Automotive

2019 Cadillac V-Series Pedestal Editions: Limited-Production Luxury Hot Rods

2019 Cadillac V-Series Pedestal Editions: Limited-Production Luxury Hot Rods 2019 Pedestal Edition ATS-V Coupe and CTS-V Super Sedan celebrate 15 years of the V-Series.
Production is limited. Only 300 are for sale in the United States, Canada, and the Middle East.
The 3rd generation V-Series cars arrived in 2015; the Pedestal Editions are the last in that generation.
My first thought on reading about the Cadillac 2019 V-Series Pedestal Edition was, “Pedestal Edition?” Is that some sort of bathroom sink?” I checked the Lowe’s (and even Sears) catalog, and nope, it’s not.
GM’s right. The 2019 V-Series Pedestal Edition is, indeed, a car.
And not just a car, but a Cadillac.
Race-Inspired
Those that need a quick primer, the Cadillac V-Series is their performance sub-brand. They rolled out the first one in 2004, securing their first victory in the Speed World Challenge sprint racing series at Sebring International Raceway at the same time. Essentially, what we’re talking about here is a Caddy with a Corvette drivetrain. Interested? I know I was.
Caddy’s ain’t normally my thing, but a Cadillac with a Vette underneath? Yes please! Sure, they nipped and tucked here and there, so the V-Series are a little less powerful and a little more softly sprung, but I’m still interested.
So, what’s the big deal with the Cadillac V-Series Pedestal Editions? First off, you get two basic flavors: Coupe and Sedan.
2019 Cadillac CTS-V Pedestal Edition. Photo: Cadillac.
2019 Cadillac CTS-V Pedestal Edition
The sedan version, which Caddy refers to as the CTS-V Pedestal Edition “Super Sedan” (super sedan? oh please.) gets a lot of fun sounding goodies. First, Cadillac V-Series Pedestal Editions come in Bronze Sand Metallic. I’m sure it’s a rather pretty shade, but still, it’s brown. And brown is a terrible car color idea. Never get a brown car. The first car I owned was root beer brown, and it always looked dirty. Even right after I washed it.
But other than that, the Cadillac V-Series Pedestal Editions have a bunch of nice perks.
There’s a full Carbon Fiber Package that includes the front splitter, hood vent, rear spoiler, and rear diffuser. The Luxury Package comes with tri-zone climate control (two for the front, and a single in back), a split-folding rear seat with armrest, heated rear seats, a power rear-window sunshade along with manual rear side-window sunshades. There’s a 110-volt power outlet and a rear Camera Mirror too.
The front chairs are “race-inspired” performance seats from RECARO. I’m sure they skew toward the cushy side, since this is, after all, a Cadillac. The Cadillac V-Series Pedestal Editions also come with a Data and Video Recorder system and red Brembo brake calipers.
How the Cadillac CTS became the basis for GM’s fastest track car.
2019 Cadillac CTS-V Pedestal Edition interior layout. Photo: Cadillac.
2019 Cadillac ATS-V Pedestal Edition
Now, the 2019 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe Pedestal Edition. Think of Caddy’s ATS-V as being the gentleman’s Corvette: fast, powerful, still striking, but not as flashy or in your face as a Vette. “I’ve made it. I’m here. I am worth paying attention to, but I’m not going to scream about it, because I’m not 16 any more.”
Like its sedan sibling, the 2019 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe Pedestal Edition comes in Bronze Sand Metallic. Nothing we can do about that. The coupe gets 18-inch V-Series wheels in After Midnight finish versus the 19s found on the sedan. Although like the CTS-V Pedestal Edition, the ATS-V variant gets its own Carbon Fiber Package, Brembo brakes, and RECARO seats.
There’s even a “serialized certificate of authenticity.” Is Cadillac worried about forgeries?
2019 Cadillac ATS-V Pedestal Edition. Photo: Cadillac.
There's a serialized certificate of authenticity. Is Cadillac worried about forgeries?Click To TweetPower & Performance
The Cadillac ATS-V features an LF4 Twin Turbo V6 with 464 horsepower, 445 lb-ft. of torque, and a top track speed of 189 mph. By comparison, the CTS-V’s supercharged V8 creates 640 horsepower and 630 lb-ft. of torque. The CTS-V tops out at 200 mph and hits 60 in 3.7 seconds.
Pricing & Availability
If either of these sound like the ride for you, Cadillac dealers are accepting orders. The 2019 ATS-V Coupe Pedestal Edition starts at $77,090 (about Vette territory) and the 2019 CTS-V Pedestal Edition sedan will run you $102,590.
Both come with tuition and luxury accommodation for the two-day Cadillac V-Performance Academy at Spring Mountain. Which, I got to say, is nice icing on the cake.
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: Cadillac.

