Automotive

Ram Heavy Duty Night Editions Debut In The Windy City

Ram Heavy Duty trucks will mean business at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show as a new special package is revealed. The Night package is based on the monochromatic Sport appearance package, and will be available on Ram 2500 and 3500. The Night package will dress these powerful machines up even more, from the wheels to the grille.

The idea was to create a performance oriented feel.

“Truck enthusiasts look for ways to stand out from the crowd and Ram is building the best trucks in the enthusiast segment,” explained Mike Manley, Head of Ram Brand, FCA-Global.

Features & Treatments

Ram Heavy Duty Night packages start with the aforementioned monochromatic Sport appearance package. That includes things like body-colored wheel flares, for example. From there, black lighting bezels, black-bezel headlamps, body-color-painted bumpers, and a black grill surround bring the Night imagery to life.

Other elements exclusive to the Night package include a black grille surround with black billet inserts, flat black Ram 2500 or 3500 Heavy Duty door badge, and flat black powertrain door badging. The Night package includes 20×8-inch black-painted aluminum wheels and LT285/60R20E white letter on/off road tires.

Black rectangular running boards also are available.

Night package Ram HD trucks are finished inside with heated cloth vinyl bucket seats with 10-way power adjustment, power-adjustable pedals, and automatic temperature control with dual-zone climate control.

Ram Heavy Duty Night package interior. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Power & Performance

Ram Heavy Duty trucks are big hitters here, delivering 31,210 lbs. of towing capability through their 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel. The engine produces 385 horsepower and 900 lb-ft. of torque. Those looking for a gas HD truck may find value in the fact Ram has the largest displacement V-8 in the segment. The 6.4-liter HEMI has 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft. of torque.

Currently, Ram 2500 holds the ¾-ton gas-powered towing title with 16,320 pounds of capacity.

Ram trucks also come in handy right about the time snow starts piling up. Ram Heavy Duty trucks offer the segment’s highest plow ratings, and after watching this video, it makes sense. The plowing performance of a Ram is unmatched and would be an ideal choice to clear large areas, like a parking lot, during harsh winters.

“The Ram Brand understands that it’s important to meet the demands and deliver outstanding, durable products to every type of truck buyer,” Manley said.

Pricing & Availability

The Night package is available on Ram 2500 and 3500 (single rear wheel models only) in Crew Cab configurations, 4×2 or 4×4, and any available powertrain combination. Ram 2500 and 3500 HD Night models come in Bright Silver Metallic, Bright White, Brilliant Black Crystal, Delmonico Red Pearl, and Granite Crystal Metallic.

Production of the 2017 Ram HD Night models began in early February. Ram Heavy Duty Night pricing starts at $45,520 plus $1,320 destination.

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

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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2018 Ford Expedition: Less Weight, More Power, More Tech

Ford calls the 2018 Expedition the ideal vehicle for active families, saying the full-size SUV is the smartest, most capable Expedition yet. Refinements for 2018 include connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and increases in performance attributes like tow capacity.

More than 40 additional features and driver-assist technologies are new to the Expedition for 2018. Ford points out how today’s full-size SUV customer has changed.

“When Expedition was introduced 20 years ago, it set the standard for active families who simply needed a big and strong SUV to take them places,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Today’s families want even more smart technology to help them cover more ground safely, more efficiently, and more comfortably – all while staying connected to friends and family.”

Power & Performance

Ford is utilizing their ever popular and ever powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost for the 2018 Expedition. The engine is standard with Auto Start-Stop and a new, class-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission. A newly available electronic limited-slip differential on models with Intelligent 4WD improves off-road capability by sending power where it’s needed most.

An all-new Terrain Management System provides drive modes for better performance, depending on the conditions. The range is pretty extensive, from normal, around-town driving to more demanding situations like heavy towing and hauling. Eco mode is pretty straight forward (fuel conservation) as is sport mode (not so much fuel conserved). Individual settings exist for a variety of surfaces from grass, gravel, snow, and mud, to ruts, dips, and other uneven surfaces.

