Automotive

2021 Ford F-150 Engines: This New Chart Has All The Important Specs

2021 Ford F-150 Engines: This New Chart Has All The Important Specs When the 2021 Ford F-150 hits the market this fall, six engines will be available, including a full hybrid option. The engine lineup includes some familiar favorites by now for the F-150, like the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and the 5.0-liter V8. New for 2021, however, is the 3.5-liter PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6.

Although horsepower and fuel economy figures are forthcoming, Ford says the PowerBoost hybrid has a 12,000 lbs. max towing capacity (when properly equipped) and a range of 700 miles on a full tank of fuel. Like every F-150 since the 2015 model year, the 2021 truck is also made from military-grade aluminum alloy.

In addition to the PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6, Active Drive Assist is one of the more compelling features for the 2021 Ford F-150. Ford says Active Drive Assist provides a genuine hands-off driving experience as the system holds the truck in its proper lane while keeping pace with surrounding traffic. Active Drive Assist is usable on 100,000 miles of compatible highways across the U.S. and Canada. For all intents and purposes, Active Drive Assist sounds quite similar to Cadillac Super Cruise.

2021 Ford F-150. Photo: Ford Motor Company. 2021 Ford F-150 Engines Chart

The chart below details everything we know right now about the engine lineup for the 2021 Ford F-150. All 2021 Ford F-150 engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Like the horsepower, torque, and fuel economy figures, towing and payload capacities are also forthcoming.

After looking over the table below, you are welcome to read through our full write-up of the 2021 Ford F-150. There we detail some of the truck’s new tech and convenience features, like the Tailgate Work Surface and Zone Lighting packages, and the Max Recline Seat option for when you want to sleep on the job!

2021 Ford F-150 Engines

3.3-liter Ti-VCT V6 FFV
2.7-liter EcoBoost V6
5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8
3.5-liter EcoBoost V6
3.0-liter Power Stroke V6
3.5-liter PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6
Configuration
Naturally-aspirated 60-degree V6, overhead cams
Twin-turbocharged & intercooled 60-degree V6, overhead cams
Naturally-aspirated 90-degree V8, overhead cams
Twin-turbocharged & intercooled 60-degree V6, overhead cams
Turbocharged & intercooled 60-degree V6 diesel
Twin-turbocharged & intercooled 60-degree V6, overhead cams
Block/Head Material
Aluminum block, aluminum heads
Compacted graphite iron block, aluminum heads
Aluminum block, aluminum heads
Aluminum block, aluminum heads
Compacted graphite iron block, aluminum heads
Aluminum block, aluminum heads
Displacement
3.3 liters (3,340 cubic centimeters, 203.8 cubic inches)
2.7 liters (2,700 cubic centimeters, 165.0 cubic inches)
5.0 liters (5,038 cubic centimeters, 307.0 cubic inches)
3.5 liters (3,497 cubic centimeters, 213.4 cubic inches)
3.0 liters (3,000 cubic centimeters, 183.0 cubic inches)
3.5 liters (3,497 cubic centimeters, 213.4 cubic inches)
Bore x Stroke
3.56 inches x 3.41 inches
3.267 inches x 3.267 inches
3.66 inches x 3.65 inches
3.64 inches x 3.41 inches
3.31 inches x 3.54 inches
3.64 inches x 3.41 inches
Compression Ratio
12:1
10:1
12:1
10.5:1
16:1
10.5:1
Valvetrain
Direct acting mechanical bucket
Roller finger follower
Roller finger follower
Roller finger follower
Roller finger follower
Roller finger follower
Ignition System
Coil on plug
Coil on plug
Coil on plug
Coil on plug
Compression
Coil on plug
Recommended Fuel
Regular Unleaded or E85
Regular Unleaded or E85
Regular Unleaded or E85
Regular Unleaded
Ultra low sulfer diesel or up to B20 compatible
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Delivery
Port fuel injection & direct injection
Port fuel injection & direct injection
Port fuel delivery & direct injection
Port fuel injection with direct injection
Common rail
Port fuel injection with direct injection
Engine Control System
Electronic
Electronic
Electronic
Electronic
Multicore powertrain control module
Electronic
Oil Volume/Grade
6 quarts with Filter (5W-20 SAE GF6)
6 quarts with Filter (5W-30 SAE GF6)
7.75 quarts (5W-30 SAE GF6)
6 quarts with Filter (5W-30 SAE GF6)
6.5 quarts (5W-30 SAE FA4)
6 quarts with Filter (5W-30 SAE GF6)
Coolant Capacity
12 liters
14.3 liters
12.5 liters
13.5 liters
13 liters
14.5 liters high temp loop, 6.8 liters low temp loop
SAE Horsepower
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
SAE Torque
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
Original article: 2021 Ford F-150 Engines: This New Chart Has All The Important Specs

