Automotive

KC HiLites, Baja Designs, Rigid Industries: Which Lights are Right for You? A Complete Guide (2020)

KC HiLites, Baja Designs, Rigid Industries: Which Lights are Right for You? A Complete Guide (2020) The off-road light industry has really exploded in the past few years, largely thanks to advances in LED technology that make them affordable. With that came hundreds of brands flooding the market with near-identical looking light bars and pods in a race to the bottom in price. The overwhelming number of options can make it hard to determine which kind (and brand) of lights you actually need for your off-road rig.

Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.

Based on our experience, three brands stand out in terms of popularity, quality, and innovation: KC HiLites, Baja Designs, and Rigid Industries. Each has their own take and angle on things, and all three make great lights for slightly different needs. In this guide, we introduce each brand and provide an overview of their best offering for these categories:

Weekend WarriorsSerious Off-Roaders The links below will take you straight to where you can find more information and place an order. We have personally used everything on this list and they are lights we would spend our own money on. So let’s get into the differences and which brand might be right for your needs and vehicle.

Before We Begin

If you need a quick refresher on the importance of auxiliary and off-road lights, check out this comprehensive guide. There we cover some of the basics about cost, installation, and highlight a few brands we trust.

We also have some discount codes for you that’ll save you up to 10 percent! If you spend over $250, use coupon code VIP25 to get $25 off. If you’re spending over $400, coupon code VIP40 will get you $40 off.

Now, let’s begin.

KC HiLites: The Classic Approach

The brand that started it all, dating back to 1970 when the founder nearly missed a turn at night while camping out in rural Arizona. At the time there was no market for auxiliary lights, so he pieced together his own from some aircraft landing bulbs and homemade steel housings. These became the Daylighter series of lights that would take the off-road community and racing world by storm.

The great thing about KC is how they still make the classic Daylighters with the 100-watt halogen bulbs. However, they have also kept up with modern trends and offer them now with LEDs, plus an entire line of LED auxiliary and retrofit lights and light bars.

For The Weekend Warrior

We always recommend KC Daylighters (Halogen or LED).

The standard halogen KC Daylighters are just as effective today as they were decades ago. They still have their patented steel construction and include a wiring harness with switching. Best of all, the KC Daylighters still feature those classic yellow covers.

For a bit more you can grab the Gravity LED versions for lower power consumption with roughly the same light output while still maintaining that classic look. Both versions are available in spot or spread beam patterns, in black steel or chrome finishes.

Price as of this writing: $180 to $400. Why we like them: Designed and assembled in the USA.Gravity LED Pro6 Light Bar.For The Serious Off-Roader

The Gravity LED Pro6 Light Bars are the best bang for your buck!

While KC does have a line of traditional rectangular light bars, their specialty is to take the 6″ form factor lights that made them famous and connect them side-to-side to form a light bar ranging from three to nine lights wide, or 20″ to 57.” The photo above shows an eight-light combination.

Each pod features their Gravity LED technology and is designed to be completely modular. This way you are able to add as many light pods and different patterns as you need.

Price as of this writing: $465 to $1,600.Why we like them: Backed by a 23-year limited warranty.Baja Designs: Born & Bred For Racing

Baja Designs was born and built for off-road racing with a focus on quality and performance above all else (and they haven’t let up on that for over 25 years). They also lay claim to being the first company to develop a forward projecting LED light bar back in 2005. That heavy emphasis on research and innovation continues as they develop new technologies, such as their infrared and laser lighting systems.

They don’t call themselves the Scientists of Lighting without reason!

You can see their dedication to racing applications by how they offer so many of their lights with amber lenses. Amer lenses are preferred for many types of racing as they help with visibility in bad weather. Every light is still developed and manufactured in San Diego, California.

For The Weekend Warrior

We like the Squadron Sport/Pro series lights because they provide great visibility at night (photos with distances below).

With four LEDs pumping out up to 4,900 lumens, the Squadron series auxiliary light pods can be had in just about any beam pattern and form factor you could want. They are available with everything from wide cornering beams to fog and spot patterns, as surface or flush mount, and with clear or amber lenses. There are even vehicle specific mounting kits available.

Price as of this writing: $216 to $390 per pair.Why we like them: Waterproof, rain-proof, and submersible.For The Serious Off-Roader

The OnX6 Laser Series Light Bars will get the job done!

For high-speed desert running (as in 110+ mph), things start coming towards you at an incredible rate. Long-distance spotting in situations like this is crucial for giving yourself time to mitigate obstacles. With BD’s Laser series lights, they can throw light 350 percent further than standard LED lights. At 7,760 lumens focused in a tight pencil beam, these aren’t exactly the kind of thing that should be used with people in front of you.

Price as of this writing: $1,485 to $3,690 for 20″ up to 50.” Why we like them: LED Life Expectancy: 49,930 hours. That’s over 5 years! Rigid Industries: Innovative & Durable

These guys may be the new kids on the block compared to the other two brands on this list, but they hold no less clout with the off-road community. Their quality speaks for itself. Rigid came on the scene in 2006 and has already made a few contributions to the off-road community in terms of innovation, such as their Adapt system that we’ll get into more below.

The real story with Rigid, though, is their impeccable quality. In the ultimate show of confidence in their work, their high-end lights are covered by a lifetime warranty, while their more mid-range Radiance product line has “only” a 10-year warranty on workmanship.

That’s still better than basically anyone else on the market. You get what you pay for, and with Rigid, the price-tag and your expectations are both on the higher end.

For The Weekend Warrior

The Radiance Plus 20″ Light Bar looks good and is easy to install.