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We Became Wrench Nation Citizens (And It’s Pretty Sweet)

We Became Wrench Nation Citizens (And It’s Pretty Sweet) The Wrench Nation radio show covers a wide range of automotive topics.
Airs Wednesdays at 4 pm MST on 88.7 FM “The Pulse” in Phoenix, Arizona.
Automoblog’s Tony Borroz was invited on recently to talk about his book, Bricks & Bones.
Bricks & Bones takes readers behind the scenes of Speedway, Indiana and the Indy 500 at large.
Out of nowhere I got an email from a radio station in Arizona: Would you be willing to come on the air and talk about The Indy 500 and your book, Bricks & Bones? The email was too specific to be a joke from some gearhead friend I lost touch with, so I took it as serious.
And the next thing you know, I turned into a bona fide radio personality.
Visiting The Wrench Nation
Somehow, the host of the show, Frank Butkus-Leutz – more commonly referred to as simply “Frank” – had come across my book, bought it, actually read it, and then liked it. Via his producer, Sherry Butler, he reached out and asked to interview me . . . like to actually to be a guest on the show.
The show is called Wrench Nation, run out of 88.7 FM “The Pulse” in Phoenix, Arizona. The station is managed by the staff and students of East Valley Institute of Technology. Wrench Nation is a rather delightful, all over the place kind of car show. Maintenance and repair tips, advice on being a better driver, auto news, racing; think of it as a broadcast version of what a “normal” conversation is for gearheads.
They run contests, take calls and questions, talk about what happened over the weekend at various race tracks – you know, the usual.
Automoblog’s Tony Borroz talks racing at the Indy 500 with the Wrench Nation crew.
Wrench Nation hosts Frank Butkus-Leutz (left) and Susie Sockets pose for a photo with a listener.
Click To TweetDynamic Duo
Co-hosting the show with Frank is Susie Sockets, the feminine foil to Frank. Sharp as a tack, she stops the show from being a complete sausage fest (honestly, a bit of a problem for car-related stuff). The point here being that both hosts are funny and engaging, and they know cars and racing.
Before interviewing me, they had a call come in. The first question asked by Frank and Susie: “How long is one lap at Indianapolis Motor Speedway?” The listener, Carolina, who had just called in, guesses “2.5 miles.” Frank asks me if she is correct.
“The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is, indeed, 2.5 miles around Frank. Carolina wins!” I respond in my best stentorian, Rip Torn radio voice.
Carolina took home a $50.00 Visa gift card. Not bad, not bad at all.
The Wrench Nation crew poses with law enforcement officials during a show on the dangers of distracted driving.
Digging Into The Archives
Then the three of us jumped into an all-too-brief conversation about Indy, the track, the history, the drivers, and more. It was fun. Frank seems to be a bit of a drag racing fan, given how he tossed off some insider lingo for that genre of racing.
Luckily, Frank turns every Wrench Nation episode into podcasts. Past episodes include ways to avoid buying a lemon on Craigslist, how automotive skills can help at-risk youth, and the best family vehicles of 2018.
If you’re looking for a good car show on the radio, Wrench Nation is very much worth your 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

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Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept Defined As “Flagship Luxury Crossover”

Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept Defined As “Flagship Luxury Crossover”
With the LF-1 Limitless concept, Lexus aims to introduce a new genre of luxury vehicle: the flagship crossover. The Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept combines high performance with unrestrained luxury and is a showcase of technology, innovation, and the latest evolution of design at Lexus. But is this exactly new? Aren’t there “flagship crossovers” already? What makes the Lexus LF-1 Limitless so special?
Power & Performance
For starters, Lexus (nee Toyota) says the LF-1 concept could be a fuel cell, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, gasoline, or all-electric. So that’s all pretty cool. Lexus goes even further to say that by around 2025, every Lexus will be available either as an electric model, or have an electrified option.
Exterior Styling
The LF-1 concept was created at CALTY Design Research in California, which is an interesting twist. CALTY says the design fuses the organic shapes of liquid metal with the sharp edges of a traditional Japanese sword, which sounds about what you’d expect to hear about a concept car sitting on a stand at the North American International Auto Show.
Lexus says the LF-1 has an exaggerated dash-to-axle ratio (which is a new phrase for me) that’s more sports car than station wagon. The cabin itself sits deep within the rear-wheel drive chassis, riding on aggressive 22-inch wheels encompassed under those bulging fenders. The low roofline and elevated ride height, according to Lexus, shows how the crossover is designed for performance and practicality.
Sadly, like all current Lexus models, the spindle grille is seen on the LF-1. Lexus says this is a core element to the overall design. I say it still looks like a huge mistake. The profile of the LF-1 has a visibly distinct flow from front to back, starting with the front fender line all the way to the bottom of the C pillar. Out back there is a split spoiler to grab the air (and your attention). The sculpted openings at the back corners are actually vents for the air coming past the rear wheels; it might be easy to first mistake them for exhaust pipes.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Interior Treatments
The cabin was designed so every passenger gets maximum comfort. The Lexus LF-1 follows the Japanese tradition of omotenashi, or hospitality, by being welcoming to all who enter. The cockpit is about the driver and the task at hand, accomplished by eliminating the “distracting” analog knobs and buttons in favor of motion-activated controls and minimalist displays. I could laugh and point out how this probably won’t work, but hey, show car, NAIAS, etc. etc. etc., a pass for Lexus here.
The front passenger space is more open, with fewer controls and a wide, unobstructed view of the dashboard. The people in back get the same seats as those up front with generous legroom and individual display screens for adjusting the climate control or entertainment options (i.e. keeping the rugrats quiet on long trips).
The interior is trimmed in a metallic finish in the same champagne-tinted color as the exterior, but with a satin finish for a warmer feel. Also, I feel compelled to point out that champagne was the color of Carmela Soprano’s SUV and that is not a good thing. Lexus added accents around the instrument panel and on the steering wheel to augment the cockpit feel for the driver. Other metallic accents contrast with the dark Cocoa Bean leather trim, and the seats covered in Chiffon White perforated leather. I’m not sure whether it’s those color names or how the color combination actually looks, but it makes me teeter toward thinking it’s Liza Minnelli levels of over the top.

