Automotive

Genesis G70: South Korea’s S-Class Response

Genesis G70: South Korea’s S-Class Response

You have to hand it to them. And by them, I mean they. And by they, I mean Hyundai. The Genesis G70 surely isn’t a bad car, not even close to it. And, here’s the first of many rubs confronting the Genesis G70: they want it to be a thing in and of itself. It is The Genesis, not, most definitely not the Hyundai Genesis. Just: Genesis.
And all the press materials go to great lengths to refer to the car as just that. The mentions or uses of the word “Hyundai” tally up to two in over 2,000 words of verbiage. So what is it? What is the Genesis G70? In a nutshell, it’s pretty easy: Hyundai’s answer to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Jack of All Trades
Hyundai, the South Korean mega-corp-conglomo-nopoly, does everything from construction projects to chemicals to electronics to shipbuilding to automobile manufacturing. Hyundai has been making good, solid, dependable yet affordable cars for decades now. In a lot of ways, they have out Toyota’d Toyota and the other Japanese marques whose stock in trade has long been good, solid, dependable yet affordable cars. But what if you want more than that? What if you, as an ambitious mega-corp-conglomo-nopoly, want more for your automobile division? Enter Genesis. Something well built, stylish, solid, safe, with an on-the-road and at-the-curb presence to make people notice. Enter Genesis.
Styling & Design
They describe the Genesis G70 as being “an athletic sedan characterized by its graceful and dynamic exterior styling” with an “elegant and intuitively designed interior.” This is all fair enough and, from a marketing perspective, the G70 completes the Genesis sedan lineup, slotting alongside the G90 flagship and the mid-luxury G80. No, I don’t know exactly what they mean by “mid-luxury” either.
The G70 offers a broad spectrum of color options, both inside and outside. There are ten exterior colors available, and they have come up with a new paint-finishing method: small, evenly distributed aluminum particles and high luminosity colors to maximize the exterior paint. Or, as Ed “Big Daddy” Roth calls it, “metalflake”. The inside has the same “big box of Crayolas” approach for available colors.
The G70 interior is prioritized around superb fit and finish with a focus on simplicity and an importance on real functionality. The overall layout is horizontal with a rather nice sport steering wheel. Since this is a Genesis, premium materials such as aluminum door handles, metal speaker grills, and quilted leather door panels are found throughout the cabin.
Photo: Genesis.
Power & Performance
The Genesis G70 aims to be agile yet safe, dynamic yet quiet, but it all starts from the powertrain. There are three powertrains on offer: a 3.3-liter V6 turbo, a 2.0-liter inline four-banger turbo, and a 2.2-liter inline four cylinder diesel. The engine to pay attention to here is the 3.3-liter V6 turbo – that’s the one found in the “enthusiast-focused” G70 Sport. That 3.3-liter V6 turbo plant cranks out 365 ponies and 376 lb-ft. of torque. All of this is good enough to get the G70 Sport to 60 in 4.7 seconds, with a top speed of 168 mph. The G70 Sport also comes with variable-ratio steering and an electronically controlled suspension for better response and ride and handling.
You also get a number of other fancy-schmancy performance goodies, such as launch control, rack-mounted, motor-driven power steering (R-MDPS), multi-link rear suspension, dynamic torque vectoring, and a mechanical limited slip differential. They have also put in this contraption called Active Sound Design (ASD). This system “creates an aural character that reflects the engine load and driving mode settings.” That’s all they say about the ASD deal, but I cry witchcraft and sorcery, or, at the very least, fakery and I don’t hold with it. Nosir!
Photo: Genesis.

Technology & Safety
The cabin is also drowning in high tech gee-gaws, like a smart posture control system for minimal stress on long journeys. There’s an 8-inch touchscreen display with MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The G70 also comes with server-based voice recognition technology, using Kakao’s artificial intelligence platform Kakao I. A 15-speaker Lexicon system is there when you really want to crank the K-Pop.
The G70 has a buffet of safety doohickeys like pedestrian impact mitigation technology that lifts the hood to absorb shock and minimize injury. There’s Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Blind Spot Collision Warning, and J-Pop Avoidance Assist because we all know that Psy and Exo are totally hot and AKB48 and Arashi are totally not.
Photo: Genesis.
Big Questions
Will this work? Will the G70, along with the G80 and G90, be able to make Genesis into a brand of its own? That’s the obvious goal here, and I’m not saying they can’t do it. A lot of people in the car business have lost a lot of money saying that same thing about South Korean car companies. Perhaps Hyundai can defy the odds?
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

