Automotive

The New Jeep Gladiator Farout Concept is One Sweet Machine!

The New Jeep Gladiator Farout Concept is One Sweet Machine! There are a lot of reasons to love Jeep, but for me, its the continual string of really cool concepts. This time around, we meet the Jeep Gladiator Farout concept. The name is perfect as it looks like it could take you “far out” into the wildest of countries. The beefy Gladiator has a number of off-road goodies and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine under the hood.

Ready For The Scenic View

The Jeep Gladiator Farout concept was expected to steal the show during the Moab Easter Jeep Safari in April, but COVID-19 prevented that from happening. “Although we didn’t get to celebrate in Moab this year with our latest round of concept vehicles, we’re pleased to introduce the Jeep Farout concept as a vehicle that blends Gladiator EcoDiesel’s fuel efficiency with features fans of overlanding will love,” said Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA North America.

The Farout is an expansion of last year’s Gladiator Wayout concept. Although the Wayout used the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 whereas the Farout opts for the EcoDiesel, both concepts are designed for overlanding. Overland Journal describes it as being more about exploration, rather than conquering obstacles. “As overlanding continues to grow in popularity, this year’s Farout concept is another opportunity to gather feedback from our passionate customer base,” Morrison added.

Jeep Gladiator Farout concept. Photo: FCA US LLC. Jeep Gladiator Farout Concept Packs The Goods

The Jeep Gladiator Farout concept is ready for a night under the stars with a deployable roof-top tent. Jeep calls the 16-foot-long by 7.5-foot-tall tent a “recreational residence,” which made me chuckle. It sleeps up to four people.

Get this: The Jeep Gladiator Farout concept houses a fully functional refrigerator and stove. This means you can cook salmon and leave the sardine cans at home. To help you catch dinner, you have handy storage racks for your fishing equipment and other outdoor gear. The extra table space is nice for when you want to break out the board games. If you always pack too much, you have a roof rack system up above to hold the overflow.

Related: KC HiLites, Baja Designs, and Rigid Industries: which lights are best for your rig? They Call Me Earl

The exterior color is called “Earl,” which also made me chuckle. Earl’s character traits include hood accents, neon trim, rear tow hooks, and unique badging. Interior features include a supple woodgrain with soft ambient lighting, which should make you feel nice and calm even if you have to plaster the Earl exterior with mud.

The Jeep Gladiator Farout concept comes with a two-inch lift kit from Jeep Performance Parts. Photo: FCA US LLC.Farout Equipment List

The path ahead is not a concern with 37-inch mud-terrain tires, FOX performance shocks, and a two-inch lift kit courtesy of Jeep Performance Parts. The modified Gladiator Rubicon steel bumper is equipped with a 12,000-lb. Warn winch for good measure. Oh, and the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 creates 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft. of torque!

Jeep officially calls it the Gladiator Overlander “Farout” Concept. No matter what they call it, it’s awesome. I would love to drive it!

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and the Society of Automotive Historians. He serves on the board of directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, is a past president of Detroit Working Writers, and a loyal Detroit Lions fan.

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.
Original article: The New Jeep Gladiator Farout Concept is One Sweet Machine!

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2020 Ford Transit Changes

The latest models from Ford Transit will soon introduce in by Ford. 2020 Ford Transit will have two variants namely AWD and Connect. There will be big changes that will be presented by Ford for this car. And the redesign of this car has many waiting for many people. More than 8 million units have been sold since its first launch in 1965. This Van was already very well known in his home country.

2020 Ford Transit Interior and Exterior

A large grille will give some gains for this new Ford Transit. It looks sturdy and can provide substantial air to awesome down the engine. The Ford Transit front headlights also obtain a new design and style despite the fact that we cannot say that it is the classy layout. It can utilize the LED lights to give a superb illumination and vision towards the Transit driver. The Ford emblem still can be observed in the front center.

Ford will try to reduce your body bodyweight of the new generation Ford Transit. Ford Transit new light-weight and powerful materials will be used for the physique. It will give some rewards to the engine for your acceleration and fuel consumption. At the back, the 2020 Ford Transit also get some enhancements. The taillights and also the muffler will obtain a new style and design.

We should agree that Ford does anything good to enhance the interior design and style for the 2020 Transit. The spy shots demonstrate the dashboard with the upcoming Transit is going to be modern-day and packed with capabilities. The steering wheel will get soft leather coating and adjustable. We can uncover some new panels on the dashboard. The touchscreen display on the new Transit’s panel is often utilized since the navigation and enjoyment media.

