Automotive

2019 Cadillac V-Series Pedestal Editions: Limited-Production Luxury Hot Rods

2019 Cadillac V-Series Pedestal Editions: Limited-Production Luxury Hot Rods 2019 Pedestal Edition ATS-V Coupe and CTS-V Super Sedan celebrate 15 years of the V-Series.
Production is limited. Only 300 are for sale in the United States, Canada, and the Middle East.
The 3rd generation V-Series cars arrived in 2015; the Pedestal Editions are the last in that generation.
My first thought on reading about the Cadillac 2019 V-Series Pedestal Edition was, “Pedestal Edition?” Is that some sort of bathroom sink?” I checked the Lowe’s (and even Sears) catalog, and nope, it’s not.
GM’s right. The 2019 V-Series Pedestal Edition is, indeed, a car.
And not just a car, but a Cadillac.
Race-Inspired
Those that need a quick primer, the Cadillac V-Series is their performance sub-brand. They rolled out the first one in 2004, securing their first victory in the Speed World Challenge sprint racing series at Sebring International Raceway at the same time. Essentially, what we’re talking about here is a Caddy with a Corvette drivetrain. Interested? I know I was.
Caddy’s ain’t normally my thing, but a Cadillac with a Vette underneath? Yes please! Sure, they nipped and tucked here and there, so the V-Series are a little less powerful and a little more softly sprung, but I’m still interested.
So, what’s the big deal with the Cadillac V-Series Pedestal Editions? First off, you get two basic flavors: Coupe and Sedan.
2019 Cadillac CTS-V Pedestal Edition. Photo: Cadillac.
2019 Cadillac CTS-V Pedestal Edition
The sedan version, which Caddy refers to as the CTS-V Pedestal Edition “Super Sedan” (super sedan? oh please.) gets a lot of fun sounding goodies. First, Cadillac V-Series Pedestal Editions come in Bronze Sand Metallic. I’m sure it’s a rather pretty shade, but still, it’s brown. And brown is a terrible car color idea. Never get a brown car. The first car I owned was root beer brown, and it always looked dirty. Even right after I washed it.
But other than that, the Cadillac V-Series Pedestal Editions have a bunch of nice perks.
There’s a full Carbon Fiber Package that includes the front splitter, hood vent, rear spoiler, and rear diffuser. The Luxury Package comes with tri-zone climate control (two for the front, and a single in back), a split-folding rear seat with armrest, heated rear seats, a power rear-window sunshade along with manual rear side-window sunshades. There’s a 110-volt power outlet and a rear Camera Mirror too.
The front chairs are “race-inspired” performance seats from RECARO. I’m sure they skew toward the cushy side, since this is, after all, a Cadillac. The Cadillac V-Series Pedestal Editions also come with a Data and Video Recorder system and red Brembo brake calipers.
How the Cadillac CTS became the basis for GM’s fastest track car.
2019 Cadillac CTS-V Pedestal Edition interior layout. Photo: Cadillac.
2019 Cadillac ATS-V Pedestal Edition
Now, the 2019 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe Pedestal Edition. Think of Caddy’s ATS-V as being the gentleman’s Corvette: fast, powerful, still striking, but not as flashy or in your face as a Vette. “I’ve made it. I’m here. I am worth paying attention to, but I’m not going to scream about it, because I’m not 16 any more.”
Like its sedan sibling, the 2019 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe Pedestal Edition comes in Bronze Sand Metallic. Nothing we can do about that. The coupe gets 18-inch V-Series wheels in After Midnight finish versus the 19s found on the sedan. Although like the CTS-V Pedestal Edition, the ATS-V variant gets its own Carbon Fiber Package, Brembo brakes, and RECARO seats.
There’s even a “serialized certificate of authenticity.” Is Cadillac worried about forgeries?
2019 Cadillac ATS-V Pedestal Edition. Photo: Cadillac.
There's a serialized certificate of authenticity. Is Cadillac worried about forgeries?Click To TweetPower & Performance
The Cadillac ATS-V features an LF4 Twin Turbo V6 with 464 horsepower, 445 lb-ft. of torque, and a top track speed of 189 mph. By comparison, the CTS-V’s supercharged V8 creates 640 horsepower and 630 lb-ft. of torque. The CTS-V tops out at 200 mph and hits 60 in 3.7 seconds.
Pricing & Availability
If either of these sound like the ride for you, Cadillac dealers are accepting orders. The 2019 ATS-V Coupe Pedestal Edition starts at $77,090 (about Vette territory) and the 2019 CTS-V Pedestal Edition sedan will run you $102,590.
Both come with tuition and luxury accommodation for the two-day Cadillac V-Performance Academy at Spring Mountain. Which, I got to say, is nice icing on the cake.
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. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz
Photos & Source: Cadillac.