While this isn’t the least expensive light Rigid offers, it does represent a much higher standard of quality than you would typically find for a mid-range light bar, and that 10-year warranty is unbeatable. As for the Radiance name, that comes from how these light bars have separately selectable backlighting for a unique look so others in front of you can spot who exactly is coming up behind them.

Price as of this writing: $441 w/ white backlight (other colors are available).Why we like them: Overall quality. Nuff said!

For The Serious Off-Roader

We recommend the Rigid Adapt E-series because of the unbreakable polycarbonate lens.

The Rigid Adapt system blew my mind when it was demonstrated at SEMA a few years back. It’s the first light bar system that can adjust its beam pattern on the fly at the flip of a switch. Depending on the conditions and speed you’re traveling, the lights will automatically adjust between a wide beam pattern and a tighter beam for higher speeds.

It also measures and adapts (get it?) to your power supply, meaning it will sense if the battery is draining too fast. If this happens, the Adapt E-Series compensates by eliminating unneeded lights or dimming altogether through its Active Power Management System. Impressive stuff, eh?

Price as of this writing: $999 to $1,999 for 20″ through 50″ sizes.Why we like them: Impressive technology but also reliable. Off-Road Lights: Boiling It All Down

Of course, none of this is to say there aren’t other great brands out there, a line just had to be drawn in the sand somewhere, and all of these are likely to be cross-shopped with each other. However, each has a stellar reputation among the off-road community. You honestly can’t go wrong with anything on this list.

Stay safe out there!
Original article: KC HiLites, Baja Designs, Rigid Industries: Which Lights are Right for You? A Complete Guide (2020)

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Aston Martin Valkyrie Engine: Your Greatest Dream Or Worst Nightmare

Aston Martin Valkyrie Engine: Your Greatest Dream Or Worst Nightmare The new Aston Martin Valkyrie engine is a work of scientific art.
The redline is through the roof and the horsepower ratings are off the charts.
Developed in conjunction with Cosworth using proven F1 materials and methods.
Look, I don’t know what kind of drugs the engine department at Aston Martin is on, but I think they’re close to overdosing in the most positive way possible. Here we have the new V12 for the upcoming, Adrian Newey-designed Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar, and it’s just mind-boggling.
The specs are stratospheric as is the redline.
And it sounds like Eddie Van Halen playing around with a chainsaw.
Fully-Stressed & Completely Insane
We still don’t know much about the chassis or aero specs for the Valkyrie, but you could probably put this plant in an AMC Pacer and wax a Porsche 911. Well, you’d have to stuff it into the “trunk,” since this Valkyrie V12 engine (mid-engine by the way) is a “fully stressed” member of the chassis. This has been standard racing practice since the first Cosworth DFV, but rarely has it been seen in a road-going car. The only one that springs to mind is the V12 Ferrari put into the F50.
Like the F50, the Valkyrie will have its V12 bolted directly to the carbon fiber tub. This makes perfect sense from a packaging and performance standpoint. From an everyday usability standpoint, it’s kinda iffy. All the vibrations, buzzes, shudders, and such are transmitted directly to the part of the car you’re sitting on and, therefore, right into your spine.
For a lot of people, this was seen as a huge flaw. For people like me (and I’m guessing people like Adrian Newey and the nut-jobs that made the F50) this is an added bonus. But I’ll keep any further discussions on this between me and my team of therapists.
The Aston Martin Valkyrie engine is “fully stressed,” meaning if removed, nothing connects the front wheels to the back. Aston Martin says keeping the engine’s weight down was a challenge. Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
If Looks Could Kill
Anyway, that’s why this V12 looks rather strange. The cam covers, for example, have these odd buttresses and such, because that’s how the front of the engine bolts to the tub. The rear also has lots of odd features, but here we have an incomplete story. This is where the Valkyrie’s mill connects to the hybrid drive system/transaxle.
Yes, it’s a hybrid.
Yes, we can makes some jokes here about Toyota’s Prius.
Even though the engine is a fully-stressed chassis member, that means adding more weight to support the loads. The whole thing weighs just 206kg, or around 420 lbs. Kinda heavy, but not all that bad. It’s a narrow angle engine too, with a 65 degree angle between the banks. Since Newey is supremely aero-oriented, that leaves a designer with much more room under the car and around the engine so the ground effects tunnels can be that much larger.
The @astonmartin Valkyrie Engine sounds like Eddie Van Halen playing a chainsaw.Click To TweetAston Martin Valkyrie engine. Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Power Figures: Off The Charts
Even though the thing is naturally-aspirated, the 6.5-liter V12 still cranks out a spectacular 1,000 bhp according to Aston Martin. That’s a very high and specific output: 153.8 bhp-per-liter. Also 6.5-liters is a pretty big displacement, which means its redline of 11,100 rpm is very notable. The pistons on a 6.5-liter plant are the size of your fist, so getting them moving in one direction, stopping them, then having them move in the opposite direction at high engine speeds is not easy.
Peak torque is just as inspiring with 546 lb-ft. being the mark you’re going to be concerned with. And keep in mind, these are the horsepower and torque specs for the engine by itself. The engine is just part of the entire powertrain. Added to that will be the power and torque (lots and lots of tasty, tasty torque) of the electric motors and quick-discharge batteries from the hybrid package.
Put another way, these horsepower and torque ratings are just the start for the Valkyrie.
I don't know what kind of drugs the engine department at @astonmartin is on, but I think they're close to overdosing in the most positive way possible. Click To TweetPhoto: Aston Martin The Americas.
Alexa? Find Me More Steel!
As I mentioned, this was not done all in-house at Gaydon. Cosworth had their say, adding in things like titanium conrods and F1-spec pistons hogged out from solid billet stock. The crankshaft is another fine example of Cosworth’s wizardry. It starts out as a big chunk of solid steel bar stock, then it’s roughed out, then heat treated, finish machined, heat treated again, gear ground, final ground, then superfinished.
Over the course of this process, 80 percent of the original bar stock is reduced to little metal shavings on the shop floor.
And like I said, this is just the engine part of the Valkyrie. Odin only knows what the rest of this beast will be like, but I bet it’ll be a killer.
“To anyone with a drop of petrol in their blood, a high-revving naturally aspirated V12 is the absolute pinnacle,” said Dr. Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group Chief Executive Officer. “Nothing sounds better or encapsulates the emotion and excitement of the internal combustion engine more completely.”
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.
Aston Martin Valkyrie Engine Gallery

