Automotive

2020 Mustang Shelby GT500: More Muscle For America’s Supercar

2020 Mustang Shelby GT500: More Muscle For America’s Supercar The 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 is one of America’s most powerful muscle cars.
Engineers developed an advanced transmission to handle the GT500’s horsepower.
Zero to 60 in the mid-three-second range and equally-impressive quarter-mile times.
I’ll never forget my first encounter with a Shelby GT500. I was driving along at a gingerly pace when everything came to a halt. Apparently, the Shelby GT500 up ahead was trying to execute a three-point turn on a two-lane road. The car in front – who refused to be bothered by all the commotion – went ahead and passed the Shelby. I, on the other hand, applied the brakes and signaled the Shelby driver to go ahead.
Setting The Stage
Obviously mesmerized by what I was seeing, the Shelby made quite a noise as it lazily made the turn. The driver – who rolled the window down as he completed the turn – gave me a friendly honk, a smiling nod, and stepped on the gas. As he did, I caught the exhaust pipes which exited right under the driver’s door. It was an aftermarket titanium system with a sound I can only describe as mighty loud.
I was 25 in my moderately-flashy, Japanese sports coupe. I’m telling you, seeing this powerful muscle car making a three-point turn ironically became a turning point (no pun intended) in my own life. That moment deepened my passion for the motor car. And if I can’t have them, then I should probably just write about ‘em for passion’s sake.
So here we are with the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500. I can only assume more power, more ludicrous numbers, more noise, and record-breaking performance. At least, that’s what I thought when I first saw it; and boy, oh boy I was right!
2020 Mustang Shelby GT500. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
2020 Mustang Shelby GT500: More Powerful Than The Ford GT
I didn’t find this surprising at all the more I examined the specs. However, part of me never expected to see the day when a Mustang would out-power a GT, but here we are, as ridiculous as it seems. Although they are two very different vehicles, the GT supercar settles for a 647 horsepower version of Ford’s turbocharged EcoBoost V6. By comparison, the 2020 Shelby GT 500 comes with a supercharged, 5.2-liter V8 mill producing 760 horsepower and a staggering 625 lb-ft. of torque.
When you think the same motor only churns out 526 horsepower in the Shelby GT350 and 350R, the figures are mind-boggling, to say the least. In many ways, the new Shelby GT500 is heading into the stratosphere. And we’re not even talking about banging heads with a McLaren, Ferrari, Lamborghini, or some other supercar. The new Shelby GT500 is still a Mustang, which means it’s the same car you take to the grocery store as well as to the track.
Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a 3.73:1 Torsen limited-slip differential. In addition, the 2020 Shelby GT500 features an independent rear suspension, larger half shafts, and a carbon-fiber driveshaft to reduce what Ford calls torsional distortion and rotational mass. And with 760 horses stampeding in full force, the 2020 Shelby GT500 is officially the most powerful car Ford has produced in all its 116 years of existence.
2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 under the hood. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
High-Tech Automatic Transmission
Still mourning the loss of a proper stick in today’s cars? I am too, but we have to man up and move on! It makes more sense to give a car like the new Chevy Corvette Stingray a standard dual-clutch automatic. The same logic applies here. The good news is, automatic transmissions are not the slush boxes of yore. Today, they actually improve performance by executing shifts much faster than a human can. Or should we say, more effectively than a human can.
“Contrary to popular belief, fast shifts do not always equate to better road performance,” explained Pat Morgan, Ford Performance Powertrain Manager. “In every driving situation, we emulated what professional drivers do; whether it’s a smooth, precise heel-and-toe shift of a professional track driver or a much more forceful power shift like drag racers.”
Ford did their homework and decided to mate a Tremec TR-9070 DCT seven-speed dual-clutch automatic to the new Shelby GT500. “Effortlessly handling the 760 horsepower is our segment-first, Tremec dual-clutch transmission, with an advanced control system that enhances GT500’s five drive modes to deliver a driving experience once reserved only for exotic supercars,” said Ed Krenz, Ford Performance Chief Program Engineer. “The range of brute-force drag acceleration, seamless road shifts, and amazingly smooth shifts on the track further highlights how the soul of the Shelby GT500 is elevated in our most advanced Mustang ever.”
Related: The 2019 Mustang Bullitt is a true sleeper! Here is our full review.
80 Milliseconds Flat
The Tremec TR-9070 DCT utilizes a novel wet clutch system with five friction plates in the odd-gear pack, across 155 square inches of surface area. Meanwhile, the even-gear pack has six friction plates providing 136 square inches of surface area. Combined with seven non-sequential helical forward gears with triple cone synchronizers, the system can easily match the engine’s torque curve for stupendously fast and effective shifts. In fact, the system engages the gears in 80 milliseconds in Sport mode.
“In many ways, this is like having two transmissions in one,” Morgan said. “On one hand, it enables performance at the outer reaches of straight-line quickness with minimal torque interruption, yet provides an incredible amount of finesse and control in track environments for maximum stability and predictability at the limits of lateral acceleration.”
2020 Shelby GT500 transmission. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Zero To 100 & Back Again
Ford says every driving mode in the new Shelby GT500 alters the personality and on-road behavior of the vehicle. For instance, going from normal to track mode changes the throttle response and gear selections. The system also changes the dampening, stability control, exhaust sound, and even the instrument panel.
Others newsworthy features include an rpm-selectable launch control with electronic line lock; available carbon fiber wheels and bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires; and the largest front brakes of any domestic sports coupe. With 16.5-inch front rotors, Ford says the new Shelby GT500 achieves zero to 100 mph, and back to zero again in a scant 10.6 seconds.
Related: “Obsessed with speed his whole life. . .” the history of the Shelby Mustang.
2020 Mustang Shelby GT500: Don’t Forget The Engine!
To better cool the incoming air, Ford’s engineers inverted a 2.65-liter roots-type supercharger, with an air-to-liquid inter-cooler, and tucked it away in the engine’s valley. Ford says this design also lowers the 5.2-liter V8’s center of gravity. To optimize performance, the aluminum alloy block features wire-arc cylinder liners and high-flow aluminum cylinder heads; plus larger forged connecting rods. Beneath that, a structural oil pan features an active baffle system to keep oil where it’s needed.
The supercharged 5.2-liter V8 is built by hand for the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Pricing & Availability
Ford has yet to release the MSRP for the 2020 Shelby GT500. We reckon it will start around $70,000 before options. First deliveries begin later this year, and I cannot wait to finally take one for a drive, especially in Sport mode.
“Every aspect of the Shelby GT500 driving experience changes with the mode – be that the throttle responsiveness and snap of the shifts you feel in the seat of your pants, or the ‘pop and burble’ of the exhaust in performance modes,” Morgan said. “It’s a full, multi-sensory visceral experience.”
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.
2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 Gallery