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We Became Wrench Nation Citizens (And It’s Pretty Sweet)

We Became Wrench Nation Citizens (And It’s Pretty Sweet) The Wrench Nation radio show covers a wide range of automotive topics.
Airs Wednesdays at 4 pm MST on 88.7 FM “The Pulse” in Phoenix, Arizona.
Automoblog’s Tony Borroz was invited on recently to talk about his book, Bricks & Bones.
Bricks & Bones takes readers behind the scenes of Speedway, Indiana and the Indy 500 at large.
Out of nowhere I got an email from a radio station in Arizona: Would you be willing to come on the air and talk about The Indy 500 and your book, Bricks & Bones? The email was too specific to be a joke from some gearhead friend I lost touch with, so I took it as serious.
And the next thing you know, I turned into a bona fide radio personality.
Visiting The Wrench Nation
Somehow, the host of the show, Frank Butkus-Leutz – more commonly referred to as simply “Frank” – had come across my book, bought it, actually read it, and then liked it. Via his producer, Sherry Butler, he reached out and asked to interview me . . . like to actually to be a guest on the show.
The show is called Wrench Nation, run out of 88.7 FM “The Pulse” in Phoenix, Arizona. The station is managed by the staff and students of East Valley Institute of Technology. Wrench Nation is a rather delightful, all over the place kind of car show. Maintenance and repair tips, advice on being a better driver, auto news, racing; think of it as a broadcast version of what a “normal” conversation is for gearheads.
They run contests, take calls and questions, talk about what happened over the weekend at various race tracks – you know, the usual.
Automoblog’s Tony Borroz talks racing at the Indy 500 with the Wrench Nation crew.
Wrench Nation hosts Frank Butkus-Leutz (left) and Susie Sockets pose for a photo with a listener.
Click To TweetDynamic Duo
Co-hosting the show with Frank is Susie Sockets, the feminine foil to Frank. Sharp as a tack, she stops the show from being a complete sausage fest (honestly, a bit of a problem for car-related stuff). The point here being that both hosts are funny and engaging, and they know cars and racing.
Before interviewing me, they had a call come in. The first question asked by Frank and Susie: “How long is one lap at Indianapolis Motor Speedway?” The listener, Carolina, who had just called in, guesses “2.5 miles.” Frank asks me if she is correct.
“The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is, indeed, 2.5 miles around Frank. Carolina wins!” I respond in my best stentorian, Rip Torn radio voice.
Carolina took home a $50.00 Visa gift card. Not bad, not bad at all.
The Wrench Nation crew poses with law enforcement officials during a show on the dangers of distracted driving.
Digging Into The Archives
Then the three of us jumped into an all-too-brief conversation about Indy, the track, the history, the drivers, and more. It was fun. Frank seems to be a bit of a drag racing fan, given how he tossed off some insider lingo for that genre of racing.
Luckily, Frank turns every Wrench Nation episode into podcasts. Past episodes include ways to avoid buying a lemon on Craigslist, how automotive skills can help at-risk youth, and the best family vehicles of 2018.
If you’re looking for a good car show on the radio, Wrench Nation is very much worth your time.
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. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz

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Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept Defined As “Flagship Luxury Crossover”

Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept Defined As “Flagship Luxury Crossover”
With the LF-1 Limitless concept, Lexus aims to introduce a new genre of luxury vehicle: the flagship crossover. The Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept combines high performance with unrestrained luxury and is a showcase of technology, innovation, and the latest evolution of design at Lexus. But is this exactly new? Aren’t there “flagship crossovers” already? What makes the Lexus LF-1 Limitless so special?
Power & Performance
For starters, Lexus (nee Toyota) says the LF-1 concept could be a fuel cell, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, gasoline, or all-electric. So that’s all pretty cool. Lexus goes even further to say that by around 2025, every Lexus will be available either as an electric model, or have an electrified option.
Exterior Styling
The LF-1 concept was created at CALTY Design Research in California, which is an interesting twist. CALTY says the design fuses the organic shapes of liquid metal with the sharp edges of a traditional Japanese sword, which sounds about what you’d expect to hear about a concept car sitting on a stand at the North American International Auto Show.
Lexus says the LF-1 has an exaggerated dash-to-axle ratio (which is a new phrase for me) that’s more sports car than station wagon. The cabin itself sits deep within the rear-wheel drive chassis, riding on aggressive 22-inch wheels encompassed under those bulging fenders. The low roofline and elevated ride height, according to Lexus, shows how the crossover is designed for performance and practicality.
Sadly, like all current Lexus models, the spindle grille is seen on the LF-1. Lexus says this is a core element to the overall design. I say it still looks like a huge mistake. The profile of the LF-1 has a visibly distinct flow from front to back, starting with the front fender line all the way to the bottom of the C pillar. Out back there is a split spoiler to grab the air (and your attention). The sculpted openings at the back corners are actually vents for the air coming past the rear wheels; it might be easy to first mistake them for exhaust pipes.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Interior Treatments
The cabin was designed so every passenger gets maximum comfort. The Lexus LF-1 follows the Japanese tradition of omotenashi, or hospitality, by being welcoming to all who enter. The cockpit is about the driver and the task at hand, accomplished by eliminating the “distracting” analog knobs and buttons in favor of motion-activated controls and minimalist displays. I could laugh and point out how this probably won’t work, but hey, show car, NAIAS, etc. etc. etc., a pass for Lexus here.
The front passenger space is more open, with fewer controls and a wide, unobstructed view of the dashboard. The people in back get the same seats as those up front with generous legroom and individual display screens for adjusting the climate control or entertainment options (i.e. keeping the rugrats quiet on long trips).
The interior is trimmed in a metallic finish in the same champagne-tinted color as the exterior, but with a satin finish for a warmer feel. Also, I feel compelled to point out that champagne was the color of Carmela Soprano’s SUV and that is not a good thing. Lexus added accents around the instrument panel and on the steering wheel to augment the cockpit feel for the driver. Other metallic accents contrast with the dark Cocoa Bean leather trim, and the seats covered in Chiffon White perforated leather. I’m not sure whether it’s those color names or how the color combination actually looks, but it makes me teeter toward thinking it’s Liza Minnelli levels of over the top.

Powertrain Controls
Lexus says all powertrain controls are on the steering wheel to keep the driver involved and attentive to the road. Yeah, sure, whatever, but here is where things get real funky real quick: “Paddles mounted to the steering wheel control the acceleration for sporty driving.” No they don’t, that’s what the pedal on the right does. Goofy high-tech buttons? Oh yeah, buttons on the lower section of the steering wheel engage options like park and reverse. Try not to accidentally hit them while cruising at freeway speeds.
In Person
The Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept is on display at the North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Center, downtown Detroit, Michigan. The show officially opens to the public on Saturday, January 20th.
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: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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This New Bentley Fragrance Will Probably Get You a Second (Maybe Even Third) Date

This New Bentley Fragrance Will Probably Get You a Second (Maybe Even Third) Date Bentley Fragrances is introducing the next addition to its Bentley for Men collection. The new Bentley fragrance called Silverlake has a “great outdoors” scent, according to the automaker. Up-and-coming perfumer Ane Ayo created the scent for Bentley by developing layers of crisp, aromatic notes, which are peerless and sustainable. The Firmenich label, Naturals Together, helped source the materials via ethical and sustainable means.

The Layers of The Silverlake Bentley Fragrance

Top: Lemon Sfuma essence, Peppermint essence (Naturals Together).Heart: Lavender essence (Naturals Together), Pink pepper essence (Naturals Together), Violet leaf absolute (Naturals Together).Base: Ambery woods, Musk.Bentley describes the scent as an initial rush of ice-cool notes. From there, lemon and peppermint essences blend to create “the effect of a gust of pure, invigorating mountain air.” If that doesn’t get you a second date, nothing will.

