Automotive

Favorite Car Movies By Decade

Favorite Car Movies By Decade

When the weekend arrives, our Automoblog team members sometimes enjoy relaxing at home with Netflix. Our more adventurous staffers, like Tony Borroz, duck out in the middle of the day to catch a matinee. Indeed, we enjoy both cars and movies, and when they combine, it’s a win/win for us.
Just the other day, my buddies and I had a spirited debate on which installment of The Fast and the Furious was the best. While we could not reach an exact consensus, we did determine the entire series was worth binge watching over a long weekend.
Mustangs & Movies
Our friends at CJ Pony Parts are big movie buffs too. They recently celebrated 30 years in business, making them one of the most established retailers in the world for Mustang parts and accessories. The CJ Pony Parts crew created a list of their favorite car movies through the years, complete with a detailed infographic. Some of the movies they recommend we haven’t seen in awhile!
The CJ Pony Parts movie graphic examines the cars in these cinema classics, along with unique trivia about the movie itself. One thing we found really interesting is how one of the Mustang GTs from the 1968 film Bullitt was found in a junkyard. Fans of Steve McQueen are well aware of his passion for cars; last December, we showcased a book about McQueen’s love for anything with wheels in our Book Garage series.
Why Does It Always Have To Be Snakes
Another favorite on this list is Gone In 60 Seconds, although while we prefer the 2000 version, CJ Pony Parts notes the original motion picture from 1974. We favor the “new” version for a number of reasons, none of which have to do with Angelina Jolie. Okay, so that’s not entirely true. Obviously, Eleanor is the apple of our eye in the 2000 remake, but lines like “snake gonna have to slither his a** all the way to the bus stop in the morning,” “the snake is crawling up my a** man,” and “the snake gonna swallow my sh*t whole man,” are truly memorable. Actually, that entire scene where the Hummer pushes the police car down the parking ramp to the lyrical graces of DMX is awesomeness at its finest.
Here’s another great line: “If his unpleasant wounding has in some way enlightened the rest of you as to the grim finish below the glossy veneer of criminal life, and inspired you to change your ways, then his injuries carry with it an inherent nobility. And a supreme glory. We should all be so fortunate. You say poor Toby. I say poor us.”
Chevy Cinema
The most recent entry on this list we didn’t really care for, however, heartthrob (did I just say that?) Ryan Gosling restored the film’s signature Chevy himself. So that’s worth bonus points. CJ Pony Parts admitted they didn’t care about the story line either; they just wanted to see that 73 Chevy in action. Okay, so it’s not that bad of a movie and it’s not that we dislike Gosling. As everyone else did, we saw The Notebook with our wives and girlfriends but didn’t (we so did) cry.
The aforementioned movie graphic is below, courtesy of CJ Pony Parts. What is your favorite car movie? Let us know on Twitter: @Automoblog.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

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BREAKING: The all-new eighth-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom raises the bar for pure automotive opulence

BREAKING: The all-new eighth-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom raises the bar for pure automotive opulence One of the world’s leading icons in automotive opulence transitions into its next-generation. Where’s the Grey Poupon?

What’s going on?
The Rolls-Royce Phantom VII has been with us since 2003, bearing a backbone based on the BMW 7-Series and enough sheetmetal to build a new city. That means today, in 2017, it’s sustained its current guise for 14 years, a very long time for any automotive life cycle.
But no need to despair! Rolls-Royce just introduced an all new, next-generation Phantom VII.
Built to fulfill Sir Henry Royce’s original quest to build “The Best Car in the World,” with the Rolls-Royce Phantom in 1925, this latest version fully embodies this philosophy. It once again raises its own bar of setting the benchmark for pure, unadulterated, automotive luxury.
Fancy. What’s cool about it?
Given Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ corporate pairing with BMW AG, this latest Phantom starts life as a BMW 7-Series platform, like the outgoing one. However, engineers designed the chassis to a new philosophy, the “Architecture of Luxury.” This basically translates into the Phantom’s use of a revised all-aluminum space frame body. This means it ditches the classic “monocoque” design. It’s lighter, but also 30 percent stiffer.
Combined with Rolls-Royce’s new “Magic Carpet Ride” adaptive air suspension, the new Phantom sounds it’s set to become the world’s most comfortable car as well.
What powers it?
In keeping with tradition, the Phantom gets a six-and-three-quarter (6.75L) engine. But that’s all that’s traditional as it’s BMW-based 6.75L V12 with two turbochargers to produce 563 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque as early as 1,700 rpm. Channeling that power to the wheels is a new ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic.
As with luxury these days, technology complements
As with any other car expected to cost as much as a really nice house, there’s plenty of tech to accompany. Using BMW’s parts bins, the Phantom comes with many passive and active safety systems such as Night Vision, radar-guided cruise control, pedestrian detection, lane departure assist and warning, and more. That’s on top of being the world’s most expensive moving WiFi hotspot and home theater.
How much will it cost?
Do we really have to answer this question for you? The official starting price wasn’t announced. But c’mon, it’s a Rolls. It’ll certainly cost more than a ham sandwich. Way more.
– By: Chris Chin
The all-new Rolls-Royce Phantom Photo Gallery

The post BREAKING: The all-new eighth-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom raises the bar for pure automotive opulence appeared first on egmCarTech.

