Automotive

2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature Review: A Sports Car In Disguise

2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature Review: A Sports Car In Disguise 95SOLID Overall Impression Upscale interior.Plenty of standard features.Ride is a little firm for the class. ProsEngine Power Interior Trim & Accents Sporty Handling & SteeringConsFuel Economy Rear Cargo/LegroomThe Mazda CX-5 was high on the fun-to-drive meter before the new turbocharged engine arrived, but now it has power to spare, even at altitude. The new 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder, sourced from the three-row CX-9, adds even more fun for driving enthusiasts. We recently jumped behind the wheel of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature with all-wheel drive, the top-trim in the model line. The new Signature trim gets a broader list of premium features and conveniences to match the enjoyable driving dynamics.
What’s New For 2019
For 2019, the Mazda CX-5 gets a more powerful engine for Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now available, as are ventilated front seats and a surround-view parking camera. G-Vectoring Control Plus, a series of motion control technologies to increase steering response, is standard on all CX-5 models.
Features & Options: Just The Right Amount
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD ($36,890) comes standard with 19-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, LED fog lights, heated side mirrors, premium Nappa leather upholstery, a power-adjustable passenger seat, and driver-seat memory functions. The upgraded driver information display pairs with a navigation system and satellite radio. The top Signature trim also adds ambient lighting, wood trim, chrome accents, front and rear parking sensors, and the aforementioned surround-view camera.
Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE safety systems, like Smart City Brake Support and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, are standard on all CX-5 models.
Total MSRP including destination: $39,030. By comparison, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 starts at $24,350 in the Sport configuration.

Interior Highlights: The Little Things Add Up
This CX-5 Signature interior takes a step forward over the standard trim with the Nappa leather seats and stitching on the dash, console, and door panels. The quality of materials is excellent, but it should be for this price. The cabin is driver-focused with a leather-wrapped steering wheel that offers a nice range of tilt-and-telescoping positions. The seats are comfortable and offer plenty of adjustments and support for long-distance driving. However, with the interior, the little niceties really add up. For example, the shift-lever location fits the driver’s hand perfectly.
The seven-inch touchscreen’s resolution is sharp and it sits high atop the stylish dash, but it’s a bit too far away for our liking; and that’s really our only complaint about the interior. The infotainment controller in the center console includes a radio volume control knob that’s easy to find without taking your eyes off the road. This Signature tester came with heated (and cooled) front seats and a heated steering wheel for extra comfort on the recent cold spring mornings here in Colorado.
If you need to carry cargo, the 40/20/40 split-folding backseat reclines. Behind the rear seat, there’s 31 cubic feet of cargo storage, and 60 cubes with the rear folded flat. It’s a bit less than competitors, including the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The big news for 2019 is the CX-5’s new SKYACTIV-G engine, paired with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder produces 250 horsepower (on 93 octane) and a healthy 310 lb-ft. of torque. The extra power comes at a price, however. The spicier engine returns an EPA estimated 22/27 city/highway and 24 combined mpg. That’s if you keep your foot out of the turbo!
The new engine uses cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to increase efficiency, but when it comes to fuel economy, the 2019 CX-5 lags behind when compared to other similar vehicles.
Those looking for a more fuel-efficient CX-5 should consider the available 2.2-liter diesel. With all-wheel drive, it delivers an EPA-estimated 27/30 city/highway and 28 combined mpg. The engine creates 168 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 290 lb-ft. of torque at 2,000 rpm. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder is still available in a front-wheel drive configuration.
Mazda’s new SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine for the 2019 CX-5.
Driving Dynamics: Energetic & Fun
The CX-5 with the new turbo plant is higher on the fun-to-drive meter than any other compact crossover out there, despite the fuel economy. Last year, we complained about the naturally-aspirated engine needing more power for those traveling up into the high country or hauling extra cargo over a high mountain pass. Now with the turbo, the CX-5 has power to spare. And it still responds like a sports sedan around the tight curves.
Driving Dynamics: Sporty & Smooth
The steering is precise and the suspension is tuned for sporty driving over comfort. We instantly noticed Mazda’s new G-Vectoring Control Plus feature while in the mountains. The system makes steering response more consistent by using small changes in engine output to shift weight to the front tires whenever the driver turns the wheel. In this updated Plus version, as the driver straightens the wheel, braking is applied to the outside front wheel. The system helps prevent someone from “over-driving” the vehicle, especially at higher speeds or during evasive maneuvers.
The cabin was quiet, and the turbo doesn’t make much noise even at highway speeds. With the heated seats, steering wheel, and heads-up display, this small SUV feels like a more expensive vehicle. Overall, it’s the most fun we’ve ever had in a compact crossover, having tested the competition. If you live where there’s lots of twisty roads or bad weather, this is the vehicle for you.
Conclusion: Nicely Balanced
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is a standout in the compact SUV segment. It provides an excellent balance of sportiness, comfort and practicality, and its upscale interior conveys a sense of richness you don’t find in rivals. It’s a good choice for driving enthusiasts who want to have a little more fun when getting around town.
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
2019 Mazda CX-5 Gallery