The new Bentley fragrance called Silverlake has a “great outdoors” scent. Silverlake Availability

Silverlake will be available from select fragrance stores and Bentley Retailers in a 100ml bottle. Even the bottle and the box get the Bentley treatment. The silver bottle is designed after the curves of a modern Bentley while the box is a mix of hot-stamped silver, black, and white. The Bentley emblem is emblazoned on the box too (of course).

Photos & Source: Bentley Motors.
Original article: This New Bentley Fragrance Will Probably Get You a Second (Maybe Even Third) Date

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Letter From The UK: Britain’s Brexit: The Long Last Leg

Letter From The UK: Britain’s Brexit: The Long Last Leg Has the middle ground in Brexit been lost?
How do automotive manufacturers respond?
Geoff Maxted examines in his latest Letter From The UK.
Whichever way a British individual voted – to leave or remain within the European Union – the sense of an ending is the same: Brexit is like waiting to die. You don’t know when and you don’t know how; all you know is that it will happen and that it probably won’t be a fairy tale ending.
It’s ‘The Fear’ you see, not unlike the Millennium Fear that gripped the world just prior to the start of this Century.
Y2K Paranoia
Remember that? Computers would cease to function and the global machine would stop. Aeroplanes would fall from the sky as the systems shut down. All the fast food fryers would stop for want of electricity. It didn’t happen and life went on, as did the fast food industry.
Brexit comes with the same fear, only worse. By and large it is made worse by a hyperactive ‘fake news’ press, inept politicians, unelected stuffed suits like the EU ‘President’ Jean Claude (“Just the one bottle of red with lunch”). Plus a plump German hausfrau and a truly odious little Frenchman who should not even be in charge of a cheese baguette.
Fear Runs Deep
The result is ‘The Brexit Fear’ and it has polarised opinion. There is no middle ground. Both sides of the battlefield are becoming increasingly strident, coarse and, frankly, ridiculous.
We are due to leave in March 2019 and some Brits are not booking their next Summer holidays ‘just in case.’ In case of what? Obviously nobody can possibly know just how much of a dog’s breakfast the negotiators will make of this whole charade (and it’s not looking good). Yet Project Fear dictates that the Eurostar train service that plies between the UK and Europe via the English Channel tunnel will stop running. Intrepid travellers to Europe will be subject to full body cavity searches and possibly even eaten by rabid foreigners.
The fact is this just won’t happen. It won’t happen because when all the shouting and wailing dies down, global business and industry won’t let it. That especially goes for the motor industry who are becoming increasingly alarmed and increasingly forthright in their demands for a resolution they can work with.

Both sides of the battlefield are becoming increasingly strident, coarse and, frankly, ridiculous.Click To TweetBusiness Versus Politics
As a group of nations we have far too much invested in our economies to let a few noisy Eurocrats spoil things. Before the Common Market (the origins of the EU back in the 1970’s) was just a gleam in the eye of the creepy British Prime Minister of the time, Edward Heath, we all travelled to Europe without issue. No, it wasn’t quite so easy – what with passport controls and all – but we did it and we had a good time.
Why should that change?
French shopkeepers, Spanish hotel owners, and German restaurateurs want our money just like always and, importantly, the big cheeses at motor industry HQ want to continue selling us cars wherever we live. The UK is a huge import/export market for the global car industry; why in all that’s holy would anyone on either side of the English Channel truly jeopardise that?
This is what happens when you leave business matters to politicians.
In this September 2014 photo, recently manufactured Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles await shipping. A CNN Money report from April 2018 finds the company is cutting jobs in Birmingham due to Brexit. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Pandora’s Box?
Some of the comments made by otherwise supposedly sentient beings are false and outrageous. And yet they are reported as fact by the press. This is a result of the entrenchment of positions on either side of the Brexit debate, exacerbated by inept leadership. There is no longer any middle way. It seems likely that even after the whole mess is resolved, one way or another, the ‘two tribes’ nastiness that has entered our society won’t be put back in its place.
This is no Pandora’s Box. By opening the lid of Brexit all the ills of the world have not in fact been released; just a lot of hot, fetid air.
When The Dust Settles
Of course, it will be difficult and have some effect on our lives, nobody assumes otherwise. The chances are though that in five years time we will be going on holiday in Europe just like always. We will not be living in wattle and daub huts grubbing for roots with the livestock. The sun will rise and the sky will not fall in.
Things will return to what we laughingly assume is normal.
Politicians will, as ever, come and go but the problems will be solved, not by them, but of necessity by commerce in which the British and European motor industry is such a big part. And of course by the common sense of ordinary folk.
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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Supercar Superbuild Features Mercedes-AMG, Rolls Royce, Jaguar & Others In Season Two

