Automotive

Mercedes-Benz GLB 250: Small Enough For Families of Seven

Mercedes-Benz GLB 250: Small Enough For Families of Seven The GLB 250 is the first compact vehicle from Mercedes-Benz to offer an optional third row.
It’s stuffed full of the latest infotainment features, voice command systems, and safety gear.
An available all-wheel drive system allows for different front-to-rear torque disbursements.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 is a mid-sized, no, wait, scratch that it’s a . . . wait, how big is this thing? It looks like a mid-sized crossover, and the specs say it’s not all that big, but somehow Mercedes fits seven seats in this thing with an optional third row. What sort of sorcery is this?
It’s not, really. Just smart packaging by an office full of German engineers. It’s also a pretty good answer if you live in an urban environment, have a family, and also have the cash to drop on something with a three-pointed star on it. They don’t say how much yet, but Merc doesn’t make anything cheap. So figure that in before you decide it’s the car for you.
Or truck. Or truck-like thing.
How Big Is The Mercedes-Benz GLB?
Whatever the GLB is, it’s 111.4 inches long. Which means it’s 5.1 inches longer than the GLA and 1.7 inches shorter than the GLC. Get it? A, B and C. GLA, GLB, and GLC. Right in the Goldilocks zone, or at least the guys in sales hope it is. The headroom up front is 41 inches, and legroom in the back row is 38 inches, meaning the GLB is a comfortable ride for everyone on board (at least the guys in sales say so).
In addition to hauling seven people, the GLB also hauls things. The cargo capacity is between 20 to 62 cubic feet, depending on the model, and whether the seats are all up, all down, or split somewhere between. So family ski trips or camping trips should be handled with ease. Mercedes also points out how the second row backrests can be adjusted in several stages for flexibility, ultimately increasing cargo volume by up to six cubic feet.
Handy if the kids get an extra big haul from granny one Christmas future.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 is the first compact vehicle from the automaker to offer an optional third row. Photo: MBUSA.
Related: Looks sharp, smells fresh! Meet the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53.
Sound The Trumpet!
The drivetrain has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from this car company in 2019. It’s powered by a two-liter four-banger that puts out respectable amounts of torque and power – 221 ponies and 258 lb-ft. of grunt – being mated to a silky smooth eight-speed automatic. The two-liter M 260 engine (as it’s known in Mercedes parlance) has cast-iron cylinder liners and a die cast aluminum block. Mercedes says their in-house cylinder bore process, called “trumpet-honing,” minimizes piston friction and cuts consumption.
All-Wheel Drive & Torque Distribution
A permanent all-wheel drive system (4MATIC) with variable torque distribution is available too. During normal driving, the Eco/Comfort mode provides an 80:20 distribution (front/rear). While in its off-road setting, the all-wheel drive clutch acts as an inter-axle differential lock, meaning torque distribution ends up as 50:50. In Sport mode, things get really fun with a 70:30 split.
But really, if you’re thinking of seriously owning the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250, lap times are not your first priority. Besides, I’ll bet you a beer that an AMG version will be out in about a year or two and then we can talk about lap times.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 employs MacPherson struts at the font. An acoustically and vibrationally decoupled multi-link axle with compression springs comprises the rear. Photo: MBUSA.
Hey Mercedes!
No, what you (and your passengers) are going to be most interested in is the infotainment and other tech-wizardry. And of course, there is a metric ton of it, but unfortunately, it’s called MBUX. That stands for Mercedes-Benz User Experience, which just goes to show you when the Japanese come up with a ludicrous name for something, the Germans will say “Halte mein Bier.” Any guy that willfully uses the term MBUX is the same guy that wears socks with his sandals.
Don’t be that guy.
Essentially, it works like this: Anything even remotely connected with infotainment goes through an on-board powerful computer system that then displays relevant info, via screens and graphics. All displays can be customized to your individual needs. There’s a full-color, heads-up display for navigation and augmented reality for the driver. An Alexa-like voice control system activates with a jaunty “Hey Mercedes.”
No word about whether this works for those of you that name their cars. So if you say something like “Hey Bob, show me the route to mom’s place,” I cannot guarantee it will respond.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 interior layout. Photo: MBUSA.
Related: Mercedes-Benz goes in a different direction with the new GLS.
Safety & Security
There are a bunch of driver assist and safety systems for the Mercedes-Benz GLB. Mercedes says the new GLB has the same “cooperative support for the driver and functionality from the S-Class.” No, I don’t know exactly either, but I take that to mean the GLB has a lot of the same stuff found on the flagship S-Class. For example, the GLB has improved camera and radar systems that can look up to 1,641 feet ahead, and can drive partially autonomously in certain situations. Thanks!
The GLB can alter its speed before corners, crossroads or roundabouts using the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC system. It references on-board maps and navigation data in addition to what the sensors are telling it. There’s also Active Steering Assist, a new feature, along with Active Lane Change Assist, Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, and some unnamed gizmo that allows the GLB to automatically restart in traffic jams.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250. Photo: MBUSA.
Availability & Future Considerations
Look, why mince words here: Mercedes-Benz has forgotten nothing (more or less) and if you are the owner/driver/passenger of/in a GLB, you will want for nothing (more or less). The only real question is how much, which might mean you will be wanting for a fatter bank account, but hey, who doesn’t.
Besides, if you’ve got a family of seven, you’re more than familiar with account balances and such. And you’re more than familiar with what vehicles will do the job and which ones won’t. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 goes on sale later this year. It’s up to you if it will fulfill what your family needs.
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.
Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 Gallery

Photos & Source: MBUSA.

