Automotive

This Fiat 500 Throws It Back To 1957

This Fiat 500 Throws It Back To 1957 The Fiat 500 1957 Edition is back by “popular demand” according to the automaker.
The small cruiser pays homage to the 1957 Nuova Cinquecento, originally designed by Dante Giacosa.
As if the quirky size and demeanor of the Fiat 500 was not enough, the Italian carmaker is bringing back the 1957 Edition. The design cues pay homage to the original 1957 Fiat Nuova 500.
But unlike the 1957 model (which came with a dinky two-cylinder motor with 13 horsepower), the 2018 Fiat 500 1957 Edition is motivated by a more powerful 1.4-liter turbocharged MultiAir engine. It now cranks out 135 horsepower and 150 lb-ft. of torque.
“Our Italian-designed, fun-to-drive Fiat 500 comes standard with turbocharged power,” said Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands for FCA North America. “The 1957 Edition offers a fun, custom appearance for the iconic Fiat 500.”
Nuova Fiat 500 advertisement circa 1957, courtesy of FCA UC LLC. The Nuova 500 sparked the rebirth of Fiat following the devastation of World War II. The vehicle’s production helped usher in the economic recovery in the years that followed.
Authentic Italian Design
It is easy to distinguish the 1957 Edition of the Fiat 500. The 16-inch retro wheels come in three colors: white, green, or blue. This special edition Fiat 500 also comes with a choice of three paint colors: white (Bianco Ice), retro light blue (celeste blue), and light green (Chiaro) to match the wheel color.
The car receives a plethora of vintage-inspired elements like retro badging, a revised fascia with chrome inserts, two-tone paint (white roof on the hatchback and black soft top on cabriolet models). There are white exterior mirrors and ivory-colored door trim panels. It also receives a delicious Avorio/Marrone leather-wrapped steering wheel (which is Italian speak for white and brown) to match the premium, hand-stitched brown leather upholstery.
Oh, and you also get a unique 1957 Edition key fob. Nice.
Fiat 500 1957 Edition wheel design. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Macchina Veloce!
Make no mistake about it, the Fiat 500 is still a decently fast car. The 1.4-liter turbocharged motor comes standard with a five-speed manual, although a six-speed auto is optional. The engine comes with twin intercoolers and a sport-tuned exhaust. This motor is now standard across the range.
But the Fiat 500 1957 Edition goes further still. It comes with a driver-selectable Sport button, which revises the throttle mapping to improve engine response. Models with the optional six-speed auto will experience stronger shift points to deliver a more thrilling driving experience.
Unlike the 1957 model (which came with a dinky two-cylinder with 13 horsepower), the 2018 Fiat 500 1957 Edition is motivated by a more powerful turbocharged engine. Click To TweetTurbo Power For Everyone
For those just learning the ins and outs about Fiat cars, it happens to be the only brand in North America to offer turbo engines as standard on every model. The base Pop trim starts at $16,245, making it the least expensive turbocharged car you can buy today.
The Lounge starts at $19,745 and is the basis for the 1957 Edition. Add $995.00 and you get the special-colored wheels, the Sport mode, leather trimmings, and retro badges.
And if the base motor is not enough, then you’ll need the Fiat 500 Abarth. It comes with an upgraded 160 horsepower 1.4-liter turbo mill that churns out 183 lb-ft. of torque. The Abarth starts at $20,495, which includes red bucket seats, a red engine cover, red brake calipers, and body stripes (yes, in red, too).
The Fiat 500 1957 Edition will arrive later 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: FCA US LLC.

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2018 Chevy Equinox Review: Fuel Efficient & Family-Minded