Photos & Source: Genesis.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/genesis-g70-south-koreas-s-class-response/

Lotus Evora GT430 Sport Joins The Party

Lotus Evora GT430 Sport Joins The Party

Okay, so I’m starting to see a pattern here. Lotus, as lovely as they are, has been beating the hype machine drum every two or three months about a “new” model. If this were a major car manufacturer, this article would be nothing but calling them out for being stupidly old school and calling a trim package a “new” model.
But this is Lotus, and most importantly, with all these new Evora variants, they actually feature improvements to the car in terms of performance and design.
Reclaiming The Title
When the Evora fist came out, it was a bit of a puzzle to a lot of hardcore sports car types, and especially Lotus fanatics. It came out right in the middle of that whole Dany Bahar era of 100% horse manure (“Lotus cars aren’t about performance, they are about fashion and luxury”), and the overall layout, that 2 + 1 seating thing, struck a lot of people as odd and unnecessary. Then cooler heads prevailed, Bahar was run out of Hethel on a rail, and performance engineers took control and steered Lotus back on a course that benefits us all. Okay, all us gearheads, because to my knowledge, Lotus has never made a grocery-getter or kid picker-upper and if they ever do, we’re going to have a scrap on our hands.
Performance Engineering
As the name implies, the Lotus Evora GT430 Sport is a further variation and improvement on the GT430. There’s some slight nips and tucks here and there to make it prettier (in a way) and some judicious massaging of the drivetrain and chassis to make it do what Lotus cars have always done: Go, turn, and stop much better than you’d expect.
The Lotus Evora GT430 Sport is part of the extended Evora family, which also has the Evora 400, Evora Sport 410, and the recent addition of the Evora GT430. The new Evora GT430 range (that would be the GT and the Sport) includes two body options and a choice of manual or automatic transmission. To some, the thought of a slush box in a Lotus is outright blasphemy, but put down those pitchforks and torches for a second and hold up. We’ll get to why the automatic in the Evora is actually a pretty good deal. Like its GT430 sibling, the Evora GT430 Sport is motivated from county to county by the same 3.5-liter V6 supercharged engine that cranks out 430 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque, or 317 lb-ft.
Photo: Lotus Cars USA Inc.
Weight & Aerodynamics
The Evora GT430 Sport tips the scales at 10 kilos (22 pounds) less, for a total of 1,248 kg or right around 2,750 pounds. Divide that by the 430 horses and you come up with a power-to-weight ratio of 345 horsepower / tonne (that’s a metric ton) which guarantees you this little car is going to flat out fly when you mash the pedal. As a matter of fact, the Evora GT430 Sport has a top speed of 196 mph, making it the fastest Lotus production car ever.
The easiest way to tell the Sport apart from the Evora GT430 is how the Sport has “motorsport derived aerodynamics.” This is a very polite and British way of saying the flips, kicks, spoilers, and such are not Vin Diesel-inspired cake decorations of no performance utility, oh no. There’s a carbon fiber splitter and a large, profiled carbon wing to suck you onto the tarmac. Louvers at the top of each front wheel arch to cut lift and reduce pressure within the wheel well. The GT430 Sport also has wider wheels and tires.
Photo: Lotus Cars USA Inc.

Transmission, Live Wire
Now, about that automatic transmission and why we will not be marching on Lotus HQ for a righteous stoning – at least not today. That automatic transmission will be available for both of the GT430 models. If you opt for the automatic transmission, you will net 10 Nm more torque (for a total of 450 Nm or around 332 lb-ft.). The bottom line is, get this, that the automatic version is even quicker than the manual GT430. 60 mph comes up in a pretty scant 3.6 seconds.
To make a transmission that usually implies less performance actually give you more performance, the Lotus six-speed automatic has an optimized gearbox ECU for ultra-fast changes from cog to cog. Gear selection is made from the driver’s seat via lightweight aluminum paddles mounted to the steering wheel, natch.

