Automotive

Hagerty Auto Insurance: Reviews, Costs, and More (2020)

Hagerty Auto Insurance: Reviews, Costs, and More (2020) Hagerty Auto InsuranceIn Our Opinion:Hagerty auto insurance reviews are largely positive, so your prized possession will be in good hands with this classic car insurance provider.Industry Standing90Availability100Coverage80Affordability90Customer Service90Online Experience80ProsAvailable in all 50 statesMore affordable than standard auto insurance policiesAvailable through standard car insurance providers like ProgressiveSpeedy claims process according to Hagerty auto insurance reviewsConsDoes not cover lowriders88Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.

Hagerty provides car insurance in all 50 states for classic, collector, exotic, and antique vehicles.Hagerty is known for having a speedy claims process and a long-standing history of excellence according to customers and industry experts.Comprehensive benefits and access to a community of collector’s car enthusiasts are available through the Hagerty Driver’s Club®.When it comes to insuring your classic or collector’s car, you want to choose a provider that will care about your vehicle as much as you do. Hagerty auto insurance reviews are favorable, but is it the right company for you?

In this article, we’ll review Hagerty auto insurance plans to give you a better sense of whether this provider would be a good fit for your coverage needs and budget. We’ll also discuss the differences between getting classic auto insurance from one of the industry’s best car insurance companies or choosing a specialty insurance provider.

To see insurance rates in your area, fill out the form below.

Hagerty Auto Insurance Overview

Hagerty is a leading provider of insurance policies for classic and collector cars. The company was founded in 1984 as a boat insurance company and started insuring classic cars in 1991.

Throughout its nearly two-decade history in the classic car insurance industry, Hagerty has become reputable for its dedication to customers and extensive knowledge of classic cars and the unique needs that vintage vehicles require.

Read on to take a closer look at coverage, cost, and Hagerty auto insurance reviews.

Hagerty Auto Insurance Coverage

Hagerty provides coverage for antique and classic cars, modified vehicles made in 1980 or later, and classic trucks and utility vehicles. Due to the novel nature of these vehicles, most are not used for everyday purposes and therefore do not need the same coverage as standard automobiles.

Under Hagerty’s Guaranteed Value® auto insurance, classic car owners get the following coverage:

Agreed value policy: If your vehicle is deemed a total loss after a covered incident, Hagerty will refund you the total cost of your car’s agreed-upon value without depreciation.Spare parts coverage: This benefit gives drivers $750 of comprehensive coverage for tools and spare parts to keep their vehicles running efficiently.Hagerty Drivers Club®: This 24/7 roadside assistance program includes lockouts, battery jump-starts, tire changes, emergency fuel delivery, and more and guarantees flatbed towing with soft straps.Auto show medical reimbursement: If you or someone in your family gets injured during an auto show or related event, the cost of injuries will be covered up to $10,000.Hagerty Auto Insurance: Limitations on Coverage

On its website, Hagerty auto insurance reviews certain limitations on how coverage can be used. For example, if your classic car is insured by Hagerty, it cannot be used for daily driving. All members of your household with a driver’s license must have a vehicle meant for daily use. This is a common limitation when it comes to classic car insurance.

Your classic car insured by Hagerty must also be garaged or kept in a residential storage unit.

Drivers who are not eligible for Hagerty auto insurance include high-risk drivers with a history of DUIs, excessive speeding, or reckless driving.

One perk to Hagerty auto insurance is that there are no daily mileage limitations on occasional pleasure drives. This includes trips to club functions, exhibitions, tours, and organized meetings.

Hagerty Auto Insurance Cost

Hagerty states that its collector car insurance policies are 39 percent less expensive than a regular car insurance policy. Monthly premium costs from Hagerty start at $100, but this price varies by state. Zero-dollar deductibles are available for many vehicles.

Hagerty Drivers Club

For $45 more per year, a Hagerty auto insurance customer can become a Hagerty Driver’s Club member. This is a community for car enthusiasts to enjoy members-only events, get select automotive discounts, and receive a subscription to Hagerty’s magazine.

How to Get a Quote & File a Claim

Hagerty’s business model makes it unique. The company partners with local independent insurance agencies and classic auto insurance providers like Progressive to administer its collector car insurance policies. Or, you can get a quote straight from Hagerty. Visit the company’s website to find a local retailer or get an online quote.

Hagerty Auto Insurance Claims

Hagerty auto insurance reviews report a speedy claims process. Likewise, Hagerty promises a claims adjuster will contact you within one business day after you report your claim. Hagerty also has an in-house parts specialist who can help you find replacement parts for your classic vehicle.

If you are a Hagerty auto insurance customer and have been in an accident, you should contact Hagerty immediately to file a claim. Depending on your policy, Hagerty may have a certain time restriction on how long you have to report a claim. Get in touch with the Hagerty claims department online or over the phone.