2018 Chevy Equinox Review: Fuel Efficient & Family-Minded The 2018 Chevy Equinox gets new exterior styling and new tech features all in a smaller package. The result is an SUV that’s a friendlier urban commuter. The new 2.0-liter turbo should give families enough power and fuel mileage gains as they travel about their day.
This week, we’ve been driving the top-of-the-line, 2018 Chevrolet Equinox FWD Premier 2.0T.
What’s New For 2018
The 2018 Chevy Equinox was completely redesigned, from the downsized chassis and body, to the 2.0-liter turbo engine and nine-speed automatic transmission.
Features & Options
The Equinox FWD Premier 2.0T ($33,600) comes standard with automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, a stop-start system, rearview camera, heated mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, and a driver information display. Chevrolet’s Teen Driver watchdog modes are included, along with Bluetooth, OnStar (with 4G LTE connectivity and Wi-Fi hotspot), a seven-inch touchscreen, and a six-speaker audio system.
Chrome exterior trim, ambient interior lighting, driver-seat memory settings, perforated leather upholstery, and wireless phone charging are among the other niceties. There is even a meter that measures the distance (in time) between you and the car ahead.
A USB port and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also came with our Equinox Premier.
With Chevrolet’s Teen Driver system, parents can limit the radio volume and restrict the vehicle’s speed to 85 mph. It also prevents anyone from manually turning off safety features.
The 2018 Chevy Equinox was completely redesigned, from the downsized chassis and body, to the 2.0-liter turbo engine and nine-speed automatic transmission. Click To TweetAdditional Packages
Premier 2.0T adds xenon headlights, rear privacy glass, a leather-wrapped shift knob, an eight-way power driver’s seat (with two-way lumbar adjustment), auxiliary rear-seat release levers, and satellite radio. It also comes with 19-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, foglights, auto-dimming mirrors, roof rails, and a hands-free liftgate.
The Confidence and Convenience II package ($1,895) adds automatic high-beam control, a top-down, 360-degree parking/camera system, a heated steering wheel, an eight-way power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. Safety features include lane departure warning, forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking at low speeds, and Chevy’s Safety Alert seat.
The Sun, Sound and Navigation package ($2,620) adds a panoramic sunroof, navigation, and a seven-speaker Bose audio system with HD radio.
Total MSRP including destination: $39,505. By comparison, starting MSRP for the 2018 Chevy Equinox is $23,580.

Interior Highlights
Stepping inside reveals leather seats with plenty of bolstering, lots of soft-touch materials, brushed aluminum trim, and plenty of power adjustments to help find the perfect driving position. The seating position in the Equinox cabin seems lower than before, which makes the vehicle feel less SUV-like.
The infotainment system is straight-forward and simple, with an eight-inch screen and big icons. The display is clear, bright, responsive, and fast, all without too many features or too much information.
The backseat has plenty of room for adults, and rear passengers will appreciate the tall doors. There’s less ducking and tucking to climb in, but the flat seat bottoms won’t be comfortable for long trips. The seats fold mostly flat to provide 63.5 cubic feet of cargo space, less than the competition. Behind the rear seats there is 29.9 cubic feet available.

Fuel mileage is reasonable if you keep your foot out of the turbo.Click To TweetEngine & Fuel Mileage Specs
Our Equinox tester was powered by the new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder, making 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque. Mated to a nine-speed automatic sending power to the front wheels, it offers peppy acceleration and an EPA-estimated 22/29 city/highway and 25 combined mpg.
The new four-cylinder improves performance overall. Fuel mileage is reasonable if you keep your foot out of the turbo.
Driving Dynamics
The nine-speed gearbox pairs nicely with the 252 horsepower turbo engine. Overall, the Equinox felt strong during our quick runs up I-70 west of Denver this week. The turbo offers steady power and a cool whistling sound as it climbs through the gears.
We found ourselves wanting steering wheel paddle shifters which aren’t offered on the Equinox.
The ride is designed more for comfort than cornering ability. Through the tight mountain curves there was enough body lean to remind us we weren’t in a sports sedan. However, the suspension offers poised and predictable handling in all situations; the ride overall is comfortable on the highway and you hardly feel the bumps on rough pavement.
The 2018 Equinox has a higher state of suspension tune and 19-inch wheels with better all-season tires. It tracks true and smooth, but doesn’t offer much feedback. Still, it helped us avoid a deer in the mountains outside of Denver during our seat time.
The turbo offers steady power and a cool whistling sound as it climbs through the gears. Click To TweetConclusion
The fully redesigned 2018 Chevy Equinox addresses the problems the aging generation had. It now represents a more compelling choice in the smaller, five-passenger crossover segment. Chevy pulled off making the Equinox smaller in size without sacrificing too much leg and headroom.
It’s comfortable, easy-to-drive, and comes standard with one of the best infotainment interfaces in the class.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Chevy Equinox Gallery

Chevy Equinox Official Site.
Photos: Chevrolet.

