Automotive

2017 Toyota Camry XSE V6 Review

2017 Toyota Camry XSE V6 Review

“If it ain’t broke don’t fix it,” is a motto credited to an old Georgia farmer who was talking about the government. Toyota has a habit of fixing things that aren’t broken but it has worked well for them. The Toyota Camry midsize sedan has been America’s best-selling car it seems like forever, and it’s still the best-selling model, thanks to Toyota engineers who keep fixing it. Simply put, it keeps getting better with age.
It stands in a super-competitive segment with the Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, and Hyundai Sonata. This week, we drove the 2017 Toyota Camry XSE V6.
What’s New For 2017
Toyota is taking a breather from fixing the Camry and the sedan has changed little for 2017. Even then, Toyota has tweaked the Camry’s top trim levels for more standard features, including an upgraded infotainment system and a wireless charging pad.
Features & Options
The 2017 Toyota Camry XSE V6 ($31,370) comes with 18-inch wheels, LED running lights, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather and simulated-suede upholstery, the aforementioned charging pad, an upgraded Entune system with 7-inch display, a smartphone app-based navigation system, and a 10-speaker premium audio system with satellite and HD radio. V6 models also get LED headlights, a sunroof, a noise-reducing windshield, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Camry XSE adds a universal garage-door opener, auto-dimming mirror, and dual exhaust outlets.
Our XSE tester came with the optional Blind Spot Monitor ($500), Navigation ($710), and the Technology package ($750) that added adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and mitigation, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. Total MSRP as tested including destination: $35,903.

Interior Highlights
The cabin of the 2017 Camry XSE hasn’t been changed much either since the 2015 remodel. The XSE has door sills that light up, comfortable, heated sport leather seats, and ultrasuede inserts with extra side bolstering. The interior features contemporary styling that’s simple yet with an elegant feel. There’s an abundance of contrasting stitching on the seats, doors, dash, center console, shifter boot, and steering wheel adding to the ambiance.
The climate control and premium audio with simple and easy to use controls is refreshing compared to some models. That’s not always the case in the cabins of some other automaker’s upper trim levels.
The 2017 Toyota Camry features one of the most comfortable and spacious cabins in the midsize sedan segment. The backseat offers plenty of room for taller adults and a rear-facing child seat can be installed. It will fit easily in the back. There’s also lots of storage and cubby holes up front to place things. Space in the trunk, at 15.4 cubic feet, is average for a midsize sedan.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs

Our Camry XSE tester came powered by the optional 3.5-liter V6 that produces 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft. of torque. The sedan features a front-wheel drive configuration and a six-speed automatic, with Eco/Sport modes and steering wheel paddle shifters. With the V6, the Camry XSE gets an EPA-estimated 21/30 city/highway and 24 combined mpg. The mpg rating puts it on par with the competition.
Driving Dynamics
As is our practice, we took the Toyota Camry XSE into the mountains, west of Denver, to see how the V6 handles the altitude and the elevation change. Between Denver, which is 5,280 ft. above sea level and Evergreen, which is 8,500 ft. above sea level, is where I live. The 3.5-liter V6 engine delivered above average acceleration for a family sedan. Transmission upshifts are responsive, which is noteworthy, given that some competitor’s automatic transmissions are lethargic for the sake of fuel economy.
We kept the 6-speed automatic in Eco for a relaxed driving experience but dropped it into Sport mode later on. We used the steering wheel shifters for extra engagement while passing trucks on I-70. The sport-tuned suspension is responsive to driver inputs and fairly composed when going around tight mountain curves. The XSE dials up driver engagement if you have an itch to push the Camry a bit harder. It’s not as sporty as other rivals like the Mazda 6, but it’s not a rolling couch potato either.
Toyota’s V6 will sprint from 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds, making it one of the quickest cars in the class. Fuel mileage suffers if you use that available power, however. The XSE’s 225/45R18 tires do provide a bit more grip than the standard Camry’s smaller meats; an advantage that’s intangible to the average driver. The sport suspension, however, delivers pleasant ride quality. It’s deliberate in quick maneuvers, but the electric power steering conveys very little of that tactile information to the driver.
Conclusion
The seventh-generation of Toyota’s Camry is still a good value for sedan shoppers because of Toyota’s traditional strengths of build quality, reliability, and resale value at trade-in. Camry is number one for a reason and delivers with a competent, quiet, and comfortable ride. For the average family, the XSE will deliver a satisfying commute. For a local business, the new Camry would be a good company car. The XSE trim does dial up excitement for those seeking a ride that’s a little higher on the fun-to-drive meter than the other Camry trim levels.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Toyota Corolla Gallery

