, at altitude. If you want the more “torquey” response of the turbocharged engines used by rivals, you may want to look elsewhere, but the naturally aspirated engine in the Lexus RC 350 has a smooth, linear acceleration feel suited for daily driving.
Conclusion
The 2017 Lexus RC 350 is a good choice for those looking for a reasonably performing sports coupe. It’s not as engaging as its German rivals, but the Lexus is a solid choice in the luxury sport coupe segment. The RC 350 with or without the optional F SPORT package offers ample power, agile handling, and makes for a comfortable daily driver.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Lexus RC 350 Gallery

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2017 Lexus RC Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Autonomous Pizza Delivery? The Future Is Here!

Autonomous Pizza Delivery? The Future Is Here!

Autonomous driving, if perfected, represents a major societal advancement. Should we arrive at this proposed future, it may mean the end of traffic accidents, better infrastructure, and reduced emissions.
It might also forever change the future of pizza delivery.
Domino’s Pizza and Ford Motor Company are partnering to examine how self-driving cars impact pizza delivery. The collaboration will analyze consumer reactions in an attempt to understand the dynamics of future food delivery. And just when you think you’ve seen it all huh?
Consumer Vision
Ford is heavily invested in autonomous driving, with plans to begin driverless car production in 2021. Further, Ford wants to find ways for their driverless cars to directly enhance a customer’s experience with the technology, hence the collaboration with Domino’s.
“As we increase our understanding of the business opportunity for self-driving vehicles to support the movement of people and goods, we’re pleased to have Domino’s join us in this important part of the development process,” said Sherif Marakby, Vice President, Autonomous and Electric Vehicles, Ford Motor Company. “As a company focused on the customer experience, Domino’s shares our vision for a future enabled by smart vehicles in a smart environment that enhance people’s lives.”
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Market Evaluation
Over the next several weeks, randomly-selected Domino’s customers in Ann Arbor, Michigan can elect to receive their order from a Ford Fusion Hybrid Autonomous Research Vehicle. A Ford safety engineer and other researchers will be in the vehicle to monitor the process. Those who participate are able to track their pizza through the vehicle’s GPS with an upgraded version of Domino’s Tracker. As the pizza gets closer, an unlock code for the Domino’s Heatwave Compartment inside the vehicle will be texted to the customer.
“The majority of our questions are about the last 50 feet of the delivery experience,” explained Russell Weiner, President of Domino’s USA. “For instance, how will customers react to coming outside to get their food? We’re interested to learn what people think about this type of delivery.”
Ford and Domino’s will even be monitoring where the car is parked when it arrives with the customer’s pizza.
“We need to understand if a customer’s experience is different if the car is parked in the driveway versus next to the curb,” Weiner continued. “All of our testing research is focused on our goal to someday make deliveries with self-driving vehicles as seamless and customer-friendly as possible.”
“As delivery experts, we’ve been watching the development of self-driving vehicles with great interest as we believe transportation is undergoing fundamental, dramatic change,” added Patrick Doyle, Domino’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Local Support
Domino’s unique Heatwave Compartment was fabricated by Roush Enterprises. Ford and Domino’s conducted preliminary testing of the autonomous delivery process at Mcity, the simulated urban environment on the University of Michigan’s campus in Ann Arbor.
“I’m delighted that Ann Arbor continues to be at the forefront of autonomous vehicle research,” said Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor. “While it’s pizza delivery today, my hope is that collaborations such as this will enable even more innovations tomorrow.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company, Domino’s Pizza.

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Enjoy This Gallery of Orange Ford Mustangs Just Because

Enjoy This Gallery of Orange Ford Mustangs Just Because Okay, so, admittedly, some of these Mustangs look yellow or red (and even brown), but Ford says they are orange, so we are going with it.

Ford released these nostalgic photos to celebrate the availability of Cyber Orange, a metallic tri-coat, for the new Mustang Mach-E GT.

“Mustang has always turned heads and Mustang Mach-E will be no exception,” said Dave Pericak, Director, Ford Icons. “We can’t wait for Cyber Orange to hit the streets on Mustang Mach-E GT next year to fuel the passion of our orange Mustang fans.”