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1980 Volkswagen Scirocco S: The Future Is Our Fault

1980 Volkswagen Scirocco S: The Future Is Our Fault Who’s Jason Whipple? What’s all this change stuff? Who did the graphics? Is he serious? How old is this thing really? What has he done to this 1980 Volkswagen Scirocco S? Who’s Jason Whipple?
The short answer is that Jason Whipple is a guy with the time, inclination, and bank account to mess around with VWs. We gearheads are all like this, in our own ways. Or at least that’s my belief. I bet, given the situation of being independently wealthy, but not over-the-top rich, we would find enough space, find enough cash, and find enough time to own more than a couple of ___________(fill in blank to taste).
A Taste For Volkswagen
To my taste, it would probably be a half dozen or so small, lightweight two seaters. In Jason’s case, co-founder of the California-based Rotiform Wheels, that taste runs to Volkswagen products of a certain vintage and stripe. Whipple purchased his first car, a 1986 Jetta GLI 8v, as a teenager and has been a VW enthusiast ever since. Now in his forties, he owns a VW Golf R in the new Spektrum Irish Green color and three Sciroccos.
“They are the quintessential, affordable sports car,” Whipple said of his 1980 Volkswagen Scirocco S. “They are right and nimble and, because of that, move with grace and balance. It’s hard to find that in a modern car today.”
This particular one despite the, uh, looks, is not a vintage racer from back in the day. The (sad) truth is that very few people raced Sciroccos when they first came out. They are basically chop top Rabbit/Golfs that, unfortunately, weigh more. Do I have to go into why cars should never, ever, weigh more than they should? No. No I do not.
“It’s a fantastic little car and I’m shocked at how many people don’t know what it is,” Whipple said.
More than 500,000 of the Mark 1 Scirocco were sold between 1974 and 1981, although the car was not as popular in the United States as in Europe. Designed by famous automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Scirocco was more a style statement versus a top-speed machine.
Throwback Design
So, although this car looks like a vintage racer from 1980, it was only recently painted to look the way it does. It looks like something a local racer in 1980 would have his friend, who just got a paint gun, spray up. It resembles an album cover for an annoying new wave band called something like The High Tops or Martha! Makes Muffins. Or it looks like something from a 20-year-old video game where they said “We need a race car” but no one working on the game was a gearhead, or knew anything about Motorsports and/or sponsorships.
It’s the graphic equivalent of a MUSICBAND t-shirt.
Whipple explains that he crossed paths with fellow “Volkswagen head” and British graphic artist Nicolai Sclater last fall. He originally wanted to team with Sclater on a skateboard deck. Honestly, I can see that, because the graphics on this are rather reminiscent of the old Uncle Wiggley composite skateboards from about the same time period. So yeah, they’re keeping that 1980s, I’ve got a boatload of Chartpak stuff to play with, vibe.
The fully-painted, 1980 Volkswagen Scirocco S made its debut during the 2018 SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Future Is Our Fault
Sclater goes on, at length, about how it reminds him of his glory years, and uses phrases like “rebellious period of life” without any irony, later saying “I was both terrified and thrilled at the same time” when he was given free reign over the car’s canvas. And no, he doesn’t stop there. Sclater, without a hint of self-awareness, says he incorporated some progressive ideas into his design, including phrases like “the future is our fault” and “things won’t change until we do.”
Joe Strummer is dead these 17 years now, and I think about him every time I see a morally-bankrupt politician (i.e. a lot), but I swear if poseurs like Sclater keep this stuff up, Joe will rise from his grave in righteous anger and with furious vengeance to track them down and tell them what is what. Sheesh.
Mixed Messages
Sclater’s B mid-term paper for Art 1040: Art and Modern Man goes on: “It stemmed from two different ideas. The first was the blurry lettering. I was getting frustrated at how insignificant art is becoming on Instagram and that’s generally where most people are obtaining their art on a daily basis. They are not looking at books or going to museums. I wanted to do a little practical joke with the audience, so they had to pause and actually engage with the picture. The second part was a call-to-action for onlookers to take stock of their actions and be more considerate of people and the environment. It’s all about working together rather than approaching the world as one massive competition. I think a message like this needs to be carried out in a light-hearted way.”
Yes. He painted an anti-competition message on the side of a competition car.
Jason Whipple spent nearly a decade retrofitting his 1980 Volkswagen Scirocco S, a car he described as a weekend beater.
Million Dollar Baby
And this car, a 1980 VW Scirocco S, is indeed a real race car. Whipple went a little bit funny in the head and took, what he terms a perfectly good car, pulled it apart, and changed everything about it.
“I call it the ‘Million Dollar Scirocco’ because it seemed, at the time, I was spending a million dollars on it,” he explained. “Everything under the hood is 100 percent custom.”
And to Whipple’s credit, it’s more than a set of race slicks on nice wheels.
Alterations include a fully hand-built motor, transmission swap, custom wheels (of course) along with a new engine management system. The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated eight-valve mill puts out around 180 horsepower. Which is enough, given that a stripped out Scirocco weighs a coupe hundred pounds less than a first gen Miata. Still, why they say it’s a drag car makes no sense to me, but that’s kind of beside the point. What it is, ultimately, is a fun car; a tuned version of an old car that’s probably a blast to drive but an ocular cramp to look at.
“It certainly sparks conversation,” Whipple said. “I have no regrets.”
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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Choosing the Best Car Rental Service

There are many different reasons why people choose to rent a car. It could be because they are on an out-of town or out-of-country trip and need a means of transportation for a certain period of time. It could also be because their cars are being repaired and need another car replacement for short period of time. Whatever the reasons are for hiring or renting a vehicle, often the a main concern for these users is how to select the best car rental company among the numerous agencies available.