Photos & Source: Aston Martin The Americas.

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2020 Toyota Corolla Sedan: Still A Corolla, But Better

2020 Toyota Corolla Sedan: Still A Corolla, But Better The 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan represents the 12th-generation of Toyota’s small car namesake.
Overall performance and efficiency increases with Toyota’s optional Dynamic Force engine.
Since its introduction in 1966, over 46 million Toyota Corollas have been sold globally.
The Toyota Corolla is the Coca-Cola of the automotive industry; it is easily recognizable around the globe. The Corolla was able to achieve all this not by being fast or sporty, but by being practical, solidly reliable, and relatively cheap to maintain.
Hot on the heels of the Corolla hatchback is the new 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan. Needless to say, if the Corolla hatchback is a bit too youthful and exuberant for your refined taste, your ride has arrived in the form of the 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan.
Is It True? The Corolla Is Finally Sportier?
The Corolla is a solid and dependable vehicle. It always was and always will be. But chief among my biggest complaints is the sanitized driving experience. Yes, Corollas have learned to be more refined over the years, but Toyota did little to address the tepid driving experience.
Until now.
The 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan is based on the same TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform as the hatchback. This means the new sedan is wider and sits lower to the ground. But if you still think the new car looks eerily similar to the outgoing model, that’s because the new sedan is riding on the same 106.3-inch wheelbase.
Toyota shaved off the hood height by 1.3 inches and lowered the overall body height by 0.8 inches. This also means the new engine sits lower to reduce the center of gravity by 0.39 inches. The new Corolla sedan also benefits from a wider front and rear track, which explains the wider overall stance.
In order to make the 2020 Corolla sedan more engaging and nimble, Toyota shortened the front overhang by 1.3 inches while extending the rear overhang by more than half an inch. All of these changes are necessary to give the 2020 Corolla sedan a sportier and more engaging driving experience. Think of it as a new Corolla hatchback with more room (and a trunk) and you won’t be far off.
2020 Toyota Corolla. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Feel The Rush: Dynamic Force Engines
I must admit, “Dynamic Force” is a weird name for an engine. But with D4-S fuel injection (combining direct and secondary port injectors), electronically-controlled VVT-iE (intelligent variable-valve timing), and a 13:1 compression ratio, Toyota’s new 2.0-liter motor churns out 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft. of torque.
However, this engine (known in Toyota-speak as “Dynamic Force M20A-FKS”) is only available in the XSE and SE trim.
The base L, LE, and mid-level XLE is powered by the familiar 1.8-liter 2ZR-FAE four-cylinder, with 132 horsepower and 128 lb-ft. of torque. In truth, the smaller displacement motor is enough for conventional urban driving. But it’s hard to resist the allure of the bigger Dynamic Force engine, right?
Related: An in-depth look at the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback.
Transmission Tech: Two Options, One Additional Gear
Both are connected to a 10-speed continuously-variable transmission with a sport mode. Unlike older CVT units, this one is equipped with a physical first gear. You know what this means right? Having a physical gear improves acceleration and response. From this alone, Toyota is serious about injecting some much-needed athleticism into the new 2020 Corolla sedan.
Also worth mentioning is the optional six-speed iMT or intelligent manual transmission as Toyota calls it. The new transmission features an automatic rev-matching downshift control feature that allows you to manually shift gears like pro.
The 2020 Toyota Corolla features a two-discharge port oil pump and a variable cooling system with an electric water pump. According to Toyota, this maximizes engine performance and efficiency. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
New Legs For A New Ride
Lower, wider, and sportier platform? Check. New 2.0-liter Dynamic Force motor? Check. New CVT with a physical first gear? Check. In order to further improve handling and stability, the 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan is also fitted with (rejoice!) a new multi-link independent rear suspension.
The old torsion beam rear suspension is getting a bit long in the tooth. It may provide better comfort (albeit floaty at times), but it doesn’t respond well to abrupt changes in speed and direction. Toyota addressed this by installing multi-links in the rear for sharper handling without ruining the ride quality. Bravo, Toyota!
@Toyota did little to address the tepid driving experience of the Corolla. Until now.Click To TweetSportier & More Aggressive Fascia
I’m not a fan of the Hoover-inspired front air dam on the new 2020 Corolla sedan, but it does give the car a more menacing vibe. The Toyota badge is now affixed in the lower hood opening to differentiate it from the hatchback. Higher trim models also receive a body-color chin spoiler and aero stabilizing fins to further emphasize the gawking front end.
Also new are J-shaped Bi-beam LED headlamps that wrap deeply into the front fenders. The SE and XSE trim receive triple J-shaped LED clearance lamps and LED turn signals as well. The rear features narrow combination taillights and a diffuser.
Combined with newly-sculpted fender tops, more powerful fender flares, and the available 18-inch alloy wheels, the 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan definitely looks more purposeful than the outgoing model.
2020 Toyota Corolla Sedan interior layout. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Better Ergonomics & Interior Comfort
The 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan’s dashboard layout looks familiar. If you think it resembles the larger and more luxurious Toyota Avalon, you’re right. The base L trim gets a seven-inch touchscreen while higher trims receive a bigger eight-inch center touchscreen with the Entune 3.0 multimedia system.
It also comes standard with a 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display in the instrument console. Optional is a seven-inch display that sits between the speedometer and tachometer. If you tick the box for the larger display, you can choose between a traditional analog or modern digital display.
Toyota is also emphasizing how quiet the new Corolla is, since it now contains a one-piece floor silencer pad and additional sound deadening material in the dash and powertrain. The result is a Corolla with luxury car levels of comfort and refinement.
Related: A different sort of compact car. Our full review of the 2018 Corolla XSE.
Toyota Safety Sense Comes Standard
The 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan will come with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 as standard. This includes lane departure alert with steer assist, a pre-collision radar system, radar cruise control, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. CVT models also get a lane tracing assist system that helps keep the car in the center of the lane at all times.
Pricing & Availability
The 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan will arrive at dealerships this coming spring. Toyota has not announced pricing as of this writing.
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.
2020 Toyota Corolla Gallery