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2017 Toyota Camry Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Letter From The UK: Headed For The Rocks

Letter From The UK: Headed For The Rocks

Is The Great British Car Industry Heading For The Rocks?
A few weeks ago, the Conservative Government of the UK called a General Election in the belief they would gain a strong majority in the UK Parliament ahead of the Brexit negotiations. At the time this seemed very likely. The trouble is, they went on to run the most disastrous election campaign this country has ever seen. Overall, they are now in a much worse position to govern than before and that includes their dealings with the EU machine.
Now, with a much weaker hand to play, the British Prime Minister, Teresa May, has flown off to Brussels to give a speech to European Union leaders about one of the consequences of Britain leaving the EU. In this case, it is about EU citizens who live and work in the UK and their British counterparts who do the same in Europe.
All At Sea
It is a storm in a teacup. No reasonable government would kick out working citizens at a stroke but it does highlight something else. British agriculture has become use to a steady flow of migrant or itinerant workers from abroad who seasonally pick produce that can’t be garnered by automation.
The result of this is that the stream of such workers is starting to dry up because they don’t know where they stand. The thing is neither does anyone else. This has repercussions for our motor industry. With the possible exception (so I hear) of the current American administration, our leaders here don’t seem to have a clue what to do. Their solution so far is to keep bailing out the sinking ship of State in the hope that someone will bring along a bigger bucket.
A recent BBC News article reads: “David Cameron, his Chancellor George Osborne and many other senior figures who wanted to stay in the EU predicted an immediate economic crisis if the UK voted to leave. House prices would fall, there would be a recession with a big rise in unemployment – and an emergency Budget would be needed to bring in the large cuts in spending that would be needed.”
The Car Industry
The car sales industry in the UK and Europe is huge and Britain imports many cars from Europe and similarly exports out our brands. As the UK car industry is almost entirely foreign owned the worry is that the owners, come Brexit time in 2019, will jump ship fearing trade tariffs will make their UK production uneconomic. That would be a disaster for Great Britain. Further, UK car plants also depend heavily on the free movement of components to and from the continent.
The British Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders are on record as saying that any new relationship with the EU would need to address tariff and non-tariff barriers, plus regulatory and labor issues, all of which “will take time to negotiate.” In short, they don’t think a deal can be sorted out in the next two years and that some form of interim arrangement must be implemented. This could mean, for example, that the UK stay in the single market and customs union until a new, overarching relationship between the two sides is brokered.
McLaren employees celebrate the 10,000th car from the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, England in December 2016. Photo: McLaren Automotive Limited.

