Should You Purchase A Ford Extended Warranty?

Should You Purchase A Ford Extended Warranty? Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.



Ford extended warranties are sold by Ford Motor Company and protect Fords with bumper-to-bumper coverage up to 8 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.You can purchase extended coverage for your Ford from the manufacturer or from a third-party extended warranty company. Choosing between these two options can be difficult, as both have distinct advantages and disadvantages.We recommend getting free quotes from Ford and from a reputable extended warranty company such as Endurance to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.Considering a Ford extended warranty? Our review team analyzed Ford Motor Company’s extended warranty plans. We’ll discuss their strengths and weaknesses compared to warranties offered by popular third-party providers.



We conducted a comprehensive review of the best extended car warranty companies in the industry, and Endurance came out on top. You can get free quotes from Endurance and our other recommended extended warranty companies using the panel below.



Top Extended Warranty Companies
We reviewed the best extended auto warranty providers, and here are our top picks. 


Best Direct Coverage
Best for Older Vehicles
Best Prices



Endurance
CARCHEX
CarShield



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(866) 254-0205
(800) 563-2761
 
 
 



What Does A Ford Extended Warranty Cover?



A Ford extended warranty covers vehicle repair and labor costs after a mechanical breakdown. There are four Ford extended warranties, known as Ford Protect Extended Service Plans, that cover vehicles up to 8 years or 150,000 miles. You can get comprehensive, bumper-to-bumper protection or cover just the powertrain.



Here’s what each Ford extended warranty covers:



Ford Extended Warranty Plan
Plan Description
PremiumCARE
Ford’s most comprehensive plan by far, PremiumCARE covers over 1,000 components.
ExtraCARE
This plan covers 113 components of your engine, transmission, steering, brakes, and technological systems.
BaseCARE
BaseCARE covers 84 components that specifically impact drivability, including parts of your engine, transmission, steering, and more.
PowertrainCARE
PowertrainCARE covers 29 components of your engine, transmission, and drivetrain, plus all gaskets and seals.



Ford Extended Warranty Benefits & Exclusions



All Ford extended warranty plans include the following benefits:



Courtesy towing Transferable coverageDestination assistance24/7 roadside assistanceRental car reimbursementEmergency travel coverageInterest-free financing for two yearsAll covered repairs must be made at Ford or Lincoln dealerships. While this guarantees your vehicle will be worked on by Ford-trained technicians using genuine Ford parts, it can be inconvenient if you live far from a dealership.



As with most extended warranties, Ford Protect Extended Service Plans do not cover routine maintenance such as oil changes or tire rotations. Ford ESPs also exclude windshield, tire, and dent damage, but Ford offers separate protection plans that can cover these items.



Do You Need Extended Warranty Coverage?



A vehicle service contract, commonly referred to as an extended warranty, provides coverage for Ford vehicles after the factory warranty expires. Ford’s warranty provides 3 years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and 5 years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage for all of its new vehicles. When this coverage ends, Ford owners are entirely responsible for repair costs, some of which can cost thousands of dollars.



According to RepairPal, Ford owners pay an average of $775 in annual repair costs. While this is lower than some car brands’ annual costs, it is higher than the industry-wide average of $652.



With a Ford extended warranty, most major repairs are covered. The peace of mind and budget protection offered by an extended warranty makes it worth it for millions of drivers on the road today. We recommend considering an extended warranty unless you’re able to easily pay thousands of dollars out-of-pocket for unexpected repairs.



Ford extended warranties offset the cost of covered car repairs.How Much Does a Ford Extended Warranty Cost?



The cost of a Ford extended warranty depends on a variety of factors, including the plan you choose and your vehicle’s model, age, and mileage. Older vehicles or those with more miles on them typically cost more to protect because they’re more prone to breakdowns.



To find out how much a Ford extended warranty would cost for your vehicle, visit a dealership or call 877-794-6434. We also recommend getting a quote from Endurance to compare with Ford’s offer. You can get a free Endurance quote by calling 877-374-1840 or by filling out this simple form.



Ford Extended Warranty vs. Third-Party Providers



If you’re interested in a Ford extended warranty, you should also consider third-party alternatives. Third-party warranties offer a few distinct advantages over the manufacturer’s plans, including:



Similar coverage for a lower price: Third-party providers typically offer similar coverage to manufacturer extended warranties but at a lower price point.Repair location: Under a Ford extended warranty, all repairs must be made at a dealership. With third-party coverage, you can have your car serviced at any licensed repair shop, including local Ford dealerships.Unique benefits: Extended warranty companies sometimes offer superior perks. For example, Endurance’s Elite Membership covers up to two tire replacements or repairs per year, concierge service, identity theft protection, and more. Ford does not offer any of these benefits.Sample contracts: Reputable third-party providers make sample contracts available online, so you can see exactly what is and isn’t covered under each plan before you request a quote. Getting coverage through Ford, the first time you’ll be able to review a contract is when it’s time to sign on the dotted line.Top Recommended Extended Warranty Company: Endurance







With its outstanding benefits package, comprehensive coverage plans, and affordable costs, Endurance is an excellent alternative to a Ford extended warranty. Our review team analyzed every extended warranty company in the industry and found Endurance to offer the best direct coverage on the market.



Endurance plans are available in every state except California and can cover cars up to 200,000 miles. There are multiple deductible options ranging from $0 to $200. Endurance warranty reviews for customer service are largely positive – the company holds a 4.5-star “Excellent” customer rating on Trustpilot and has a 3.5-star customer rating on its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile.



Perhaps the most notable aspect of Endurance coverage is that all plans come with a free year of Endurance Elite Membership. This provides standard perks like roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage, and courtesy towing, as well as unique benefits like tire repairs and replacements, personal concierge services, $250 in vouchers to use with Endurance partners, identity theft protection, key fob replacements, and more.



The company has sample contracts online, which you can compare against Ford extended warranties. We’ve found that Endurance offers coverage comparable to Ford’s plans, but it would be wise to review them side by side.



To get a free, custom quote from Endurance, use the tool below.



 

Best Direct Coverage




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(877) 374-1840
Industry veteran that handles your plan directly, from quote to claim








Many extended Ford protection plans cover electrical and high-tech components. Frequently Asked Questions



Here are some commonly asked Ford extended warranty questions.



Does Ford offer an extended warranty?



Yes. Ford Protect Extended Service Plans can cover your vehicle up to eight years or 150,000 miles. There are four Ford extended warranty plans to choose from: PremiumCARE, ExtraCARE, BaseCARE, and PowertrainCARE.