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Hyundai & Aurora Eye 2021 For Bringing Level 4 Automation To Market

Hyundai & Aurora Eye 2021 For Bringing Level 4 Automation To Market
Hyundai Motor Company has announced a strategic partnership with Aurora to bring self-driving vehicles to the market by 2021. Hyundai says the partnership with Aurora is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to make fully autonomous driving a reality. Hyundai was granted a licence in Nevada in 2015 to test automated vehicles on the state’s public roads. Last year at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Hyundai publicly demonstrated their autonomous technology.
Level 4 Leadership
Hyundai will incorporate Aurora’s automated and machine learning innovations into specially-developed models for test programs in pilot cities. At the onset, the partnership will concentrate on hardware and software development as they move toward the technological requirements needed for Level 4 automation. Level 4 automation, as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers, means a vehicle can operate without human input under certain conditions. Hyundai and Aurora note the end goal is to successfully and safely commercialize autonomous cars globally
“We know the future of transportation is autonomous, and autonomous driving technology needs to be proven in the real-world to accelerate deployment in a safe and scalable manner,” said Dr. Woong Chul Yang, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor. “Combining our advanced vehicle technology that embeds the latest safety features with Aurora’s leading suite of Level 4 autonomous technology will advance this revolution in mobility with Hyundai in a leadership position.”
Global Vision
Hyundai and Aurora underscored their common vision for improving safety and mobility, believing together they have the skills and experience necessary to accomplish this end. In general, autonomous driving proponents say increased safety is one of the key benefits, pointing to studies by the National Safety Council that found 2016 was the deadliest year on U.S. roads since 2007. There were 40,000 vehicle deaths in 2016 marking a six percent increase from 2015. Although safety remains the biggest concern, recent studies show the public is warming up to the idea of a car that drives itself.
“Aurora is excited to partner with Hyundai Motor to make the social benefits of self-driving available globally,” said Dr. Chris Urmson, Chief Executive Officer, Aurora. “This partnership combines Hyundai’s strengths in vehicle design, safety, and manufacturing with Aurora’s expertise in self-driving technologies to make a positive difference in the world.”
Photo: Hyundai Motor Company.
In Person
Hyundai’s newest fuel-cell vehicle will make its global debut at CES next week, and will be the first to undergo the aforementioned testing process later this year. Hyundai says the vehicle is the ideal platform for the autonomous technologies which require a substantial amount of energy. The hydrogen-powered Hyundai can provide stable electric power for data communication and sensor operation without infringing on driving range.
CES runs January 9th through the 12th at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
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: Hyundai Motor Company.

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2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line: Dig That New Fastback Profile!

2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line: Dig That New Fastback Profile! The 2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line is a sleek and sporty compact sedan. It seems, these days, the hits keep coming for Hyundai. Earlier this year, we drove the new Sonata and were impressed at the level of refinement versus its modest price tag. The 2020 Santa Fe is another winner, returning above-average fuel economy for us during a week-long test drive.

Whatever spices they are putting in the cafeteria food over at Hyundai, it’s working. If it gets us more cars like the new Sonata and now, the 2021 Elantra N Line, then I might encourage them to take a second helping.

2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line: Styling & Design

The exterior styling is called “Parametric Dynamics,” which emphasizes a lower but wider stance. The Elantra N Line is more athletic versus the “normal” model, as evidenced by the fastback design. Down the side of the Elantra N Line are arrow-style creases to suggest forward motion. The 18-inch allow wheels, various gloss black treatments, N Line rear diffuser, and chrome exhaust tips are all nice touches.

The inside is more performance-inspired as well. Drivers are treated to a leather-wrapped steering wheel with metallic elements, a gearshift with metal accents and leather inserts, alloy pedals, and sport seats with leather bolsters.

2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line interior layout. Photo: Hyundai Motor Company.2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line Powertrain

Under the hood is a 1.6-liter GDI turbo engine that creates 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. of torque. Drivers can opt for a seven-speed Hyundai Double Clutch Transmission or a six-speed manual. To provide additional balance and control, Hyundai engineers revised the multi-link independent rear suspension and added larger front brake rotors.

Related: The eight concept cars that predicted Hyundai’s future. Interestingly enough, a new Elantra Hybrid is also on the way (the first Elantra hybrid in over a decade). The permanent-magnet electric motor will deliver 32 kW, powered by a lithium-ion polymer battery with a 1.32 kWh capacity (under the rear seats). The 1.6-liter GDI engine combines with the electric motor to deliver a total system output of 139 horsepower and up to 195 lb-ft. of torque.

2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line. Photo: Hyundai Motor Company.2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line Availability

After the Elantra N Line arrives in December, Hyundai plans to release the Sonata N Line (which we cannot wait to see). The Elantra Hybrid will go on sale in Korea during the third quarter of 2020; sales in global markets will soon follow.

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.

