Automotive

2018 Nissan Kicks Makes A Punch In Los Angeles

2018 Nissan Kicks Makes A Punch In Los Angeles

Get your kicks on Route 66! And Nissan has chosen California – the Los Angeles Auto Show to be exact – to reveal the 2018 Kicks, the brand’s newest compact crossover. Nissan’s sales in this segment are at an all-time high and the automaker hopes the Kicks will generate additional growth.
“As the gateway to Nissan’s adventure-ready sport-utility portfolio – joining Rogue Sport, Rogue, Murano, Pathfinder, and Armada – Kicks is designed to fit the needs of singles or couples looking for expressive styling, personal technology, smart functionality, and advanced safety features at an affordable price starting well under $19,000,” explained Dan Mohnke, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing and Operations, Nissan Division U.S., Nissan North America, Inc.
Design Language
We’ve come to expect the V-Motion grille, a signature found on every Nissan today. The 2018 Kicks also features unique wheel arches, boomerang headlights and taillights, and a “floating” roof for a “wrap-around visor” look. There are seven different exterior colors and five two-tone schemes on offer, three of which utilize a black roof and contrasting body colors (white, orange, or red). An orange roof with a gray body, or a white roof with a blue body can also be had.
Interior Treatments
Nissan notes the “Gliding Wing” design of the dashboard, anchored by a seven-inch color display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Those who enjoy tunes while they navigate will appreciate the Bose premium stereo with UltraNearfield neodymium speakers, located inside the driver’s headrest.
Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Power & Performance
The 2018 Nissan Kicks has a little kick to it, with a standard 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder. Complete with a Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control System, the engine generates 125 horsepower and 115 lb-ft. of torque. With an Xtronic transmission, the front-wheel drive Kicks is expected to achieve a fuel economy rating of 33 mpg combined.
“With good ground clearance, a high eye point, electric power steering, and small turning radius, Kicks is a great companion to navigate the city with,” Mohnke added.
Pricing & Availability

The 2018 Nissan Kicks will be offered in three grades: S, SV, and SR. All-wheel drive is not available. We would enjoy seeing a Midnight Edition variant for this little cruiser – those special trim packages have proven popular with Nissan customers. Expect to see the Kicks on sale in the new year.
“Pricing for the 2018 Nissan Kicks will be announced closer to its on-sale date in spring 2018, but we are expecting to be among the most competitive in the segment,” Mohnke said.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2018 Nissan Kicks Gallery

Photos & Source: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

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The New Mazda6 And The Automaker’s Path To Premium

The New Mazda6 And The Automaker’s Path To Premium

That redone Mazda6 that everyone seemed to be oo-ing and ah-ing over? More details are out now, and along with them, is Mazda’s announcement that the 6 will be the Hiroshima’s company’s spearhead in what it calls “Path to Premium.” Yeah, I know. That sounds like a mistranslation, but it’s not. That’s how Mazda says it, and that, much like the Mazda6’s tilt at being a gorgeous, performance sedan, is yet another example of Mazda taking its own unique go at pushing barriers and being memorable.
Path to Premium. Not The Path to Premium, just Path to Premium. That tells you a lot about where Mazda is heading with the Mazda6. They want it to be seen as many things to many people (with approved credit): Powerful, beautiful, performance oriented, reliable, and now premium. What premium means to Mazda is that this car will offer many first-class details and options usually found on other cars from other countries (cough the Germans cough).
Market Strategy
Why head in this direction has an interesting origin for Mazda. It all started with, of all things, the 2016 Mazda CX-9 three-row crossover. Mazda noticed that when it came to CX-9 sales, roughly 55 percent of them sold in the United States have been either high-level Grand Touring models, or top-trim Signature models. These trim levels have been very well received, selling much better than expected. And Mazda’s not stupid. When you see a pile of money sitting on the ground, you pick it up. So, figures Mazda, if that’s what buyers want in our SUVs and crossovers, let’s give it to them in our big-ish sedan too!
So, the 6’s chassis has been thoroughly revised for a more supple ride, greater agility, and dramatically improved NVH (that’s noise, vibration and harshness, in case you didn’t know). The sedan also gets brown Nappa leather and UltraSuede NU that is adorned with a gold tint similar to that used to make ornate kimonos. Sen wood accents are found across the interior of the Mazda6 too, a type of wood used for Japanese furniture and taiko drums.
Photo: Mazda North American Operations.

