Automotive

Jaguar F-TYPE Checkered Flag: A Limited-Edition F-TYPE For 2020

Jaguar F-TYPE Checkered Flag: A Limited-Edition F-TYPE For 2020 Jaguar, the most successful of British sports car companies, just announced a new model – variant actually – to their 2020 lineup, the F-TYPE Checkered Flag. The limited-edition model will be available as both a coupe and convertible and, like all Jags, will be as gorgeous as it is fast.
Based off of the Jaguar F-TYPE R-Dynamic Coupe and Convertible, the Checkered Flag is offered with either a four or six-cylinder engine. Obviously, I’d go with the six, but theoretically the four-banger could be fun. And it should make for a lighter car.
Visual Enhancements
The Jaguar F-TYPE Checkered Flag comes with a bunch of subtle “visual enhancements” (i.e. badges and such) for the exterior, while the “1+1” cabin is also set apart from its more plebian brethren. Comically, Jaguar refers to the Checkered Flag as having a “1+1” seating arrangement. That’s a pretentious way of saying it’s a two-seater, just like true sports cars always are.
Obviously, with a name like this F-TYPE has, Jag is leaning heavily on the brand’s prolific heritage, dating back to the XK 120 in 1948. The Checkered Flag version is further set apart by a Black Contrast roof on the Coupe, a not-all-that-bad styling choice used rather nicely by the Corvette and various big Ferrari coupes.
Spartan the Jaguar F-TYPE Checkered Flag is not, with a standard InControl Touch Pro infotainment system with Meridian audio (nice!). Along with a collection of other “connected services,” Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard. Everything is accessed through a 10-inch touchscreen.
2020 Jaguar F-TYPE Checkered Flag Limited Edition. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Interior & Exterior Treatments
The inside is drowning in plush Windsor Leather and performance seats with embossed headrests, a nice styling touch. The center console gets a Dark Brushed Aluminum trim finisher (Jag capitalizes stuff in the oddest ways) and the steering wheel is emblazoned with a distinct Checkered Flag logo.
There is a red leather band at 12 o’clock so you always know (hopefully) which way is up.
The exterior of this special F-TYPE includes extended side sills to cleverly increase visual width, while giving the car a greater sense of charisma and grace. The wheels are big 20-inch Gloss Black jobs, carrying on with that fine Coventry tradition of bolting on huge wheels. The rims are exclusive to the Checkered Flag Limited Edition and contrast wickedly with the red brake calipers.
The 2020 Jaguar F-TYPE Checkered Flag Limited Edition is available in Caldera Red, Fuji White or Carpathian Grey. Each color is matched with a Black Contrast Roof and 20-inch wheels. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Power & Performance: Two Solid Options
As I said, you get your choice of two plants. First, there’s a 296 horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder Ingenium gasoline engine. Which seems fine. It probably revs easier than the big six, and it’ll get better gas mileage (if you care about that stuff). Speaking of the six, that would be a 380 horsepower, 3.0-liter supercharged V6. Yes, I get the packaging and weight issues, but a big Jag without a big, straight six still seems odd to me.
Both lumps are mated to an eight-speed “Quickshift” transmission, which I think is Coventry’s way of saying nice, but automatic trannies. Alas.
Pricing & Availability
The 2020 Jaguar F-TYPE Checkered Flag Limited Edition starts at $71,900, which is actually kind of reasonable. That’s right in the same ballpark as various BMW and Mercedes-Benz coupes. No word yet on when it’ll be gracing the polished floors of Jaguar dealers.
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.
Jaguar F-TYPE Checkered Flag Limited Edition Gallery

Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.

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2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring Review: Fabulous & Fun