Live In Hope Not Expectation
When asked, the SMMT’s chief executive said it was time to be pragmatic. He went on: “we accept that we are leaving the European Union and we share the desire for that departure to be a success. But our biggest fear is that, in two year’s time, we fall off a cliff edge – no deal outside the single market and customs union and trading on inferior World Trade Organization terms. This would undermine our competitiveness and our ability to attract the investment that is critical to future growth.”
In the typically aggressive manner the British have come to expect from EU negotiators over Brexit, their chief negotiator has said there can be no concessions. This is unhelpful. In general, the attitude of the big cheeses who run the European Union is like that of a child who can’t have its own way. They throw their toys out of the pram. This is not conducive to good business and the car makers, being intelligent and sentient beings and not politicians, know this. And they are worried.
The damage to the British car industry could be immense. There must be a solution and, because the car makers have to think long-term, there has to be one soon. Fortunately living in hope is a British trait. We don’t have any other choice.
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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2018 Dodge Durango: SRT Flavor With Every Bite

2018 Dodge Durango: SRT Flavor With Every Bite

Earlier this year, at the Chicago Auto Show, Dodge revealed the 2018 Durango SRT, effectively saying their answer to the world’s problems is to throw more horsepower at the situation. Waxing poetics aside, the strategy seems effective enough with Dodge taking the crown for the most powerful three-row SUV on the market today.
Dodge recently revealed the 2018 Durango R/T which has similar characteristics as its older brother.
Striking DNA
The Durango SRT is easily noticeable by its aggressive, yet functional hood which features a center air inlet duct flanked by heat extractors. The front lower valence houses a new cold-air duct system and LED fog lamps – these things are done in the name of style and performance, and R/T buyers will have this exact same setup on their Durango.
Engine choices include the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 rated at 295 horsepower, the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 rated at 360 horsepower, and the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 rated at 475 horsepower. Regardless of which trim level buyers opt for in the Durango, Dodge is singing the hymns of power and performance. The automaker is keen to point out how buyers can get “SRT attitude” in every Durango powertrain.
“Performance is more than stats,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. “At Dodge performance is an attitude that permeates through everything we do.”
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Special Treatments
The Durango R/T is one of only two models available in a B5 Blue exterior color (late availability); Durango SRT being the other. Additional standard goodies for the R/T include Front Park Assist and a BeatsAudio system complete with a subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier. All 2018 Durango models come with a backup camera, a new sport steering wheel, and electronic T-shifter with an Auto Stick selector gate. Customers can also opt for the available hand wrapped instrument panel with accent stitching.
“We are strengthening the brand’s promise to deliver performance vehicles with world-class power, technology, and standout styling our customers have come to expect,” Kuniskis added.
Dealers are taking orders for the 2018 Durango with an anticipated arrival sometime in the third quarter. Pricing will be announced closer to the vehicles arriving at dealers. For the current model year, Durango trim levels include the SXT, SXT Plus, GT, Citadel, and R/T.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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Volvo Cars Tech Fund Makes First Investment In Start-Up Automotive Sensor Company

Volvo Cars Tech Fund Makes First Investment In Start-Up Automotive Sensor Company The Volvo Cars Tech Fund has completed their first strategic investment, taking a stake in a start-up company called Luminar. Based in Palo Alto, California, and Orlando, Florida, Luminar’s expertise in sensor and LiDAR technology will help bolster Vovlo’s commitment to manufacturing a safe and viable autonomous car.
“LiDAR is a key technology for enabling autonomous cars to navigate safely in complex traffic environments and at higher speeds,” explained Henrik Green, Senior Vice President, Research and Development, Volvo Cars.
Market Position
Launched earlier this year, the Volvo Cars Tech Fund focuses on state-of-the-art trends like artificial intelligence, electrification, autonomous driving, and digital mobility services. Investments, mergers, and acquisitions in this sector are growing. During AutoSens Brussels last September, Rudy Burger, Managing Partner, Woodside Capital Partners, spoke on how such developments within the automotive arena impact future mobility.
“What we are seeing is a number of very large companies placing bets – significant bets – whereby they believe in order to create a controlling position in the market, they must actually acquire a company,” he said during his presentation.
“Luminar represents exactly the type of company and technology we seek to invest in, providing us with strategic access to new technologies, capabilities, and talent,” said Zaki Fasihuddin, CEO of the Tech Fund. “Supporting promising young firms that are at the forefront of technological development will help us introduce cutting-edge technology that strengthens our leading role in the industry.”
Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Mutual Benefits
Start-up companies, like Luminar, benefit by being able to leverage Volvo’s network of automotive and technology partners, while more effectively validating their own innovations and streamlining the process of getting them to market.
“Volvo is at the forefront of autonomous vehicle development, and their safety-centric approach to autonomy is directly aligned with our sensing capabilities,” said Austin Russell, Luminar Founder and CEO. “Our LiDAR is the first to deliver the necessary performance to enable safe and reliable long-range perception, which is required to unlock their goals of autonomy at highway speeds.”
“Our collaboration with Luminar allows us to learn more about its promising technologies and takes Volvo Cars one step further to the highly autonomous cars of the future,” Green added.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group.