“Cyber Orange says ‘look at me’,” added Janet Seymour, Mustang and Mustang Mach-E color & materials design manager. “There’s a certain passion in Mustang customers who really want to show off their Mustang – especially those that look to make a bold statement.”

Deliveries of the Mustang Mach-E will begin in the summer of 2021. In the meantime, enjoy this gallery of orange (red, yellow, and brown) Mustangs.

Also, knock-knock . . .

Who’s there?

Mustang . . .

Mustang who?

Orange you glad we didn’t say Camaro?

1965 Ford Mustang1977 Ford Mustang1978 Ford Mustang1979 Ford Mustang Cobra1980 Ford Mustang LX2004 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra2009 Ford Mustang2015 Ford Mustang2018 Ford Mustang GT in Orange Fury with Performance Pack2020 Ford Mustang GT5002021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Cyber Orange Rear Profile2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Cyber Orange Front Profile2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Cyber OrangeOriginal article: Enjoy This Gallery of Orange Ford Mustangs Just Because

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Audi Driving Experience Opens To All Enthusiasts

Audi Driving Experience Opens To All Enthusiasts

Audi, like a number of other car companies, is doing that “driving academy,” “driving weekend,” “track experience” thing where they let you flog their cars and, hopefully, by the end of it, make a few sales. In Audi’s case, their deal is called The Audi Driving Experience and it takes place at the Circuit of The Americas, or COTA, in Austin, Texas. My initial response upon hearing this can be summed up in six words: SEND ME, SEND ME, SEND ME!!!
Come One, Come All
Look, I am not that much of a track-tard – to use the current parlance of those who spend every waking minute either at, going to, or prepping to get whatever car they can afford to the track. Then again, I am not above wanting to drive the bejeebers out of someone else’s car on a track, especially in a relatively consequence-free way. Plus, I am almost sure we have corporate insurance here at Automoblog for something like this.
The all-new driving experience that Audi of America put together in collaboration with the Circuit of The Americas is specifically for customers and fans. To me, that kinda reads like you don’t have to have already bought an Audi, just convince them that you’re considering one. Audi says their Driving Experience is open year-round to drivers of all experience levels. Meaning you can be a complete stoop of a driver with fists of ham and fingers of butter and a small, yet burgeoning career as an automotive “journalist” and still be invited (nudge-nudge, wink-wink, hint-hint).
The program is more than just turning you loose on the track by yourself though. It includes hands-on coaching from professional instructors, dynamic car control exercises, proper cornering techniques, and high speed lead and follow exercises on the track. All of which sound very enlightening and fun.
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Healthy Stable

And the cars, you ask? What kind of Audis do you get to drive? Oh, that’s where things go from the ridiculous to the sublime. The vehicles featured include the Audi Q7 (yes, that would be the huge, Shamu-like SUV thing) the all-new RS 3 (interesting, yes) the Audi TT RS (potentially more interesting still) and the R8 V10 plus (which is where I stop typing and start calling the purchasing and accounting department at One Automoblog Towers and beg them for the cash).
The nuts and bolts break down into four distinct track activities: The Audi Sport dynamic experience, Audi Sport track initiation experience, Audi Sport R8 track initiation experience, and the Audi Sport R8 pro track experience. Each offer unique programs that span from half-day, one day or two day experiences, and each program comprises a classroom session followed by “a hands-on interactive experience.” Or, to put it in terms you gearhead track-tards will grok: You get to go drive!
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Dynamic & Track Initiation Experience
The Audi Sport dynamic experience gets you guidance from a professional instructor, with an introduction to understanding and working the key principles of performance driving. The driving seems to take place in the paddock and features the Audi RS 3 and the TT RS.
The Audi Sport track initiation experience, which I sincerely hope does not involve goats or the full moon, is a half-day program where you get to master vehicle control and handling in the TT RS, RS 3, and the R8 V10 plus. Audi says this is through “dynamic exercises that demand a high level of coordination utilizing both the exercise paddocks and the circuit.” All I know is that I heard the phrase “and the circuit,” and stopped worrying about the particulars.
The next step up is the Audi Sport R8 track initiation experience (also sans goats et al (I hope)). This is a one-day program that gets you behind the wheel of the R8 V10 plus to “discover its full potential on the Formula 1 Circuit.” To me, that sounds like “have fun over-cooking it.” The Audi Sport R8 track initiation experience revolves around race course sector training. This allows you to get acquainted with all of the race track’s particular features before trying to string an entire, hopefully flawless, lap together.
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.