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring Review: Fabulous & Fun 97Stellar 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand TouringOverall ImpressionStill hard to beat after all these years.RF doesn't sacrifice the fun-to-drive character.ProsPrice PointRide & HandlingConsLimited Cargo SpaceHeavier Than The Soft TopThe Mazda Miata has been around for 30 years and the new MX-5 stays true to what made the drop-top so popular among enthusiasts. What’s better than dropping the top and going for a spin on the weekend? For around $35,000 you can have a dynamic sports car that’s second to none. We recently drove the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring with the Power Retractable Hard Top. And it didn’t disappoint.
Our tester came with a sweet six-speed manual, proving the MX-5 is still a driver’s car. Let’s just say we enjoyed the manual gearbox to the fullest!
What’s New For 2019
The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata gets an updated engine with more power and a higher redline. The steering wheel now telescopes to better accommodate all drivers. Mazda also added new safety features, including Smart City Support and Traffic Sign Recognition.
Features & Options: Nice But Not Necessary
The 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF Grand Touring ($33,335) is equipped with adaptive headlights, heated leather seats, a cloth-lined top, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic climate control, and automatic wipers. Mazda even threw in a navigation system. These features are certinately nice to have but strike us as contradictory to the Miata’s elemental nature. Then again, a power-folding top isn’t exactly simple either.
Our Grand Touring tester came with the optional GT-S package ($750) that added a front shock tower brace, limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers, and a black-painted roof. The new i-Activsense package of safety features also came on our Miata.
Total MSRP including destination: $35,405. By contrast, the 2019 MX-5 Sport starts at $25,730 with a manual transmission; $27,080 with an automatic. The Sport is only available as a soft top.
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF.
Overall, the interior quality and appearance are far beyond what loyal followers will remember from previous generations.Click To TweetInterior Highlights: Marked Improvements
The cockpit’s fit-and-finish is tight and well-designed, with better material quality than past models. The Grand Touring’s leather seats are comfortable and the driver’s seat has a height-adjuster, making it perfect for those who want to sit up a bit higher. Overall, the interior quality and appearance are far beyond what loyal followers will remember from previous generations.
Once inside, the cockpit is roomier than it looks from the outside. The new Miata grew in all dimensions and we could tell there was more rearward seat travel. That makes it easier for taller drivers to adjust the seat far enough back. A six-footer still has a notch or two of travel left.
Interior Highlights: Wind In Your Hair!
Our 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF tester came with the Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT). The composite roof is convenient in that it lowers quickly via a button. Although, the biggest benefit of the hard top is the quieter ride: it reduces wind noise considerably versus a soft top. Even over the bumpy dirt road leading to my house, the hard top was relatively squeak-free with minimal outside noise.
And it only adds about 80 lbs. to an otherwise very light car.
It’s easy to operate. While in neutral, you just pop the inside handle at the top of the windshield; then touch a button on the dash, and in 13 seconds the top lowers itself into the trunk space. The roof does not reduce trunk space either.

The new #MX5 #Miata stays true to what made the drop-top so popular among enthusiasts. Click To TweetEngine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine now revs to 7,500 rpm, cranking out 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft. of torque in the process. Miata fans may know that’s 26 more horsepower and three more lb-ft. of torque than last year. The new Miata sends the power to the rear wheels making it a true sports car. The revised final drive ratio from 3.454 to 3.583 makes for stronger acceleration.
Of course, adding to that true sports car feel was the the six-speed manual gearbox.
Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 26/34 city/highway and 29 combined with the manual transmission. By comparison, the six-speed automatic returns 26/35 city/highway and 29 combined. For only a marginal gain on the highway, and considering the higher starting price of the automatic, we think the manual is the better choice.
Total weight for the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata comes in at 2,453 lbs.

The #MX5 #Miata hugs the lines and handles like it's on rials!Click To TweetDriving Dynamics: Tight Corners & Short Throws
On the open road is where you can fully enjoy the MX-5’s reason for being. With the top down and the engine running on the twisty mountain highways, this roadster is hard to beat. The rear-drive Mazda MX-5 has an ideal weight distribution of 50:50. This alone preserves the excellent agility and balanced handling that has made this a favorite among enthusiasts for decades.
The Subaru BRZ or Scion FR-S rear-wheel drive coupes are the closest to the MX-5 in terms of driving fun, but they don’t offer a convertible.
The MX-5’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder revs freely and delivers good throttle response when you need it. The six-speed manual gearbox is the right choice if you like to drive. Mazda’s six-speed is one of the best manuals in the industry and worked flawlessly with the high-revving 2.0-liter powerplant. We thought it was easy to find the right gear with the short throws.
Related: Could the Miata outpace one of history’s top muscle cars?

Driving Dynamics: On The Rails
The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata has a wider track and lower center of gravity that enables it to corner flatter than you would think is possible. The Miata has always been a favorite car to take to the track. The next best thing for us, however, were the Colorado mountains. We took some tight corners at high speeds but the roadster held the curves without any body roll, staying flat and balanced the entire time.
Our MX-5 tester came with the optional sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks. With this upgrade, the MX-5 hugs the lines and handles like it’s on rials!
Unfortunately, we had the rear-drive sports car right before a winter snowstorm hit the Denver area. Luckily, this tester came with Bridgestone Blizzak winter tires which we would highly recommend for snow and ice. We were able to make it home safely before the snow piled up too deep.
And we were thankful we had a go at some dry roads before the snow fell!

Conclusion: Affordable & Fun
The two-seat, 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF offers top-down driving enjoyment that much more expensive sports cars can’t exceed. Mazda has engineered an exceptional, affordable sports car that’s hard to beat. To this day, the Miata is still attractively priced and relatively easy to maintain; nor will it break your wallet at the gas pump.
We would recommend the RF with the Power Retractable Hard Top since it offers reduced wind noise and increased security.
For those wanting a sports car that offers excellent acceleration and braking; precise gearbox operation and suspension dynamics, the MX-5 Miata is an obvious choice. On the fun-to-drive meter, few can surpass it.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
Mazda MX-5 Miata Fun Facts
Debut: 1989 Chicago Auto Show
RF: Stands for “Retractable Fastback”
5,000: Number of Miatas Raced Globally
April 2016: One Millionth Miata Produced
Weight Savings Per Component Versus 2018
Driveshaft: 3 lbs.
Suspension: 26 lbs.
Front Rotors: 14 lbs.
Transmission: 16 lbs.
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Gallery

Photos: Mazda North American Operations (additional models shown).