What does Ford’s extended warranty cover?



Ford’s extended warranty covers your vehicle after mechanical breakdowns. Coverage ranges from basic powertrain to full bumper-to-bumper protection. Each plan comes with benefits including emergency roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, trip interruption coverage, and more. Read more about what a car warranty covers to fully understand your protection.



What does Ford’s factory warranty cover?



Ford’s factory warranty covers new vehicles from bumper to bumper for 3 years/36,000 miles. The Ford factory warranty also includes 5 years/60,000 miles of powertrain protection. Read more about this coverage in our comprehensive Ford warranty review.
Original article: Should You Purchase A Ford Extended Warranty?



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Imagine By Kia: New Concept Electric Aims To Please The Senses

Imagine By Kia: New Concept Electric Aims To Please The Senses This car/SUV/crossover is the first pure-electric vehicle from Kia. 
The familiar Kia “tiger nose” makes way for the “tiger mask” front design. 
Kia unveiled the “Imagine by Kia” concept at the Geneva International Motor Show.
Ah yes, another concept EV. The Imagine by Kia is the South Korean car maker’s first-ever, pure-electric four-door car. It fuses the design attributes of a muscular SUV, athletic family saloon, and a versatile crossover.
I have no idea how Kia did it, but the initial results are satisfying, to say the least. It didn’t take long to discern that Kia is serious about coming up with better-looking cars.
Case in point, the Kia Stinger GT.
And with the Imagine by Kia Concept EV, we can rest in the knowledge that future electric cars will have none of the weird and polarizing quirkiness of early hybrids and electric vehicles. I’m looking at you, first-gen Nissan Leaf and Peugeot iOn! Thankfully, Nissan has moved on from the dreary first-gen Leaf to the more normal-looking second-gen car. Sadly, Peugeot remains stuck in the past with the iOn, which remains to be a rebadged Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric car.
And this is where we see Kia trying to break that mold in terms of styling.
Imagine by Kia. Photo: Kia Motors Europe.
SUV Design Cues, Compact Size
Sport-utility vehicles are so popular that a large majority of concept cars are now carrying SUV design cues. Consider the recent Infiniti QX Inspiration Concept? That vehicle is Infiniti’s first foray in the EV segment, and it’s an SUV! Kia is doing something similar here. But instead of being an actual SUV, the Imagine by Kia is a large C-segment car. Think Nissan Sentra, Volkswagen Golf, and Toyota Corolla. Or in Kia world, the Forte.
“It hints at something familiar but is something entirely new,” said Gregory Guillaume, Vice President of Design, Kia Motors Europe, about the Imagine by Kia. “I think of it as a category-buster, and a disruptor – it’s familiar and understood but at the same time progressive and new.”
Instead of the familiar three-box design layout, the Imagine by Kia is styled like a crossover. At some angles, this concept resembles a Stinger on steroids. However, in the front, the Imagine by Kia is oozing with old school charm. If you squint, the new “tiger mask” front has the aura of the Alfa Romeo Montreal and the De Tomaso Mangusta from the 1970s.
“The inspiration for the ‘tiger mask’ was to create the look and feel of the headlamps being suspended within a transparent block of glass,” Guillaume said. “This identifiable lighting signature could potentially be deployed as a unifying design element across Kia’s future electric vehicle range.”
Photo: Kia Motors Europe.
Unique Paintwork
In order for the crisp shoulder lines and tautly-drawn sheet metal to further stand out, the Imagine by Kia EV boasts a unique paint job. The car benefits from six layers of chrome-effect silver paint – applied by hand, of course – along with a tanned bronze tint. The result is a surface that is warm and inviting to the touch.
And as you may have figure out by now, the paint is sensitive to changing light conditions. The effect is hard to ignore. The depth of sheen plays with the light as it hits the surface, further enhancing the curves and contours of the vehicle.
“Kia prides itself on its power to surprise, which is why we wanted to move away from the rational and focus on the emotional, and embrace a warmer and more human approach to electrification,” Guillaume added.
Photo: Kia Motors Europe.
Efficient Aerodynamics
Electric vehicles are not just about powerful acceleration and silent driving. These vehicles need to slice the wind like a hot knife over butter to improve real-world driving range. From this aspect, it seems Kia has all the bases covered.
“The front air curtain; the way the double-skin bonnet channels air through the nose, up and over the front screen and roof; the double skinned C-pillar that creates an air spoiler; the completely enclosed underbody; the wind-cheating ‘wingcams’ and the hard-edged break-away around the car’s rear,” Guillaume explained. “All these features collectively boost aerodynamic efficiency and reduce turbulence and drag.”
The same goes for the wheels. Those 22-inch rollers contain inserts crafted from transparent acrylic glass, which will hopefully survive curb damage. The goal is to refract and reflect light as the wheels move while reducing air turbulence. The wheels are shod in Goodyear Intelligrip EV concept tires. The tires have sensors that feed information to the vehicle ECU.
Fascinating Interior
The first thing you’ll notice in the interior of the Imagine by Kia is not the single sheet of glass for the windscreen and roof, nor the floating center console or the rear-hinged suicide doors. While those certinately command attention, they are nothing compared to the immersive front display consisting of 21 individual screens on top of the dashboard. We all know distracted driving is dangerous but this is crazy.
Thankfully, Kia’s design team has a sense of humor after all, which is refreshing for a global car maker.
“Those 21 incredibly thin screens are a humorous and irreverent riposte to the on-going competition between some automotive manufacturers to see who can produce the car with the biggest screen,” explains Ralph Kluge, General Manager of Interior Design, Kia Motors Europe. “We wanted the interior to have a twinkle in its eye, to be full of surprising and delightful touches that amuse, engage, and attract both driver and passenger alike.”
Imagine by Kia interior layout, complete with 21 screens. Photo: Kia Motors Europe.
Pure Electric Power
We know for a fact the Imagine by Kia is a pure-electric vehicle. However, Kia is mum on the battery specs and powertrain information. At least for now. What we know so far is how the vehicle benefits from a low-mounted, induction-charged battery pack and compact drivetrain.
Whatever the case, the Imagine by Kia concept has huge shoes to fill. It not only needs to be good, but it needs to be good enough to run with the forthcoming Tesla Model Y, Polestar 2, and Audi Q4 e-tron. This means Kia’s first-ever EV must have a range of 230 to 300 miles and go from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds.
Kia, I hope you’re reading this.
Future Considerations
Besides the ridiculous screens on the dashboard, Kia is on the right path. But remember, the Imagine by Kia is a concept vehicle. We hope the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree when the production model arrives in the near future.
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. 
Imagine by Kia Gallery








Photos & Source: Kia Motors Europe.