Powertrain Controls
Lexus says all powertrain controls are on the steering wheel to keep the driver involved and attentive to the road. Yeah, sure, whatever, but here is where things get real funky real quick: “Paddles mounted to the steering wheel control the acceleration for sporty driving.” No they don’t, that’s what the pedal on the right does. Goofy high-tech buttons? Oh yeah, buttons on the lower section of the steering wheel engage options like park and reverse. Try not to accidentally hit them while cruising at freeway speeds.
In Person
The Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept is on display at the North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Center, downtown Detroit, Michigan. The show officially opens to the public on Saturday, January 20th.
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.

Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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2018 Audi R8 Competition Package: Engage Gusto, Destroy Subtlety

2018 Audi R8 Competition Package: Engage Gusto, Destroy Subtlety Audi says this version is the most performance-oriented R8 yet.
Numerous Audi Sport performance parts come factory-installed.
Don’t expect to see very many of them as production will be slim.
Audi didn’t make this version of the R8 any prettier, I’m afraid, but they did make it hotter. It’s lighter, more track-focused and, if you are one of those “performance before all other things” kind of gearhead, then the 2018 Audi R8 V10 plus Coupe Competition is the version you want.
Audi’s cars, it’s sad to say, start out as almost beautiful, but, slowly, over the generations, they get uglier and uglier. When the R8 hit, it wasn’t exactly a Ferrari challenger, but it was pretty darn good, and had tons of on-road Presence. It looked the business. It looked different from the other high end sports cars out there. Every angle seemed to add up.
But now . . . sigh . . . we get this. Fussy. Over thought out. Too many rude angles and creases. It’s not bad, it’s not ugly, but the R8 is heading down a design road it shouldn’t.
All that said, this thing can really haul the mail.
Long Words, Low Weight
Officially, it’s called the 2018 Audi R8 V10 plus Coupe Competition package. Yes, that is a mouthful, but Germans have a penchant for long words (Rechtsschutzversicherungsgesellschaften, for example) (that means “insurance companies providing legal protection”)(no, really). So let us just refer to this bad boy as the “Competition Package” shall we?
The Competition Package, first, shaves some unneeded pounds here and there.
For example, titanium backing plates for the carbon ceramic brake pads cut 2.2 lbs., which helps unsprung weight. The wheels are similar to the R8 GT4 race car, and even though they’re a whopping 20 inches in diameter, carve off another 26.4 lbs. Tally it up, and the Competition Package shaves around 40 lbs. versus the “normal” R8.
2018 Audi R8 V10 plus Coupe Competition Package. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
This thing can really haul the mail.Click To TweetCelebrity Treatment
Audi then had a go at the aero workings for the Competition Package. The latest aero kit (full carbon fiber, of course) not only looks aggressive, but offers noticeable increases in downforce. At around 150 km/h (that’s 93.2 mph for you ‘Muricans out there), the downforce is doubled compared to an R8 V10 plus Coupe (see, long names!). At that speed, you’re garnering to 52 kg (114.6 lbs.) of downforce.
Which is like having Ariana Grande along for the ride, but without the screeching vocals and auto-tuning sins.
When the Competition Package hits its vMax – 315 km/h or 196 mph – the new aero package is producing 100 kg (220.5 lbs.) more downforce than before, for a total of 250 kg (551.2 lbs). Which is like having Shaquille O’Neal and me stuffed into the passenger seat! All this increased downforce and aero tuning, sadly, has the disadvantage of raising drag coefficient from a previous Cd of 0.36, now up to 0.42.
The carbon fiber aero kit includes the fixed rear wing, side sills, front spoiler and front flics, and the rear diffuser.