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

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2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T: The T Stands For Terrific

2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T: The T Stands For Terrific

Whoa, whoa, whoa – hold up here chief! What’s this? Has Porsche somehow come to their senses? Out of nowhere, they’ve rolled out the 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T and, without a sense of irony or deceit, say up front: “Less weight, more performance.” Praise Doktor Ferdinand! Blessed are his accelerations and his braking. Sanctified is his commitment to engineering and precision. Gearheads, we got a hot one!
More Than Words
The Weissach bunch say the 2018 911 Carrera T is “reinvigorating the concept of the puristic 911” and I, for one, am overjoyed about this direction because this is not just ad-speak from the Marketingabteilung. The 911 Carrera T (the “T” stands for Touring for some reason) has less weight, a manual transmission (huzzah!), and a shorter constant transaxle ratio. Wait, there’s more! A standard mechanical rear differential lock is also in the mix along with several hot rod, performance-boosting features that are not available on the standard (some might say lesser) 911 Carreras. You get the PASM Sport Suspension with the ride height dropped 0.39-inches (10 mm), a shortened gear lever for quicker throws, and optional rear-axle steering not available for the standard 911 Carrera.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America.
Light & Tight
Based on the 370 horsepower 911 Carrera Coupe, the Carrera T is focused on being light and sporty. The rear windshield and rear side windows are made of lightweight glass, while door opener loops on the inside replace the conventional door openers, harkening back to the 911 RS of old. Sound insulation? There’s still some here and there, but it has been significantly reduced. All of this adds up to the 911 Carrera T tipping the scales at 3,142 lbs., the lightest model in the 911 Carrera range. Yes, that is no where near the (right around) 2,000 lbs. 1973 911 RS, but modern times mean modern truths, like impact standards and airbags and door beams. But so be it. Light means right, and if I have to explain that to you, then I can’t even . . .
Exterior Treatments
Porsche also wants the new 911 Carrera T to look the part. This is no stripped down sleeper. The 2018 Carrera T is fitted with an aerodynamically improved front spoiler lip; the SportDesign exterior mirrors are painted Agate Grey. The vehicle’s side profile features big, 20-inch Carrera S wheels painted Titanium Grey, and a rather groovy stripe with the model designation. Speaking of that Agate Grey color, Porsche has also seen fit to splash it on the rear decklid louvers, the Porsche logotype, and model designation “911 Carrera T” (that’s the script for all you old school types). The Sport Exhaust System, which is standard (duh), comes with black tips.
Your color options are Lava Orange, Black, Guards Red, Racing Yellow, White, and Miami Blue, along with the trad metallic colors: Carrera White, Jet Black, and GT Silver. Obviously you should go with GT Silver since this is a German car. I’d normally say White, but Porsche is a newer German car company, so the old racing colors do not apply in Porsche’s case.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America.

Interior Appointments
The interior of the 911 Carrera T is fitted with black, 4-way electrically adjustable seats called “Sport Seats Plus,” complete with Sport-Tex centers. More the pity. All those motors and wiring add weight. I would love to see simple levers and such to adjust my seating position. The headrests are embroidered with a black “911” logo, which is a nice touch. And if you order the optional Full Bucket Seats, a first on a 911 Carrera, the rear seats are deleted. So order the Full Bucket Seats.
The standard GT Sport Steering wheel is trimmed in leather and fitted with a switch for driving mode selection. The gear lever is shortened and sports a red embossed shift pattern reserved for the 911 Carrera T. If you want to get all fancy, contrasting colors in Racing Yellow, Guards Red or GT Silver are new and can be had, along with additional accents for the seat belts, “911” logo on the headrests, door opener loops, and seat centers.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America.
Power & Performance
Way, way out back sits a twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six engine, putting out 370 horsepower and 339 lb-ft. of torque. Nice! Combine that plant with the manual transmission, shorter constant transaxle ratio, and the mechanical rear diff lock, and you hit 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Top speed is 182 mph! If you want to, you can opt for the PDK semi-auto transmission, which will scoot you to 60 mph in 4 seconds using the standard launch control. The downside of the PDK (besides weight) is the top speed being “only” 180 mph.
You can order your 2018 911 Carrera T now, and it’s expected to reach U.S. dealers in March. Cost? Well (cough) the base MSRP is $102,100, which, you know, ain’t cheap. But who cares? Buy one! Buy one! Buy one! Then give us a ring at One Automoblog Towers in Detroit so we can, uh, “evaluate” your 2018 911 Carrera T for you.
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 Porsche 911 Carrera T Gallery

Photos & Source: Porsche Cars North America.