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Vanquish Vision Concept: Aston Martin Goes Mid-Engine!

Vanquish Vision Concept: Aston Martin Goes Mid-Engine! Vanquish Vision Concept is a preview of Aston Martin’s first series production mid-engine supercar.
The decision takes Aston Martin into a mid-engine sector previously defined by other key competitors. 
Aston Martin has been cranking out the concept cars, er, renderings lately. In this instance, we’re talking about the Vanquish Vision Concept. In a lot of ways, it’s both remarkable and unremarkable. Low, sleek, dripping with performance and desirability; it’s everything a concept show car is expected to be. But then you think about it and realize the engine sits in the middle. A mid-engine Aston Martin? Aston doesn’t make mid-engine cars.
Well, they do now.
The Heartland of Luxury Sports Cars
The Vanquish Vision Concept will be one of four mid-engine cars from Aston Martin: The Valkyrie, Valkyrie AMR Pro, AM-RB 003, and the Vanquish Vision (the letter V is flying around Gaydon). Until now, Aston Martins have been very traditional, very British performance cars, with the engine in the front, just the way the Queen and country prefer it. Performance-wise, however, having the lump in the middle is better, so Aston Martin is finally jumping on that old bandwagon and will now start making mid-engine cars.
“Firstly, what a pleasure to revive the Vanquish name. Synonymous with our series production flagships, it felt entirely appropriate to attach it to such a significant car. The Vanquish Vision Concept marks another pivotal moment in Aston Martin’s history, and another critical step in delivering the Second Century Plan,” explained Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO. “Our first series production rear mid-engined supercar will be a transformational moment for the brand, for it is the car that will propel Aston Martin into a sector of the market traditionally seen as the heartland of luxury sports cars.”
Vanquish Vision Concept. Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Related: How Sir David Brown built a car for the “discerning owner driver.”
Less Negative Space
You can think of the Vanquish Vision Concept as sort of a baby Valkyrie, in much the same way a Ferrari 488 is a baby LaFerrari. The latest Vanquish is not as full-blown crazy as the Valkyrie. For example, the Vanquish gets a new V6 plant sitting amidships versus the V12 hybrid monster found in the Valkyrie. (Although that V6 is a non-hybrid, non-turbo version of the same engine found in the AM-RB 003).
So you can see the range of mid-engine Astons as being a spectrum of choice, from the vanilla of the “plain” V6 in the Vanquish, through the spiced up turbo-hybrid of the AM-RB 003, to the full zoot, straitjacket bent of the Valkyrie.
“The Vanquish Vision Concept has a more seductive and less technical appearance than the Aston Martin Valkyrie and AM-RB 003, but it’s still extreme in terms of visual gestures,” said Miles Nurnberger, Aston Martin Director of Design. “For example, it has a very distinctive clamshell front fender, with openings so you can see through onto the tire. There’s less of the negative space that defines the look of the Aston Martin Valkyrie and AM-RB 003. It’s a prettier car, and purposely so, as it’s been designed to thrive in a less extreme performance envelope.”
Sounds like Aston Martin has all the bases covered.
Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Glued & Screwed
Technical info is rather lacking at this point, sadly. The only gearhead stuff Aston Martin mentions is how the chassis of the Vanquish Vision Concept is a custom-made, bonded aluminum affair, developed by mid-engine specialist and Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer, Max Szwaj. Aston Martin employed a more state-of-the-art, all-carbon fiber construction for both the Valkyrie and AM-RB 003, but went with a more established “glued and screwed” bonded aluminum approach for the Vanquish Vision Concept.
No outright reason is given but, to my experience, it comes down to cost. Carbon fiber is expensive to work with and very expensive to repair (assuming you can repair it). Meaning that insurance costs for a car with a chassis made of metal will be lower. Aston Martin has worked with aluminum for chassis bits and sub-structures in the recent past. For example, the DBS Superleggera utilizes the latest generation of the lightweight bonded aluminum structures first seen on Aston’s DB11. Much like Lotus’ work in the same arena, it shows how a semi-high tech, not exactly bleeding edge approach is still a good path to follow.
“Although it takes Aston Martin into new territory, it does so with the benefit of hard-won knowledge, ground-breaking ideas, and an uncompromising mindset,” Szwaj said. “The full engineering story of this car is yet to be told, but what you see here should tell you this car will not only compete at the highest level, but it will do so in a manner and style unique to Aston Martin.”
Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Pricing & Production
The Aston Martin Vanquish Vision Concept is scheduled for production in 2022. Although, you know what they say about schedules, especially when it comes to concept cars. No word yet on price. It will likely be less than its other mid-engine stablemates but still more than your house.
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 Vanquish Vision Concept Gallery














Photos & Source: Aston Martin The Americas.



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2019 Lexus LS 500h Review: A Hybrid of The Highest Order