Speed Tech
Other go-fast-goodies include standard Öhlins TTX two-way adjustable dampers (which would have given A.C.B. Chapman fits, if he were still with us), J-grooved and ventilated brake discs, AP Racing four-piston calipers at all four corners, a lovely Torsen-type limited slip differential, and an adjustable traction control system in case that Torsen isn’t good enough for you, and you have a right foot closer to a ham than what Jimmy Clark had on the end of his leg.
The GTs, both the Sport and “normal” are available now. They are more than most of us can afford, but I, for one, still want one of these . . . or two. Life is too short for boring cars.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photos & Source: Lotus Cars USA Inc.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/lotus-evora-gt430-sport-joins-the-party/

2018 Nissan Versa Note Pricing Announced, New Features Added

2018 Nissan Versa Note Pricing Announced, New Features Added

Nissan recently announced U.S. pricing for the 2018 Versa Note, which comes in three levels: S, SV, and SR. Nissan customers may be delighted to know that starting MSRPs for the 2018 Versa Note did not increase over the current 2017 model, despite new features being added.
Style & Comfort
The Versa Note hatchback SR, at the top of the range, stands out the most with its more sporty character. Fog lights, a rear spoiler, and 16-inch machine-finished aluminum alloy wheels decorate the exterior. Suede-like seats and a leather wrapper steering wheel provide further interior comfort. The SR also adds Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, the Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, and Easy Fill Tire Alert.
Design & Functionality
Regardless of model, the 2018 Nissan Versa Note features the automaker’s signature “V-Motion” grille. The design is found on a range of Nissan vehicles including the Sentra, Altima, and Maxima. Interior volume is 112.9 cubic feet, cargo space is 18.8 cubic feet, front headroom is 40.8 inches, and rear legroom is 38.3 inches. Nissan says their goal was to make everything comfortable and family friendly.
Power & Performance
The 2018 Versa Note is powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder, paired with a next-generation Xtronic transmission. The combination nets the Versa Note an EPA-estimated 39 miles per gallon on the highway. The transmission features a retuned D-step Logic Control, which simulates shifts, for a more natural feel.
The 2018 Nissan Versa Note is available now.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Versa Note 1.6 S Xtronic
$15,480 USD
Versa Note 1.6 SV Xtronic
$16,380 USD
Versa Note 1.6 SR Xtronic
$17,980 USD
Photo & Source: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2018-nissan-versa-note-pricing-announced-new-features-added/

2020 Subaru Ascent Release Date and Price

The latest model 2020 Subaru Ascent will soon release and will get a place among the cars that will be very much in wait by many people. equipped with modern technology this car will be very safe for you to drive. with a turbo-4 we strongly believe this car will get a very good effort. release date and price estimates also we discuss on the article this time.

2020 Subaru Ascent Interior and Exterior

Talking about the interior in the 2020 Subaru Ascent will be the true fascination with three-row chairs. The first and 2nd row are offered with reclinable and cellular pilot chairs. Nonetheless, the third row incorporates a frequent chair with 3 headrests. The new chairs are magnificent and relaxed as well as receive a single is aware of the magnificent sky standpoint together with the support of moonroof perform. The storage room with the back in the third row is extremely massive. The gates and inner are deftly created with all specifics for fantastic comfort amount and comfort. The cabin is very well prepared. You’ll find all new specifications and technicians to get an untroubled however secure make at any and all landscape. The infotainment show can be produced wholly digitalized with the highest doable functions accessible in getting hold of the method and some complete essential like functions.

Engine Performance

No indications that Subaru will include the brand new engine selection for your 2020 Subaru Ascent. The new SUV will have a 2.4-liter and turbo-4 engine beneath the hood coupled using the continuously variable transmission. The energy output will stay at 265 hp and torque at 275 pound-feet. New Subaru Ascent may be the drive by default. The model can tow up to 5,000 pounds and Subaru claims 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. The model will return about 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

2020 Subaru Ascent Release Date and Price

About the release date and price of this car also will announce soon at by Subaru, we predict 2020 Subaru Ascent would come earlier in the year 2019 and will probably start on sale in the summer. And for the price. Our predictions about his sense of $30,000 will be very worth the price in the offer Subaru to Subaru 2020 Ascent, this car will compete with the Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback.