R8 Pro Track Experience
And finally, we arrive at the summit, the Audi Sport R8 pro track experience. First you have to complete the Audi Sport R8 track initiation experience, carry a burning brazier with your forearms, and save Ra’s Al Ghul, but then you go through training with the professional instructors for two days behind the wheel of the R8 V10 plus. And, you know, to me, that sounds like a pretty good bargain, all in all. Audi says this is “designed for true driving enthusiasts,” to which I respond with a resounding “duh!”
And, of course, there are extras. In addition to the pro instructors, you also get to enjoy dedicated suites and garages along with catered meals. All this and a free lunch too!? What’s not to like?
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photos & Source: Audi of America, Inc.

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Automoblog Book Garage: The Art of Mopar

Automoblog Book Garage: The Art of Mopar

“There’s an adage in Detroit,” writes Tom Glatch on page 44 in The Art of Mopar. “You can sell an old man a young man’s car but you can never sell a young man an old man’s car.”
Glatch describes how in 1966, Dodge was an old man’s marquee, quickly sinking in a sea of youthful baby boomers. Although a vibrant spokeswoman, a brilliant designer, and a powerhouse car would later turn the tides. Many enthusiasts will know the latter; Mopar muscle aficionados will likely know all three. And that Detroit adage has yet to leave town.
In This Corner . . .
Page 171 documents the words of Car and Driver in 1970 that proposed Chrysler never did anything first (unless we are counting minivans but that’s a conversation for another day). However, Glatch insists Car and Driver missed both the Dodge Charger and Plymouth Road Runner, who Ford and General Motors seemed to overlook as well; neither the blue oval nor the bowtie breathed an answer to these Mopar machines. Although the honorable automotive publication did get one thing right about Chrysler in their 1970 assessment: “it tries to make up for being late by jumping into said spot harder than anybody else.”
The reason why that’s still true? 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon.
And we will leave it at that.
Fly Like An Eagle (Or Bee)
Detailed sidebars decorate the pages of Art of Mopar, highlighting the features, options, pricing, and performance specs of Chrysler’s muscle cars at the time. Interesting stories are told along the way, like how a carving on a kitchen table inspired the most famous Mopar logo ever. Indeed, The Art of Mopar is one of our all-time favorites to appear in this Book Garage series. To paint the picture a little more clearly, since the book arrived in the mail, we have yet to put it down. Our Detroit office is filled with the psychedelic sounds of the Steve Miller Band, and I’m fantasizing about a Dodge Charger Daytona right this moment instead of focusing on my work.
The Art of Mopar reinforces why we continue to love things with four tires, three pedals, two brass balls, and one big flippin’ engine. To the two Toms that worked on this book, hats off to you good sirs.
1968 Dodge Charger 426 Hemi. Photo: Tom Loeser.
Author & Photographer
Since 1983, Glatch has contributed hundreds of stories and photographs to major collector, Corvette, Mustang, muscle car, and Mopar magazines. Glatch grew up during the muscle car era, later owning a 1970 Plymouth Duster 340. He and his wife Kelly have contributed photographs for others in the Motorbooks family. When not pursuing old muscle cars, he works for a Fortune 500 corporation as a data and systems analyst and developer.
Tom Loeser has worked as a Firefighter for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (now known as CAL Fire), as a graphic designer and photographer, and as chief photographer for the Long Beach Grand Prix. He is now a full-time book photographer and has worked on a range of Motorbooks’ titles.
The Art of Mopar: Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth Muscle Cars is available through Amazon and Motorbooks.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
The Art of Mopar Gallery

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2018 Honda HR-V Expected To Lead Segment

