Automotive

2020 Toyota Corolla XSE Review: Not Perfect But Much Improved

2020 Toyota Corolla XSE Review: Not Perfect But Much Improved 91Solid 2020 Toyota Corolla XSEOverall Impression Good fuel economy.Ideal for younger buyers. Improved styling & design.ProsNice Interior Safety & Tech Features ConsCargo Space CVT Feel (At Times) The 2020 Toyota Corolla gets a full redesign, making it more competitive against some very strong rivals like the Honda Civic. The Civic is the best-selling sedan in the U.S., and is the top dog in an already highly-competitive segment. For 2020, the Corolla gains a bit more personality while material quality improves; both of which were among the drawbacks of the previous generation. The new Corolla also gets updated exterior styling, while the interior receives a much improved overhaul.
This week, we’ve been driving the top-of-the-line, 2020 Toyota Corolla XSE.
Toyota Corolla XSE: What’s New For 2020?
The Toyota Corolla is fully redesigned for the 2020 model year, now riding on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA). Trim levels include L, LE, SE, XLE, and XSE, with the SE and XSE grades receiving a new 2.0-liter engine. A hybrid option is also available, which combines a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas engine with two motors/generators. If you would rather have a hatchback, you’re in luck. The Toyota Corolla also comes as a hot hatch for the 2020 model year.
2020 Toyota Corolla.
Features & Options: Safety & Tech Treatments
Our 2020 Toyota Corolla XSE tester ($25,450) came standard with LED headlights, automatic high beams, a rearview camera, and 60/40-split folding rear seats. The newly-redesigned sedan also gets Toyota’s Safety Connect emergency communications suite; Bluetooth capability; Wi-Fi hotspot; seven-inch touchscreen; USB port; Apple CarPlay and a six-speaker sound system. Advanced safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and a traffic sign reader.
18-inch alloy wheels, upgraded headlights, sporty exterior treatments, power-adjustable front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel were among the other features on our 2020 Corolla tester. In addition, the XSE comes with heated front seats, an eight-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and blind-spot monitoring. The XSE also gets the new and more powerful 2.0-liter engine and CVT automatic.
The 2020 Toyota Corolla XSE comes standard with Entune 3.0 Audio Plus.
Features & Options: Connectivity & Infotainment
Connectivity options seem nearly endless for the 2020 Toyota Corolla. The LE and SE grades get Entune 3.0 Audio with an eight-inch touchscreen and two USB ports. Above that, Entune 3.0 Audio Plus (standard on XSE and XLE – optional on SE CVT) adds HD Radio and Weather/Traffic info; SiriusXM with Cache Radio; Entune 3.0 Connected Services; Service Connect, and Remote Connect. Going even further is the Entune 3.0 Audio Premium package that’s optional on XSE and XLE. This includes a nine-speaker JBL audio system, voice recognition, navigation, points of interest search, and Destination Assist Connect.
Our XSE tester came with the optional Connectivity Package which included the premium JBL audio system; and the Advanced Lighting Package with an adaptive front lighting system and ambient interior lighting. Total MSRP including destination: $29,168. By comparison, the 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan starts at $19,600.
2020 Toyota Corolla XSE interior layout.
Interior Highlights: Sleek & Clean
The redesigned Corolla cabin is sleek, with the eight-inch infotainment touchscreen sitting prominently on the dash for easy access. Material quality is up as fewer hard plastics and more soft-touch surfaces decorate the cabin. The new dash is layered and more modern looking than the outgoing model.
The XSE’s front sport seats are comfortable and didn’t leave us feeling tired after a number of longer commutes to the city. With power adjustability we found the perfect driving position quite easily. Visibility improves by Toyota moving the side mirrors to the door panels, making space for an extra quarter-window within the door frame. Side and rear views are better as well, but the sedan does come with blind-spot monitoring just in case.
Room in the back seat is what you would expect for a compact car. Taller adults will not want to ride more than short distances but it’s a perfect environment for kids to spend time. If you need to carry extra cargo, the back seats fold down, but not entirely flat, which might prevent you from hauling some larger items. The 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan comes with 13 cubic feet of trunk space, which is a bit below average in this segment.
Related: The case for sedans and why they are still important.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2020 Toyota Corolla XSE is powered by a new 2.0-liter engine producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft. of torque. Toyota says the engine is smaller and lighter, helping to lower the Corolla’s center of gravity while improving fuel economy. It comes mated to a specialized CVT automatic (Dynamic-Shift CVT) with steering wheel paddle shifters and a Sport mode. Some models are eligible for a six-speed manual transmission with downshift rev-matching control.
EPA fuel mileage estimates come in at 31/38 city/highway and 34 combined mpg. When it comes to fuel economy, the 2020 Toyota Corolla is right in line with the competition.
The 2020 Toyota Corolla has slimmer A-pillars to help with visibility.
Driving Dynamics: Eager To Find Out
Toyota says the 2020 Corolla is the most fun-to-drive yet, and we would concur it is better than the previous generation. Eager to find out, we immediately took the Corolla on the mountain roads near where this journalist lives west of Denver. After throwing the sedan around a few tight corners it was clear, the new Corolla, although better, is not the leader when it comes to topping the fun-to-drive meter. We would reserve that to the VW Golf and Honda Civic.
Driving Dynamics: Getting Used To The CVT
The Corolla XSE we tested comes standard with what Toyota lists as a sport suspension and transmission. The new Corolla uses a physical first gear to get moving, then shifts to the CVT to maintain the car’s momentum. We used the paddle shifters that allow selection of 10 simulated speeds that react quickly, but there’s a distinct pause with each pull up. We found ourselves shifting to auto and letting the transmission do everything itself.
The combination of the new 2.0-liter four-cylinder and CVT in our XSE tester proved more than adequate for our daily commutes to the city. Even though it’s not a sports car, the new Corolla is a competent urban commuter.
Toyota says the multi-link rear suspension is an advancement versus the torsion beam in the previous model.
Conclusion: A Solid Competitor
At the top-of-the-lineup, the 2020 Toyota Corolla XSE gets plenty of improvements to make it a serious competitor against the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. The new Corolla still comes with Toyota’s reputation for reliability, and for the average consumer that’s a hard trait to beat. It comes with a long list of safety and tech features, improved styling, and even offers a comfortable ride.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his firsthand reviews are archived on our test drives page. Follow Denis on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2020 Toyota Corolla XSE Gallery