Like its F-Series counterpart, the 2018 Ford Expedition utilizes a high-strength, aluminum-alloy body and redesigned high-strength steel frame. The combination, like in the F-Series, gives the new Expedition a solid foundation on which to stand. With the strategic choice and placement of materials, the 2018 Ford Expedition dropped 300 lbs., and engineers reinvested weight where it matters most in terms of technology and performance. In essence, tow capacity and off-road capability are increased from the prior generation.

With the 3.5-liter EcoBoost and class-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission, the 2018 Ford Expedition is expected to deliver the best towing capability of any full-size SUV. Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Useful Tools

The 2018 Ford Expedition features a class-exclusive, enhanced active park assist and an available 360-degree camera. With a vehicle as large as the Expedition, these two items may come in handy in a busy parking lot. Once underway, lane-keeping aid will reduce unwanted drifting while a collision avoidance detection system monitors other vehicles and pedestrians. Two other tech items, adaptive cruise control and a Blind Spot Information System, ease stress and increase safety.

To help with backing a trailer, the 2018 Ford Expedition features Pro Trailer Backup Assist. According to Ford’s research, more than 50 percent of Expedition customers will use the vehicle for towing, and 15 percent say they tow monthly, even weekly.

Useful Tech

Keeping up with a busy family is no easy chore but the 2018 Ford Expedition seems up to the task. Inside is wireless mobile charging, the first Ford vehicle to use such a feature interesting enough. Once your device is charged via the pad in the center console, you can connect it and ten others to the Expedition’s Wi-Fi hotspot, which is active up to 50 feet from the vehicle. On a longer drive, the rear seat entertainment system allows passengers to view their home cable programming on either of two video screens or hand-held devices.

Additional connectivity comes from Ford’s SYNC 3 and SYNC Connect. The latter connects with FordPass so owners can start, lock, unlock, and locate their Expedition from anywhere. It also saves important diagnostic information.

An advanced cargo manager provides an adjustable shelf behind the third row. Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Interior Treatments

Ford puts a lot of emphasis on the interior comfort of the 2018 Expedition. The automaker says the interior is both roomy and flexible, with seating for eight, plus their cargo. Ford even says adults will appreciate the additional legroom and reclining seats in the third row. Each row provides power too, with four 12-volt power points, six USB chargers, and a 110-volt power outlet.

Getting in should be a breeze as the 2018 Ford Expedition is the first full-size utility with a sliding second-row seat. The “tip-and-slide” feature should make accessing the third row easy. The second-and third-row seats fold flat via a button which opens up the cargo area substantially. With the seats folded, a trip to the hardware store is no problem since the cargo area will accommodate 4×8-foot sheets of plywood.

Two of our favorite interior treatments include the panoramic vista roof and the 12-speaker B&O PLAY premium audio system. The panoramic vista roof spans two rows – the stereo plays music that spans decades. They are both very nice touches for this vehicle.

The 2018 Ford Expedition arrives this fall but prior to that, it’s on display at the Chicago Auto Show.

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

2018 Ford Expedition Gallery

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Recon: The 4X4 Benchmark

Jeep. One word without any need of definition. Jeep basically invented what is today thought of as the Sport Utility Vehicle. What started off during World War II as a light troop and ammo carrier, later turned into the benchmark standard of what “off-road capable” means.

With its latest Wrangler Rubicon Recon, Jeep aims to move that benchmark.

The Rubicon Recon Edition is based on the standard Wrangler Rubicon model, which is already plenty impressive, especially off-road. The Recon Edition looks to seriously up the off-road stakes with a collection of improvements.

High Standards, Low Ratios

The front axle gets strengthened tubes and heavy-duty end forgings. The cast front and rear differential covers are even more serious than before, and the Recon presents improved off-road rock rails that are shortened to accommodate up to 35-inch tires. The Recon part-time four-wheel-drive system has electronic-locking Dana 44 axles front and rear, with power being directed to each end via a Rock-Trac transfer case.