Power & Performance
And, even more importantly from my perspective, the latest Mazda6 gets a whomper of an engine that really makes this thing move down the road. The SKYACTIV-G 2.5T turbo engine is renowned for its nearly instantaneous, ample torque, thanks to its Dynamic Pressure Turbo. This accelerates exhaust gasses through a tiny inlet so the turbocharger quickly spools up at low RPM before opening a larger, secondary passage. It’s sort of like an old two-stage carb, only much more efficient.
Interior Treatments
The front seats have been fully redesigned and are wider, with high-density, vibration-absorbing urethane foam for a firm, supportive surface. Yet they are supple enough for long trips. The seats are further designed to help keep our spines in the natural S-shape we use while standing. There are optional ventilated front seats in the Mazda6 that wick away warm air from your back to keep you cool. Rear seats have also been redesigned with the same high-density urethane foam for greater comfort.
And since this is “Path to Premium” we’re talking about here, the interior is very restrained, yet fancy and comfortable, and dripping with tech features. Think of it as a conference room on wheels and you get the idea.
Photo: Mazda North American Operations.
Technology Central
There’s one of those fun-house-mirror-esque 360 degree cameras so you can see what’s going on around you when you’re parking or backing out of a space. That picture is displayed on a reconfigurable seven-inch TFT display, or if you prefer, on a new eight-inch infotainment screen with sharper contrast. Full-speed Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, a windshield wiper de-icer, and a heads-up unit that shoots visual info onto the windshield, just like a modern jet fighter, are all available.
Mazda says these latest upgrades will launch the Mazda6 above the mainstream sedan fray, changing the idea of what an affordable car can and should be. And that is all nice marketing-speak for “hey, you’ll think you’re in an expensive, high performance Euro-sedan, but you’re actually driving a much more affordable Mazda.” Okay. fair enough.
This all seems a reasonable thing and it should work, but that will be up to the paying customer. The road that has lead us to the current state of automotive technological greatness is littered with perfectly good ideas that no one paid attention to or bought. Here’s hoping the Mazda6 is not one of them. Expect to see it on sale this spring.
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.
Redesigned Mazda6 Gallery

Photos & Source: Mazda North American Operations.

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Future Toyota Adventure Concept: The Off-Road Autobot