Hagerty Auto Insurance Reviews

Hagerty auto insurance reviews are largely in favor of the company’s coverage options and customer service. Hagerty enjoys positive ratings from industry experts like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which rates companies based on business ethics, and AM Best, which rates financial capabilities to pay out customer claims.

Hagerty auto insurance policies for classic and collector cars are underwritten by one of the following insurance companies, each of which has an AM Best rating of an A (Excellent) or better:

Essentia Insurance CompanyNationwide Mutual Insurance CompanyNationwide Insurance Company of AmericaHagerty has an A+ rating from the BBB, which bodes well for the company’s customer satisfaction and business ethics.

When it comes to Hagerty auto insurance reviews from customers, Trustpilot shows 88 percent of customers view the company as “Excellent,” and it has an average overall rating of 4.6 out of 5.0 stars.

Positive Hagerty auto insurance reviews detail the company’s quick claims processing, great customer service, and clear, efficient communication. Negative customer reviews show drivers are upset the company doesn’t cover lowriders or cars with modified rims and paint.

Final Thoughts on Hagerty Auto Insurance

Hagerty auto insurance reviews reflect the company’s reliability and longstanding history of excellence in the collector and classic automotive industry. Hagerty is a well-known, top-rated provider of classic car insurance and could be a good provider for your insurance needs. For these reasons, we give Hagerty an 88% rating.

Top Recommendations for Car Insurance

If you’re looking for the best classic auto insurance, we recommend looking into Progressive or Grundy and comparing quotes to find the right policy for your vintage vehicle. You can fill out the form below to start comparing free quotes in your area.

Progressive Classic Car Insurance

With a strong industry reputation and comprehensive coverage, Progressive could be a good option for your classic car insurance needs. Progressive partners with Hagerty to provide policies for classic cars. So, if you already have Progressive auto insurance or are thinking about switching, you may be able to bundle policies to get a better price on coverage.

To qualify for Progressive classic car insurance, your car must be:

More than 25 years oldKept in an enclosed structure like a garageA secondary vehicle that’s not used for your everyday transportationIn order to qualify for Progressive classic auto insurance, as a driver, you must:

Maintain an auto insurance policy on your regular-use vehicleNot have any DUI or reckless driving tickets in the past three yearsGrundy Classic Car Insurance

Grundy is another classic car insurance provider that has top ratings from customers and industry professionals. Grundy offers customers the following policies:

Liability insurance: Covers up to $1,000,000 in the event that you cause injury or property damage to another party while drivingCollision insurance: Covers damage done to your car after an accidentComprehensive insurance: Covers non-collision related damage to your car such as damage from an extreme weather event, damage from theft, or chemical damagePersonal injury protection (PIP): Protects you from paying the full cost of your injuries after an accidentAgreed value insurance: Pays you the agreed-upon value of your car in the event of a total lossAs you can see, Grundy offers more coverage options than Hagerty auto insurance. Plus, Grundy plans come with the following benefits:

$0 deductibleTowing and labor up to $250Spare parts inventory coverage up to $500Trip interruption reimbursement up to $600Automatic coverage for newly purchased vehiclesInflation guard to protect the value of your policy along with your car’s increase in valueOriginal article: Hagerty Auto Insurance: Reviews, Costs, and More (2020)

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Letter From The UK: How To Confuse British Drivers

Letter From The UK: How To Confuse British Drivers Wales is a small country that forms part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Like most nations, they have their own customs and traditions. In the case of Wales they also have their own language: Welsh. Once, this tongue almost died out thanks to the ubiquity of English, but, more recently, it has had a major resurgence.
This has reached the point now where the language is widely spoken. It is part of national pride and why not?
Sign of The Times
The language is now so widely accepted the Welsh government declared all road and other official signs and symbols should appear in both Welsh and English. This, as you can imagine, was a major undertaking, much like duplicating road signage in the USA to both American English and wind-talking Navajo.
Fine for those indigenous peoples but what about we UK tourists? This is where the system falls down because the British on holiday are not noted for their common sense, or willingness to join in with local traditions and customs.
Thus, in Wales, signs to places are duplicated and by the time a car travelling at, say, 50 mph has reached the sign, the driver is confused by the mix of languages. With British drivers this is not difficult. This is why they fall easy prey to the Welsh police who are also known as “Heddlu.”
By the time the erring driver has worked it out, they are, in UK parlance, nicked by the cops.
Heddlu is the Welsh-language word for police, meaning “keeper of peace.”
And Europe Is Even Worse
On continental Europe they, like you Americans, drive on the right-hand side of the road. This has always been incomprehensible to British drivers. You can hear this conversation in a British registered car anywhere in Europe:
“Look darling, look! Foreigners! Why are they all on the wrong side of the road? And why are they all shaking their fists at us? Don’t they like us?”
Well, broadly speaking, no. It was bad enough before Brexit. Now we are the lepers of the European Union.
The French police actively target UK drivers for example. It’s a sport for them. This is because we Brits are left baffled when driving around Europe, as four in five unfortunates struggle to correctly identify foreign road signs whilst motoring abroad. On these strange foreign highways they also insist on using something called a “kilometer” instead of a “mile,” and they wonder why we seem to be speeding.
I ask you, is that fair? After all our dashboard dials are calibrated in miles. 50 is 50 isn’t it?