Photos: Mazda North American Operations.

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2020 Lincoln Corsair: The Skull & Bones Clubhouse On Wheels

2020 Lincoln Corsair: The Skull & Bones Clubhouse On Wheels The 2020 Lincoln Corsair looks quite promising, with strong levels of performance and luxury.
As the market shifts away from sedans, Lincoln is looking to capitalize on new consumer tastes.
“Lincoln now has a full family of SUVs to exceed the needs of our clients,” says the brand’s president.
Lincoln rolled out a new SUV, the Corsair, at the 2019 New International York Auto Show. And this just might be the one that saves Lincoln. Lord knows it won’t be another cool sedan, which is all Lincoln used to make. And the sad fact of the matter is that no one is buying sedans today, even if they’re as cool as can be. In fact, Ford remains confident their decision to shift away from sedans in their product line was the right move. Hence, we will see more SUVs from Dearborn, the latest being the 2020 Lincoln Corsair.
“P” Is For Presence
Look, I’m a sports car guy. I make no bones about that and I make no apologies for it. But there is something to be said for big, imposing sedans. Something with capital “P” Presence to burn. Something like a 1962 Lincoln Continental, for instance. You pull up to the curb in one of those, and buddy, you know you’ve arrived. But, like I said, people aren’t into sedans any more. People are into SUVs. I get that. Practicality, blah-blah-blah. Usability yadda-yadda-yadda. Whatever. It’s your dollars making the payments and it’s your butt in the seat, so it’s your choice.
However, Lincoln found themselves in a bit of a conundrum. If all they had to do was make sedans with more than enough power and comfort (and capital “P” Presence), easy-peasy, job done. But, try as they might, they couldn’t make that work. And so Lincoln teeters on the brink of doom (for decades now) trying to convince people to buy sedans. Well, they finally cottoned to what was what, and voila, we now have the 2020 Lincoln Corsair to consider.
And it is very worth considering.
2020 Lincoln Corsair. Photo: Lincoln Motor Company.
Related: Automakers are trying to win over Generation Z with smaller SUVs.
Defender of the Skies
For starters: Great name. Corsair. It’s either taken from sort-of-bad-guy pirates or (my belief) one of the nastiest fighter planes of the Second World War. Next, it’s got capital “P” Presence. It doesn’t have the hulking mass of its bigger brother, the Navigator, but it’s hard to miss and ignore. Also, that roll out color? Perfect! A darkened blue that looks like an used gun barrel. That’ll make ’em pay attention!
“Entering the fastest-growing luxury segment, the all-new Corsair is artistically crafted, expertly designed and infused with our unwavering attention and commitment to detail; it’s unapologetically Lincoln,” said Joy Falotico, Lincoln Motor Company President.
Lincoln calls the Corsair a luxury SUV, which is exactly what it is. You will never, ever see a Corsair at the end of 12 miles of bad road picking up a bunch of muddy, greasy lumberjacks done with another long day of work. The Corsair is an SUV, but it’s not that kind of SUV. There’s a bit in the Lincoln press materials about the Corsair titled “sanctuary for the senses” and that pretty much defines what it’s like on the inside. Imagine if the Skull & Bones clubhouse was on wheels, and you pretty much got it.