2020 Ford Transit Engine

Underneath the hood could possibly be a fully distinctive story. 2020 Ford Transit includes a 3.7 liter and V6 engine producing 270 horsepower. the exact same as identified on the Ford Explorer SUV. An AWD and Connect 3.5 Liter EcoBoost and V6 engine can be swapped in to get a premium and both are mated to a 6-speed automated.

2020 Ford Transit Release Date and Price

2020 Ford Transit will be released early in the year 2020, and for clarity of further information, we recommend that you can wait for information directly from Ford. And for the price of Ford Transit will have a price of around $31,000. For AWD variants and Connect there will be little change in the price.

https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2020-ford-transit-changes/

AutoSens Conference Plays Vital Role In The Success of Autonomous Driving

AutoSens Conference Plays Vital Role In The Success of Autonomous Driving Autonomous driving is the most expansive topic in the automotive industry. At one time, such concepts were science fiction, now they are just science. And the industry is working around the clock to validate, refine, and ultimately mass produce that science. There is an old saying: “what a time to be alive.” Self-driving cars? What a time to be alive.
Think about it for a moment. All the cars we see on the road today; all of them driving themselves. Society will forever change as we know it.
Creating Dialogue
With significant cultural changes come a multitude of challenges and triumphs, autonomous driving being no exception. Hence why collaboration is necessary as the discussions concerning autonomous driving are great. Pick any single aspect about about it: technology, engineering, legalities, morals and ethics; or the idea we stand to lose our relationship with the automobile. These conversations are nearly endless, and each topic poses as many questions as answers.
It is for this reason AutoSens is needed if autonomous driving is going to work. Fresh off a successful Detroit conference in May, AutoSens, a global summit on automated driving, is returning to Brussels, Belgium next week. The agenda includes over 60 different sessions meant to facilitate meaningful dialogue on the topic of autonomous cars.
“The challenge of the automotive industry is to design computers and robots that can perform tasks better than humans can, while also causing minimal disruption to a system that will include human driven vehicles for many decades to come,” said AutoSens founder Robert Stead. “It’s no easy task.”
Photo: Continental Corporation.
Community & Collaboration
AutoSens examines every aspect of autonomous driving, from the supply chain and infrastructure concerns, to the legal, financial, and ethical considerations. Attendees, speakers, sponsors, and participants leverage each other’s expertise during the event, which takes aim at the biggest challenges facing autonomous cars. Collaboration and creativity are the central themes, whereby professionals in the field share ideas and devise solutions to the obstacles facing autonomous driving.
“I would say the biggest challenge for people is trying to understand the different technologies,” explained Phil Magney, Founder and Principal Advisor, VSI Labs, during AutoSens Detroit in May. “This conference has been good for us because we meet like-minded people that are facing similar challenges; we talk, we exchange our views, and we learn from each other.”
“It’s a great community and we are very happy to be part of this ecosystem; it’s an excellent event,” added Paul Fleck, Founder of Dataspeed. “I’m looking forward to AutoSens Brussels and then coming back to Detroit again next year.”
Dataspeed Founder Paul Fleck (black shirt, jacket, middle) talks with AutoSens Detroit attendees in May. Dataspeed showcased the company’s ADAS Kit which helps engineers maximize their development of autonomous systems in the field. Fleck, an engineer himself, lost a loved one in an auto accident. The experience led him to develop technology he believes will save lives. Photo: Alex Hartman for Sense Media.
For Engineers, By Engineers
The technical integrity of the conference is of the upmost importance. This way, attendees have a true representation of what is happening in the market. There are no sales pitches or slides; “for engineers, by engineers” is the approach organizers take. Every aspect of the conference lives by this motto, from the autonomous vehicle demonstrations to the panel of speakers.
“AutoSens brings together engineering minds in a way incomparable with other events this this sector,” Stead said. “A real sense of community is what makes it tick. You’ll find the attendees, even if they are doing research on a niche technical area, will be very open to explain what it’s all about to those who are not so experienced.”
Expert Speakers
AutoSens Brussels 2018 includes keynotes from Professor Christoph Stiller, KIT, on Solutions and Open Challenges in Vehicular Perception, Professor Michael Watts, MIT, with a review of the latest research in photonics-sensor technologies as they relate to the automotive sector, and Jack Weast, Intel, on sharing an Open, Transparent, Industry-Driven Approach to AV Safety.
Expert speakers include representatives from BMW Group, Intel, Hailo, Lyft, NXP Semiconductors, Waymo, University of Surrey, Siemens, Renesas, Smart Eye, The University of Warwick, ABI Research, VSI Labs, and Arbe Robotics. Session leaders have expertise in robotics, computer vision, automotive electronics, digital imaging, and functional safety among others.
“The difference between AutoSens and many other events on this hot topic of self-driving cars is that the AutoSens attendees are the actual engineers who are building the systems that will make it all possible,” Stead explained. “They know first-hand what technologies work well, what the bottlenecks are, and what the future capabilities will be.”
Attendees sit in during one of the many technical presentations that took place at AutoSens Detroit in May. The conference will return to the Michigan Science Center beginning on May 13th 2019. Photo: Alex Hartman for Sense Media.
Tickets & Location
AutoSens Brussels 2018 takes place inside the city’s famous AutoWorld Museum, September 17th through the 20th. Tickets, including discount packages for females in the engineering community, are available now. The event’s full agenda and speaker lineup can be found here. The AutoSens Awards, also held in Brussels, are set for the evening of September 19th.
“It’s a community and what AutoSens does is bring that community together twice a year; once in Detroit in May and again 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.”
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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2018 Lexus GX 460 Luxury Review: Lots of Space, Off-Road Capability