Future Toyota Adventure Concept: The Off-Road Autobot

The Future Toyota Adventure Concept (FT-AC) made its debut in sunny California as the Los Angeles Auto Show gets underway. Toyota says the California reveal was intentional as many residents enjoy trips to the desert and beach. The FT-AC is aimed at active lifestyle types who desire versatility and uniqueness in a vehicle.
“FT-AC is perfect for those outdoor enthusiasts who want to dial up the adventure on their weekend getaways,” explained Jack Hollis, Group Vice president and General Manager, Toyota Division. “No matter the roads, the activities, or the people, FT-AC sparks authentic fun and conversation.”
Talking Points & Transformers
Indeed, the FT-AC will start a conversation – it’s near impossible not to have some reaction to it. Toyota’s press materials say “at first glance, it is evident that FT-AC’s bold and daring design reflects the confident spirit of Toyota’s existing SUVs and trucks.” That’s fair, although I would contend it looks like a Transformer. That’s not to be taken negatively either. I sense being on a camping excursion at Warren Dunes State Park over July 4th with family and friends; just as we are about to enjoy some burgers and brats, Megatron rises up from Lake Michigan, which would pretty much ruin the evening. My FT-AC morphs into an Autobot and sends the Emperor of Destruction packing back to Cybertron.
Cue a witty one-liner from Ironhide and we’re all set.
But seriously, the FT-AC is focused on making the trip as fun as the destination. There are a number of things one could do with this vehicle because it’s designed for both the highway and high country. I only suggest Warren Dunes becasue I love that area of Michigan, but those who go rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and the like could easily find uses for this machine.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Cameras & Creatures
The FT-AC was molded around a long wheelbase and wide track to increase capability while communicating a powerful stance. The wide fender flares provide protection; just below reside the 20-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Toyota notes the ground clearance and skid plates for a “go and play” mentality. The LED headlights, LED marker lights, and fog lamps ensure one can “go and play” even at night.
There are infrared cameras on the side mirrors so you can record your expedition to find Bigfoot. When you do, a Wi-Fi hotspot automatically uploads the footage to a cloud-based storage where real-time editing and posting can be done via a mobile device. This way, you can determine if it’s actually Bigfoot, a bear, or a guy in a suit. And if you get lost looking for the mysterious Sasquatch, instead of being the featured characters in a campy, nonsensical horror flick, you can utilize FT-AC’s geolocation capabilities for directions back home. No getting chased through the woods for you by the Yeti, no sir.
Pricing & Availability
The FT-AC is simply a science experiment but Toyota says it has “been imagined” as a gasoline-powered vehicle with advanced torque-vectoring and all-wheel drive. Ideally, the driver could toggle a terrain-select system, changing up the throttle response and power delivery depending on the road or lack thereof. Toyota even hints at the possibility of the FT-AC being a hybrid. Only time will tell.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Jaguar I-PACE Takes On The Arctic (Video)

Jaguar I-PACE Takes On The Arctic (Video) When Tony Westerlund, a potential Jaguar customer from Sweden, asked some challenging questions about how the new I-PACE would perform in the Arctic, the automaker responded by inviting him to Arjeplog to drive the car. Westerlund joined Jaguar’s engineers as rigorous extreme weather testing was being conducted on the new I-PACE at the company’s cold weather test facility in Arjeplog, Sweden.
The area is known for its bitter cold conditions where temperatures can drop to 40 below.
Fast Charging
Jaguar says the new I-PACE with DC fast charging capability can go from zero to 80 percent in about 45 minutes with a 100kW charger. While plugged in, drivers can prep the car’s battery and cabin temperature ahead of time without compromising range. Jaguar says this “pre-conditioning” ensures maximum range, performance, and comfort whether temperatures are freezing cold or extremely hot. The pre-conditioning can be controlled via the on-board InControl system or through the Jaguar InControl Remote app.
I-PACE models await testing at Jaguar’s cold weather test facility in Arjeplog, Sweden. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
In Person
The Jaguar I-PACE will be revealed during a live global broadcast on March 1st, 1:00 pm ET/19:00 CET, with the public debut set for the Geneva Motor Show on March 6th. The new I-PACE goes on sale later this year. In the meantime, the video below shows Westerlund behind the wheel at Jaguar’s facility in Arjeplog.
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, Video & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.

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New Mazda6 To Debut At Los Angeles Auto Show