The “4-Low” ratio comes off as 4:1 and there’s a 4.10 front and rear axle ratio that comes standard along with Tru-Lok locking differentials. The Rubicon Recon Edition has a crawl ratio of 73.1:1 that would get you outrun by a toddler on the flats, but allows you to out-climb a mountain goat on the rocky stuff.

“With an array of beefed up off-road components, the new Rubicon Recon provides even more legendary Jeep Wrangler capability,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global. “With unmatched capability and a unique appearance, Rubicon Recon is the perfect Wrangler for our most loyal, diehard off-road enthusiasts who love to tackle the most demanding trails.” Photo: FCA US LLC.

Exterior Touches

The Recon Edition stands out from other Wrangler Rubicons. It rides higher thanks to a half-inch lift, there’s new 17-inch Low Gloss Granite Crystal-painted aluminum wheels with 32-inch BF Goodrich KM off-road tires, optional body-color fender flares (which might violate Jeep dogma to some), and a dual-vented Power Dome hood with a black-silhouette “Rubicon” decal for a dash of style.

The iconic seven slot grille is a Low Gloss Black affair with Low Gloss Granite Crystal inserts and headlamp rings. Low Gloss is also the watchword for the black off-road bumpers and Jeep badge with a red base. Jeep says this gives the Wrangler Rubicon Recon a “toughened exterior look.”

The steel (like it would be any other material?) front bumper features a design that allows for the easy installation of a winch, and the end caps are removable so you can scramble over obstacles without any snags or damage on the trail. Red tow hooks front and rear also provide the Recon model with more protection – the red color separates it from the rest of the Wrangler herd.

The Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition comes in seven colors: Black, Bright White, Billet Silver, Firecracker Red, Gobi, Rhino, and Granite Crystal. I know, Gobi, Rhino, and Granite Crystal sound like pals of Wolverine, Jean Gray, and Dr. Xavier, but just go with it.

A Premium Sunrider soft top is standard and a body-colored hard top is also offered.

Wrangler continues its body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension setup, live axles, and electronic lockers. It’s also one of the few mid-size SUVs to offer a six-speed manual transmission, in addition to its five-speed automatic. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Interior Treatments

On the inside, things are a little less Spartan than days past. The Wrangler Rubicon Recon has a standard eight-speaker audio system and black leather heated seats with “Rubicon” embroidery. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped with red accent stitching, making things a little more classy. The front door armrest is black vinyl-wrapped and the console lid has black stitching.

Red accent netting on the front and rear door pockets, center console, and seatbelts differentiate the Rubicon Recon from the rest of the Wrangler roster (he alliterated repeatedly).

There’s a dashboard plaque with info concerning the front and rear axles, front sway bar, transfer case, and tires. On the dash there’s a gauge cluster unique to the Recon that contains an Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with added read-outs for oil pressure, transmission and coolant temperatures, digital speed, and individual tire pressure. You can see where that tire pressure gizmo could come in real handy out on the trail.

Passenger grab handles (a necessity) feature Midnight Star Black accents that are also found throughout the cabin, on the vent rings, steering wheel spokes, and door pulls. All-weather slush mats with red accent “Jeep” logos are both a nice styling touch and a practical addition. The axle locker and sway-bar disconnect switches are also red accented. Finally, Jeep’s Connectivity Group, Power Convenience Group, Satellite Radio, remote starter, and auto temperature controls are standard.

Cost? That will run you anywhere from $39,145 MSRP for the two-door model up to $42,945 MSRP for the Wrangler Unlimited model. The new 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition arrives in showrooms later this month.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC

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2018 Subaru Legacy To Debut In Chicago

It’s better to call the “new” 2018 Subaru Legacy “refreshed,” because that’s what it is. A little nip here. A little tuck there. A trip to the beauty parlor and a little debutante ball action, and here she is, the “new” 2018 Subaru Legacy.