2018 Lexus GX 460 Luxury Review: Lots of Space, Off-Road Capability Even though many SUV owners don’t take their vehicles off-road, the Lexus GX 460 is highly capable if you ever need to get off the pavement. It would be ideal for a family who lives outside the city, perhaps near the mountains, or just generally needs to travel unpaved roads to get home. That’s because the GX shares a similar platform with the capable off-road Toyota 4Runner.
The GX is a large luxury SUV that can handle rugged terrain, and is good for towing a camper or other recreational vehicles. This week, we’ve been driving the 2018 Lexus GX 460 Luxury, the SUV’s top trim level.
What’s New For 2018
There are only a few minor changes in available features.
Features & Options
The 2018 Lexus GX 460 Luxury ($63,230) comes standard with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, running boards, a flip-up rear window within the swing-out tailgate, roof rails, Lexus’ Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, a sunroof, rearview camera, and keyless ignition and entry.
Inside, the GX 460 comes with dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, driver-seat memory settings, a power-adjustable steering column, and a 50/50-split folding third-row seat. Infotainment features include Lexus Enform emergency and remote vehicle services, an eight-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, and Bluetooth capability. The nine-speaker sound system includes a CD player and satellite and HD radio.
The GX 460 Luxury comes with all of the above as standard, plus an adaptive and auto-leveling suspension, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, headlight washers, and a heated, wood-trimmed steering wheel. The rear cargo cover, second-row captain’s chairs, and upgraded leather upholstery make for nice additional touches.
This GX 460 tester came with the optional two-screen rear seat entertainment system ($1,970) and a Driver Support package ($4,340). This adds adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and automatic braking, front- and side-view cameras, and a driver inattention monitoring system. The package also includes lane departure warning, automatic high beams, crawl control (an off-road, low-speed cruise control system), and the Mark Levinson sound system.
The Sport Design Package ($1,950) adds 18-inch dark alloy wheels, heated second row seats, and special styling elements. Total MSRP of our test GX 460, options and all, including destination: $72,485.