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2020 Volvo XC40 Redesign, Price, Release Date

The Volvo XC40 has been all-new for 2019, but according to to the hottest information, the company must introduce 2020 Volvo XC40. The most recent Volvo is anticipated to acquire minimal modifications compared to the new model, which can mainly be observed over the technologies front and perhaps some new colors. Furthermore, it will likely be readily available in two variants as in advance of and these are T5 and T4 Designs.

2020 Volvo XC40 Interior

The new interior on the new generation Volvo XC40 seems to be pretty much like that of its larger siblings and that’s not a bad matter. The new Volvo XC40 gets the identical portrait-mode infotainment process, digital instrument cluster, and even similar seats.

Just like the 2019 model year, the new generation 2020 Volvo XC40 will look like a smaller version of its larger siblings, the Volvo XC90 and Volvo XC60 models. It features a rugged but in the identical time modern-day physical appearance. The whole physique is dominated by angular lines and sharp edges. The front finish will wear the acquainted Thor’s hammer headlamps outfitted with new LED lighting and well-known grille. The R-Design model will get the one of a kind “R-Design” emblem. Furthermore, the rear finish will get LED taillights, dual exhaust outlets, as well as a standard electrical power tailgate. 2020 Volvo XC40 will ride to the regular 18-inch wheels. Having said that, the larger 19-inch wheels will probably be optional. The new LED fog lights may also be optional. Furthermore, the 2020 Volvo XC40 Momentum will obtain a white contrast roof. As well as the R-Design designs might be available using a black roof.

Read More : 2020 Acura RDX Release Date and Redesign

Engine Performance

How about the engine, the new generation 2020 Volvo XC40 is set to receive a selection of 3-cylinder engines produced from Volvo’s 2.0 liter inline 4 mills. The new model Volvo XC40 will probably boast a 1.5 liter 3-cylinder great for something in between 135 and 185 hp. A far more powerful supercharged and turbocharged version of your exact same engine with all over 205 hp is additionally a serious chance.

2020 Volvo XC40 Release Date and Price

Our estimate of 2020 Volvo XC40 will be released early in the year 2020, we hope this car began sale in June 2020. For the price, we do not have information that is so true.

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Glickenhaus Unveils SCG 004S

Glickenhaus Unveils SCG 004S

Denny Hulme, the great world champion driver from New Zealand once said, “if it wins, it’s beautiful.” He was, of course, right. The Glickenhaus SCG 004S comes from a fine, recent lineage of race cars that beat the competition the way Paul Ferguson beats drums: Ferociously.
As a quick recap, when Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus took the SCG 003C, the competition predecessor to the SCG 004S, to the Nurburgring Nordschleife, driver Jeff Westphal covered the course in 6:33.20. I’ll let that time sink in while you try and match it on your xBox.
How’d that go? Right. So it doesn’t take much of an imagination to know what this car can do in real life.
Power & Performance
The specs are impressive to say the least. The chassis and body are made entirely of carbon fiber, of course, so the all up weight is around 2,600 lbs., or about a Miata with two big guys in it. All this carbon goodness is propelled down the road thanks to a 5-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine that cranks out around 650 horsepower and 531 ft-lb. of torque. Redline is a healthy 8,200 rpm and cogs are chosen via a 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional paddle shift, two pedal setup. Speaking of setups, the Glickenhaus SCG 004S features a three seat arrangement with the driver in the center, like a McLaren F1 or Ferrari’s Guida Centrale. You can get the 004S in a choice of shades, along with natural and tinted carbon fiber options.
Photo: Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus.
Hometown Hero
You also get that swell of patriotic pride knowing the 004S is designed and manufactured right here in the United States of America. 004Ss will be sold by Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus as a turn key car with a real 17 digit VIN number, thanks to the NHTSA Low Volume Manufacturers Status SCG now enjoys. Another enjoyable thing about earning that status is how the 004S is both safety and emissions compliant. So you can register, plate, and drive this thing on the road, just like it was a Camry.
The really, really cool thing about getting that VIN number is that it allows SCG to scale and race in the GTE, GTLM, and GT3 classes at places like the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, Daytona, Sebring, and eventually, the pinnacle of endurance racing: Le Mans. Meaning the thumping that people like Aston Martin and Porsche have taken at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring at the hands of the Glickenhaus P4/5C and SCG 003C might expand to new locations. You have been warned.
Photo: Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus.