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2018 Kia Niro PHEV EX Premium Review

2018 Kia Niro PHEV EX Premium Review
If you haven’t heard of the Kia Niro, it’s a new subcompact wagon/hatchback with a hybrid gas-electric powertrain that was introduced last year. Kia says it’s a crossover, but since it isn’t offered with all-wheel drive, we’ll classify it in the hatch and wagon category. Either way, it’s a smart new entry with a lower stance than a typical crossover. It offers five-door utility and the vertical liftgate makes it feel like a wagon.
This week we drove the 2018 Kia Niro PHEV EX Premium.
What’s New For 2018
The new Niro Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) adds lane keeping assist, replacing the previous lane departure warning system. It’s included in the Advanced Technology package available on LX and EX trims, and it’s standard on the top Touring trim.
Features & Options
The 2018 Kia Niro PHEV EX trim ($34,500) comes standard with power-folding and heated side mirrors, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear air conditioning vents, an additional USB charge port, and a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert.
The EX Premium trim adds a 10-way power driver’s seat, xenon headlights, a gloss black front grille with chrome trim, ventilated front seats, driver-seat memory function, and a heated steering wheel. There’s also an eight-inch touchscreen display, navigation, and an eight-speaker premium Harmon Kardon sound system. LED map lights, the front and rear parking system, wireless phone charging, and a 110-volt power outlet round out the list of add-ons.
Safety features include Kia’s Forward Collision Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems. Total MSRP including destination: $35,575.

Interior Highlights
Stepping inside the cabin of the Niro EX Premium reveals an all-black interior with light colored stitching on the door panels, seats, and center console. The quality of the materials is good and most of the surfaces soft. There are no real clues to it being a hybrid inside, except for an Eco badge on the dash and the EV mode gauge showing battery usage.
This tester came with soft leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front seats for all-weather comfort. The front seats were comfortable and well bolstered for our more spirited driving this week. The back seats are canted backward offering plenty of room for taller adults making headroom generous.
The new Niro offers a fair amount of cargo space, but not as much as a Toyota Prius. It comes with 19.4 cubic feet with the rear seat up, and 54.5 cubic feet with the seats down. The rear hatch offers greater utility with a charging cord included, along with a handy storage compartment below the rear deck.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The new Kia Niro PHEV is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection, making 104 horsepower and 109 lb-ft. of torque. It’s coupled with an AC Synchronous Permanent Magnet Motor that creates another 60 horsepower and 125 lb-ft. of torque. Kia says total system output is 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. of torque.
Both are mated to a Kia-built six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The electric motor acts as a generator, getting its energy from braking and deceleration, and charging a 8.9 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. The Niro can run on electric power for 26 miles of all-electric driving range.
EPA fuel mileage estimates come in at 105 MPGe combined (city/highway) mpg. Overall, the Niro PHEV offers an estimated 560 miles of total range with a 48/44/46 rating (city/highway/combined).