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Look Out Buddy! The Upgraded 2019 Mustang Shelby GT350 Is Coming

Look Out Buddy! The Upgraded 2019 Mustang Shelby GT350 Is Coming Every so often Ford gets the Mustang just right, and when they do, I generally like them. I’m not part of the cult though. I think there have been downright terrible Mustangs in the past, and I think the continued beatification of Carroll Shelby is annoying and misplaced, but with that said, the 2019 Mustang Shelby GT350 sure looks like it’ll impress.
Ford is right up front with how they made the upcoming GT350 better: “. . . Ford Performance leveraged its Mustang road course racing programs . . .” These words are music to a track hound such as myself.
See, racing does improve the breed (a pun in the case of a car named after a horse). So what makes the 2019 GT350 so good?
Beds Are Burning
For starters, FoMoCo burned the midnight oil with Michelin so they could burn the rubber more effectively. New Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires were engineered with a Shelby GT350-specific tread pattern and compound for more grip, and considerably enhanced acceleration, lateral grip, and braking.
The boss meats are 295/35 up front and 305/35 at back and fitted to 19-inch aluminum wheels.
Ford also worked the aero with a new rear spoiler, optional Gurney flap (buy it), and an adjusted grille closeout based off the upcoming Shelby GT500. Ford also upgraded the Mustang Shelby GT350’s standard MagneRide active suspension to harmonize the aero and tire developments, along with re-calibrating the springs and revising the damping.
2019 Mustang Shelby GT350. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Power & Performance
The Shelby GT350 is propelled down Woodward with an exclusive, high-revving 5.2-liter V8, delivering 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft. o’torque. It revs all the way up to an 8,250-rpm redline, making said mill the most powerful naturally-aspirated Ford production engine ever. Naturally, the 5.2 8-banger is mated to a track-proven Tremec 6-speed manual transmission.
Wanna stop? You will, and in no short order, thanks to six-piston front and four-piston rear caliper Brembo brakes. The Shelby GT350’s steering is an electric power-assist deal, and there are three different modes for the electronic stability control.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Interior Treatments
On the inside, you lucky drivers are indulged with a comfortable and trendy cockpit featuring the latest in advanced technology and premium materials. There’s a standard machined aluminum instrument panel appliqué or an available exposed carbon fiber option. The door panel inserts are newly designed in dark slate Miko suede with accent stitching (no, I don’t know what or who Miko is either).
The seats are standard Recaro racing bits with open pass-throughs for safety harnesses.
Soundtrack? For me, that comes from that 5.2-liter plant, but for those that like to listen to music, the 2019 Mustang Shelby GT350 comes with a new, custom-tuned 12-speaker B&O PLAY audio system by HARMAN, controlled via the standard eight-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen. Dual-zone temperature control is now standard so your passenger can shut up about being too hot or too cold, and Ford even threw in a universal garage door opener.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Exterior Colors
The 2019 Mustang Shelby GT350 gets new colors including Velocity Blue and Ford Performance Blue. There are optional factory-painted racing stripes available in high-gloss Shadow Black, Oxford White or Kona Blue, to which I can only say “Screw the cops, I’m buying the stripe package!!”
There are also these strange mirror-mounted Shelby Cobra Projection Lamps in the available Technology Package.
Availability
The new Mustang Shelby GT350 will be available starting in the far off days of early 2019 (too far away!). And not only do you get the car, but you are also enrolled in an exclusive, complimentary Track Attack driving program from Ford Performance. How nice of them.
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
2019 Mustang Shelby GT350 Gallery

