Automotive

Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Stelvio Ti: Longing For Milano

Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Stelvio Ti: Longing For Milano

I’m not sure how I feel about this. On one hand, it’s an SUV and, basically, there’s enough of those things running around out there. 9 out of 10 of them are bought for inconsequential “reasons” and the practicality you get could be better served by other rides. On the other hand: This is an Alfa Romeo.
Look, I will make no bones about this: I love Alfas. In my “huge warehouse for cars I will get when I win the lottery” there are many, many Alfas. Many. They have, without question, made at least a handful of truly great cars over the course of history.
You don’t get to call yourself “iL Primo Automobile Campione del Mondo” for nothing, you know. But still . . . it’s an SUV.
Longing For Milano
I can thoroughly understand Ford and GM and the like making these things. And I can even see other automakers selling them. They are top sellers, and in some cases (Porsche) the sales of SUVs allow car companies to make loss-leaders that are fantastic (911 GT3s). But then there are those other car companies that are making SUVs for no logical reason. Honestly, Bentley and Aston Martin and Lamborghini should be hauled before the committee poste haste and forced to explain themselves.
But, here I am, staring down the barrel of not one but two Alfa Romeo SUVs. Now what am I gonna do? Close my eyes and think of Milano, I guess.
Double Time
Basically, there are two Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUVs: the “normal” Stelvio, and the slightly more full zoot Stelvio Ti. Generally speaking, the overall similarities are like this: Alfa says it’s “an SUV for the S-curves,” which is cute, and what seemingly every manufacturer says about their SUVs. We, the gearheads, laugh loudly in their general direction. But in Alfa’s case, they might not be joking.
For starters, all Stelvio models feature a near 50/50 weight distribution, which is really going to help with handling and performance. There’s an eight-speed automatic transmission with available, steering column-mounted aluminum paddle shifters. Shifts take place in less than 100 milliseconds. No, I’m not kidding. That makes me start to think Alfa let the loonies out of the racing department.
“The all-new Stelvio further highlights and expands Alfa Romeo’s return to North America with a premium mid-size SUV that truly stands apart in the segment,” said Reid Bigland, Head of Alfa Romeo. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Performance Tech
Stelvios (Stelvii? Stelvi? Siamo spiacenti, il mio italiano è un po ‘arrugginito) come very well-equipped with lots of standard and premium features, like the leather interior, remote start with passive entry, bi-xenon headlamps, a roarty dual exhaust, a class-exclusive carbon-fiber driveshaft (fresco!), and a flat-bottom Formula One-inspired steering wheel (molto fresco!). The Stelvio also has a DNA drive mode selector, which is a rather overwrought term for a gizmo that varies suspension and performance settings based on need/terrain/conditions.
Everything is motivated down the Strada via a direct injected, 280 horsepower turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L engine. The Stelvio hits 60 in an estimated 5.4 seconds. And HOLY @&^%! is that ever quick right out of the box. 5.4 seconds? Like Porsche Cayenne GTS quick. Like, if I have to buy an SUV quick. 5.4 seconds . . . heck of a number, that.
Besides that plant cranking out the power, Alfa gets those kind of numbers thanks to an innovative Q4 all-wheel drive system, standard on all Stelvio models. I believe that’s the same AWD layout they used on 144 DTM cars that was so crushingly superior the FIA outright banned it.
The Stelvio Pass is the highest mountain pass in Italy and the second highest in Europe. With a 12-mile road that contains over 48 bends, adventurers reach up to 9,000 feet. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Executive Treatments
18-inch aluminum wheels are standard, with 19- and 20-inch wheels available. Other standard items include bi-xenon headlamps with signature LED daytime running lights, LED tail lamps, and a backup camera with rear park sensors (thank you). The remote start, passive entry with Keyless Go, and a power liftgate were all no doubt made with the FLA (Fat Lazy American) market in mind.
The Formula One-inspired, flat-bottom steering wheel with integrated push button start is available on the Sport Package for another $1,800. That also adds 19-inch wheels, steering column-mounted aluminum paddle shifters (which you should really get), a sport steering wheel, genuine aluminum accents, gloss-black window trim surround, black roof rails, aluminum sport pedals and deadpedal, and colored brake calipers. The sport-tuned suspension is a nice touch, as is the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Safety features include Full-speed Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Warning. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Stelvio Ti
Okay, so the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (the “normal” base level model) has an MSRP of $41,995. The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti lists at $43,995. It features all the goodies on the Stelvio, but adds even more premium perks and convenience offerings. For starters, the 19-inch wheels are standard as are the genuine wood interior accents; a larger 8.8-inch entertainment and information display, SiriusXM, front park sensors, heated steering wheel, and heated front seats are also part of the Ti.
Two further sub-models include the Ti Sport and Ti Lusso. Each of these will cost you a not-unreasonable $2,500.
Properly Packaged
The Stelvio Ti Sport adds 20-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, 12-way power high performance sport leather seats, including 4-way lumbar and power bolsters with thigh extenders (stop that giggling), steering column-mounted aluminum paddle shifters, sport steering wheel, gloss-black window trim surround, black roof rails, aluminum sport pedals and footrest, and colored brake calipers.
The Stelvio Ti Lusso (lusso is the Italian word for luxury) includes the 19-inch wheels, Luxury Pieno Fiore Italian leather seats with Cannelloni inserts, 12-way power front seats including 4-way lumbar, leather-wrapped dash and upper door trim with accent stitching, genuine wood trim in dark gray oak or light walnut, a luxury steering wheel, and aluminum pedals and footrest.
Overall, that sounds like a lot of bang for your buck. It’s right in the middle of the budget spectrum for SUVs, and hits the sweet spot for luxury/performance oriented buyers. If Alfa Romeo can make these things run (and not to totally dismiss the 400 pound gorilla in the room, that is a very big and very important if) they should sell them by the boatload. Would I buy one? Forse … forse … my “huge warehouse for cars I will get when I win the lottery” does have lots of space after all.
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.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Gallery