The thumbnail sketch of what’s new breaks down like this: The 2018 Subaru Legacy has revised front and rear styling for a “sportier look.” The interior has also been gone over and redesigned with more premium materials. The chassis tuning has been tweaked for a smoother and quieter ride.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard along with new multimedia capabilities. And there is now an available Steering Responsive LED Headlight system.

Sporty Styling

Updating the front and rear styling is the easiest way to keep a car looking new during the mid-cycle refresh, before it gets a complete redo. People identify cars primarily from their grille design and front end treatment, so mucking about with that will get noticed. And from a manufacturer’s perspective, new front and rear bumpers (just as an example) are much cheaper to do than revamping the rest of the sheet metal.

Whether it results in a “sportier look” I’ll leave up to prospective buyers. Subaru says the Legacy is now a “sportier, yet more elegant design,” as if the two are mutually exclusive. They’re not. Just look at a 60s vintage Ferrari Lusso, for example. If that doesn’t say “athletically capable” and “elegant” at the same time, I don’t know what does.

But after all, this is a sedan, so maybe they’re not too far off?

The Legacy’s interior has also gotten a touch up, with both a redesign and higher quality materials. This has been a long time bug-a-boo for Subie. And the Legacy is, after all, the top of the Subaru line. So if any model is going to have to up its game, it’s going to be this one.

Reshaped exterior mirrors, new sound-insulating inner film glass for the front side windows, and thicker rear wheel well aprons are among the enhancements that make the 2018 Subaru Legacy more quiet. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.

Power & Performance

The chassis tuning is more responsive, making the 2018 Subaru Legacy more comfortable, quiet, and agile. Steering and brake feel have been improved too, especially through the Electric Power Steering. The smoother more responsive system works in tandem with the firmer, more direct brake-pedal which is always, always a good thing. Furthermore, Subaru updated the shocks to reduce the impact of bumps while also reducing body roll.

Where it’s really at though is under the hood where you get two choices of boxer powerplants. The Legacy 2.5i is motorized by a double overhead cam, 2.5-liter boxer engine, producing 175 horsepower and 174 lb-ft. of torque. There is a DOHC 3.6-liter 6-cylinder plant in the Legacy 3.6R, cranking out 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft. of torque. Keeping with their quiet theme, the Lineartronic CVT on 2.5-liter models now features an ultra-short-pitch chain, while engine timing adjustments during acceleration further reduce powertrain noise.

All models come with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system (natch) with an electronically managed, continuously variable transfer clutch for torque distribution.

Tweaks to the air conditioning unit were made, proving nothing was off limits regarding the 2018 Subaru Legacy. It now cools the vehicle more quickly and with a more uniform temperature throughout the cabin. Other conveniences include a redesigned clock that is easier to read and how interior power is retained for a short time after the car is shut off. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.

For The Birds?

The Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the new multimedia capabilities are both cool and ridiculous.

You get useful stuff like Magellan NAVI with advanced cloud-based mapping services and a Quick Guide digital reference guide for the vehicle. You get potentially useful stuff like Best Parking to locate and compare parking rates, and RightTrack monitors driving habits and recommends improvements.

You also have access to features which have sod-all to do with cars, driving them, or any combination thereof. For example, YELP for crowd sourced reviews of businesses? (“Oo look! A drycleaner with a five star rating!!”) and this thing called Glympse that provides real-time location sharing (why?). eventseeker (all lower case for some reason) provides information on local events, and yes, I don’t get that one either.

But the Pièce De Résistance has got to be eBird. That’s right. You heard me. I said eBird. What, you may ask is eBird? Well I hope you’re sitting down, because eBird advises of local bird sightings and locations.

Imagine that. You’re just cruising down the ville, and all of sudden thanks to eBird, you see there is an unexpected gathering of Throat Warbler Mangroves close at hand. You slam on the brakes (which are improved thanks to that new pedal tuning), slew a hard left, and nearly mow down a fruit cart, all so you can see your elusive avian friends up close and personal.

No doubt after digital admonishments from the RightTrack system, that is.