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

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Top Companies for Extended Warranties for Cars Over 100k Miles

Top Companies for Extended Warranties for Cars Over 100k Miles Purchasing an extended warranty for a car with 100,000 miles has it advantages. Learn what providers have the best protection for older vehicles, including why we choose CARCHEX.
See which vehicles last the longest, which ones are deemed unreliable, and how a service contract can benefit you and your wallet.
Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.
Today’s cars last much longer than your grandfather’s first – or even third – car. In fact, the average age of a car in 2016 was nearly 12 years old, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. That’s four to five years older than the average car in the 1990s.
You’re likely to put well over 100,000 miles on your car, and many manufacturer warranties expire before that mark. An extended warranty for cars over 100,000 miles, however, can give you continued coverage and peace of mind for even the most expensive repairs.
Below, we break down reputable options for buying an extended warranty on an older car, including our pick: CARCHEX.
To get a free, tailored-to-you CARCHEX quote from one of their representatives, call 866-254-0205 or visit the CARCHEX website.
Is An Extended Auto Warranty Worth It?
It certainly can be. An extended warranty is a service contract rather than a legal warranty, so it will always cost extra, because it’s not included with your car’s purchase. It’s best to get an extended warranty if the price is the same or less than the cost of expected repairs.
It also depends on your lifestyle and vehicle. Consider getting an extended warranty if these points pertain to you:
Your car’s manufacturer’s warranty only lasts three to five years.
You have an older vehicle that will most likely need major, costly repairs.
Extended warranties are a great option for used cars purchased privately.
Long commutes or frequent travel push you past your factory warranty quickly.
Your vehicle type has known (and often specific) problems, especially as mileage increases.
You find comfort in the idea of something that takes care of all aspects of car repair for you, including towing and roadside assistance.
If your vehicle requires any type of repair related to general wear and tear, then an extended warranty might not be the most cost-effective option. Always make sure to read the provider’s contract for full coverage details.
What Should Your Extended Car Warranty Include?
Don’t choose an extended warranty that skimps on repairs and dodges on its promises. If your engine is kaput and the service contract only covers repairs on the most meaningless parts, then you’re in for a headache. Coverage is key, and there are two main types.
Powertrain
A powertrain warranty covers only the most important components of the car, which makes it a cheaper and longer contract. With powertrain coverage, you’ll get protection for certain parts of these components:
Engine
Rear axle
Front axle
Driveshaft
Transmission
We can’t guarantee every part of your car’s engine or driveshaft will be covered, but many warranty services can have extensive coverage under more expensive plans.
Bumper to Bumper
If your old car is giving you breakdown anxiety, then a bumper-to-bumper warranty is the best type of extended warranty, especially for cars over 100,000 miles. While it won’t cover every single part of the car, it can cover other important components of your braking and electronic systems, along with lighting, suspension, air conditioning, and power steering. Of course, this type of coverage will come at a higher price.
Some extended auto warranties will have an added bonus of flexibility for covered auto repair shops, as well as additional reimbursement for rental car services or towing. It’s always a good idea to ask about these features.
The best car warranties include benefits like roadside assistance and reimbursement for towing and rental cars.
Who Are The Most Reputable Extended Car Warranty Companies?
There are over a dozen extended warranty companies, but we picked five of the top providers for cars with more than 100,000 miles. Most extended auto warranty companies offer multiple plans, from powertrain-only warranties to full-coverage options similar to your car’s factory warranty. We picked plans best suited for high-mileage vehicles.
CARCHEX and Endurance specifically advertise plans meant for vehicles with greater than 90,000 miles, though CARCHEX has many available plans at competitive prices compared to just four plans from Endurance. Delta Auto Protect offers only three warranty plans.
Gold Coverage by CARCHEX
Max 10-year coverage:
A/C
Engine
Braking
Steering
Electrical
Drive Axle
Transmission
Fuel Delivery
Stated Component Coverage by AA Auto Protection
Max coverage varies:
Brakes
Heating
Cooling
Steering
Electrical
Drive Axle
Suspension
Fuel Delivery
Transmission
Gas/Diesel Engine
Select Premiere by Endurance
Max coverage varies:
Engine
Heating
Cooling