In leasing for a vehicle, one always try to get the best possible car at a great price. Start by outlining the budget on car rental. It is best to allot a certain amount that may be slightly over than what is actually needed to be prepared for whatever may come up. Then set out and determine the kind of car is needed. An in-depth information about the car to be rented is very important. Good gas mileage is also a key element in choosing the right car. Be sure to know and remember that trucks, sport utility vehicles and other large cars may be appealing for their capacity or appearance but these car types eat a lot of fuel on the road. The number of passengers needed for the car may also play an important role in deciding which car to rent as to its seating capacity. The make of the car must also be taken into consideration in choosing a car. A sleek car may have a higher chance of breaking down if taken to a rough road or area when it is only suitable in a smooth road or freeway drive. Various cars should be examined for quality to choose the best possible car.

Next step is to look for is the car rental company. This part may prove to be hard as one may search the yellow pages and internet and be lost with the abundant number of companies offering car rental services. It is a must, especially for first time users of car rental agencies, to pick a reputable if not large rental company to assure the user there are no tricks in the deal and that the cars are in good running condition. In an online shopping for car rentals, the user or shopper may find coupons on a particular size and kind of car. These coupons may be printed out or used directly online to avail a slightly bigger vehicle of the same price. The user may also compare the rates provided by various companies. One company may offer a lower cost than the others but the vehicles are in not so good working condition so one must choose the best practical deal available.

The policy and rental agreement of the company must be read and understood carefully prior to rental to be aware of the rules and their implications. If the rental company and car are already chosen, before leaving the lot or location where the rented car is parked, identify if there are already present scratches or clings. If there are part of the car such as the wind shield wipers, which do not work properly, it would be wise to ask for a replacement.

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Best Convertibles For 2019? Here Are 10 Fast & Fun Options