So, eBird or no, the 2018 Subaru Legacy makes a fine choice for people who are into Subarus in general, or might find themselves in less than temperate climes. The vehicle will make its debut at the Chicago Auto Show, which opens to the public on February 11th.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

2018 Subaru Legacy Gallery

Photos & Source: Subaru of America, Inc.

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2019 GMC Sierra Revealed: Carbon Fiber Box, Diesel Engines & More

2019 GMC Sierra Revealed: Carbon Fiber Box, Diesel Engines & More The Wall Street Journal recently reported on the understated success of GMC, and how that bolsters GM’s other initiatives like electrified and autonomous vehicles. Driving that growth is the Sierra line of pickups, in particular, the higher trim levels. Duncan Aldred, Global GMC Vice President notes that SLT and Denali models account for 87 percent of the brand’s total crew cab sales. With our love for premium and luxury trucks on the rise, GMC will hit the market later this year with the new Sierra Denali and SLT.
Power & Performance
If it’s one thing truck buyers are looking for, it’s grunt under the hood. New versions of GM’s evergreen 6.2 and 5.3 V8 engines will be joined by a new 3.0-liter inline-six turbo-diesel. GMC has not clarified horsepower or torque figures, but say the 5.3 and 6.2 will feature the new Dynamic Fuel Management system. This replaces the current Active Fuel Management and differs in the sense it can shut off any number of cylinders, in a variety of combinations, to boost performance and efficiency.
The 6.2 and diesel engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Sierra Denali’s Adaptive Ride Control suspension should make rough roads more tolerable. On-board sensors monitor the road conditions and chassis responses in real time, enabling adjustments to the active dampers every two milliseconds. And you thought Jimmy Johns was fast.
The 2019 Sierra Denali will offer, not surprisingly, a full range of available safety features like Side Blind Zone Alert, Pedestrian Detection, and Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking.
The 2019 GMC Sierra is larger than the outgoing model in virtually every dimension. The wheels, for example, are pushed closer to the corners and wear larger diameter tires. Both Denali and SLT trims offer 22-inch wheels as an option. Photo: GMC.
Tailgate Fever
The “MultiPro Tailgate” is of note here, which includes 6 different functions and positions to make the workday a bit easier. There are second-tier loading and load-stop solutions, a standing workstation mode, and integrated hand grips and bumper steps – the MultiPro Tailgate is standard on Denali and SLT trucks. Although cool and definitely useful, the MultiPro Tailgate underscores a totally new approach for the 2019 Sierra in a fundamental area.
The bed.
Carbon Fiber Strategy
Since the F-150 got wrapped in aluminum, rumors abound about what GM was going to do material-wise, if anything. To wit, the 2019 GMC Sierra maintains its roll-formed, high-strength steel bed, although a revised alloy offers 50 percent more strength than the current model. What is new is “CarbonPro,” or essentially the industry’s first carbon fiber truck box, on offer for the 2019 Sierra Denali later in the model year.
CarbonPro replaces the steel inner panels and floor with a lighter carbon fiber composite that cuts 62 lbs. from the truck. According to GMC, CarbonPro offers best-in-class dent, scratch, and corrosion resistance, and is the most durable pickup box in the segment. GMC notes their material strategy includes aluminum for the doors, hood, and tailgate, while relying on steel for the fenders and roof. Overall, the 2019 Sierra is 360 lbs. lighter than the current model.
2019 GMC Sierra Denali CarbonPro material usage chart. Photo: GMC.
Trailer Tools
When you gotta tow, you gotta tow. Expect to see GMC’s new ProGrade Trailering feature with a compatible smartphone app on offer. The system includes a pre-departure checklist, trailer light test, tire pressure monitoring for the trailer, and maintenance reminders among others.
Hitch Guidance, Hitch View, and a birds-eye camera should minimize the amount of swear words uttered while backing up to a trailer. The available side view cameras and a trailer-mounted HD camera can provide additional assistance when traveling down the road, or while operating in reverse. Also cool is the Trailer Theft Detection feature, which provides a mobile alert via OnStar should the trailer ever be detached from the truck.
The available Rear Camera Mirror is something most truck buyers will find useful. It acts like a dual-function interior mirror, in the sense that it helps drivers see around potential obstructions, be it occupants or cargo. It expands the field of vision for the driver with a higher resolution camera and display and the ability to tilt or zoom the view.
2019 GMC Sierra Denali ProGrade Trailering System. Photo: GMC.
Pricing & Availability
The 2019 GMC Sierra Denali and SLT go on sale this fall. GMC did not disclose pricing but said additional details will be released closer to the start of production.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
2019 GMC Sierra Gallery