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray: The Right Design (Still Looks Like A Vette)

2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray: The Right Design (Still Looks Like A Vette) The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is the first mid-engine Vette in history.
With an LT2 Small Block V8, the new Stingray is the fastest entry-level Vette ever.
Prior to its on-sale date, the performance car will embark on a cross-country tour.
In a bunch of ways, how a Corvette looks is more important than nearly anything else about the car. Corvette fans are amazingly picky about this, and if it doesn’t “look like a Vette” they would most likely riot. Moving the engine from the front to the middle causes all sorts of design re-dos and re-thinks, so GM had to pull off a huge task here. And it looks like they succeeded with the 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray.
If anything, the Vette’s biggest design failing (and it’s not much of one) is that it looks like a mid-engine supercar. But given the demands of engineering, packaging, and aerodynamics, that was bound to happen anyway.
2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray: Bold & Futuristic
Chevy says the 2020 Corvette Stingray is a “bold, futuristic expression with mid-engine exotic proportions, but it is still unmistakably Corvette.” And they’re right. The front end, the tail, and even the overall stance all say Vette to my eyes. It just looks like a Vette with the greenhouse moved further forward. Chevy also says it’s “lean and muscular, with an athletic sculptural shape conveying a sense of motion and power from every angle.” I’m not going to argue with that either. The description is, however, kind of childish and outré and lacking in the subtle elegance and grace you’d find in Italian supercars. But alas, not everyone is Pininfarina.
Still, the 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray looks pretty durn good.
With the engine truly being the focal point for the car’s design, it sits like a jewel in a showcase, visible through the large rear hatch window. No, not an innovation, but a nice design touch nonetheless. Chevy paid close attention to the details, even the very appearance of every wire, tube, bolt, and fastener. The overall level of craftsmanship is way up.
2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray. Photo: Chevrolet.
Noteworthy Touches
Some other noteworthy design features include the low profile headlamps; the completely-hidden door, hood, and hatch releases (a nice touch); and the massive side air intakes for cooling and aerodynamic performance. The large rear hatch, with its seven air vents, showcases the LT2 Small Block V8. The quad exhaust tips are pushed to the Vette’s outboard ends. Finally, the LED taillamps have “animated” turn signals.
Although the canopy of the 2020 Corvette Stingray is pushed farther forward, the rest of the car, such as the face, maintains the traditional Corvette signature. There’s also that classic horizontal crease and the familiar positioning of the headlamps. Designers were even able to create 12.6 cubic feet of cargo volume with the dual trunks, enough for some luggage or two sets of golf clubs
Related: The 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray is the everyday supercar.
2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray: Interior Layout
The interior also gets the treatment with a cockpit that has traveled forward by 16.5 inches. Corvette designers wanted something that would simultaneously envelop the driver, while still conveying the exterior’s high-performance character. The climate controls, for example, are vertical while the vents are razor-thin to minimize the overall height of the instrument panel. The steering wheel is a squared-off, two-spoke, small-diameter job that gives drivers a better view of the 12-inch reconfigurable cluster display. Some people dislike it, but it looks okay to me.
And a big round of applause for how the bean counters were kept at bay, as the build quality appears exceptionally high as does the number of premium materials. All the leather is hand-wrapped and hand cut-and-sewn with thick-press stitching. Real metal, not plastic adorns the interior. The speaker grilles, for example, for the Bose audio system are stainless steel; the trim on the GT2 and Competition Sport Seats is real carbon fiber. And you get your choice of either real aluminum or real carbon fiber for the console and door trim plates.
2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray interior layout. Photo: Chevrolet.
Jump In, Sit Down, Hang On!
And finally, your butt. You get to plant it in one of three seat options. The GT1 seat emphasizes comfort while providing good support for those performance driving situations. It features Mulan leather and an optional two-way lumbar support and wing adjustment. GT2 seats (a first for Corvette) have a racing-inspired look with Chevy’s dual density foam to help add comfort to any longer road trips you plan to take. Carbon fiber trim is included along with a Napa leather insert, Mulan leather bolsters, two-way lumbar support and wing adjustment, plus heating and ventilation.
Finally there is the Competition Sport seat option. This is for the serious, track-focused driver. You know, us gearheads! There are more aggressive bolsters, full-on Napa leather, heating and ventilation, and carbon fiber trim on the headrest.
Torsional rigidity improves with the 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray, allowing for better performance be it on the track or open road. Photo: Chevrolet.
Corvette Visualizer

