Automotive

Ford, Roush Develop 700 Horsepower 5.0-Liter Supercharger Kit

Ford, Roush Develop 700 Horsepower 5.0-Liter Supercharger Kit

You know why they put buckles on the back of straight jackets? They do that so even if the crazy person gets out of the sleeves, they can’t undo the buckles and get loose. You know what happens when the nuts get loose? Oh all sorts of bad things. They can start fires and run for Congress or, in the case we have here, cook up a bolt-on supercharger kit that will screw the output of Ford’s 5.0-liter V8 up to seven-hundred horsepower, and then sell it to anyone with cash. This isn’t a great idea. No. This is an insanely great idea!
Crazy Train
To the gearhead, the ones involved really need no introduction. One is Ford Performance. You know, the guys that always answer any question with the phrases “More power! More brakes! More grip!” The other is Roush Performance: the guys that run NASCAR race teams and hand-build engines for Ford GTs. And let us not forget Roush Performance is headed by Jack Roush, a gearhead so bent in his love of speed he crashed his own airplanes, not once but three separate times (by my count), and one of those times included spiking a WWII vintage P-51 Mustang into a lake.
Or to put it another way, they’re the perfect professionals to design and build something like this.
Dual Applications
This, in this case, happens to be a new, state-of-the-art supercharger that peaks at 700 horsepower for the V8-powered 2018 Mustang GT. Ford Performance and Roush Performance rolled the beast out at this year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The blower kit is specifically designed to work with Ford’s evergreen 5.0-liter V8 and the mill’s new port and direct injection fuel systems. Yes, it’s good for 700 ponies but it also offers 610 lb-ft. of torque at 12 psi of boost, running on 93 octane fuel for either the manual or automatic transmission. You can get 93 octane at the pump, right? At least around here I see 93 high test, so, cool, you can run it on pump gas!
Ford and Roush also designed the supercharger to work on the same engine when placed within the bay of a pickup truck. When situated within a 2018 F-150, the plant provides 640 horsepower and 600 lb-ft. of foundation distorting torque.
2018 Ford F-150. Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Strong Relationships
And yeah, this is a literal kit that comes with all installation hardware, instructions, and an exclusive performance calibration set up. The new supercharger kit is also backed by a limited warranty and supported by the Ford Motor Company and Roush network. And no, the installation of this kit will not void any new vehicle warranty. And yes, you can start your screwball cackling right about now.
And let’s not forget these guys, both Ford and Roush, are serious. They have a successful working relationship that goes back more than two decades, and really know their stuff when it comes to squeezing performance out of Ford powertrains. So when they say it’s a complete kit and it’s backed by a warranty, they ain’t joking. They might be a little nuts, but they ain’t joking.
“Ford and Roush have teamed up on performance for years on and off the track,” said Doug White, Global Ford Performance Parts Manager. “This new supercharger is another great example of our innovation in performance, greatly improving horsepower and torque so people can enjoy two of our most iconic vehicles even more.”
The new supercharger kit is warrantied when installed by a Ford dealer or any Automotive Service Excellence-certified (ASE) technician. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
No Regrets
If that’s not good enough, take it from the man his own self: “Our teams collaborated to create the most highly engineered, tested, and performing supercharger kit on the market. The combination of the 2018 5.0-liter engine and our all-new, fully integrated 2650 supercharger system yields simply incredible, no-compromise performance,” shrieked Jack Roush, Chairman, Board of Directors, Roush Performance before a couple of massive guys in white coats threw a net over him, and hauled him back to the Dearborn Center for The Chronically Speed Obsessed Who Are Not Allowed to Have Scissors.
The new supercharger kit will be available early next year through Ford dealers, Ford Performance Warehouse Distributors, and Roush Performance dealers. And, get this, you won’t even need a note from your doctor or therapist, nor a signed release document from a major law firm. America baby, America!
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.