Ultimate Test Drive
How much? Er, well, not cheap. Not exorbitantly stupid, but still, with a base price $400,000, it ain’t chicken feed. SCG says they’ll have a running prototype going by mid-2018. The first 25 Founders Editions are scheduled for delivery in 2018 or 2019. There’s no mention of increased cost for going the Founders Edition route, but the company says the cars will go to “SCG supporters who will drive them and give SCG feedback, which will help to make them great cars.”
In other words, you’d kind of be a company test driver/beta tester. Cool!
They also mention Founders Editions are expected to sell out soon. Which means the slots in the reservation book and the checks are already piling up. After putting out 25 Founders Editions, a full production run of 250 cars is expected by 2019 or 2020. Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus is currently in discussions to partner with several multi-billion dollar automotive suppliers so they can reach those production numbers by that time. SCG is also building, from the ground up, a dealer network with sales and service beginning in 2019.
It is also worth pointing out, both to Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus and to any well-healed, would-be purchasers out there, that we here at Automoblog are more than willing to work with you regarding writing very high quality, bespoke histories and experiences of your car, or even performing thorough tests and evaluations of any given car (or cars) if you would like us to do so. We hasten to point out that we are all very good drivers here and would have no problem keeping you posted as to fuel bills to be paid and the like.
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: Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus.

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2018 Hyundai Accent: Product & Performance Overview

2018 Hyundai Accent: Product & Performance Overview

Hyundai says the new features on tap for the 2018 Accent will make the car more satisfying for customers. An efficient and affordable people mover in its own right, the new Accent is billed as a “class above” by Hyundai. SE buyers will see a handful of new standard features; those going after one of the upper trims will see an array of connectivity and styling enhancements.
Across the lineup, the Accent sees improved noise isolation and better driving dynamics when compared to prior generations.
Power & Performance
The 2018 Hyundai Accent is powered by a 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder engine, creating 130 horsepower and 119 lb-ft. of torque. The engine, complete with gasoline direct injection, is paired to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission; the latter shed four pounds during development. Upgrades, including low-friction piston rings, a variable fuel pressure module, and new engine software boost the Accent’s driving dynamics.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Ride & Handling
The 2018 Hyundai Accent is comprised of over 50 percent advanced high-strength steel, up about 13 percent from the prior generation. The marked improvement in torsional rigidity (32 percent) provides the driver with a solid on-road feel and reduced cabin noise. The advanced high-strength steel architecture is also beneficial for crash energy absorption and impact protection. Improvements were made to the front crumple zones and airbags. This, along with other reinforcements, ensure the Accent’s collision absorption performance is on point, particularly in small overlap crashes.
The rear roll center has been raised and the leverage ratio of the rear shock absorbers increased. Hyundai says this move, when paired with the standard Motor-Driven Power Steering system, bolsters handling and comfort.
Exterior & Interior Details
Hyundai’s cascading grille, the automaker’s trademark, is complimented by wraparound headlights and the available LED daytime running lights. A 0.28 coefficient drag is achieved through a new front spoiler, lower ride height, and a uniquely sculpted underbody.
The 2018 Accent also has more room inside when compared to a 2017. The new model is wider by 1.2 inches and longer by 0.6 inches; the wheelbase also increases by 0.4 inches, moving the wheels just enough to provide more interior room. Passenger volume grows to 90.2 cubic feet and cargo volume to 13.7 cubic feet, for 103.9 total cubic feet of interior volume. Both figures surpass the Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris, two of Hyundai’s biggest competitors.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.

SE Trim
Standard features for the SE include a color touchscreen audio system, rearview camera, Bluetooth capability, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, a spare tire, and 15-inch wheels. Hyundai notes the additional standard content adds a modest $250.00 to the MSRP versus a 2017 model. Other features include auxiliary input jacks, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, sliding sunvisors, dual vanity mirrors, tinted glass, rear defroster, and front and rear door map pockets.
SEL Trim
The mid-level SEL grade has a seven-inch Display Audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual charging USB ports, center console storage box with sliding armrest, and a driver’s blind spot mirror. Other SEL highlights include 15-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, and heated bodycolor mirrors.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Limited Trim
The Limited trim adds a lot of styling flare with 17-inch wheels and a number of chrome elements, including the grille, beltline molding, and outside door handles. Up front, the Limited features projection headlights, LED daytime running lights, and fog lights. Niceties include a power sunroof, leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter, automatic temperature control, heated front seats, and push button start.
The Limited trim also includes a forward collision warning system. A forward-facing radar unit detects if the driver is closing too quickly on another vehicle. If there is no reaction, the brakes deploy automatically to either avoid or mitigate the collision.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Hyundai Accent is available now. Below is a complete pricing chart for each model.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Model
Transmission
Suggested Retail
Accent Sedan SE
6-speed Manual Transmission
$14,995
Accent Sedan SE
6-speed Automatic Transmission
$15,995
Accent Sedan SEL
6-speed Automatic
$17,295
Accent Sedan Limited
6-speed Automatic
$18,895
2018 Hyundai Accent Gallery

Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.