Production of the 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray begins at Bowling Green Assembly later this year. Additional pricing and packaging information will be available closer to launch. When it hits the market, the new Stingray will come in 12 exterior colors; offer six interior color themes and seat belt colors, with two optional stitching packages. If you simply cannot wait, a new digital tool, the Corvette Visualizer, lets you design your dream mid-engine Vette in vivid detail.

Nationwide Tour
The 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray will embark on a cross-country dealership tour leading up to its on-sale date. Corvette specialists, along with the vehicle and numerous other displays, will stop at over 125 dealerships nationwide, as well as major consumer events.
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.
2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray Gallery

Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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New Interactive Game Highlights The Dangers of Distracted Driving

New Interactive Game Highlights The Dangers of Distracted Driving Research finds that distracted driving is one of the top causes of accidents worldwide.
Kwik Fit’s interactive Driven To Distraction game shows just how dangerous it can be.
The new game tests your traffic and safety knowledge, along with your reaction time.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving accounted for 3,166 deaths in the United States in 2017. Distracted driving is anything that takes your attention from the road, although it’s most commonly associated with smartphone usage. NHTSA finds that sending or reading a text takes approximately five seconds, enough to travel the length of a football field at 55 mph. With the average speed limits of U.S. states being well over 55 mph, it makes distracted driving all that more dangerous.
A new, interactive game from Kwik Fit, a leading automotive service provider in the United Kingdom, highlights the dangers of distracted driving. Like in the U.S., distracted driving is also a concern in the UK. The Department for Transport finds the number of vehicle fatalities caused by smartphone usage is on the rise. Officials and safety advocates describe the latest statistics as a wake-up call.
Disclosure: This article is sponsored by and done in collaboration with Kwik Fit. For more information, please review our advertising guidelines.
Driven To Distraction
Kwik Fit’s Driven To Distraction game tests your road knowledge and your reaction time. The object is to read a text message in the form of a question, and respond with the correct answer; all while looking out for STOP signs. There are three levels: Easy, Medium, and Hard with the car moving quicker and the questions becoming increasingly harder with each level. The questions deal with the rules of the road, and although they are not more than a sentence long, it’s easy to miss the STOP signs. Kwik Fit developed the game to bring attention to the dangers of distracted driving.
Kwik Fit’s Driven To Distraction game tests your knowledge of the road while also testing your reaction time.
Tougher Than We Realized
The question “What should the left-hand lane of a motorway be used for?” we did not answer fast enough, despite it being a relatively easy one. In fact, we could hardly read the multiple choice answers! We quickly clicked our mouse when we caught the STOP sign, avoiding the question entirely. However, we were still 0.190 seconds slower while using the phone, despite abandoning the question. According to Kwik Fit’s Driven To Distraction game, at 30 mph, this would have taken us nearly nine additional feet to stop. That may not sound like a lot, but it can be the difference between life and death.
At one point, we missed the STOP sign by more than three seconds because of looking at the phone. As a result, we traveled over 150 feet past where we needed to stop! We’ve included the screenshot below.
Related: Distracted driving kills and it’s a worldwide problem.
How To Play
Begin by concentrating as the car is moving; when you see the STOP sign, click on the screen. On the next round, a phone will appear obstructing your view. A question about road safety and/or traffic laws will come up; read it carefully and select the right answer. Try to get as many correct as you can, but click the mouse when you see a STOP sign.
Kwik Fit’s Driven To Distraction game records your time on reach round. You can play with your friends at the office to see who has the best reaction times. On your way home, remember to buckle up and drive defensively. Place your phone in the center console or out of reach so don’t look at it while driving.

About Kwik Fit
Kwik Fit opened their first location in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1971 and now operate over 600 service centers across the UK, including Northern Ireland. The company offers an extensive range of automotive parts and repairs, including tires, brakes, exhaust work, MOT testing, and air conditioning recharges. Kwik Fit is one of the UK’s top tire suppliers, carrying some of the world’s most recognizable brands like Pirelli, Goodyear, Michelin, Continental, and Dunlop. Kwik Fit’s Master Technicians are highly-skilled, and complete one of the most in-depth and comprehensive training programs in the industry.

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The Lamborghini Water Bottle is a Thing Now

The Lamborghini Water Bottle is a Thing Now Italian design brand 24Bottles and Lamborghini have announced their collaboration on the first Special Edition Clima Bottle. The Automobili Lamborghini Clima Bottle, like the super sports car company, commemorates Italian design, impeccable attention to detail, and devotion to performance.