2018 Honda HR-V Expected To Lead Segment

For all of you out there patiently waiting, the time is nigh. The new Honda HR-V cute-ute/SUV/crossover is sitting on dealer lots and showrooms as you read this. Technically speaking, the HR-V is a subcompact SUV and the sales leader in that segment. The 2018 version gets new colors and cooler wheels and continues Honda’s overall direction in giving everything they make “coupe-like” styling.
Slow & Steady
Honda sells a lot of these HR-V things. They are, in many ways, the go-to choice for urban dwellers that want an SUV-like vehicle, but have to live in the crowded confines of a city and don’t want to blow half their monthly take-home on gas.
And, let’s face facts here, not only does the Honda HR-V hit all those targets dead on, but the price point is pretty nice as well. The bottom line is a rather wallet pleasing $19,570. All those add up to make the HR-V America’s best-selling subcompact SUV as of April. The little guy has allowed Honda to post seven consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains. This is why Honda exists: to make good, reliable cars, crank them out like Coke cans, and sell them by the millions.
So what does the 2018 Honda HR-V bring to the party that’s new? Basically some cosmetic stuff, wheels and paint choices, and some new trim bits here and there. Mechanically it’s an evolution on the platform that has come before – but that’s what Honda does: slow, steady, measured engineering growth and product development.
Safety & Design
Naturally, the 2018 Honda HR-V is waist-deep in standard safety and driver-assistance goodies. Anti-lock brakes, of course, along with Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist. There is also this gizmo called Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) which is an electronic stability control system. There’s also a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Shoppers can pick a new color, Aegean Blue Metallic, which is a rather pleasing shade, but they also get refreshed wheel designs with black-painted inserts. Honda says this enhances the HR-V’s “sporty personality,” and sure, whatever.
The interior is still just as accommodating and versatile as before, thanks to Honda’s second-row Magic Seat (wait, wasn’t “Magic Seat” Cal Naughton Jr.’s nickname in Talladega Nights?) that has four different modes for multiple seating and cargo-hauling configurations. The HR-V has 100.1 cu.-ft. of passenger space and 58.8 cu.-ft. of cargo volume with the second row seats folded down, very close to what mid-sized SUVs provide.

Performance & Efficiency
The 2018 Honda HR-V is motivated by a 1.8-liter SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with an i-VTEC valvetrain. Peak power is 141 horses and 127 lb-ft. of torque. The HR-V is, of course, available with Honda’s Real Time AWD. This provides better all-weather handling and control. A CVT – that creepy continuously-variable transmission thing-o – is available on all HR-V models. However, if you want a 6-speed manual, you can get that on the LX and EX trims with 2WD.
Fuel economy? You’re worried about that? C’mon, this is a Honda. You look up “fuel economy” in a Japanese dictionary and it shows you a picture of a Honda Accord. You think the HR-V is going to get mileage like a Hummer? The EPA figures are an impressive 28 city, 34 highway, and 31 combined. That’s for the CVT-equipped, two-wheel drive models. The all-wheel drive variants get 27 city, 31 highway, and 29 combined. The 6-speed manual 2WD drops to 25 city, 33 highway, and 28 combined.
Photo: Honda North America.
Pricing & Trim Levels
So, really, what’s not to like in the new for 2018 Honda HR-V? Well, the styling might not be to everyone’s taste, but that is, as always, a personal matter. From a standpoint of ticking all the boxes and getting a vehicle that suits your needs, the HR-V seems to be a solid choice. Then again, I think Honda is the Japanese word that translates as “solid choice.” No, wait, Honda is the last name of the guy that started the company. Still, a solid choice they are.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2018 Honda HR-V Pricing and EPA Data
Trim
Drivetrain
MSRP
EPA MPG Ratings(city/highway/combined)
LX
2WD w/ 6MT
$19,570
25/33/28
LX
2WD w/ CVT
$20,370
28/34/31
LX
AWD w/ CVT
$21,670
27/31/29
EX
2WD w/ 6MT
$21,620
25/33/28
EX
2WD w/ CVT
$22,420
28/34/31
EX
AWD w/ CVT
$23,720
27/31/29
EX-L w/ Navi
2WD w/ CVT
$25,040
28/34/31
EX-L w/ Navi
AWD w/ CVT
$26,340
27/31/29
Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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Automoblog Book Garage: Pontiac Trans Am