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2018 Civic Type R: Nürburgring First, Now The Showfloor

2018 Civic Type R: Nürburgring First, Now The Showfloor

The 2018 Civic Type R drifted into Honda dealerships this week, following a limited production run of 2017 models. The Civic Type R, the most powerful car Honda has ever sold in the United States, boasted a rather impressive Nürburgring time earlier this year. The starting MSRP is not all that unreasonable either, coming in just shy of $35,000 once the destination charge is applied. The 2018 Civic Type R is available in only one, but fully equipped, trim.
Power & Performance
The Civic Type R has one of Honda’s most advanced turbocharged engines to date. The 2.0-liter is characterized by direct injection, a dual overhead cam, and Honda’s evergreen VTEC technology. The engine creates 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. Other performance goodies include a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission with new, lower gear ratios and a limited slip differential.
Suspension Tech
To combat torque steer, a common condition for front-wheel drive vehicles, a special front (dual-axis strut) and multi-link rear suspension were devised. The combination is meant to provide stability under both acceleration and braking while reducing body roll. The Adaptive Damper System continually adjusts damping force at all four corners for better overall handling, and is connected to the Three-Mode Driving System: comfort, sport, and the more track-oriented +R mode. The damper, steering, and throttle responses are modified according to the selected mode.
Photo: Honda North America.
Connectivity & Safety
Connectivity features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition. The vehicle has a host of advanced safety features too: Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control, Advanced 4-Channel ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution, and a multi-angle rearview camera among others.
The 2018 Civic Type R for the U.S. market is manufactured exclusively at Honda’s Swindon, UK plant, while the engines are produced in Anna, Ohio.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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Toyota’s U.S. Diamond Anniversary Brings Back Fond Memories

Toyota’s U.S. Diamond Anniversary Brings Back Fond Memories

Wow, did you know Toyota has been selling cars in America for 60 years? Me either. I’m not sure whether it seems longer than that, or shorter. One way or another, here we are. And what started out with the Toyopet Crown eventually led to all sorts of goodies; from ultra-dependable trucks to performance-centric Supras beloved by gearheads.
Bold Introductions
Toyota starts off its celebrations with this passage straight out of a Raymond Chandler noir detective novel: “When Toyota launched its North American headquarters in a Hollywood, California dealership on October 31, 1957, it was, no doubt, a frightening affair.” But that’s about as pulpy as it gets. For Toyota, there’s no gunsels with heaters, dames with gams that go on for days, or laughing fat men that know the score; just lots of cars, trucks, and profits. Boatloads of profits.
Rolling The Dice
Like I said, for Toyota in America, it all started with the Toyopet Crown, which the company flat out admits “didn’t turn out to be a screaming success.” But since leading off with a less-than-impressive car in a 3,000 square foot, one-time Rambler dealership (Bonus points if you know what a Rambler is. More bonus points if you’ve ever driven a Rambler. And even more bonus points if you’ve ever worked on one. Hint: I’ve done all three), Toyota has intertwined their products into the structure of every day American life. And now, 60 years later, Toyota has grown very far indeed beyond that humble Hollywood dealership. Sales locations in every state, 10 manufacturing facilities, almost 1,500 Toyota and Lexus dealerships, and 136,000 U.S. employees. Yeah, you can say that Toyota’s sixty-year-old bet paid off.
To mark its 60th anniversary, Toyota moved and rededicated its 50th anniversary time capsule from its former Torrance, California headquarters to their new HQ in Plano, Texas. The capsule included goodies like a 2000GT – that would be a Matchbox die cast, not the real thing (perish the thought, 2KGTs are into the seven figures now), an original key for a 1977 Toyota Hilux truck, and a scale model of Toyota’s Formula One racer. The new time capsule will be re-opened on the company’s 100th anniversary in 2057.
Toyota Toyopet Crown. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
All-Star Lineup
Toyota makes no bones about the fact they got to where they are in the American market because of their cars. Sure, the 1950s had that questionable Toyopet Crown, but it also saw the launch of the now-legendary Land Cruiser. The ’60s saw the introduction of the Corolla, a car so wildly successful it became one of the best-selling nameplates in the world. The ’70s got the Celica which spawned the Supra spinoff (blessed be its horsepower, torque, and terminal velocity). The ’80s brought us the 4Runner and the Camry, an automotive equivalent of a beige anvil: as inoffensive as it was indestructible.
By the early ’90s, Toyota had branched into the luxury market with Lexus, and then introduced the Tacoma pickup, RAV4, Avalon, and Sienna, with the Lexus GS, LX, and RX. The new century saw an entry market spin-off division, Scion. And let us not forget Toyota are the folks responsible for the Prius.
The Toyota Tacoma Xtracab SR5 had a half year model in 1995, seen here in this picture. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Opening Doors
Toyota was shrewd about how they achieved success in North America, and cites the 1970s as a particularly critical time. That was when Toyota opened design and manufacturing facilities here in the U.S., rather than keeping them all in Japan. Its first U.S. production was with Atlas Fabricators of Long Beach to make truck beds. The ’70s also saw the opening of the Toyota Technical Center (which just celebrated its 40th anniversary in May), the opening of their U.S. R&D facility, and the opening of Calty Design Research in Southern California.
Since then, there have been full-blown manufacturing facilities opened in California and Kentucky, along with the addition of Toyota Motor Credit Corporation. Further manufacturing expansions saw vehicle and parts plants in Indiana, West Virginia, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas, Missouri, and Mississippi.
In 2016, Toyota achieved a record year of North American production, with 2,124,608 vehicles assembled across all North American facilities. Toyota’s vehicle production in North America since 1986 totals more than 30 million. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Bright Future
What’s next? More high-tech stuff, of course. The Toyota Research Institute continues to explore the possibilities with autonomous vehicles, robotics, vehicle safety, and materials science. And just last year, Toyota Connected was created to use data to personalize the customer driving experience.
“Celebrating our anniversary isn’t just about the products we’ve sold the past 60 years,” said Jim Lentz, Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Motor North America. “It’s also about celebrating Toyota’s thousands of employees who will help the company embark on the next leg of its American journey and continuing to improve our products and services for our customers.”
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: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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McLaren 720S Spider: Performance Necessary, Roof Optional