Interior Highlights
The 2018 Lexus GX 460 Luxury is ideal for active families because of how big the inside is. This luxury SUV seats up to seven and comes with three rows. The front is especially spacious. The seats up there are 10-way power adjustable, plus heated and cooled for extra comfort. It’s easy to find the perfect driving position for any family member with the tilt/telescoping steering wheel.
The second-row is reasonably roomy and versatile and features heated seats that also recline. The seats offer a power feature and will fold down flat for extra cargo space. The third row can be accessed from the passenger side where the second-row seat moves forward to allow walk-in access. The third row also folds flat at the push of a button, converting the GX 460 to a five-passenger SUV with more cargo room.
The interior is cavernous. We were able to carry a 10-foot piece of wood trim home for a remodeling project.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The GX 460 is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft. of torque. It’s mated with a six-speed transmission and four-wheel drive is standard.
Fuel economy ratings come in at 15/18 city/highway and 16 combined mpg. According to the EPA ratings, the GX 460 falls mostly in line with the competition, although it lags in total cruising range.
Driving Dynamics
The Lexus GX 460 likes to cruise on level highways and was smooth and unstressed on the commute to work. As we returned home heading up I-70 into the mountains, the 301 horsepower V8 had to work harder to get us up the hill. The GX 460 weighs 5,340 lbs. empty. That said, if you have a full load, or are pulling a trailer, it may struggle to handle the weight.
But for those who live on flat ground, this SUV will handle most driving situations with ease.
With a body-on-frame construction and low range gearing, it’s far more rugged and powerful than the Lexus RX crossover. Unlike the RX, the GX offers excellent off-road capability and comes equipped with features to make off-road driving safe and easy. It’s very comfortable in town, but has a great setup for getting you into the back country.
For example, The GX comes standard with a full-time 4WD system, which includes a locking center differential and low-range gearing. The system requires little to no input from the driver. It’s ideal for safe travel during heavy rains, on snowy and icy roads, or on rough dirt or gravel surfaces. Despite this off-road design, the suspension still eats up bumps and potholes without jarring you or the passengers.
Conclusion
With its truck-like platform, the 2018 Lexus GX 460 offers excellent control over rugged terrain. It will keep you confident in bad weather. It’s a traditional SUV, built on the same truck-based architecture as the rugged Toyota 4Runner, with a suspension and drive system designed for the rough stuff.
Inside it’s big and luxurious and on the road it’s comfortable and quiet. The 4.6-liter V8 is good enough but it could use more low-end torque for pulling up the hills.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Lexus GX 460 Gallery

Lexus GX Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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2019 Cadillac XT4: Baby Escalade? Or Something Else Entirely?

2019 Cadillac XT4: Baby Escalade? Or Something Else Entirely? The 2019 Cadillac XT4 has strong competition but will enter the market with promising technology.
There are only two SUVs in Cadillac’s lineup. The full-size Escalade is still the default choice for rap artists, movie stars, or large families. The midsize XT5 is just right for the daily commute. But if you were hankering for a more affordable compact SUV with Cadillac-levels of luxury, the XT4 is the answer. Depending on your perception, the 2019 Cadillac XT4 is either a scaled-down version of the XT5 or a baby Escalade.
“The new Cadillac XT4 brings a new vitality to Cadillac in one of the industry’s fastest-growing segments,” said Steve Carlisle, Cadillac President. “It pairs the agility of our award-winning sports sedans with a youthful SUV character.”
The 2019 XT4 is Cadillac’s first-ever foray in the compact SUV segment, going head-to-head with premium contenders such as the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Lexus NX, and Audi Q5. But unlike the aforementioned competitors, the 2019 Cadillac XT4 starts at a lower base price.
2019 Cadillac XT4. Photo: Cadillac.
Motivated By Technology
Everything about the new XT4 centers around technology. For example, it has a 2.0-liter turbocharged motor that produces 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. The twin-scroll turbocharger significantly enhances low-end torque.
“The advantage of turbocharging is power when you need it and efficiency when you don’t,” said Kris Keary, 2.0L Turbo Assistant Chief Engineer. “In the XT4, it translates as confident performance in all scenarios.”
Despite the aggressive engine tuning, the XT4 delivers 24/31 city/highway mpg. This partly due to the smart design of the motor. Cadillac designed a unique and innovative double-overhead tri-power valvetrain with three operating modes: high valve lift, low valve lift, and active fuel management.
In high valve lift, the engine works with the turbocharger to deliver maximum thrills. The low valve mode is the default setting in normal driving. It provides a nice balance between power and fuel economy. Active fuel management can disable two of the four cylinders when idling in traffic for greater efficiency.
“The unique valvetrain design complements the turbocharging system to make the most of the engine’s available power at all speeds,” Keary continued. “It’s a seamless integration of technologies that drivers experience as satisfying, confident performance throughout the entire engine operating range.”
The high-tech engine is bolted to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The motor also benefits from active thermal management, an electric water pump, and stop/start technology.
Photo: Cadillac.
Brand New Architecture
The 2019 Cadillac XT4’s chassis is constructed from press-hardened high-strength steel. The MacPherson strut front and five-link rear independent suspension are tuned for better handling and comfort. The XT4 Sport trim can be equipped with Cadillac’s Active Sport Suspension system. It offers continuous damping control by seamlessly adjusting the damping forces every two milliseconds.
The refined and solid feel of the new XT4 is further enhanced by a vibration absorber tucked between the airbag and steering wheel. It can filter out unnecessary vibrations without negatively affecting the steering, according to Cadillac.
The 2019 Cadillac XT4 has an optional twin-clutch all-wheel drive system, controlled via the Driver Mode Select System. The system balances the amount of torque at each wheel for greater traction and control when the weather gets dicey. By contrast, it automatically decouples the rear axle in normal driving conditions.
Roomy & Spacious Interior
If you need a simple reason why you should choose the Cadillac XT4, it would be the interior, particularly in the rear quarters. The new XT4 is strictly a five-seater, but it serves up best-in-class rear-seat legroom and headroom, according to Cadillac. The 22.5 cubic-feet of cargo space makes it practical. Fold the rear seats down and you get 48.9 cubic-feet of space, more than what the Lexus NX has to offer.