New Mazda6 To Debut At Los Angeles Auto Show

The “new” Mazda6 will roll out for its first reveal at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show. It’s not entirely new, just re-engineered and refined, which all car companies say about mid-cycle refreshes. But in this case, the new Mazda6 is indeed a rather refined and sharpened car.
KODO Design
Mazda has been making a big deal of late about the Japanese craftsmanship they put into every one of their products. And for a lot of car companies, something like that would be little more than marketing codswallop. In Mazda’s case, it’s actually true. Mazda sweats this refined stuff – things like stitching on leather steering wheels and compound radii on dashboards – all the time. I once met the guy who was in charge of designing the exhaust system for the first genration Miata, and he told me he listened to tapes of various sports cars revving up and down on his commute to and from the Hiroshima factory for the better part of a year to figure out the Miata’s exhaust note. And that was in 1989, and Mazda shows no signs of slowing down in the least.
Fast forward to 2017 and Mazda says they will be rolling out the new(ish) Mazda6 sedan at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. The Mazda6 is the flagship of their passenger car lineup and the development team had the goal to “enhance the daily lives of people who love cars.” Yeah, I know, automakers can get rather pretentious with this stuff, but that doesn’t mean Mazda is joking about it. The upcoming Mazda6 will incorporate premium details and new engineering concepts and technologies based on what Mazda calls its “human-centered design philosophy.” And, the more I look at this car, the more I believe them. It’s as clean and austere as a Danish couch form 1965, but there’s a curious humanity about it.
The Feels
Mazda says the whole idea behind the 6’s styling is covered by the term “Mature Elegance,” which, yeah, I know, sounds like a dating app for the over-50 crowd. Mazda is, of course, not joking about that either. The design team worked to advance the quality feel of both the interior and exterior. Mazda says this results in “a look of greater maturity and composure.” But I also think they were right in using the word “feel” because the gradual curves on the Mazda6, both inside and out, really invite you to slide a hand along all those arcs for a very long time.
And the materials Mazda uses now really back this up. A new high-grade interior features Sen Wood, a type of Japanese ash that is often used in traditional Japanese instruments and furniture, for an enhanced premium feel. Mazda says the overall design is more “distinctive, premium, beautiful, and dignified, as befits the flagship of Mazda’s passenger car lineup.” I’m not going to argue with that.
Photo: Mazda North American Operations.

Power & Performance
The powertrain lineup for the upcoming Mazda6 implements a bunch of new technologies, such as cylinder deactivation for the SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter engine for fuel efficiency on long hauls. The turbocharged gasoline engine with direct injection has been added to the lineup in North America. This plant first showed up in the bigger CX-9 crossover, and Mazda says it produces torque on par with a 4-liter V8.
We’ll be the judge of that, and we here at One Automoblog Towers would love to give the blown big block Mazda6 a brisk run around the neighborhood just to be sure.
And since this is 2017, the Mazda6 is festooned with enough high tech gee-gaws to keep a satellite in orbit. For a start there is a wider range of safety technologies on hand. These are said to help the driver identify potential risks and reduce the likelihood of crunching the car or the people inside it. Mazda Radar Cruise Control can now bring the car to a standing stop and take off again when the vehicle in front moves away, which sounds pretty impressive. Also notable is Mazda’s latest 360 Degree View Monitor. All this new stuff works in concert with the car’s previously introduced safety features.
Press Conference Reveal
Mazda will be showing some other interesting cars at the Los Angeles Auto Show, but so far, all they’ve provided is a list and no definite details. A press conference is planned for November 29th at 10:30 am PST. Below is everything that will be on their stand if you happen to be in SoCal and want to swing by and check it out for yourself.
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.
Mazda Exhibits at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show
Models Scheduled for Sale
New Mazda6 sedan (World premiere)
Updated Mazda CX-5 (North American premiere)
Currently Available Models
Mazda3, Mazda CX-3, Mazda CX-9, Mazda MX-5 RF
Reference Exhibits
Mazda VISION COUPE next-generation design vision model (North American premiere)
Mazda RT24-P prototype race car with Mazda Team Joest livery and driver lineup
Mazda MX-5 (Global MX-5 Cup spec)
Mazda MX-5 Halfie (A half production car/half racecar demonstration model)
Technology Exhibits
SKYACTIV-G 2.0 (gasoline engine)
SKYACTIV-G 2.5T (turbocharged gasoline engine)
Photos & Source: Mazda North American Operations.

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Aston Martin Vantage: Styling Wonder or Blunder?

Aston Martin Vantage: Styling Wonder or Blunder?