McLaren 720S Spider: Performance Necessary, Roof Optional The McLaren 720S Spider is remarkably similar to its stablemate, the 720S.
The Monocage II-S is one of the most impressive things about the Spider’s design.
However, wait until you see the tinted/transparent roof feature.
To make a good car even better, remove the top. Or so goes the old saying, and it’s one I usually agree with. In this case, we’re talking about the new Spider variant of the already impressive McLaren 720S. People really do seem to love this car, and the specs of the McLaren 720S Spider are very impressive.
McLaren says this new Spider mirrors the Coupé in almost every aspect and that’s fair.
So, what’s the drop-top like?
Power & Performance: A Similar Story
Basically, the 720S Spider is a match to its hard-top brother, the 720S. It’s powered by the same 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, designed and built in-house by McLaren. That’s good enough for 710 bhp and 568 lb-ft. of torque and, for the Spider, a power-to-weight ratio of 533 bhp/ton. Impressive as one would expect.
This all adds up to a zero to 60 mph time of 2.8 seconds, same as the 720S Coupé. 124 mph is reached in 7.9 seconds, and the whole thing tops out at 212 mph with the roof up, 202 mph with it down. Either of those figures are attention grabbing, but hitting the double ton with the wind in your hair must be something.
McLaren says the new 720S Spider is the “most accomplished convertible supercar ever from McLaren” and I’ll take them at their word. Although the qualifier there, “from McLaren” does away with pointing out convertibles that are even faster and quicker, like Porsche’s 918 and the Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta.
McLaren describes the drivetrain of the 720S Spider as a “longitudinal mid-engine, rear-wheel” design. Photo: McLaren Automotive.
To make a good car even better, remove the top. Or so goes the old saying. In this case, we're talking about the new Spider variant of the already impressive @McLarenAuto 720S.Click To TweetEssential Foundations: The Heart of the Matter
McLaren is right, however, to crow about their Monocage II-S. Essentially, the Monocage is like a roll cage you’d bolt and weld into your car, but it differs in two important ways. First, it’s made of carbon fiber, so it’s lighter and just as strong, and two, the Monocage II-S is the car. Everything connects to the Monocage; you sit inside its cozy confines, secure in the rollover protection it provides.
In the case of the Spider, it’s worth pointing out how the Monocage needs no additional strengthening over how it’s designed and integrated into Coupé. In other words, the Spider is just as stiff as the Coupe.
Impressive McLaren, very impressive.
The carbon fiber body structure is bespoke, of course, and built in-house (McLaren must have autoclaves all over the place). Normally, drop tops weigh more than their hard top counterparts. This is true for the 720S Spider, but not all that bad. Dry, the McLaren 720S Spider tips the scales at 2,937 lbs., just 108 lbs. more than the 720S Coupé. Nice!
McLaren says their new Spider is “194 lbs. less than the dry weight of its closest competitor,” but they don’t say who that is.
The McLaren 720S Spider lets drivers choose between three handling modes: Comfort, Sport, or Track. Photo: McLaren Automotive.
@McLarenAuto says their new Spider is 194 lbs. less than the dry weight of its closest competitor, but they don't say who that is.Click To TweetFast Car Magic
Another neat trick is how the panels and such comprise the retractable roof itself. For starters, the flying buttresses are glazed and transparent. This significantly ups the visibility (practical) and highlights the aerodynamic cleanliness of the design. They also say it increases downforce, but never elaborate beyond that.
The roof itself, or the “carbon fiber roof system” as McLaren terms it, is patented (natch), electrically-actuated and lowers (and closes back up) in 11 seconds, up to 31 mph. That’s nice, and dropping that top while on the move is everso stylish.
However, someone needs to tell the boys from Woking the Ferrari Superamerica from 2005 could flip its lid in nine seconds flat.
Another trick they cribbed from the Ferrari Superamerica is the retractable hard top on the McLaren 720S Spider. It’s available glazed, with an electrochromic glass panel that can rapidly switch between tinted and transparent. This is like those eye glasses that darken as needed, only the driver controls how dark, or how transparent the roof is.