Driving Dynamics
The Kia Niro hybrid is one of the best we’ve tested, partly because it offers a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, rather than a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Once we got underway, the Niro hybrid felt like a typical gas-only vehicle, mainly because it doesn’t have the annoying characteristics of the CVTs usually found in hybrids like the Toyota Prius.
As we drove the Niro this week, it was fun to see how much electric battery power we could generate by using the regenerative braking technology. Because we tested the vehicle in the mountains west of Denver, we had plenty of steep declines to help get more battery power. The Eco EV mode gauge showed us when we were charging the battery and when it was draining. We never had to use the cord to recharge because we had recharged with our driving alone. We were able to drive all week commuting to Denver on just slightly more than 1/2 tank of gas.
The shift from all-electric to the gas engine is seamless and virtually unnoticeable. The only thing that allows you to tell it’s a hybrid is the slight whine of the brakes when it’s recharging the battery. For those wanting a sporty driving experience, the dual-clutch transmission can be manually shifted in Sport mode. It offers a more dynamic driving experience, but fuel mileage suffers. Eco mode is where we got the best mileage, but power is much less too. If you do need extra power, you just slide the gear shifter to the left for Sport, and the small hatchback comes alive, and easily keeps up with traffic on the freeway.
The Kia Niro offers a smooth and comfortable ride on the highway. It’s light with a low center of gravity largely giving it excellent handling. It stayed flat in the tight mountain curves for us.
Conclusion
The 2018 Kia Niro is a new hybrid that could change the way we view fuel-efficient technology. We think it’s better than the Toyota Prius with its six-speed transmission and superior handling and driving dynamics. You even get a Sport mode if you are a driving enthusiast.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
Kia Niro Gallery

2018 Kia Niro Official Site.
Photos: Kia Motors America (2017 and non-PHEV models also shown).

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Le Fil Rouge Concept: The Future Hyundai?

Le Fil Rouge Concept: The Future Hyundai? Hyundai recently unveiled the Le Fil Rouge (HDC-1) concept at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show. As the name implies, Le Fil Rouge (common thread) is Hyundai’s belief that past, present, and future designs are interconnected.
“Le Fil Rouge is a reinterpretation of Hyundai’s design DNA that originated from the brand’s historical Hyundai Coupe Concept in 1974,” explained Luc Donckerwolke, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai’s Design Center.
Four Points
Is this a new era for Hyundai and a preview of what their next cars will look like? It appears so. Hyundai calls this new design “Sensuous Sportiness,” which centers on four different but distinct traits: proportion, architecture, styling, and technology. Here is a brief look at what these four individual elements mean.
“Building on our long history of creating distinctive and sporty character in vehicles, we will open a new era for Hyundai design,” Donckerwolke said.
The Hyundai Le Fil Rouge concept at the 88th Geneva International Motor Show.
Proportion & Architecture
Proportion will be achieved through things like a longer wheel base, larger wheels, and shorter overhangs. The proportion aspect also involves how the driver will sit in the car and how the roofline impacts the vehicle’s appearance. In a similar way, the architecture component – or “Light Architecture” as Hyundai dubs it – will create a forward-motion look and feel.
“Tube Architecture” is the expansion of Light Architecture, only on the inside. The idea, according to Hyundai, is to create an emotional response inside the vehicle that matches the exterior. Tube Architecture also accounts for the interior’s overall ergonomics while prioritizing a lightweight design to increase performance.
Photo: Hyundai Motor Company.
Styling & Technology
Although styling seems to be the biggest element, what Hyundai really wants is for their cars to be recognized from a distance; and this new design language incorporates the artistic elements necessary to make that happen. The technology part seems self explanatory, but with regard to where Hyundai wants to go, it shows up in little, unexpected ways.
“Our goal is to build a beloved brand by creating vehicles with heightened emotional value to reshape the landscape of car design,” said Sang-yup Lee, Vice President and Head of Hyundai Styling.”
Tech for Hyundai means more than just intuitive controls and panoramic floating displays, but also re-vitalized wood and special fabrics that create emotion when a driver sits down. The Sensuous Sportiness theme will expand to all Hyundai vehicles, from sedans to SUVs. The ultimate goal is to bring new levels of beauty, charisma, and desirability to the product lineup.
“This is the foundation of our concept,” Lee added.
In Person
The Hyundai Le Fil Rouge concept is on display at the Geneva International Motor Show until the 18th.
Hyundai Le Fil Rouge Concept Gallery

Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor Company.