Photos & Source: GMC.

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Lotus 3-Eleven 430: Here We Go Again

Lotus 3-Eleven 430: Here We Go Again It’s another new special edition Lotus! Guys, guys, guys! Look: I love ya. I love your cars, I love the way they look, I love the way they handle, but . . . this special edition stuff has Got. To. Stop.
You know the story of The Boy Who Cried Wolf? Lotus is getting dangerously close to that. In the past year (it seems like the past three weeks), Lotus has released (seemingly) 1,437 special edition cars. And yeah, they are great cars. And yeah, in point of fact, they are special. But if everything is special, then nothing is special, y’know?
However, the 3-Eleven 430 is special. They are only going to make 20 of the little brutes (which is a pity) and, although it is road legal, it is not road legal here in the U. S. of A. (which is criminal!).
Lightning Strikes
For starters, the new Lotus 3-Eleven 430 is the quickest street-legal sports car Lotus has ever made. Think about what else Lotus has made, and you’ll get the point. The 3-Eleven 430 laps the company’s Hethel test track 0.8 seconds quicker than an Exige Cup 430, and two seconds quicker than the previous 3-Eleven. The current benchmark is 1 minute 24 seconds, thanks to the new Lotus 3-Eleven 430. The supercharged and charge-cooled 3.5-liter V6 engine cranks out 430 horsepower and 325 lb-ft. of torque.
In addition to performing like a lightening strike, the bodywork now features new, part-visible weave carbon-composite panels. This helps the 3-Eleven tip the scales at 2,028 lbs., giving you a power-to-weight ratio of a mighty 467 horsepower per tonne. There is also a Torsen-type limited slip differential and an open-gate six-speed manual gearbox in the mix as well.
LED daytime running lights and a lip spoiler characterize the front of the Lotus 3-Eleven 430. Photo: Group Lotus plc.
Chassis & Aerodynamics
Please, this is a Lotus. Öhlins DFV one-way adjustable dampers live at each corner and Eibach adjustable anti-roll bars inhabit the front and rear. There’s 6-position variable traction control, networked directly to the ECU, with five pre-set traction levels: 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 percent slip and “off.” G’head Mario, turn it “off” and see how y’do!
Lotus, being one of the leading innovators in race car aerodynamics, also tweaked the new 3-Eleven in that department as well. Now there is a higher mounted straight-cut rear wing with re-profiled end plates, a long front splitter and lip spoiler, and a flat floor with a rear diffuser that increases down force by 97 lbs. to a total of 585 lbs. at max speed.
Tires & Braking
Tires are Michelin Cup 2 deals with 225/40 ZR18 at the front and 275/35 ZR19 out back. The mechanical grip combined with the aero downforce ads up to a gray-out inducing 1.5 g while cornering. Yes, stopping is good. In the case of the Lotus 3-Eleven, that’s the responsibility of AP Racing four-piston calipers, front and rear, and two-piece J-Hook brake discs that are 332 mm front and rear (seemingly about the size of a pizza). Each corner is finished by Lotus-designed, ultra-lightweight forged aluminum wheels that come in either gloss or satin black.
Pricing & Availability
You want? Of course you want. You must want! You also must contact Lotus now, since they’re only make 20. The 3-Eleven 430 is priced at £102,000, or $140,00 at today’s exchange rates. Yes, that’s a lot, but I could see spending it. The only real problem here is hanging a license plate on the darn things, cause that’s what I really want to do.
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.