2019 Lexus LS 500h Review: A Hybrid of The Highest Order 95excellentoverall impression Quiet & luxurious cabin.Solid engine performance.Infotainment touchpad is difiicult. ProsRide Quality World-Class InteriorConsInfotainment TouchpadOptions Add Up QuicklyIf you think Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo have the market on the full-size luxury segment, Lexus is making a bold statement with the LS 500. When Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda said he wanted to change the Lexus culture, he wasn’t kidding. The 2019 Lexus LS 500h says Europe doesn’t have a lock on world-class luxury and performance any longer.
This week, we drove the 2019 Lexus LS 500 with hybrid technology.
What’s New For 2019
The LS 500h offers more connectivity and safety tech, plus a handful of new styling options. Apple CarPlay is finally available for iPhone users, although Android Auto is still not available. Amazon Alexa allows the virtual assistant to start the LS, lock and unlock its doors, and check its fuel level.
Features & Options: Comfort & Safety 
The 2019 Lexus LS 500h ($82,930) comes standard with an adaptive suspension, LED headlights, a sunroof, hands-free trunk, power-closing doors, leather upholstery, and 16-way power-adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats. Other treatments include a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and a power rear sunshade.
Technology features include a 12.3-inch central display, navigation, a trackpad-style interface, Wi-Fi hotspot, Lexus Enform services, Bluetooth, and a 12-speaker audio system. Standard driver aids include a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and automatic wipers.
The 2019 Lexus LS 500h has a gorgeous interior, and the tech features set it apart. However, not everything is user-friendly. It took awhile to get used to the infotainment touchpad.
Extra Packages & Armrest Controllers
The Luxury package ($12,250) adds a 28-way adjustable passenger seat, 18-way adjustable and reclining rear seats, four-zone climate control, power rear side sunshades, and rear-seat knee airbags. An armrest-mounted touchscreen controls the climate and seat functions. 
The Safety System ($3,000) adds adaptive cruise and automatic steering that can detect and “trace” the path of the vehicle in front. Other individual options include an adaptive air suspension, panoramic sunroof, adaptive LED headlights, upgraded wood trim, a 24-inch heads-up display, and a premium 23-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
Total MSRP including destination: $107,950. By comparison, the 2019 Lexus LS 500 (non-hybrid) starts at $75,300 for a front-wheel drive model; $78,520 for all-wheel drive. 
Touchpad controller for the rear passengers.
Interior Highlights: Comfortable & Sleek
Stepping inside the 500h reveals a roomy, luxurious, and comfortable place to spend time. We played with the 28-way power-adjustable seats for 20 minutes, getting them set just right for our week-long drive. The 2019 Lexus LS 500h is stretched with a longer wheelbase, giving passengers extra legroom. Four passengers will fit comfortably for long distances even with the raked roofline, which makes the sedan look smaller than it is.
Extravagance abounds in the cabin, from the dark hardwoods and aluminum trim on the dash, to the ambient lighting and quilted seat fabric. The door panels even feature curved stitching, finished with free-floating door handles and armrests. The large central display screen is beautiful and we think the optional Mark Levinson premium sound system is worth the cost.
In the back, rear passengers will need to duck to get in, but the reclining seats helped our guests sink in and enjoy the ride. The rear seats are perfect for two adults or three kids. We noticed the air suspension raising the car more than an inch making for easier entry/exit.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2019 Lexus LS 500h is powered by a twin-turbocharged, 3.5-liter V6 engine (295 horsepower) connected to a pair of electric motors and a lithium-ion battery. Total system horsepower is 354, with power distributed through a continuously automatic variable transmission. This tester came with optional all-wheel drive.
The big sedan is rated at 23/31 city/highway and 28 mpg combined. The 500h returns just five mpg more combined than its standard gasoline-powered counterpart, but costs several thousand dollars more. However, the extra torque makes it fun to drive which is why we would still favor the hybrid option.  
Related: The lion of the Lexus den: on the road with the 2019 GS F.
Driving Dynamics: Not Your Typical Hybrid 
The best reason to choose the hybrid is for the instant power you feel from the dual electric motors. And with its ultra-quiet cabin, cushy ride, and advanced safety tech, the 2019 Lexus LS 500h proves that the Germans aren’t the only ones who can build world-class luxury machines.
From the driver’s seat, the 2019 Lexus LS 500h feels like a much smaller sports car. We put the pedal down and the V6, with the electric motors to assist, delivered abundant and smooth power. The E-CVT Hybrid automatic is rather seamless, and we weren’t too bothered with the CVT.
That’s not something we can say about every CVT on the market. 
The LS 500h never left us wanting as we pushed it hard in the higher altitude west of Denver. We tossed the big sedan around tight mountain corners, experiencing little (if any) body lean with the adaptive variable air suspension. On the open road, the air suspension’s ride is buttery-smooth and road noise is kept to a minimum inside the comfy cabin. Road manners are excellent, overall, with the adaptive setup. It was easy maneuvering in the city as we commuted around Denver this week.

Conclusion: No Small Doses Here 
The ride and the quiet interior will easily pamper drivers and passengers. The 2019 Lexus LS 500h delivers a luxury experience that rivals all European automakers. The LS 500h offers up extra comfort, plenty of storage space, the latest safety equipment, and a sizable helping of technology and performance.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his firsthand reviews are archived on our test drives page. Follow Denis on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Lexus LS 500 Gallery


























Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (non-hybrid models also shown).



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Jeep Electrifies Renegade & Compass With Plug-In Hybrid Powertrains

Jeep Electrifies Renegade & Compass With Plug-In Hybrid Powertrains The Jeep Renegade and Compass are going green in 2020. 
However, Jeep isn’t exactly jumping on the typical EV bandwagon. 
Both plug-in hybrids feature a revolutionary electric all-wheel drive system.
Jeep found a better way to make a lasting impression at the Geneva International Motor Show recently. The brand unveiled two new plug-in hybrid versions of the Jeep Renegade and Compass for all the world to see.
Yes, you read that right.
After dominating last year’s headlines with the all-new Gladiator pickup truck, Jeep is taking a different route.  I never thought I’d get a chance to say this. But soon, you can order a new Jeep Renegade or Compass with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
But wait! Before you storm FCA’s headquarters with pitchforks in hand, listen up.
Capturing A Slice of The Growing EV Market
Jeep and Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) are on a roll. FCA reported a 14 percent increase in U.S. sales for 2018. The Jeep brand enjoyed a 17 percent increase in sales alone. The Jeep Wrangler, in particular, is a best-seller with 240,032 units sold.
Believe it or not, this has something to do with the rugged, go-anywhere appeal of Jeep vehicles. Mind you, other SUVs are faster, more comfortable, and have more usable space. However, only a select few can offer the clobbering off-road abilities of a Jeep. And a Jeep like this won’t cost more than a loaded midsize sedan.
Naturally, the next step is to go green. In this ever-changing automotive landscape, it’s either go green or go bust. Who would have thought a Jeep would come with an electric motor and battery pack straight from the factory? This is not a surprising move. In fact, Jeep is doing the right thing. If the brand wants to capture a slice of the growing EV market, something needs to be done instead of just harking back to the past.
But rather than jumping straight onto the EV bandwagon, Jeep made the wiser move by engineering a brilliant plug-in hybrid powertrain for the most affordable vehicles in their lineup: the Renegade and Compass. Consider this for a second: both the Jeep Renegade and Jeep Compass have low base prices of $18,000 and $21,000 respectively. Throw in an electric motor and battery pack, raise the base price by $3k to $5k, and you got yourself an eco-friendly, off-road capable, and affordable plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
Still not convinced? Wait until we get to the juicy parts.
Jeep Compass PHEV. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Evolutionary Powertrain
Jeep remains tight-lipped on battery specifications, but the new Renegade and Compass PHEV promise to deliver high power and long range. Similar to other PHEVs, the battery pack is rechargeable from an external power outlet. Both vehicles will have a pure electric range of approximately 31 miles (50 kilometers) and an electric top speed of 80 mph (130 kph).
The electric motor works in unison with a new 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline motor. Power output for the Jeep Renegade PHEV is around 190 to 240 horsepower. The Jeep Compass PHEV is good for 240 horsepower as well. The result is zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds for both the Renegade and Compass.
Considering a 2017 Jeep Compass Sport 4×4 only musters a zero to 60 time of 8.4 seconds, while a Jeep Renegade 2.4 Sport 4×4 does the same in nine seconds, the PHEV versions offer faster acceleration, better engine response, and cleaner CO2 emissions.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Related: On the road (and off the road) with the 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4×4.
New Electric Drivetrain: Off-Road Capable
What good is a Jeep if it can’t hack it off-road? Fortunately, the Jeep Renegade and Compass PHEV come with an entirely new electric all-wheel drive system or eAWD. This is the kind of stuff you can find on the Audi e-tron SUV. But since the Audi is a full EV, Jeep threw in something different for the PHEV versions of the Renegade and Compass.
Torque in the rear axle comes courtesy of the electric motor (in the rear of the vehicle) while the front axle is turned by the turbocharged gasoline motor. Due to this setup, there is no need to employ a propeller shaft.
As an added bonus, the torque between the two axles is controlled independently as you forge over rocky terrain or snow-covered roads. The eAWD system will not only benefit you off-road, but on the daily drive as well. But since a fully-charged battery pack is good for 31 miles of pure-electric driving, you can tackle the most extreme off-road trails in total silence. And you can do it while basking in the rugged appeal of your Jeep Renegade or Compass.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
As an added bonus, the torque between the two axles is controlled independently as you forge over rocky terrain or snow-covered roads. #JeepClick To TweetPricing & Availability
The new Jeep Renegade and Jeep Compass PHEV will arrive at Jeep dealers in early 2020. Pricing is yet to be announced for either vehicle. If you want to experience hybrid technology in a Jeep, the Wrangler with the mild hybrid eTorque system is available now.
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. 
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2019 Toyota Camry Receives Updates Across The Board

