Automotive

Solar Charging Technology For Cars? Hyundai & Kia Say It’s Viable

Solar Charging Technology For Cars? Hyundai & Kia Say It’s Viable Emerging technology can charge a car’s battery via body or roof-mounted solar panels.
The “translucent solar roof” is the first system of its kind for internal combustion engines.
Hyundai and Kia say the solar charging systems will help reduce harmful CO2 emissions.
Hyundai and Kia will implement solar charging technology on certain Hyundai vehicles as early as next year. The electricity-generating solar panels, on either the roof or hood, will provide additional electrical power to increase efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.
Hyundai are Kia are developing three types of solar roof charging systems, known as “generations.”
Generations One & Two
The first-generation solar roof system, applied to hybrids, includes roof-mounted silicon solar panels. The panels can charge 30 to 60 percent of the battery per day, depending on weather conditions and the environment.
By contrast, the second-generation “semi-transparent” roof system pairs with internal combustion engines. Unlike the first-generation system, the semi-transparent solar panels fit a panoramic sunroof. The idea is to maintain “transparency” while charging the battery. This way, drivers can still enjoy having the views a panoramic sunroof provides.
Hyundai and Kia say solar charging systems will help vehicles reduce CO2 emissions. Photo: Hyundai Motor Group.
Solar Lid
The third-generation, or “solar-lid” system, is undergoing a pilot study. Hence why Hyundai and Kia were slim on the details, noting only that it “mounts solar panels on the bonnet and roof in order to maximize energy output.”
“In the future, various types of electricity generating technologies, including the solar charging system, will be connected to vehicles,” explained Jeong-Gil Park, Executive Vice President, Engineering Design Division, Hyundai Motor Group. “This will enable them to develop from a passive device that consumes energy to a solution that actively generates energy.”
Related: Where are EVs most popular? The results of this study might surprise you?
Photo: Hyundai Motor Group.
How It Works
The charging systems have a solar panel, controller, and battery. Electricity is produced when sunlight hits the panel’s surface. A 100W solar panel – in 1 Sun standards (summer noon, 1000 W/m² intensity of radiation – produces 100Wh of energy per hour. In the controller, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), controls voltage and current to increase efficiency of the electricity in the solar panel.
The electricity is then transformed to the standard voltage by the controller and stored in the battery.
Hyundai will launch the first generation of this technology in 2019.
“The paradigm of the vehicle owner will shift from that of a consumer to an energy prosumer,” Gil Park said.
The Automoblog staff contributed to this report.

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Land Rover’s Limited Edition V8 Defender Caps Anniversary Celebration

Land Rover’s Limited Edition V8 Defender Caps Anniversary Celebration The Land Rover Defender, the boxy off-roader, post-war British thing that has been around for 70 years, just got a celebratory pat on the back thanks to the tried and true (American) gearhead answer of “just stuff a big V8 in it, it’ll be fine.” I’ve got to say that’s a rationale I agree with.
Indeed, the Land Rover Defender has been around for 70 years. A milestone worth observing. They are, in a number of ways, a very good British take on the American original. Yes, I know, there are Landy guys that will argue this production date or that bit of tech minutiae, but really, Jeep is the original, and Land Rover is a rather nice British copy, but a copy nonetheless.
Cheating Fate
The death of the Land Rover Defender has been hovering around on black bat wings for decades now, longer than the thing has been called the Defender, back to when they were all simply called “Land Rovers.” The gas crunch of the early 70s was going to kill it. Changing tastes in the mid-80s meant its days were numbered. Growing emissions regs preordained new Land Rovers weren’t going to be seen on the roads after 1991. Stuff like that.
But here we are, all these years later, and it’s still around. And Land Rover says this new engine is “all about celebrating the 70th anniversary,” but it really boils down to the fact someone within the company thought it sounded like a great way to pump more life into a War-era vintage carcass. At least that’s what I think. In most cases, I feel stuffing V8 engines where they don’t belong is usually a great idea. Then again, as a kid, I lived in a household where at one point there were three Sunbeam Tigers in the family’s possession.
Photo: Land Rover Classic.
Limited Run
Sadly, the new V8-equipped Defender will not just be a choice on an option box. The upcoming Land Rover Defender with a big V8 will be a limited-edition deal with only “up to” 150 examples being made to celebrate the marque’s 70th anniversary in 2018. Sad, but I understand where they’re coming from.
Noteworthy Nameplate
The Defender Works V8 (its official name) pays tribute to the early high-powered versions of the 1979 Series III Stage 1 V8 and the 50th Anniversary Edition in 1998. Which, if I’m remembering this right, were powered by the same small block alloy V8 that Rover actually bought from Buick (of all people) back in the 1960s. “Why would anyone want a small, light, fuel efficient V8,” Buick asked, and promptly sold the thing to the Brits. Next thing you know, that same engine was in Rover police cars and Triumph TR8s and not in Buicks when that aforementioned gas crunch hit in the early 70s. Oops.