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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McLaren 570S GT4 To Debut In 2017 China GT Championship

McLaren 570S GT4 To Debut In 2017 China GT Championship

This weekend, the McLaren 570S GT4 track car will makes its debut in the first race of the 2017 China GT championship. The event at Beijing Goldenport Park circuit is expected to draw a TV and online audience of over 75 million. Since its conception last year, the China GT has become one of the most extravagant, most elite racing contests in China.
McLaren has been named Official Safety Car partner and will provide a 570S road car accordingly.
Track Attack
The 570S uses its lightweight architecture and carbon fiber Monocell II chassis to its distinct advantage. The 570S was designed for the track, and benefits especially from things like an aluminium rear wing that balances extra downforce. There are bonnet “nostrils” to improve overall airflow and a centrally mounted front radiator to encourage heat dissipation. In short, the McLaren 570S has an array of cutting-edge tech that makes it a fitting machine for the race track.
Photo: McLaren Automotive.
Winning Team
16 teams will compete in 12 races at six different locations: Beijing, Erdos, Zhuhai, Shanghai, Chengdu, and the new Zhejiang circuit. The GT4 class is new for 2017, in addition to the GT3 and GTC competitions that ran in 2016 last year.
A McLaren customer racing team named “The Winning Team” will enter a 570S GT4 piloted by two professional racers in the GT4 class, David McIntyre and Roelof Bruins. McIntyre, McLaren’s Managing Director of China, competed in the Korean Speed Festival for three years and ran the Malaysian Touring Car Championship last year. Bruins begain as a youth in karting and has 25 years of racing experience. He competed in Korean Touring Cars for the past seven years, winning five championships during that time.
The duo will race the McLaren 570S GT4 at all 12 dates on the China GT calendar.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: McLaren Automotive.
Photos & Source: About McLaren Automotive.

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2017 Nissan Rogue Sport: Priced Right For Buyers On The Go