Someone should tell the boys from Woking the Ferrari Superamerica from 2005 could flip its lid in nine seconds flat.Click To TweetPricing & Availability
So, how much? Very much. Prices for the McLaren 720S Spider start at $315,000. Deliveries to customers are expected to start by March. The 720S Spider is second new model under McLaren Automotive’s Track25 business plan.
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.
McLaren 720S Spider Gallery

Photos & Source: McLaren Automotive.

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2020 Honda Passport Specs, Price, Redesign

Great SUV-made Honda has indeed been tested will be its quality, this time 2020 Honda Passport car would be one that would probably be the choice for you. many great features that will be available in the latest generation of 2020 Honda Passport. Rumors circulating the design of this car may just be the same as the Honda Pilot, and his price probably would be the same. Still, not a lot of information we could give about Honda Passport.

2020 Honda Passport

2020 Honda Passport Interior and Exterior

The new generation Honda Passport is an extremely attractive car that will supply excellent features for the revenue. new 2020 Honda Passport comes with a fashionable grille and as well as attractive searching LED headlight. Also, the new taillights might be powered using the very same LED system. From the images that we acquired, 2020 Honda Passport looks smaller than the three-row brother Honda Pilot. Furthermore, we will see that this car is by some means similar to the Honda CR-V model that provides ample cargo room. New exterior color selections might be the same as to the Honda Pilot and we’ll see colors like White Diamond Pearl, Obsidian Blue Pearl, Deep Scarlet Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Black Forest Pearl and Crystal Black Pearl.

Within the interior cabin, 2020 Honda Passport uses the design familiar in the larger Honda Pilot and give a comparable tools variety. The same wheelbase as the three-row Honda Pilot offers, nevertheless, aggressive passenger and cargo room. With all the all 5-seats in perform, the new model offers 41,1 cubes on the cargo space even though without passengers from the rear row the capability shrinks to 100 cubes. The Honda Passport has also quite a few storage compartments and an abundance of the legroom in each row.

As to the accessible equipment, The New Honda Passport starts together with the cloth upholstery, keyless ignition, LED headlights, etc. The typical gear incorporates also the 7,2-inch TFT instrument cluster display, a 5-inch center screen, USB connectivity and Bluetooth, and so forth. The EX-L trim adds an 8-inch touchscreen with all the smartphone assistance, leather upholstery, electrical power tailgate, heated front seats, etc. The Touring trim improves with the heated rear seats, parking sensors, a wi-fi hotspot and so on. The range-topping model has the cooled seats, heated steering wheel, distinctive trim accents and much more.

Read More : 2020 Lexus ES 350 Redesign, Release Date, Price

Engine Performance

New Honda Passport adopts the Honda Pilot-based underpinning as well as an exact same engine at the same time. A 3.4-liter V6 engine helps make 285 horsepower and torque of 260 pound-feet. The 9-speed automated transmission sends the power on the front wheel by default. The obtainable four-wheel drive and enhanced trip height, when compared with the three-row Pilot and mixed using the shorter overhangs, boost the off-road capability over the Pilot’s but the Honda Passport stays the soft off-roader.