Styling & Design

The Clima Bottle design is a nod to the iconic camouflage displayed on the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ when the car set the track record on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The design on each bottle is applied manually, an example of the focus on craftsmanship and detail.

Hot & Cold Beverages

Each Lamborghini water bottle is a double-walled 18/8 stainless steel design with thermal insulation. As with others crafted by 24Bottles, the Clima Bottle will preserve the flavor and temperature of drinks and can keep them hot for up to 12 hours and cold for up to 24 hours.

Related: An inside look at the Lamborghini Sián Roadster.Lamborghini Water Bottle Availability

The new 24Bottles Automobili Lamborghini Clima Bottle is available now at both company’s online stores and the Lamborghini headquarters store Saint’Agata Bolognese.
Original article: The Lamborghini Water Bottle is a Thing Now

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Ram 1500 North Edition: Over The River & Through The Woods (Literally)

Ram 1500 North Edition: Over The River & Through The Woods (Literally) The 2019 Ram 1500 North Edition takes it to Old Man Winter.
Goodies include a one-inch factory lift and locking differential.
Ram’s special edition lineup has seen multiple new entries over the last year.
Pick your poison Mopar fans! The Hydro Blue Sport, Lone Star Edition, Heavy Duty Night Editions; even a Kentucky Derby Edition. More recently, the 1500 Rebel 12 and 2500 Power Wagon Mojave Sand Editions come to mind. Ram is stacking the deck with special edition trucks and they are adding another to the mix.
The 1500 North Edition is arriving just as Old Man Winter sets up shop, but a note of observation first:
Trucks For Every Taste
Ram’s special edition blast (as it were) is not without sound reason or intent. Think of it like this: trucks sell in droves and that trend will continue for the foreseeable future. With so many on the road, driving one with a special edition theme says I’m part of the crowd – but – in my own individual way. Ram has plenty of that in their lineup today. And it’s especially alluring.
Related: Ram tops GM in sales for the time being.
Concerning the 1500 North Edition, it’s more than just looks – although it is that too. Based on the Big Horn, the North’s monochromatic theme includes the body-color bumpers, door handles, mirrors, and grille. But underneath the skin, the bones are solid.
“The 2019 Ram 1500 North is more than a great-looking pickup, it offers cold-weather content for truck owners who require a no-compromise 4×4 as part of their daily regimen,” explained Reid Bigland, Head of Ram Brand. “A factory lift, locking rear axle, and all-weather tires deliver confidence when your path is anything but clear.”
The 2019 Ram 1500 North Edition features a one-inch factory lift, an electric-locking rear axle, and front tow hooks. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Those Tires Though . . .
The all-weather tries are three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF), severe snow service-rated on/off-road Falken LT tires. Say that three times fast! Three is the magic number, however, for the transfer case, which has three different settings: Auto, High, and Low. Ram added an engine block heater too, for those early mornings after the truck sits facing a north wind all night.
Related: Simple but effective: Our full review of the 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman.
Interior Treatments
Plenty of warmth inside with a heated steering wheel and the heated, 12-way power driver’s seat with four-way power lumbar. SiriusXM Travel Link Weather, heated and folding mirrors, and Mopar all-weather floor mats are included.
2019 Ram 1500 North Edition interior layout. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Power & Performance
The North’s 3.6-liter Pentastar with eTorque creates 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft. of torque, and features revised variable valve timing and two-step variable valve lift systems. By comparison, the larger 5.7-liter Hemi creates 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft. of torque. Both engines have Interactive Deceleration Fuel Shut Off (iDFSO), which pauses fuel flow to the cylinders under deceleration in third gear and higher.
Every 2019 Ram 1500 – including the North Edition – is equipped with a fully-electronic TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic. The transmission features a wide spread of gear ratios to balance power and efficiency.
The engine choice is ultimately up to you.
Pricing & Availability
The 2019 Ram 1500 North Edition is available now with a starting MSRP of $47,585. The truck comes in Crew Cab 4×4 with either a short or long bed.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
2019 Ram 1500 North Edition Gallery

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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2020 Infiniti QX60 Release Date, Redesign, Price

With all the updates there will be on the latest generation of the 2020 Infiniti QX60 will make you think this car to enter into your plan, the quality of the vehicle will be a priority of the Infiniti and we believe this car will not disappoint you, stick family car will experience an increase in sales is evident from his numerous requests from the year 2018 and will continue on the following year.

2020 Infiniti QX60 Release Date

Rumors are circulating there will be redesigned in the latest models of Infiniti QX60. And rumors about the release date of this car there is no certainty. Interior and exterior will experience many updates and what will be with the plugin hybrids we have yet to know for sure, but we believe that Infiniti will issue a plugin hybrid for Infiniti QX60.