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Automoblog Book Garage: 3 Gotta Have Books For The Gearhead

Automoblog Book Garage: 3 Gotta Have Books For The Gearhead

When it comes to our holiday shopping lists, there’s always that one person who is a bit hard to buy for. And admittedly, us car loving folks can be a challenge. If you ask an automotive enthusiast what they want for Christmas, they are likely to say their favorite $50,000 to $150,000 sports/performance car. And while that’s fine, it’s not necessarily the easiest gift for you to wrap and put under the tree, let alone purchase.
Conversation Starters
The gift of automotive literature is something the car enthusiast on your list will enjoy for years. Our Book Garage series is filled with books that make great conversation pieces when placed on a coffee table. And you know how much we car enthusiasts love to talk about our favorite rides. Below are three of our favorite books from our series this year. While it was hard to pick only three, we think any one of these will resonate with the car enthusiast in your life this holiday season.
Muscle Car Source Book
Easily one of our favorites, Muscle Car Source Book presents this incredible era in a manner representative of its name: as a source book. From Ford, Chevrolet, and Pontiac, to Buick, AMC, and Dodge, all of the performance data for each car is displayed on tables. The essential specs, from horsepower and torque, to curb weight and fuel tank capacity are laid out.
Author Mike Mueller dives deep, hitting the performance options available for each car featured, including the engine options, gauge packages, and wheel-and-tire configurations. If there’s a person in your life mad for muscle cars, this is definitely the book for them.
$35.79 via Amazon.
Photo: Mike Mueller.
Art of the Classic Sports Car
The scope and breadth of this book is really something and likely to be appreciated by all car lovers. The Art of the Classic Sports Car: Pace and Grace documents the true sports cars of the automotive world; cars that unlike their “normal” counterparts, ride, handle, and sprint in remarkable ways. The question remains, however, what was the first sports car? This sparks a good, healthy debate among enthusiasts but if it’s one thing we usually agree on, it’s how these cars truly stand out.
The book covers some of the most legendary sports cars from the likes of Jaguar, Chevrolet, Triumph, MG, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lotus, Alfa-Romeo, and BMW – their full specs are detailed and their stories told. One of the best is when author Stuart Codling documents the Ferrari 250 California; how Enzo Ferrari faced a desperate postwar Italian economy to develop a truly marvelous 240 horsepower machine unlike anything else at the time.
$6.92 via Amazon.
Photo: James Mann.
Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman
The holidays are a time of reflection and as such, new resolutions for the new year are often made. This book will help inspire the car enthusiast in your life with their resolutions. Consider the late Paul Newman. When he was 70, Newman entered the 24 Hours of Daytona and would end up racing until he was 82. In this book, we see the beginnings of his racing career at an age when most had already retired. The man who voiced the lovable Doc Hudson shows us that age is only a number, something we can all appreciate as the new year comes to fruition.
Matt Stone and Preston Lerner team for this remarkable book, which was later made into a documentary of the same name and directed by Adam Carolla.
$10.43 via Amazon.
From Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman.
Bonus Book: The Art of Mopar
Okay, so one more . . . save this one for that Mopar maniac on your shopping list – the one that proudly says “Mopar or no car.” This book is literally perfect for them. Detailed sidebars decorate the pages of Art of Mopar, highlighting the features, options, pricing, and performance specs of Chrysler’s muscle cars at the time. Interesting stories are told along the way, like how a carving on a kitchen table inspired the most famous Mopar logo ever. Like Muscle Car Source Book, this is one of our favorites.
An awesome line comes on page 44.
“There’s an adage in Detroit,” writes author Tom Glatch. “You can sell an old man a young man’s car but you can never sell a young man an old man’s car.”
$34.00 via Amazon.
Happy Holidays! And best of luck in your shopping adventures. If you need additional ideas, there are plenty of other gifts sure to be appreciated by the car enthusiast on your list.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Automoblog’s Book Garage is done in partnership with Motorbooks, 401 Second Avenue North, Suite 310, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401. They are among the world’s leading transportation publishers with books penned and illustrated by today’s most respected motoring writers and photographers. Motorbooks celebrated 50 years in 2015.
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2019 Mazda3: Two Flavors & Plenty of Extras