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2020-subaru-ascent-release-date-and-price/

2019 BMW X3 Release Date, Interior and Price

One more great SUV of origin Germany will come and enliven the car market SUV. 2019 BMW X3 will come at the beginning of next year with an excellent display. many rumors circulating about this car, the Interior and the exterior will also be one of the flagship cars. We also have some information about the price and also the release date of this car.

2019 BMW X3 Interior and Exterior

The new BMW X3 has somewhat grown in size in contrast to the former generation model, but absolutely nothing radically. Still, it appears incredibly properly proportioned and attributes a wagon-like shape. Better seats will be revised in the headlights. 18-inch wheels are normal when the 2019 BMW X3 can also be available with 20- and 21-inch wheels which give it far more appealing visual appeal. The other model will attribute a lot more aggressive seem normally with deeper bumpers, larger wheels and so forth.

Talking about the interior. New generation BMW X3 is extremely roomy and there may be an extraordinary area for the two front and rear passengers and also the cargo too. A sizable 10-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard.

The typical equipment while in the X3 will consist of electrical power options, electrical power front seats. Bluetooth, rearview camera, AM/FM/CD audio method, synthetic leather upholstery, reclining rear seats, and automatic climate control. About the M Sports Bundle, you may also obtain LED headlamps, a keyless entry, panoramic roof, sporty steering, satellite radio, and so forth.

Engine Performance

How about the engine. New generation BMW X3 will include the identical engine because of the newest version. The BMW X3 xDrive30i will have a 2.0 liter and turbo-4 engine. The electrical power this engine offers is 240 horsepower and torque 255 pound-feet. The BMW X3 M40i will exploit a 3.0-liter and turbo-6. This choice will make improvements to more than the base edition to 350 horsepower and torque to 360 lb-ft. With this engine, New BMW X3 will hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Both versions will be found in the blend with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Release Date and Price

How the news about the release date and also the price of 2019 BMW X3. You can already get ready if you want to immediately have this car, latest news mentions this car already and you can book for a price you better look her directly in the official website of BMW.

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2019-bmw-x3-release-date-interior-and-price/

2019 Audi Q5 Changes, Interior and Release

The SUV market for the year 2019 such his will start. Germany is also the origin of brands like his not lost by his competitors. 2019 Audi Q5 SUV is wrong that will be introduced by Audi in the near future. some sources claim this car will be available in a hybrid model. Audi Q5 seems to have first settled if do not want to be left behind by his competitors. This time we will discuss the release date, price and also change the design of the 2019 Audi Q5.

2019 Audi Q5 Changes Interior and Exterior

Talking about the interior, Next generation Audi Q5 ought to present a lot more upgrades on this area the place we’ll notice far more organized and well-designed cabin. The 2019 Q5 interior cabin in a single in the most stunning and most high quality in its class. It’s going to capable of accommodating as much as 5 passengers. With a slightly enhanced interior area, it will deliver additional comfort also, in particular to the back. The seats are incredibly cozy as well as while in the base trim, are upholstered in leather. The rear ones can split and fold into a lot more cargo area which is frequently rather ample. Moreover, for much more luxurious feel, it will likely be offered with wood specifics and glossy and matte finishes too.

With regards to 2019 Audi Q5 exterior changes, 2019 Audi Q5 ought to arrive really just like the current model. At the outset glance, we may not even observe the variations since they could only be visible in small particulars. Such as, the brand new Q5 will now get standard HID lights although the LED lighting will continue to be optional. The grille should be somewhat refreshed and around the rear, we will discover new LED tail lamps. However, the SQ5 edition will receive slightly various styling and also the special style and design of the wheels. The conventional 2019 Audi Q5 will ride to the 19-inch 5-double spoke wheels with all-season tires although the greater trims will get more substantial 21-inch alloy wheels.

Engine Performance

How about the engine, there probably acquired any critical enhancements. So, it is gonna highest possible use a comparable engine supplied within the cutting-edge model. It is a 2.0 liter and 4 cylinder turbo that’s considerably a comparable unit that powers its more substantial sib Audi Q7. This engine is in the position to come up with 250 hp and 270 pound-feet of torsion. Compared to your earlier designs, this engine displays the enhancements of thirty-eight horses and fifteen pound-feet of torsion. moreover, this drivetrain can combine with a 7-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission. The all-wheel-drive system can still be customary as prior to.