The seats are 24-way adjustable, have massage capability, and additional lumbar support for drivers and front passengers. The second-row passengers get tons of legroom, thanks to the sliding seats that offer up to six inches of travel; and a 60/40 fold-flat or split-bench option. Lincoln says the Corsair offers more legroom in the second row than larger SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and Tesla Model X.
2020 Lincoln Corsair interior layout. Photo: Lincoln Motor Company.
Pin Drop
“Quietness is paramount for Corsair,” Lincoln says. And they get there by the most elaborate means imaginable. The dashboard is a dual-wall design, isolating you from the engine compartment and its troublesome noise. That’s not enough though. Rather than normal buzzers, there are six unique symphonic chimes that inform you of everything from an open fuel door to an unbuckled seat belt. The chimes were recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. No. Really. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
The stereo is a specially-tuned Revel system specific to each individual Corsair. In other words, the placement, tuning, calibration, and number of speakers is unique to each vehicle. Wireless charging for your mobile devices? Of course! (no unsightly wires). There are multiple power outlets throughout and Wi-Fi comes standard. Integrated SYNC 3 technology of course (this is a Ford product, after all) with AppLink. Drivers can access their apps from an available eight-inch touchscreen. Nice!
Keys? Not with the Corsair. Now your smartphone is your key. You can remotely start and unlock your Corsair; open the rear liftgate, and trigger a personal profile that automatically adjusts up to 80 features to your preferences.
Photo: Lincoln Motor Company.
Related: An inside look at the new Lincoln Aviator.
Safety & Security
Standard driver-assist features include Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking and Pedestrian Detection; Blind Spot Information System, Lane-Keeping System, rear backup camera, and and auto high-beams. If you’d like, there’s also adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist. Evasive steer assist offers assistance to the driver to help avoid a collision with a slower or stopped vehicle. Reverse brake assist can help you stop if the rear sensors detect an obstacle behind you. Active Park Assist Plus even parks the beast for you.
Power & Performance
Power, oh, it’ll have enough of that. The 2020 Lincoln Corsair comes with your choice of two turbo four-cylinder engines. The standard 2.0-liter plant puts out 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft. of torque, while the 2.3-liter mill packs 280 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. of torque. Both are hooked up to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel drive system switches between front- and all-wheel drive, depending on road and weather conditions.
Powertrain performance can be further customized by using one of five drive modes: Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Conserve.
Photo: Lincoln Motor Company.
Serious Contender
But the real bottom line here is how the new Corsair is a serious choice for people with serious money to spend. And that means Lincoln just might make it back from that brink. Which is fine with me. Expect the 2020 Lincoln Corsair in dealerships this fall.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
2020 Lincoln Corsair Gallery