2017 Nissan Rogue Sport: Priced Right For Buyers On The Go

The new 2017 Rogue Sport, that would be Nissan’s small-ish SUV crossover thingo, the one you saw a while back with all those Star Wars/Rogue One commercial tie-ins, finally has its specs and pricing set. As one would expect, it is loaded with tons of standard features, and won’t break your bank account.
Nissan’s new Rogue Sport is the slightly smaller, sportier and more affordable version of the normal Rogue.
Emotional Cues
The Rogue Sport is designed for younger, urban SUV buyers, so you know Nissan will market this thing as being as hip as they can get away with, and that it will be covered in tech features. The Rogue Sport has many of the design, utility, and technology features of the normal Rogue, which is probably a very good move since the Rogue is Nissan’s best-selling vehicle in the United States.
The Rogue Sport’s design mixes a compact body with strong fender volumes and an aggressive “wheel-oriented stance” to convey “a feeling of robust agility.” Nissan calls it an “emotional geometry,” but to me, there’s nothing very special or overly distinctive here. Moving on.
Creature Comforts
Comfort and convenience features? Oh my yes. By the car load. The seating is leather-appointed (meaning it’s only leather where you touch it) and the front seats are heated. There is an available Divide-N-Hide Cargo System (whatever that might be), a RearView Monitor, Siri Eyes Free, and NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps. There’s a 7.0-inch color touchscreen display and a Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant. Also available is the advanced Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Intelligent Cruise Control, plus SiriusXM.
Photo: Nissan North America.

Safety & Security
There is a complete suite of Nissan Intelligent Safety Shield technologies, gizmos, goodies, and gee-whizzers. This includes Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Forward Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Departure Prevention.
Power & Performance
Running gear wise, a 141 horsepower, 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder plant is standard. It’s mated to an Xtronic gear box with an Eco Mode switch and a 4-wheel independent suspension. Nothing really earth shattering there, or anything to write home about, but there’s the specs for those of you that want to know. You can get your 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Cargo Capacity
The Rogue Sport provides a lot of room inside, considering its small road footprint. There’s seating for five and up to 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seat in the way back. Flop that second row of seats down and you get up to 61.1 cubic feet which is enough for a drum set or a DJ setup and PA – that sort of stuff.
Pricing & Availability
Pricing starts at $21,420 for the Rogue Sport S model in front-wheel drive configuration and goes all the way up to $27,420 for the full zoot, all the features all the time Rogue Sport SL AWD. So roughly speaking, between 20 and 30 large, there’s a small(ish) SUV/crossover thing out there waiting for you young, on the go, urban professional types. The new 2017 Rogue Sport is at Nissan dealers now.
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.
Photo: Nissan North America.
Photos & Source: Nissan North America.

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Toyota, On the Road Lending Team For Underserved Communities

Toyota, On the Road Lending Team For Underserved Communities

Toyota is partnering with Dallas-based On the Road Lending to provide transportation and mobility options to underserved populations. On the Road Lending offers an array of services, from vehicle selection assistance and low-interest auto loans, to long-term financial mentoring for low-income individuals.
On the Road Lending, with a character-based model, helps clients build a financial foundation before signing for a vehicle. Then, through an affiliated financial entity, On the Road Lending will provide a fuel efficient vehicle, still under warranty, to clients.
Lasting Relationships
The organization works with clients through the life of the loan, providing additional mentoring and guidance. In order to help facilitate this process, Toyota has provided three grants totaling over $1 million. The money will help On the Road Lending build their IT infrastructures, streamline their processes, and expand their services.
“The ability to move freely and easily opens up a world of possibilities, and On the Road Lending is an excellent example of helping people overcome transportation barriers so that they can access jobs and improve their quality of life,” said Al Smith, Group Vice President, Toyota Social Innovation.
On The Road Lending Founder and CEO Michelle Corson with client Ericka Griffin. Through the program, Griffin is the proud owner of a certified pre-owned 2009 Toyota Corolla. Photo: John B. Sutton, Jr.
Big Impacts, Better Life
Toyota, although one of the world’s largest automakers, is looking to make an even bigger impact on society.
“It is also representative of the types of social innovation programs we aim to implement, helping solve societal issues by sharing our resources and know-how,” Smith said.
Michelle Corson, On The Road Lending Founder and CEO believes access to quality transportation is directly proportional to an individual’s success and happiness.
“We truly believe that a better car leads to a better life, and are pleased to partner with Toyota to help improve quality of life in our communities through mobility,” she said. “Through our model, we helped single parents, domestic violence survivors, veterans, working families, and many others improve their credit and purchase fuel-efficient, reliable cars.”
To learn more about applying or to make a donation, visit On the Road Lending here.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Infiniti Announces Pricing For 2017 QX80 Signature Edition, 2018 QX30