Supercar Superbuild Features Mercedes-AMG, Rolls Royce, Jaguar & Others In Season Two Supercar Superbuild kicks off its second season this Sunday (January 22nd) on the Smithsonian Channel. The cameras go behind the scenes, revealing the high-stakes gambles, engineering challenges, impossible deadlines, clandestine meetings, and years of sacrifice designers and craftspeople face to bring the world’s most incredible vehicles to life. Those who enjoy cars and appreciate history will definitely be fascinated by Supercar Superbuild.
In-Depth Look
The second season will expose viewers to Alfa Romeo, Rolls Royce, Jaguar, Porsche, and Audi, among others. This season, those and other individual automakers and their cars are examined thoroughly. From the mechanical specifications and design concepts, to the manufacturing and technology aspects, nothing is left untouched. Cars like the Rolls Royce Wraith, a near $300,000 luxury machine, are featured in full detail. Unique vehicle assembly characteristics are revealed, like how it takes nearly a football field worth of aluminum welds for an Audi R8’s frame.
The archival footage and historical information is one of the most enjoyable parts of the show, and viewers will see plenty of both this season. Another highlight is how the cameras go inside the assembly plants to see firsthand where the action happens. Viewers meet the executives, artisans, designers, and engineers responsible for getting these unique cars from dream to reality.
During season two of Supercar Superbuild, a father-and-son duo who work together in the Jaguar factory are profiled. Photo: Smithsonian Channel.
Great Eight
The first of eight episodes this season details how Mercedes-AMG is taking on their rivals in the performance arena. Viewers see the brand’s extensive history, hear from Tobias Moers, Mercedes-AMG Chairman, and go inside the Sindelfingen factory in Germany, the largest Mercedes-Benz facility in the world. Later in the season, the cameras head to the Motor City, where the Chevy Camaro is a beloved fixture among American muscle cars; the final episode of the season tells the story of the world’s first “blue-collar sports car.”
Supercar Superbuild premieres Sunday, January 21st at 9 p.m. ET/PT on the Smithsonian Channel. Below is a preview of Sunday’s episode. The snippet shows how Mercedes-AMG technicians build each engine by hand.
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, Video & Source: Smithsonian Channel.

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Hyundai Velostar Models Headed To Forza Motorsport 7