More Features For The Money
The 2019 Cadillac XT4 in base trim starts at $35,790. This includes LED headlamps and taillights, power front seats, 18-inch wheels, remote start, a seven-speaker audio system, and dual zone climate control. You also get an eight-inch high-resolution center display with voice and rotary controls. The interior comes with with four USB ports and wireless charging for compatible smartphones.
On the safety front, the XT4 comes with eight airbags, 10-years of Cadillac Connected Access, rearview camera, brake assist, traction and stability control, and tire pressure monitoring.
Higher trim models get larger alloys, leather upholstery, lane change alert with lane departure warning, front and rear park assist, and an HD surround camera.
The 2019 Cadillac XT4 will arrive at dealerships this fall.
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: Cadillac.

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2019 Acura ILX: A Budget-Friendly & Sporty Luxury Sedan

2019 Acura ILX: A Budget-Friendly & Sporty Luxury Sedan The 2019 Acura ILX stands out when compared to prior model years.
Although the engine could use a bit more power, the tech and safety features are solid.
Out with the old, in with the new. The refreshed 2019 Acura ILX is more than a posh Civic. It is a budget-oriented choice in the niche of small, premium sedans. I’ve noticed two types of buyers during my many years writing about cars: those that truly know their stuff and those who simply want a nice car.
If you belong to the latter, take a second look at the 2019 Acura ILX. It may not steal the spotlight from the Mercedes-Benz CLA or Audi A3, but it deserves a rightful place at the podium.
The Acura will be more reliable and less expensive to maintain. For example, the new ILX earned a Power Circle Rating of 5 out of 5 and a quality award in the Small Premium Car segment in J.D. Power and Associates 2018 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS). It also captured the top spot in Kelly Blue Book’s 5-Year Cost to Own Luxury Brand Awards.
Best of all, the 2019 Acura ILX comes standard with active safety technology courtesy of AcuraWatch.
Enhanced Styling
Those who think the previous ILX was a bit dull in the styling department will have a change of heart. The most prominent enhancements are found in front. The 2019 Acura ILX is all-new from nose to A-pillars, anchored by the brand’s signature Diamond Pentagon Grille. Combined with the new jewel-eye LED headlamps and sculpted hood, there’s no doubt the Acura ILX is ready for some serious action.
The rear still bears a striking resemblance to the deck of the Mercedes CLS. There are new LED taillights to match the hi-tech look in the front. There’s a new rear diffuser and chrome exhaust tip. Also new are the sharp-looking 17-inch five-spoke wheels. The 2019 ILX A-Spec gets bigger 18-inch rollers and lower-profile rubber.
2019 Acura ILX A-Spec. Photo: Acura.
Sporty & Luxurious Interior
The interior of the 2019 Acura ILX is equally impressive. You get restyled and reshaped sport seating in the front and rear. The seats can be specified with high-contrast stitching and piping for an enhanced and premium look. All ILX models receive a power-adjustable lumbar support for the front seats.
One of the major gripes was the slow and unresponsive touchscreen interface. Thankfully, Acura heard all the complaints and came up with the dual-screen On-Demand Multi-Use Display system. The new software not only improves system response time by 30 percent, but the seven-inch touchscreen display now offers intuitive menus for a quick and fuss-free operation.
Apple CarPlay and Android auto are standard as well.
2019 Acura ILX interior layout. Photo: Acura.
Refined Performance
All 2019 Acura ILX models still get the 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC four-banger that churns out 201 horsepower and 170 lb-ft. of torque. The motor is connected to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic driving the front wheels. While the engine is smooth at low revs and growls noticeably at higher rpm, it wouldn’t hurt if Acura massaged the engine to produce a bit more power.
It can still scoot to 60 mph in less than seven seconds, which is average for this class.
A stronger engine is (and would have been) the perfect addition to the new Acura ILX A-Spec. Unfortunately, the A-spec only receives exterior and interior updates. This includes dark chrome trim for the front grille and lower fascia, smoked LED headlights and taillights, a gloss black decklid spoiler, and new LED fog lights. The new ILX A-Spec also receives graphite-silver and chrome dash accents, aluminum pedals, and new red or ebony leather seats.
The 2019 Acura ILX will arrive at dealers next month.
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.
2019 Acura ILX Gallery

Photos & Source: Acura.