Electrical
Drive Axle
Transmission
Transfer Case
Air Conditioning
Seals and Gaskets
Diamond by Delta Auto Protect
Max 8-year coverage:
Engine
Electrical
Drive Axle
Transmission
Brake System
Cooling System
Mid-Level Coverage by autopom!
Max 7-year coverage:
Engine
Drive Axle
Transmission
Differential Assembly
Additional steering, suspension, heating, cooling, braking, and fuel delivery systems.
Customer service can be just as important as warranty coverage. You want a contract with an extended warranty company that is transparent, responsive, and trustworthy.
CARCHEX and autopom! have both received perfect scores from the Better Business Bureau. CARCHEX also won the Golden Bridge award for best customer service three years in a row.
BBB Ratings:
CARCHEX
AA Auto Protection
Endurance
Delta Auto Protect
autopom!
A+
A –
B
F
A+
Data accurate as of August 2019.
Why We Like CARCHEX Extended Warranties For High-Mileage Cars
CARCHEX wins our vote for an extended warranty. With bumper-to-bumper coverage, transferrable plans, and affordable payments, the company also boasts a good reputation within the industry.
CARCHEX Stats
16 available plans.
20 years of experience.
99 percent customer satisfaction on BBB.
Endorsed by CARFAX, The Motoring Club, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and more.
CARCHEX Benefits for Cars Over 100,000 Miles
In addition to component coverage, you’ll also receive these additional perks.
Battery Jump Service: An old battery can be given a boost or jump start.
Car Rental: Get reimbursed (within a dollar limit) for a rental while your vehicle is being repaired.
Tow Service: Receive up to $100 for your old or used car to be towed to the nearest repair facility.
Roadside Assistance: Older cars are more likely to breakdown. In the event you’re stuck, you’ll get immediate assistance any time of the day for free with your coverage plan.
Network Flexibility: CARCHEX has a network of over 30,000 mechanics that you can choose from for your repair, so you have a say in the quality of service and your car’s longevity.
Trip Interruption Service: If you rack up miles in travel, you can receive reimbursements of up to $300 for accommodation and food if your vehicle breaks down more than 100 miles from your home.
Find The Right Price With A CARCHEX Representative
If you drive an old car or you accrue miles quickly, you have the option to protect your car and wallet in the event of a breakdown.
Speak to a CARCHEX representative about an extended warranty for cars over 100,000 miles and get a free quote when you call 866-254-0205 or visit the CARCHEX website.
Can Your Car Go The Distance?
Certain cars are more reliable than others, especially after 100,000 miles. So, which cars will likely need the help of an extended warranty, and which cars can survive without?
Longest Lasting Vehicles
In a 2018 study by iSeeCars.com, experts looked at 13.5 million cars sold in 2017 and determined SUVs, especially those made by domestic automakers, are the longest lasting vehicles. Below are the two highest ranked vehicles in the study.
Make & Model: Toyota Sequoia
Durability: Toyota is famous for reliability, with the Sequoia having strong reliability ratings as far back as 2006. The iSeeCars.com study showed 6.6 percent of these SUVs had over 200,000 miles, and 0.2 percent had over 300,000 miles. According to RepairPal, the Toyota Sequoia has an average repair cost of $621, which is 4th out of 14 for full-size SUVs. We drove the 2018 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport last year, and gave it a 91 percent grade.
Make & Model: Ford Expedition
Durability: iSeeCars.com reported 5.4 percent of Ford Expeditions have more than 200,000 miles. The average maintenance and repair cost is $833, which is slightly more expensive than RepairPal’s average of $725.
2018 Ford Expedition. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Least Durable Vehicles
Consumer Reports looked into the 10 least reliable cars and found the Volkswagen Atlas and Cadillac CTS to be the worst. Here are a few stats on each:
Make & Model: Volkswagen Atlas
Durability: HotCars.com included this midsize SUV on their 2019 “Built to Crumble” list, noting electrical, engine, and brake issues. The 2018 model has had 10 recalls, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Model: Buick Enclave
Durability: Consumer Reports scored the Buick Enclave’s predicted reliability at 1 out of 5. RepairPal also found this midsize SUV to have a higher frequency and severity of repairs when compared to other cars.
Our Advice
An extended warranty will lessen the impact of expensive repairs on your pocketbook, regardless of what kind of car you drive. That’s because the warranty’s annual payout is likely to be equal to or less than a costly repair, so you get more bang for your buck with a service contract. In addition, an extended warranty can increase your car’s resale value.
To learn more about what an Extended Vehicle Protection Plan and its cost would look like for you, answer a few questions online or call 866-254-0205 to get a free quote from CARCHEX.