Release Date and Price

For the moment there has been no clarity of information about the release date and also the price of 2019 Audi Q5. We will immediately notify you if this information is already available. This car will compete with the Porsche Macan, BMW X3 and the Volvo XC60.

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2019-audi-q5-changes-interior-and-release/

2019 Ford Gran Torino Release Date and Price

The arrival of the latest car from 2019 Ford Gran Torino will be one event must wait, lots of rumors circulating about this car. We have some information that could be material references for you. The differences are very much you will see on the model next year ranging from interior, exterior, and engine performance. We will also discuss the release date and also the price of 2019 Ford Gran Torino.

Interior and Exterior

2109 Ford Gran Torino is facade seems contemporary. This reproduction force almost certainly is made out of a classic Gran Torino Turbo line in the seventies. Additional LED lights are very nice, and rear lighting installations could extremely nicely make Ford Gran Torino smooth as its herald. Clients are positive to get the tips of the significantly substantially better to evaluate sensitive battles. The wording of 2019 Gran Torino can boost the attributes. New Ford Gran Torino will likely be made applying 17-inch tires. In addition, the exterior may possibly be developed making use of lighter bodyweight parts to restrict the general fat of your overabundance. Consequently, 2019 Ford Gran Torino is able to cut back fuel consumption and reduce physique bodyweight by a number of lbs.

Engine Performance

The passage should do consequently highlights like other muscle and right after which has an extreme engine naturally. This new 2019 Ford Gran Torino is going to be controlled by the Ti-VCT motor engine Ford Mustang GT 5.0 liter engine V8 will have the ability to give the top quality of 435 lb-ft of torque, making use of 93 octane fuel and 400 lb-ft of torque.

Release Date and Price

The arrival of these cars are our predictions will come at the beginning of next year, or it could be just in the summer but the obvious 2019 Ford Gran Torino will really come. For the price, we don’t have any information that was so certain, Rumors are circulating the latest generation of the Gran Torino will touch the price in figures $60,000.
Powered by WPeMatico
https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2019-ford-gran-torino-release-date-and-price/

Letter From The UK: English Heritage, Italian Style

Letter From The UK: English Heritage, Italian Style Alfa Romeo cars of the past gave their owners both pride and pain.
Sometimes it was more pain than pride, but is this still the case today?
Geoff Maxted conducts an extensive drive with an Alfa Romeo Stelvio but with one small detail.
That drive involves a trip into the heart of English history, albeit with horses of a different breed.
English Heritage, Italian Style
And so we travelled to Kelmscott Manor. This was once the country retreat of the artist and designer William Morris, founder of the Arts & Craft movement in the UK and friend to the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood. Approached through verdant, remote Oxfordshire country, along the lanes to the village, where grass and weeds grow through the cracks and crevices of neglect, the route becomes increasingly narrow, requiring vehicular passing-places.
We imagine what it must have been like then, near the end of the Victorian era, when the journey was accomplished with a coach-and-four. On this day our horses were of a different kind, found under the hood of a gorgeous blue Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
Sometimes a place simply resonates with you. For this writer it is Kelmscott Manor. I walk in the footsteps of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Edward Burn-Jones, and Morris himself. I mount the narrow stairs, holding on to the worn bannister rail where artistic hands have been before. This place has a unique and inspiring atmosphere.
Did I see a ghost?