Infiniti Announces Pricing For 2017 QX80 Signature Edition, 2018 QX30

Infiniti announced pricing for both the 2017 QX80 Signature Edition and the 2018 QX30. Both vehicles feature the automaker’s latest performance, safety, and infotainment technology. The QX80 Signature Edition returns for its second year while the QX30 sees no significant content or equipment enhancements for 2018. The QX80 is a luxurious family hauler, available in a seven- or eight-passenger configuration, while the smaller QX30 is meant to bring in new buyers.
2017 QX80 Signature Edition
This special packaging option provides a $2,500 savings versus its contents being added individually. The Signature Edition includes an exclusive Saddle Tan interior, chrome outside rearview mirror caps, and dark-finish 22-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels with 275/50R22 all-season performance tires.
Active safety features include Backup Collision Intervention, Blind Spot Warning, Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Distance Control Assist, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Intervention, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Departure Prevention.
Under the hood sits a 400 horsepower, 5.6-liter DOHC V8 with Direct Injection Gasoline and Variable Valve Event and Lift technologies. QX80 4WD models feature an advanced, computer-controlled transfer case with three settings (Auto, 4H, and 4L).
The QX80 Signature Edition has an MSRP of $67,335 for the 2WD and $70,435 for the 4WD. It comes in four colors: Hermosa Blue, Graphic Shadow, Black Obsidian, and Majestic White.
2018 Infiniti QX30. Photo: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.

2018 QX30
The 2018 QX30 is aimed at young singles or recent couples who lead active lives but have not considered Infiniti before. The vehicle is set apart by its sculpted and chiseled appearance, along with its signature LED lighting. A panoramic moonroof and roof rails are offered for a combination of luxury and style. Drivers are treated to a modern, Nappa leather interior with Bluetooth capability, RearView Monitor, INFINITI Intelligent Key, and three 12-volt power outlets. Available options include a Bose system, HD radio, and an Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection.
A 2.0-liter I4 turbocharged engine with 208 horsepower motivates the 2018 Infiniti QX30. The engine is paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters. Like the QX80 Signature Edition, the QX30 offers an array of safety technologies like Intelligent Park Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Cruise Control, and Forward Emergency Braking.
MSRP for the 2018 Infiniti QX30 is unchanged from the 2017 models. The base QX30 FWD starts at $29,950 with the Luxury FWD starting at $32,600, and the Premium FWD at $35,300. By comparison, the Luxury AWD comes in at $34,400 while the Premium AWD starts at $37,700. The QX30 Sport starts at $38,500, which features a lower ride height, gloss black grille, dark chrome exhaust finishers, and 19-inch Gun Metallic aluminum-alloy wheels.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2017 QX80 Signature Edition Gallery

2018 QX30 Gallery

Photos & Source: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.

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Bugatti Opens Brand’s Largest Showroom In Dubai

Bugatti Opens Brand’s Largest Showroom In Dubai

Bugatti’s newest showroom just opened its doors on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, the most populated city in the United Arab Emirates. The new showroom, now Bugatti’s largest, is the 15th in their global dealership network. The Arabian peninsula is one of Bugatti’s most lucrative markets, with the region accounting for 26 percent of Chiron sales. So far, 30 orders have been placed for the Chiron making Bugatti UAE the brand’s most successful dealership.
Bugatti’s longstanding sales and service partner in the UAE is Al Habtoor Motors.
“A location of this significance and appeal for our brand has earned a superlative showroom,” said Dr. Stefan Brungs, Member of the Board of Management of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. responsible for Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service.
Automotive Excellence
Al Habtoor Motors has been the official dealer partner of Bugatti for the UAE since 2006 and a Bugatti Service Partner of Excellence since 2013. The dealership is known for its impressive Veyron fleet which numbers about 55. Al Habtoor Motors began in 1983, expanding rapidly with their reputation for professionalism and top notch customer service. In 2013, the dealer group was named “Best Bugatti Partner” and received a similar partnership award in 2011. Sultan Al Habtoor, President of the company, underscored the importance of having Bugatti in the UAE and building upon prior successes.
“The UAE is always striving to be the best. Our target was therefore to bring the largest, most beautiful Bugatti showroom to the heart of Dubai,” he said. “Here, our exquisite clientele can experience the unique nature of this fantastic brand in all its facets.”
“We would like to thank Al Habtoor Motors for this convincing testimony to our brand,” Brungs added. “The success of Al Habtoor Motors is based on the considerable passion and professionalism with which our partner represents Bugatti in the United Arab Emirates.”
Bugatti UAE on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. The entrance pays homage to the iconic horseshoe design found on a Bugatti’s radiator grille. Photo: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.
Luxurious Headquarters
Inside Bugatti UAE, clients are treated to a unique lounge area with furniture from the Bugatti Home Collection. Customers can configure their Chiron in a private and comfortable atmosphere; the Chiron itself is presented through exhibits and animations. A heritage section is also a favorite where visitors can learn about Bugatti’s values.
“Many Bugatti customers who have been the closest and most loyal ambassadors of our brand for many years live in this region,” Brungs explained. “Some of them are proud owners of car collections with even several Bugatti super sports cars – a passion for ultimate performance, luxury, and individuality is especially in evidence here.”
Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and by individual appointment. The address is Sheikh Zayed Road, Umm Al Sheif Exit 41, Dubai. To mark the inauguration of the new showroom, the Bugatti Chiron will tour the Arabian peninsula.
“The new showroom will not only be the perfect platform for the Chiron but also honors our special customers,” Brungs added.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Photos & Source: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S., Al Habtoor Motors.