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McLaren ‘Hyper-GT’: Fastest McLaren Ever Fires The Cannon

McLaren ‘Hyper-GT’: Fastest McLaren Ever Fires The Cannon You know when you’re in a bar on the wrong side of town, then all of a sudden there’s the sound of breaking glass and roaring silence and a deep, harsh voice says, “Okay then. Let’s take it outside.” Well that is, in essence, what McLaren just said to every other car maker on the planet, but they were looking right at Bugatti when they said it.
Hyper Tension
McLaren just fired this huge warning shot at the Geneva International Motor Show. They call it the ‘Hyper-GT,’ which is a stupid, stupid name, but it’s only a place holder, so don’t worry. The main thing they said was the ‘Hyper-GT’ will be capable of exceeding 243 mph. Yes, for those of you keeping track at home, that’s the max velocity of the iconic McLaren F1. Yes, in a way, this will be the “replacement” for the F1. In a way. And also “exceeding 243 mph” means it is going to be pretty close to what Bugattis and Koenigseggs are capable of doing. In other words, the top speed wars are on.
The ‘Hyper-GT’ is the next model in the Ultimate Series and follows the aerodynamically pure, yet aesthetically revolting McLaren Senna. The ‘Hyper-GT’ will feature a three-seat cockpit design and centrally-mounted driving position just like in the F1 (or the Ferrari Guida Centrale, if you want to go way back).
Photo: McLaren Automotive.
All In One
Baring the internal code name BP23, the ‘Hyper-GT’ aims to be both the fastest-ever and the most luxurious McLaren yet. The idea is that the McLaren BP23 would deliver an unparalleled blend of extreme performance with its petrol-electric hybrid powertrain and sporting luxury, and, at the end of the day, still be the ultimate road-going McLaren. And no, this is not just a rumor, this is straight from the lips of McLaren Automotive CEO Mike Flewitt during the Geneva Motor Show press conference. So consider it as official as it can get.
Limited Commodity
McLaren will only make 106 examples of the BP23. Astute readers will note that 106 is the same number of F1s made by McLaren, so they are really leveraging their past history with this upcoming car of theirs. McLaren also notes that all the ‘Hyper-GTs’ are already sold and will run £1.6 million plus taxes to buy. Kind of cryptic, that. Basically means they cost a lot but they’ve already sold anyway.
Production & In Person
Production is due to begin at the end of 2019, with every BP23 out of the factory personalized to each owner’s taste by McLaren Special Operations, or MSO, the in-house skunk works division responsible for bespoke customer commissions. The real name of the McLaren ‘Hyper-GT’, together with the maximum speed attainable, will be disclosed nearer to the car’s reveal. The ‘Hyper-GT’ will be shown to the public before the end of the year, with a private preview for its depositors ahead of that. That’s a nice way of saying the filthy rich will get a look at it before us yobs do.
There’s a reading of the tea leaves that can be done here, but to me, it seems rather simple: McLaren, former holder of the world’s fastest and coolest car crown, just got tired of hearing about Bugatti all the time.
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.
Photos & Source: McLaren Automotive.

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Ford Issues Safety Recall For Certain Late Model Taurus Vehicles

Ford Issues Safety Recall For Certain Late Model Taurus Vehicles Ford is issuing a safety compliance recall in North America for approximately 2,100 2017 and 2018 Ford Taurus vehicles with a physical key and non-push button start. In affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition switch even if the transmission gear shift is not in the park position. If an operator removes the key with the transmission in a position other than park, it could increase the risk of the vehicle rolling away
Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with this issue.
Affected vehicles include 2017 and 2018 Ford Taurus vehicles with a physical key and non-push button start that were built at Chicago Assembly Plant, July 21st, 2017 to February 13th, 2018. The recall involves approximately 2,100 vehicles in the United States and federalized territories. The Ford reference number for this recall is 18C02.
Dealers will replace the shifter assembly at no cost to the customer.
For more information on this, or any other recall, visit Safecar.gov.