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2020 Porsche 911: An Engineering Marvel Considering . . .

2020 Porsche 911: An Engineering Marvel Considering . . . The 2020 Porsche 911 represents the 8th generation of the automaker’s iconic nameplate.
It’s wider and more aggressive looking with a new version of Porsche’s flat-six engine.
Expect a multitude of driver assist systems when the new 911 hits the market next year.
The 2020 Porsche 911 just rolled out at the L.A. auto show, and it further cements, and further dilutes what the quintessential Porsche is. It’s bigger, heavier, more complex; it cranks out more power and gives you more performance. That Porsche can keep doing this, despite ever rising levels of weight and complexity, is an engineering miracle.
However, that they have to do it this way is a disaster.
Simple & Effective
The 911 started out as a brilliant response to a simple question: “How can we make the 356 better?” The 356, for all its fun and capability was, at it’s heart, a hot-rodded VW Beetle in better clothing. The first 911, for all its flaws (they had to weld pig iron to the front bumpers, the chassis tuning was so far off) answered that question in so comprehensive a manner that the 911 “worked” for decades.
Then, right about 1998, Porsche realized you can only push air and oil cooling so far, and the 911 changed. Then changed some more. And it changed even more from there.
Related: Enthusiasts will appreciate this book, which chronicles the history of Porsche.
Which leads us to this, the 2020 Porsche 911; bigger, longer, wider, heavier, bloated and, thanks to the dedicated application of Engineering, the “best” 911 ever. The 2020 911 is loaded with everything the modern “sports” car shopper demands (and Porsche shamelessly kowtows to). And yet, it still delivers sparkling performance.
What do we get for 2020 (besides that smug satisfaction)? Lots of everything!
2020 Porsche 911. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Styling & Design: Some History, Some Necessity
The new body design is bigger all around, with wider fenders over staggered wheels (20-inch at the front and 21-inch at the back). The flared fenders of the sportier 911s are now seen on all models. New LED headlights flow into the fenders and aim for that round shape of the original 911. The door handles are now flush and the outside mirrors are meant to reduce wind noise.
The rear has that same “light bar” as found across the Porsche range.
Of course, there’s a big honking spoiler that’s appreciably wider with variable positions. Best of all, apart from the front and rear fasciae, the entire outer skin of the car is now made of aluminum. A nice, classic touch but also an engineering necessity because 911s are getting fat.
Related: The 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS sounds like something NASA would build.
Interior Treatments: The Wild West
The interior has undergone a thorough redesign, but still manages to be an ergonomic nightmare. I can only chalk this up to “tradition” and the fact that Porsche people actually like when button placement and such comes across as a total afterthought. The tach is still front and center (thank you) but now we have the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system front and center in the middle console.
The seats are a complete redesign, with significantly improved lateral support at the shoulder.
However, Porsche really trumpets the new assistance systems, said to increase safety and comfort.
2020 Porsche 911 interior layout. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Assistance Systems: Tech Nannies & Babysitters
Those of us that are cynical enough to say it will mention that, yeah, you’re going to need all the “assistance systems” you can find to overcome the physics of having all that weight waaaay back there. Porsche now how the “Wet Mode” as standard equipment for the 2020 Porsche 911. Wet Mode detects water on the road, preconditions the stability control and anti-lock brake systems accordingly, and warns the driver.
You can call up vehicle settings particularly suited for wet roads via a button, or by means of the mode switch on the steering wheel. You know, so that way you don’t spin your brand new 911 off into the weeds like overconfident 911 owners since time immemorial.
There’s also a camera-based warning and brake assist system, standard, and Night Vision Assist with a thermal imaging camera. The Adaptive Cruise Control comes with automatic distance control, stop-and-go functionality, and an Emergency Assist function.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Power & Performance: No Worries Here
Yes, yes, I hear you shriek: what about the engine? Here, we have no worries or concerns. The next gen turbocharged flat-six engine has a primary focus on performance. New, larger turbochargers with electrically-controlled wastegate valves, a completely redesigned charge air intercooler, and piezo fuel injectors all help this 911 engine be the best engine it can be.
Everything is better with the 2020 Porsche 911: responsiveness, power, torque characteristics, the whole enchilada. Bottom line: 443 horsepower at 6,500 rpm (23 horsepower more than the previous model), 390 lb-ft. of torque (22 lb-ft. up from the previous model), and a comfortably-wide powerband from 2,300 to 5,000 rpm.
Meaning you should be able to work this thing all day and night.
Pricing & Availability
The 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S starts at $113,200, which is not unreasonable. You can order yours now but the new 911 should be in U.S. dealers by this summer.
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.
2020 Porsche 911 Gallery

Photos & Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

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Kia Offers Performance-Oriented Test Drives For SEMA Attendees