Q&A: Extended Warranties For Cars Over 100,000 Miles
Q: What is the cost of an extended auto warranty?
A: The typical extended car warranty is more than $1,000 on average when you purchase from the manufacturer. However, small down payments and easy monthly payment plans can make repairs much more affordable than an out-of-pocket engine rebuild. After all, it is usually less expensive to repair an older car than it is to buy a new one.
Going with a third-party service that provides a multitude of coverage plans, you can expect a cheaper price tag. CARCHEX also offers payment plans from six months to 24 months, deductible plans, and options with a $0 deductible.
Q: Does AAA offer extended auto warranties?
A: You may already enjoy roadside assistance from AAA, but can it cover high repair costs on an older car? Not all companies offer extended warranty services in every state. AAA is a clear example.
AAA Northeast and AAA Mid Atlantic provide extended warranties and vehicle protection plans, but you may not be able to find this service in other regions of the country. Check with your local AAA site.

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Acura Type S Concept: The Sporty Acura We’ve All Been Waiting For

Acura Type S Concept: The Sporty Acura We’ve All Been Waiting For A new Acura concept ushers in the next generation of Type S performance variants.
Acura says they will debut two Type S performance variants in the next two years.
Designers say they focused on giving the new Type S Concept a powerful stance.
The Acura Type S Concept heralds the return of Acura’s sporting roots. If you’re too young to remember the magnificent 90s, Acuras were luxurious and high-performance derivatives of Honda vehicles. But the Japanese car maker had an identity crisis in the late 2000s. It was the time when Acura vehicles grew a “beak,” which exaggerated the body lines of their vehicles.
Now Acura is brandishing the Type S Concept at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering in Monterey, California. This magnificent ride also graced the Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. And to tell you honestly, the upcoming Type S doesn’t look like a concept at all. It looks pretty much like the real thing, the kind you buy from Acrua dealerships.
From the looks of it, the Type S is destined to make a definitive bang in the world of sports sedans.
Acura Type S: Brief History Lesson
The legacy starts with the 2001-2003 Acura 3.2CL Type S. It debuted in 2001 with a 260 horsepower 3.2-liter V6; a five-speed automatic with manual shift function; 17-inch wheels and a sport suspension. In the final model year, Acura gave the vehicle a worthy six-speed manual upgrade.
The Acura 3.2TL Type S appeared at that same time with the same engine and transmission as the CL Type S, but it was never offered with a manual box. The Acura TSX Type S, the one I previously mentioned, came to fruition in 2002 with a 2.0-liter i-VTEC four-banger and six-speed manual. The latest Type S is the TL from 2007 to 2008. It’s the third-gen TL with a 3.5-liter, 286 horsepower V6, six-speed manual, quad exhaust, four-piston Brembo brakes, and sport suspension.
Finally, after ten years of absence, Acura is back in the game with the Type S Concept.
Acura Type S Concept: Pretty Much What I Was Expecting
Acura has been flying under the radar in my ever-increasing automotive vocabulary. Back in the early 2000s, a bone-stock Acura RSX Type S with a 220 horsepower K20Z1 motor and six-speed, close-ratio manual transmission demanded respect. You’re higher than a Civic, and your car won’t wag its tail between the legs when dealing with stock Mitsubishi Evos or Subaru Impreza STIs. In tuned spec, I’ve seen many Type S vehicles blow muscle cars in a drag race.