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Autonomous Driving Discussions Peak In Detroit As AutoSens Returns

Autonomous Driving Discussions Peak In Detroit As AutoSens Returns AutoSens, a global summit on autonomous driving, is underway in Detroit, Michigan. Following a successful outing at AutoSens Brussels, organizers have returned to the Motor City for the second time with a robust itinerary meant to facilitate discussions around the future of mobility. AutoSens covers nearly every aspect of autonomous driving, from the supply chain, infrastructure, and engineering challenges, to legal, financial, and ethical considerations.
Collaboration & Creativity
Attendees, speakers, sponsors, and participants will actively leverage each other’s expertise during the week-long event, which takes aim at the biggest challenges facing autonomous cars. Collaboration and creativity are the central themes of AutoSens, whereby professionals in the field are encouraged to share ideas and devise solutions to the obstacles facing autonomous driving.
“AutoSens, in short, is a global engineering forum for the people who work on vehicle perception systems,” explained Robert Stead, Managing Director, Sense Media, the parent company of AutoSens. “That might be designing a component, coding software algorithms, deciding on how to build a complete system, quality assurance, testing or any number of other functions important in developing efficient, affordable, and reliable systems to the high standards demanded by the auto industry.”
Photo: Alex Hartman for Sense Media.
Live Demonstrations
The first day – Tuesday May 15th – saw numerous autonomous vehicle demonstrations at Wayne State University. Attendees were able to ride in three different autonomous vehicles, from three different companies: a Lincoln MKZ outfitted with self-driving technology from Autonomous Stuff, a Chrysler Pacifica equipped with a special kit from Dataspeed, and a modified Tesla from Vision Systems Intelligence.
The demonstrations are a hallmark of AutoSens, both in Detroit and Brussels, and remain a favorite for attendees.
“It was a steady flow of people all day,” Stead said. “The Dataspeed and Autonomous Stuff cars were doing autonomous laps of the track using their high-resolution GPS and inertia measurement systems, and the Vision Systems Intelligence Tesla was doing rides on the road and showing off the kit inside.”

Fresh & Focused
On Wednesday and Thursday, May 16th and 17th, expert speakers will take the stage while panel discussions both days will cover a range of topics from safety and privacy to technical innovations. Speakers include representatives from Ford, General Motors, Toyota, and Jaguar Land Rover, and major suppliers like Bosch, Valeo, and Magna. Representatives from MIT, Carnegie Mellon, University of Washington, and the University of Michigan are also scheduled to speak.
“There will be fresh, cutting edge technical information,” Stead said. “It’s all about the engineering and having good, quality technical presentations that add to the science behind autonomous driving.”
Although networking is a major aspect of AutoSens, the event is not a trade show and organizers are keen to keep it that way.
“We want to show what the actual status quo is in the development of advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous vehicle technology,” Stead explained. “There is no hype, no marketing speak; it’s all about understanding the real challenges the engineers developing the systems are facing today.”
Photo: Alex Hartman for Sense Media.
Community Aspects
AutoSens is geared toward the engineering and technical communities, but one doesn’t necessarily have to be an engineer. Professionals in other fields who have clients in the automotive industry should consider AutoSens, and those in the car business, from the big city boardroom to the small town dealership, can benefit by attending.
“It’s a community and what AutoSens does is bring that community together twice a year, here in Detroit and in September in Brussels,” Stead said “We see a lot of the same faces coming back – it’s kind of like seeing the family twice a year – but it is growing and there are new people coming too.”
Location & Tickets
AutoSens runs now through May 17th at the Michigan Science Center near the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Tickets for AutoSens Detroit, including discount packages for females in the engineering community, are available now. The event’s full agenda can be found here.
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.