Photos & Source: Group Lotus plc.

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2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: True Italian Flare

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: True Italian Flare Seems like someone at Alfa Romeo has been taking serious hallucinogens again, because Alfa went and made a Quadrifoglio version of their all-new 2018 Stelvio SUV. Sure, other car companies have done this: AMG Merc G-Classes and seriously hopped up Porsche Cayannes and that sort of thing – but this is Italian levels of crazy. Remember, the Germans invented the pipe organ. Italians invented opera.
Disaster Response
To Italians, everything is a big deal. You miss’a da’bus? Una catastrofe! Girlfriend dumped you? Una catastrofe! The pope dies? Una catastrofe! Ferrari comes in second? Una catastrofe! So when an Italian car company, Alfa, in this case, gets into the SUV game, and various people (e.g. Germans) start making go-fast versions? Una catastrofe! The only “reasonable” and “sane” response is to not only make your own SUV, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, but then you’ve got to do something like drop in 75 percent of the engine from a Ferrari 488 GTB and say, “stai ben’!”
Speed Fixes Everything
Is the all-new 2018 Stelvio Quadrifoglio practical? Can it ford deep streams? Drive up snow-covered mountain slopes with ease? Reliable? Who cares! For everyone of you that say stuff like that is important in an SUV, I have the following rebuttals: 505 horsepower, zero to 60 in 3.9 seconds, and a top speed of 176 mph. Sure, sure, yap all you want about “Ford Expedition” this “German build quality of the Cayenne” that, I’ll be taking the Stelvio Quadrifoglio for a little jaunt around the Nürburgring. Where, in case you didn’t see this one coming, the SQ lapped the place in a record 7 minutes 51.7 seconds. Yes, that’s the fastest time ever posted by a production SUV, and yes, that makes the Stelvio Quadrifoglio the fastest production SUV in the world.
Photo: FCA US LLC.

Power & Performance
As I mentioned, the SQ will be motivated down La Strada via an all-aluminum, 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, generating 505 horsepower. In addition to all that horsepower, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio engine cranks out 443 lb-ft. of torque. Said mill is direct-injected, and was designed to heighten the lightweight architecture of the SUV. It features a compact, 90-degree layout to drop the center of gravity seemingly four feet under your seat. The engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which makes sense, because adding a full-on Ferrari double clutch semi-auto box would have tripled the price.
And from there on out, things on the Stelvio Quadrifoglio just seem to get more and more radical. The Quadrifoglio features a class-exclusive carbon fiber driveshaft. A carbon fiber driveshaft?! In a “truck?” Voi gente di Milano siete un mucchio di torte alla frutta! That composite driveshaft is hooked up to a torque vectoring differential (a piece of kit right out of Ferrari’s Grand Prix shop), controlled by a four-mode Alfa DNA Pro selector, complete with a Race mode. There is a Quadrifoglio-tuned adaptive suspension system to compliment the steering which Alfa describes as “direct.”
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Fine Touches
The Stelvio Quadrifoglio also comes with 20-inch aluminum wheels with immense 6-piston Brembo front brakes. There are aggressively bolstered Alcantara leather seats (14-way power front and 4-way lumbar adjustments), leather-wrapped dash and doors with accent stitching, and genuine carbon fiber adorning the interior. You will also find a specific Quadrifoglio instrument cluster with a 200-mph speedometer (risate maniacali) and a cylinder deactivation system to maximize fuel efficiency.
And the finishing touch (Italians always have that nice finishing touch) is the hand-painted Quadrifoglio badge. Said badge is symbolic of Alfa Romeo race cars and high-performance production vehicles.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Pricing & Manufacturing
The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is manufactured at the Alfa Romeo plant in Cassino, Italy (yes, that Cassino) and lists for a not all that unreasonable $79,995. No, that’s not cheap. Indeed, that is the most expensive Alfa you can currently buy. But it is right in line for what other (and let’s just say it: lesser) higher performance SUVs go for.
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 is work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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