2019 Mazda3: Two Flavors & Plenty of Extras The 2019 Mazda3 comes in two styles, sedan and hatchback.
A manual transmission is available in certain combinations.
The list of connectivity and safety features is impressive.
Mazda keeps cranking these little guys out and it’s easy to see why. The Mazda3 is the best-selling car for the Japanese brand. I know, that’s kind of sad. I was hoping for the Miata, but it’s not a sports car world I’m afraid. So what makes the 2019 Mazda3 so hot? The usual stuff for Mazda: value and lots of goodies and fun.
Mazda might not be the most popular Japanese car brand, but they do hit a certain sweet spot. A spot where lots of innovation, high-end content, and driving fun meet for not much money.
Two Flavors, One Engine
The 2019 Mazda3 is a good example of this sweet spot. Starting at $21,000 in sedan skin, the 3 gets you a lot of car for not that much cash. There’s also a hatchback flavor that starts at $23,600. Regardless, both are propelled by the wonderful, race-derived SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter engine. That engine cranks out 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft. of torque, which is impressive, but not great (volumetrically speaking).
There’s paddle shifters for the six-speed automatic. But – and this is a big but – Mazda also has a six-speed manual transmission available for you old school gearheads out there. The manual is reserved for the front-wheel drive hatchbacks in Premium trim.
Related: The Bruno Mars of sports cars? Meet the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF.
All-Wheel Drive In The Mix
Front-wheel drive is standard, but Mazda’s predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive is available. No, I have no idea what “predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive” is, exactly, beyond more marketing speak gobbledygook. But I do know that having all four corners pawing at the pavement is (usually) a good thing. So good on Mazda for making that an affordable option.
The SKYACTIV engine uses cylinder-deactivation to lower fuel consumption when all you’re doing is cruising long distances down the highway. The new 3 also gets G-Vectoring Control Plus, Mazda’s torque vectoring scheme. 16-inch wheels are standard, with 18 inchers as an option.
SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter engine. Photo: Mazda North American Operations.
Interior Treatments: Bang For Your Buck
Sadly, that’s about it for any performance-related news on the 2019 Mazda3. However, the other stuff, the interior and infotainment and all that, is where all the bang-for-your-buck is. The interior is entirely new for 2019 from the center console on up. Said console has a new shift knob and armrest for a more natural feeling for the driver. There’s a new 8.8-inch infotainment screen standard on all models. The “gauge cluster display” is now a seven-inch TFT reconfigurable screen.
The eight-speaker sound system features a “three-way layout” with Bluetooth phone and audio pairing, HD radio, and two USB audio inputs. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard.
Comfort-wise you can expect leatherette seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. Safety-wise there’s a host of standard features in Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE package: Driver Attention Alert, High Beam Control, Smart City Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Lane Departure Warning just to name a few.
Did I mention the 2019 Mazda3 sedan starts at only $21k?
2019 Mazda3 interior layout. Photo: Mazda North American Operations.
Three Extra Packages On Tap
There are three additional packages available for the 2019 Mazda3: Select, Preferred, and Premium. Depending on the package, you get even more neat stuff but it is model-specific. The sedan can come in all three but the hatchback only comes in Preferred and Premium. The Select package nets you everything we just talked about while the Preferred package comes with an upgraded Bose stereo. The Preferred also includes an eight-way power driver’s seat, power lumbar support, two-position driver memory, and heated front seats.
The Premium package gets a trick HUD setup called the Active Driving Display that projects onto the windshield. The Premium package also gets you leather seats, a power moonroof, and the Adaptive Front-Lighting System.
Pricing & Availability
So yes, you get a lot of stuff for, what should be, entry-level money. A complete pricing chart is below. Expect to see the 2019 Mazda3 at dealers in March.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
2019 Mazda3
Hatchback
Sedan
MSRP by Model & Trim
Add $895 for destination, $940 in Alaska

Key:
FWD: front-wheel drive / AWD: all-wheel drive
6AT: 6-speed auto / 6MT: 6-speed manual

FWD 6AT
$23,600
$21,000
Select FWD 6AT
–
$22,600
Preferred FWD 6AT
$25,200
$24,200
Premium FWD 6MT
$27,500
–
Premium FWD 6AT
$27,500
$26,500
AWD 6AT
$25,000
–
Select AWD 6AT
–
$24,000
Preferred AWD 6AT
$26,600
$25,600
Premium AWD 6AT
$28,900
$27,900
2019 Mazda3 Gallery

Photos & Source: Mazda North American Operations.