Kia Offers Performance-Oriented Test Drives For SEMA Attendees

Kia jumped into SEMA this year in a big way by offering attendees a chance to experience the new Stinger GT. The sportback, due next month, was tested extensively on the Nürburgring circuit. Kia’s performance car offers a rigid, stiff chassis, an advanced 8-speed automatic, and a number of aerodynamic advancements to reduce wake turbulence and move air over the vehicle. With the available 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 Lambda II engine, the Stinger arrives with more power than the Audi S5 Sportback, BMW 440i Gran Coupe, and Infiniti Q50.
Meaningful Experiences
While at SEMA this year, attendees can actually feel the Stinger’s capabilities as professional Formula Drift drivers take them through a unique autocross course outside the Las Vegas Convention Center. The drivers will be doing drift and other handling demonstrations in the new Stinger as attendees ride along. Following that, attendees can take the wheel of the Stinger GT to experience the autocross course firsthand, as well as a 0 to 60 launch. Such demonstrations are always a lot of fun – we enjoy them when we get the chance ourselves – and for Kia, this year’s SEMA show is particularly meaningful.
“We are so thrilled to show off what Kia has become at SEMA because 2017 is a momentous year for our Kia brand,” explained Justin Sohn, President and CEO of Kia Motors America. “We ranked number one in quality for the second year in a row in JD Power’s Initial Quality Study, we are top three in Consumer Reports reliability, and we are now introducing the all-new, 2018 four-door Stinger Sports Fastback, Kia’s fastest ever and our first performance vehicle.”
Stinger GT Wide Body. Photo: Kia Motors America.
Stinger GT Wide Body
In addition to the drive demonstrations, Kia is displaying three different vehicles at SEMA. The first is the Stinger GT Wide Body, inspired by ’70s era GT cars. Kia teamed with West Coast Customs for this beautiful pearl blue rig which includes a lowered suspension, 21-inch Keen forged wheels, and quad-port exhaust tips. Inside, the Stinger GT Wide Body features custom blue leather seat piping, a distinct hand-stitched gray leather dash panel, and an alcantara-wrapped steering wheel.
Stinger GT Federation
The second of three vehicles is another take on the Stinger, billed as the GT Federation. This Stinger variant features a number of aftermarket performance parts and accessories, and signals Kia’s intent on making such parts available. The exterior accent kits by Air Design USA include a rear spoiler, rear diffuser, and redesigned hood vents. A K&N cold-air intake and a low-restriction, quad-tipped Borla exhaust are also characteristic of this Stinger variant. These accessories add another 15 horsepower to the V6 Lambda II engine.
Stinger GT Federation. Photo: Kia Motors America.

Cadenza Obsidian
Last but certainly not least: a special Kia Cadenza Obsidian with a lowered suspension, stiffer springs, and custom 20-inch gloss-black Keen wheels. Attendees will notice the Cosmic Copper trim, black metallic paint, and ultra-dark ceramic window tint. Inside, the Cadenza Obsidian has a hand-stitched suede dashboard top panel, butter-soft brown leather seats with suede inserts, and brown suede door panels. Kia also worked with West Coast Customs for this Cadenza variant.
SEMA Information
The SEMA Show runs until November 3rd at the Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, Nevada. Registration begins at 7:30am with the exhibits and New Products Showcase going until 5 and 6pm, respectively. More information regarding hours, floor plans, and special events can be found on the SEMA Show’s website.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Stinger GT Wide Body Gallery

Stinger GT Federation Gallery

Cadenza Obsidian Gallery

Photos & Source: Kia Motors America.

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Letter From The UK: A Car of Our Own

Letter From The UK: A Car of Our Own

“This is Meg. Meg is our car.” This statement appeared on a Twitter feed near to me, accompanied by a photograph of a five-year-old Ford Focus. Meg is very clean and takes pride of place in their driveway. Meg, it is clear, is as much a part of the family as the dog or a difficult child. To be fair to Meg and her family, I personally have a bit of an issue with assigning gender and human attributes to machinery. My late Mother-in-Law (who was, against type, a very nice woman) insisted on calling her car “Lulu” on the basis that the licence plate kind of looked a bit like that.
Crushes & Complexities
There’s nothing new about this: Hark back to earlier days to hear British car enthusiasts – usually men wearing cravats – referring to their classic car as “her” or even “the old girl,” a sobriquet otherwise used solely as a replacement for “the wife.” Fortunately, this practice has been driven out of use by the complex assignment of gender these days. My own car, which I bought new for cash, is going on six-years-old (note that I refuse to use the word “birthday”). At best, it gets called “the Citroen,” otherwise it is “the car.” I have no plans to change it because it does all that I require and does it well, not because I love it like a brother.
It seems to me that we use the internet as an alternative universe. We can do and say things that would make us look silly out in the “real world” where we actually reside. Thus, in a way, the real world becomes another universe of itself and not just the place that we live in. It’s strange how we exist in this parallel way.
These days, and we got this idea from the USA by the way, we use our special internet universe to possess new cars we are unlikely ever to call our own. We do this by means of the Personal Contract Purchase or PCP. It seems like a neat idea but, as some people are finding out, it isn’t always as clear cut as it seems. Lose your job through no fault of your own and see what happens. You may have been there already.
A vintage E-Type might qualify for the title of “old girl” or any other equivalent label. Earlier this year, Jaguar Classic debuted its first “Reborn” Jaguar E-Type at the Techno-Classica Essen show. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Downward Spiral
Looking at all the new or nearly new vehicles on Britain’s roads today, you would think we are a robust and economically sound nation. Indeed, the figures show the UK has seen modest economic growth this year, but as far as the motor industry is concerned, appearances can be deceptive. Sales are slowing. The car market has been over-trading lately, riding on the wave of financial innovations like PCP.
In fact, UK car manufacturing fell in September, with year-on-year output declining minus 4.1 percent, according to recent statistics by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. 6,500 fewer cars rolled off production lines than in the same month of 2016, in line with slower growth across European Union markets, but it was substantial double-digit losses here in our internal market which has driven the overall decline. Domestic demand in the month dropped, contributing to an overall year-to-date production decrease of minus 2.2 percent. This rather indicates the PCP market skews the outlook.