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2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure Review

2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure Review
Toyota wants to capture the outdoor enthusiast market and the new RAV4 Adventure is for those wanting to get away from the city. This new RAV4 looks the part, but is it ready to tackle serious off-road trails? Or perhaps those unexpected winter snowstorms? We wanted to find out, so this week we drove the 2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure with all-wheel drive.
What’s New For 2018
Toyota’s RAV4 gets a special-edition trim called the Adventure. It features a tow prep package, a higher ride height, 18-inch alloy wheels, lower body guards, black headlight bezels, and fog light surrounds. A 120V power outlet in the cargo area, all-weather floor mats, special interior trim panels, and a leather-wrapped shift knob are also included.
The main differences between the standard RAV4 and the Adventure trim are the tow prep package, household-style power outlet in the cargo area, and lower body cladding.
Features & Options
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure AWD ($28,400), in addition to the Adventure upgrades, comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity, Toyota’s Entune infotainment system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, a power/tilt sliding sunroof, 60/40 split-folding reclining rear seats, LED headlights, a 4.2-inch multi-information display in between the gauges, and cloth upholstery.
Every RAV4 comes with a rearview camera and Toyota Safety Sense P, which consists of a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.
Additional options for our 2018 RAV4 tester included the Cold Weather Package ($1,060), offering a heated leather steering wheel, heated and power operated front seats, and windshield wiper deicer. Total MSRP including destination: $30,980.

Interior Highlights
The interior of the RAV4 Adventure is set up with outdoor enthusiasts in mind with its cloth interior and all-weather floor mats. It has a fair amount of harder plastic surfaces too, making it easier to clean after a day in the high country. There’s seating for four adults with its two rows with comfy reclining seats in the back.
We took advantage of the Cold Weather package this week as an Arctic blast hit the Denver area. We cranked up the heated front seats and heated steering wheel, and used the windshield de-icer when the CDOT trucks sprayed Mag Chloride all over the interstate to keep it clear of ice. The Adventure trim also features a handy 120V outlet in the cargo area, making it ideal for a power cooler to keep your food and beverages cold on those excursions away from the city.
Where the RAV4 really shines is in the cargo area. Cargo space is massive with 38.4 cubic feet behind the split-folding rear seats and 73.4 cubic feet behind the front seats with the rear seats folded flat. It’s ideal for carrying your camping, hiking, and fishing gear.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
All RAV4s are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 176 horsepower and 172 lb-ft. of torque. The inline-4 comes mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel mileage estimates come in at 22/28 city/highway and 25 combined mpg.
Driving Dynamics
This 176 horsepower small SUV has no trouble cruising down the highway or navigating city streets, but we found it needing a bit more power for Colorado’s high altitudes. If it’s loaded with people and cargo heading up the mountain pass for a fun getaway, it might struggle. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automatic is the only powertrain available.
Toyota says in the Adventure trim, the small SUV has enough grunt to pull up to 3,500 lbs. Our tester came with mud and snow tires which made it ideal for getting through the wet snow that fell this week. We had no trouble getting onto the snow-covered dirt roads leading to our house.
Other than the mud guards, body cladding, and slightly higher ride height, the RAV4 Adventure gets the same all-wheel drive system as the standard model. For more serious off-road excursions, the RAV4 Adventure looks the part, but lacks the hardware to get you too far away from civilization. For a weekend getaway vehicle, however, it will accomplish what you need.
Conclusion
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure offers lots of room for passengers and cargo. It makes for an excellent family hauler as well, with excellent safety credentials. It offers Toyota’s well-established reputation for reliability, and it is a practical and appealing choice for families or adults with an active lifestyle.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure Gallery