Automoblog Book Garage: Pontiac Trans Am I have been staying up at night recently, scraping the depths of the interwebs for three vehicles: a 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, a 2005-2006 GTO, and a 2009 G8 GT GXP. I have a soft spot in my heart for Pontiac, which comes from my time as a Service Advisor at a GM dealership. These slightly older Pontiacs are on my list of dream cars.
If they existed as new models, I would be beside myself. I miss Pontiac.
Grit & Guts
With today’s vehicles, it’s often about connectivity; Bluetooth this, smartphone that. But these Pontiac cars were never about infotainment and internet connections. They were about performance. They were about those sweet engines. They were about grit and guts.
I only gravitate toward the GXP models and the more modern GTO because they are what I would deem the essential Pontiacs of my generation (I’m approaching 37). But the truth is, there is an entirely different Pontiac that represented an entirely different generation. And as the youth would say today, it’s cool “AF.”
Cue the Trans Am.
By 1979, the Pontiac Firebird was the last performance car standing, and 117,108 Trans Ams were sold that year out of 211,454 Firebirds. Americans still wanted an automobile with V8 power and trendsetting style – and the Trans Am delivered. Photo: Tom & Kelly Glatch.
The Eagle & The Horse
Pontiac Trans Am by Tom Glatch is a deep dive into a car that tore up race tracks, thundered down main street, and blazed across Hollywood’s silver screens. On the heels of the GTO, the Firebird had its work cut out when it rolled onto the scene in 1967. Across town, Ford’s Mustang was raking it in, an instant sensation among baby boomers. And so it was: the screaming eagle would clash with the charging horse.
Glatch takes us through the entire history, from 1969 when the mighty Firebird Trans Am arguably ruled the roost, to the quiet years of the 1970s, to a reemergence in the 1980s. When muscle cars became dormant for a generation, it was this classic Pontiac that revived American performance.
If you feel that itch – that one modern cars can’t quite scratch – this book is for you. Pontiac Trans Am: 50 Years is available through Amazon and Motorbooks.
Author
Since 1983, Glatch has contributed hundreds of stories and photographs to major collector, Corvette, Mustang, muscle car, and Mopar magazines. Glatch grew up during the muscle car era, later owning a 1970 Plymouth Duster 340, described as a “very quick” machine.
He and his wife Kelly have contributed photographs for others in the Motorbooks family. When not pursuing old muscle cars, he works for a Fortune 500 company as a data and systems analyst and developer.
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.
Pontiac Trans Am: 50 Years Gallery

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Easy Winter-Proof Part Upgrades for Leased Vehicles with eBay Motors