Best Convertibles For 2019? Here Are 10 Fast & Fun Options Not everyone loves driving with the top down. Yet I can think of no better way to welcome the warm and sunny weather than driving a convertible. No matter what you call them (convertible, ragtop, Targa, soft-top, cabriolet, spider, etc.), convertibles have somehow lost their favor among the sea of new crossovers and modern SUVs.
It’s easy to understand why.
Setting The Stage
Convertibles are not the roomiest or the most practical choice. In some cases, a convertible is usually “choppier” than an equivalent coupe with a proper roof. Some say the wind rustling your hairdo is overrated, and I get that. Speaking on behalf of true, dyed-in-the-wool car lovers, I would say nothing gets your pulse racing and the emotions flowing better than driving a convertible.
However, if you’re considering a convertible (maybe even for the first time), this list will help. Here are the top 10 convertibles you can buy today, based on performance, price and overall curb appeal. While this list is not exhaustive, it does show a number of the exciting options on the market today in terms of a convertible.
Porsche 718 Boxster GTS in Miami Blue and Racing Yellow. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Porsche 718 Boxster
Porsche has something in store for the Boxster in 2019: the 718 Boxster T. The T designation stands for Touring and comes with an upgraded drivetrain and suspension. This is the Boxster to get if you want better handling in your convertible car.
However, the base 718 Boxster is still a good deal at $59,000. The mid-engine layout has a number of benefits, not the least of which include more nimble handling. And since the motor is sitting directly behind your ears, you get the aural sensation of a true sports car all the way to a top speed of 170 mph.
The base Porsche 718 Boxster makes good use of a 300 horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, but we prefer the Boxster S with a larger, 2.5-liter mill churning out 350 horsepower and 309 lb-ft. of torque. The GTS is even better with a 365 horsepower version of the 2.5-liter turbo in the Boxster S. All models come standard with a six-speed manual, an added bonus for some no doubt. As much as we love shifting our own gears, we prefer the more intelligent nature of the optional PDK dual-clutch gearbox.
No matter which model you choose, the 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster is guaranteed to be a fun and exhilarating driving experience – even when the weather turns gloomy. The convertible top in a Porsche 718 Boxster takes less than 10 seconds to open or close.
Mercedes-AMG E 53 Cabriolet. Photo: MBUSA.
Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet
It seems Mercedes-Benz has a treat for potential buyers of the 2019 E-Class Cabriolet. Of course, the folding roof (derived from the S-Class Cabriolet) that opens and closes in 20 seconds is a given. But Mercedes-Benz decided to ditch the base E 400 trim for the E 450. This means a more powerful turbo V6 with 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque. You also get four proper seats, dual-zone climate control, LED exterior lighting, and an adaptive suspension.
If you want a more relaxing convertible, the E-Class Cabriolet is the best you can find in the $67,000 price range. It comes with Mercedes’ Aircap wind deflector to lessen turbulence inside the cabin. And since some people, like Jonathan Ross, love driving a convertible in the cold, the E-Class Cabriolet features a unique Airscarf neck warmer system, which does exactly what it sounds.
And for those who want a faster version of the chop-top E-Class, there’s the AMG E 53. It comes with a mild hybrid powertrain system and all-wheel drive. With 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft. of torque, the AMG E-Class Cabriolet is nothing short of a muscle car.
Jaguar F-Type Convertible. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Jaguar F-Type Convertible
The Jaguar F-Type is a potent sports car already, and the convertible just enhances its already ambitious character. The F-Type has always been an old-school Jaguar sports car: flamboyant, boisterous, and highly impractical. The convertible is still that, just dialed all the way to eleven, and we love it for that.
It starts with the shape. It has all the basic ingredients of what makes a car beautiful to the eyes. This includes the long hood, swooping profile, and swollen rear arches. It also has the power to boot. The base P300 F-Type receives a 2.0-liter turbo four-banger with 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. The P340 F-Type gets a more powerful supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft. torque. The P380 gets a tuned version of the blown V6 for a total output of 380 horsepower and 339 lb-ft. of torque.
The R and SVR trim receive a brawny, supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 550 and 575 horsepower, respectively. Interestingly enough, the base F-Type is only available with rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic. The V6 and V8 models can be optioned with a six-speed manual and all-wheel drive.
With so many models and configurations to choose from, there’s a right Jaguar F-Type for everyone. And to further sweeten the deal, you can raise or lower the roof of the F-Type Convertible in around 12 seconds. Pricing starts at $64,700.
Alfa Romeo 4C Spider. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Related: The top 10 collector cars of the future.
Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
The Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe is discontinued for 2019. This means the Spider or convertible version is the only model available, and it’s all the better. The Alfa Romeo 4C is a lightweight and nimble machine that also happens to look the part. The 4C Spider is the closest you can get to an Italian mid-engine sports car without an exorbitant price tag.
And even though the 2019 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is not exactly cheap, the $66,900 base price gets you exotic good looks, razor-sharp handling, and the exclusivity of having an Alfa Romeo roadster. Unfortunately, you also get a sparse cabin with little to no cargo room, but who are we to complain?
Instead of shoehorning a V6 or V8, Alfa Romeo kept it sane with an all-aluminum, 1.7-liter turbo four-cylinder. The small motor churns out 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. Those figures may seem paltry, but the F1-inspired carbon-fiber tub makes the Alfa Romeo 4C an extremely lightweight sports car. In fact, it weighs less than 2,500 lbs. and races from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
BMW i8 Roadster. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
BMW i8 Roadster
The BMW i8 Roadster looks like a exotic car. It is also priced like a high-performance sports car at around $163,000. Take the roof off and what you have is a futuristic-looking cruiser that cares for the environment. Different from the others on this list, the BMW i8 Convertible is a plug-in hybrid with an electric motor and 11.6 kWh battery pack.
It also comes with a small, 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder gasoline engine. Power output is quite modest at 228 horsepower and 236 lb-ft. of torque. Combine this with the 141 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque from the electric motor (for a total output of 369 horsepower), and what you have is a BMW convertible that rushes to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and tops out at 155.
The plethora of standard features include automatic headlights, LED exterior lighting, adjustable suspension, front and rear parking sensors, leather seats, a heads-up display, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system with satellite radio. The roof folds up or down in less than 15 seconds.
Mazda MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary edition. Photo: Mazda North American Operations.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata is available with a soft top or folding hardtop (Miata RF). It remains the epitome of a compact and lightweight sports car that won’t hurt your budget. It’s also friendlier to the environment. The MX-5 Miata is one of the most fuel-efficient convertibles you can buy today (EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined).
Mazda engineers gave the Miata a bit more spunk for the 2019 model year. The venerable 2.0-liter Skyactiv four-cylinder now produces 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft. of torque. It also has a higher redline so you can make the engine scream louder for longer as you roll through the corners. Yet, for the more casual motorist, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata performs admirably as a daily driver. The telescoping steering wheel and rearview camera make it just that much better.
The base Sport trim starts at $25,730 and includes 16-inch alloy rims, a manually-retractable soft top and glass rear window, keyless ignition, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, and LED headlights and taillights. The Club starts at $29,590 and includes larger 17-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein dampers, a limited-slip differential, and a shock tower brace. However, you only get the suspension upgrades if you choose the standard six-speed manual.
The Grand Touring starts at $30,780 and comes with an automatic climate control system, navigation, and adaptive headlights among other things.
Fiat 124 Spider. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Related: Despite autonomous cars, people still love to drive.
Fiat 124 Spider
If you prefer an Italian version of the Mazda MX-5, you can’t go wrong with the Fiat 124 Spider. The 124 Spider is basically a Mazda MX-5 underneath, but Fiat used their own suspension, engine, and transmission. The same goes for the luscious retro-inspired and low-slung styling. And since the 124 Spider is based on the underpinnings of the Mazda MX-5, you can expect slick handling and a sportier feel.
The base Classica trim ($25,190) includes 16-inch wheels, premium cloth seats, and a dual-tip exhaust. The Lusso ($27,795) adds 17-inch wheels, heated leather seats, and piano black accents. The Fiat 124 Spider Abarth ($29,990) includes a front and rear Bilstein sport suspension, quad-tip exhaust, and a mechanical limited-slip differential. The Classica and Lusso get a 160 horsepower 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder, while the Abarth gets a 165 horsepower version of the same motor. Rear-wheel drive is standard along with a six-speed manual while a six-speed automatic is optional.
While the Fiat 124 Spider is not a hardcore sports car, it still scoots from zero to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. This is the perfect convertible for those who can’t live with the robotic-shark look of the Mazda MX-5. However, like the Miata, the 124 Spider is more affordable than others on this list.
Audi A3 Cabriolet. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Audi A3 Cabriolet
The current Audi A3 Cabriolet is admittedly getting long in the tooth. However, it remains an appealing choice that combines adequate style, performance, and creature comforts. The 2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet is available in rear-wheel drive and Quattro all-wheel drive. The former gets a 184 horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while the latter squeezes out 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque from the same mill. Both engines share a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The rear-wheel drive version reaches 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. The Quattro version achieves the same feat in 5.9 seconds, although both are limited to a top speed of 130 mph. The folding fabric roof on the Audi A3 Cabriolet retracts in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph. It’s basically a small luxury convertible with a premium cabin and a bevy of modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and a powerful audio system.
The 2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet starts at $38,900. The Quattro version is yours at $41,700. We prefer the Quattro version and think the upgrade is worth the money.
BMW 2 Series Convertible. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
BMW 2-Series Convertible
The BMW 2-Series Convertible may look harmless but underneath the hood lurks a secret weapon. The 2019 BMW 2-Series Convertible in 230i trim makes use of a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder that churns out 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. To put that into perspective, the base BMW 2-Series Convertible is more powerful than the Quattro version of the Audi A3 Cabriolet we just mentioned above!
How do you like them apples?
Now, throw the M240i into the equation and it suddenly becomes clear. With a turbocharged inline-six motor that produces 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque, the M240i is a compact hot-rod convertible that scoots to 60 mph in less than five seconds. Both engines are bolted to an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, while a six-speed manual remains a no-cost option. You also have the option to choose BMW’s xDrive system (all-wheel drive).
The 2019 BMW 2-Series Convertible starts at $41,200 for the 230i and $50,400 for the M240i.
Ford Mustang GT Convertible. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Related: This book puts 50 years of Boss Mustang history on your coffee table.
Ford Mustang Convertible
When it comes to fast convertibles, it’s hard not to include the 2019 Ford Mustang. The base EcoBoost and EcoBoost Premium have a torquey, turbo 2.3-liter four-banger; but the GT Premium is the one you want when it comes to really enjoying a drop-top Mustang.
The GT Premium Convertible comes with a burly 5.0-liter V8 with 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft. of torque. A six-speed manual is standard while a 10-speed automatic remains an option. The folding roof takes just seven seconds to raise or retract, one of the fastest on the market. When it comes to performance gained versus dollars spent, the Mustang is a no brainier. The EcoBoost Convertible starts at $31,620. Even jumping up to the GT Premium Convertible, it’s still a veritable bargain at $44,855.
McLaren 720S Spider. Photo: McLaren Automotive.
Wildcard Choice: McLaren 720S Spider
If money is no object, we’ll choose the McLaren 720S Spider any day of the week. Who can say no to a twin-turbo V8 with 710 horsepower and a zero to 60 time of 2.8 seconds? (With 124 mph coming up in a scant 7.9 seconds). Who can resist the supercar styling, head-turning dihedral doors, hydraulic suspension, and carbon-ceramic brakes? This is the ultimate convertible supercar that doesn’t cost a million bucks. For those who have the money, the McLaren 720S is a sterling choice.
The retractable hardtop roof only takes 11 seconds to fold down. Another bonus.
Let Us Know Your Favorites
While there are numerous others we could include (for example, any number of classic convertibles), this list should whet your appetite for some open-air driving this summer. Let us know your favorite convertible from this list or otherwise on our Twitter page.
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 Honda Passport Review: Calling All Weekend Warriors!