It's like having Ariana Grande along for the ride, but without the screeching vocals and auto-tuning sins.Click To TweetPerfect Ten
Audi will only be making ten versions of the Competition Package, with all 10 units being identical and “pre-configured” with the same features. The exterior is painted Suzuka Gray (sort of an off-white). The chairs are black racing shell seats with red contrast stitching. Leather is everywhere, with a full leather package including the upper and lower dash, doors, and side panels.
Tunes are provided by a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 13 speakers and 550 watts of amplifier power. All ten versions will come with the aformentioned performance brake pads and titanium backing plates.
Pricing & Availability
This R8 Competition Package is scheduled to arrive next month. And it will run you . . . $237,350! Or, you know, what granny and gramps spent on their retirement home in Palm Springs.
Worth it? That’s really up to you, although, despite the look, I do have a fondness for the R8.
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
2018 Audi R8 Competition Package Gallery

Photos & Source: Audi of America, Inc.

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2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman Review: Simple But Effective

2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman Review: Simple But Effective The 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman is a truck for the business owner who needs a workhorse. The Crew Cab 4×4 gets down and dirty by performing the toughest jobs on the site. With the Tradesman, you can carry the crew and lots of extra equipment. The 2019 model gets a redesign with upgrades making it even more effective as a work truck.
And even though it’s made for work, it’s not totally devoid of conveniences or creature comforts. This was a nice surprise as we spent the week driving the 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman.
What’s New For 2019
The 2019 Ram 1500 is entirely new and redesigned, losing some significant weight in the process. Ram says the new truck is nearly 225 lbs. lighter than its predecessor, despite adding higher grades of steel to its frame. Max towing and payload also increase. Properly equipped, the Tradesman can tow 12,750 lbs. with a payload exceeding 2,000 lbs.
With the Tradesman, you can carry the crew and lots of extra equipment.Click To TweetFeatures & Options
The Tradesman Crew Cab 4×4 ($37,995) comes standard with 18-inch steel wheels, vinyl flooring and upholstery, and the Uconnect infotainment system with a five-inch touchscreen display. Other creature comforts include automatic headlights, a locking tailgate, heated side mirrors, push-button ignition, cruise control, a 40/20/40-split folding bench seat, air conditioning, and a rearview camera.
Connectivity features include Bluetooth capability, rear-seat USB charge ports, and a six-speaker audio system with dual USB inputs and an auxiliary audio jack.
The Tradesman can be upgraded with options that include a Class IV hitch receiver package ($645) with trailer brake controls, an electronic locking rear differential, towing mirrors, chrome exterior trim, a spray-in bedliner, cloth upholstery, a folding rear seat, and satellite radio.
Total MSRP including destination: $44,275. By comparison, the 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman starts at $33,340.
A class III trailer hitch, 160-amp alternator, 3.21 rear axle ratio, and 730-amp battery are standard on the 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman.
Interior Highlights
The cab feels big and is a pleasing place to spend your work day. We used the generous amount of tilt-and-telescoping adjustment range to find the perfect driving position. There’s plenty of head, leg, and shoulder room in all seating positions. Overall, the inside is intelligently-designed for the business owner always on the go. We liked the center console with a large flat surface for a laptop or clipboard, perfect for writing estimates or keeping inventory.
The center stack is close enough too, putting all the controls within easy reach. The buttons and knobs are logically positioned for easy operation, just as you’d expect. Push-button start and an electric parking brake are standard even on the entry-level Tradesman.
The amount of side glass and the design of the dash makes for good visibility, despite the truck’s size. The redesigned crew cab offers more rear legroom than anything else in the class by a long shot. Stepping in the back reveals even more room for employees. When you need to give them a ride, they won’t feel cramped. The rear bench folds up easily, opening up a large cargo area for tools and equipment.

The Tradesman pulls its weight, but these new Ram models turn heads. Our pick is the Rebel 12 but the Hydro Blue Sport Ram is a close second.

The 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman is available in two cab styles and two bed lengths: Quad Cab with a 6 ft., 4 in. bed, Crew Cab with a short bed (5 ft., 7 in.) or Crew Cab with an optional 6 ft., 4 in. bed.
The redesigned crew cab offers more rear legroom than anything else in the class by a long shot.Click To TweetEngine & Fuel Mileage Specs
Standard on the Tradesman is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 producing 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. There’s a selector knob on the dash with 2WD, 4WD -Auto, 4-High, and 4-Low settings.
Fuel mileage estimates come in at 19/24 city/highway and 21 combined for the Pentastar V6. Those looking for more power for their Tradesman can upgrade to the 5.7-liter Hemi V8.
Driving Dynamics
We were impressed with the power of the V6, especially with its eTorque feature. It’s a mild hybrid engine assist technology, and it’s new on Ram trucks for 2019. Not a hybrid technology in the traditional sense, eTorque stores electricity in a lithium battery and helps the automatic stop-start system work smoothly.
It also provides a bit of extra power from a stop and gives a boost on the highway. With the Pentastar V6, up to 90 lb-ft. of additional torque can be sent to the wheels.
The Ram’s weight loss helps when pulling up a steep hill at altitude. We had no trouble passing slower traffic as we pushed hard up I-70, heading west into the high country. The large power exterior trailer tow mirrors made it easy to see small cars on the highway. We even had an early fall snow in Colorado this week. We shifted into 4-High on the fly and the big truck powered through the white stuff without loosing grip.
We had no trouble passing slower traffic as we pushed hard up I-70, heading west.Click To TweetConclusion
The workhorse 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman makes minimal concessions to luxury and offers all the things you need to get the job done. If you spend lots of time driving and going from site-to site, it’s a comfortable place to spend your work day.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman Gallery