Turn Left, Right?
They have such odd rules. The Italians, for example, have something called indirect turns. It works like this: you, the driver, are on the right-hand side of the road but want to turn left; but in certain circumstances and in certain towns and cities, you must first turn right, go around a whole block, and then traverse the route you just came up on to finally get on the left-hand side!
I mean, does that make any sense at all?
The fact is, the majority of Brits abroad admit to having little to no understanding of foreign regulations and road signs, and few conduct any research into a foreign country’s Highway Regulations before driving on the roads. This is the British way and it probably stems from the time when we ruled the world. “Let them adapt to us,” is our mantra.
And we wonder why they don’t like us.

Language Barriers
Traditionally, when we take vacations in foreign countries, rather than take the trouble to learn the language we prefer to say what we want in English, ONLY LOUDER.
This writer, to his public shame but secret pleasure, very many years ago, was arrested with others while skinny-dipping by night in Lake Geneva. It is a well known fact that Swiss police have no sense of humour. In truth, Swiss authority generally is pretty uptight, especially where cars and drivers are concerned, so without ceremony we were duly marched off to spend the night in the cells.
It is probably a good thing the UK is leaving the European Union (although the latest news is that the issue will be fudged – more on that next time with the emphasis on a shock to the automotive industry).
As an island nation we have our own ideas about how things should be done. Is it any wonder we get confused?
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

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If Motorcycle Manufacturers Made Cars: A Sneak Peek!

If Motorcycle Manufacturers Made Cars: A Sneak Peek! Japanese car maker Honda started out by crafting motorcycles in 1949, and the company is still regarded as the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer today. Unbeknownst to many, Honda made automotive piston rings for Toyota before shifting their attention to motorized two-wheeled bicycles.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
This is a great example of a motorcycle manufacturer who decided to make cars. But what if Aprilia, Ducati, and other iconic motorcycle brands shifted their attention to the crazy world of automotive manufacturing?
Our friends at Jennings Harley-Davidson came up with a design study on what would happen if motorcycle manufacturers made cars. Just what would a Harley-Davidson or Triumph car would look like? Feast your eyes on what could (or should) have been.
Aprilia
Taking inspiration from the Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 supermotard and RSV4 sport bike, this Aprilia off-road buggy is screaming for action! And as we all know, nothing is more fun than blasting over sand dunes behind the wheel of a sports buggy. In true Italian tradition, this Aprilia car is as stylish as the Carabinieri with a splash of ruggedness thrown in the mix.
Andiamo!

Kawasaki
This sporting rendition of a Kawasaki vehicle resembles the love child of a Lamborghini Aventador and KTM X-Bow after a night of cocktails, cheese, and binge-watching the entire Fast and the Furious franchise. We particularly like the hunkered down look of the front end and the contrasting matte gray paint job with alien green detailing.
The rear spoiler is a bit overdone to be quite honest but the windshield looks enough to block the wind from ruining your selfie as you drive.

Harley-Davidson
This Harley-Davidson hot rod means business. It has the facial expression of a Ford Model T but with larger and wider wheel arches for a more aggressive look. No hot rod or rat rod is complete without a large, stonking motor in the front, massive headers and exhausts on the side, and the curvaceous rump of a 1967 Corvette Stingray convertible.
We also like the tall windscreen that is pretty similar to the one found on the Harley-Davidson Road King and Road Glide Ultra.

Triumph
English motorcycle builder Triumph is best known for the Bonnie or Bonneville which was first sold in 1959. And since the Bonnie was named after the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, this rendition is clearly derived from the aggressive design of classic muscle cars.
The front end is a cross between the fascia of a 69 Ford Mustang Boss 429 and 69 Chevrolet Camaro. Equipped with a lowered stance and chunky, low-profile tires with an all-terrain tread design (does this type of tire exist?), this Triumph car is primed and ready to break speed records.

Vespa
This Vespa car is a love-it or hate-it affair. While we did find the front styling to be a bit troubling, everything from the A-pillar backwards is undeniably a Vespa. Also undeniable is the marriage between the Volkswagen Beetle and Citroen DS. If you squint hard and ignore the obvious front styling, you will also see a hint of Porsche 911 Targa in there.
Quite interesting, this car.
But if Vespa is kind enough to shoehorn a turbocharged flat-six motor in the rear end, this could turn out to be an exciting and roofless driving experience.

Ducati
Ducati, Lamborghini, and Audi are essentially under the same umbrella. This exquisite rendition of a Ducati track machine looks like an Ariel Atom on steroids. It seems to have inherited the track-biased, pushrod suspension of the Lamborghini Aventador too. We’re not exactly sure if the height of the windscreen is enough to prevent incoming air from distorting your mug as you pile on the speed, however.
But with slick tires and a pair of massive exhausts screaming at the back of your head, this Ducati vehicle is slated to deliver a raw and unadulterated driving experience.