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Letter From The UK: Selling Out

Letter From The UK: Selling Out

Recently, European Union antitrust authorities approved the proposed acquisition of GM’s Opel/Vauxhall automotive business by the PSA Group, which manufactures Citroen, DS, and Peugeot models. This merger applies to the Vauxhall manufacturing plants in the United Kingdom that produce two of the top ten most popular vehicles currently on sale in Britain – the Astra and Corsa.
It doesn’t bode well.
This deal, first announced a few months ago, will position PSA Group as the second-largest automotive company in Europe and will serve as the basis of the Group’s profitable growth worldwide, we are told. It is expected to be formalized later this year.
Proud Achievement?
Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Managing Board of PSA is quoted as saying:“We are proud to join forces with Opel/Vauxhall and are deeply committed to continuing to develop this great company and accelerating its turnaround. We respect all that Opel/Vauxhall’s talented people have achieved as well as the company’s fine brands and strong heritage. We intend to manage PSA and Opel/Vauxhall capitalizing on their respective brand identities. Having already created together winning products for the European market, we know that Opel/Vauxhall is the right partner. We see this as a natural extension of our relationship and are eager to take it to the next level.”
On the face of it, that all sounds fine and dandy but, as seems likely, when the deal is completely finalized, the UK should rightly be concerned the next word out of Tavares’ mouth will be “rationalization.”
The transaction will allow, they say, substantial economies of scale and synergies in purchasing, manufacturing, and R&D. Annual synergies of €1.7Bn are expected by 2026, of which a significant part is expected to be delivered by 2020. These huge savings will have to come from somewhere. This is the part where I mention Brexit.
According to a recent press release, PSA Group delivered 1,580,000 units during the first half of 2017. Sales increased in Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, Eurasia, and the India-Pacific regions. Market share gains transpired for all new models, including the Peugeot 3008 and 5008 SUV and Citroen C3 in Europe. Photo: PSA Group.
High Costs
Overshadowing this huge financial deal is the specter of you-know-what. Right now the discussions over the UK’s departure from the EU look pretty sketchy. The British car industry should rightly be concerned. Inevitably, new vehicles from this conglomeration will progressively convert to PSA platforms over the coming years, and that could well sound the death knell for Vauxhall manufacturing plants.
John Colley, Professor of Practice at Warwick (UK) Business School and noted expert on mega-mergers, has been quoted as saying: “Carlos Tavares, Chief Executive of Peugeot Citroen (PSA), has little choice but to close the UK Vauxhall plants at Ellesmere Port and Luton to make the Opel (German brand) acquisition work. The cost of closing the high-cost German plants will be at least triple that of the UK plants. Not only will they (PSA) have to placate the powerful German unions who have a right of deal veto, but redundancy costs are around three times the level of the UK.”
Astra Sports Tourer production at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port facility. Photo: Vauxhall.

No Compromise
Given that governments come and go, any promises made by the British Administration are unlikely to be taken too seriously. Also, with wearying familiarity, the bullish leader of the Unite Trade Union in the UK has already said it “will not accept any job losses” if the sale goes ahead, urging the UK government to think again on its policy towards the European single market as the uncertainty is now clearly impacting on the future of flagship UK companies, such as Vauxhall. That will do until the real mess gets here.
As far as Great Britain is concerned, the whole shooting match is chaos and no doubt will remain so until the real mess arrives further down the line. Although the UK government is committed to Brexit on the basis that in a national referendum, a majority of the public demanded we get out of the EU, their hearts are plainly not in it. And it is possible to catch a whiff of the hot, fetid breath of failure; in short, it is not going well.
At a time like this, the last thing British industry needs is more uncertainty. The EU is taking a hard line that is likely to be followed by the PSA Group. In the longer term, the future of our Vauxhall car manufacturing does not look good.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite
Cover Photo: Vauxhall.

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2021 Subaru Ascent: A Detailed Look At Every Trim Level

2021 Subaru Ascent: A Detailed Look At Every Trim Level The Ascent is Subaru’s largest SUV and offers three-rows of seating for a starting MSRP of $32,295. For the new model year, the 2021 Ascent comes in four individual trim packages: Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring. The 2021 Subaru Ascent is standard with a host of driver assistance technologies as well.

Here is a look at everything the new Ascent offers, which should be an attractive option for buyers in the market for a new SUV.