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Equally inspiring but for an entirely different reason, the Stelvio is an SUV. Now, the sport utility vehicle craze has spread across the industry and the land like a plague of triffids, so any addition to the ranks needs to be right on its game. The problem with Alfa Romeo is one of legacy.
Ask Alfa Romeo owners of even a few years standing and they will tell you the cars of yore were uniformly lovely, great to drive but fraught with gremlins, intent on destruction. If your old Alfa just stops and shuts down and you ask it why, it will just shrug and say, “batteria.” When you change the battery and a few miles later all the lights come on at once and you ask the Alfa what’s wrong; it just shrugs and says, “batteria.”
This once was the Alfa Romeo way of ownership. Those wishing to buy into the latest models will admire their grace and beauty, but should they approach with caution?
Gremlins Attack?
No, well, not at first sight. This scribe spent a very happy week with the featured car and all was well. It even returned over 38 miles for our expensive golden gallon, although the company reckons you could get more; as ever this is not possible in the real world. This reasonable frugality was courtesy of the decision to opt not for the desirable and fast Quadrifolglio version, but rather a more family-orientated model with a 2.0 Liter diesel engine.
There are alternative engines available but, if you can overlook the current unwarranted global hatred of diesel, this 210 bhp motor is the one to choose, even if your heart prefers the idea of the 503 bhp 2.9L twin-turbo V6.
Nevertheless, it is still, at its core an Alfa Romeo. With acceleration to 62 mph in just 6.6 seconds, even this appealing and attractive version of the Italian motor is no slouch. Further, and despite being an SUV, the Stelvio makes for a great drive.
Photo: DriveWrite Automotive.
And Speaking of Driving . . .
A pleasant surprise was the performance of this four-cylinder engine. It’s really quiet for a diesel; in fact it doesn’t feel like a diesel at all unless you push it to the outer limits, which of course, serves no purpose. The quality of the drive is enhanced by the “as standard” ZF eight-speed automatic. It’s very well matched to the motor, delivering crisp changes depending on driver inputs. There are a pair of big, racy paddles for manual operation but, although they work well, don’t bring much more to the diesel engine party as they would to the V6.
I soon tired of using them and let the superb ZF box get on with it.
The tested “Super” UK version was a Q4 all-wheel drive model (2WD is standard) with bias to the rear until extra grip is required, yet did not feel at all cumbersome. It feels light and poised with minimal body roll. The steering, although inevitably lacking in old-school feel, remains crisp and direct. Despite the physical size, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio felt more like a saloon. Terrific. Especially when it’s so comfortable . . .
Photo: DriveWrite Automotive.
Common Themes
In the same way Kelmscott Manor is to art and design, so Alfa Romeo is to automotive design. When it comes to shaping metal those Italians know their business. They probably sleep in Armani. I approve of the minimalist approach to the dashboard. It is smart and modern with some of the controls on the now obligatory flat-bottomed steering wheel.
The 8.8-inch infotainment/navigation screen differs from the norm in that it offers split screen options. So used am I to these units being mostly uniform, it took a while to get to grips with it. It all works well though and, in any event, when it comes to technology, as long as it does the job, I’m not all that bothered. If you want to know how not bothered I am, look out for my next Letter From The UK in two weeks time.
For me, it’s the driving that counts.
Interior Treatments
The cabin is big and roomy and comfortable although, in my opinion, a little bit of legroom in the back has been sacrificed for the capacious trunk. That’s really useful for the family motorist. The interior was attractively covered in black leather and the standard of finish was generally very good. The large areas of black make the inside a little gloomy, so a glass roof would be nice to lighten things up.
However, I still prefer that to the alternatives of “Mocha” or the dreaded beige. You may have alternative choices in your United States. Not sure I’m too keen on the porthole-like exhaust outlets though. A bit OTT?
Photo: DriveWrite Automotive.
Should You Buy The Alfa Romeo Stelvio?
My heart says “like a shot,” but my head reminds me that, like a spurned lover, I have been burned by these inconstant Italian beauties before. That said, although older models from the past still cause owners to wail, rend their clothes, and gnash their teeth, the latest choices seem much improved.
If there’s an issue it is one of competition and the Stelvio is up against some quality opposition in the prestige sector. The tested car with added options costs £44k ($57,000) here in Great Britain. There are a lot of highly-regarded SUV’s in the mainstream that can undercut that.
If, however, you want a classy, sexy, head-turning alternative to the prim and proper German mob, then look no further. Especially if you like to add that frisson of excitement every time you press the start button.
Ask me where in the world I would want to stay, I will say Kelmscott Manor; despite the English weather. If you ask me what I would like to drive I will say Alfa Romeo every time. For me, it’s English heritage and Italian style. When something special happens, we should make the most of it.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

Check out these Automotive tips

https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/letter-from-the-uk-english-heritage-italian-style/