Vice Versa
The Jennings Harley-Davidson team went the other way too, giving us a glimpse of what would happen if car brands made motorcycles. Jennings Harley-Davidson is part of the Jennings Motor Group family, which was established in 1911. If you want to experience Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the Jennings Harley-Davidson crew in Gateshead and Leeds are always available.
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.

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Even More (Yellow) Individual Flair: 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Edition 1

Even More (Yellow) Individual Flair: 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Edition 1 At least Mercedes doesn’t call it a four-door sports car, but even so, calling it a four-door coupe is almost bad enough. Coupes have two doors. Sedans have four doors. The Mercedes AMG GT 4-Door has, unsurprisingly, four doors.
It’s a sedan. But a very good sedan.
First Edition
Fundamentally, the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe has the basic underpinnings of the “normal” AMG GT Coupe. And since the AMG GT Coupe is pretty much a beast, then it’s not much of a stretch to see how the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe should also be as well.
And just to make you feel all special about not just purchasing an AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, but buying one of the first ones to show up, Merc has upped the ante (slightly) with a unique Edition 1 model with a bunch of exclusive interior and exterior bits for 2019.
Basically, early adopters get an AMG Aerodynamics Package, special wheels and paint, AMG Performance seats and steering wheel, and Matte Carbon-Fiber trim.
2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Edition 1. Photo: MBUSA.
Aerodynamic Art
About that trick areo package. The AMG Aerodynamics Package for the Edition 1 comes with a larger front splitter and integrated aero flics in the front bumper. The diffuser has been “optimized” and the rear spoiler’s angle can be mechanically adjusted. The rear spoiler and larger front splitter, combined with the AIRPANEL active air management system, gets you a noticeable amount of additional downforce, mushing you to the Straße.
And as your cherry on top, the AMG Aerodynamics Package also contributes to lower drag, despite the higher downforce. Schlaue Jungs.
Photo: MBUSA.
Styling Treatments
Other bits and bobs on the outside further distinguish the AMG GT 63 S Edition 1. The paintwork is designo Graphite Grey Magno with matte Graphite Grey stripes on the sides, hood, roof, and decklid. (Hey, go-fast stripes! those should add another 1 mph to your top end, minimum buddy.) There are 21-inch cross-spoke forged wheels, painted matte black with a high-sheen finish, so, you know, you look cool.
Interior Fashions (And Scents)
The interior features such refinements as Multicontour Performance Seats with a Memory Package, Nappa Leather Upholstery in Magma Grey/Black with flashy yellow contrast stitching, a performance steering wheel in DINAMICA microfiber with more yellow stitching, a racy yellow 12 o’clock marking, and an even flashier “Edition 1” badge.
There’s lots of Matte Carbon-Fiber trim, the seatbelts are yellow, and the door center panels are Magma Grey. The instrument panel and door beltline get black Nappa leather with that same yellow top stitching. The door sill panels are illuminated and say “AMG.” There are edition-specific floor mats in black with a leather band and “AMG” lettering and, well this is a surprise, yellow top stitching.
Last but not least, every man, woman, and child on planet Earth will be overcome with joy when they realize the AIR-BALANCE Package comes with a new, dedicated “AMG #63” fragrance. Take your seats, take your seats!!

Power & Performance
The Edition 1 comes with the top-of-the-range, handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 bi-turbo engine, cranking out 630 horsepower and 664 lb-ft. of torque. Result? A top speed of 195 mph with a zero to 60 time of 3.1 seconds.
So like I said, it’s a sedan, but a very good sedan.
Availability
The AMG GT 63 and 63 S will arrive in the United States early next year, with the AMG GT 53 coming in mid-2019.
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. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
Photos & Source: MBUSA.

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GMC Introduces 2019 Yukon Graphite Editions: A Quick Look

GMC Introduces 2019 Yukon Graphite Editions: A Quick Look The GMC Yukon stable is getting a new member – two actually – in the form of Graphite Editions. The 2019 Yukon Graphite Editions feature a darkened and shaded exterior theme, while the Graphite Performance Edition adds a few performance-oriented upgrades.
The new Yukons join the Denali Ultimate Black Edition, another special edition Yukon that made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show late last year.
Graphite Edition
Styling touches include 22-inch bright machined wheels with Carbon Flash Metallic pockets, black assist steps with gloss black accents, black chrome grille mesh insert, and fog lamp surrounds. Other blacked-out elements include the roof rails and beltline moldings, along with other various trim pieces.
The 2019 GMC Yukon Graphite Performance Edition features 22-inch six-spoke, gloss black wheels. Photo: GMC.
Graphite Performance Edition
This special Yukon includes the aforementioned styling elements but adds GM’s evergreen 6.2-liter V8 engine linked to a 10-speed automatic transmission (3.23 axle ratio) to reduce revolutions at highway speeds. Inside, drivers are treated to Bose Active Noise Cancellation, multi-color heads-up display, navigation, and an eight-inch color infotainment screen.
Power & Performance
The 6.2-liter V8, complete with direct injection, continuously variable valve timing, and Active Fuel Management, puts 420 horses to the pavement; torque is a healthy 460 lb-ft. The Yukon Graphite Performance Edition also gets Magnetic Ride Control, which uses sensors to “read” the road, altering the damping rate of the shocks accordingly.
Along with the upgraded powertrain, the Graphite Performance Edition adds a trailer brake controller, 170-amp alternator, and a higher grade air filter.