But now, it seems Acura is going after the bigwigs with the Type S Concept – and I’m talking about sportier models like the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes CLA or C-Class, Lexus IS, and even the flawed yet unhinged Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. “The return of Type S is instrumental in our mission to return Acura to its performance roots,” said Jon Ikeda, Vice President and Brand Officer at Acura. “From bringing back the NSX, to winning at the highest level of North American sports car racing and ushering in a new generation starting with the RDX, we are revitalizing Acura on the foundation of our original and authentic brand values, piece by piece.”
Best of all, the ghastly beak is gone. Drinks (and spliffs) are on me!
Acura Type S Concept. Photo: Acura.
Previewing The Next-Generation Acura TLX
Here’s the interesting part: The Type S Concept is previewing the next-gen TLX. In other words, the car you’re seeing here is actually the TLX Type S, and Acura says the whole shebang is coming to North America sooner than you think. If this is what a high-performance version of the upcoming TLX will really look like, I’m all in on the styling.
In fact, I’m really rooting for the Type S Concept’s styling. I was expecting the ridiculousness of the Civic Type R with all those boy-racer flaps, wings, and aero cutouts in the bodywork. Instead, what we’re seeing is a perfect example of restraint. It has a powerful and expressive silhouette, yet the whole darn thing looks so clean. It’s still luxuriously sporty, but the wide track, long hood, and low stance are brandishing some racing DNA.
Good Vibrations
Looking at this car gave me the same giddy emotions I had when I first laid eyes on the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. I had the same butterflies-in-stomach feeling when the Genesis G70 came to market. Never did I think an Acura would make me revisit all those pleasantly giddy sensations. “We’ve been dreaming about a new performance-focused Acura concept car since the Precision Concept debuted,” said Dave Marek, Acura’s Executive Creative Director. “The Type S Concept speaks unambiguously to performance and to the essence of Acura design.”
The newest elements are the jewel-eye headlights, an open-surface diamond pentagon grille (minus the beak, of course), and what Acura calls “Chicane” daytime running lights and taillights. It’s interesting to point out how the lights were inspired by Acura’s ARX-05 Daytona Prototype race car. Told ya’ the Type S Concept has a genuine racing pedigree, didn’t I?
The Acura Type S Concept was conceived by the Acura Design Studio in California. Photo: Acura.
The Really Juicy Bits
Sorry, the heading is a misnomer since Acura has yet to reveal performance figures for the Type S Concept. Since it’s a free country, let me tell you what’s probably in store before the real car arrives next year as a 2021 model.
From the looks of it, the future Type S receives a turbocharged V6 motor, and we reckon twin-turbocharging should do the job quite well. Acura says the Type S comes with Brembo brakes, 285-series summer tires (which hints at a summer release date), and quad exhaust tips. The rear spoiler, side sills, front and rear splitters, and those 21-inch wheels benefit from a forged carbon construction.
By forged carbon, Acura means they bond layers of carbon on top of one another. This exceeds the strength of traditional interwoven carbon, according to Acura.
Letting Those Colors Fly
We also like the Double Apex Blue Pearl finish, a much-needed sigh of relief from all the bright orange cars and crossovers we’re seeing these days. Acura claims the paint employs Nano pigments and a color-infused clear coat which means it isn’t clear at all. Although, it does give the paint a different type of brilliance. Acura is already doing this for the 2020 TLX.
Allow me to blurt out two queries still lingering in my head. First, why did Acura take so long? Second, is the Type S the resurgence of hardcore sport sedans? We’ll have to wait and see.
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.
Acura Type S Concept Gallery

Photos & Source: Acura.

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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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