Photos & Source: Lincoln Motor Company.

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2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS: Inside The S-Class of SUVs

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS: Inside The S-Class of SUVs The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS is the brand’s most luxurious SUV.
It’s bigger inside for 2020 to give passengers more comfort and space.
An available powertrain combination produces over 500 lb-ft. of torque.
SUVs are, or at least started out, as barely civilized work trucks designed to haul people and their stuff from point A to B no matter the road conditions. Over time, people wanted a less truck-like demeanor and more car-like comfort. Which leads us directly to this, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS.
The title just about says it all, doesn’t it? The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS is big, safe, and loaded with everything a driver or passenger could want. Sounds like an S-Class, no? It’s like an S-Class, only shaped like a big friggin’ box with all the subtly and styling of a half-track.
For me, that’s a good thing. I like my SUVs devoid of pretense.
Space & Comfort
Mercedes-Benz goes in a different direction with the GLS, stating right up front how it’s the “largest and most luxurious SUV” in their lineup. Further, the Germans say the new GLS is about offering more: more space, more comfort, and more luxury. For 2020, the GLS is 2.4-inches (60 mm) longer, wheelbase-wise, so the interior is more spacious, especially for second-row passengers. For example, legroom here is increased by 3.4 inches when the seats are in their rearmost position, which also makes it easier to jump in.
There are three, fully-electric and adjustable seat rows so all passengers get a generous amount of space and comfort. The third-row seats can lower into the floor to increase the trunk space, while the second-row seats fold flat. In other words, you’ve got tons of space for stuff if you need it, and when you don’t need it, you’ve got lots of space for people.
Speaking of space for people, there is a six-seater variant of the GLS that has two luxurious captain’s chairs for the second row, a first for 2020.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS interior layout. Photo: MBUSA.
Executive Treatments
There’s an Executive Rear Seat Package with a separate seven-inch Android tablet for controlling the comfort and entertainment functions from the rear. It is even possible to order a lumbar massage function for the rear seats. HVAC? Shut up and get out! Five-zone automatic climate control for the rear seats, each set by the tablet. Also standard is the Easy-Entry function for getting into and out of the third-row seats (meaning all of the rear seats simply move forward and/or fold down via a button).
The center console also offers a wireless charging compartment for smartphones and additional USB ports.
But that’s just the start of everything the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS packs.
Photo: MBUSA.
Between Gas & Hybrid
Also hitting the road for the first time in 2020 is the GLS 580 4MATIC. This big-block V8 variant has Mercedes’ EQ Boost system, a 48-volt on-board electrical setup with an integrated starter generator. Running the higher 48-volt setup allows for, in this instance, what would be a normal starter as a generator; and as a continually-available power source. This EQ Boost system sort of halves the way between hybrids and gas engines. It’s pretty clever.
By comparison, the GLS 450 4MATIC comes with a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, also with EQ Boost. But c’mon, you’re going to go for the 580!
The V8 gasoline engine with the 48-volt, on-board electrical system and starter generator creates 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque; with a further 184 lb-ft. of torque and 21 horsepower available via the EQ Boost over short periods. By comparison, the six-cylinder with the same 48-volt technology produces 362 horsepower and and 369 lb-ft. of torque; with a further 184 lb-ft. of torque and an extra 21 horsepower available via the EQ Boost over short periods.
All variants of the new GLS feature a nine-speed automatic. The electronically-controlled, multi-plate clutch transfer case allows for a “variable transfer of drive torque” from zero to 100 percent (torque on demand) between the axles.
The transfer case features a reduction gear for off-road driving. Photo: MBUSA.
Handling & Aerodynamics
The new GLS also features Mercedes’ sophisticated E-Active Body Control, an active suspension system paired with the aforementioned 48-volt technology. The result is a more comfortable ride and agile handling, and a higher degree of off-road capability. For example, the off-road functions on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS include a “rocking mode.” Say your new GLS has become bogged down in the sand because you were out catching the waves. Well, the suspension level will automatically raise and lower several times, changing the ground pressure of the tires to improve traction. This, according to Mercedes-Benz, helps the GLS “rock itself free.”
Furthermore, Mercedes says the GLS has impressive aerodynamics with a Cd of 0.32. They’re right, that is impressive, for something that’s shaped like the crate it’s shipped in. With regard to aerodynamics, special attention was paid to the underbody and the air flowing through the engine compartment because of the vehicle’s shape. With the GLS, engineers had to address the more upright front end and higher ground clearance when it came to air flow. Ultimately, the new GLS was subjected numerous computation loops, CAE simulations, and wind tunnel measurements in Sindelfingen, Germany.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS. Photo: MBUSA.
At The Car Wash
Oh, and get this: there’s a new Carwash function. Push a button and “woosh,” the mirrors retract, the side windows and sunroof close; the climate control goes to air-recirculation mode, and the 360 camera shows what’s directly ahead so you have an easier time getting into the wash. All that stuff you would normally do with several steps is now done with a single button. Ain’t life grand?
Manufacturing & Availability
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS will go on sale in the U.S. by the end of the year, with production taking place in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Look, I’m not usually one to advocate for this sort of thing but if (and this is a big if); you’re rich and have a large family, it sure sounds like the new GLS is the ride for you.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS Gallery

Photos & Source: MBUSA.

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2008 Aston Martin Vantage V8 Coupe 2008 Aston Martin Vantage V8 Coupe

$37,500.00
End Date: Wednesday Apr-24-2019 12:55:27 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $37,500.00
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2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary & GT-R NISMO: Godzilla Gets Bigger Teeth & New Clothes