Power & Performance
Anyway, let us not dwell on the mistakes of our Detroit-based forefathers. Landy says the Defender Works V8 is the most powerful and fastest Defender ever manufactured. The 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8 cranks out 400 horsepower and 380 lb-ft. of torque versus the standard Defender’s 120 ponies and 265 lb-ft. of torque. All of those numbers are good enough for the Defender Works V8 to accelerate to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, topping out at 106 mph. Which is frighteningly quick for something as tippy as a Land Rover, as well as comically slow on that top end. But given the thing has the aerodynamic grace of the crate it’s shipped in, it kinda follows, y’know?
The 150, specially-selected and re-engineered 70th Edition Defenders will have an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with a sport mode. The brakes are updated (thankfully); the handling kit consists of springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars, plus exclusive 18-inch diamond-turned Sawtooth alloy wheels, with 265/65 R18 all-terrain tires. And all of that is good stuff, but you know these things are still going to handle like milk trucks, and it’s only a matter of time before a rich footballer from West Ipswichingham/ford-knoll-towne-on-Tyne barrel rolls one into a ditch.
Photo: Land Rover Classic.
Visual Treatments
The 70th Edition Defenders will come in eight unnamed body colors including two satin finishes. All of which will contrast nicely with the Santorini Black roof, wheel arches, and front grille. The door handles, fuel filler cap, and Defender bonnet lettering will be finished with machined aluminum (nice!). The comprehensive lighting upgrade includes bi-LED headlamps. Of course, full Windsor Leather covers the dashboard, door panels, headlining, and Recaro sports seats my dear fellow, and a Land Rover Classic Infotainment System is also fitted.
Pricing & Availability
Both 90 and 110 wheelbase Defender Works V8 versions will be available with prices starting from £150,000 for a 90 in the UK, which is around $210,000. The Defender Works V8 is available in the United Kingdom, and MENA markets on a personal import basis. European market availability is also on an individual import basis, subjected to rules on importation of vehicle conversions.
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.
Defender Works V8 Gallery

Photos & Source: Land Rover Classic.

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Acura Promises Return of Type-S & More A-Spec Variants

Acura Promises Return of Type-S & More A-Spec Variants
I bet if you were to ask Acura, they’d say the performance factor never left. But that said, they sure are making a big deal about their revitalized focus on performance and the return of the Type S at this year’s North American International Auto Show. Naturally, since I am a diehard gearhead, this is all great news for me, and for most of you out there. But what does this really mean? What will it all add up to?
Bringing It Back
All of this refocusing on performance coincides with the global debut of the 2019 Acura RDX Prototype at “The Detroit Show” (for us old skool guys). And yeah, that seems kind of silly (a performance oriented SUV? Ha!) but every car maker wants their stuff to be seen as high-tech and sporty. I bet there are guys in heavy truck hall talking about the sporty, high-performance styling of their new-for-2019 cab overs. But Acura is the luxury and performance division for Honda, so you durn well better pay attention when they say they’re bringing the performance back.
“We have made a major commitment to Acura to bring each element of Precision Crafted Performance to life through a new generation of products,” explained Toshiaki Mikoshiba, President & CEO of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Acura will pursue a unique powertrain strategy that underscores the brand’s rightful place as the performance division of Honda.”
2002 TL Type-S. Photo: Acura.
Power & Performance
Acura is trying to leverage a lot of this new performance aura from the latest NSX. In many ways that’s a good move since the latest NSX is a lot like a LaFerrari for a tenth of the price. The downside is that, for some reason, people were not buying the new NSX (I have no idea why).
Acura calls this focus “Precision Crafted Performance,” which now includes the launch of a new, turbocharged V6 powerplant for future Acura vehicles to use exclusively. It will be matched with the latest generation of Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. This means, most likely, the new turbo V6 puts out a ton of power and torque, and will need all four contact patches to make it work. By the way, the latest generation of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive is launching in the 2019 RDX.
2018 Acura TLX A-Spec. Photo: Acura.
Type-S & A-Spec Together
Acura says we can look for the return of its much-loved Type-S performance brand in the coming years, and for A-Spec variants to encompass all core models in the future. With regard to the A-Spec, expect a new 2.4-liter TLX A-Spec this spring, and an A-Spec variant of the 2019 RDX mid-year. I can almost hear the fanbois screaming from way out here. Honda kids love Type-S and A-Spec cars, so this is a dynamite move.
Exciting Times
The Type-S badge hasn’t been around for a decade, last seen on the 2008 Acura TL. So we can look forward to updated and modernized versions of what that Type-S badge brought to the 2008 Acura TL: A track-tuned chassis, more powerful engine and better brakes, high-performance tires and a general, sports-oriented exterior with interior modifications.
Looks like fast and fun times are ahead!
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: Acura.

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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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