Exterior and Interior redesign

The redesign interior cabin is unquestionably a powerful stage of Infiniti QX60 and we’re very sure that larger changes won’t come for that 2020 QX60. The spacious cabin makes a fantastic mixture with tons of normal tools. The primary point you’ll recognize can be a good element high-quality and a spacious cargo spot. In relation to equipment, there are actually two trim amounts – Pure and Luxe. The base Pure comes with convenient features like 18-inch wheels, power tailgate, xenon headlights, sunroof, LED fog lights, keyless entry, and ignition and so forth. About the inside, you are able to count on heated front seats, 9.0-inch touchscreen, tri-zone automatic climate control, USB, Bluetooth and satellite radio and simulated leather upholstery.

2020 Infiniti QX60 Redesign

The Base trim consists of all over but additionally adds several exciting functions. Several of the highlights certainly is a premium audio method, remote engine get started, roof rails, rear bumper protector, driver memory settings, a heated steering wheel and so forth. Also, a whole plethora of optional packages can be found at this trim level.

In regards to base layout qualities, there’s no location for modifications at the second. With regards to mechanics, this models hasn’t altered for this five many years and unquestionably will not till the redesign. Within this element, we are speaking about a crossover that’s virtually exactly the same as the current-generation Pathfinder. The Infiniti QX60 could possibly be slightly longer, but two designs feature precisely the same wheelbase. They ride around the very same D Platform, which guarantees a spacious cabin and strong driving qualities.

In terms of the styling, 2020 Infiniti QX60 will are available in the brand’s acquainted method. A sleek profile in the blend with plenty of smooth lines and design components that characterize this crossover. Two many years ago, we saw a facelift which has brought new front and rear fascias, together with new headlights, bumpers and so forth. More modifications for this generation don’t appear so likely.

Engine Performance

2020 Infiniti QX60 is actually a hybrid thus it really is particular that it will eventually come with a standard engine and an electronic motor. The Infiniti QX60 hybrid edition is a 2.5 litter and 4 barrel engine working together with a 15 kW. It’ll be mated with CVT gear program. It can be indeed an incredible mixture. The engine has the skill to provide a total of 260 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque to produce it one particular in the most impressive engines during the industry. The engine is obtainable if 4 wheels drive and have an 8-velocity transmission that’s automated. Mileage has considerably greater and it ranges concerning 20 mpg, 21 mpg up to 27 mpg. As well present improved ground clearance than in advance of will obtainable by the new generation Infiniti QX60.

2020 Infiniti QX60 Release Date and Price

You may be asking when this car will be in the news release, rumor has it that this car will be released early in the year 2020. And some of his other rumor news saying that the release date of 2020 Infiniti QX60 there will be in the middle of the year 2020. We recommend that you wait for the confirmation directly from Infiniti regarding this information.

And for the price. We do not yet have information that is so right on the price of this car. Some competitors like the Acura MDX car and Audi Q7 also has yet to release information about the price. We also recommend that you wait for the official confirmation from the Infiniti on the price of this car.

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Top Automotive Trends 2018 (Driverless Cars Slip, Trucks & SUVs Surge)