2018 Toyota RAV4 Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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2019 GMC Sierra Revealed: Carbon Fiber Box, Diesel Engines & More

2019 GMC Sierra Revealed: Carbon Fiber Box, Diesel Engines & More The Wall Street Journal recently reported on the understated success of GMC, and how that bolsters GM’s other initiatives like electrified and autonomous vehicles. Driving that growth is the Sierra line of pickups, in particular, the higher trim levels. Duncan Aldred, Global GMC Vice President notes that SLT and Denali models account for 87 percent of the brand’s total crew cab sales. With our love for premium and luxury trucks on the rise, GMC will hit the market later this year with the new Sierra Denali and SLT.
Power & Performance
If it’s one thing truck buyers are looking for, it’s grunt under the hood. New versions of GM’s evergreen 6.2 and 5.3 V8 engines will be joined by a new 3.0-liter inline-six turbo-diesel. GMC has not clarified horsepower or torque figures, but say the 5.3 and 6.2 will feature the new Dynamic Fuel Management system. This replaces the current Active Fuel Management and differs in the sense it can shut off any number of cylinders, in a variety of combinations, to boost performance and efficiency.
The 6.2 and diesel engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Sierra Denali’s Adaptive Ride Control suspension should make rough roads more tolerable. On-board sensors monitor the road conditions and chassis responses in real time, enabling adjustments to the active dampers every two milliseconds. And you thought Jimmy Johns was fast.
The 2019 Sierra Denali will offer, not surprisingly, a full range of available safety features like Side Blind Zone Alert, Pedestrian Detection, and Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking.
The 2019 GMC Sierra is larger than the outgoing model in virtually every dimension. The wheels, for example, are pushed closer to the corners and wear larger diameter tires. Both Denali and SLT trims offer 22-inch wheels as an option. Photo: GMC.
Tailgate Fever
The “MultiPro Tailgate” is of note here, which includes 6 different functions and positions to make the workday a bit easier. There are second-tier loading and load-stop solutions, a standing workstation mode, and integrated hand grips and bumper steps – the MultiPro Tailgate is standard on Denali and SLT trucks. Although cool and definitely useful, the MultiPro Tailgate underscores a totally new approach for the 2019 Sierra in a fundamental area.
The bed.
Carbon Fiber Strategy
Since the F-150 got wrapped in aluminum, rumors abound about what GM was going to do material-wise, if anything. To wit, the 2019 GMC Sierra maintains its roll-formed, high-strength steel bed, although a revised alloy offers 50 percent more strength than the current model. What is new is “CarbonPro,” or essentially the industry’s first carbon fiber truck box, on offer for the 2019 Sierra Denali later in the model year.
CarbonPro replaces the steel inner panels and floor with a lighter carbon fiber composite that cuts 62 lbs. from the truck. According to GMC, CarbonPro offers best-in-class dent, scratch, and corrosion resistance, and is the most durable pickup box in the segment. GMC notes their material strategy includes aluminum for the doors, hood, and tailgate, while relying on steel for the fenders and roof. Overall, the 2019 Sierra is 360 lbs. lighter than the current model.
2019 GMC Sierra Denali CarbonPro material usage chart. Photo: GMC.
Trailer Tools
When you gotta tow, you gotta tow. Expect to see GMC’s new ProGrade Trailering feature with a compatible smartphone app on offer. The system includes a pre-departure checklist, trailer light test, tire pressure monitoring for the trailer, and maintenance reminders among others.
Hitch Guidance, Hitch View, and a birds-eye camera should minimize the amount of swear words uttered while backing up to a trailer. The available side view cameras and a trailer-mounted HD camera can provide additional assistance when traveling down the road, or while operating in reverse. Also cool is the Trailer Theft Detection feature, which provides a mobile alert via OnStar should the trailer ever be detached from the truck.
The available Rear Camera Mirror is something most truck buyers will find useful. It acts like a dual-function interior mirror, in the sense that it helps drivers see around potential obstructions, be it occupants or cargo. It expands the field of vision for the driver with a higher resolution camera and display and the ability to tilt or zoom the view.
2019 GMC Sierra Denali ProGrade Trailering System. Photo: GMC.
Pricing & Availability
The 2019 GMC Sierra Denali and SLT go on sale this fall. GMC did not disclose pricing but said additional details will be released closer to the start of production.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
2019 GMC Sierra Gallery

Photos & Source: GMC.