2019 Ram 1500 Official Site.
Photos: FCA US LLC.

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2019 BMW X7: The Beast From The East

2019 BMW X7: The Beast From The East The 2019 BMW X7 is many things. Small is not one of them.
BMW’s Sports Activity Vehicle offers two engines and an endless list of optional features.
The new X7 will be the fifth model produced at BMW’s Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina.
“Towards thee I roll, thou all-destroying but unconquering whale; to the last I grapple with thee; from hell’s heart I stab at thee; for hate’s sake I spit my last breath at thee. Sink all coffins and all hearses to one common pool! And since neither can be mine, let me then tow to pieces, while still chasing thee, though tied to thee, thou damned whale! Thus, I give up the spear!”
Yeah, I cribbed that one, and yeah, the new 2019 BMW X7 is b-i-g big. Do we really need this Ahab? Our roads will be better because of this? What do you think?
Get the harpoon.
Bigger Is Best
Yup, it’s big. How big? 17 feet long, six and a half feet wide, and standing a tick under six feet tall. Surprisingly, the weight is “only” 5,600 lbs. I say only because I was expecting something that looks like a vanadium steel ingot on wheels to tip the scales in the five-digit range. So yeah, coming in at 2.25 Miatas is a victory.
Do we need this? Of course we do. We are, after all, Americans. We like ’em big and roomy, built like and sized like a Sherman tank with the survivability to match. And boy, does the 2019 BMW X7 deliver on that.
Three rows of seats for the passengers in the back (i.e. The Kids) offer up acres of roominess. Expansive surfaces abound, large trim pieces are everywhere, and other surfaces are framed with electroplated accents, including the instrument panel and center console. You got this much canvas to play with, might as well paint on all of it Jackson.
The center console is where everything lives. Literally everything: iDrive Controller, gear selector, climate settings, Driving Experience Control switches, and the settings for the air suspension and optional off-road modes. There’s enough room in that console alone to nail a golden Guinea with space left over.
2019 BMW X7 interior layout. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
You got this much canvas to play with, might as well paint on all of it Jackson.Click To TweetPacking Punches
Okay, you ask, so this panzer of a family truck is nice inside, but it’s a BMW, what about power? Becalm yourselves, for the X7 comes with a choice of two engines: A 4.4-liter V8, found in the X7 xDrive50i, and a high-revving 3.0-liter inline six-banger, found in the X7 xDrive40i. Both gasoline mills feature TwinPower Turbo technology, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing, and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing. Each system is exclusive to BMW.
The V8 cranks out 479 lb-ft. of torque and 456 horsepower, good enough for a zero to 60 mph time of 5.2 seconds. The sixer has 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft. of torque on tap, adding up to a zero to 60 mph of 5.8 seconds. Yeah, you won’t be out dragging a new Corvette with this guy, but those are pretty good times for something this size.
Both BMW X7 engines come mated to an improved version of the company’s eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The transmission has wider ratios and new electronics to increase overall efficiency.
Newly-designed heat plates in the X7’s 4.4-liter V8 enhance thermal shielding for the crankcase and cylinder heads. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Want a faster BMW? Here’s what we would pick to leave others in the dust.
Driveline & Suspension Tech
The xDrive all-wheel drive system is rear-biased for those “occasions when the driver adopts a more sporting style of driving,” which is pretty funny to contemplate. There is an optional, electronically-controlled rear M Sport diff if you really want to get “sporty.” Somehow, and for some reason, BMW has thrown an electric motor into this optional rear differential. It allows as much as 1,106 lb-ft. of drive torque to be redirected from wheels with less grip to the ones with more.
I’m sure it works like the business, but heaven help your bank account if it comes apart.
The 2019 BMW X7 comes standard with Dynamic Damper Control with two-axle air suspension. Other options in the chassis department include the Dynamic Handling Package, Integral Active Steering, and M Sport Brakes. The available Active Comfort Drive with road preview works with the air suspension and an active roll-stabilization system. Along with camera sensors that preview the road ahead, the system proactively makes suspension adjustments.
Jet Black, Dark Graphite, and Phytonic Blue will be available as exterior colors in April. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Want something smaller? The new X5 is coming and the X4 is already available.
Positive Vibes
Otherwise, the list of optional tech, connectivity, and safety equipment reads like a 550 page treatise on the ins and outs of whale oil production. But, get this: BMW says the Panorama Sky Lounge LED Roof generates a “very special and exclusive aura when darkness falls, with LED light spreading evenly across the glass surfaces to illuminate more than 15,000 graphic patterns and generate a display reminiscent of a starlit sky.”
I bet this will be real popular in Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, and anywhere else where pot is legal. And there’s a Harman Kardon system that would make Owsley Stanley blush.
Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Tell Mr. Brownstone, the Gold Dust Woman, and the White Rabbit we will be here . . . staring out the sunroof.Click To TweetWorth It?
The megillah that is the 2019 BMW X7 is an air of Teutonic prerogative and condescension. That means they’ll probably sell by the boat-load, even with pricing starting at $74,895 for the X7 xDrive40i. By comparison, the X7 xDrive50i begins at $93,595. Expect the new X7 in March.
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
2019 BMW X7 Gallery
Photos & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.