2020 Honda Passport Release Date and Price

There is no certainty about the price and also the release date for 2020 Honda Passport. Our speculations say that this car will probably start on sale earlier in the year 2020 with the price up to 30, 000.

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2019 GMC Terrain Denali Review: Compelling Choice Overall

2019 GMC Terrain Denali Review: Compelling Choice Overall 90GOOD 2019 GMC Terrain DenaliOverall Impression-Nice to have all-wheel drive available.-Ride is fairly comfortable on the open road.
-A more compelling choice among smaller SUVs.
ProsEngine Performance Comfortable & Upscale CabinIntuitive Touchscreen Interfaces ConsWind Noise (Higher Speeds)Less Cargo Capacity vs. Competition The 2019 GMC Terrain has the same footprint as the Chevy Equinox. However, the Terrain received new exterior styling to make it a lot tamer for consumers. The new 2.0-liter turbo should give families enough power and some fuel mileage gains as well.
This week, we’ve been driving the top-of-the-line, 2019 GMC Terrain Denali with all-wheel drive.
What’s New For 2019
The 2019 GMC Terrain receives an upgraded rearview camera and new appearance packages. Adaptive Cruise Control and Front Pedestrian Braking are now part of the available Driver Alert Package II.
Smokey Quartz Metallic joins the color palette for 2019.
Features & Options: Two Safety Packages Worth Noting
The 2019 GMC Terrain AWD Denali ($39,500) comes with leather seats, an eight-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, blind-spot monitors, a 110-volt power outlet, remote start, power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Denali receives unique styling cues and interior trim, as well as Denali-specific 19-inch wheels and LED headlights.
The Driver Alert II package ($745) added low-speed forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking; lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The Denali’s Comfort package ($450) added ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, plus a wireless phone charging pad.
The Advanced Safety package ($745) included a surround-view parking camera and an automated parking system. Total MSRP including destination: $43,650. By comparison, the 2019 GMC Terrain starts at $25,000.
2019 GMC Terrain Denali.
Interior Highlights: Clear & Bright
Stepping inside reveals leather seats with plenty of bolstering, lots of soft-touch materials, brushed aluminum trim, and plenty of power adjustments to help find the perfect driving position. The first thing we noticed was the unique push/pull space-saving gear shifter in front of the console. It took us awhile to get used to it, but it does add extra storage space in the console and room for the smartphone charger.
The seating position in the Denali’s cabin seems lower than before, which makes the Terrain feel less SUV-like. The infotainment system is straight-forward and simple, with the eight-inch screen’s big icons. The display is clear, bright, responsive, and fast, all without too many features or too much information.
The backseat has plenty of room for adults, and rear passengers will appreciate the tall doors, so there’s less ducking to climb in. However, the flat seat bottoms won’t be comfortable for long trips. The seats fold mostly flat to provide 63.3 cubic feet of cargo space, less than the competition. Behind the rear seats there is 29.6 cubic feet available.
There’s a handy storage compartment underneath the rear cargo deck. The front passenger seat folds flat to accommodate longer items like 2x4s and kayaks.
2019 GMC Terrain Denali interior layout with cargo.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2019 GMC Terrain Denali is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder, making 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque. When properly equipped, the Terrain Denali tows 3,500 lbs. Mated to a nine-speed automatic with all-wheel drive, it offers peppy acceleration and gets an EPA-estimated 21/26 city/highway and 23 combined mpg.
Fuel tank capacity for all-wheel drive models is 15.6 gallons; 14.9 gallons for front-wheel drive models.
When compared at random to other possible choices, the GMC Terrain is about average for fuel economy.
The turbo offers steady power and a cool whistling sound as it climbs through the gears.Click To TweetDriving Dynamics: We Avoided The Deer!
The transmission pairs nicely with the new 252 horsepower turbo engine, and it felt strong during our quick runs up I-70 west of Denver. The turbo offers steady power and a cool whistling sound as it climbs through the gears. We found ourselves wanting steering wheel paddle shifters which aren’t offered on the Terrain. Our other complaint is the noticeable amount of wind noise coming from the outside mirrors at higher speeds.
The 2019 GMC Terrain is designed more toward comfort than cornering ability. We took it through the tight mountain curves and there was enough body lean to remind us we weren’t in a sports sedan. The suspension offers poised and predictable handling in all situations; the ride overall is comfortable on the highway and you hardly feel the bumps on rough pavement.
The Denali has a higher state of suspension tune and 19-inch wheels with better all-season tires. It tracks true and smooth, but doesn’t offer much feedback. Still, it helped us avoid a deer in the mountains west of Denver during our seat time.
The optional all-wheel drive on our Denali tester is a part-time system, activated by a knob on the console with different traction modes. It’s easier than other all-wheel drive units without the ability to self-activate.