2021 Subaru Ascent: Under The Hood

The 2021 Ascent comes standard with a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, which produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft. of torque. The Ascent’s Boxer engine is paired to a Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission), which features an eight-speed manual mode and steering wheel paddle shifters. This pairing provides the Ascent with a 5,000 lbs. towing capacity with standard Trailer Stability Assist.

Does The 2021 Subaru Ascent Have AWD?

Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-Mode with hill descent control are standard. The combination gives the new Ascent better traction in bad weather or during mild off-roading.

2021 Subaru Ascent. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.Gas Mileage of The 2021 Subaru Ascent

With EPA fuel economy ratings of 21/27 city/highway on all Base and Premium models with 18-inch wheels and 20/26 city/highway with 20-inch wheels, it isn’t easy to call the Ascent a gas-guzzler. In fact, Subaru says drivers can go over 500 miles on a single fill-up.

Related: An in-depth look at what extended warranties are best for your Subaru. 2021 Subaru Ascent Safety Features

Every 2021 Ascent comes standard with Subaru’s new EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The package adds a new feature called Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering and Lane Keep Assist. The systems work together to keep the Ascent in its lane and out of harm’s way.

Those driving at night will notice an increase in visibility, due to the addition of steering-responsive LED headlights on Base and Premium models. This technology redirects the Ascent’s headlights to mirror that of upcoming curves.

Another noteworthy addition for the 2021 model year is a standard second and third-row seat belt reminder system. This alerts drivers if any occupants are not securely buckled in place when accelerating from a stop.

Connectivity & Convenience Features

Additional standard features include tri-zone front and rear automatic climate control, a rear vision camera, a multi-function display, a host of input/charging USB ports, and an astounding 18 cup holders. The Ascent also comes standard with a 6.5-inch multimedia system with smartphone integration capabilities like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.

2021 Subaru Ascent interior layout. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.2021 Subaru Ascent Trim Levels

Drivers can opt for three other trim levels above and beyond the Base trim.

Premium (Starting at $34,795)

The Premium comes with body-color side mirrors, rear window privacy glass, and additional safety feaures like blind-spot detection, lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. On the inside, occupants will find an eight-way power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever, and second-row climate control.

Additionally, the All-Weather Package includes heated exterior mirrors, heated front seats, and windshield wiper de-icer.

An additional package, priced at $1,460, is also available for Premium trim models. Some highlights of this package include push-button start, power rear gate access, and reverse automatic braking. For an additional $4,260, a panoramic moonroof, eight-inch multimedia navigation system, and a stowable cargo cover are included.

Limited (Starting at $39,595)

The Ascent Limited comes with everything the Premium offers but adds reverse automatic braking, push-button start, and a power rear gate with an automatic lock button.

The Limited is also rich in upgraded interior features, including a 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, a four-way power front passenger seat, second-row retractable sunshades, heated second-row seating, and a heated steering wheel. Customers are also given a choice between second-row bench seating or captain chairs. The 2021 Ascent will accommodate seven or eight individuals depending on the configuration.

Several enhanced exterior features come with the Ascent Limited. Some of the most notable features include LED fog lights, lower door cladding with chrome accents, body-color side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

An additional option package ($2,950) is available for all Limited models. This package includes the eight-inch multimedia navigation system, Harman Kardon stereo with 14 speakers, and a panoramic moonroof.

Touring (Starting at $45,445)

At the upper end of the Ascent’s spectrum is the Touring model. Styling features include a high-gloss black grille, chrome door handles, and satin chrome power-folding exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals.

Moving inside, drivers are treated to woodgrain-pattern accents, Java Brown perforated leather-trimmed upholstery, and ventilated front seats. Additional features include the eight-inch multimedia navigation system, Harman Kardon stereo, panoramic moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, and a 180-degree front-view camera.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent can tow 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.Destination & Delivery Charges

Destination charges for the 2021 Subaru Ascent are $1,050, although that may vary slightly depending on which state you live in. Subaru builds the Ascent at its plant in Lafayette, Indiana, along with the Impreza, Legacy, and Outback.

Josh Boyd is an ASE Certified technician with over a decade of experience in automotive repair. When not under the hood, he can be found in the woods or on the water, pursuing his other passions of hunting and fishing.

2021 Subaru Ascent Gallery

Photos & Source: Subaru of America, Inc.
Original article: 2021 Subaru Ascent: A Detailed Look At Every Trim Level

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2018 Jaguar E-PACE: Fashion Statement or Full-Bodied Capability?