2019 Honda Pilot: Tech, Safety & Puppet-Themed Stuff

2019 Honda Pilot: Tech, Safety & Puppet-Themed Stuff The 2019 Honda Pilot is available now.
A generous array of safety features is standard across the lineup.
Although it trails the CR-V in sales, the Pilot is still ideal for families on the go.
Solid Contender
To me, Honda seems in a dilemma when it comes to the Pilot. While they sell CR-Vs as fast as they can churn them out, sales for the Pilot (not a bad ride by any stretch) seem to be lacking. For example, last month in August, Honda moved 34,610 CR-Vs versus 15,332 Pilots. I’m sure the marketing guys in the office are tearing out their hair over this, but, really, I don’t know why.
The Pilot is a pretty good “truck” and it’s loaded with every modern safety, comfort, convenience, and tech feature you’d expect. It starts out a little over $32,000 for the LX 2WD, topping out around $49,000 for the Pilot Elite with all-wheel drive.
In other words, right at the high end of minivan territory – just perfect for those who will only consider buying a minivan at bayonet point. Even with the entry-level Pilot LX, you get lots of bang for your buck.
The 2019 Honda Pilot Elite features a 3.5-liter V6 with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. of torque. The engine is paired to a nine-speed automatic. Photo: Honda North America.
New Fashions
First, the Pilot has a new set of duds to wear. The front gets a new fascia with standard LED headlights, while the rear has new taillights and chrome accents. The new front bumper even has larger fog lights for a more aggressive look. The grille is redesigned with a new “skid” garnish on the lower front bumper. I don’t really need to point out that putting the word skid in quotes and using the word garnish means that this styling flourish is just that; taking this thing on King of The Hammers probably won’t work.
The fog lights are LED as are the headlights on the Pilot Elite trim. The rear has new taillights with LED backup lights, plus there’s a chrome strip on the rockers and rear bumper. Wheels are also more ruggedly styled, with 18-inchers on LX, EX, and EX-L, with a new 20-inch design for Touring and Elite trims.
Safety & Security
Safety and driver assistance tech? C’mon dude, this is a new Honda. For 2019, all Pilot models come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features. Honda Sensing includes Collision Mitigation Braking with Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Honda’s Blind Spot Information System is now standard on EX, EX-L, and Touring trims as is the Rear Cross Traffic Monitor.

Technology & Infotainment
Now, the tech goodies, or “infotainment” to use the parlance of our time is also extensive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, of course, along with an all-new Display Audio system. Honda says it’s easier to use because of customizable shortcuts and simplified menus.
Back-seaters get an updated Rear Entertainment System with a larger screen, and the Pilot is now available with a 4G LTE-based Wi-Fi hotspot. An audio system, gesture-controlled by an eight-inch touchscreen, cranks out 218 watts through six speakers and a subwoofer. Touring and Elite models are even better, with a 10-speaker system, a subwoofer, and 590 watts of power.
Photo: Honda North America.
Cabin Communication
That tech goodness extends to the profligate use of HondaLink, CabinControl, and CabinTalk. HondaLink connects customers to a variety of cloud-based services. CabinControl, a new deal, is a downloadable app for smartphones. With it, you can control features like the audio system, Rear Entertainment System, and rear climate control among others.
CabinTalk allows those in front to “easily communicate to those in the second and third rows using the rear speakers or wireless headphones.” In other words, CabinTalk allows you to say “Knock that off or I’ll turn this car around right now!!” without having to yell.

Are We There Yet?
And speaking of dealing with insolent little brats, say hello to the 4G LTE Wi-Fi and Rear Entertainment System. The Wi-Fi network can support seven devices and enables video streaming to the Rear Entertainment System. This Rear Entertainment System features a ceiling-mounted, 10.2-inch swing down display.
There’s an HDMI port, a 115-volt power outlet, and a pair of USB ports. Two additional headphone jacks are also provided.
The Rear Entertainment System includes a “fun, kid-friendly” puppet-themed “How Much Farther?” app that functions as a “flight tracker.” A colorful, on-screen animated marionette counts down time and distance to the destination. “Okay, I mean it. You either quiet down back there, or you’ll end up watching ‘fun, kid friendly’ puppet-themed stuff! Believe you me!!”
Sounds great.
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. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz
Photos & Source: Honda North America.

Check out these Automotive tips

https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2019-honda-pilot-tech-safety-puppet-themed-stuff/