Pricing & Availability
The Graphite Editions are available in SLT trim only, but can be had on both the Yukon and Yukon XL in either two-wheel or four-wheel drive. There are three exterior colors: Onyx Black, White Frost Tricoat, and Dark Sky Metallic. Expect the Graphite Editions at dealers later this summer with pricing due closer to that time.
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.
Photos & Source: GMC.

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2018 Mazda6 Signature Review

2018 Mazda6 Signature Review The Mazda6 Signature might be the sportiest midsize sedan on the market. If you like to drive, Mazda knows how to entertain your passion for taking the curves a bit faster than the average commuter. This sedan also looks the part on the outside. Mazda designers cranked up their styling juices and have given the car a good dose of sleek.
This vehicle is not all show either – it will also go!
What’s New For 2018
The Mazda 6 receives a variety of updates for 2018. The most significant is the revised interior, which is quieter with a new dashboard design and higher-quality cabin materials. An available 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbo – which we had on our Signature tester – joins the lineup. The base 2.5-liter engine now has cylinder deactivation technology to improve fuel economy.
Additional trim levels and new safety technologies round out the changes for 2018.
Features & Options
The 2018 Mazda6 Signature ($34,750) comes standard with LED headlights, push-button start, 60/40-split folding rear seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. An eight-inch entertainment touchscreen includes Bluetooth, one USB port, and a six-speaker sound system. Standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring, a rearview camera, and rear cross-traffic alert.
A six-speed automatic is standard, as are 19-inch wheels, keyless entry, automatic wipers, automatic high-beams, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, illuminated vanity mirrors, and a sunroof. Rear passengers get additional vents in the center console and a center armrest with two USB charging ports. The safety features of the i-Activsense package are standard with the Signature too.
The fully-loaded Signature trim gets higher-quality materials such as microfiber suede, wood, and upgraded leather, along with the addition of LED interior lighting and a frameless rearview mirror. Other additions consist of a digital gauge cluster and a surround-view camera system with front and rear parking sensors.
The i-Activsense package is also included, which features forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist.
Total MSRP including destination: $36,140.

Interior Highlights
The material quality is high and the improved styling inside sets this Mazda6 Signature trim apart. The Chestnut Nappa leather interior on our tester looked rich and upscale. The first thing we noticed was a sweeping dash crowned by a bright new seven-inch infotainment display screen. The Mazda Connect infotainment system is quick enough, but the control device is somewhat uncooperative and the mapping isn’t as good as some rivals.
The sport seats offer excellent support for spirited driving, and the leather gives the sedan a luxurious feel. The ventilated front seats and heads-up display made this sedan feel like a more expensive model. There’s impressive interior space up front, and there’s good leg and knee room in the rear, even for taller adults. The sporty styling does cut down on rear passenger headroom with the raked roofline, however.
The cabin is quiet on the road at highway speeds, and visibility is improved with the use of high-strength steel in the roof pillars, allowing them to be a bit narrower. The split rear seats fold forward for additional cargo room, and the trunk offers 14.8 cubic feet of space with a wide opening.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Mazda6 Signature is powered by a new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. of torque. It comes paired to a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels.
EPA fuel mileage estimates are 23/31 city/highway and 26 combined mpg.
Driving Dynamics
True to Mazda vehicles being known for their good balance and handling, the Mazda6 maintains that standard, and even ups the game a few notches on the fun-to-drive meter. The new 2.5-liter turbo engine makes quite a difference when compared to the standard, naturally-aspired powerplant.
Overall, the 2.5-liter turbo is smooth and powerful, and it’s a joy to drive with the six-speed automatic and steering wheel paddle shifters. This engine likes to rev and the paddle shifters give you the ability to get the most from this engine. The Mazda6 came alive on the curvy roads we tested it on near Evergreen, Colorado. The steering felt solid and communicative, and the ride was firm and planted with the 19-inch wheels on the Signature trim.
If you are looking for a plush sedan ride, the Mazda6 is probably not for you. If you like to drive, it’s the best in this segment. With the new G-Vectoring Control, the Mazda6 now applies braking to separate front wheels in the corners, shifting weight forward and increasing grip so the turn-in is more secure. When it releases, weight shifts to the rear for improved balance.
Conclusion
The 2018 Mazda6 Signature ups the comfort and luxury level a few notches, and the new 2.5-liter turbo feels even better when you get behind the wheel. The sedan handles exceptionally well, the ride is firm and sporty, and the response from the steering and automatic transmission is what driving enthusiasts will enjoy on the commute.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Mazda6 Gallery