2018 Jaguar E-PACE: Fashion Statement or Full-Bodied Capability?

Jaguar’s 2018 E-PACE SUV/crossover/thingo has made its “official” debut, so now we can start talking about it. Yes, yes, I know. This thing has been all over various forms of media for months now, but Jag insists on mining as much exposure as they can, so here it is. Again.
Jaguar, following the lead of Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and even Maserati (somehow!) realized that thar’s gold in them thar suburbs! And decided the best way to mine it was to make their own SUV/crossover. Jaguar is very certain about what the E-PACE is: “a compact performance SUV.”
Fashion Statements
Which means, in Jaguar’s eyes, you could take this thing off-road. Hey, stop laughing! I think Jaguar is serious, although I doubt you’ll see this thing traipsing through Moab or having a go at King of The Hammers or even blasting around my cousin’s property in Washougal. No, let’s face the real facts here. The Jaguar E-PACE is aimed squarely at those that aspire to be recurring cast members on The Real Housewives of Orange County/New Jersey/etc. And really, how can you blame Jag at this point. If people are willing to throw tens-of-thousands of dollars your way to make a vehicular fashion statement, you’d be dumb as a carmaker not to pick it up.
So what, exactly, are we dealing with here in the Jaguar E-PACE? The E-PACE (yes, in all caps, just to be extra annoying) is a five-seat compact SUV. Jag says the E-PACE “packs the design and performance of a Jaguar sports car into a practical and connected all-wheel drive vehicle.” No seriously, that’s a direct quote. I was at an auto show once, and a Hummer salesman said to a prospective woman buyer that an H1 Alpha Hummer “handles like a big Miata.” He said this directly in front of me and about 6 fellow members of a rally club I was in. We literally started pointing and laughing as the prospective woman buyer quickly exited and, get this, the Hummer salesman actually tried to debate with us over the handling qualities of an H1 Alpha Hummer. He was serious and, somehow, so is Jaguar when it comes to the E-PACE.
Sure, the E-PACE is the smallest and newest member of Jaguar’s SUV offerings, and therefore must handle better than Jag’s F-PACE SUV, but c’mon: “packs the design and performance of a Jaguar sports car into a practical and connected all-wheel drive vehicle?” Best of luck with that Nigel. I guess it is worth pointing out that when it comes to the big brother F-PACE, Jaguar did get that one right enough to win World Car of the Year. So perhaps this isn’t that bad of a ride overall; just don’t tell me it’s a Lotus 7 that can also run the Baja 1000 while taking the kids to Montessori. I got eyes ya know.
The chassis for the 2018 E-PACE is based on the sophisticated Integral Link rear suspension developed for the Jaguar F-PACE. The Integral Link architecture separates lateral and longitudinal forces to provide responsive steering and handling with impact absorption for greater refinement. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC.

Power & Performance
The E-PACE comes in Standard, S, SE, and HSE specifications along with the R-Dynamic (which is the sportiest version available). Both of your engine choices are 2.0-liter four-bangers, bafflingly dubbed “Ingenium” powertrains. Someone in the marketing department clearly needs more supervision. Anyway, said engines are gasoline fueled, turbocharged mills delivering either 246 horsepower or 296 horsepower, which is pretty good for that few of liters and cylinders. I’d really love to see Jag drop that into a 2,500 lbs. roadster, but that probably won’t happen.
Jag also notes the E-PACE has “sports car-inspired design” which is, honestly, a crying shame to read from the same company that created the immortal beloved E-Type. Anyhoo, the “sports car-inspired” stuff includes a sports-style gear shifter which is kind of odd since the gearbox is a ZF 9-speed automatic transmission. Jaguar’s adaptive shift system monitors your preferred driving style and tailors itself accordingly. For example, the system reduces shift times during more intense driving but can switch into a more economical mode; this is all dependent on your tastes as a driver.
The Active Driveline AWD system can transfer almost all the engine torque to either the front or rear axles in extreme conditions. During steady state cruising, Active Driveline disengages the AWD system, sending power only to the front axle, reducing parasitic losses. The system can re-engage AWD seamlessly within just 300 milliseconds (0.3 seconds) when a change in driving conditions is detected. During cornering, the Active Driveline software analyzes yaw rate, throttle position, steering angle, and lateral acceleration in order to pre-emptively distribute more torque to the outside wheels when needed for neutral and predictable handling. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC.
Suspension & Safety Tech
Coventry did not exactly scrimp on the suspension and drivetrain bits though. The suspension architecture is purposefully lightweight and all-wheel drive is the only power delivery choice we have. There are no two-wheel drive versions available, and I got to give Jag props for that.
Jag does point out the E-PACE’s torque vectoring is via the braking system, which still counts, but is a cheap way to accomplish the job. The Torque Vectoring system uses the brakes to imitate the effect of a torque-vectoring differential, balancing the distribution of engine torque between all four wheels during cornering. This improves grip and overall control, which will help drivers in a number of situations.
The 2018 Jaguar E-PACE also offers an array of driver assistance technologies, including Dynamic, Roll, and Electronic Stability Control, Trailer Stability Assist, Hill Start Assist, Emergency Brake Assist, and Corner Brake Control. The front and rear seats also feature seatbelt pre-tensioners that assist in minimizing movement during a collision while two ISOFIX points are fitted to the outer rear seats.
From the demanding Nürburgring circuit and high-speed Nardò test track to the deserts of the Middle East and North Africa, the E-PACE has been put to the test in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Jaguar engineers have braved freezing temperatures and high altitudes to ensure the E-PACE can withstand a lifetime of use in the hands of the most active and demanding customers. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC.