2019 Toyota Camry Receives Updates Across The Board The Camry, one of Toyota’s best-selling cars, soldiers on with new updates for 2019.
Toyota’s Safety Sense P suite provides a number of advanced driver-assistance systems. 
Three powertrain choices are available, including a hybrid with an updated Power Control Unit.
If you’re looking for a car that is the automotive equivalent of a manila envelope stapled to a beige wall, then the new 2019 Toyota Camry is for you. Oh sure, Toyota seems to be serious when they say the Camry has an “Exciting Style” and “Sport Performance” but I’m not ready to believe them. This is a Camry after all. This is solid, dependable, reliable transportation.
Fun and excitement and sportiness have no real place here.
That isn’t a bad thing, per se. If someone were to say that about the latest Porsche, it would be terrible news. We’re talking about Toyota’s bread and butter, middle of the middle-of-the-road vehicle here. In this realm, lack of personality is a good thing. And, in this realm, the latest Camry is packing. Even with its new on-board tech, it gets great gas mileage and is still as reliable as an anvil.
Styling & Design: Some Sporty Elements
The 2019 Toyota Camry carries over the same body design as last year, so there’s not really much to talk about on the styling front. It’s still somewhat sharper, a little wider and lower than you’d first expect, but no one is going to mistake this for an Alfa Romeo Giulia. The SE and XSE are the sportier versions with special rocker panels, 19-inch machined-finish alloy wheels (standard on XSE), a subtle rear spoiler lip, more aggressive front bumper, and a rear bumper with a lower diffuser.
2019 Toyota Camry XSE. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Interior Treatments
Likewise the interior has been tarted up here and there, but the main improvements are to the displays, infotainment, creature comforts and the like. And yet again, when you look at what you get in this arena, the Camry comes in as a great value. The passengers, and most importantly, the driver, receive information through three displays: a 10-inch color Heads-Up Display (HUD); a seven-inch multi-information display within the instrument cluster itself, and an eight-inch audio/navigation/HVAC control panel integrated into the center console.
Toyota says it’s all intuitive in how it operates, and I assume they’re right, because they better be right. Steve Jobs made intuitive operation a by-word of modern day living, and people are used to it now, so Toyota better deliver.
Related: Camry and Avalon get the TRD treatment for 2020.
Further Emphasis On Technology
The new Camry gets the latest Entune 3.0 multimedia system, with Apple CarPlay compatibility and Amazon Alexa. Four-cylinder and hybrid models come with Entune 3.0 Audio, Toyota’s App Suite, and Scout GPS Link. The audio end includes an optional JBL system (nine speakers plus a 10.1-inch subwoofer) complete with Clari-Fi. Toyota describes Clari-Fi as something that “un-compresses” music to help restore an audio track’s dynamic range.
Speaking of dynamic, Camry V6 models offer a Dynamic Navigation system with wireless map updates and over-the-air map downloads for recently added roads and points-of-interest.
There is also Remote Connect, which gets you a remote start and door unlock capability, vehicle status notifications, a guest driver monitor (I bet this is for you nervous parents out there), and a vehicle finder. Service Connect provides up-to-date information on fuel levels, maintenance alerts and that sort of thing. Wi-Fi? Why yes, there’s Wi-Fi Connect powered by Verizon, so you can hook up five mobile devices.
Introduced in Japan in 1982, the Camry was Toyota’s first mass-produced vehicle with a transverse engine layout. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Safety & Security
Would you expect the latest Camry to look the other way on safety measures? No, you wouldn’t, and here we are treated to a buffet of safety goodness. There’s the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist. There’s a Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent Clearance Sonar, and a Rear Cross Traffic Braking system.
Other safety measures include 10 standard airbags, Toyota’s Star Safety System with Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology. There’s even a standard backup camera.
Powertrain & Transmission Options
There are three powertrain choices for the 2019 Toyota Camry, including a hybrid option.
The “normal” engines are hooked up to a Direct Shift eight-speed automatic. The ratios are new as is the torque converter with a wider range of lock-up for improved fuel efficiency. For the Hybrids, Toyota says their Sequential Shiftmatic technology allows the driver to “shift” the electronically-controlled, continuously variable transmission via paddle shifters (SE grade) or with the console-mounted shift lever.
Really, I can’t say which powertrain is better. They all work, and they will all work well for daily driving. It’s up to you which one you pick. However, let’s take a quick look at each of them a little further so you can decide.
Toyota employs Laser Screw Welding at key junctures throughout the 2019 Camry’s body and platform for increased joint rigidity. A special, high-rigidity urethane adhesive is also applied to both the windshield and rear window where they meet the vehicle’s body. The Camry’s body includes additional gussets for the front/rear door frame (B-pillar) that increase overall frame and joint strength. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Gasoline Engines
The 2.5-liter, inline-four-cylinder (D-4S) gasoline engine, is a solid and reliable choice. Peak horsepower is estimated at 206 at 6,600 rpm (176 horsepower at 5,700 rpm in the hybrid configuration) with torque estimated at 186 lb-ft. at 5,000 rpm (163 lb-ft. at 3,600-5,200 rpm for the hybrid). Fuel economy for 2.5-liter gas models is an EPA-estimated 29/41 city/highway and 34 combined mpg.
The 3.5-liter V6, with D-4S Fuel Injection, is the more powerful choice with an enhanced variable valve timing system to provide optimum torque at all engine speeds. The V6 delivers 301 horsepower at 6,600 rpm, 267 lb-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm, and an EPA-estimated 22/33 city/highway and 26 combined mpg. This marks an increase of eight percent for combined mpg versus the Camry’s previous V6.
Hybrid Drive
The 2019 Toyota Camry Hybrid comes in at 51/53 city/highway and 52 combined mpg on the LE grade. By comparison, the SE and XLE grades come it at 44/47 city/highway and 46 combined mpg. Toyota says the updated and more compact Power Control Unit (PCU) of the hybrid system plays a key role in improving efficiency. Improvements in the conversion efficiency of the PCU and the transaxle/electric motor reduce energy loss by nearly 20 percent.
Furthermore, Toyota says cooling system improvements now reduce energy loss by 10 percent. 
The 2019 Toyota Camry’s front suspension tower brace is embedded within the cowl body, and now makes use of a “closed cross-section construction” to increase handling and stability. At the rear, a body frame of “annular construction” enhances structural rigidity, and is joined by additional braces in the rear suspension to withstand higher levels of lateral force. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Pricing & Availability
The 2019 Toyota Camry starts at $23,945 with the hybrid starting at $28,150. But really, does it matter? No, it doesn’t. Toyota has sold 18 million Camrys, so they will keep selling them, even if the price is up or down by a point or two.
The 2019 Camry Hybrid is available in three grades: LE, SE, and XLE. The traditional Camry comes in five grades: L, LE, XLE, SE, and XSE. If color is important, the 2019 Toyota Camry comes in Wind Chill Pearl, Ruby Flare Pearl, Brownstone, Galactic Aqua Mica, Super White, Celestial Silver Metallic, Predawn Gray Mica, Midnight Black Metallic, Blue Streak Metallic, and Supersonic Red. Some trim levels give you an optional Midnight Black Metallic roof.
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. 
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Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.