2018 Mazda6 Official Site.
Photos: Mazda North American Operations.

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Automoblog Book Garage: The Three Best Car Books For Summer

Automoblog Book Garage: The Three Best Car Books For Summer Normally, winter is the season associated with a good book. There are the usual images: rolling fire, fuzzy blanket, easy chair, warm tea, and that quintessential book resting on a small table. Summer, by comparison, may not be as glamorous for our book-loving friends. One might have a noisy and cranky air conditioner, or worse, no AC at all!
And reading outside might warrant you a visit from that one rogue wasp that makes a dive bomb for your head.
That aside, summer can be a great time to get caught up on your reading. So head out to the patio, grab the iced tea or your favorite cold brew coffee, and get situated in that old deck chair. For your summer reading pleasure, here are three entries from our Book Garage series that really stand out.
Top Muscle
This is one every performance and muscle car enthusiast needs to own. Author Darwin Holmstrom has crafted a masterpiece of horsepower, documenting the cars so well they nearly leap off the page. Top Muscle: The Rarest Cars from America’s Fastest Decade chronicles the golden days of factory muscle cars, including the ones built in secret – the ones never officially approved by senior management.
In a “sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll” generation, even car enthusiasts got in on the action, and this book is their story.
$32.71 new, from $9.79 used via Amazon.
This 1968 Shelby GT500KR is among the many beautiful machines featured in Top Muscle. Photo: Randy Leffingwell.
The John Deere Century
The John Deere Century begins with the agricultural powerhouse struggling to gain traction as farming was becoming more modernized at the turn of the 20th century. John Deere branch managers were petitioning the company’s board for an offering that could match the growing “power farming” movement.
Author Randy Leffingwell walks us through John Deere’s extensive history, from the Model D in 1926 with its innovative flywheel, to the 530 and 630 in the late 1950s now regarded as styling wonders. Leffingwell even draws the conclusion that John Deere accomplished what former General Motors Chairman Alfred P. Sloan wanted: that is to create something for every purse and purpose.
While most entries in our Book Garage series deal with cars, classic or otherwise, The John Deere Century remains at the top of our list. It’s not often a book this comprehensive on an American icon like John Deere comes along. Leffingwell’s work is something fans of the green machines will certinately appreciate.
$23.54 new, $20.00 used via Amazon.
The 1929 Model C appears on page 40. At the time, farmers pulled implements behind them similar to how horses would have. Photo: Deere & Company Archives.
Lamborghini Supercars 50 Years
Just like the cars he is writing about, author Stuart Codling dives right in and never slows down. We meet Ferruccio Lamborghini and see his passion for machines and his potential, but feel his pain when he returns from World War II.
We especially feel the fire in his clashes with Ferrari.
Beginning with the Miura in 1965 and closing with one of our favorites today, the Huracán, Lamborghini Supercars 50 Years follows a young man who loved machines and what that love could ultimately create. We see other vital namesakes through the years too: Countach, Diablo, Sesto Elemento; every one is there.
The book covers the acquisition of Lamborghini by Audi and how German influence wielded the likes of the Murciélago in 2001, the Gallardo in 2003, the Reventón in 2008, and the Aventador in 2011.
If you fancy exotics or love anything Italian, this book will satisfy any unanswered cravings.
$51.46 new, from $28.58 used via Amazon.
Pages 136 and 137 are consumed by this beautiful Gallardo LP560-4. A few pages prior, a table chart shows the chassis, engine, and suspension specs. “This was a high-stakes game,” writes Codling. “When Audi collected the keys of the Sant’Agata factory in July 1998, its senior management knew that all eyes would be on the successor to Lamborghini’s marquee car, the Diablo.” Photo: James Mann.
Bonus Book: Day One
This makes the list for a lot of reasons but mainly because of how the book is written and who it is written by. Author Marty Schorr is perhaps best remembered from his time as Editorial Director of Magnum Royal Publications, which published Hi-Performance CARS, Custom Rodder, and Car, Speed and Style
These guys told it like it was and were less politically correct than rival publications at the time.
“We didn’t sell as many copies, we didn’t make as much money,” Schorr told us in a feature earlier this year. “We didn’t have the advertising but we had an abundance of New York attitude.”
Shorr keeps that brutally honest tone in Day One, taking us through his firsthand experiences with some of the greatest cars ever manufactured. He tells us the inside stories of the cars we love and fantasize about owning. Some of our favorites in the book include Pontiac’s 1962 and 1963 lightweight Super-Duty 421 street and Swiss Cheese models, Chevrolet’s 1963 big block 427 Mystery Motor, Ford’s 1963 Galaxie fastback, the Cotton-Owens Hemi Coronet, and Plymouth’s original 1968 Hemi Road Runner.
If you read any one book this summer, make it Day One.
$17.54 new, from $12.57 used via Amazon.
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.
*Prices as of this writing, June 10th 2018.