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2018 Ford Expedition Platinum 4×4 Review

2018 Ford Expedition Platinum 4×4 Review If you need something more rugged than a typical three-row crossover, the 2018 Ford Expedition is a must-look for families. Needing to haul the kids, their friends, and maybe a few “toys” for that weekend trip away from civilization? It seats up to eight passengers, has a powerful, newly-redesigned turbocharged V6, and can tow more than 9,000 lbs.
And in its Platinum trim, you will travel in style to business meetings, golf outings, and those evenings out at the dinner theater. This week, we’ve been getting a taste of the top-of-the-line, 2018 Ford Expedition Platinum.
What’s New For 2018
The Ford Expedition gets new upgrades, including increased horsepower and torque, a new 10-speed automatic transmission, a redesigned instrument panel, and a handful of new, stand-alone options and packages. The extended-length Expedition is now called the “Max.”
Features & Options
The 2018 Ford Expedition Platinum 4×4 ($73,030) comes with 20-inch wheels, front parking sensors, roof rack rails, retractable running boards, heated second-row seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a premium Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker audio system with HD radio.
It also comes with second-row leather captain’s chairs (reduces seating capacity to seven) and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual headrest-mounted displays. This tester also came with the heavy-duty tow package, the self-parking system, and auto LED headlights and fog lights. Ford did not list exact pricing on the options as this was a pre-production model.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Interior Highlights
Behind the wheel, the driver has a commanding view of the road because of the ride height and seating position. We were able to find the prefect driving position with the power/tilt telescoping steering wheel and adjustable pedals with memory. The seats are plush and there’s plenty of head, shoulder, and hip room for taller passengers.
Families will find acres of room inside for spreading out on longer trips. Kids won’t be asking, “are we there yet?” with the rear-seat entertainment system. The optional second row captain’s chairs are comfy, and there’s lots of legroom with the chair’s ability to slide forward and back. Even the third row, which is usually only good for kids in most SUVs, is decent enough to seat two adults for long distances.
Expedition offers exceptional space for families needing to carry extra cargo. There’s 104.6 cubic feet behind the first row, 63.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and 20.9 cubic feet behind the third row.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Platinum Expedition is powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. The engine’s 400 horsepower and massive 480 lb-ft. of torque marks an increase in power. It comes mated to a new 10-speed automatic with a tow/haul mode sending power to all four wheels. An FX4 off-road trim is available which includes additional skid plates and Ford’s Terrain Management System.
Fuel economy estimates for our Platinum tester came in at 17/22 city/highway and 19 combined mpg using regular unleaded fuel.
Driving Dynamics
The Expedition gets a unique drive shifter knob that saves space. You just dial up “drive” and you’re ready to go. Once underway, the first thing we noticed was the Expedition’s more powerful turbocharged EcoBoost engine with its massive 480 lb-ft. of torque for the Platinum trim. One of the downsides: you need to run premium unleaded fuel to get those torque ratings.
This big SUV has impressive acceleration and we had a hard time keeping our foot out of the gas. It’s one of the quickest SUVs in the class. We took the Expedition up I-70 at altitude west of Denver. Let’s just say, this family hauler feels like a much smaller vehicle. Passing slower traffic was not an issue; we had to watch our speed because it rises up easily.
We did notice the considerable body lean in the tight mountain corners, so this big three-row is likely best when it’s on the open highway. The new Expedition does come with an auto start/stop feature. That takes getting used to in city traffic.
The Ford Expedition’s strong point is how it’s a truck-based SUV, meaning it can take some abuse. You can run the Expedition on muddy or dirt roads, or through snow and not have to worry about getting stuck. It can tow more than 9,000 lbs. when equipped with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package too.
Conclusion
If you need a tough-as-nails, seven- or eight-passenger SUV, with towing capacity for a large trailer, and a lot of room for the kids and pets, the 2018 Ford Expedition is a great choice. For extra luxury, move up to the Platinum model. Overall, the 2018 Ford Expedition is ideal for families with active lifestyles who need more than a typical kid and grocery hauler.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Ford Expedition Gallery

2018 Ford Expedition Official Site.
Photos: Ford Motor Company.

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Genesis G70: South Korea’s S-Class Response