2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary & GT-R NISMO: Godzilla Gets Bigger Teeth & New Clothes New for 2020 are the Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition and GT-R NISMO.
The GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition harks back to the Nissan GT-R Skyline R34.
The 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO receives carbon fiber body panels to save weight.
Nissan fans rejoice! The Japanese car maker has something good in store for the 2020 Nissan GT-R supercar. Making its debut at the New York International Auto Show is the Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition, and alongside it, the new GT-R NISMO. But for the new variants, Nissan didn’t want to tamper with the GT-R’s proven racing formula.
“The GT-R is about total balance management,” said Hiroshi Tamura, Chief Product Specialist for the GT-R. “It is not about chasing power figures, but creating a new GT-R where no aspect has been overlooked.”
The Nissan GT-R has always been the penultimate Japanese supercar. It gave the Audi R8 and Porsche 911 quite a scare when it graced the market in 2008. And even though the 2020 model is still part of the first-generation, Nissan saw it fit to equip Godzilla with bigger teeth and new clothes.
Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition
Commemorating 50 glorious years of racing heritage is the 2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition. This is purely an appearance package that pays homage to the dominance of the original R34 Skyline GT-R. The car receives a new Bayside Wangan Blue paint job with white racing stripes. If this color looks familiar, you’re right. It’s the same color of Paul Walker’s original right-hand drive R34 Skyline in the 2 Fast 2 Furious movie.
“The Nissan GT-R has been the icon of our company’s driving performance for the past half century,” explained Shinichiro Irie, GT-R Program Design Director. “While the exterior and interior changes may seem subtle at first glance, they’re still impactful, especially with the new paint schemes, keeping the car’s lines and overall presence modern and edgy.”
The paint job consists of a four-coat, double-heat treatment process to achieve a genuine old-school feel. The wheels also get blue accents on the spokes to complete the new look. But if you don’t like this color, don’t fret. The 50th Anniversary Edition GT-R is also available in pearl white with red stripes, and silver with white stripes.
In the meantime, the interior also receives numerous updates including a special gray color scheme along with exclusive trim for the steering wheel and shift knob. The dashboard and the seats are covered in hand-selected Nappa leather to exude a premium vibe. The center console houses an eight-inch touchscreen monitor with NissanConnect, an integrated navigation and communications system. This feature allows potential owners to lock and unlock the doors remotely or summon emergency services using an app. The car also gets special embossed seats, and an Alcantara-covered headliner and sun visors.
2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition in classic Bayside Wangan Blue with white stripes. Photo: Nissan North America.
Refined Performance (With A Little Growl)
Who could forget the mighty RB26DETT straight-six motor in the original R34 Skyline GT-R? Nissan outdid themselves with the VR38DETT V6 motor in the current-generation GT-R. But for 2020, Nissan’s engineers went for subtle upgrades to further improve the performance and efficiency of the raucous V6 motor.
The 2020 Nissan GT-R receives new turbochargers to improve the low rpm response of the V6 motor. New exhaust manifolds and optimized turbo flange attachment points are in the mix. The result is the same 565 horsepower and 467 lb-ft. of torque, but the 3.8-liter V6 is now more responsive and engaging. The six-speed dual-clutch automatic features a new adaptive shift control algorithm too. This means more aggressive downshifts with better gear selections on both the street and racetrack.
Rounding up the performance-enhancing mods is a retuned, electronically-controlled suspension to provide the right balance between handling prowess and ride comfort; along with new steering calibrations and a new brake booster. Also new is a titanium muffler with burnished blue titanium tips to produce the signature GT-R exhaust growl.
2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition. Photo: Nissan North America.
2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO
The 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO remains an absolute beauty among high-performance street and track machines. This hardcore version of the GT-R is nearly 44 lbs. lighter, courtesy of carbon fiber components like the hood, roof, trunk, front and rear bumpers, and the rear spoiler.
The front fenders now come with scalloped vents directly from the GT3 GT-R race car. More than just an aesthetic piece, these vents serve multiple purposes. Besides channeling hot air away from the engine bay, they also provide more downforce over the front tires for better handling and agility.
“The 2020 GT-R NISMO has evolved into a balanced, yet extreme, performance car,” Tamura said. “Pursuing driving pleasure is the most important concept behind GT-R.”
Lacing Up The New Shoes
The 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO comes with lightweight 20-inch RAYS forged aluminum wheels with a nine-spoke design. The car also receives newly-designed Dunlop tires with wider tread and fewer grooves to increase the contact patch by 11 percent. The semi-slick tires enable the GT-R NISMO to achieve higher cornering forces with better steering response.
Of course, what good is going fast if you can’t stop on a dime? Thankfully the GT-R NISMO comes with larger Brembo calipers and carbon ceramic brake rotors (16.1 inches front, 15.3 inches rear). The rotors, in particular, were crafted using a carbon and silica carbide structure. When paired with the new racing-derived brake pads, the brakes generate more friction, but also greater resistance to high temperatures; temperatures of more than 1,832 degrees Fahrenheit!
“Brembo and Nissan have a rich performance history,” said Dan Sandberg, Brembo North America President and CEO. “Our engineers worked in concert with the Nissan team to take data from the track, and combined that with lessons learned on the previous generation GT-R, to design the next evolution stopping package for this road-going supercar.”