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Lagonda All-Terrain Concept: The EV With The Floating Key

Lagonda All-Terrain Concept: The EV With The Floating Key Aston Martin Lagonda aims to be the world’s first zero-emission luxury brand.
The company will leverage electrification and autonomous driving technologies.
The Lagonda All-Terrain Concept is set for production in 2022 and includes a floating key.
It’s called the Lagonda All-Terrain Concept, and its name is the most uncreative thing about it. Basically, it’s an uber-luxo SUV crossover thingo from Lagonda (i.e. Aston Martin), powered by equal parts electricity and style, and the owners smug sense of entitlement. Aston Martin Lagonda says they’re serious, and they’re really going to make it at a new facility in St Athan, Wales.
Lagonda says it will enter production in 2022, but that sounds rather ambitious. I’ll believe it when I see one on the road. Then again, I said that about Bentley making an SUV, and then I actually did see one, in rural Arizona, of all places, so what do I know?
Near-Future Study & Forces of Gravity
Lagonda calls the All-Terrain Concept “The Future of The Luxury SUV,” and in a certain way, they’re right. By going the EV route, Lagonda is betting that future, rich SUV buyers are going to pay a premium for luxury EVs. If you take the mode of motivation out of the equation, the All-Terrain Concept does give that market segment what they’re looking for.
The Lagonda All-Terrain Concept is, as Lagonda puts it, a “near-future” study. That means it’s just a bunch of renderings, drawings, and ideas lashed together around this “vision” of what rich people in the near future will want. Then again, that motivation could come in the form of growing regulations, coupled with the growing sense of environmental doom wrought at the hands of engine emissions. In fact, a growing number of people believe EVs are the way of the future.
They are totally over the top when trying to explain the styling, saying it drew inspiration from the likes of the Concorde SST and the world of super yachts. Lagonda uses terminology like “relaxed elegance” and “rear-leaning gesture of the belt line” and “forms and shapes that look like they have been created by the huge, planetary forces of gravity fields,” without a hint of irony.
Lagonda All-Terrain Concept. Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
That motivation could come in the form of growing regulations, coupled with the growing sense of environmental doom wrought at the hands of engine emissions.Click To TweetStyling & Design: Red Carpet Treatment
I’m not saying the thing looks ugly, far from it. It’s rather pleasing overall, but just try to imagine the Lagonda All-Terrain Concept splattered with mud, carrying a couple of bales of hay and spools of barbed wire. Funny, no? Then again, you’ll never see a Bentley Bentayga or a Rolls Cullinan doing that either, so I guess the guys in marketing shouldn’t worry.
Auto designers are starting to clock to the fact that EVs really do free up a lot of design possibilities. The Lagonda All-Terrain Concept is no different. Its batteries are located in the stiffened floor, lowering the center of gravity and opening up a lot of interior space. The interior space is further amplified by the rear-hinged back doors that not only give you a “spectacular ‘red carpet’ moment as the interior and its occupants are revealed” (no seriously, they said that), but also that cool factor that suicide doors always have.
The “tailgate” of the All-Terrain is a wide clamshell rear hatch affair which might work, practically; but if nothing else, it does look spectacular. That’s also aided by the slick light strip that hides the LEDs and only lets you see the beam.
The rear shelf/loading area slides out from the floor, which is nice, and functions sort of like a slide-out shelf in your kitchen. When not in use, it’s hidden flush with the body and stowed. When not used for loading and unloading, you can sit on it and watch the polo match; or bet on which of your servants will survive this fortnight’s battle to the death. There’s also lots of glass so the All-Terrain’s occupants can “survey the landscape.”
Lagonda All-Terrain Concept interior layout. Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Related: Turning a classic into an EV: check out this electrified 1970 DB6 MkII Volante.
Floating Keys
The interior has a limousine atmosphere with a lack of visible vents and speakers. There’s tons of space, and although no dimensions were given, this thing looks to be the size of a tank. Which makes the available seating (four) seem like some sort of joke. The biggest, flashiest show piece is, of all things, the key. The Lagonda All-Terrain does have one, but you don’t slide it into a lock, oh no; when placed in position, the key floats, levitating between the front seats, thanks to the wonder of electromagnets. Sheesh.
And if you take the mode of motivation into the equation, then the All-Terrain Concept gives rich people the sheen of being eco-conscious and green and all that sort of thing. In a lot of ways, the All-Terrain Concept is the green icing on the cake.
Production & Manufacturing
The aforementioned St Athan facility, once a Ministry of Defence Super Hangar, is undergoing renovations. St Athan will be Aston Martin Lagonda’s second facility and will become their electrification hub.
The St Athan site will commence with Aston Martin DBX production, with the Lagonda All-Terrain Concept following in 2022. Over 70 Welsh employees have now joined the already 100-strong St Athan team. Those employees spent the last two-and-a-half years at Aston Martin Lagonda’s Gaydon Headquarters.
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. 
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Photos & Source: Aston Martin The Americas.