GAH! Whoa, wait! Hold up here a second! Look, I know a car company has to grow and progress and all that sort of thing, but Aston Martin, I think you might want to really give some thought to where you’re heading. And no, I’m not just talking about the color they’ve chosen for the new Vantage, that’s enough of an eyesore. No, I mean the overall design.
Vantage Point
Aston Martin’s main stock in trade for a very long time has been style. Not style at the expensive of performance, but style in concert with performance. If you just went by pure performance, why would you buy an Aston Martin over something like a Ferrari, for roughly the same amount of doe-rae-mi? You wouldn’t, really. Aston Martins are okay, numbers-wise, but not outstanding. What pushes a lot of people over the top is how an Aston Martin looks. They’re sort of the automotive equivalent of the really good looking guy in a Savile Row suit. He seems like marriage material ladies, then he opens his mouth and you realize he won’t be in the running for the Lucasian Chair at Oxford any time soon. And that’s okay. I understand wanting a certain level of style in your life. And, frankly, the numbers on the new Vantage ain’t that bad.
The front splitter on the new Aston Martin Vantage directs air underneath, where a system of fences channel it. The design of the rear diffuser creates an area of low pressure air that helps prevent rear wheel turbulence. Preventing such turbulence is important when it comes to having the air exit centrally from beneath the rear of the car. Photo: Drew Gibson, Aston Martin The Americas.
Power & Performance
The most important figures here are the max speed of 195 mph and the 0 to 60 sprint in 3.6 seconds. Okay numbers, but, you know, a Ferrari 488 GTB would jump all over it with both feet. This performance all flows from a new alloy 4-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine. The plant is set low and well back in the chassis, making for an optimal center of gravity and 50:50 weight distribution. Said mill puts out 503 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 505 lb-ft. of torque. The dry weight is a not all that inconsiderable 3,373 lbs.
All that power and torque heads to the rear wheels only (thank you) via a rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and transaxle. It employs a suite of integrated electronic systems, like Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Torque Vectoring for maximum grip and fun. This is also the first Aston Martin with an E-Diff Electronic Rear Differential.
Aston Martin says the new Vantage has a “formidable” power-to-weight ratio. Photo: Drew Gibson, Aston Martin The Americas.

Solid Architecture
The new Vantage chassis is similar to the bonded aluminum structure first seen on the DB11. 70 percent of the structure’s components are new for the Vantage, improving overall balance, strength, rigidity, and weight efficiency. There’s a solidly mounted rear subframe for an enhanced understanding of what the rear tires are doing (most likely locking up and shooting you forward like a golf ball from a tee). Speaking of tires, those are new Pirelli P Zeros developed specifically for the Vantage. There’s also Aston Martin’s latest Adaptive Damping System that incorporates Skyhook technology with Sport, Sport Plus, and Track modes at the flip of a switch.
Technology Central
And, since the new Vantage costs about as much as a one bedroom condo in Detroit, it features a high level of standard equipment. Keyless start/stop, a tire pressure monitoring system, Parking Distance Display, Park Assist, and front and rear parking sensors are all there. The entertainment system, controlled via a centrally mounted eight-inch LCD screen, includes the Aston Martin Audio System, Bluetooth streaming, iPod, iPhone, and USB playback, along with satellite navigation and Wi-Fi.
Drivers will find plenty of stowage space behind the seats or with the double-tier storage areas. Photo: Drew Gibson, Aston Martin The Americas.
Styling Blunder?
All this is well and true and good as a high performance sports car should be. It’s the styling that leaves me and the rest of the kids at One Automoblog Towers ruefully shaking our heads. Oh sure, Aston Martin crows about the Vantage, using words and phrases like “spectacular” and “bold and distinctive design language” and “sculptural forms” and “athletic, predatory stance” and “muscular flanks and broad haunches express the agility and . . .” stop, just stop. We get it. Just speaking for myself, it seems kind of ham-handed and lacking in subtlety. The headlights are way squinty, the front end seems half thought out, there’s a bunch of go-fast kicks and flips and aero bits and pieces that I’m sure help with performance, but look like something from a Fast and Furious movie.
And look, we get that styling is subjective and some people will actually be okay with what Aston Martin is doing here. And others will just be fan-boys that will genuflect at anything and everything that comes out of the shops at Gaydon. But really, Aston Martin should haul this back in before they turn into this decade’s Chris Bangle-sized punch line.
The new Vantage is currently on sale with a retail price starting at $149,995. Deliveries are scheduled to begin during the second quarter of 2018.
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.
Aston Martin Vantage Gallery

Photos & Source: Aston Martin The Americas.