The 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO features carbon fiber bumpers and body panels to cut weight. Photo: Nissan North America.
Blistering Performance
The 2020 GT-R NISMO recevies a 600 horsepower version of the 3.8-liter V6. The hike in power is courtesy of a turbocharger inspired by no less than the GT3 race car. The turbo comes with fewer blades and a modified turbine shape to optimize the flow rate. With 481 lb-ft. of torque available from 3,600 to 5,600 rpm, the new turbocharger improves acceleration response by 20 percent without compromising horsepower.
Pricing & Availability
Sadly, we have no word from Nissan on the exact pricing or availability of the updated 2020 Nissan GT-R, GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition, and GT-R NISMO. Some reports are saying the new GT-R will be available as early as this summer. We imagine prices starting upwards of $100,000 for the 2020 GT-R and $180,000 for the GT-R NISMO. Nissan is also offering a new Track Edition with a carbon fiber roof and the 600 horsepower V6.
A 2019 Nissan GT-R goes for about $100,000.
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 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition Gallery

2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO Gallery

Photos & Source: Nissan North America.

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Acura TLX PMC Edition: A Brief Walk Around

Acura TLX PMC Edition: A Brief Walk Around The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition is hand-built at the company’s Performance Manufacturing Center.
A special exterior color using nano pigment technology was developed for the limited edition TLX.
The TLX is the first Acura model to receive “PMC Edition” treatments; MDX will follow shortly.
Another surprise for this year’s New York International Auto Show was Acura’s roll out of the 2020 TLX PMC Edition. The PMC, which stands for Performance Manufacturing Center, is sort of like Acura’s version of BMW’s M division or Mercedes-AMG, only if it actually went faster. The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition gets some nice finishing touches here and there, and is assembled with greater care, but that’s about it.
Wishing For Slightly More
The TLX PMC Edition is a limited edition car, although Acura does not say what the actual production numbers will be. At this point, my guess it will be a special edition until they run out of the little glue-on serial plaques that say “Special Edition.”
Sad, really, given what Honda is capable of in the performance arena, but they have always been a conservative car company. Their vaunted NSX came out powered by a V6 when everyone else was going for much higher cylinder counts. Branding something as “PMC” and building it alongside the NSX at the actual Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio; but not giving us a hot-rod version seems like kind of a waste.
The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition is hand-built at the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio. Photo: Acura.
Power & Performance
The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition sits atop the TLX lineup, powered by an i-VTEC V6 engine with direct-injection. The 3.5-liter V6 makes 290 horsepower and is paired to a nine-speed automatic. Acura’s torque-vectoring system, Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive, is on-board and a godsend in slippery conditions. When the hand-assembly process is complete, each TLX PMC Edition will undergo the same quality controls as the NSX; including dyno checks, final paint inspection, rough-road simulation, and water leak tests.
It is not, however, a factory stripper; it is still loaded with the full-zoot of premium features from the TLX Advance Package. The exterior is anything but run-of-the-mill, featuring PMC Edition exterior treatments and interior design elements from Acura’s A-Spec line.
Photo: Acura.
Shiny & New
The easiest way to spot the 2020 TLX PMC Edition is by the Valencia Red Pearl pain, which Acura says is “deeply lustrous and grade-exclusive.” It’s made using something called nano-pigment technology that can only be applied in the bespoke factory’s advanced paint facility. (It was previously reserved for the NSX only). Acura goes into excruciating detail about the hows and whys of their ever-so-cool paint, but it’s basically candy apple red and seems, to my eyes, not all that dissimilar to what hot-rodders and low riders have been doing since 1959.
Only Acura takes five days to paint this TLX. I guess it’s worth it.
Other goodies include lots of gloss black stuff. There’s gloss black 19-inch, split-five-spoke wheels with black lug nuts; a gloss black roof panel, door handles, and grille with body-colored surround. There are shiny bits too, like the dual four-inch black chrome exhaust tips. The heated seats feature black Milano leather with Alcantara inserts, black piping and red stitching; those look quite nice. There’s a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching and paddle shifters, and there’s red stitching on the door panels, center console, and armrest as well.
Photo: Acura.
A-Spec Treatments
Even the floor mats are special, with metal A-Spec badging. Speaking of A-Spec, the PMC gets a trainload of that stuff too: A-Spec exterior and interior appearance packages, along with jewel-eye LED headlights, LED foglights, and GPS-linked navigation with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The stereo is this great big whompin’ thing, an Acura ELS Studio premium audio system with 10 speakers and enough power to make you go deaf.
Tech & Safety
Wireless charging for phones? Check. Surround view camera system? Check. Power-folding door mirrors with auto-dimming? Of course! Front and rear parking sensors, blind spot information system, rear cross traffic monitor? Duh! And of course, there’s the full suite of AcuraWatch safety technologies to keep you from doing anything egregiously stupid.
Pricing & Availability
Like I said, this is a limited-run TLX, but final numbers are so far absent. Deliveries of the 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition will begin this summer with pricing around $50,000.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition Gallery

Photos & Source: Acura.