Conclusion: A Compelling Choice
The 2019 GMC Terrain represents a more compelling choice in the smaller, five-passenger crossover segment. The Denali trim ramps up the level of luxury too. It’s comfortable, easy to drive, and comes standard with one of the best infotainment interfaces in the class.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 GMC Terrain Gallery

Photos: GMC

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Can The Ford Raptor Take On Santa’s Sleigh? You Might Be Surprised

Can The Ford Raptor Take On Santa’s Sleigh? You Might Be Surprised Is the 2019 Ford Raptor more capable than Santa’s sleigh?
A comparison chart from FordPartsOnSale.com provides some insight.
The Raptor is as tough as they come but can anything top St. Nick’s sled?
As we speak, Santa is preparing for his yearly journey around the world, stopping at every house along the way. The only evidence of his visit are the missing cookies, empty glass of milk and, of course, a tree surrounded by presents. Kids this year will hide under their covers, pretending they are asleep in hopes they will hear Rudolph and company land on the roof.
Some adults may even do the same.
You’re never too old to believe in miracles.
Secret Formulas & Worthy Challengers
Year after year, Santa gets it done. But what’s his secret? We know it’s not good diet and exercise. Perhaps it’s a youthful elixir? Or the joy of being married for many years to Mrs. Claus? Or maybe, the secret is Santa’s sleigh being among the most powerful muscle “cars” in history.
To make such a journey in one night, you would need a truly fast machine. It’s unlikely any vehicle today could match the tinsel-powered, candy cane-colored gift-hauler that is Santa’s sleigh. Just recently, the 2018 Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE came close, but still couldn’t best Santa’s hot rod.
Now the 2019 Ford Raptor is jockeying for position.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Setting The Stage
A new comparison chart from FordPartsOnSale.com shows what happens when the 2019 Ford Raptor gets in the ring with Santa’s Sleigh. Breaking down the specs of each vehicle, the team at FordPartsOnSale.com found themselves with two solid competitors on their hands. At first, it seemed as if Santa’s sleigh had it in the bag (no pun intended) but the Raptor clawed its way back (also no pun intended).
“This new generation of Raptor has lost a few hundred pounds, adapts to terrain changes, and has a Trail Control system,” said Don Heelon, Parts Manager at FordPartsOnSale.com. “It can crawl where necessary, race through deserts and highways, plow through snow, and even fly, if only for a second.”
Climbing & Scaling
The 2019 Ford Raptor makes use of its electronically-controlled, Fox 3.0 Internal Bypass shocks with LIVE Valve Technology. The Trail Control system automatically adjusts power and braking force to each wheel. The system feeds engine torque to the wheels for climbing, braking them eventually (and individually) for a smooth trip down the other side.
Trail Control works between one and 20 mph, depending on the driveline position.
This means the Raptor climbs up the side of your house, to your chimney, then back down again with ease.