2019 Honda Passport Review: Calling All Weekend Warriors! 94Excellent 2019 Honda Passport Overall Impression Nice interior layout.Plenty of cargo space.Ideal for adventure seekers. ProsSpacious Interior Off-Road Capability ConsStiffer Ride Overly Sensitive Safety Systems You may not remember, but the original Honda Passport was a rebadged Isuzu from the 1990s, but the Passport now is a totally different and new model. The 2019 Honda Passport slots between the smaller CR-V and three-row Pilot. The Passport and the Pilot ride on the same platform but the Passport has two rows and is six inches shorter. Think of the Passport as the adventure vehicle for outdoor enthusiasts. It has an inch greater ground clearance, but with identical room inside as the bigger Pilot. (And some interior specs are even the same).
This week, we drove the top-trim, 2019 Honda Passport Elite with all-wheel drive.
What’s New For 2019
The Honda Passport is an all-new model for 2019. The Passport is based on Honda’s uni-body, midsize light-truck platform. Highlights include a fully-boxed floor structure and the latest generation of Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering structure to increase safety. Trim levels include Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite.
Features & Options: Comfortable & Connected
The top-of-the-line, 2019 Honda Passport Elite AWD ($43,680) comes standard with LED exterior lights, 20-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, keyless entry, and an eight-inch screen that’s integrated nicely into the dash. Leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats; heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, and three-zone climate control will help keep everyone comfortable.
The 2019 Honda Passport Elite also comes with a sunroof, hands-free lift-gate, front and rear parking sensors, a 115-volt power outlet, auto-dimming side mirrors, and LED interior lighting. Connectivity features consist of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, extra USB ports, a 10-speaker sound system, navigation, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. The Passport also gets the Honda Sensing safety suite, which includes forward collision, blind spot, and lane departure warnings.
Total MSRP including destination: $44,725. By comparison, the 2019 Honda Passport starts at $31,990.

Interior Highlights: Plenty of Room
The interior of the 2019 Honda Passport looks a lot like the Pilot but with a sportier and more active vibe. It seems a little more able to handle the tough-use cases: weekend warriors who are taking it off-road, for example. Instead of three rows of seating like the Pilot, the Passport is a two-row, five-passenger SUV. There’s plenty of headroom and legroom and the same adjustable rear seats as the Pilot.
Sporty as it may be, we think the materials and quality are high for a non-luxury vehicle. The soft-touch plastics on the dash, combined with high-gloss black trim and matte-finish secondary controls, look and feel good. The fit and finish is top notch.
You can get away with sitting three adults in the back in comfort, and you’ll find the Passport extremely useful for hauling stuff. It offers plenty of utility for hauling gear and people, which make it ideal for weekend warriors. The cargo area is large and offers a multitude of interior storage bins. For example, the Passport’s underfloor storage, near the rear bumper, is easily accessed by lifting the rearmost floor section. With the rear seatbacks folded, there’s a cavernous 77.9 cubic feet of space.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2019 Honda Passport is powered by the same 3.5-liter V6 you get in the Pilot. The six-cylinder engine is rated at 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. of torque and comes mated to a nine-speed automatic. The Passport’s transmission allows for second-gear starts which will help when it comes to towing. When properly equipped, the 2019 Honda Passport can tow 5,000 lbs., making it a true adventure machine for the weekend warrior.
Our tester came with Honda’s Intelligent Variable Torque Management system, otherwise known as all-wheel drive. The system rotates the outside rear wheels faster than the front ones. This creates a “yaw” motion that guides the Passport in a way that reduces understeer while still improving traction through corners.
EPA fuel mileage estimates with all-wheel drive come in at 19/24 city/highway and 21 combined. By comparison, front-wheel drive models do a little better at 20/25 city/highway and 22 combined.