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Peace, Love & The VW Light Bus

Peace, Love & The VW Light Bus The iconic VW Light Bus returns for the 50th anniversary of Woodstock.
Features the designs and paintwork of original artist Dr. Bob Hieronimus.
The classic VW Bus, i.e. the Type 2, started out in America as a surf mobile. Yet the same reasons surfers loved the thing – cheap, reliable, you can sleep in it waiting for your swell and such – appealed to a another growing segment of the counterculture: Hippies. From Hattiesburg to The Haight, the young and disaffected, those who tuned in, turned on, and dropped out, took to the VW Bus like ducks to water.
If ever there was a perfect vehicle for a given demographic, this was it.
Talkin’ ‘Bout My Generation
Fifty years on and we, as a society, are still coming to grips with the immutable fact hippies were Right. Peace is better than war, love is better than hate, pollution is bad for all of us, greed destroys us, equality applies to everybody, women, people of color, and gay people too. 50 years ago, Mike Lang and a bunch of other hippie promoters thought it was high time to have the concert to end all concerts. They picked upstate New York for some reason, and predicted 100,000 kids would show up.
They were wrong. Very, very wrong.
Half a million kids showed up and, despite what all the up-tight straights predicted, most had a very good time. And, seemingly, about half of those people showed up in VW Busses. And most of those were highly decorated. For example, the Light Bus. Although pretty run-of-the-mill when it comes to painting, decoration and overall tone, the Light Bus, a 1963 Standard Microbus, became a symbol of the Woodstock Art and Music Fair after an Associated Press shot of the van circulated in newspapers and magazines across the country.
Then the van appeared in the liner notes of the soundtrack to the movie about Woodstock. In its own little way, The Light Bus became A Thing.
VW Light Bus. Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
They picked upstate New York for some reason, and predicted 100,000 kids would show up. They were wrong. Very, very wrong. Click To TweetTime Machine
Volkswagen of America and the greater Volkswagen community realized this, and decided to remake the Light Bus in time for all the anniversary celebrations. The original painter of the bus, Dr. Bob Hieronimus (no, dude, dig: he’s literally a Doctor now and his name is literally Hieronimus, and if someone does not call him Hieronimus Bob on a regular basis, then I am very bummed) did up the original in 1968 after an invitation from the van’s owner, who, surprise-surprise, was using it to haul his band to the festival.
This “new” Light Bus represents three years of work by Hieronimus and Canadian documentarian John Wesley Chisholm. They wanted to recover and recreate the original ahead of Woodstock’s milestone anniversary. However, the duo decided on a replica after looking for six months to find the original to no avail. My bet says it’s now a chicken coop on Kesey’s farm outside of Eugene, Oregon.
The replica Light Bus hit the public eye at the Orange Country Transporter Organization (O.C.T.O.) Winter Meet in Long Beach, California. Bonus points for calling your car club O.C.T.O. After hanging out in Long Beach, the Light Bus hits the road for a cross-country tour leading up to Woodstock’s 50th anniversary.
“It’s a time machine that takes people to the past, through the present, and to the future,” Chisholm said.
“The bus is really about being one people on one planet,” Hieronimus added. “On every side of the bus is a story – many stories – and the stories all point to unification, working together, and a higher consciousness, which is what Light really is all about.”
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
With A Little Help From My Friends
Hieronimus and Chisholm ginned up a successful Kickstarter campaign and acquired an exact model of the original Light Bus. From there, they began the painstaking restoration process. Hieronimus Bob and a team of five artists took six weeks just to recreate the original paintings. Like the original, this Light Bus is enveloped with Hieronimus’ hand-painted symbols and psychedelic shapes that captured a unique moment of American culture.
Volkswagen of America got wind of the project and fully supported the search and restoration. Shortly thereafter, a team of VW fans jumped in to assist the duo.
So keep an eye out all you Real Americans, you Silent Majority. They’ll be coming to your town, reeking of “incense,” hair so long ya can’t tell the boys from the girls; bare feet, love beads, strange clothing, and “music” that’s part of the Communist conspiracy to drag us down to the level of the lesser races.
“It’s a living room on wheels that you can outfit any way you want, and transports you and your family, however you define family, wherever you want to go,” Chisholm said.
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. 
VW Light Bus Gallery




















Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.



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Welcome To The Club: Younger Generations Embrace Classic Cars