2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line Gallery

Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor Company.
Original article: 2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line: Dig That New Fastback Profile!

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2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo Delivery to DragTimes

2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo Delivery to DragTimes Watch Brooks Weisblat from DragTimes take delivery of a brand new Ferrari F8 Tributo.

The post 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo Delivery to DragTimes appeared first on egmCarTech.

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2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE Review

2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE Review
Urban dwellers looking for a sporty compact hatch have a number of options, but none are as quick and agile as the Volkswagen Golf GTI. It’s a commuter for those who like to have fun on the drive to and from work. We think it fills a need for performance enthusiasts who don’t want to spend $40,000 to $50,000 on a high performance model. For around $30,000 you get a hot hatch that’s high on the fun-to-drive meter.
What’s New For 2018
The Golf GTI remains unchanged for 2018 except for the packaging and available equipment for each model. It does get new LED tail lamps and a different infotainment system is available.
Features & Options
The 2018 Golf GTI ($31,165 as tested) comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-reclining front seats, leatherette upholstery, 17-inch alloy wheels, a moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and ambient cabin lighting. Our GTI SE tester had LED headlights, an eight-inch infotainment screen, blind spot monitor, and automatic emergency braking.

Interior Highlights
The Golf GTI SE interior is simple and well laid out. The controls are easy to use and the touchscreen nicely controls the navigation and Fender premium audio system. The cabin is high quality and there’s enough soft touch materials throughout to make it comfortable. We would describe it as distinctly European, comfortable, and the SE trim is especially sporty.
The seats provide ample support and comfort for longer trips in the hatchback. There’s a handy bin ahead of the shifter, perfect for a cell phone. The power-reclining front seats offer up the perfect driving position for a compact hatch. The rear seats offer plenty of room for average-sized adults and are also comfy for longer trips. There’s ample head and shoulder room too, thanks to the higher hatch roof. There’s also a convenient folding rear armrest/cupholder with a pass-through to the back. Behind the rear seats, it comes with 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space, easily accessible through the rear hatch. With the seats folded flat, it offers up a class-leading 52.7 cubic feet of space.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The front-wheel drive 2018 VW Golf GTI SE is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to the optional dual-clutch direct shift automatic gearbox (DSG). EPA fuel economy estimates are 24/32 city/highway and 27 combined with the automatic gearbox.
Driving Dynamics
Our tester came with the dual-clutch DSG automatic and it made us forget about wanting the 6-speed manual rower. The DSG comes with steering wheel shifters for crisper gear changes simply by touching the paddles. VW’s DSG is sweet and one of the best automatics on the planet. They call it an automatic, but mechanically and internally, it works like a manual gearbox; in a practical sense, it’s a super-sharp automatic.
The GTI trim is fun to drive in the city and we could easily get around slower traffic. We chucked it around the tight corners on our commute from the mountains west of Denver where the GTI feels right at home. The GTI’s steering was responsive and the upgraded brakes made it far more capable and enjoyable in the curves. We pushed the GTI hard and it accelerates quickly when the turbo spools up to utilize every bit of the available 220 horsepower. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine makes this hatch one of the quickest compacts in its class.
Conclusion
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI is a fun hatch that’s also practical with plenty of utility. It absolutely dials up driver engagement, and we like the DSG automatic better than the 6-speed manual. There’s a lot to like and we would recommend it for those wanting a sporty commuter and a fun drive to and from work. Overall, the Volkswagen Golf GTI lives up to its hot hatch heritage and instills plenty of driver confidence.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Gallery

Volkswagen Golf GTI Official Site.
Photos: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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Volvo Expanding On Demand Fuel & Wash Services In Seattle