Related: On the road with the 2019 Honda Pilot.
Driving Dynamics: Nimble & Light
The 2019 Honda Passport offers up four driving modes: Normal, Snow, Mud and Sand, depending on the conditions. The Passport can go off-road but there are no underbody skid plates, so things are limited to softer terrain. Most will use it for normal weekend getaways to the trailhead for hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking. And the new Passport will get you there with no issues.
The Passport is a higher-riding SUV than the Pilot, but manages to pull off a lighter and more nimble feel. We made quick lane changes with ease, and it’s a breeze to maneuver in the tight mountain corners.
Driving Dynamics: Quick & Quiet
Honda’s V6 delivers smooth and punchy acceleration when you need it, and it never left us feeling like we need more power. Steering wheel shift paddles are on hand to give you manual control, a nice feature for driving enthusiasts.
The ride in the 2019 Honda Passport is not as comfortable as the Pilot, but this SUV is designed for those wanting to use it more for off-road use. The suspension feels a bit stiffer as it seems tuned for those who want to get away from civilization. With acoustic laminated windshield glass and additional sound-insulating treatments throughout the chassis, the new Passport is still a good vehicle for commuting during the week. However, you will definitely want it for use on the weekend.

Conclusion: Perfect For The Weekend
The 2019 Honda Passport is for those who think the CR-V is a little too small and under-powered, and for those who don’t need three-rows of seating. The benefits of the Passport are numerous, but they will really come to life for those who take their vehicle off-road and need to tow a trailer on the way there.
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 Honda Passport Gallery

Photos: Honda North America.

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Lamborghini Miura P400, Chassis #3586: The Italian Job Restored

Lamborghini Miura P400, Chassis #3586: The Italian Job Restored Lamborghini Polo Storico has located and certified the Miura P400, chassis #3586.
Keen eyes may recognize it as the original from the opening scenes of The Italian Job.
Back in 1966, Lamborghini was a rather unimpressive sports car manufacturer from northern Italy. They were about as remarkable as De Tomaso or Bizzarrini. Interesting in some respects and horrid in others. That all changed at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show when Lambo rolled out the Miura. At a stroke, the upstart Italian car maker vaulted to the head of the pack. When other manufactures were only making front-engine cars, Lamborghini came out with the Miura, a mid-engine 12-cylinder beast that not only went like the business, it looked like the business.
Week & A Day (Over To The Right)
Everything about it was frightening, impressive or impressively-frightening. The powertrain layout was a marvel of packaging: the four-liter V12 engine was mounted transversely, which made for a remarkably short car that was a nightmare to work on. That same four-liter V12 was notoriously high strung, meaning you had to work on it a lot. That’s why it was tallied in the “frightening” column. The body, designed by stylist Marcello Gandini, was breathtaking; but the chassis engineering resulted in the driver’s feet being mashed a week and a day over to the right.
Lamborghini Miura P400, chassis #3586 from the 1969 film, The Italian Job. Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.
Related: The Circuit Wolf manga comic book series was inspired by this Miura SVR.
Lights, Camera, Action
It gained wide notoriety when it was driven in the opening of The Italian Job movie. Driven by an unnamed, smartly-attired gentleman; graying at the temples, smoldering cigarette nonchalantly dangling from his lips; ridiculously-styled wrap around sunglasses clamped to his face, just belting up the St. Bernard pass in Italy; its siren song V12 engine note echoing off the granite mountainsides until ka-SMASH, it runs headlong into a friggin’ bulldozer and bursts into flames.
The flaming wreckage is then pushed off the mountain road, down a terrifyingly-steep embankment and into the river, silently observed by a cadre of black suited, stone-faced gentlemen. And that’s just how the movie starts.
Lamborghini Miura P400, chassis #3586 interior layout. Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.
Chassis #3586? Could This Be The One?
That very Miura is the car you see pictured here. No, no, not the flaming wreckage one; that was one of two Miuras used in the film. The one here was used in the driving sequences and a previously wrecked one was used for the whole crunching/exploding/ravine tumbling bit. This is Lamborghini Miura P400, chassis #3586, and 50 years later, Lambo found it and gave it a factory restoration.
Painted in Arancio Miura (that would be orange) with white and black leather interior, chassis #3586 has been the most pursued Miura in recent decades. After filming, the car all but disappeared, or at least it went unnoticed. Perhaps this was “the same Miura used in The Italian Job,” was overheard at club meets and such, but #3586 became “just” another cool older Italian sports car. As interest picked up, enthusiasts and collectors got into the hunt. The car was finally found in The Kaiser Collection of Vaduz, Liechtenstein. The Kaiser Collection contacted Lamborghini Polo Storico, the in-house research and rebuild outfit, to verify it was actually the car from the movie.
Lamborghini Polo Storico, inaugurated in 2015, is Automobili Lamborghini’s department dedicated to preserving the company’s heritage. Its activities include the restoration and certification of all Lamborghinis produced up to 2001. Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.
Look For The White Headrests
The car was then sent to Sant’ Agata Bolognese where Polo Storico’s work began by examining documents in Lamborghini’s archives. They even went so far as to conduct interviews with enthusiasts and former employees like Enzo Moruzzi, who delivered the famous Miura to the set and drove it in all the shots as a stunt double.
“There was a Miura P400 almost ready on the production line, in the right color, left-hand drive and with white leather interior. It was aesthetically identical to the damaged one and we decided to use it for the film. The only thing worrying us was the elegant white leather seats, given that car had to get back to Sant’Agata in perfect condition,” Moruzzi recalled.
When filming concluded, Paramount Pictures gave the car back to Lambo, who simply prepared it for delivery to its first owner, an Italian from Rome. 50 years later, the white leather seats remain an enduring part of the story behind chassis #3586.
“So, I asked for them to be taken out, replacing them with a set of black leather seats that we used for testing,” Moruzzi continued. “The giveaway was the headrests, which on the Miura are attached to the dividing glass between the driver compartment and the engine compartment, which couldn’t be replaced in time. In the film, you can see the original white headrests.”