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2019 Honda Insight Production Launches In Indiana, New Investments Announced

2019 Honda Insight Production Launches In Indiana, New Investments Announced Honda has announced a $61.5 million dollar capital investment in Indiana and Ohio for electric vehicle manufacturing. The news comes as 2019 Insight production is officially underway at Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC. The investment will support the Honda Electrification Initiative, in which the automaker will introduce electrified powertrains across its core models in the years ahead.
Honda says their goal is to have electrified vehicles represent two-thirds of their global sales by 2030.
“The new Honda Insight exemplifies our growing investment in the production of electrified vehicles in America and our associates in Indiana are proud to play a key role in this initiative,” explained Isao Matsuzaki, President of Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC.
2019 Honda Insight. Photo: Honda North America.
New Methods
All Insight models for the North American market will be assembled at Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC. The facility has already invested $32.5 million, and will undergo a 19,00-plus square-foot expansion to accommodate new in-house manufacturing methods, including the sub-assembly of the Insight’s front frame and associated components, like the radiator and cooling fan. Other new processes for Insight production include the installation of electrified vehicle systems such as high-voltage wiring, the battery unit, and power control system.
Honda Manufacturing of Indiana is one of five Honda automobile assembly plants in the United States with 2,400 associates and the ability to produce 250,000 vehicles annually. The facility already produces the Civic and CR-V, and employees are looking forward to building a third model.
“As the lead plant for Insight production globally, we are committed to delivering the quality and reliability that our customers expect,” Matsuzaki said.
A Honda Manufacturing of Indiana associate installs the Intelligent Power Unit into a 2019 Insight. Photo: Honda North America.
Collective Efforts
Three Ohio plants also contribute to the Insight’s powertrain. Honda Transmission Manufacturing of America in Russells Point, Ohio, has invested $29 million for production of the Insight’s twin electric motor unit. The Insight’s hybrid battery pack is assembled in Marysville, Ohio where Honda also produces the 2019 Accord Hybrid. Finally, the Insight’s 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine is produced at the company’s Anna, Ohio engine plant.
Expect the 2019 Honda Insight at dealerships later this year.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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VW Golf GTI TCR Concept Might Be Coming Soon

VW Golf GTI TCR Concept Might Be Coming Soon Volkswagen has unveiled the Golf GTI TCR Concept, something the automaker says is an expression of design, power, and performance. This special edition VW is a road-going version of the race car with the same name, and although it’s a concept currently, that is expected to change.
“At the moment, the Golf GTI TCR Concept – an athlete derived from racing – is a study,” explained Jürgen Stackmann, Sales, Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, during the unveiling at the recent GTI Meeting at Wörthersee. “But at the end of the year, we want to make this GTI vision come true.”
Power & Performance
The Golf GTI TCR Concept features a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 286 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. of torque (1,600 rpm). Power is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. The front bumper channels air into two additional radiators.
Top speed is 155 but can be increased to 164 by removing the electronic limiter.
There is an electric adaptive damping system with three modes – normal, comfort, and sport – to increase ride and handling capabilities. Although VW’s press materials didn’t give any specific details, the automaker says the braking system consists of “special” calipers and pads.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Styling & Design
The new Golf GTI rides on 18-inch “Belvedere” forged aluminum-alloy wheels with an option for 19-inch wheels. A new side skirt extension runs through the rear and joins up with the diffuser and exhaust pipes. The interior is themed with soft microfiber and fabric covers, complete with contrast stitching on the steering wheel and shifter.
When the doors are opened, the TCR logo is projected on the ground, which is pretty slick.
Pricing & Availability
The plan is for the Golf GTI TCR Concept to enter production this year. VW did not disclose any pricing information.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
VW Golf GTI TCR Concept Gallery

Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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