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Glickenhaus Unveils SCG 004S

Glickenhaus Unveils SCG 004S

Denny Hulme, the great world champion driver from New Zealand once said, “if it wins, it’s beautiful.” He was, of course, right. The Glickenhaus SCG 004S comes from a fine, recent lineage of race cars that beat the competition the way Paul Ferguson beats drums: Ferociously.
As a quick recap, when Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus took the SCG 003C, the competition predecessor to the SCG 004S, to the Nurburgring Nordschleife, driver Jeff Westphal covered the course in 6:33.20. I’ll let that time sink in while you try and match it on your xBox.
How’d that go? Right. So it doesn’t take much of an imagination to know what this car can do in real life.
Power & Performance
The specs are impressive to say the least. The chassis and body are made entirely of carbon fiber, of course, so the all up weight is around 2,600 lbs., or about a Miata with two big guys in it. All this carbon goodness is propelled down the road thanks to a 5-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine that cranks out around 650 horsepower and 531 ft-lb. of torque. Redline is a healthy 8,200 rpm and cogs are chosen via a 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional paddle shift, two pedal setup. Speaking of setups, the Glickenhaus SCG 004S features a three seat arrangement with the driver in the center, like a McLaren F1 or Ferrari’s Guida Centrale. You can get the 004S in a choice of shades, along with natural and tinted carbon fiber options.
Photo: Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus.
Hometown Hero
You also get that swell of patriotic pride knowing the 004S is designed and manufactured right here in the United States of America. 004Ss will be sold by Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus as a turn key car with a real 17 digit VIN number, thanks to the NHTSA Low Volume Manufacturers Status SCG now enjoys. Another enjoyable thing about earning that status is how the 004S is both safety and emissions compliant. So you can register, plate, and drive this thing on the road, just like it was a Camry.
The really, really cool thing about getting that VIN number is that it allows SCG to scale and race in the GTE, GTLM, and GT3 classes at places like the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, Daytona, Sebring, and eventually, the pinnacle of endurance racing: Le Mans. Meaning the thumping that people like Aston Martin and Porsche have taken at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring at the hands of the Glickenhaus P4/5C and SCG 003C might expand to new locations. You have been warned.
Photo: Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus.

Ultimate Test Drive
How much? Er, well, not cheap. Not exorbitantly stupid, but still, with a base price $400,000, it ain’t chicken feed. SCG says they’ll have a running prototype going by mid-2018. The first 25 Founders Editions are scheduled for delivery in 2018 or 2019. There’s no mention of increased cost for going the Founders Edition route, but the company says the cars will go to “SCG supporters who will drive them and give SCG feedback, which will help to make them great cars.”
In other words, you’d kind of be a company test driver/beta tester. Cool!
They also mention Founders Editions are expected to sell out soon. Which means the slots in the reservation book and the checks are already piling up. After putting out 25 Founders Editions, a full production run of 250 cars is expected by 2019 or 2020. Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus is currently in discussions to partner with several multi-billion dollar automotive suppliers so they can reach those production numbers by that time. SCG is also building, from the ground up, a dealer network with sales and service beginning in 2019.
It is also worth pointing out, both to Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus and to any well-healed, would-be purchasers out there, that we here at Automoblog are more than willing to work with you regarding writing very high quality, bespoke histories and experiences of your car, or even performing thorough tests and evaluations of any given car (or cars) if you would like us to do so. We hasten to point out that we are all very good drivers here and would have no problem keeping you posted as to fuel bills to be paid and the 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: Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus.