Hyundai Velostar Models Headed To Forza Motorsport 7 Hyundai revealed its all-new 2019 Veloster Turbo and the Veloster’s high performance counterpart, the Veloster N, at the North American International Auto Show. As part of that debut, Hyundai also announced both cars will join the list of vehicles in Forza Motorsport 7 for Xbox and Windows 10. This is a rather interesting choice for Forza. They have done stuff like this is the past, including “First in Forza” debuts like the McLaren P1, Ferrari La Ferrari, Ford GT, Lamborghini Centenario, and Porsche 911 GT2 RS.
Extensive History
Okay, full disclosure here: I actually worked for Microsoft Game Studios, the parent company of Turn 10 Motorsports, designers of Forza Motorsports. I worked primarily as a content expert but also as a test driver due to my experience with a variety of cars, and the fact I had experience with real simulators (in my case, full motion, six-axis flight simulators custom built by the likes of Raytheon and Rediffusion). I will gleefully admit my biases up front: When it comes to game consoles, Forza Motorsports is the driving sim to get, everything else is a hacked up arcade game.
Coming To Fruition
But what makes Hyundai’s Veloster Turbo and Veloster N worthy of being “First in Forza?” I bet it was money more than anything else. I bet Hyundai and Microsoft sat down, and Hyundai said, “please put the Veloster Turbo and Veloster N in your upcoming version of Forza. Oh and we’ll give you a bajillion dollars.”
Not that the Veloster Turbo and Veloster N aren’t worth discussing, it’s just best not to confuse them with rides like La Ferraris and the Porsche 911 GT2 RS. Curiously, the Veloster Turbo and Veloster N will not arrive in showrooms until later this year, but they are already available as free downloadable content for players to virtually thrash around.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Up Close & Personal
Forza players will be able to realize the unique design of the 2019 Veloster Turbo and Veloster N thanks to the Forzavista feature. This, I’m assuming, is 7’s version of the old AutoVista feature, where you could get up close and personal with a given car, open the hood, the doors, and virtually sit down in the driver’s seat – stuff like that. Hyundai says each car is rendered in exacting detail, and users can explore those details, from the odd asymmetric body style, to the cockpit layout and engine bay. And I know this is not marketing department hyperbole.
Sweating The Small Stuff
The Forza team goes into excruciating levels of production specificity with this stuff. For run of the mill cars such as the Veloster Turbo and Veloster N, we would routinely shoot hundreds of pictures of everything; door handles, doors closed, doors one-third open, doors two-thirds open, doors all the way open, door hinges, door seals, door strike plates, and that was just the doors. That same thing happened for stuff like hoods, engine details, and buttons on the dash in various positions. We’d even put newer cars up on racks to get shots of the underside: the exhaust system, suspension bits, and braking components. That way the cars would look very accurate when you barrel roll them into a sand trap. For instance.
And even though that amount of detail work was most likely put into the digital versions of the Veloster Turbo and Veloster N, they weren’t even in the same ball park as the amount of detail we’d have to go into when photographing and documenting stuff like ’57 Ferrari Testa Rosas and ’59 Aston Martin DBR1s.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Fun Times
And of course, since the Veloster twins are in the digital world, you can have fun by deeply personalizing them; you can even play with options to make your 2019 Velosters fire-breathing beasts. New wheels, heavy powertrain and suspension upgrades, unique paint schemes and racing liveries; all there for your digital driving pleasure. This will be fun to play around with . . . once I get a new Xbox One X and driving sim set up.
That should be happening as soon as I convince management here to give me some time off.
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.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.

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Mercedes-AMG Reveals 53-Series Models In Detroit