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2019 Toyota Sienna Review: Performance For Families Where It Matters

2019 Toyota Sienna Review: Performance For Families Where It Matters 92SOLID 2019 Toyota Sienna SE PremiumOverall ImpressionIdeal for families.All-wheel drive option is a plus.Kids will enjoy the rear entertainment system. ProsVersatility Cargo SpaceAWD CapabilityConsPrice PointManual Removal of Captain's ChairsThe 2019 Toyota Sienna is all about family-oriented features, versatility, interior space, and reliability. Upper trims add even more entertainment and accessibility options. If you live in a cold climate, the Sienna now offers all-wheel drive for extra peace of mind. It’s one of the best family haulers on the market, frankly. Recently, we drove the 2019 Toyota Sienna SE Premium with all-wheel drive.
Here’s what the sporty SE trim brings to the party.
What’s New For 2019
Toyota Sienna gets Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay as standard equipment. The SE trim is now available with all-wheel drive.
Features & Options: Style & Convenience
The 2019 Toyota Sienna SE Premium AWD ($44,865) came nicely-equipped with roof rails, power-sliding rear doors, privacy glass, heated mirrors, body-color exterior trim (replacing the black plastic), and both floor and overhead consoles. The conversation mirror, eight-way power driver’s seat (with power lumbar support), and second- and third-row sunshades all came in handy during our drive.
Infotainment features included the seven-inch touchscreen with Scout GPS Link compatibility, and the six-speaker sound system with HD and satellite radio.
Features & Options: Baker’s Dozen
The SE adds a sport-tuned suspension, sharper steering, 19-inch alloy wheels, foglights, LED daytime running lights, mesh grille, and lower-body skirting. The SE also has a power liftgate, first- and second-row perforated leather upholstery (row three gets premium vinyl), heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a larger driver information screen.
Our SE Premium tester added a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, navigation, and Entune smartphone app integration. The rear-seat entertainment system includes HDMI and SD card inputs, a Blu-ray/DVD player, two 120-volt power outlets, and a large screen that can be split to display two different sources. Parents will appreciate the Driver Easy Speak system, which amplifies the driver’s voice through the rear speakers.
Total MSRP including destination: $45,910. By comparison, the 2019 Toyota Sienna starts at $31,115.
2019 Toyota Sienna.
Interior Highlights: Simple & Contemporary
Since families spend so much time inside the cabin, it’s the most important thing to look at when considering a minivan. And the new Sienna doesn’t disappoint. The family hauler offers a contemporary interior and a convenient layout for adults and kids alike. You will find plenty of room in this minivan with exceptional comfort for all riders.
Up front, the sweeping, contoured dashboard is attractive and most importantly, functional for the driver. Controls are placed conveniently on the driver’s side and instruments are large and easy-to-read. Audio and three-zone climate controls can be easily reached by the front passenger. The seven-inch touchscreen display comes with full color graphics and can be easily seen from the driver’s seat.
Interior Highlights: Comfortable & Spacious
The leather-trimmed seats are comfortable for longer trips and offer plenty of support. Passengers will find it easy to get in-and-out with the Sienna’s power-sliding rear doors. Captain’s chairs were standard with our all-wheel drive tester. The chairs slide forward and all the way back, opening up lots of room to stretch out when you aren’t using the third-row seats.
There’s plenty of cargo space with the second-row seats folded and pushed forward, and with the third row folded. The 2019 Toyota Sienna offers up an abundant 117.8 cubic feet of cargo-carrying ability. Behind the third-row seats is 39.1 cubic feet of cargo space. The deep well in the floor can keep a massive amount of groceries from sliding all over the back, unlike most SUVs.
Our 2019 Toyota Sienna tester came with power-sliding rear doors. It was a feature we used more than we thought.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2019 Toyota Sienna is powered by a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine with direct fuel injection. The V6 develops 296 horsepower and 263 lb-ft. of torque and comes coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy estimates come in at 18/24 city/highway and 20 combined with all-wheel-drive. Front-wheel drive models increase to 19/27 city/highway and 22 combined.
When equipped with front-wheel drive, the 2019 Toyota Sienna keeps up with the competition in terms of fuel economy.
Driving Dynamics: Focused On The High Points
The 2019 Toyota Sienna is built for comfort, not performance, but it’s still one of the quickest minivans available. It will get up to highway speeds without an issue. That aside, most families will care more about safety, comfort, and whether or not it’s maneuverable in the city. The Sienna scores well every time and did so on our test drive this week.
We especially noted good visibility for the driver and the backup camera for those times when you can’t see behind you.
The Sienna isn’t all that quiet on the highway, but you won’t care when you crank up the upgraded JBL sound system. It has 10 speakers and a subwoofer for your favorite tunes. The kids won’t mind either as they will be watching the rear-seat entertainment system with their wireless headphones on.