Anniversary Celebration
Lamborghini Polo Storico did a nut and bolt, ground-up restoration on chassis #3586, just in time for the 50th anniversary of The Italian Job. What a lovely coincidence, no? Lamborghini was good enough to give us a raft of very pretty pictures of this very pretty, and very memorable car. Here, have a look.
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.
Miura P400, Chassis #3586 Gallery

Photos & Source: Automobili Lamborghini.

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2018 Honda Odyssey Showcases New Features In Detroit

Brace yourself suburban dwellers, the 2018 Honda Odyssey Minivan is here to fulfill all of your vehicular needs in one, clever, efficient moving package. Stuff, people, animals, kids, more stuff, more kids, the new Honda Odyssey can handle it.

The 2018 Honda Odyssey will be motorized by a 3.5-liter, direct-injected V-6 engine. There’s a whole can of alphabet soup acronyms that go along with it (i-VTEC for example), but what matters is how the V6 puts out 280 SAE net horsepower and has two available new transmissions.

There’s a 9-speed automatic and, for upper trim levels, an all-new 10-speed automatic.

Aerodynamics & Handling

The body is more rigid and lightweight as there’s new chassis technology hidden underneath. The new aerodynamic designs are expected to result in best-in-class fuel economy ratings. Bad weather won’t be a problem with Honda’s Intelligent Traction Management system that has normal and snow modes. There is also Agile Handling Assist and better brakes for improved all-weather traction and control as well.

There’s lots of advanced materials in the 2018 Odyssey, including ultra-high-strength steel, aluminum, and magnesium to minimize weight and improve rigidity. Weight is down by 96 pounds and torsional rigidity is up 44 percent from the outgoing model.

The steering is new and quicker too with the Dual-Pinion Electric Power Steering unit. Out back, there’s a compact new trailing arm rear suspension and stabilizer bar, improving handling and ride comfort. It also helps give the 2018 Honda Odyssey the most spacious rear cargo area in the class.

At the rear, the 2018 Honda Odyssey combines style and functionality. There are LED taillights and an available new hands-free power tailgate with foot activation. Photo: Honda North America.

Connectivity & Controls

In-vehicle connectivity, that is, stuff like listening to the radio and watching movies and such, is facilitated by a bunch of tech wizardry. There’s New Display Audio with an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen interface: that’s the nerve center for a multitude of new audio and telematics options.

When it comes to updates, owners can download them to the Display Audio operating system and rear entertainment system via 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, or USB.

There is also something called CabinWatch that allows you to spy, er watch your kids, using a camera. Second and third row speakers and rear entertainment system headphones will also allow the driver to talk to rear passengers though the CabinTalk system. A new “How Much Farther?” app lets passengers track the family’s trip progress, so you little brats can shut up already.

And finally, there is CabinControl, that allows you to use a downloadable app and smart phone to control the rear entertainment system, rear cabin heat, and air conditioning.

Flexible Seating

You want seating options? Oh yeah, there’s Easy Access, Super, and Wide modes, and even something called Buddy mode. This is all thanks to the New Magic Slide seating system with an easily reconfigurable second row seat, for optimal passenger comfort, people-and cargo-hauling flexibility, and easy access to the third row of seats.

Honda thinks they’ve really ticked all the USA check boxes, because the all-new 2018 Honda Odyssey was designed and developed in North America at Honda’s R&D Center.

They keep the production close to home too, with both the Odyssey itself and its 3.5-liter V6 engine being manufactured exclusively at Honda’s Lincoln, Alabama plant using domestic and globally sourced parts. The new 10-speed transmission will be produced at the company’s transmission plant in Tallapoosa, Georgia, the first of its kind for a minivan.

Can’t wait for the 2018 Honda Odyssey? We recently took a detailed look at the 2017 model, in case you need your Odyssey tomorrow.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

2018 Honda Odyssey Gallery

Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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Letter From The UK: Good News Is Not Newsworthy

Ever since Great Britain voted to leave the European Union last June, the country has been riven with dissent as both sides of the argument have become increasingly nasty. It is rare for this country to be so divided. We are supposed to be a United Kingdom but the cracks are beginning to show with Scotland being especially tiresome and annoying.

Although they cannot change the will of the people, a couple of wealthy folk whose finances will likely suffer when we leave, have taken the UK Government to law to get their own way.

Even the self-aggrandizing, discredited former Prime Minister, Tony Blair, is trying to get the country to backtrack. It is very sad that vested interests consider themselves above the nation.

The Media

Needless to say the media loves all this. There’s nothing like a bit of strife to get the juices flowing at the TV stations. Doom and gloom have been the order of the day. The economy is going to go down faster than Justin Bieber’s career, apparently. We are all going to go back to a lifestyle equivalent of the Middle Ages. We will live in hovels and eat tree bark while ebullient, healthy European nationals look across the English Channel at us and laugh caustically at our folly.

But Wait . . .

In fact, our economy is doing rather well and certainly better than many European nations. In particular, the UK new car market achieved yet another record year in 2016, with annual new vehicle registrations climbing for the fifth year in a row to almost 2.7 million.

Further, UK engine manufacturing rose by twenty percent in November, with 250,879 units produced – the highest on record. Overall for the year, in the domestic market only, production was over one million units. There has also been an up-turn in the production of small commercial vehicles, described as vans in the UK.

Not bad for a so-called broken economy.