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New Study: Consumers Trust Autonomous Cars Less & Less

New Study: Consumers Trust Autonomous Cars Less & Less Autonomous vehicles seem like a science fiction topic more so than an automotive one, but industry experts are plugging away, refining the technology and determining its role in society. That is the abbreviated version anyway. Those working on autonomous cars are, essentially, trying to make them viable, scalable, and ultimately profitable.
Autonomous cars usher in a flood of headline commitments from manufacturers and companies. The benefits of driverless cars – far more than the risks – are communicated, and it seems almost too Utopian at times. This is not to say autonomous cars don’t have benefits – they certinately do – and this is not to say autonomous cars won’t one day hit the road – they certinately will.
Yet how quickly they will, and how quickly society will realize those benefits is another matter.
And how does the public feel about all this? The short answer is not so good.
Photo: Alex Hartman for Sense Media.
Survey Says
AAA recently concluded a multi-year tracking study that examined how consumers feel about driverless cars. The study found that, despite the industry’s headline commitments and grand visions, 73 percent of Americans say they are too afraid to ride in an autonomous car. This represents a steady increase too – only late last year, the figure was 63 percent. The jump is likely attributed to the recent, highly publicized accidents involving autonomous technology.
“Despite their potential to make our roads safer in the long run, consumers have high expectations for safety,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of Automotive Engineering and Industry Relations. “Our results show that any incident involving an autonomous vehicle is likely to shake consumer trust, which is a critical component to the widespread acceptance of autonomous vehicles.”
Over 60 percent say they would actually feel less safe sharing the road with an autonomous car, especially if they were walking or riding a bicycle. Even millennials, a generation one might think would readily embrace them, are cautious. AAA’s study found that 64 percent of millennials are too afraid to fully trust autonomous cars, up from 49 percent just a year ago. This metric represented the largest increase of any generation surveyed.
An autonomous Hyundai Ioniq detects a pedestrian. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Growing Trends & Increasing Concerns
AAA’s findings on safety being a primary concern for car buyers is supported by other studies. During AutoSens Detroit this year, experts attending the global summit on autonomous driving rigorously examined the challenges facing the technology. One of the themes was how to help the public trust the process of going from driving to being driven.
“While autonomous vehicles are being tested, there’s always a chance that they will fail or encounter a situation that challenges even the most advanced system,” explained Megan Foster, AAA’s Director of Federal Affairs. “To ease fears, there must be safeguards in place to protect vehicle occupants and the motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians with whom they share the road.”
“We have to manage expectations better, especially on the timing of when these vehicles will be part of our everyday lives,” added Cliff Banks, Founder and President of The Banks Report, an automotive retail publication. “We should be skeptical of the claims made by executives touting the technology.”
Ford conducting road tests with two autonomous Fusion cars. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Universal Language
With the release of the study, AAA is advocating for what they call a common sense approach to driverless cars. This includes a universal nomenclature and classification system, with clear definitions as to what the varying automated technologies are and how they work.
“There are sometimes dozens of different marketing names for today’s safety systems,” Brannon explained. “Learning how to operate a vehicle equipped with semi-autonomous technology is challenging enough without having to decipher the equipment list and corresponding level of autonomy.”
“I’m not sure anyone can properly define what an autonomous vehicle is yet,” Banks said. “Also, commercials from automakers such as Nissan and Cadillac touting their driver assist technology as hands-free creates confusion.”
Cadillac’s Super Cruise feature can automatically steer, brake, and keep the vehicle positioned on the highway in certain, optimal conditions. Photo: Cadillac.
Future Considerations
Previous testing of automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, self-parking technology, and lane keeping assist have shown great promise, according to AAA officials. These systems are becoming more common on today’s cars and are a precursor to autonomous driving. Still, the organization says this recent study reaffirms the need for ongoing, unbiased testing of such technologies. This remains key in earning the public’s trust and acceptance.
“Once autonomous vehicles hit the mainstream and become a normal part of the landscape, public acceptance will be a non-issue,” Banks said. “I’m sure people felt unsafe the first time they got onto any kind of moving device, whether it be a horse, a wagon, or a train or an airplane.”
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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Inside The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid & Plug-in Hybrid