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Lotus 3-Eleven 430: Here We Go Again

Lotus 3-Eleven 430: Here We Go Again It’s another new special edition Lotus! Guys, guys, guys! Look: I love ya. I love your cars, I love the way they look, I love the way they handle, but . . . this special edition stuff has Got. To. Stop.
You know the story of The Boy Who Cried Wolf? Lotus is getting dangerously close to that. In the past year (it seems like the past three weeks), Lotus has released (seemingly) 1,437 special edition cars. And yeah, they are great cars. And yeah, in point of fact, they are special. But if everything is special, then nothing is special, y’know?
However, the 3-Eleven 430 is special. They are only going to make 20 of the little brutes (which is a pity) and, although it is road legal, it is not road legal here in the U. S. of A. (which is criminal!).
Lightning Strikes
For starters, the new Lotus 3-Eleven 430 is the quickest street-legal sports car Lotus has ever made. Think about what else Lotus has made, and you’ll get the point. The 3-Eleven 430 laps the company’s Hethel test track 0.8 seconds quicker than an Exige Cup 430, and two seconds quicker than the previous 3-Eleven. The current benchmark is 1 minute 24 seconds, thanks to the new Lotus 3-Eleven 430. The supercharged and charge-cooled 3.5-liter V6 engine cranks out 430 horsepower and 325 lb-ft. of torque.
In addition to performing like a lightening strike, the bodywork now features new, part-visible weave carbon-composite panels. This helps the 3-Eleven tip the scales at 2,028 lbs., giving you a power-to-weight ratio of a mighty 467 horsepower per tonne. There is also a Torsen-type limited slip differential and an open-gate six-speed manual gearbox in the mix as well.
LED daytime running lights and a lip spoiler characterize the front of the Lotus 3-Eleven 430. Photo: Group Lotus plc.
Chassis & Aerodynamics
Please, this is a Lotus. Öhlins DFV one-way adjustable dampers live at each corner and Eibach adjustable anti-roll bars inhabit the front and rear. There’s 6-position variable traction control, networked directly to the ECU, with five pre-set traction levels: 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 percent slip and “off.” G’head Mario, turn it “off” and see how y’do!
Lotus, being one of the leading innovators in race car aerodynamics, also tweaked the new 3-Eleven in that department as well. Now there is a higher mounted straight-cut rear wing with re-profiled end plates, a long front splitter and lip spoiler, and a flat floor with a rear diffuser that increases down force by 97 lbs. to a total of 585 lbs. at max speed.
Tires & Braking
Tires are Michelin Cup 2 deals with 225/40 ZR18 at the front and 275/35 ZR19 out back. The mechanical grip combined with the aero downforce ads up to a gray-out inducing 1.5 g while cornering. Yes, stopping is good. In the case of the Lotus 3-Eleven, that’s the responsibility of AP Racing four-piston calipers, front and rear, and two-piece J-Hook brake discs that are 332 mm front and rear (seemingly about the size of a pizza). Each corner is finished by Lotus-designed, ultra-lightweight forged aluminum wheels that come in either gloss or satin black.
Pricing & Availability
You want? Of course you want. You must want! You also must contact Lotus now, since they’re only make 20. The 3-Eleven 430 is priced at £102,000, or $140,00 at today’s exchange rates. Yes, that’s a lot, but I could see spending it. The only real problem here is hanging a license plate on the darn things, cause that’s what I really want to do.
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.