Top Automotive Trends 2018 (Driverless Cars Slip, Trucks & SUVs Surge) As 2018 comes to a close, trucks and SUVs will continue to dominate.
Aftermarket sales remain strong as consumers seek to personalize their vehicles.
Despite bold promises from manufacturers, the public seems disinterested in autonomous driving.
Here are the top automotive trends of 2018 with a look ahead to next year.
The automotive industry and aftermarket remain strong as Americans continue their love affair with personal transportation. Despite doom-and-gloom predictions to the contrary, cheap gas and a strong economy have encouraged shoppers to step into showrooms and drive out with something new. This year, aftermarket products have provided a large variety of choices to car enthusiasts, leading industry experts to believe that 2019 is primed for steady, continued growth.
Above all, trucks have supplanted import sedans to become the new status-symbol luxury vehicle.
Top Automotive Trends 2018: Trucks & SUVs Dominate
At the beginning of 2018, the auto industry watched to see which direction the trends would move. Concerns included alternate powertrains (hybrids & EVs), passenger car versus truck sales, and the impact of global events on consumer confidence.
With ten months of the year behind us, pickups, SUVs, and minivans have strengthened their dominance, jumping from 63 percent of the total market in 2017 to 68.5 percent as of October 2018. As a result, we have seen major manufacturers like Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Ford drop some sedans due to slow sales. Additionally, luxury manufacturers began entering the light truck game. We even have SUVs from Jaguar, Maserati, Lamborghini, and Rolls-Royce – and it’s rumored Ferrari will also build one!
Related: The battle for younger buyers heats up in the SUV and crossover market.
Lamborghini Urus: Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.
Top Automotive Trends 2018: Online Retailers Benefit
As new vehicle sales go up, sales of aftermarket accessories also go up. Owners of new vehicles who want them personalized turn to their favorite aftermarket retailer. Advances in safety and technology, including lighting and cameras, trickle down to drivers of older cars who also want these features. And they get them from the aftermarket.
With trucks taking a larger slice of the pie, truck-specific wants like big wheels and lift kits sell strongly. And as consumers (including car owners) prefer to shop electronically, it’s online aftermarket retailers who are benefiting greatly from these trends.
On the flip side, hybrids and electric vehicles still account for a very small percentage of the market. Predictions that all road-going vehicles will be autonomous in five years have faded into the background. Several highly-publicized accidents and fatalities have given this technology a black eye, forcing some companies to postpone or even cancel their efforts.
The more realistic predictions are that widespread applications are at least a decade or two away.
Related: A recent AAA study finds most consumers are afraid of autonomous cars.
Earlier this year, Hyundai begun a strategic partnership with Autotalks for the manufacturing of Vehicle to Everything communication chipsets. V2X technology allows vehicles to communicate with each other, as well as road users and infrastructure. Photo: Hyundai Motor Company.
What Was Seen At SEMA 2018
Each year, thousands of car enthusiasts make their way to Las Vegas for the SEMA show. A colleague who attended shared some insights. He said that compared to previous visits, he has never seen the show so crowded, which speaks to the health of the aftermarket.
Unsurprisingly, the number one trend was trucks, trucks, and more trucks.
Horsepower was big, as always, and this year, reaching or surpassing 1,000 horsepower seemed almost par for the course. Electric cars were on display alongside the big gas-engine brutes; both a new electric Camaro concept and a ’49 Mercury converted to electric were shown. By contrast, autonomous vehicles were not a major highlight, as consumers continue to clutch their long-held desire to own their own set of wheels, preferably personalized.
Related: People still love driving despite onset of autonomous cars.
Chevy eCOPO Camaro Concept. Photo: Chevrolet.
2019 Projections: Engine Technology & Ride Sharing
New Engine Tech: Thanks to VW, the diesel engine is all but dead. New technologies like Nissan’s variable-displacement engine and Mazda’s compression-petrol engine will ensure gasoline remains a viable fuel source. Hybrids and pure EVs will slowly but surely capture a slightly larger percentage of sales.
However, as long as gas remains cheap in the U.S., trucks will sell in big numbers, especially with their high horsepower engines.
Ride-Sharing’s Next Ride: Uber, Lyft and the like may add to congestion in places like New York City, but they help convince young adults that old-school car ownership is no longer a given. Connected to this is the nascent “Vehicle Subscription” model. Vehicle subscriptions include maintenance, taxes, and insurance, all for one monthly number. Swaps into other models from the manufacturer’s lineup are usually included.
Consumers can walk away at any time. The downside? Monthly prices that run between $1,000-$3,000. They’re starting with luxury brands but, if it catches on, expect car makers to find ways to reduce that cost.
The “Mercedes-Benz Collection” allows subscribers to switch between different vehicles depending on their needs or lifestyle. The program consists of three tiers – Signature, Reserve, and Premier – with prices ranging from $1,095 to $2,995 per month after an activation fee. Subscribers can choose from all the available vehicles in that tier, sedans, coupes, cabriolets, roadsters, and wagons among them. Photo: MBUSA.
2019 Projections: Smarter Cities & Economic Impacts
Crowded Urban Areas: We are on a collision course as single-occupancy SUVs compete for space with ride-sharing drivers in already jammed urban areas. Add to that: FedEx and UPS trucks making hourly Amazon deliveries, lack of investment in public transportation, electric scooters serving as alternatives, and concerns about pollution and climate change.
Some European cities have already made plans to ban internal-combustion vehicles from their streets in the coming decade.
I predict that in 2019 some U.S. cities, recognizing that an outright ban is too extreme, will instead get serious about congestion pricing and “car-free pedestrian zones” as ways to combat the congestion.
The Elephant In The Room: The automotive industry, perhaps more than any other, depends very much on free global trade. A failure by world powers to reach a solution to trade issues could upend any or all of what we foresee for 2019.
Top Automotive Trends 2018: Boiling It Down
Overall, my predictions for 2019 are more of what we already have; pickups, Jeeps, crossovers, horsepower, customization, and individualization. The aftermarket is healthy and looking forward to continued, strong growth in 2019. Especially as SUVs keep taking a larger percentage of the new vehicle sales pie at the expense of fewer sedans.
Richard Reina is the Product Training Director at CARiD and an auto enthusiast and expert with over 30 years of experience working with cars.

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Lotus Elise Cup 260: Going For Gold (Literally)

Lotus Elise Cup 260: Going For Gold (Literally)