Welcome To The Club: Younger Generations Embrace Classic Cars Recent data shows Gen Xers and millennials are taking more of an interest in classic cars.
Muscle cars are the most desirable, with the Camaro, Corvette, and Mustang topping the list.
Despite the onset of autonomous vehicles, younger generations still appreciate going for a drive.  
“There’s an adage in Detroit,” writes author Tom Glatch in The Art of Mopar. “You can sell an old man a young man’s car but you can never sell a young man an old man’s car.”
Glatch describes how Dodge was an old man’s marquee sinking in a sea of youthful baby boomers in the 1960s. Although a vibrant spokeswoman, a brilliant designer, and a powerhouse car would later turn the tides. The 2015 film, A Faster Horse examines what Lee Iacocca and his team were doing across town at Ford with the Mustang, often in secret. A bold, unconventional model was needed if the car business should survive this new era on the horizon.
The muscle car era in the United States is well documented, but it began rather unassumingly. Pontiac Chief Engineer John Z. DeLorean, with Bill Collins and Russ Gee, bolted a 389 ci V8 onto a Tempest chassis prototype for the GTO. It took them 20 minutes. The muscle car era was born. The rest is history.
But history lives on.
Welcome To The Club
Today, the muscle and performance cars adored by baby boomers are finding traction with younger generations. Data from Hagerty shows for the first time ever, more Gen Xers and millennials are seeking classic vehicle values and insurance quotes via the company’s valuation tool. According to Hagerty, Gen Xers and millennials are now outpacing baby boomers and pre-boomers in this area by a 53 to 47 percent margin. Given current trends, millennials, who comprise the nation’s largest generation, will become the hobby’s biggest group within five years.
“This shift was inevitable given the combined size of these generations,” said McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty. “It’s great to see younger generations are just as crazy about cars as their parents and grandparents. We say ‘welcome to the club.'”
“I’m at the end of the baby boomer generation and I think it’s the same reason we had,” explained Ray Guarino, Co-Host of MotorMouth Radio on WHPC 90.3 FM, Garden City, New York. “It’s the nostalgia; the family ties we had with a car or car brand; and the overall cool factor the cars had at the time.”
1965 Ford Mustang fastback in front the Ford Pavilion at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Most Popular Models: Trucks Find Favor Too
While 1960s American iron (read: Mustang, Camaro, Corvette) enjoy a shared popularity among all generations, Hagerty’s data reveals both distinct and interesting differences. For example, the Ford Model A, which replaced the long-standing Model T, is the most popular car for pre-boomers born before 1946. Among millennials, however, the vehicle Edsel Ford himself championed falls to 38th place.
“History has shown that each generation embraces different cars but they also shun certain ones from the past,” Guarino said. “I know when I was a teenager, I didn’t want a Model A or a Packard or a Cord. I mean, those were old guy cars. But today I could see myself cruising in a Packard.”
Trucks and SUVs hold their own with younger enthusiasts especially. The C/K Series Chevrolet pickups of the 1970s and 80s are among the most desirable. Overall, Gen Xers and millennials are 35 percent more likely to opt for a classic truck or SUV versus pre-boomers and boomers.
“Vintage pickups offer a very affordable way into the hobby for a lot of collectors. It makes sense that as you move from older to younger enthusiasts you see pickups move up the list in popularity,” said John Wiley, Valuation Analyst for Hagerty. “Vehicles like the first-generation Ford Bronco stand out because they are very easy to maintain, and are easy to customize for those who like to add their personal touch.”
“I think we could definitely have more conversation on the appeal of vintage trucks,” Guarino added. “You’re starting to see a lot more of them at the auction and during cruise night.”
1987 Chevrolet C10 Silverado half-ton with a 305 cubic-inch (5.0L) Small-Block, fuel-injected V8. Photo: General Motors.
Related: Three proven ways to indulge your classic car hobby on a budget.
Video Games Influence The Trend
European and Japanese classics have their appeal too, but like the Model A, they are subject to specific generational tastes. For example, pre-boomers are three times more likely to seek information on British cars than millennials. German cars, however, remain equally popular across generations. Millennials have an appreciation for Japanese cars more so than any other generation.
Wiley says this is because millennials saw more of them on the road than prior generations.
“They also saw them in video games like Gran Turismo in 1997,” he explained. “The video games more familiar to Gen-X, such as Pong (1972), Pac-Man (1980), and even early driving games like Out Run (1986) did not feature Japanese cars.”
Turning Wrenches
As for why American muscle cars hold an almost universal appeal, the answer might be rather simple. Older muscle cars are powerful, affordable, and easier to work on than more modern vehicles.
“It comes down to the fact they look good and go fast,” Wiley said. “They have also been produced in relatively high numbers which means there are good examples in all budget ranges.”
“I can still work on my Pontiac; take it apart and rebuild it a thousand times and the metal is still good,” Guarino added. “With an autonomous car or an electric vehicle, that technology is new enough that we really haven’t reached the point of repairing them, let alone restoring them. I can see why people lease cars now because it’s getting harder to work on them.”

People Still Love Driving
Despite the onset of autonomous vehicles, not every young person is anti-driving. It’s possible the benefits touted by autonomous driving proponents lead to a false conclusion. Somehow, every member of the younger generation now perceives the car as a utilitarian device only. While some studies do show interest in driving is declining, others paint a different picture. Last year, for example, a Hagerty survey found that 78 percent of Gen Xers and 81 percent of millennials are passionate about driving.
Those findings are on par with baby boomers at 79 percent.
“It is important to separate commuting from driving when you are talking about the future of the automotive industry,” Wiley said. “This data proves that enthusiasm for cars and driving is not going to die with the baby boomer generation like some have speculated in the past.”
Evolving Ownership Models
Some of that speculation further stems from the automotive industry’s evolving ownership models, described by Guarino as “more hands-off.” Although rates are expected to increase this year, leasing remains a popular option for consumers. Automakers like Ford, General Motors, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz are experimenting with subscription-based ownership methods. The idea is to create an ownership structure that better accommodates the tastes and desires of a new generation.
“We’re always looking to stay ahead of our customers’ needs and wants, as well as to bring new people to the brand,” said Dietmar Exler, President and CEO, MBUSA. “We know there is a market opportunity for people who would like the ability to move in and out of vehicles, depending on what they need or want at a particular point in time, or who don’t want to own a vehicle right now.”
And not owning a vehicle in the traditional sense may explain why younger generations are seeking out classic cars.
“Our data shows that some of the most passionate driving enthusiasts are also the most open to the idea of autonomous driving, ride-sharing services, and even subscription-based ownership models for new cars,” Wiley said. “But, they are equally passionate about making sure they will always have the ability to take a fun car out for a pleasure drive beyond their daily commute. There is a lot more room in the garage and the budget if owning a daily driver isn’t essential.”

Related: Do consumers trust autonomous cars? The answer might surprise you.
Slices of American Pie
Quality garage time may be another (and perhaps the most substantial) reason why younger generations are taking more of an interest in classic cars. In American culture, there is an ever-present image of a father and son working in the garage. These moments are forever ingrained into American life. Moments where fathers are dispensing advice to their children beyond how to properly care for an automobile. Entire generations have put into motion the ideals they absorbed with their elders in the family garage.
Perhaps in today’s social-media-obsessed, smartphone-driven world, the longing for a classic car is a return to better days? Perhaps younger generations still want to partake in the hobbies and interests of their elders? Many times those interests included automotive pursuits. Maybe it’s about curiosity or wanting to make something that is uniquely their own; in this case, a cool car.
Whatever the reasons, they are as good as any.
“I try to look at everything from the position of where did I come from,” Guarino said. “My friends and I bought clunker cars and built them up and threw different engines in them. We literally built our rides.”
Carl Anthony 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. Before returning to school to digest math for hours on end, he simultaneously held product development and experiential marketing roles in the automotive industry. 



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