Cookies & Reindeer Versus Fuel & Horses
Raptor wins in fuel economy too. The truck’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost nets 15/18 mpg city/highway versus Santa’s sleigh which requires one to two cookies per house! I’m sure Santa’s doctors caution him about his cholesterol, or at least we hope. Also, there are no exact figures on how much milk the sleigh needs (still waiting to hear from the North Pole) but we figure a glass per house, minimum.
And if we’re talking engine and transmission? The Ford Raptor sticks it to Santa’s sleigh with 450 horses which, by comparison, is powered by only nine reindeer. The Raptor has a 10-speed automatic, much more agreeable than trying to direct those ornery reindeer around the world on a chilly Christmas Eve.
So the Raptor seems to have this one. However . . . .
Designed & Engineered In The North Pole
Someone taught the elves how to build toys, so it follows that St. Nick is a tremendous engineer. Although true the Ford Raptor will catch air off-road, Santa’s sled is actually riding in the air. Ford trucks do tout their payload capacity, yet not even Dearborn’s mightiest can out haul the North Pole’s finest.
Ford trucks can certainly move your adult toys like a speed boat, but Santa’s sled hauls a boatload of toys with impressive speed. And just how fast is Santa’s sleigh? FordPartsOnSale.com pegs the zero to 60 time as 1/32 of a millisecond. The Raptor? 5.1 seconds.
No contest.
The Ford Raptor might catch some air, some of the time, but Santa’s sleigh is always in the air.
@Ford trucks do tout their payload capacity, yet not even Dearborn's mightiest can out haul the North Pole's finest.Click To TweetTough Breaks For The Ford Raptor
The comparison chart from FordPartsOnSale.com is below, with one you can share on social media here. Santa’s sleigh wins for now, but we anticipate the Raptor will try again next year. If that’s the case, Santa must overhaul his sleigh once this holiday season passes. The pressure is on.
For now it’s a tough break for the Raptor. However, there is some consolation for truck fans hoping St. Nick will swap his ride.
“If Santa had to travel on the ground, he’d want a Ford Raptor,” Heelon said.
Enjoy the comparison chart. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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 Ford Raptor Photos: Ford Motor Company.

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Can The Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE Take On Santa’s Sleigh?

Can The Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE Take On Santa’s Sleigh? Is the 2018 Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE faster than Santa’s sleigh?
A comparison chart from GMPartsCenter.net provides some insight.
At first, it seems close – really close – but a clear winner does emerge.
When I was a kid, I wondered how Santa Claus made it around the world, to every house, in just one night. My parents and I lived in an apartment, which only complicated matters. Since we didn’t have a chimney, one year I asked my father how Santa was going to get in. When my father, a distinguished college professor, assured me he would leave the patio door unlocked, I inquired if that were safe.
“It’s a small town, we should be fine,” my father responded.
Super Sled
Still, Santa would need a fast rig to make every house and a new Camaro sounds like the ticket. Last year, the 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE set a record time on the Nürburgring, making it the fastest Camaro ever on the famed German track. With a supercharged LT4 engine and Brembo high-performance brakes, the Camaro ZL1 1LE would be Santa’s ideal car. After all, when you go from house to house, you have to quickly accelerate, then stop suddenly.
But don’t expect to see Santa at a Chevy dealership anytime soon. Turns out, old St. Nick’s sleigh is one powerful machine. A comparison done by GMPartsCenter.net shows that while the Camaro ZL1 1LE might be every Chevy enthusiasts dream, its 650 horses are hotly contested by only nine reindeer.
“What could we compare to the new Camaro ZL1 1LE,” asked Matt Mylan, Director at GMPartsCenter.net, noting the car’s affordable price point and performance attributes. “If we’re going to compare it to any machine, that machine has to be amazing, and Santa’s sleigh definitely qualifies.”

Chevy Versus Sleigh
The Camaro holds an advantage in fuel efficiency, with a combined 20 miles per gallon. By comparison, Santa’s sleigh requires one to two cookies per house, meaning St. Nick’s sled consumes a considerable amount of fuel. While milk was not calculated, you can figure a good amount of that is needed too.
When considering the transmission, Santa’s mode of transportation proves a bit more difficult. One would have to master all of his special reindeer calls, whereas the Camaro ZL1 1LE comes with a quick-shifting six-speed manual.
It would appear the Camaro ZL1 1LE holds the advantage in power: 650 horses versus nine reindeer, but it seems Rudolph is a sleeper. GMPartsCenter.net estimates the top speed of Santa’s sleigh is 2.3 million miles per hour, with 60 coming in less than a millisecond.
With cargo space, there is no contest. Only a few gifts (or maybe only gift cards) will fit in the Camaro. With all the kids in the world, GMPartsCenter.net rightfully estimated the cargo space in Santa’s sled to be infinite. After all, Santa has to make room for all those fire trucks.
The chart is below. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!
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.

Camaro ZL1 1LE Photos: Chevrolet.