Volvo Expanding On Demand Fuel & Wash Services In Seattle Volvo’s semi-goofy idea of turning your car into a smartphone loaded with handy apps is moving into the Seattle, Washington area to test things out. This makes sense, not just because there’s a lot of tech-savvy people in Seattle, but another, much more indigenous reason: Scandinavians. Scandinavians are the number one ethnic group in the Pacific Northwest. In Seattle proper, there are so many ‘Sons, ‘Ssons, ‘Sens, and the occasional ‘Dottirs running around it can feel like you’re living in Tromsø in northern Norway.
Besides all the blonde hair and blue eyes, the other way you can see that Scandinavians are the number one ethnic group is cars. You see hundreds of Volvos and Saabs running around. So whether Volvo knows it or not, the Pacific Northwest is a perfect testing ground for any of their products.
Digital Ecosystem
After a successful run in San Francisco, Seattle developed into the second city in Volvo’s growing “digital ecosystem” program. This allows owners of 2015-and-a-half and newer Volvos to do things like order fuel and get their car washed wherever it’s parked in Seattle.
“First San Francisco, now Seattle, and soon many more Volvo owners will have access to concierge services via an app,” noted Anders Gustafsson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Volvo Car USA. “This is another example of how we are using connected car technologies to make life less complicated for our customers.”
This digital ecosystem, which Volvo says is expanding (they aim to make the thing some sort of near-worldwide standard eventually) connects car owners with services via a smartphone app. That app, coupled with exclusive connected car platforms and strategic partnerships with companies like Filld and STRATIM, means filling the tank or having the car cleaned is just a tap away on your smartphone. As you would expect, you can call up these services at any time, day or night, say while owners are working, sleeping, or even traveling abroad.
Photo: Volvo Car USA.
Time Specific Features
Volvo says they are the only automaker with an ecosystem of these connected technologies. Yes, I agree “ecosystem” is a very pretentious term, but the idea of connecting a car with cloud storage, your cell phone, and integrating third party companies into one unified system is technically sweet. And Volvo isn’t messing around with this whole idea, oh no. They didn’t just kluge something together in a back room in a Kongsberg factory. No, Volvo went and dialed all this up at their Mountain View digital center in Silicon Valley. There they were able to accelerate development through recent technology acquisitions and take advantage of recent investments at the facility. This will prepare Volvo as they add new services as customer demands grow and change.
The other implication here is that when connected through your mobile device, Volvo’s digital ecosystem provides a time-specific location of your car. That means Volvo’s authorized partners can provide the requested services without interacting you directly.

Practical Application
I could see where this might come in very handy. You go into the office, call up the app, tap-tap-tap, and while you’re in that endless Friday meeting with the budget gargoyles from the 12th floor, your Volvo is getting all nice and shiny and clean for the weekend.
“The ecosystem that powers Volvo Concierge Services is unique to Volvo. It shows how the company is redefining the consumer experience around convenience by leveraging technological building blocks from the car to mobile,” explained Atif Rafiq, Chief Digital Officer, Volvo Cars. “We are at an exciting time when cars can be better integrated into daily life.”
In other words, yesterday San Francisco, today Seattle, tomorrow The World.
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.
Photos & Source: Volvo Car USA.

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Inside Brembo’s Hybrid Material Braking System For The 2019 Corvette ZR1