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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An Exercise In Building The Future: General Motors & The Art of Sustainability

An Exercise In Building The Future: General Motors & The Art of Sustainability General Motors has released their 2017 Sustainability Report, which outlines a series of core objectives regarding future mobility. While it addresses forthcoming product lines, it really goes beyond only producing cars. The report reflects GM’s careful examination of society’s more challenging issues and pressing concerns, adopting a series of socially responsible objectives to address said challenges.
With Teeth
When looking at these initiatives from GM, Nobel Prize winning economist Kenneth Arrow and his writings in Social Responsibility and Economic Efficiency come to mind. In my engineering studies this past semester at Wayne State University in Detroit, we read this very piece from Arrow in my Professional Ethics class. Dr. Ryan Fanselow, who taught our section, likened Arrow’s position to one that “had teeth.”
During lecture, Dr. Fanselow said Arrow’s work supports the notion that corporate social responsibility is more than just good PR, and there are two forms of it: one with teeth and the other without. The “without teeth” approach is more lax, as in it would be nice if companies considered social responsibility, contrasted to the view that “has teeth” and says such obligations to society are non-negotiable.
GM’s most recent Sustainability Report has teeth.
Sustainability as it pertains to the automaker is broken down like this:
Visionary Thinking
It’s best to conceptualize this in terms of zero: as in zero crashes, zero emissions, zero congestion. Grand as this vision may be, this is what GM is pushing for in the world of tomorrow. According to the automaker, 1.25 million lives are lost each year in traffic accidents; there are 2 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide pumped into the air via automobiles, and commuters are facing more stress and congestion.
“We are in the midst of a transportation revolution as groundbreaking technologies and evolving customer lifestyles transform our vehicles and how we use them,” explained Mary Barra, General Motors Chairman and CEO. “We have the right team, technology, partners, manufacturing scale, and mindset to lead this revolution.”
General Motors Chairman and CEO Mary Barra talks with the media before the company’s annual stockholders meeting, Tuesday, June 12th, 2018 at GM’s Global Headquarters in Detroit, Michigan. Photo: Steve Fecht for General Motors.
Electric Vehicles & Fuel Efficiency
GM plans to globally launch at least 20 all-new, all-electric vehicles by 2023. As Bolt EV production increases, GM wants to lead key electrification markets like the United States and China, and is working with utilities, communities, and governments to expand charging infrastructure. GM’s partnership with Honda in this arena is growing as well.
The timing is impeccable, considering a recent study from AAA found consumers are warming up to the idea of electric vehicles.
In the short-term, GM is setting the engineering and benchmarking objectives for their current portfolio higher in the interest of fuel economy and performance. This includes refining engines and transmissions while concentrating more on aerodynamics. A stronger materials strategy is being employed to reduce weight.
Each of these aforementioned objectives is best seen in the forthcoming Silverado, which includes both new and redesigned engines, and a comprehensive mixed materials strategy. In order to get the truck ready for the market, GM doubled their engineering targets across the board.
According to GM, such measures have already resulted in the loss of more than 5,000 lbs. across 14 new-vehicle models, saving 35 million gallons of gasoline and 300,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year.
2019 Silverado RST. Photo: Chevrolet.
Responsible Manufacturing
By the end of this year, renewable sources will represent 20 percent of GM’s global electricity use. By 2050, GM wants all of their electricity needs to be met by renewable energy sources. Essentially, if the vehicles are to be efficient, then so should the manufacturing of them.
Since 2010, General Motors has reduced the energy intensity of its operations by 15 percent, generating $135 million in cost savings. A 2020 goal of cutting carbon intensity in the company’s operations by 20 percent has already been surpassed.
Autonomous Driving & Personal Mobility
While consumers may be slowly embracing electric vehicles, cars that drive themselves are another story. Consumers remain hesitant, but GM’s latest Sustainability Report covers the importance of producing automated vehicles at scale.
At the same time, the report acknowledges new trends in personal transportation and how things like car and ridesharing are reducing congestion.
Photo: General Motors.
Social Impact & Diversity
On average, GM recruits an employee for a STEM position every 26 minutes. While there is debate over the current status of STEM workers, GM says the United States lags behind other nations when it comes to an emphasis on what STEM stands for: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. To help counteract this, the automaker is actively supporting programs to reach more than 40,000 students this year alone.
GM’s latest Sustainability Report also outlines the company’s desire to see more females in leadership roles, and the automaker’s Women in Action Initiative has attracted nearly 7,000 employees. Currently, 32 percent of top leadership positions at GM are held by women, the most notable being Barra, the automaker’s CEO.
Mary Barra speaking to the media in 2017. Photo: General Motors.
Future Considerations
GM’s Sustainability Report stands in contrast – and in a good way – to how non-industry types have likely always seen automakers: as a rinse and repeat operation: cars are built at the factory, they go to the dealership, they are sold, the end. That cycle in the industry is evolving, yes, but even in its evolution, it’s predictable: cars are going to be manufactured and sold – perhaps differently in time because of how we are changing culturally – but still.
We can count on cars being part of our life in some way.
What is (or was) not as predictable is how automakers like GM would enact so many resources to benefit so many facets of society. In my early years in the car business, I don’t remember any such reports on sustainability. I don’t recall any initiatives that sought to address so many concerns in our world. I am sure they were there (my vantage point of the auto industry was different then) but I would be willing to bet such reports were not as ambitious or as actionable as they are now.
To achieve the things laid out in GM’s latest Sustainability Report, it’s going to take a team effort. In order to make this work, we will all need to grow a pair: teeth that is.
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.
GM’s 2017 Sustainability Report can be found here.

