Automotive

Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept: Reinventing an American Icon for a New Generation

Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept: Reinventing an American Icon for a New Generation The stylish Grand Wagoneer Concept is a taste of things to come for Jeep. Early models will be plug-in hybrids, although full electrification options will follow. Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer vehicles will be built in metro Detroit next year.Jeep is diving head-first into the premium luxury niche with its Grand Wagoneer Concept, and it’s not taking any chances either. The Grand Wagoneer Concept, according to Jeep, features a 4×4-capable, electric powertrain and a zero-emission, near-silent driving experience. Still, an all-electric Grand Wagoneer is not due to arrive for another couple of years.

Instead, we can expect a pair of plug-in hybrids when the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer arrive at dealerships next year. Despite this, Jeep is promising a class-leading off-road prowess with three available 4×4 systems, a Quadra-lift suspension system, an independent front and rear suspension, and the towing capability of a tank.

“Our new Grand Wagoneer Concept marks the first step in the rebirth of Wagoneer – a true and rare premium American icon,” said Christian Meunier, global president of the Jeep brand – FCA. “With the electrification of each Jeep nameplate coming in the next few years and the reintroduction of Wagoneer, we are quickly expanding into new segments and more premium space.”

What Is The Jeep Grand Wagoneer?

The original Jeep Wagoneer came to market in 1963. It was the first four-wheel-drive vehicle to have an automatic transmission. It had the underpinnings of a Jeep Gladiator but came with a station wagon body. Jeep produced the Wagoneer from 1963 to 1991, while the Grand Wagoneer came in 1984. But unlike the Ford Bronco and Chevy Blazer K5, the Jeep Wagoneer stood out with its luxurious and feature-rich interior, which was unheard of for a “sport-utility vehicle” back in the day.

Indeed, the Jeep Wagoneer came with air conditioning, leather upholstery, power steering, an AM/FM and CB radio combo, additional sound insulation, and an independent front suspension. It also came with a burly 360 cubic-inch V8 to deliver the highest tow rating in its segment.

“The original Grand Wagoneer was the first premium SUV, and its timeless design combined with the soul of Americana helped it achieve an iconic place in many hearts,” said Ralph Gilles, head of design – FCA. “The Grand Wagoneer Concept is inspired by the original, but with a modern interpretation of luxury and freedom.”

1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Photo: FCA US LLC.Buttoned-Up Styling

The all-new Grand Wagoneer is Jeep’s ticket to the big leagues. It wants to play in the realm dominated by other luxury namesakes like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volvo, Porsche, and Audi, to name a few. There’s no doubt the Grand Wagoneer Concept has the smarts to conquer any terrain – it is a Jeep, after all – but it needs to offer more than genuine off-road talent to pique the interest of luxury buyers.

On the styling front, the Grand Wagoneer Concept is every inch a premium SUV. It has an upright stance yet a stately profile like a Range Rover. It has the Jeep brand’s iconic seven-slot grille, which now has Obsidian-black accents and intricate latticework on each slot. The grille is flanked by LED projector headlamps set in genuine teak wood, while the space above each grille slot contains a slew of LED bulbs creating a unique lighting signature in conjunction with the headlights.

The Grand Wagoneer Concept is sitting on 24-inch multi-spoke aluminum wheels with a unique Obsidian finish. The rear has LED taillights and the requisite light bar to emphasize the vehicle’s girth. You’ll also find an artful rear diffuser below the tailgate to improve high-speed aerodynamics. All in all, the concept’s buttoned-up exterior is worthy of praise, but wait until you see what’s inside.

Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept. Photo: FCA US LLC. Upscale & Sustainable Interior

Jeep isn’t hesitant to admit the Grand Wagoneer Concept represents the pinnacle of ultra-premium, full-size SUV interiors. The cabin is resplendent in top-notch, sustainable materials like heat-treated wood, aluminum, and glass. The carpets are manufactured from Thrive fiber (a material derived from recycled pre- and post-consumer materials), while the Dinamica headliner is sourced from recycled microfiber suede. Meanwhile, the door and instrument panel surfaces are lined with PUR, a sustainable synthetic material.

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The production Wagoneer is a five-seat model while the Grand Wagoneer will come with third-row seating – a first for the Grand Wagoneer nameplate – as standard. All three rows are illuminated by customizable ambient lighting to lend a modern and upscale touch, while large glass windows and a full-pane glass roof offer an unobstructed view of the outside world.

Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept interior layout. Photo: FCA US LLC. Digital Madness

If there’s any doubt the Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept is a luxury SUV, you only need to count the number of touchscreens inside. It has a 12.1-inch infotainment touchscreen in the center console; a 10.25-inch touchscreen below that to control the HVAC and comfort settings; a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger; and a 12.3-inch instrument cluster for the driver.

And that’s only for the front row. In the back, there are two 10.1-inch entertainment touchscreens for second-row passengers with another 10.25-inch display in the center console for comfort settings. Despite having more screens than a small military surveillance unit, the cabin has its fair share of physical buttons and dials. Also, the steering wheel is a direct nod to the two-spoke tiller of the original Grand Wagoneer.

FCA’s Android-based Uconnect 5 is in charge of infotainment duties while a McIntosh 23-speaker audio system will handle the tunes. “The Grand Wagoneer Concept’s interior is spacious and features premium materials that accentuate our team’s obsession to detail and celebrates American craftsmanship,” Gilles added.

Jeep Grand Wagoneer: Pricing & Availability

Remember, the vehicle you see here is purely a concept, and we can’t wait to see which features will make it to production. Both the new Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are arriving in showrooms next year. Pricing is forthcoming, although Jeep said the Grand Wagoneer could reach upwards of $100,000 in its highest specification.

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.

Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept Gallery

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.
Original article: Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept: Reinventing an American Icon for a New Generation

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2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid: A Brief Walk Around

2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid: A Brief Walk Around The 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid gets a mild refresh for the middle of the year and a slight, I mean very slight, price bump. That said, for your money, between $33,250 and $38,850, depending on model, you get a giant basket of standard stuff.
The main story here is that styling for the hybrid now matches that of the already released Sonata gasoline models. The Korean auto giant says you can travel for 28 miles using all-electric drive, even though the starting price for the 2018 Sonata Plug-In Hybrid has dropped $1,350 from the 2017 model.
The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Limited, however, gets a price bump by $250, but now comes with a bunch of new features.
Safety Tech
Seriously, the list is crazy complete, with Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, LED Headlights with Dynamic Bending Lights, Lane Keep Assist, and Driver Attention Alert.
The Forward Collision Warning is now enhanced with an Automatic Emergency Braking function, and the Lane Departure Warning now adds a Lane Keep Assist function. There’s an additional USB charge port and a wireless charging pad for mobile devices. The steering wheel is heated and the Bi-function LED headlights with dynamic bending lights are there for the ride in 2018.
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid receives a seven-inch Display Audio color touchscreen, a backup camera, Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility, plus iPod, USB, and AUX input jacks. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Power & Performance
And like I mentioned, the all-electric range is up to 28 miles, an improvement of one mile. While Hyundai’s Plug-In Hybrid tech gets you a 99 EPA-estimated MPGe rating, the hybrid efficiency nets you 39 mpg. Add everything up and you get a total driving range of an impressive 600 miles.
The old school portion of the drivetrain ain’t that old school. It’s a 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle engine, which is nifty. The electric motor portion cranks out 50 kW (that’s 67 horsepower, which is a better way to put it) and that’s hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission versus the now chic CVT. The 50 kW electric motor is 32 percent more powerful and allows for more efficient EV operation during higher engine loads and speeds.
The battery pack is a state-of-the-art 9.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer deal that’s more than five times larger than the Sonata Hybrid’s battery, and can be charged using a 240V Level 2 charging station in slightly less than three hours.
2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid interior layout. HD and satellite radio are included, along with heated seats and dual zone climate control. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Styling & Design
The exterior now includes a more dynamic front fascia with new sheet metal on the hood and front fenders. The design refresh, naturally, incorporates the new Hyundai signature cascading grille shape, and the new rear deck lid allows for a sleeker, coupe-like appearance they say. The 17-inch eco-spoke alloy wheels have been redesigned; there’s distinctive blue bezel headlights and taillights with a clear outer lens to further highlight the refreshed styling.
Naturally, the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid’s interior has also been updated with a revised center stack area and instrument cluster, while the steering wheel now has a sportier leather-wrapped three-spoke design.
Like I said, that’s a lot for less than 40-large, y’know?
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz
Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.