Inside Brembo’s Hybrid Material Braking System For The 2019 Corvette ZR1 The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 arrives this spring as the most powerful Corvette in history. The LT5 6.2-liter supercharged V8, complete with 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft. of torque, boasts an intercooled supercharger system with 52 percent more displacement than the Z06’s LT4 supercharger. The aerodynamic features, including two different rear wings, help the ZR1 achieve tremendous downforce and a top speed in excess of 210 mph.
The 2019 Corvette ZR1 is lightning quick and getting it moving isn’t an issue, but what about controlling it? That’s where Brembo comes in with a uniquely designed “hybrid” braking system.
Special Treatments
Many of today’s performance and muscle cars are equipped with Brembo brakes: The Ford GT, Dodge Challenger and Charger Scat Packs, Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE, Subaru WRX STI Type RA, and the Mazda MX-5 Miata all utilize a Brembo setup to amplify their individual performance attributes. And now the 2019 Corvette ZR1.
“Consumers have very high expectations for modern performance cars, not only for straight line speed, but for all driving attributes – including braking,” explained Dan Sandberg, Brembo North America President and Chief Executive Officer. “All of the work Chevrolet did to maximize the acceleration and cornering potential of the ZR1 would be useless if the car didn’t also have a brake system that could perform equally as well, lap after lap.”
Front six-piston monobloc calipers with carbon ceramic discs (394mm x 36mm), and rear four-piston monobloc calipers (390mm x 32mm) with two-piece, carbon ceramic discs comprise the ZR1’s Brembo system. The front and rear brake pads include new formulations from Brembo’s R&D Center for better stopping power and pad wear. The size of the fixed aluminum calipers hasn’t changed from the Corvette Z07, but the brake rotors and friction materials are enhanced to handle higher thermomechanical loads. This attribute is vitally important and separates the ZR1 from the rest of Brembo’s portfolio.
“While Brembo carbon discs are also found on other supercars, the ZR1 discs have a specialized heat treatment for improved energy and thermal management,” Sandberg said. “These specialized brake discs are paired with Brembo monoblock aluminum calipers and a unique Brembo-developed friction material found only on the ZR1.”
Photo: Chevrolet.
Hybrid Theory
The ultimate challenge was designing the ZR1’s braking system to handle both the track and the street. Each environment presents its own individual demands for a performance car. Brembo has long held the “from racing to the road” mantra, and Brembo’s engineers were again tasked with putting that belief into the ZR1’s braking components. The maxim stems from the idea that what is accomplished on the track can be transitioned to the street. In the case of the Corvette ZR1, it’s most wonderfully seen in the actual substance used to construct the brakes.
“Internally, our engineers like to call the new brake pad material our “hybrid” material, meaning it is a hybrid between traditional road materials and our racing friction materials,” Sandberg revealed. “While the pads on the Z07 are a great performer, these Brembo hybrid pads offer a higher level of friction output and can operate in a higher temperature range, giving the driver confidence in the brakes lap after lap.”
Photo: Chevrolet.
Dedication & Innovation
The beginnings of Brembo’s story are humble enough: Emilio Bombassei, father of the group’s current president, put together a small mechanical workshop near Bergamo, Italy in 1961. They conducted business with vehicle and motorcycle manufacturers in Europe, but in 1975 were approached by Enzo Ferrari. He needed a braking solution for his Formula 1 racers. As the old adage goes, the rest is history. Yet, that “do-it-yourself” mindset is still prevalent at Brembo’s facilities today, just like it was in 1961 at Bombassei’s shop.
“The pads mentioned earlier are a good example of where Brembo’s desire to remain at the forefront of technology forced us to try something new,” Sandberg said. “When we started developing the ZR1, the global marketplace didn’t offer a friction material that matched our performance targets, so we set out to develop our own.”
Brembo operates in 15 countries on 3 continents, with 24 production and business sites, and about 9,000 employees, 10 percent of whom are engineers and product specialists active in R&D. As the automotive industry moves toward electrification and autonomy, the entire scope of how cars are designed, engineered, and manufactured will change. According to Sandberg, innovation will be the key in addressing those challenges successfully.
“Today’s cars are evolving dramatically from product cycle to product cycle, and customers want to see advancements in safety, performance, efficiency, and sustainability with each successive model,” he said. “We continue to look for technologies that will complement the car of the future, all while retaining the unique character and brand identity of Brembo.”
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.
Source: Brembo North America.
Cover Photo: Chevrolet.

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2020 Mazda 3 Release Date

2020 Mazda 3 Release Date Mazda 3 has long been a mainstay of the Mazda automotive market to break into. This car can compete well with the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Subaru Impreza, Volkswagen Golf, we have some information about this car started from a redesign until rumors about the release date of 2020 Mazda 3.

2020 Mazda 3 Release Date

2020 Mazda 3 Interior and Exterior

One more essential component of this redesign is interior. Some neat-handed reporters managed to get one of a kind pictures from the cabin. From what we can see on these images, it seems just like the new 2020 Mazda three will definitely go fully electronic. A new instrument collection will absolutely be digitalized, even though it’ll quite possibly imitate regular analog gauges. The remainder of the handle panel will have to also depend on digital controls primarily too. Nonetheless, we even now anticipate viewing a not so negligible number of buttons also as knobs. Naturally, we will definitely see a fully new styling, too as being a variety of brand-new technology functions. As we’ve really currently stated, the brand new Mazda 3 may even include all the more legroom, especially to the back guests.

In terms of exterior, New generation Mazda 3 has no substantial adjustments in contrast to your former generation. This kind of car will apply RX-Vision notion which makes this vehicle sportier. Furthermore, lots of people declare that the interior design of Mazda three belongs towards the sportiest layout from this Japanese Manufacturer.

Engine Performance

How about the engine, there is no confirmed data relating to your drivetrain of 2020 Mazda 3. Nevertheless, there are some rumors that this kind of motor vehicle will use 4-cylinder engines. You can find also various lineup as well as gasoline lineup is rumored nonetheless be stored by the manufacturer. The smaller sized engine will use 1.5-liter engine by which the car will be presented in Asia and Europe. Meanwhile, the 2.0 liter and 2.5-liter engine in which the Mazda 3 is going to be supplied from the United States of America.

Release Date and Price

There will be notified directly from Mazda about the release date and also the price of this car. But dare we speculate that this car will come at the beginning of the year 2020. And for the price of $26.000 figures may be in accordance with the quality offered by this car.

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