How many different versions of the Elise can Lotus make? Just one more would seem to be the answer and, like its stablemates, the Lotus Elise Cup 260 is an amazing little car worthy of the company name in every respect. The Elise Cup 260 is like an already sharp knife honed even further, making for a very impressive car in all respects . . . except for that (thankfully) optional color of Championship Gold.
The Championship Gold is in honor of the 70th anniversary of Lotus.
Good Intentions
Lotus, or more specifically, company founder Colin Chapman had this thing for the color gold. Nothing wrong with that, per se, but gold is a terribly hard color to get right, especially on cars. Look no further than our subject here, the Lotus Elise Cup 260. I know, you want it to look like the precious metal, you want the paint on the car to look like the ring on your finger, but it never does work out that way, does it? Sadly, no. Cars painted gold, and this goes for the Elise Cup 260 as well, always end up looking beige from one angle, or dull light brown from another. So, sigh.
But other than that, the Lotus Elise Cup 260 is as “hubba-hubba” as any car the Hethel concern has ever rolled out.
“Each and every one of the sports cars produced by Group Lotus today carries the true spirit of Lotus, laid down by my father nearly 70 years ago,” explained Clive Chapman, Director of Classic Team Lotus. “I am extremely proud that his legacy and achievements are being acknowledged and celebrated in this iconic version of the Elise.” Photo: Group Lotus plc.
Gold Standard
Billed as the “ultimate Elise,” Lotus has the specs and the pace to back that up. With just 30 examples being for sale worldwide, the race-car derived ultimate Elise has an aero package that can generate nearly 400 pounds of downforce – which is considerable on a car that only weighs 1,900 lbs. All that lightweight comes from the profligate use of carbon fiber. All the aero gains, chassis tuning, and the like are put to good use thanks to a 250 horsepower, supercharged engine. That adds up to a 0 to 60 sprint of 3.8 seconds, a top speed of 151 mph, and a track time 2.5 seconds faster than the Elise Cup 250.
The 260 has a lot of the same styling elements found on the Elise Sport and Sprint models, along with bits and pieces and cues from the Evora GT 430. Such things include the louvered front wheel arch vents and an over-sized rear wing, permitting greater grip levels and higher cornering speeds. And since this is a Lotus, the aforementioned weight savings are everywhere on the Elise Cup 260. The large rear wing is carbon fiber (of course), as is the front access panel, the engine cover, the roll hoop cover, and the side sill covers which total up to a savings of nearly 14 pounds. Weight is further trimmed thanks to light, two-piece brake discs, lightweight carbon race seats, a Lithium-Ion battery, lightweight forged alloy wheels, and a polycarbonate rear window.
All this featherweight goodness is sped down the lane by an all-alloy, intercooled and supercharged 1.8-liter engine with new induction components and revised calibration. Cranking out 250 horsepower and 188 lb-ft. of torque, the plant is mated to a six-speed manual (of course) gearbox.
The Elise Cup 260 is 33 lbs. lighter than the Elise Cup 250 at 1,988 lbs. Photo: Group Lotus plc.

Suspension & Braking
The Elise Cup 260 features a fully independent double wishbone suspension with an adjustable front anti-roll bar. The springs are Nitron coaxial coil units paired with adjustable Nitron shocks. The shocks have 24 settings for rebound and compression, which should keep you track-heads busy. The new wheels I mentioned are ultra-lightweight motorsport forged numbers: 16-inches at the front and 17-inches out back, and fitted with Yokohama Advan Neova AD08R tires (205/45 R16 front and 235/40 R17 rear).
Braking is a rather curious affair with a mixed set up: AP Racing twin-piston front calipers and Brembos at the rear clamping down on those lightweight, two-piece brake discs.
Interior Treatments
The interior leans more toward the Spartan, as you would expect, but is still more comfortable than a full-blown race car. The carbon race seats, trimmed in black Alcantara with contrasting red or yellow stitching, are manufactured in-house by Lotus, and that carbon fiber treatment is echoed by the door panels and face-level vents. There are also color inserts that are keyed to the bodywork’s tint found on the seats, transmission console, HVAC surround, and window switches. The car’s hand-built character even extends to the lovely, detailed, manual gearbox’s open gate mechanism that provides precise, direct gear changes and quicker shifting.
You have some options for the inside, such as Alcantara-trimmed steering wheels and sill covers, leather or tartan trim packs for the seats or door panels, and an entertainment system with iPod connectivity and Bluetooth functionality.
Photo: Group Lotus plc.
Pricing & Availability
So how much? Curiously, although Lotus gives prices for the home market, Germany and France, they don’t mention a U.S. price. The British price is £59,500, which translates to over $79,000 in American money. Which, if you’re looking for a comparison, puts it more or less between the two Corvette models Chevy makes.
To me, this sounds like a reasonable price, but I’m funny that way. If I were you, I’d buy one, but just get it painted in something other than gold. The Lotus Elise Cup 260, despite the limited numbers, is available now.
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: Group Lotus plc.

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Sacramento Auto Show Offers Family-Fun, Test Drives, Charitable Donations

Sacramento Auto Show Offers Family-Fun, Test Drives, Charitable Donations

First off, it must be said that the Sacramento Auto Show is a charitable event, and proceeds from the 2017 show will benefit Make-A-Wish Northeastern California and Northern Nevada, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, and the Ronald McDonald House. Additionally, the show’s sponsor (the Greater Sacramento New Car Dealer Association) has partnered with The Red Cross to help raise funds for the victims of the wildfires that have devastated Napa, Sonoma, Santa Rosa, and surrounding communities.
Central Location
Some auto shows are steeped in prestige and exclusivity. Others have the heir of a low pressure sales and marketing event. Make no bones about it, all car shows to some extent are about manufacturers showing off their newest vehicles and vying for your business, but if the event organizers can make it fun, who cares?
The vast swath of land and buildings known as the Cal Expo is home to the Sacramento Auto show. This tract provides plenty of opportunity for manufacturers and event hosts to create an immense labyrinth of activities and sales pitches. And boy did they! Themed displays are scattered about the expanse of real estate, both indoors and out.
Energetic Claims
The first activity was presented by the local utility in the form of an EV drive event. Just as you enter the main gate, the most popular (mundane) EVs on the market are lined up to test drive. Coincidentally, there was a line of people all waiting to drive the VW e-Golf while the Leaf, Volt, Focus, and i3 sat idle. The shock on the faces of the sales representatives, er-uh . . . “EV Experts” from Nissan was comical when I requested to take the Leaf for a spin. Upon interrupting the two young reps’ conversation, there was a brief pause. They stared blankly at one another, like they were flipping an imaginary coin to see which one would actually have to move from the bar-height table they were propped against.
The lap consisted of several hundred cones positioned to highlight the favorable attributes of a small EV: one quick straight for 40 yards, followed by 4 to 5 tight switchback U-turns. It was enjoyable, but these test runs are not a place to really get a feel for a car as much as whet your appetite enough to cajole you into a dealer, and sit you down in the finance manager’s office. The interesting thing, however, was the young man accompanying me made two bold statements:
“I own a Leaf and got it up to 90 on a highway on-ramp.”
Hmm? The Nissan leaf does 0 to 60 in roughly 10 seconds. That must have been one heck of a long on-ramp. The second audacious proclamation was prompted while I had my foot mashing the skinny pedal to the floor, while asking how the range would be affected if the Leaf was driven like this all the time:
“It gets about 100 miles of range when driven flat out.”
I would love to test this claim in the real world, driving “flat out” like I was. Keep in mind, while Nissan says the Leaf can do 107 miles on a single charge, they also say speed, topography, load, and accessory use can significantly affect the estimated range.
2018 Nissan Leaf. Photo: Nissan North America.