Warning Signs
Here I quote the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders head honcho, Mike Hawes, verbatim:
“With UK car manufacturing falling for a fifth month this year, it’s clear that declining consumer and business confidence is affecting domestic demand and hence production volumes. Uncertainty regarding the national air quality plans also didn’t help the domestic market for diesel cars, despite the fact that these new vehicles will face no extra charges or restrictions across the UK. Brexit is the greatest challenge of our time and yet we still don’t have any clarity on what our future relationship with our biggest trading partner will look like, nor detail of the transitional deal being sought. Leaving the EU with no deal would be the worst outcome for our sector so we urge government to deliver on its commitments and safeguard the competitiveness of the industry.”
Right now at least, “No Deal” seems the likeliest outcome. We’ll see.
Vauxhall’s Luton Plant manufactures the Vivaro, a multi-use commercial van. According to Vauxhall, the Luton Plant produced 60,820 Vivaros in 2015. Currently, the plant employs about 1,200 people. Photo: Vauxhall.

A Car of Our Own
So this in turn suggests the PCP bubble could burst. The deals are getting, on the face of it, better, and ways of shifting cars from the showroom more inventive. Can it last? The car market is a transient thing and very much governed by the disposable income of the population, and the prospects for a secure job environment are looking increasingly shaky.
Are we reaching the stage where nobody will ever have a car like Meg to call their own? Or are we going to go the other way and keep the cars we really do own for longer? That’s my plan. “The Citroen” stays with me until one of us breaks down. Meanwhile, I am resisting the temptation of being over-familiar and calling it “Claudette.” The family prefers the more alliterative Maxine. “This is Maxine. We own Maxine outright.”
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

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Letter From The UK: Negative Thoughts On The SUV

Letter From The UK: Negative Thoughts On The SUV Are SUVs today nothing more than a rush of plain vanilla?
Are they as capable as they claim? Or is it just clever marketing?
DriveWrite Automotive Magazine founder Geoff Maxed with a perspective.
Throughout life, this writer has always tried to stay positive and upbeat and take every day as it comes. But these days I find that, now the novelty has worn off, the sight of an SUV brings on those negative waves of boredom, frankly.
Let me explain.
The Ideology of The SUV
The original idea of the ‘Sport Utility Vehicle’ is fine. I have no problem with that. Mostly, when the term was first coined, the cars so designated were tough off-road specialists; they were there to do a job. ‘Sport,’ because they served the surfing community as much as the hunting fraternity. ‘Utility,’ because they provided rural transport and could carry items of furniture. And ‘Vehicle’ because that’s what they are.
Not so now. And they are taking over the world.
Lemmings To The Rescue
Today there are SUVs beyond counting. They are as herds of lookalike bison sweeping across the plains, or lemmings, queueing up to hurtle themselves off a cliff in a form of collective automotive extinction. Every manufacturer has several in their product catalogue. Audi, for example, have their ‘Q’ range. Once, there was just the Q7 and it was pretty good; now that car has been joined by several smaller siblings and one big brother.
They are the motoring equivalent of Russian dolls.
The same goes for many other brands both in the USA and Europe. This writer road tests cars routinely but, increasingly, my press vehicle list is excluding more and more of this type of vehicle, principally because they do not do what they purport to do.

Marketing Gimmicks
We should expect an SUV to be reasonably comfortable on-road and capable off-road. There’s always going to be a compromise, but broadly speaking that was the original intention. Sadly though, manufacturers saw the potential for sales and began to make, effectively, soft-roaders. Vehicles that looked butch and rugged but patently were not. After a while, they pretty much gave up on the original concept and produced instead big hulking cars with only modest aerodynamic properties and an enhanced thirst for fuel.
Now we have something called a ‘crossover.’ What? What is that exactly? Don’t worry, I’m going to tell you anyway; a ‘crossover’ is a marketing exercise. It is saying to the public that these vehicles are something they are not. They are small town cars dressed up in the King’s New Clothes. Don’t look for substance, there is none.
Related: Automakers race to target younger buyers with small SUVs and crossovers.
The British Car Buyer
It warms the heart to see the continuing popularity of the F-150 and trucks generally in America. Alas, this is not the case here in the UK. I have tried, really I have, to convince the readers of my blog that pickup trucks are the ideal family vehicle. They can work and they can have fun and they are not frightened of mud.
It is fair to say there is some interest in hunky trucks. It is also fair to say there are a handful of SUVs out there that do fit the bill. However, for most car buyers, the SUV/Crossover fallacy continues to suck them into the vortex of the mediocre ‘world’ car. The world of shared platform, shared components, shared technology, ‘keep the accountants happy,’ profit first car manufacture and boy, is it dull.
They are the motoring equivalent of Russian dolls.Click To Tweet2018 Ford F-150. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Impending Storm
Meanwhile, further to the saga of Brexit, we are reaching the end of days. A deal has been signed off between Britain and the European Union but it is, in fact, a sell-out of much that we hold dear. The Great British Public is very restless. There could be trouble ahead.
One of the constraining issues is, of course, what happens to those industries that work compatibly and freely in both the UK and the EU? The car industry is one of the biggest players here with both areas being huge markets for automobiles. On the face of it, nothing much will change if our devious Prime Minister has her way, but what if it does?
What happens if cross-border trading becomes too difficult? Cars and components are made here that are shipped to Europe and vice versa. Perhaps we will once again have to resurrect our own home-grown car industry and bring back some famous old names of the past. British cars for British people. Let’s just hope they are not SUVs.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