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Mercedes-AMG Reveals 53-Series Models In Detroit

Mercedes-AMG Reveals 53-Series Models In Detroit
In a rather unconventional move for Mercedes-AMG, the German standard-bearer will be adding three new models and introducing a new designation: the 53-series. The three individual cars will be the CLS, E-Class Coupe, and the E-Class Cabriolet. All three models will incorporate shared technology along with common styling cues. Distinguishing features include the twin-blade radiator grille, the front bumper, A-wing design, the AMG-specific side sill panels, rear bumper with diffuser, and tailpipe trim elements in high-gloss chrome.
Power & Performance
Under the hood resides a new, electrified 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, and an electric auxiliary compressor that adds up to 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft. of torque. And all that high-tech power is put to the ground via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission and an AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system.
The new 53 Series has so much tech throughout the car that it’s almost hard to keep track of. The six-cylinder plant is already optimized for what Mercedes-Benz calls “intelligent electrification.” The EQ Boost starter-alternator combines a starter motor and an alternator into a single, powerful electric motor, fitted between the engine and transmission. This, along with the charging of the electric auxiliary compressor and an exhaust gas turbocharger, enhance the performance, efficiency, and driving dynamics. Bottom line: Zero to 60 in 4.4 seconds. The electric auxiliary compressor builds up a high-charge pressure in the intake tract without delay, so by-by turbo lag.
Mercedes-Benz also leverages the on-board 48-Volt electrical system for better hybrid functionality. Thanks to the 48-Volt battery, the overall capacity in the vehicle has increased, enabling more electrical energy. The power delivery requires only a quarter of a conventional system and the overall result leads to thinner and lighter wiring, thereby saving more fuel. An existing 12-Volt system supplies power to “regular stuff” like lights, the cockpit, infotainment displays, and control units.
Mercedes-Benz says the EQ Boost starter-alternator is the key component for all this new-fangled 48-Volt electrical system goodness. The EQ Boost starter-alternator serves as both an alternator and it’s also responsible for hybrid functions. It allows for more fuel savings and helps to maintain idle speed. Add all of this up, and the new drivetrain gets you a boost of 21 more horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of additional torque.
2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+. Photo: MBUSA.
Transmission & Drive Modes
All this new-found, high-tech power is put to the Straße through an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission. It features extremely short shift times, quick responses on the shift paddles, a double-declutching function, and multiple downshifts. Downstream of the transmission is an AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system (standard) with fully variable torque distribution between front and rear axles for optimal traction, stability, and safety under all conditions: dry, wet or snow.
If you want to fiddle with stuff, the new 53-series models have you covered with five drive modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual. The M mode is a “manual mode,” so gearshifts are executed using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. The suspension setups can also be selected manually, if desired. As that would imply, there’s a bunch of setups for the suspension as well.
2019 Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet. Photo: MBUSA.
Suspension & Braking Tech
The suspension is called AMG RIDE CONTROL+. The multi-chamber air suspension aims to be sporty, thanks to a spring/damper setup and the continuously adjustable Adaptive Damping System. The front axle is fitted with special steering knuckles and load-bearing joints, and all components have been optimized in terms of rigidity. This transfers back to your hands through electromechanical, speed-sensitive, and variable ratio steering. Steering power is available in two modes: Comfort or Sport.
And the new 53-series cars have brakes that can stop a freight train. Perforated and internally ventilated discs (14.6″ x 1.4″) with four-piston fixed calipers and AMG lettering are fitted at the front, and internally ventilated discs measuring 14.2″ x 1.0″ with single-piston floating calipers are positioned at the back.
Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Coupé. Photo: MBUSA.
Interior Treatments
The interior is just as impressive with its dual high-resolution displays and 12.3-inch screens. The instrument cluster contains a large display with virtual instruments as well as a central display above the center console. The driver can choose from three different display styles: Classic, Sporty, and Progressive. “Touch Control” buttons on the steering wheel respond to swiping movements, enabling the driver to control the entire infotainment system without having to take their hands off the steering wheel. If that’s not enough, the infotainment system can also be operated via the touchpad in the center console and by voice control.
Special Editions & In Person
If all of that stuff is still not enough, you can get the Edition 1 version of the AMG CLS 53. The Edition 1 will offer unique interior treatments, leather upholstery in black nappa, and copper-colored contrasting stitch work. The Mercedes-AMG 53-series models are on display at the North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Center, downtown Detroit. The show officially opens to the public on Saturday, January 20th.
Expect to see these new Mercedes-AMG vehicles on sale late in the year. No word on pricing (it will be a lot though), but here’s all the tech specs in handy chart form:
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.