Overall, the British economic growth held up better than expected immediately after the Brexit vote, particularly as it regards consumer spending and services. For 2016 as a whole, growth now looks likely to average around two percent Gross Domestic Product.

In September of 2016, Jaguar Land Rover’s Castle Bromwich plant began production of the Jaguar XE. In order to properly build the car, Jaguar Land Rover committed to a state-of-the art aluminum body shop – the largest single investment in the history of the Castle Bromwich plant. Other investments included a new blanker line and Aida press line. The automaker continues to emphasize their commitment to both the Birmingham plant and the greater scope of British manufacturing. Jaguar Land Rover’s West Midlands manufacturing operations have been instrumental in employing a workforce of 3,000 at the plant. Over the past five years, Jaguar Land Rover has doubled sales and employment, more than tripled turnover, and invested over £12 billion in new product creation and capital expenditure. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

Getting It Wrong. Again.

In the same way that political polls continually get it terribly wrong (witness your presidential elections) so economic forecasters have slipped up here too. It seems to me that economists are rarely right. I believe their thinking is based on some sort of shamanic ritual using bones. There isn’t an algorithm available that can second-guess the actions of this volatile world.

Our very own Bank of England has quite rightly come under criticism for predicting a dramatic slowdown in the UK’s economy in the event of a vote for Brexit. How wrong can you be? Remember, these are the people who run our finances. They are supposed to manage the money. Not so expert after all then? Why should we listen to them at all? Ironically, the former Governor of the BoE and a guy who really knows his economics, Mervyn King, is very up-beat about Brexit.

Maybe he should come back?

The reality is that their predictions were totally contrary to the evidence, and our economy has bounced back strongly and remains one of the best performing in the developed world. The present Governor of the Bank of England has been attacked by politicians for predicting a dramatic slowdown in growth if the country voted to leave the EU.

Bank of England via Creative Commons.

Future Prospects

The truth is, nobody can predict the future. There are simply too many variables which is why pollsters so often get it wrong.

Right now, the UK does not have an economic problem, yet still – still – the doom-mongers keep predicting the worst for 2017. Who Knows? This may well be so. We have not yet left the EU, but considerable auto price rises are predicted for this year.

The UK car market, we are told, could see a nine percent sales dip in 2017 as Britain’s re-negotiations with Europe damage consumer and manufacturer confidence.

Future Considerations

Of course Britain is faced with numerous challenges in renegotiating trade agreements with the European Union, and with the fifty other countries with which it has similar arrangements. It is going to be a rocky road but all parties surely have a vested interest in making a good deal. Certainly there are some European leaders who are throwing their toys out of the buggy because the British won’t toe the European line, but it is the business market that must have the final say, not dogmatic politicians.

Why can we not enjoy some good news for a change? Why is it always necessary for politicians and the media to take a pessimistic line and project negative vibes out into the world like the Wicked Witch of the West?

Right now, the UK economy is in decent shape. Let’s just celebrate that for once. Certainly, our economy could go to hell in a handcart next week but that is just another bridge we will have to cross when – and if – the worst happens. Maybe it won’t.

Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

Cover Photo: Silentpilot.

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2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Showcases Longer Wheelbase in Detroit

The new 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show and aims to be the bread and butter SUV that keeps sales afloat, and turns around the German company’s fortunes.

The vehicle was engineered specifically for American customers.

“The new Tiguan demonstrates how we plan to give American customers the usability and versatility they demand without sacrificing style or Volkswagen’s trademark driving dynamics,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, CEO of the North American Region, Volkswagen.

Which is a polite way of saying it’s bigger and badder, or at least that’s the most important point. The new, extended wheelbase model adds a more refined and roomy interior, flexible seating, high-tech infotainment, and an array of driver assistance features.

Interior Resources

The new Tiguan has far more interior space! Clocking in at 185.2 inches long, the 2018 model has up to 57 percent more cargo capacity than the 2017 version. The 109.9-inch wheelbase provides both sliding second-row seats and the all important optional third row seating that Americans demand in their SUVs.

On the inside, the Tiguan’s interior has been rethought and refreshed. There’s a new cloth pattern for the seats of entry models, which now feature a rhombus pattern. There is an optional Volkswagen Digital Cockpit display, offering drivers a reconfigurable display of key data and the ability to position navigation data front and center for easy viewing. Also available is Volkswagen’s Car-Net system which provides a suite of neat little features including standard App-Connect technology. It’s compatible with smartphones for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink.

A Fender Premium Audio System is available too.

In addition to a new series of exterior and interior colors, there is also an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel available. That second-row bench can slide seven inches fore and aft and also splits 40:20:40. The coveted third-row seats come standard on front-wheel-drive models and are optional on all-wheel-drive versions.

A panoramic sunroof is available, and there is a handy foot-activated power liftgate that makes the cargo space easily accessible.

Safety & Security

The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan offers a complement of driver assistance technology. A rearview camera comes standard, for example. Other available features include Adaptive Cruise Control, upgraded for use in stop and go traffic; Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, and Lane Departure Warning.

Why? Because you baboons need to start paying attention, that’s why.

Power & Performance

Motivation is provided by an updated version of Volkswagen’s evergreen 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct- injected TSI engine. Said plant cranks out 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft. of torque, driving the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. There is also the option of a 4Motion all-wheel drive system with four selectable modes to maximize driving dynamics.

VW’s product platform, dubbed MQB, allows for a wider, lower stance, while enhancing the exterior design. The exterior design also works in favor of the Tiguan’s usefulness on or off-road. For example, it allows for a 26-degree approach angle while off-roading on the trails, and a lower lift-in height for the tailgate when shopping for groceries.

VW also says the vehicle’s LED lighting has already garnered several European design awards.

So, if you’re an American in the market for a new SUV, Volkswagen’s 2018 Tiguan is worth a look.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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