Connectivity Features
Even though it’s not the biggest Jag SUV to be had, you still get seating for five. You get enough connectivity gizmos that it should keep your kids happy and quiet. The E-PACE has streaming for up to eight devices thanks to an optional 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. There’s an InControl Touch Pro infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen that connects you to smartphone applications via Jaguar’s InControl App function.
The driver gets a big honking 12.3-inch full color TFT display and Heads-Up Display system for “added convenience.” Yes, I guess not knowing how fast you’re going would count as being an “inconvenience.” There’s a gizmo dubbed “Available Configurable Dynamics technology” that delivers Jaguar dynamics (whatever that counts as) allowing you to personalize throttle, steering, and transmission settings, which honestly sounds pretty cool.
The 2018 Jaguar E-PACE is also available with a choice of two premium audio systems developed with Meridian, just in case you can’t drive without your favorite tunes. The second of the two systems, an 825-watt Surround Sound ordeal with 15 speakers, would be our personal choice.
The interior focal point is a wraparound cockpit with the passenger grab handle forming the boundary of the driver console – a design concept inspired by the Jaguar F-TYPE. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC.
Pricing & Availability
Cost for the E-PACE ranges between $38,600 to $53,550, which seems to hit a real sweet spot in comparison to the competition. That starts a little bit more than a fully loaded minivan that your brain says you should get, but your gut is screaming that you fend off any and all dowdy parental trappings as if they were hungry sharks. No, no. You’ve got pretensions to uphold as you deliver your twins, Tyler and Twyla, to lacrosse and/or dance classes. You will not be sullied by a minivan. The Jaguar E-PACE goes on sale at the beginning of 2018.
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 Jaguar E-PACE Gallery

Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC.

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2018 Ford Mustang GT: Gone In 4 Seconds

2018 Ford Mustang GT: Gone In 4 Seconds

Ford Motor Company is putting the screws to the competition, revealing the 2018 Mustang GT will hit 60 in less than four seconds in Drag Strip mode. Acting as one of five driver-selectable modes in the 2018 Mustang, Drag Strip mode utilizes the transmission to maximize straight-line performance. Drag Strip mode enhances the Mustang GT’s acceleration so well, it’s faster than a $94,000 Porsche 911 Carrera.
Vital Elements
Last year, we sat down with Dave Pericak, Global Director of Ford Performance. Pericak, the subject of the 2015 documentary A Faster Horse, shared with us the vision behind the 50th anniversary Mustang. Carl Widmann, Mustang’s Chief Engineer today, attributes the high performance of the 2018 model to five different elements: Improved horsepower and torque of the redesigned 5.0-liter V8, quicker response times in the available 10-speed SelectShift transmission, and available custom-designed Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires (Performance Pack).
The fifth element, the aforementioned available Drag Strip mode, is especially worth noting.
“Typically, when you shift gears, you give up time,” Widmann explained. “In Drag Strip mode, the engine torque doesn’t drop when you’re shifting. You get peak engine torque and horsepower straight through thanks to our new Ford-built 10-speed transmission.”

2018 Ford Mustang GT with the Performance Package in Orange Fury. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Power & Performance
At the heart of Ford’s pony car since 2011 is the 5.0-liter V8, now with dual-fuel, high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection for increased power and efficiency. Ford engineers worked to achieve robust low-end torque, high-rpm capability, and fuel efficiency. The new 5.0 registers 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft. of torque; the current 2017 Mustang delivers 435 horsepower and 400 lb-ft. of torque by comparison.
EcoBoost Mustangs see a “boost” as well. The retuned engine packs 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft. of torque, a 30 lb-ft. gain over the 2017 model. In Drag Strip mode with the Performance Package and the 10-speed automatic, the 2018 EcoBoost Mustang hits 60 in under five seconds. Those wanting more will appreciate this little feature on new EcoBoost Mustangs.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Transmission Tech
Ford’s new 10-speed is calibrated with a wide-ratio span and specific gear spacing. The arrangement is multifaceted, helping a driver accomplish power, acceleration, responsiveness, and efficiency. Ford utilizes a patented process in which the architecture of the transmission allows for a certain power flow in conjunction with direct-acting hydraulic controls. The design is again multifaceted, allowing for ideal ratio progression, efficiency, and quicker shift times.
A new electronic control system with real-time adaptive shift-scheduling algorithms help ensure the right gear is engaged at the right time. When it comes to Drag Strip mode and its effectiveness, the transmission plays the most vital role.
“Gearing matters,” Widmann said. “And in Drag Strip mode, this car launches better than ever off the line.”
Pricing & Availability
Customers can build and price their 2018 Mustang on Ford’s website. Expect to see the first models at dealerships this fall.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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2018 Ford Mustang GT breaks the 4-second 0-60 barrier

2018 Ford Mustang GT breaks the 4-second 0-60 barrier The now-quicker Ford Mustang GT gets a power bump and a new transmission.