Mercedes-AMG Reveals 53-Series Models In Detroit
In a rather unconventional move for Mercedes-AMG, the German standard-bearer will be adding three new models and introducing a new designation: the 53-series. The three individual cars will be the CLS, E-Class Coupe, and the E-Class Cabriolet. All three models will incorporate shared technology along with common styling cues. Distinguishing features include the twin-blade radiator grille, the front bumper, A-wing design, the AMG-specific side sill panels, rear bumper with diffuser, and tailpipe trim elements in high-gloss chrome.
Power & Performance
Under the hood resides a new, electrified 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, and an electric auxiliary compressor that adds up to 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft. of torque. And all that high-tech power is put to the ground via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission and an AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system.
The new 53 Series has so much tech throughout the car that it’s almost hard to keep track of. The six-cylinder plant is already optimized for what Mercedes-Benz calls “intelligent electrification.” The EQ Boost starter-alternator combines a starter motor and an alternator into a single, powerful electric motor, fitted between the engine and transmission. This, along with the charging of the electric auxiliary compressor and an exhaust gas turbocharger, enhance the performance, efficiency, and driving dynamics. Bottom line: Zero to 60 in 4.4 seconds. The electric auxiliary compressor builds up a high-charge pressure in the intake tract without delay, so by-by turbo lag.
Mercedes-Benz also leverages the on-board 48-Volt electrical system for better hybrid functionality. Thanks to the 48-Volt battery, the overall capacity in the vehicle has increased, enabling more electrical energy. The power delivery requires only a quarter of a conventional system and the overall result leads to thinner and lighter wiring, thereby saving more fuel. An existing 12-Volt system supplies power to “regular stuff” like lights, the cockpit, infotainment displays, and control units.
Mercedes-Benz says the EQ Boost starter-alternator is the key component for all this new-fangled 48-Volt electrical system goodness. The EQ Boost starter-alternator serves as both an alternator and it’s also responsible for hybrid functions. It allows for more fuel savings and helps to maintain idle speed. Add all of this up, and the new drivetrain gets you a boost of 21 more horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of additional torque.
2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+. Photo: MBUSA.
Transmission & Drive Modes
All this new-found, high-tech power is put to the Straße through an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission. It features extremely short shift times, quick responses on the shift paddles, a double-declutching function, and multiple downshifts. Downstream of the transmission is an AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system (standard) with fully variable torque distribution between front and rear axles for optimal traction, stability, and safety under all conditions: dry, wet or snow.
If you want to fiddle with stuff, the new 53-series models have you covered with five drive modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual. The M mode is a “manual mode,” so gearshifts are executed using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. The suspension setups can also be selected manually, if desired. As that would imply, there’s a bunch of setups for the suspension as well.
2019 Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet. Photo: MBUSA.
Suspension & Braking Tech
The suspension is called AMG RIDE CONTROL+. The multi-chamber air suspension aims to be sporty, thanks to a spring/damper setup and the continuously adjustable Adaptive Damping System. The front axle is fitted with special steering knuckles and load-bearing joints, and all components have been optimized in terms of rigidity. This transfers back to your hands through electromechanical, speed-sensitive, and variable ratio steering. Steering power is available in two modes: Comfort or Sport.
And the new 53-series cars have brakes that can stop a freight train. Perforated and internally ventilated discs (14.6″ x 1.4″) with four-piston fixed calipers and AMG lettering are fitted at the front, and internally ventilated discs measuring 14.2″ x 1.0″ with single-piston floating calipers are positioned at the back.
Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Coupé. Photo: MBUSA.
Interior Treatments
The interior is just as impressive with its dual high-resolution displays and 12.3-inch screens. The instrument cluster contains a large display with virtual instruments as well as a central display above the center console. The driver can choose from three different display styles: Classic, Sporty, and Progressive. “Touch Control” buttons on the steering wheel respond to swiping movements, enabling the driver to control the entire infotainment system without having to take their hands off the steering wheel. If that’s not enough, the infotainment system can also be operated via the touchpad in the center console and by voice control.
Special Editions & In Person
If all of that stuff is still not enough, you can get the Edition 1 version of the AMG CLS 53. The Edition 1 will offer unique interior treatments, leather upholstery in black nappa, and copper-colored contrasting stitch work. The Mercedes-AMG 53-series models are on display at the North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Center, downtown Detroit. The show officially opens to the public on Saturday, January 20th.
Expect to see these new Mercedes-AMG vehicles on sale late in the year. No word on pricing (it will be a lot though), but here’s all the tech specs in handy chart form:
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.

Mercedes-AMG CLS53
Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe
Engine
3.0L 6-cylinder in-line engine
with exhaust gas turbocharger and electric auxiliary compressor.
3.0L 6-cylinder in-line engine
with exhaust gas turbocharger and electric auxiliary compressor.
Displacement
2,999 cc
2,999 cc
Output
429 hp at 6,100 rpm
429 hp at 6,100 rpm
Add. output with EQ Boost
21 hp
21 hp
Peak torque
384 lb-ft at 1,800-5,800 rpm
384 lb-ft at 1,800-5,800 rpm
Add. torque with EQ Boost
184 lb-ft
184 lb-ft
Drive system
AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all- wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution.
AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all- wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution.
Transmission
AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G
AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G
Weight (DIN/EC)
TBA
TBA
Acceleration 0-60 mph (est.)
4.4 seconds
4.3 seconds
Top speed
130 mph*
130 mph*

Mercedes-AMG E 53 Cabriolet
Engine
3.0L 6-cylinder in-line engine with exhaust gas turbocharger and electric auxiliary compressor.
Displacement
2,999 cc
Output
429 hp at 6,100 rpm
Add. output with EQ Boost
21 hp
Peak torque
384 lb-ft at 1,800-5,800 rpm
Add. torque with EQ Boost
184 lb-ft
Drive system
AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all- wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution.
Transmission
AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G
Weight (DIN/EC)
TBA
Acceleration 0-60 mph (est.)
4.4 seconds
Top speed
130 mph (electronically limited)
Photos & Source: MBUSA.