Genesis G70: South Korea’s S-Class Response

You have to hand it to them. And by them, I mean they. And by they, I mean Hyundai. The Genesis G70 surely isn’t a bad car, not even close to it. And, here’s the first of many rubs confronting the Genesis G70: they want it to be a thing in and of itself. It is The Genesis, not, most definitely not the Hyundai Genesis. Just: Genesis.
And all the press materials go to great lengths to refer to the car as just that. The mentions or uses of the word “Hyundai” tally up to two in over 2,000 words of verbiage. So what is it? What is the Genesis G70? In a nutshell, it’s pretty easy: Hyundai’s answer to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Jack of All Trades
Hyundai, the South Korean mega-corp-conglomo-nopoly, does everything from construction projects to chemicals to electronics to shipbuilding to automobile manufacturing. Hyundai has been making good, solid, dependable yet affordable cars for decades now. In a lot of ways, they have out Toyota’d Toyota and the other Japanese marques whose stock in trade has long been good, solid, dependable yet affordable cars. But what if you want more than that? What if you, as an ambitious mega-corp-conglomo-nopoly, want more for your automobile division? Enter Genesis. Something well built, stylish, solid, safe, with an on-the-road and at-the-curb presence to make people notice. Enter Genesis.
Styling & Design
They describe the Genesis G70 as being “an athletic sedan characterized by its graceful and dynamic exterior styling” with an “elegant and intuitively designed interior.” This is all fair enough and, from a marketing perspective, the G70 completes the Genesis sedan lineup, slotting alongside the G90 flagship and the mid-luxury G80. No, I don’t know exactly what they mean by “mid-luxury” either.
The G70 offers a broad spectrum of color options, both inside and outside. There are ten exterior colors available, and they have come up with a new paint-finishing method: small, evenly distributed aluminum particles and high luminosity colors to maximize the exterior paint. Or, as Ed “Big Daddy” Roth calls it, “metalflake”. The inside has the same “big box of Crayolas” approach for available colors.
The G70 interior is prioritized around superb fit and finish with a focus on simplicity and an importance on real functionality. The overall layout is horizontal with a rather nice sport steering wheel. Since this is a Genesis, premium materials such as aluminum door handles, metal speaker grills, and quilted leather door panels are found throughout the cabin.
Photo: Genesis.
Power & Performance
The Genesis G70 aims to be agile yet safe, dynamic yet quiet, but it all starts from the powertrain. There are three powertrains on offer: a 3.3-liter V6 turbo, a 2.0-liter inline four-banger turbo, and a 2.2-liter inline four cylinder diesel. The engine to pay attention to here is the 3.3-liter V6 turbo – that’s the one found in the “enthusiast-focused” G70 Sport. That 3.3-liter V6 turbo plant cranks out 365 ponies and 376 lb-ft. of torque. All of this is good enough to get the G70 Sport to 60 in 4.7 seconds, with a top speed of 168 mph. The G70 Sport also comes with variable-ratio steering and an electronically controlled suspension for better response and ride and handling.
You also get a number of other fancy-schmancy performance goodies, such as launch control, rack-mounted, motor-driven power steering (R-MDPS), multi-link rear suspension, dynamic torque vectoring, and a mechanical limited slip differential. They have also put in this contraption called Active Sound Design (ASD). This system “creates an aural character that reflects the engine load and driving mode settings.” That’s all they say about the ASD deal, but I cry witchcraft and sorcery, or, at the very least, fakery and I don’t hold with it. Nosir!
Photo: Genesis.

Technology & Safety
The cabin is also drowning in high tech gee-gaws, like a smart posture control system for minimal stress on long journeys. There’s an 8-inch touchscreen display with MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The G70 also comes with server-based voice recognition technology, using Kakao’s artificial intelligence platform Kakao I. A 15-speaker Lexicon system is there when you really want to crank the K-Pop.
The G70 has a buffet of safety doohickeys like pedestrian impact mitigation technology that lifts the hood to absorb shock and minimize injury. There’s Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Blind Spot Collision Warning, and J-Pop Avoidance Assist because we all know that Psy and Exo are totally hot and AKB48 and Arashi are totally not.
Photo: Genesis.
Big Questions
Will this work? Will the G70, along with the G80 and G90, be able to make Genesis into a brand of its own? That’s the obvious goal here, and I’m not saying they can’t do it. A lot of people in the car business have lost a lot of money saying that same thing about South Korean car companies. Perhaps Hyundai can defy the odds?
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

Photos & Source: Genesis.