It’s easy to get bogged down in comparing the ‘5-0 V8 in the new Ford Mustang GT with Chevy’s 350 V8—they belong in museums, not modern cars, some might say—but it’s equally easy to shunt those remarks. The new ‘stang will get to 60 miles per hour in under 4 seconds in a new “Drag Strip” mode and a new 10-speed automatic transmission. In common terms, the new mode is Ford’s label for “launch control”. The tuned and fettled V8 gets a bump from model year 2017’s ‘paltry’ 435bhp and 400 ft-lbs of torque while managing to get improved fuel economy, though no hard-and-fast numbers yet are available from Ford.
It’s pretty hard to get around how far the ponycar has come in its most recent generation:
This is blinding acceleration from a car that goes for the average transaction price in the US at just a shade over $33,000.
The EcoBoost 4-cylinder model gets a 30-ft-lb torque increase.
The car now pulls 0.96 g on the skidpad and (finally) has independent rear suspension.
On one hand, the GT and lower variants are plain-vanilla cars available at a car rental agency near you, on the other, something that does all of the above is available for a relatively small outlay per day.
FoMoCo has only just released this luscious tidbit of information, so it’s likely we will learn in the coming days what the conditions are of this recent conquest in acceleration statistics (temperature, tires used etc.).
For more information, check out the press release below:
“DEARBORN, Mich., July 24, 2017 – Ford’s most advanced and powerful Mustang GT is also the fastest ever, achieving 0-to-60-mph in less than four seconds in Drag Strip mode.
The new Mustang is also faster than a $94,000 Porsche 911 Carrera, which Carl Widmann, Mustang chief engineer, attributes to five factors:
Improved horsepower and torque output of the redesigned 5.0-liter V8
Maximum acceleration of available Drag Strip mode
Quicker, smoother shifting of the available 10-speed SelectShift® transmission
Optimized traction courtesy of the available custom-designed Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires on new Performance Pack
“Typically, when you shift gears, you give up time,” said Widmann. “In Drag Strip mode, the engine torque doesn’t drop when you’re shifting. You get peak engine torque and horsepower straight through thanks to our new Ford-built 10-speed transmission.”
The car’s 5.0-liter V8 now features dual-fuel, high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection technology for increased power and efficiency. The engine’s 460 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque represent improvements over the current model’s 435 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. The result is an engine that delivers robust low-end torque, high-rpm power and improved fuel efficiency.
Drivers of EcoBoost®-equipped Mustang also will feel increased power on the strip. The retuned EcoBoost four-cylinder generates 310 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque – a 30 lb.-ft. gain over the current model. In Drag Strip mode with Performance Package and the 10-speed automatic, the 2018 EcoBoost-powered Mustang posts an impressive 0-to-60-mph time of under five seconds.
Drag Strip mode – one of five driver-selectable modes available for 2018 – has been designed to provide maximum acceleration and performance for straight-line driving. Drag Strip mode is primarily controlled by the transmission and delivers a significant acceleration boost, eliminating the lost time usually associated with automatic shifting.
The new 10-speed transmission, with a wide-ratio span and optimized gear spacing, helps deliver higher average power for acceleration – resulting in improved responsiveness and performance. The 10-speed architecture features Ford-patented power-flow and Ford-patented direct-acting hydraulic controls. It’s designed for optimum ratio progression and efficiency, and provides more accurate, quicker upshift and downshift capability.
In addition, an all-new electronic control system features real-time adaptive shift-scheduling algorithms engineered to help ensure the right gear is engaged at the right time, including skip-shift and direct downshift capability.
Compared to the outgoing six-speed, the new 10-speed automatic has quicker shift times and better low-speed tip-in response. It’s uniquely tuned for all five drive modes – normal, sport, track, Drag Strip and snow/wet. Steering wheel-mounted shift paddles allow drivers maximum manual control.
“Gearing matters, and in Drag Strip mode, this car launches better than ever off the line,” said Widmann.
Fans will be able to build and price their very own 2018 Mustang from July 25 by visiting www.ford.com/mustang/2018. New Mustang is due to reach showrooms this fall.”
-By: Sawyer Sutton
The post 2018 Ford Mustang GT breaks the 4-second 0-60 barrier appeared first on egmCarTech.

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Jaguar XE SV Project 8: Target Germany?