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Ford Aims 2019 Transit Connect Wagon At Baby Boomer Generation

Ford Aims 2019 Transit Connect Wagon At Baby Boomer Generation Ford is trying to win over baby boomers in a big way with their 2019 Ford Transit Connect Wagon (one of Automoblog’s favorite vans). Their press materials from this year’s Chicago Auto Show are crammed with enough condescending references to the post-war generation to gag Grace Slick. But those egregious faux pas aside, the 2019 Ford Transit Connect Wagon has some pretty good stuff to offer.
Influential Generation
Why try to reinvent the van and sell it to boomers? Ford is direct and up front as to why: “Boomers … grew up driving vans, [and] at 111 million strong and holding 63 percent of American financial assets, the 50 plus demographic is the number one consumer demographic in the United States.” Or to be even more succinct: Boomers already know vans, there are a lot of them, and they have a lot of money. According to AARP, one in three Boomers plans to purchase a car in the next three years.
So, besides the corny and insulting hippie references in the press release (i.e. Life’s Still a Trip, Today’s Magic Bus) what does the 2019 Transit have to offer?
2019 Transit Connect Wagon. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Safety & Security
For starters, it has room for five to seven passengers and, since you can easily reconfigure the interior, cargo duty is just as easy as hauling people. American Transit buyers will also get their choice of a new gas or diesel engine, along with a collection of driver-assist technologies like Automatic Emergency Braking.
In addition, the 2019 Transit Connect Wagon comes with Pre-Collision Assist and Pedestrian Detection to help avoid big bang-bangs and thump-thumps. Adaptive Cruise Control is also available to make highway driving easier by automatically slowing the van when the system detects traffic ahead. A Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert is available. It also uses the Transit’s radar system to detect surrounding vehicles that loom at you unobserved from the sides. There is also an available Lane Keeping System that vibrates the steering wheel, and can apply extra steering wheel torque to help you keep the vehicle centered.

Trim Levels & Engines
The 2019 Transit Connect Wagon comes in two wheelbases and three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Titanium. The interior is expansive and adaptable, so fitting people in or loading in cargo is a breeze. There are dual sliding side doors, and the available roof rails give you even more versatility with the number of accessories that can be fitted to the roof. So, hauling bikes, kayaks or that vintage Greg Noll surfboard you’ve had since 1966 should be easy-peasy.
Even the engines got a going over, as I mentioned before. There’s an all new powertrain lineup, including the 1.5-liter EcoBlue diesel that promises at least 30 mpg highway. The diesel plant is coupled with a new eight-speed automatic. There is also a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline mill with direct injection on offer. That engine comes with Auto Start-Stop as standard and is also mated to that new eight-speed automatic.
Wanna tow stuff? The Transit Connect Wagon offers a towing capability of 2,000 lbs. when equipped with the trailer tow package.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Availability
According to Ford, the 2019 Transit Connect Wagon will be one of the most affordable seven-passenger rigs you can get, although Ford did not actually disclose pricing. The long-wheelbase version has more interior cargo volume behind the first row than the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe, according to Ford’s measurements. So think about that, comparison shoppers. Expect it this fall at dealers nationwide.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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Hyundai Drops 2018 Sonata Hybrids In Chicago