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2019 VW Jetta Revealed At Lower Price Point

2019 VW Jetta Revealed At Lower Price Point
The all-new 2019 Volkswagen Jetta just hit the floor at the North American International Auto Show and, like all VW’s, there’s a lot here for your hard-earned dollars. How many dollars, you ask? Well pricing starts at $18,545, which is less than the outgoing model and that includes a 6-year/72,000-mile warranty. And that’s just the start of what’s new for 2019.
Like Hotcakes
As Volkswagen unveiled the 2019 Jetta in Detroit, it’s worth noting the car is one of the world’s most successful sedans. VW has sold more than 17 million of these little guys worldwide since 1979, 3.2 million of those in the United States alone. The new for 2019 Jetta gets a bolder design, more interior space, and new technology. The wheelbase is longer at 105.7 inches and the sedan is, overall, wider and taller than the outgoing model. There is more interior space over the previous design as well, a benefit of the size increase.
Styling & Design
The exterior design marks an evolution in the Jetta’s design DNA, with modern lines and a refined appearance. The front grille is large and sharper body lines exude a bolder character. There’s more chrome along with standard LED lighting for a premium feel. A sloping roof line creates a sportier, coupe-like profile without compromising the usability of the rear seat.
On the inside, the fully redesigned interior combines the requisite high-tech features with everyday usability and a more refined fit and finish, according to VW. There are high quality soft-touch materials throughout and the new trapezoidal design elements aim to give the vehicle an upscale, yet modern feel. The 2019 Jetta wears new fabric colors and features new designs for the seats and door trim; there is even 10-color, customizable wrap-around ambient lighting as an option. Fancy!
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Driver-Focused
The cockpit is, of course, driver-oriented and features an infotainment screen located high in the dashboard, so all vehicle information is easily accessible to the driver. Every Jetta presents standard Driver Personalization with up to four driver settings. Dependent on the trim level you choose, customizable features include driver seat memory, driver assistance system preferences, Volkswagen Digital Cockpit arrangement, ambient lighting color, radio presets, navigation view, and more.
There are available heated and ventilated front seats, power driver’s seat with memory functionality, leather seating surfaces, and dual-zone Climatronic automatic climate control. A new center storage console is large enough to fit a standard iPad. That’s a nice touch.
Tech Galore
Jetta SEL and SEL Premium models feature the standard, aforementioned Volkswagen Digital Cockpit display, offering a reconfigurable area of key data and the ability to place navigation data, front and center, for easy viewing. Volkswagen’s Car-Net system provides a complement of connected vehicle services, including compatible smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, AndroidAuto, and MirrorLink. The new Jetta is the first VW in the U.S. to offer an available Pete-Townshend-deafening 400-watt BeatsAudio system.
And since this is 2019 we’re talking about, there’s tech and safety stuff all over the new Jetta. A rearview camera comes standard. Other available features include Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, High Beam Control, and Lane Departure Warning.
2019 VW Jetta R-Line on display at the North American International Auto Show, Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.
Power & Performance
Motive power is provided by Volkswagen’s 1.4-liter turbocharged and direct-injected TSI engine. Said plant puts out 147 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque. The power is put to the front wheels via a new standard six-speed manual transmission, with an eight-speed automatic transmission as an option on the base model but standard on higher trims. Automatic transmission models come standard with a Start/Stop system for better fuel efficiency.
Availability & In Person
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta comes in four trim levels: S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium. It should arrive at U.S. Volkswagen dealers by the second quarter of this year. And gearheads rejoice, because an R-Line trim will join the lineup with sportier styling, exclusive interior and exterior design elements, R-Line badging, and the XDS electronic differential. The 2019 Jetta is on display at the North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Center, downtown Detroit. The show officially opens to the public on Saturday, January 20th.
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.
2019 VW Jetta Gallery

Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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