Jaguar XE SV Project 8: Target Germany?

Jag states, right up front: “New Jaguar XE SV Project 8 sits at the pinnacle of performance sedans, with a thrilling mix of explosive power, dynamic agility, and all-wheel drive traction.” And I swear I could hear the engine roars and the howls of contempt from Stuttgart, Affalterbach, and Ingolstadt all the way out here in the middle of the desert.
Special Vehicle Operations
The XE SV Project 8 is Jag’s new hot performance sedan, and also the Coventry firm’s first foray with its new Special Vehicle Operations skunk-works to start encroaching into territory now occupied by the likes of AMG or BMW’s M Division and the like. I’m not saying Jaguar can’t do it, even when it comes to sedans. Jag did some impressive stuff with Mark 2s and Mark Xs (just ask the Kray twins or any other British hoods from back in the day), but that was when “Ferry Cross The Mersey” was a hit. And since then, when it comes to big, fast, nasty performance sedans, it’s all been pretty much going the German’s way.
To counter that, Jaguar has given their Special Vehicle Operations more or less free reign to produce the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 sedan, a 592 horsepower, 200 mph beast of a car that Coventry says is “the most powerful, agile, and extreme performance Jaguar road car ever produced.” Which is saying a lot if you consider that Jag made cars like the XJ220.
The XE SV Project 8 sedan follows, more or less, in the footsteps of Jag’s F-TYPE Project 7 of 2014. The XE SV Project 8 is the second Collector’s Edition ride done up by SVO and is a hand-built, four-door sedan designed to kick butt, take names, and all that. Jaguar will make no more than 300 versions of the car globally, so it will be rare too.
The Jaguar XE SV Project 8 utilizes torque vectoring control via the braking system to minimize understeer by independently braking inside wheels during cornering. It works with the Electronic Active Differential to precisely control torque delivery to the rear wheels. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

Power & Performance
About that engine that is going to motivate the XE SV down to the pub? It would be the most powerful version of Jaguar Land Rover’s 5.0-liter supercharged V8 with a Titanium Variable Active Exhaust. The mill is hooked up to a re-calibrated version of the brand’s eight-speed Quickshift transmission and thence to a standard all-wheel drive system that can deliver a 200 mph top speed and a 0 to 60 time of 3.3 seconds. That makes the Project 8 the fastest accelerating Jaguar. Not just the quickest Jag sedan, the quickest Jaguar, period.
There’s a slew of lightweight and go-fast goodies appended to the Project 8. There’s a carbon fiber bumper with enhanced cooling ducts, a vented carbon fiber hood, and flared bodywork. The underbody is flat, there’s a rear diffuser, and the rear bumper is made from carbon fiber. The wheels are big 20-inch forged aluminum alloy bits and the front splitter is adjustable as is the rear aerodynamic wing. I love how Jag calls it an “aerodynamic wing.” I’m not sure whether that’s a sly British understatement and dig at other “wings” or not.
Carbon fiber is used extensively throughout the Project 8, for a total weight of 3,847 lbs. (1,745kg). Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Suspension, Steering & Braking
The suspension is a double-wishbone up front and Integral Link at the rear. The suspension components are stiffer (natch), there are new knuckles, the coil springs are adjustable, and the shocks are continuously variable. Jaguar’s setup allows the ride height to drop by 0.6-inches. Stopping power comes courtesy of a new carbon ceramic braking system, with Formula 1-style silicon nitride ceramic wheel bearings. Ceramic bearings used in this way is a first for Jaguar Land Rover road cars.
The Project 8 is the first Jaguar with a dedicated Track Mode that tweaks the driveline and stability control systems for circuit use, and sharpens both throttle and steering responses for better precision and driver feedback. The Project 8 features height-adjustable spring platforms with motorsport-specification coil springs and aluminum-bodied Continuously Variable Dampers, with a choice of two ride heights: standard for road and -15mm for track use.
Jaguar’s Project 8 introduces an Electronic Active Differential (EAD) for the first time on the XE, which works with the Intelligent Driveline Dynamics system to precisely manage torque delivery to each of the rear wheels. In conjunction with enhanced large diameter front and rear driveshafts, the EAD is designed to distribute power and traction in varying situations. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