Inside The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid & Plug-in Hybrid Even in this day and age of commercially-available electric vehicles like the Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf, sales of hybrid vehicles rose steadily by 2.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2017. This represents a 12.4 percent rise in total sales with 368,137 hybrid vehicles sold last year.
It is interesting to point out traditional hybrids are the most popular among the three types of green cars including EVs or electric vehicles and PHEVs or plug-in hybrid vehicles.
This is the primary reason why Hyundai is hard at work in improving the safety, comfort, practicality, and driving enjoyment of the 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid. The Korean automaker is also updating the features of the 2019 Ioniq Electric to make it one of the most desirable EVs that money can buy.
Hybrids Just Want To Have Fun
From a performance perspective, the biggest caveat of hybrid vehicles is the lackluster and anesthetized driving experience. The standard CVT transmission in most hybrid cars is partly to blame, but Hyundai addressed this matter by bolting on a six-speed EcoShift DCT dual-clutch transmission in the 2019 Ioniq Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid.
The new transmission features low-viscosity oil and low-friction bearings to offer a mix of fuel economy and sporty responses. The driver can also select between two transmission modes: ECO and SPORT. The former will optimize the gear selection to deliver better fuel economy while the latter will hold lower gears longer to give you a sportier driving experience.
Want more control? SPORT mode will also ensure the gasoline engine remains ON while the electric motor will offer power assist when you need it most. Both the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models are also equipped with paddle-shifters if you feel the need to shift all six gears at your behest.
2019 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Power To The People
The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and Ioniq Electric are all equipped with a compact and highly efficient battery and electric motor. All models come with a lithium-ion polymer battery that is 20 percent lighter than non-polymer variants with lower battery memory sensitivity, better charge and discharge efficiency, and a high maximum output for better responsiveness.
The batteries are located underneath the rear seats to offer an interior volume of 122.7 cubic feet, which is more than the Toyota Prius according to Hyundai. The new Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid and Ioniq Electric is still able to offer a generous interior volume of 119.2 cubic feet despite being equipped with a larger battery system than the Ioniq Hybrid.
The new Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid is powered by a Kappa 1.6-liter, direct-injected four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle motor that cranks out 104 horsepower and 109 lb-ft. of torque. The electric motor is rated at 44.5 kW which helps supplement an additional 60 horsepower of shove.
The electric motor on all Ioniq models is a permanent magnet synchronous unit that is smaller and lighter than conventional motors. It features a rectangular-section cooper wire to decrease the thickness of the core components by up to 10 percent.
2019 Hyundai Ioniq Electric. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Charge Me Up
All 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Electric models are now equipped with a Level-3 DC fast-charging system and SAE Combo Level-3 DC 100kW fast charger. This means you can juice up the lithium-ion polymer battery up to 80 percent in just 23 minutes. I bet your high-end smartphone can’t do that, huh??
For added convenience, the charging system also comes with an integrated In-Cable Control Box (ICCB) that allows you to use a standard household socket.
Hyundai is also working closely with ChargePoint to offer a wider vehicle charging network with more than 32,000 locations in the United States. Still in a rush? The charging network also includes more than 400 Express DC fast-charging sites so you can juice up your Ioniq in about the same time it takes for you to wolf down a succulent 72-ounce steak.
Safe In The Heat of The Moment
The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq comes equipped with a bewildering array of active and passive safety features. The rigid and lightweight body is achieved by utilizing advanced high-strength steel to minimize cabin distortion in a collision.
Advanced safety features are numerous, and include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, and Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. New for 2019 is Driver Attention Alert and High Beam Assist.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Economy & Efficiency
The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid with a more powerful 44.5 kW electric motor has an all-electric range of 29 miles and 119 MPGe in EV mode. This vehicle can easily run 52 MPG in hybrid mode. The new Ioniq has a 0.24 coefficient of drag, among the best in a mass-produced vehicle.
The 2019 Ioniq Hybrid is equipped with a less powerful yet still potent 32 kW electric motor that produces an additional 43 horsepower and 125 lb-ft. of torque for a combined output of 139 horsepower and 58 MPG, which is the highest fuel economy rating of any non-plug-in vehicle sold in the USA, according to Hyundai.
If you happen to be considering an EV for your next vehicle, you should take a closer look at the 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Electric. It offers pure electric power courtesy of a 28.0kWh lithium-ion polymer battery and 88kW electric motor that produces 118 horsepower and 218 lb-ft. of torque. This EV has an estimated range of 136 MPGe.
No matter which Ioniq model you choose, it is safe to assume that fuel consumption is the least of your concerns.
Sea of Voices
Since you’ll be spending a lot of time driving your 2019 Hyundai Ioniq, the car comes equipped with a high-definition seven-inch TFT information cluster. The display changes to a revolving digital speedometer with an analog-type tachometer if you engage SPORT mode.
Further enhancing driver and passenger convenience is “natural-language server-based voice-recognition technology.” This package comes standard on all 2019 Ioniqs equipped with a navigation system. Also available is Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Blue Link, and wireless charging for Qi-compatible devices.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
New Look
The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid features a hexagonal grille, vertical C-shaped LED daytime running lamps, low-beam LED headlamps, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The Ioniq Hybrid can be distinguished with standard Bi-Xenon HID headlamps and C-shaped LED positioning lamps and two-tone 15-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels.
Finally, the 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Electric has a sleeker grille design, HID Xenon headlamps, LED tail lamps, and 16-inch Eco-spoke wheels.
All 2019 Ioniq models will be available this summer.
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.
Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.

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