Easy Winter-Proof Part Upgrades for Leased Vehicles with eBay Motors Michigan summers are really something this time of year. It’s never too hot, the days are long, and it’s easy to get outside and participate in a variety of fun activities. Although recently, the air has been a bit crisp in the evening. In the great Wolverine State, that means fall is on the way and winter is not far behind.
Yes, winter can be a very pretty time of year. However, all that snow, slush, sand, and salt ultimately ends up in one place: the interior of our vehicles. One question we are often asked as car experts is how to prevent such things. How do we preserve a vehicle’s interior when it’s impossible to keep winter outside, where it belongs? The answer is simple and affordable, and this year, eBay Motors is helping us prepare for winter well ahead of time.
Our company vehicle is a 2016 Fiat 500X crossover, a small and efficient automobile perfect for navigating the Detroit metro area. We are completely satisfied with the vehicle, except the stock cloth floor mats. Last winter, when the snow we inevitably tracked into the vehicle melted, it soaked right through the mats. After a few days, a pungent order was noticeable.
It’s not just the Fiat cloth mats either. We are not fans of most stock cloth floor mats, regardless of the manufacturer. After last winter, we resolved to get something better. Thankfully, eBay Motors has a great selection of weatherproof accessories. We landed on a set of Gledring All-Weather Rubber Floor Mats.
“Thank you to eBay Motors for sponsoring this post and helping me find the perfect parts and accessories This post was written by me through an activation with HireInfluence on behalf of eBay Motors. Although I received compensation for participating in the campaign, all thoughts and opinions are my own.” ~ Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: Danielle Flint for Automoblog.net.
When it comes to upgrading a vehicle with valuable parts and accessories, it’s not necessary to go big. Oftentimes, when we think of aftermarket upgrades, we think about turbos and superchargers and suspension gizmos. The truth is, all-weather floor mats are one of the best, most affordable upgrades any car owner can buy. The Gledring all-weather mats for our 500X were $74.99, a good deal considering how much they will protect our interior. And, eBay Motors isn’t just a great place to find aftermarket parts and accessories. They also sell new. In fact, 81 percent of items sold on eBay are new, while 88 percent of items can be purchased with the buy-it-now feature, no bidding necessary.
A high-quality set of all-weather rubber mats is an essential aftermarket upgrade, regardless of where your home is. I have talked a lot about winter climates, but even in sunny states, a set of Gledring all-weather rubber mats will provide value.
Notice how much more robust the Gledring mats from eBay Motors are (right) versus the stock mats that came with our 2016 Fiat 500X. Photo: Danielle Flint for Automoblog.net.
For outdoor enthusiasts or beach buffs, the Gledring mats will easily catch dirt, dust, and sand. Unlike cloth mats, the Gledring all-weather mats are much easier to shake out and clean. With cloth floor mats, sand and dirt can get trapped to the point where a vacuum is needed to fully remove all the debris. Despite their high power, vacuums at car washes are often unable to get every last pebble out of a cloth floor mat.
During the winter, the Gledring rubber mats will prevent melted snow from soaking through. Any salt or sand from the snow will remove easily as well, since the rubber surface is smooth. Although the Gledring mats from eBay Motors offer solid weather protection, they have another distinct benefit. We had no sooner put them in to find ourselves cleaning up a coffee splatter and a spilled protein shake (yeah, don’t ask). Those of us who are clumsy with a coffee cup or shaker bottle will greatly appreciate a set of Gledring all-weather mats.
Installation was a cakewalk. It took us only a few minutes, although there are two notes to consider. The Gledring all-weather mats are bundled together with plastic tabs. We saved the tabs just in case – not that we foresee ever removing the mats from our 500X, but the plastic tabs will keep them together and make for easy storage. When placing the Gledring mats inside, make sure they are good and snapped down; we don’t want anyone to end up with a mat obstructing the brake and gas pedals.

Our Fiat 500X is leased, which means there are not many upgrades we can do to it. A leased vehicle must be returned to the dealership at the end, and usually, there is very little room in a leasing contract to modify the vehicle. All-weather floor mats, however, are fair game. Another affordable interior upgrade we would consider is this rear cargo-area liner. For car-leasers that still like to tinker under the hood, we would recommend any number of Mobil 1 synthetic oils. eBay Motors has a good selection of oils and lubricants to ensure optimum engine performance. Parts and accessories like these provide additional protection without violating the terms of the lease.
Always make sure the all-weather mats are secured to the floor of the vehicle. Line them up with the tabs sticking out of the floor and give them a good, solid press. This will minimize the chances of them bunching up unintentionally near the gas and brake pedals. Photo: Danielle Flint for Automoblog.net.
eBay’s large selection makes it easy to make any of these upgrades happen and find the exact one you’re looking for. Further, eBay Motors is fast easy and convenient. eBay’s recent summer roll out of Guaranteed Delivery ensures delivery to U.S. customers in three days or less on more than 20 million eligible items. Many of these items will ship for free, and some products will be delivered even faster – one or two days, guaranteed. eBay also offers trusted, protection programs like the Assurant Protection Program, to put you at ease when purchasing parts.
Our 2016 Fiat 500X is always on the road and the interior wear is noticeable. One of our staff members often wears heels when she drives our vehicle; high heels can wear through cloth mats in a hurry. We believe the Gledring all-weather mats from eBay Motors will hold up much better over time when exposed to the pointed heel of her shoes. Photo: Danielle Flint for Automoblog.net.

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