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Lotus Evora GT430 Sport Joins The Party

Lotus Evora GT430 Sport Joins The Party

Okay, so I’m starting to see a pattern here. Lotus, as lovely as they are, has been beating the hype machine drum every two or three months about a “new” model. If this were a major car manufacturer, this article would be nothing but calling them out for being stupidly old school and calling a trim package a “new” model.
But this is Lotus, and most importantly, with all these new Evora variants, they actually feature improvements to the car in terms of performance and design.
Reclaiming The Title
When the Evora fist came out, it was a bit of a puzzle to a lot of hardcore sports car types, and especially Lotus fanatics. It came out right in the middle of that whole Dany Bahar era of 100% horse manure (“Lotus cars aren’t about performance, they are about fashion and luxury”), and the overall layout, that 2 + 1 seating thing, struck a lot of people as odd and unnecessary. Then cooler heads prevailed, Bahar was run out of Hethel on a rail, and performance engineers took control and steered Lotus back on a course that benefits us all. Okay, all us gearheads, because to my knowledge, Lotus has never made a grocery-getter or kid picker-upper and if they ever do, we’re going to have a scrap on our hands.
Performance Engineering
As the name implies, the Lotus Evora GT430 Sport is a further variation and improvement on the GT430. There’s some slight nips and tucks here and there to make it prettier (in a way) and some judicious massaging of the drivetrain and chassis to make it do what Lotus cars have always done: Go, turn, and stop much better than you’d expect.
The Lotus Evora GT430 Sport is part of the extended Evora family, which also has the Evora 400, Evora Sport 410, and the recent addition of the Evora GT430. The new Evora GT430 range (that would be the GT and the Sport) includes two body options and a choice of manual or automatic transmission. To some, the thought of a slush box in a Lotus is outright blasphemy, but put down those pitchforks and torches for a second and hold up. We’ll get to why the automatic in the Evora is actually a pretty good deal. Like its GT430 sibling, the Evora GT430 Sport is motivated from county to county by the same 3.5-liter V6 supercharged engine that cranks out 430 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque, or 317 lb-ft.
Photo: Lotus Cars USA Inc.
Weight & Aerodynamics
The Evora GT430 Sport tips the scales at 10 kilos (22 pounds) less, for a total of 1,248 kg or right around 2,750 pounds. Divide that by the 430 horses and you come up with a power-to-weight ratio of 345 horsepower / tonne (that’s a metric ton) which guarantees you this little car is going to flat out fly when you mash the pedal. As a matter of fact, the Evora GT430 Sport has a top speed of 196 mph, making it the fastest Lotus production car ever.
The easiest way to tell the Sport apart from the Evora GT430 is how the Sport has “motorsport derived aerodynamics.” This is a very polite and British way of saying the flips, kicks, spoilers, and such are not Vin Diesel-inspired cake decorations of no performance utility, oh no. There’s a carbon fiber splitter and a large, profiled carbon wing to suck you onto the tarmac. Louvers at the top of each front wheel arch to cut lift and reduce pressure within the wheel well. The GT430 Sport also has wider wheels and tires.
Photo: Lotus Cars USA Inc.

Transmission, Live Wire
Now, about that automatic transmission and why we will not be marching on Lotus HQ for a righteous stoning – at least not today. That automatic transmission will be available for both of the GT430 models. If you opt for the automatic transmission, you will net 10 Nm more torque (for a total of 450 Nm or around 332 lb-ft.). The bottom line is, get this, that the automatic version is even quicker than the manual GT430. 60 mph comes up in a pretty scant 3.6 seconds.
To make a transmission that usually implies less performance actually give you more performance, the Lotus six-speed automatic has an optimized gearbox ECU for ultra-fast changes from cog to cog. Gear selection is made from the driver’s seat via lightweight aluminum paddles mounted to the steering wheel, natch.

Speed Tech
Other go-fast-goodies include standard Öhlins TTX two-way adjustable dampers (which would have given A.C.B. Chapman fits, if he were still with us), J-grooved and ventilated brake discs, AP Racing four-piston calipers at all four corners, a lovely Torsen-type limited slip differential, and an adjustable traction control system in case that Torsen isn’t good enough for you, and you have a right foot closer to a ham than what Jimmy Clark had on the end of his leg.
The GTs, both the Sport and “normal” are available now. They are more than most of us can afford, but I, for one, still want one of these . . . or two. Life is too short for boring cars.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photos & Source: Lotus Cars USA Inc.

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