Mercedes-AMG CLS53
Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe
Engine
3.0L 6-cylinder in-line engine
with exhaust gas turbocharger and electric auxiliary compressor.
3.0L 6-cylinder in-line engine
with exhaust gas turbocharger and electric auxiliary compressor.
Displacement
2,999 cc
2,999 cc
Output
429 hp at 6,100 rpm
429 hp at 6,100 rpm
Add. output with EQ Boost
21 hp
21 hp
Peak torque
384 lb-ft at 1,800-5,800 rpm
384 lb-ft at 1,800-5,800 rpm
Add. torque with EQ Boost
184 lb-ft
184 lb-ft
Drive system
AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all- wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution.
AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all- wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution.
Transmission
AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G
AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G
Weight (DIN/EC)
TBA
TBA
Acceleration 0-60 mph (est.)
4.4 seconds
4.3 seconds
Top speed
130 mph*
130 mph*

Mercedes-AMG E 53 Cabriolet
Engine
3.0L 6-cylinder in-line engine with exhaust gas turbocharger and electric auxiliary compressor.
Displacement
2,999 cc
Output
429 hp at 6,100 rpm
Add. output with EQ Boost
21 hp
Peak torque
384 lb-ft at 1,800-5,800 rpm
Add. torque with EQ Boost
184 lb-ft
Drive system
AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all- wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution.
Transmission
AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G
Weight (DIN/EC)
TBA
Acceleration 0-60 mph (est.)
4.4 seconds
Top speed
130 mph (electronically limited)
Photos & Source: MBUSA.

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2019 VW Jetta Revealed At Lower Price Point

2019 VW Jetta Revealed At Lower Price Point
The all-new 2019 Volkswagen Jetta just hit the floor at the North American International Auto Show and, like all VW’s, there’s a lot here for your hard-earned dollars. How many dollars, you ask? Well pricing starts at $18,545, which is less than the outgoing model and that includes a 6-year/72,000-mile warranty. And that’s just the start of what’s new for 2019.
Like Hotcakes
As Volkswagen unveiled the 2019 Jetta in Detroit, it’s worth noting the car is one of the world’s most successful sedans. VW has sold more than 17 million of these little guys worldwide since 1979, 3.2 million of those in the United States alone. The new for 2019 Jetta gets a bolder design, more interior space, and new technology. The wheelbase is longer at 105.7 inches and the sedan is, overall, wider and taller than the outgoing model. There is more interior space over the previous design as well, a benefit of the size increase.
Styling & Design
The exterior design marks an evolution in the Jetta’s design DNA, with modern lines and a refined appearance. The front grille is large and sharper body lines exude a bolder character. There’s more chrome along with standard LED lighting for a premium feel. A sloping roof line creates a sportier, coupe-like profile without compromising the usability of the rear seat.
On the inside, the fully redesigned interior combines the requisite high-tech features with everyday usability and a more refined fit and finish, according to VW. There are high quality soft-touch materials throughout and the new trapezoidal design elements aim to give the vehicle an upscale, yet modern feel. The 2019 Jetta wears new fabric colors and features new designs for the seats and door trim; there is even 10-color, customizable wrap-around ambient lighting as an option. Fancy!
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Driver-Focused
The cockpit is, of course, driver-oriented and features an infotainment screen located high in the dashboard, so all vehicle information is easily accessible to the driver. Every Jetta presents standard Driver Personalization with up to four driver settings. Dependent on the trim level you choose, customizable features include driver seat memory, driver assistance system preferences, Volkswagen Digital Cockpit arrangement, ambient lighting color, radio presets, navigation view, and more.
There are available heated and ventilated front seats, power driver’s seat with memory functionality, leather seating surfaces, and dual-zone Climatronic automatic climate control. A new center storage console is large enough to fit a standard iPad. That’s a nice touch.
Tech Galore
Jetta SEL and SEL Premium models feature the standard, aforementioned Volkswagen Digital Cockpit display, offering a reconfigurable area of key data and the ability to place navigation data, front and center, for easy viewing. Volkswagen’s Car-Net system provides a complement of connected vehicle services, including compatible smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, AndroidAuto, and MirrorLink. The new Jetta is the first VW in the U.S. to offer an available Pete-Townshend-deafening 400-watt BeatsAudio system.
And since this is 2019 we’re talking about, there’s tech and safety stuff all over the new Jetta. A rearview camera comes standard. Other available features include Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, High Beam Control, and Lane Departure Warning.
2019 VW Jetta R-Line on display at the North American International Auto Show, Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.
Power & Performance
Motive power is provided by Volkswagen’s 1.4-liter turbocharged and direct-injected TSI engine. Said plant puts out 147 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque. The power is put to the front wheels via a new standard six-speed manual transmission, with an eight-speed automatic transmission as an option on the base model but standard on higher trims. Automatic transmission models come standard with a Start/Stop system for better fuel efficiency.
Availability & In Person
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta comes in four trim levels: S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium. It should arrive at U.S. Volkswagen dealers by the second quarter of this year. And gearheads rejoice, because an R-Line trim will join the lineup with sportier styling, exclusive interior and exterior design elements, R-Line badging, and the XDS electronic differential. The 2019 Jetta is on display at the North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Center, downtown Detroit. The show officially opens to the public on Saturday, January 20th.
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.
2019 VW Jetta Gallery

Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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2019 Ford Ranger Showcased In Detroit

2019 Ford Ranger Showcased In Detroit Hey, the Ford Ranger is back, and it wants to bring midsize truck buyers a new choice that’s tough, modern, and dripping with driver-assist technologies. Right off the bat, this seems like a smart move by Ford with demand increasing for midsize trucks. Since 2014, sales are up 83 percent and the new Ranger is set to carve out a chunk of that growth for itself.
Packages & Technology
The 2019 Ford Ranger ticks all the boxes with a new exterior design, chassis, and powertrain. High-strength steel frame, check. 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, check. Ford’s trick 10-speed automatic transmission, check. And there is a wide range of trim levels to choose from: the entry-level XL, mid-level XLT, and high-level Lariat, with available Chrome and Sport appearance and FX Off-Road packages. The 2019 Ford Ranger will come in a SuperCab or SuperCrew configuration.
I know, that’s all pretty standard truck stuff, but the 2019 Ranger comes with all the tech modern buyers expect too. Ranger integrates advanced driver-assist technologies like Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, a Reverse Sensing System, and a Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage for XLT and Lariat trims.
The Ranger’s FX4 Off-Road Package also includes a Terrain Management System akin to the F-150 Raptor’s. The TMS has four distinct drive modes: normal, grass, gravel, and snow; mud and ruts; and sand. The TMS gizmo can shift on the fly to automatically change throttle responsiveness, transmission gearing, and vehicle controls to tailor traction, drivability, and performance. You should be able to handle any given terrain or weather condition, which sounds like a very nice and practical thing for a truck to do.
Debuting with the new Ranger’s FX4 Off-Road Package is Trail Control technology. It’s like cruise control for low-speed, rough terrain. Trail Control takes over acceleration and braking, delivering power and braking to each corner so you can focus on steering along the course.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Power & Performance
FoMoCo insists the Ranger is no parking mall poseur and is designed from the get-go to handle the rough stuff. The ground clearance is already plenty high, but if you opt for the FX4 Off-Road Package, the mud/dirt/gravel gets even easier to handle with off-road-tuned shocks, all-terrain tires, a heavy-gauge steel front bash plate mounted to the frame, and other frame-mounted skid plates. And, as one might expect, the 2019 Ranger will be motivated by the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. Ford’s little four-banger has direct fuel injection, a twin-scroll turbocharger, a 16-valve head, forged-steel crankshaft and con rods, and chain-driven dual overhead cams.
Speaking of putting the power down, that all happens thanks to Dana AdvanTEK independent front and solid rear axles on both 2WD and 4WD models. There’s an available electronic-locking rear axle standard on FX2 and FX4. 4×4 models feature 2-high, 4-high, and 4-low configs on the gearbox.

Functional Design
The design of the Ranger is there to reinforce the truck’s practicality, and to withstand the stresses and strains of everyday life. The high beltline emphasizes strength, while the raked grille and windshield seek an athletic appearance, according to Ford. The overhangs are short and functional for the clearing of off-road obstacles, while the tailgate itself is beefed up to handle people and cargo. The steel bumper at the back has an available trailer hitch receiver so you can tow all your toys.
Ford says the interior of the new Ranger merges comfort and functionality with room for up to five people and all their stuff. The center stack of the dashboard includes an 8-inch touchscreen for the available SYNC 3 system. The instrument cluster has dual LCD “productivity” screens for real-time vehicle, navigation, and audio information.
All this adds up to the inevitable reality that Ford will sell these by the train-load, even though pricing has not been announced.
In Person
The 2019 Ford Ranger is on display at the North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Center, downtown Detroit. The show officially opens to the public on Saturday, January 20th.
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.
2019 Ford Ranger Gallery

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.
Engine & Transmission Photos: Carl Anthony.

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