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2019 Porsche Macan S: Holding The Middle Ground

2019 Porsche Macan S: Holding The Middle Ground The 2019 Porsche Macan S features a turbo-charged V6 with nearly 350 horsepower.
Porsche’s Sport Chrono package allows for a slightly quicker zero to 60 time.
I’ve heard nothing but glowing praise for Porsche’s mid-sized SUV, the Macan. Everyone I’ve read or talked to says it handles great (for an SUV) and now, with the addition of a new V6 turbo, 2019 looks better for those considering the purchase of a German SUV.
“More power, optimized chassis, improved comfort,” or so sayeth Porsche. And all those things sound good to me. Especially the more power and improved comfort parts. Macans seem like a good middle ground in a lot of ways, for the Euro SUV consumer. Stylish, fast and all that stuff, but not as off-road capable as its big brother, the Cayenne.
Hence the interest in “improved comfort.”
For some (read Americans) the Macan might not be big enough. It sure seems to work in urban environments, but for the long haul, driving form Chicago to New Orleans, for example, it might not work. So “improving comfort” for the occupants might translate into more North American sales.
Now, about that new engine.
2019 Porsche Macan S. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Zero To 60: Respectable Indeed
The 2019 Porsche Macan S comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, putting out 348 horsepower and 354 lb-ft. of torque. Healthy. That new plant marks a bump in both horsepower and torque over the older 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 used in previous versions of the Macan S.
Bottom line: zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with the Sport Chrono package and a top track (ha!) speed of 157 mph. By comparison, the zero to 60 time is 5.1 seconds without the Sport Chrono package.
Not bad for a “truck.”
Related: The history of Porsche is chronicled in this fantastic book.
All About The “V”
This new V6 mill will be shared with the Panamera, Cayenne, and Cayenne E-Hybrid models. As is the engineering fashion these days, the single twin-scroll turbocharger lives centrally within the inner-V of the engine. Yes, I know, there’s sound engineering reasons for this – shorter exhaust paths from the combustion chambers to the turbocharger, improved responsiveness – and yes, I know I am no engineer, but boy, stuffing a high-heat application right there in the middle of the engine sure gives me the heebie-jeebies, thermally speaking.
But hey, if a bunch of engineers from Stuttgart say it’s okay, who am I to argue?
Porsche goes on to say how the exhaust gasses feed continuously into the turbine wheel for lower lag times. Stuttgart also tweaked the combustion chamber geometry with centrally positioned fuel injectors for more efficient mixture formation.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Braking & Chassis: Improvements All Around
And, since this is a Porsche, the braking is fantastic. Porsche says you’ll notice a discernable improvement in brake pedal feel. The Macan’s new pedal is 300 grams lighter and connects to the master cylinder through a shorter lever arm. The new Macan S also adds larger front brake discs, up by 10 millimeters in diameter and two millimeters in thickness to 360 by 36 millimeters.
If that’s not enough, the Macan S can also be had with the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake system.
The chassis upgrades include staggered front and rear tires, along with Porsche Traction Management/all-wheel drive as standard. Front axle strut forks are made from aluminum (away go the previous steel components), unsprung mass is down, the anti-roll bars get a re-tune, and the steering is more precise. Porsche even cribbed the optional GT Sport steering wheel from the 911 for the Macan S.
Porsche’s Active Stability Management, a height-adjustable air suspension with improved rolling pistons, new shock absorber hydraulics, and Porsche’s Torque Vectoring Plus are optionally available.
As is the engineering fashion these days, @Porsche has the twin-scroll turbocharger centrally within the inner-V of the engine. Click To TweetPhoto: 2019 Porsche Macan S interior layout. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Extra Stuff: Air Ionizers & Heated Windshields
There’s a host of tech goodies too. The Porsche Communication Management system is standard with online navigation and real-time traffic information, two audio interfaces, smartphone connections, and intelligent voice controls. Finally, there is an LTE phone module, SIM card reader, and Wi-Fi hotspot.
A heated windshield is available, along with an optional cabin air ionizer.
Pricing & Availability
The 2019 Porsche Macan S will be at your local Porsche store this summer, with starting price of $59,650. That’s not bad at all, considering this a Porsche.
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.
2019 Porsche Macan S Gallery

Photos & Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

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