Hyundai Drops 2018 Sonata Hybrids In Chicago Hyundai just showed off the soon-to-be-in-a-store near you 2018 Sonata Hybrids, both standard and plug-in, at the Chicago Auto Show. Hyundai seems to roll out new models or improvements and updates to models every two weeks. How Hyundai does this is beyond me, but I’m just glad they’re able to keep it up. As I said, we now have two Sonatas to look at, the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid.
Of course, the new Sonatas come with a comprehensive exterior and interior redesign along with more safety stuff, better suspension, improved infotainment, and connectivity features, but the real star of the show is the gas/electric drivetrains
Sonata Hybrid
The center of the 2018 Sonata Hybrid is a 2.0-liter Nu GDI four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Situated within the transmission is a 38 kW electric motor and clutch where the torque converter should be. Hyundai’s clever idea of putting the hybrid drive guts within the transmission – something they call a Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device (TMED) – works the same as any other hybrid, but with improved fuel economy via a larger electric motor. Plus, you’ve got to say that’s pretty smart packaging.
The traditional ICE part of the hybrid system produces 154 horsepower and 140 lb-ft. of torque. Add in the electric motor and you get a further 38 kW (51 horsepower) and another 151 lb-ft. of torque. Net power comes up at 193 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Economy-wise, with a Sonata Hybrid SE you’ll get 39 mpg in the city, 45 on the highway, and a combined figure of 42. If you add that all up, you can go for around 650 miles under typical driving conditions. Choice!
The lithium-ion polymer battery pack capacity is good for 1.76 kWh and the whole she-bang fits under the trunk floor. Ergo, lots of trunk space, a flat trunk floor, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Total cargo volume for the Sonata Hybrid is 13.3 cubic feet.

Sonata Plug-in Hybrid
The Plug-in Hybrid is similar to the regular Sonata Hybrid, but with the benefit of extended all-electric travel. There’s a 9.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack which is more than five times larger than the Sonata Hybrid’s battery. According to the EPA, the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid has an all-electric range of 27 miles, and it can be recharged in less than three hours with a level-two charger. Which, if you think about this, allows you to commute to work, park the thing, plug it in for a recharge, and then drive it home without burning a drop of gas. And hey, if you’ve got to head out of town for a long weekend, you’ve got plenty of range thanks to the gasoline engine. Total estimated range is a remarkable 590 miles.
The Plug-in Hybrid has the same six-speed automatic with Hyundai’s TMED in place of the torque converter again, only this time the electric motor is a 50 kW beast. That 50 kW electric motor puts out 32 percent more power versus the Sonata Hybrid. The plug-in hybrid uses the same ICE as the Sonata Hybrid, and the total system output is 202 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. To compliment the performance, the chassis gets some nips and tucks with a stiffer front anti-roll bar and a more rigid rear trailing-arm design with retuned bushings.

Notable Features
Other highlights for the 2018 Sonatas include a new front/rear fascia design, a new grille, hood, front fenders, rear deck lid, headlights, and taillights. There are new 16-inch and 17-inch eco-spoke wheel designs, along with new LED headlights that have a trick cornering Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) function. The interior has a new instrument panel, center stack, steering wheel, wireless phone charging, and rear USB charge port.
Safety gadgets? By the ton. There’s standard Blind-Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, a newly available Automatic Emergency Braking system, and Lane Keep Assist.
Manufacturing & Availability
The 2018 Sonata Hybrids will be produced in Asan, Korea. The Hybrid will be in Hyundai dealers by the first quarter of 2018 and Plug-ins will show up in the second quarter.
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.
2018 Sonata Hybrid Gallery

Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.

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Hyundai Showcases Autonomous Driving Tech In Las Vegas

Hyundai is showcasing a host of future mobility and transportation technology at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), happening now in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hyundai is demonstrating their advanced autonomous IONIQ models on the roads surrounding the venue.

On the test route, autonomous IONIQ models navigate using an advanced form of LiDAR technology, a laser and radar-based detection system. It scans and identifies the precise location of other vehicles and objects, traveling safely through the test route.

Hyundai uses a different approach in the placement of their sensors, foregoing the typical roof mounted apparatus. Instead, the LiDAR technology is hidden behind the autonomous IONIQ’s front bumper. This helps maintain a sleek design for the car but also allows engineers a more functional, less complex setup. Hyundai’s self-driving systems are kept as simple as possible by integrating existing functions from the production models, including the forward-facing radar of the Smart Cruise Control and the Lane Keeping Assist cameras.

A GPS antenna is also utilized to search for the location of other vehicles while high-definition mapping software returns vital data to the car. This data includes things like road gradient, curvature, and lane width. Between the LiDAR, GPS antenna, and existing safety features, the complete system is able to navigate even the most difficult situations, readily identifying other cars and pedestrians, to small pets, speed bumps, and traffic signs.

Hyundai is currently conducting extensive urban testing with the primary goal being the safe execution of autonomous driving with less computing power at a lower cost. Throughout CES, two Hyundai cars will be navigating test routes around Las Vegas. Visitors can further experience Hyundai’s autonomous technology through Virtual Reality simulators at the Hyundai Motor booth.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Hyundai Autonomous IONIQ Concept Gallery

Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.

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