True Unicorns
Having my fill of electrified fun, I set off to see the Manager of the well put together showcase inside the EV building to discuss some broad terms of the EV future. John from SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District) was more than happy to answer my questions, and/or refer me to an authority for anything he couldn’t answer. Although the main attraction of the display was the Tesla Model S and BMW i8 lightshow (headlights flashing in sync to a rousing version of Carol of The Bells) the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid stole the show.
The notion that any minivan could be enticing is a strange and foreign concept, let alone a plug-in hybrid minivan. Nonetheless, my time spent in the “Euro Sunday” classic European car exhibit was hastened to see if the FCA Drive booth had a more spirited “test course” set up where I could get my hands on one of these plug-in dad vans.
They did indeed.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Minivan Dad
Without knowing what to expect, my first weapon of choice was the Fiat 500 Abarth. Before embarking, I was persuaded to select the sport mode to get the most out of the 1.4-liter turbocharged power plant. The Fiat rep also clearly stated it permissible to go full throttle. Upon seeing the familiar orange cones on their side indicating a turn ahead (much like an autocross course), I sent the Abarth shouting and popping down the straight. The idea that this course was designed as a road simulation was not abundantly clear until I exclaimed, “who puts speed bumps on an autocross course!?” At which point I was told, it isn’t supposed to be an autocross course.
The word must have gotten out about my intent as the rest of my drive hosts were quite persistent, each said no less than two times: “This is NOT a race track, it is intended to be a road simulation,” before allowing me to start the car. The Fiat 124 Spider was nonetheless fun, and the Charger and Challenger were no less brutish. What I really had my eye on was that big, silvery sparkling, leather-laden behemoth exuding elctro-tech across the lot; the well-appointed Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. On the tight little closed course, it handled like a minivan. No shock there. The appeal of this rig is largely due to having three kids, and family peppered throughout California. The idea of carrying a family of five with baggage for a weekend, and a dog, comfortably and luxuriously, at the rate of 35 mpg is highly alluring.
2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Charlie In Charge
Meandering through the exhibits revealed many desirable and interesting cars, along with many new models that have been cover stories all year: Civic Type R, Aston Martin DB11, and the Acura NSX to name a few. By the time I finished sitting in every driver’s seat that caught my eye, be it a video game-based simulation or parked STI, and smudged my face on all that were locked, the sun was lowering and the drive events were winding down.
I hurried to the Toyota tent and asked to drive whatever was ready now, which happened to be a 2018 C-HR. This is where I met Charlie. The test drive started like any other, except Charlie did not seem to share the opinion that the closed course was a road simulation. He knew what the sideways cones were implying. Consequent to entering the Toyota course, Charlie asked me to stop and wait for his word.
“When I say go, put the pedal to the floor, and don’t let up until I say brake.”
Of course, I did what was asked, convinced that Charlie’s unabashed confidence was related to the whopping 144 horsepower and 139 lb-ft. of torque available. Having become accustomed to the apprehensive approach by other hosts throughout the day, I was almost startled when Charlie began rapidly barking driving instructions: “Tap the brakes here!” “Turn in now!” “Stay to the outside through this turn!” Three crushed cones and a cloud of smoke later, Charlie along with three spectators and I left the course smiling.
2018 Toyota C-HR. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Proper Considerations
I tip my cap to the people of the Sacramento Auto Show. There were many unique cars along with the expected corporate representatives, and too many other things to fully absorb in a few hours. The exhibits were great, the extraordinary show pieces and activities kept you moving from one area to the next. What truly makes this a memorable event is the people who make it happen. If you missed it this year, mark October on your calendar next year and I’ll see you there.
Benjamin Caschera is a car nut in every sense of the word. His eclectic writings range from rants on traffic and wrenching on $500 cars, to adulation of the finest classic and/or latest hypercars. Follow and heckle him on Twitter and Instagram: @TheBoringCarGuy
Cover Photo: Sacramento Auto Show.

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