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2018 Hyundai Accent: Product & Performance Overview

2018 Hyundai Accent: Product & Performance Overview

Hyundai says the new features on tap for the 2018 Accent will make the car more satisfying for customers. An efficient and affordable people mover in its own right, the new Accent is billed as a “class above” by Hyundai. SE buyers will see a handful of new standard features; those going after one of the upper trims will see an array of connectivity and styling enhancements.
Across the lineup, the Accent sees improved noise isolation and better driving dynamics when compared to prior generations.
Power & Performance
The 2018 Hyundai Accent is powered by a 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder engine, creating 130 horsepower and 119 lb-ft. of torque. The engine, complete with gasoline direct injection, is paired to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission; the latter shed four pounds during development. Upgrades, including low-friction piston rings, a variable fuel pressure module, and new engine software boost the Accent’s driving dynamics.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Ride & Handling
The 2018 Hyundai Accent is comprised of over 50 percent advanced high-strength steel, up about 13 percent from the prior generation. The marked improvement in torsional rigidity (32 percent) provides the driver with a solid on-road feel and reduced cabin noise. The advanced high-strength steel architecture is also beneficial for crash energy absorption and impact protection. Improvements were made to the front crumple zones and airbags. This, along with other reinforcements, ensure the Accent’s collision absorption performance is on point, particularly in small overlap crashes.
The rear roll center has been raised and the leverage ratio of the rear shock absorbers increased. Hyundai says this move, when paired with the standard Motor-Driven Power Steering system, bolsters handling and comfort.
Exterior & Interior Details
Hyundai’s cascading grille, the automaker’s trademark, is complimented by wraparound headlights and the available LED daytime running lights. A 0.28 coefficient drag is achieved through a new front spoiler, lower ride height, and a uniquely sculpted underbody.
The 2018 Accent also has more room inside when compared to a 2017. The new model is wider by 1.2 inches and longer by 0.6 inches; the wheelbase also increases by 0.4 inches, moving the wheels just enough to provide more interior room. Passenger volume grows to 90.2 cubic feet and cargo volume to 13.7 cubic feet, for 103.9 total cubic feet of interior volume. Both figures surpass the Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris, two of Hyundai’s biggest competitors.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.

SE Trim
Standard features for the SE include a color touchscreen audio system, rearview camera, Bluetooth capability, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, a spare tire, and 15-inch wheels. Hyundai notes the additional standard content adds a modest $250.00 to the MSRP versus a 2017 model. Other features include auxiliary input jacks, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, sliding sunvisors, dual vanity mirrors, tinted glass, rear defroster, and front and rear door map pockets.
SEL Trim
The mid-level SEL grade has a seven-inch Display Audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual charging USB ports, center console storage box with sliding armrest, and a driver’s blind spot mirror. Other SEL highlights include 15-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, and heated bodycolor mirrors.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Limited Trim
The Limited trim adds a lot of styling flare with 17-inch wheels and a number of chrome elements, including the grille, beltline molding, and outside door handles. Up front, the Limited features projection headlights, LED daytime running lights, and fog lights. Niceties include a power sunroof, leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter, automatic temperature control, heated front seats, and push button start.
The Limited trim also includes a forward collision warning system. A forward-facing radar unit detects if the driver is closing too quickly on another vehicle. If there is no reaction, the brakes deploy automatically to either avoid or mitigate the collision.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Hyundai Accent is available now. Below is a complete pricing chart for each model.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Model
Transmission
Suggested Retail
Accent Sedan SE
6-speed Manual Transmission
$14,995
Accent Sedan SE
6-speed Automatic Transmission
$15,995
Accent Sedan SEL
6-speed Automatic
$17,295
Accent Sedan Limited
6-speed Automatic
$18,895
2018 Hyundai Accent Gallery

Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.