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New Polestar Engineered Components To Boost Performance of Volvo Vehicles

New Polestar Engineered Components To Boost Performance of Volvo Vehicles Volvo is launching an upgraded electrified performance offering called Polestar Engineered, specifically developed for the new 60 Series T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid. Polestar Engineered components include the wheels, brakes, suspension, and engine control unit.
The move is meant to further underscore Volvo and Polestar’s commitment to electrification.
“Electric cars are our future,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO, Volvo Cars. “Today starts a new era of Volvo electrified models enhanced by Polestar’s performance engineering prowess. This strategy is firmly grounded in our shared belief in an electric future for the car industry.”
Braking & Suspension
Polestar Engineered vehicles can be spotted by their gold, six-piston brake callipers, the signature color of Polestar Engineered components. The Brembo mono-block six-piston brake callipers are cast as a single piece and optimized for rigidity, according to the automaker. The pads have increased heat tolerance while the slotted design of the discs dissipate heat.
The Polestar Engineered multi-link front and rear suspension features Öhlins shock absorbers with dual-flow valves; the strut bar and adjustable shock absorber design are shared with the Polestar 1 plug-in hybrid.
Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Power & Performance
The Polestar Engineered S60 electrified T8 Twin Engine gets a jump to 415 horsepower and 494 lb-ft. of torque combined. By comparison, the standard T8 Twin Engine delivers 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft. of torque combined.
The software updates also reduce fuel consumption and emissions output.
“The new S60 T8 Polestar Engineered is an electrified car that does what you want it to,” said Henrik Green, Senior Vice President of Research and Development, Volvo Cars. “All components have been fine-tuned to work together, delivering a responsive and exciting driver’s car.”
Availability
The Polestar Engineered treatments will debut on the forthcoming S60, and will be available for the T8 Twin Engine variant, positioned just above the R-Design. Polestar Engineered components will also be offered on the new V60 and XC60 starting next year, although the automaker expects limited availability.
The exact release date for Polestar Engineered vehicles was not immediately clear, but the announcement comes just a week before the reveal of the new S60. The reveal is part of the inauguration of Volvo’s first U.S. manufacturing plant in Charleston, South Carolina, the sole production site for the new S60.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Polestar Engineered Gallery

Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group.

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Brabham Automotive Reveals BT62 Signature Series Livery

Brabham Automotive Reveals BT62 Signature Series Livery Alright all you well-heeled track rats, speed freaks, gearheads, and various assorted mechanical reprobates with (lots of) money. Brabham Automotive has announced all of the livery and color options for their soon-to-be-released BT62, and if this thing is as fast as it is pretty, I foresee lots of non-owners jealousy sulking in the paddock in the near future.
There will be two broad categories of paintwork to choose from: The Celebration series and the Signature series. The BT62 will soon be out with a base price of £1m (about $1.3 million in real money, pilgrim).
Further, production of the Brabham BT62 will be limited to just 70 cars in recognition of Brabham’s 70-year heritage, so get your finances in order and get in line now.
Here’s what your palette could look like.
Brabham BT62. Photo: Brabham Automotive.
Celebration Series
The Celebration Series will make up half of the production run, all 35 of them paying tribute to Brabham’s 35 Grand Prix victories over its 30-year reign in Formula 1. Clever of them, no? Each car in the Celebration Series is presented in honor of a specific race win, wearing the colors and race number of the winning car. Which, I’ve got to say is a completely cool move.
Chassis number one of those 70, BT62/01 (pro tip: pay attention to chassis numbers; at this stratosphere of automotive excellence, the chassis number is how you keep track of who’s who), celebrates Brabham’s first-ever Formula 1 Grand Prix victory at Rouen-Les-Essarts on June 26th 1964, won by Dan Gurney in the Brabham BT7.
Which, couple of things here: One – Rouen-Les-Essarts was a crazy dangerous track built inside an extinct volcano; Two – Dan won? I could have sworn that Jack Brabham won the first race for his cars, but I guess it was big Dan; Three – Did you know that Dan Gurney was also the first guy to give Porsche its first F1 win?
Photo: Brabham Automotive.
Classic & Controversial
Anyhoo, BT62/01 wears the iconic Australian green and gold racing colors from that BT7, and proudly sports race number 11 from Gurney’s winning car; and green and gold is a lovely color combination. The wing end plate features a detailed outline of the BT7 from which its livery takes its cues, along with the corresponding race date, circuit, and flag of the host country. saWEET!
Chassis BT62/03, the debut car revealed in London, celebrates Brabham’s third Grand Prix victory: Jack Brabham’s 1966 win at Reims in the BT19, becoming the first driver to win a Formula 1 Championship race in a car of his own construction.
And they are not about to shy away from any of those well-earned victories, no matter how controversial. Chassis BT62/19, for example, is all red and blue like the BT46B “fan car” that Niki drove to its only race win at Anderstorp, Sweden before being promptly banned for one of the most creative cheats ever devised.
Seriously man, that entire BT46B deal is a story unto itself.
Exclusive Treatments
It’s not just the outside that gets the winning treatment, the inside pays homage as well. A commemorative plaque is mounted on the dash of each Celebration Series car. The FIA-approved carbon fiber seat shell matches the exterior (another nice touch), while the Alcantara interior trim is finished with contrast stitching (ditto).
Photo: Brabham Automotive.
Signature Series
If that’s not you, if you want something that says “YOU!!” in big bold letters, then the Signature Series will provide you with your opportunity. You get to work with Brabham’s in-house designers to plot out a unique and individual car. For example, the BT62 that was unveiled recently in Adelaide, South Australia showed a new race-inspired livery of white and green with bold orange accents. That car rode on optional race wheels finished in silver.
Other options available to BT62 owners are a full-visual carbon fiber pack, an additional carbon fiber seat shell to accommodate a passenger (if one must), as well as the ability to configure the track-only (sniff) racer as left or right-hand drive. Brabham is working with Microsoft’s mixed-reality technology to allow owners to configure, customize, and visualize their BT62 without having to see it in the flesh.
Perfect Storm
If this is anything like the racers Jack made in the past, this is going to be one serious car to covet. There are only two things standing in my way: a license plate and 1.3 million bucks. Sigh.
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
Brabham BT62 Gallery