Photos & Source: Group Lotus plc.

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2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: True Italian Flare

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: True Italian Flare Seems like someone at Alfa Romeo has been taking serious hallucinogens again, because Alfa went and made a Quadrifoglio version of their all-new 2018 Stelvio SUV. Sure, other car companies have done this: AMG Merc G-Classes and seriously hopped up Porsche Cayannes and that sort of thing – but this is Italian levels of crazy. Remember, the Germans invented the pipe organ. Italians invented opera.
Disaster Response
To Italians, everything is a big deal. You miss’a da’bus? Una catastrofe! Girlfriend dumped you? Una catastrofe! The pope dies? Una catastrofe! Ferrari comes in second? Una catastrofe! So when an Italian car company, Alfa, in this case, gets into the SUV game, and various people (e.g. Germans) start making go-fast versions? Una catastrofe! The only “reasonable” and “sane” response is to not only make your own SUV, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, but then you’ve got to do something like drop in 75 percent of the engine from a Ferrari 488 GTB and say, “stai ben’!”
Speed Fixes Everything
Is the all-new 2018 Stelvio Quadrifoglio practical? Can it ford deep streams? Drive up snow-covered mountain slopes with ease? Reliable? Who cares! For everyone of you that say stuff like that is important in an SUV, I have the following rebuttals: 505 horsepower, zero to 60 in 3.9 seconds, and a top speed of 176 mph. Sure, sure, yap all you want about “Ford Expedition” this “German build quality of the Cayenne” that, I’ll be taking the Stelvio Quadrifoglio for a little jaunt around the Nürburgring. Where, in case you didn’t see this one coming, the SQ lapped the place in a record 7 minutes 51.7 seconds. Yes, that’s the fastest time ever posted by a production SUV, and yes, that makes the Stelvio Quadrifoglio the fastest production SUV in the world.
Photo: FCA US LLC.

Power & Performance
As I mentioned, the SQ will be motivated down La Strada via an all-aluminum, 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, generating 505 horsepower. In addition to all that horsepower, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio engine cranks out 443 lb-ft. of torque. Said mill is direct-injected, and was designed to heighten the lightweight architecture of the SUV. It features a compact, 90-degree layout to drop the center of gravity seemingly four feet under your seat. The engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which makes sense, because adding a full-on Ferrari double clutch semi-auto box would have tripled the price.
And from there on out, things on the Stelvio Quadrifoglio just seem to get more and more radical. The Quadrifoglio features a class-exclusive carbon fiber driveshaft. A carbon fiber driveshaft?! In a “truck?” Voi gente di Milano siete un mucchio di torte alla frutta! That composite driveshaft is hooked up to a torque vectoring differential (a piece of kit right out of Ferrari’s Grand Prix shop), controlled by a four-mode Alfa DNA Pro selector, complete with a Race mode. There is a Quadrifoglio-tuned adaptive suspension system to compliment the steering which Alfa describes as “direct.”
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Fine Touches
The Stelvio Quadrifoglio also comes with 20-inch aluminum wheels with immense 6-piston Brembo front brakes. There are aggressively bolstered Alcantara leather seats (14-way power front and 4-way lumbar adjustments), leather-wrapped dash and doors with accent stitching, and genuine carbon fiber adorning the interior. You will also find a specific Quadrifoglio instrument cluster with a 200-mph speedometer (risate maniacali) and a cylinder deactivation system to maximize fuel efficiency.
And the finishing touch (Italians always have that nice finishing touch) is the hand-painted Quadrifoglio badge. Said badge is symbolic of Alfa Romeo race cars and high-performance production vehicles.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Pricing & Manufacturing
The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is manufactured at the Alfa Romeo plant in Cassino, Italy (yes, that Cassino) and lists for a not all that unreasonable $79,995. No, that’s not cheap. Indeed, that is the most expensive Alfa you can currently buy. But it is right in line for what other (and let’s just say it: lesser) higher performance SUVs go for.
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 is work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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