Interior Treatments
The interior is all tarted up with go fast goodies, or at least trim, as well. There’s Gloss Carbon Fiber trim here and there and Alcantara on the steering wheel, instrument, and door panels. That eight-speed Quickshift transmission can be actuated by aluminum paddle shifters or by the central “Pistolshift” lever. Jaguar says that “Pistolshift” lever is another first, but not if you’ve driven around Mopar products from the 1960s. Nice try chaps.
For us, the Project 8 is available exclusively as a four-seat model, with Jag’s latest front performance seats featuring magnesium frames and a more heavily contoured rear seat cushion for better support. In most global markets there’s an optional two-seat Track Pack with lightweight front carbon fiber racing seats and four-point harnesses fixed to a retention hoop in place of the rear seat. But not for us! Oh no. We Americans can’t have nice things, it seems. All Project 8 models will be built in left-hand drive configuration only, but that doesn’t really balance out that we don’t get the two-seater if you ask me.
The Jaguar XE SV Project 8 endured extensive testing at tracks like Nardo and the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The initiative was the most track-biased program SVO has ever carried out. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Comparing & Contrasting
Jaguar doesn’t mention the price of the XE SV Project 8, but you can bet it’ll cost more than a packet. So start saving now. When it does hit the streets, it will be interesting to see how the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 stacks up against the more sporty offerings from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi – not to mention Lexus and Acura. It doesn’t seem to be a direct competitor, since it will be limited run, and not really a series production version. Still, a comparison test is (or should be) in order.
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: Jaguar Land Rover.

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EcoBoost Ford Mustang Debuts Line-Lock Feature (Video)

EcoBoost Ford Mustang Debuts Line-Lock Feature (Video)

Previously, Ford only put a line-lock on the V8 Mustang GT, but now they’ve added it to the EcoBoost range of Mustangs for 2018. We’ll get to why that’s a stupidly-cool idea in a moment, but for right now, check out the headline Ford wrote: “Ford Unleashes Line-Lock on Mustang EcoBoost, Debuts Industry-First Cluster Animation of Wheel Burning Rubber.” Cluster-what? Thankfully, they are referring to the instrument cluster that has all this “golly-gee-whiz” stuff that, for some reason, comes with the line-lock feature.
Powerful Contraptions
Okay, I shouldn’t have to explain this, but just in case you don’t know: a line-lock is a gizmo from the drag strips of the world that allows you to apply and lock the front brakes of your car while allowing the rear wheels to turn. This – in case you’re asking the patently stupid question of “why ya’ wanna do that?” – is so you can spin the rear tires and get lots of heat in them. More heat means more grip at launch during a drag race, means a quicker ET (and don’t make me explain to you what an ET is). It also allows you to do way boss burn outs at the drive-in, the high school parking lot, in front your girlfriend (chicks dig it, honest), in front of unseen cops, and in front of your girlfriend’s house after she dumps you for being an unrepentant chuckle-head who cares more about your car than your relationship.
2018 Mustang design sketch. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Electric Avenue
FoMoCo says their electronic line-lock, which you could only get on the V8-powered Mustang GT, is a “track-exclusive feature,” which I don’t understand at all. I’m betting the lawyers made them put that in there. As I’m reading all this, there’s no way you couldn’t use this feature anywhere your fool-heart desires. What Ford means to say is “please use it only at the track. Please?” But of course you won’t, will you? So anyway, it’s now percolated down-range into the 2.3-liter EcoBoost Mustangs, whether they’ve got the 10-speed SelectShift automatic or the six-speed manual transmission.
Thankfully, Ford’s new line-lock is an electronic affair, unlike the days of old where they were bias-adjust levers or knobs or, in some cases, just a pull cable heading up to the front wheels. Drag racers are, by and large, a bag of mixed nuts just smart enough not to kill themselves. Most of the time. To make that truly “most of the time,” Ford’s line-lock leverages state-of-the-art software that allows amateur racers to achieve more consistent run times, particularly those competing in bracket racing. Grudge draggers, this is aimed squarely at you.
This new electric line-lock is operated via steering wheel-mounted thumb switches. A driver, let’s say it’s you, toggles through a menu displayed on the instrument cluster to activate the electronic line-lock. Once you’ve turned it on, the system builds pressure on the front brake calipers. Another button press holds that pressure for up to 15 seconds. During that 15 seconds, you nail the throttle, spin the rear wheels, they build up heat, and abracadabra, the car stays in place.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Animated Behavior
Speaking of that menu/instrument cluster stuff, if your new Mustang is equipped with the available 12-inch, all-digital instrument display, you get lots of flashing lights and cheesy animation and stuff along those lines. Ford says drivers will see an “industry-first, video-game-like animation of a spinning alloy wheel kicking up a cloud of smoke to indicate when the electronic line-lock feature is activated.” What you will not see is “Big Daddy” Don Garlits kicking at you with his club foot (don’t ask how it got that way) for being such an infantile grommet. I realize Ford had to do something to let you know the line-lock was engaged, but I suppose a light that said “Line-Lock ENGAGED” was just expecting too much.
Obviously, what you do with your line-lock equipped Mustang is between you and your conscience, your insurance agent, your local police and/or sheriff’s office, and your girlfriend. We here at 1 Automoblog Towers can neither encourage, condone, or accept any sort of untoward behavior. We just know what we’ve done in the past, witnessed in the past, or seen other people get busted for in the past. You have been warned.
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, Video & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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