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Automoblog Book Garage: 3 Gotta Have Books For The Gearhead

Automoblog Book Garage: 3 Gotta Have Books For The Gearhead

When it comes to our holiday shopping lists, there’s always that one person who is a bit hard to buy for. And admittedly, us car loving folks can be a challenge. If you ask an automotive enthusiast what they want for Christmas, they are likely to say their favorite $50,000 to $150,000 sports/performance car. And while that’s fine, it’s not necessarily the easiest gift for you to wrap and put under the tree, let alone purchase.
Conversation Starters
The gift of automotive literature is something the car enthusiast on your list will enjoy for years. Our Book Garage series is filled with books that make great conversation pieces when placed on a coffee table. And you know how much we car enthusiasts love to talk about our favorite rides. Below are three of our favorite books from our series this year. While it was hard to pick only three, we think any one of these will resonate with the car enthusiast in your life this holiday season.
Muscle Car Source Book
Easily one of our favorites, Muscle Car Source Book presents this incredible era in a manner representative of its name: as a source book. From Ford, Chevrolet, and Pontiac, to Buick, AMC, and Dodge, all of the performance data for each car is displayed on tables. The essential specs, from horsepower and torque, to curb weight and fuel tank capacity are laid out.
Author Mike Mueller dives deep, hitting the performance options available for each car featured, including the engine options, gauge packages, and wheel-and-tire configurations. If there’s a person in your life mad for muscle cars, this is definitely the book for them.
$35.79 via Amazon.
Photo: Mike Mueller.
Art of the Classic Sports Car
The scope and breadth of this book is really something and likely to be appreciated by all car lovers. The Art of the Classic Sports Car: Pace and Grace documents the true sports cars of the automotive world; cars that unlike their “normal” counterparts, ride, handle, and sprint in remarkable ways. The question remains, however, what was the first sports car? This sparks a good, healthy debate among enthusiasts but if it’s one thing we usually agree on, it’s how these cars truly stand out.
The book covers some of the most legendary sports cars from the likes of Jaguar, Chevrolet, Triumph, MG, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lotus, Alfa-Romeo, and BMW – their full specs are detailed and their stories told. One of the best is when author Stuart Codling documents the Ferrari 250 California; how Enzo Ferrari faced a desperate postwar Italian economy to develop a truly marvelous 240 horsepower machine unlike anything else at the time.
$6.92 via Amazon.
Photo: James Mann.
Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman
The holidays are a time of reflection and as such, new resolutions for the new year are often made. This book will help inspire the car enthusiast in your life with their resolutions. Consider the late Paul Newman. When he was 70, Newman entered the 24 Hours of Daytona and would end up racing until he was 82. In this book, we see the beginnings of his racing career at an age when most had already retired. The man who voiced the lovable Doc Hudson shows us that age is only a number, something we can all appreciate as the new year comes to fruition.
Matt Stone and Preston Lerner team for this remarkable book, which was later made into a documentary of the same name and directed by Adam Carolla.
$10.43 via Amazon.
From Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman.
Bonus Book: The Art of Mopar
Okay, so one more . . . save this one for that Mopar maniac on your shopping list – the one that proudly says “Mopar or no car.” This book is literally perfect for them. 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. Like Muscle Car Source Book, this is one of our favorites.
An awesome line comes on page 44.
“There’s an adage in Detroit,” writes author Tom Glatch. “You can sell an old man a young man’s car but you can never sell a young man an old man’s car.”
$34.00 via Amazon.
Happy Holidays! And best of luck in your shopping adventures. If you need additional ideas, there are plenty of other gifts sure to be appreciated by the car enthusiast on your list.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Automoblog’s Book Garage is done in partnership with Motorbooks, 401 Second Avenue North, Suite 310, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401. They are among the world’s leading transportation publishers with books penned and illustrated by today’s most respected motoring writers and photographers. Motorbooks celebrated 50 years in 2015.
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