Photos & Source: Brabham Automotive.

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2018 Fiat 500X Adventurer Edition: A Brief Walk Around

2018 Fiat 500X Adventurer Edition: A Brief Walk Around The Italian-inspired Fiat brand certainly knows how to stand out from the crowd. Those looking for a completely new driving experience should jump behind the wheel of a Fiat – their vehicles, despite being small, are huge on personality.
Adding to that personality is the new 500X Adventurer Edition, which gives fans of the lovable Italian namesake another way to express themselves. The Adventurer Edition joins the Blue Sky Edition, announced earlier this year.
Black & Orange
The Adventurer Edition, based on the Trekking model, adds 18-inch aluminum wheels, black roof rails, and lots of orange: the mirror caps, body-side graphics, cross bows, and front and rear splash guards are all orange. The molded rear cargo tray and all-weather mats are nice touches for the inside.
“The new Adventurer package offers rugged, adventurous styling and yet another opportunity for customers to personalize their Fiat 500X,” said Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America.
2018 Fiat 500X Adventurer Edition. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Thoughtful Engineering
While the styling is a major draw for Fiat enthusiasts, engineers are precise about how the 500X is constructed. The engineering teams carefully design each of the vehicle’s systems and components to return a solid balance of performance, safety, and fuel efficiency.
The 500X is the first Fiat available with all-wheel drive, giving it a distinct advantage in harsh weather versus its other stablemates. Further, all 500X models include a Dynamic Selector system, which allows drivers to alter the vehicle’s performance based on the conditions ahead. Over 70 advanced safety systems are also available.
Power & Performance
The 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo, standard on the 500X Pop, creates 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque. It’s inexpensive to own and fun to drive with its six-speed manual transmission. The 2.4-liter Tigershark I-4 engine with MultiAir2 allows for a bit more when linked up to its nine-speed automatic: 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft. of torque.
The larger Tigershark engine is standard on the Trekking and Lounge but available on the Pop. We would recommend optioning any 500X with this engine, the Adventurer Edition included.
All-wheel drive models receive a special rear axle that “disconnects” when all-wheel drive is not needed to increase efficiency.
2018 Fiat 500X Pop. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Technology & Connectivity
Yes, plenty of both for the Adventurer Edition. Drivers are treated to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, Bluetooth capability, and voice commands. To maximize the jams via streaming audio or SiriusXM, an available BeatsAudio system includes eight speakers and a subwoofer.
Fiat runs the Uconnect 4 system with a seven-inch touchscreen. For 2018, improvements include quicker startup times, enhanced processing power, higher resolution, and sharper graphics.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Fiat 500X Adventurer Edition comes in four colors: Bianco Gelato (White Clear Coat), Nero Cinema (Black Clear Coat), Grigio Graphite (Graphite Grey), and Grigio Argentino (Grey Metallic). Interior colors include black or brown.
The Adventurer Edition is available for $945 on either front-wheel or all-wheel-drive models, which start at $23,685 and $25,585 respectively, excluding destination.
Expect the 2018 Fiat 500X Adventurer Edition on the market later this summer.
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: FCA US LLC.

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