The 2019 @Toyota Sienna is built for comfort, not performance, but it’s still one of the quickest minivans available.Click To TweetDriving Dynamics: Performance Where It Matters
We did notice the SE trim, with its sport-tuned suspension, is more stable. There’s less body lean than the standard model in and through tight corners. Shifts are smooth and practically imperceptible from the eight-speed automatic, another strong point for the 2019 Toyota Sienna.
Families who need all-weather capability may opt for the Sienna’s all-wheel drive system with Active Torque Control. You will have no trouble getting around this winter when the snow flies.
Conclusion: Good For The Family
The 2019 Toyota Sienna SE Premium is not the cheapest minivan on the market, but you will be getting a copious and versatile interior that’s comfortable for you and the kids.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Toyota Sienna Gallery

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

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2020 Kia Telluride: The South Korean Range Rover

2020 Kia Telluride: The South Korean Range Rover 2020 Kia Telluride debuts at the North American International Auto Show.
The Telluride is a luxurious and rugged family SUV with seating for eight.
The 3.8-liter GDI V6 motor can tow 5,000 lbs. All-wheel drive is available.
Well, look what we have here. The 2020 Kia Telluride. I and the rest of the guys here at Automoblog got our first glimpse of the Telluride during the 2018 New York Fashion Week. It graced Brandon Maxwell’s Texas-inspired fashion collection, so it naturally came with rugged accoutrements like a hatch-mounted spare tire and snorkel.
Sadly, that particular Telluride is a one-off version.
Back then, the Kia Telluride had impressive credentials. My first impression was that of a large, luxurious family SUV with true off-road credentials. From this alone, Kia has struck the nail right on the head.
Telluride is the first Kia designed specifically for the United States by the Kia Design Center in Irvine, California. Photo: Kia Motors America.
Huge Market Potential
Currently, both import and domestic carmakers are scrambling for position. The plan is to release as many sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks as possible, two of the best-selling vehicles globally.
Kia – along with parent company Hyundai – made the right choice in conceptualizing a large SUV. They didn’t want to settle for a one-trick-pony crossover. And as Hyundai is presenting the Palisade as a refined type of behemoth, Kia went the other way around with the Telluride. Think Rob Gronkowski instead of Tom Brady and you’re not far off.
Here is a rugged SUV that can hack it over rougher roads and uneven pavement. But it also offers a level of safety tech and luxury that rivals premium offerings like the Range Rover Discovery and Audi Q7.
Direct-Injected Power
Kia equipped the new Telluride with a 3.8-liter gasoline V6 with direct injection. It is good for 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. of torque. Power is fed to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic, but the Telluride is available with an active on-demand all-wheel drive system.
Interestingly enough, the Hyundai Palisade is also equipped with the very same motor as the Telluride.
The 2020 Kia Telluride comes with four drive modes: Smart, Eco, Sport, and Comfort. Each setting will feed electrons to the steering, powertrain, and drivetrain accordingly. The new Telluride can tow up to 5,000 lbs., which is just about right for a luxury-based SUV.
The 2020 Kia Telluride comes with a 291 horsepower, 3.8-liter GDI V6 motor. Photo: Kia Motors America.
Rugged & Muscular Styling
Compared to the Telluride concept car, the production model is a bit shorter and smaller. Kia also gave the new Telluride a more squared-off look. This helps to further differentiate the Telluride from the Hyundai Palisade.
And even though the Palisade and Telluride are based on the same platform, Kia is quick to point out that both vehicles share zero exterior panels. Viewed from the side, the rounded fenders and large alloys command attention. There’s no doubt the Telluride is a looker, which is a nice thing to have in a hulking SUV.
With a long, broad hood and wide front grille, the new Telluride exudes a rugged elegance. The stacked headlights and upright windshield convey power, authority, and modernity. Further enhancing the go-anywhere appeal are the Telluride badges on the hood and liftgate. The rear is adorned with inverted L-shaped taillights with LED stripes and a sculpted rear skid plate.
The 2020 Kia Telluride is also equipped with twin exhaust tips. Thankfully, they’re not the fake kind.
The 2020 Kia Telluride features L-shaped LED tailights, a rear skid plate, and twin exhaust tips. Photo: Kia Motors America.
Epicurean Interior
Kia utilized all the tricks in the book to come up with a luxurious and plush interior, but the Hyundai Palisade is more high-tech with its push-button shifter and larger 12-inch touchscreen. Despite this fact, Kia didn’t skimp on soft-touch materials, sumptuous leather, and comfortable seats. As a result, the Telluride’s interior is a nice place to be.
Most importantly, it offers generous interior room to move around.
The interior is bathed in matte-finished wood and brushed metal trimming. The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel is wrapped in cowhide. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard along with Bluetooth connectivity and a remote-start. Higher trim models receive Kia’s UVO telematics system. This allows you to monitor and control vehicle settings using your smartphone or laptop.
2020 Kia Telluride interior layout. Photo: Kia Motors America.
Advanced Safety
The 2020 Kia Telluride comes standard with anti lock braking, stability control, stability management, downhill brake control, hill-start assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Kia Drive Wise system includes forward collision warning, collision avoidance, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and smart cruise control among others.
Pricing & Availability
Assembly for the 2020 Kia Telluride is at the Georgia West Point plant. No word yet on pricing, but we reckon the new Telluride will start at around $29,000 to $30,000.
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.
2020 Kia Telluride Gallery

Photos & Source: Kia Motors America.

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