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2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible: You Won’t Believe The Center Console

2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible: You Won’t Believe The Center Console The 2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible hits 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.
The Z-fold roof provides a three decibel noise reduction; the chassis is 20 percent lighter.
Despite the luxury, performance, and technology we still cannot get over the center console.
Let’s get right to the point. Are you filthy rich? Are you so rich that if, say, you’re crazy, shallow trophy wife (let’s call her Daisy) were to, oh, run over and crush a woman named Myrtle that you’ve been having an affair with for a while, you could buy your way out of it without breaking much of a sweat?
Then buddy, have I got a car for you: The 2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible!
Digging For Gold
Look, I’m not obsessively anti-rich or anything. But I’m having a devil of a time figuring out why someone would buy a car like the 2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible. It has everything a person could want in a production luxury car: style, technology, power, refinement, gorgeous materials, all that stuff.
It’s the flash I don’t completely understand.
The Conti Convertible is just so affectedly showy, so over the top in what it’s trying to present to the world, that even Kanye West would look at it and say, “Nah, that’s a little too much, don’t ya think?” And the Saudi prince, you know, the one with his own custom-made Boeing 747 as a private jet would answer, “yeah bruh, I know, right?” Maybe it’s just the top . . . it is made of tweed – a first for any car, which is kind of surprising, since you’d think some British company would have done that ages ago.
But apart from the pretention, the affectedness, and the flamboyance, what we have here is a pretty standard Bentley, circa 2019: tons of everything, and it’s very well screwed together.
The air suspension uses three-chamber springs for 60 percent more air volume in the softest setting than the prior model. Furthermore, the braking system is the most powerful yet for a Bentley, with 28 pistons. Photo: Bentley Motors.
300 Million Calculations Per Second
Let’s start with the first place everyone overlooks: The engine bay. Nestled within you’ll find Bentley’s 6.0-liter, W12 TSI engine, designed, developed, and hand-built in Crewe (if you ignore that Bentley is a VW subsidiary and variations of this plant can be found elsewhere in the line). Bentley says it is the “most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world” to which, some guys in Maranello respond, “Tieni il mio chianti, amico.”
Said plant is controlled by a computer making 300 million software calculations per second.
The healthy 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft. of torque throws this barge down the esplanade at substantial speeds. Zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, for example, with a top speed of 207. Impressive by any measure. And it becomes even more so when you figure this thing has got to weigh more than the HMS Ark Royal.
Although the 2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible is 20 percent lighter and five percent stiffer.
2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible. Photo: Bentley Motors.
Even Kanye West would look at it and say, Nah, that's a little too much, don't ya think?Click To TweetTransmission & Efficiency
The new engine utilizes start-stop technology, which is now mandatory in the Euro zone, yes? The engine also has Bentley’s Variable Displacement system that shuts down half of the engine. Intake and exhaust valves, fuel injection, and ignition are all cut on selected cylinders, with the mill running as a six-cylinder for better efficiency. The trans is a dual-clutch, eight-speed deal mated to a new “Active All-Wheel-Drive System” that varies the front-to-rear torque split, depending on the driving situation.
But enough about all that! Engines are dirty with grease and the province of the working classes (shudder). Here, step inside, have a seat. The interior of the 2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible is like the drawing room at Highclere Castle.
Related: Bentley Continental GT First Edition: Grand or Bland Tourer?
All About Dat Center Console
The details are enough to choke a horse. For example, over 10 square meters of wood including Koa and Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus wood as options. There are eight interior roof lining colors to choose from. The center console can be spec’d in a new Côtes de Genève finish, which is used for the surfacing inside Swiss watches. Each “row” of the center console, according to Bentley, is five millimeters wide and machined at an angle for a three-dimensional finish. Each “pass of the machine” makes a “minute step” of 0.5 millimeters.
This is the center console, y’know, where you put yer French fries. Sheesh.
“Excuse me . . . I couldn’t help but notice your center console . . . “
Royal Treatment
And it just goes on and on from there. Haptic finishes, pillow knurling for the switches and controls, diamond knurling on other controls, 20-way adjustable seats, heating and massage functions for those seats, and signature Bentley quilting. The Naim 2,200 watt, 18-speaker system with Active Bass Transducers and eight sound modes ranges all the way from “symphonic” to “Pete Townshend’s Bleeding Eardrums.”
There’s a “Bentley Rotating Display” that provides a “digital or analogue” journey. A 12.3-inch MMI display (Audi!) resembles a smartphone with its configurable home screen. Apple CarPlay of course (Android is so plebian) connected via a USB port. What, no Bluetooth?
Finally, the convertible roof opens and stows in about 20 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph.
2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible interior layout. Photo: Bentley Motors.
Color Options & Pricing
All this and your choice of 17 colors. Oh, and that convertible roof? In addition to tweed, you get your choice of seven other colors. When picking out yours, I’m sure you’ll hear your shallow trophy wife exclaim something along the lines of “They’re such beautiful colors. It makes me sad because I’ve never seen such beautiful colors!”
Bentley has not, as of this writing, announced pricing.
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
2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible Gallery

Photos & Source: Bentley Motors.

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