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2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence Review

2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence Review The 2018 Buick Regal TourX is an all-new model for the automaker, and we were a bit surprised they would offer a wagon for Americans who typically don’t buy them in great numbers. But when we looked at the new offering from Buick it begins to make more sense.
Buick and other automakers are going after the adventurous families who need a functional and fuel-efficient vehicle with all-wheel drive standard. The TourX fits in a niche market.
This weekend we drove the top trim 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence.
What’s New For 2018
The Buick Regal TourX is an all-new model for 2018.
Features & Options
The 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence AWD ($35,020) comes standard with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Essence trim adds a hands-free lift gate, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a power-adjustable passenger seat, leather upholstery, a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat, and a heated steering wheel.
The Preferred Driver Confidence Package #1 ($1,725) includes LED headlights, rear parking sensors, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, a driver’s-side auto-dimming mirror, driver-seat memory functions, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. The Driver Confidence Package #2 ($1,190) includes a host of driver safety aids.
The Sights and Sounds Package ($1,200) adds a remote start and upgraded gauges. The upgraded audio and infotainment systems include an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, Bluetooth capability, two rear charge-only USB ports, and satellite radio. This tester also included a panoramic power moonroof ($1,200).
Total MSRP including destination: $41,550.

Interior Highlights
Stepping inside this top-trim Buick Regal TourX reveals lots of luxury, soft-touch materials throughout, and comfortable leather seats. We settled in and felt like we were sitting in a premium European wagon. The lines are contemporary and the two-tone interior is stylish. Passenger space in back is generous and there’s convenient and versatile 40/20/40 fold flat seating options.
The Regal TourX has 32.7 cubic feet of cargo space with its back seat raised and 73.5 cubic feet with it lowered. That’s more than what’s offered by comparable luxury wagons or compact luxury SUVs. Its lower lift over and roof height also make it much easier to load than an SUV.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2018 Buick Regal TourX comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, producing 250 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. The engine is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels.
EPA fuel mileage estimates come in at 21/29 city/highway and 21 combined mpg.
Driving Dynamics
Driving the TourX offers sharper handling than taller SUVs and better ride quality than some luxury sport wagons. Overall, it rides comfortably on the highway and was easy to drive on the busy city streets of Denver. The cabin is noticeably quiet once we got underway at highway speeds. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is peppy and we never had to wish we had more power, even driving at altitude west of Denver.
We pushed it hard around tight mountain curves and the all-wheel drive system and advanced suspension gives you plenty of confidence when you need it. The eight-speed automatic worked well with the 2.0-liter turbo engine and offered quick, seamless shifts as we pushed it hard up I-70.
The Buick Regal TourX should be a capable vehicle in the snow and ice and even for navigating through those mild off-road excursions. It offers a little extra ground clearance compared to normal wagons, but it’s not enough to make a significant difference in terms of extreme off-road ability.

Conclusion
We would recommend the 2018 Buick Regal TourX for families wanting a flexible, comfortable wagon that offers luxury and all-weather capability. It has the utility of an SUV but offers a lower load height, and with all the added safety technology, any family will feel safe in heavy city traffic.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Buick Regal TourX Gallery

2018 Buick Regal TourX Official Site.
Photos: Buick.

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Fiat Introduces New Chrome Packages But The Shine Is Lacking

Fiat Introduces New Chrome Packages But The Shine Is Lacking Chrome isn’t just for big trucks, now little Fiats are in on the action with a new appearance package for the 500L and 500X. Add this to Fiat’s recent package blitz which includes the Urbana, Blue Sky, and Adventurer editions. And while these appearance packages have their allure, it’s like a sparkler or sugar snake when what’s really needed is a blazing bottle rocket.
The Fiat lineup could use an extensive redesign. Something. Anything. These upgraded packages are great, but only go so far as the brand struggles to maintain traction.
Tiny Tanks
People either love or loathe Fiat; their cars are either amazing or asinine. Their Italian styling is rather unconventional considering what Americans are normally accustomed to. Traditionally, we are a culture of big trucks and stylish SUVs, a stark contrast to the tiny cruisers of the Fiat farm. Although, like a lot of products sold across this great country, the Fiat brand is personality-driven and those who have them closely identify with them.
While it’s a story for another time, I came into Fiat ownership by sheer happenstance. I likely would have bought another Ford because that’s what I drove for years, but my 2016 500X changed the way I see the Fiat.
My 500X is a tiny tank. Literally. Michigan roads, especially around metro Detroit, are rough. A vehicle’s suspension and chassis will take a licking here, and that’s not including winter. The 500X, in its current form, rides on a Jeep platform, a huge advantage in terms of durability. Mine is front-wheel drive, although all-wheel drive is available. I get about 7,500 miles between oil changes and with the nine-speed automatic (which shifts seamlessly), I average upwards of 38 to 40 mpg on the highway.
Although most of what you read on Fiat is exactly the opposite. Just scan the latest rankings from Consumer Reports.
Fiat 500X with the Satin Chrome Appearance Group. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Shot In The Dark
What is Fiat to do? Truthfully, I don’t have the answer. If I did, I would likely be an executive there making the big bucks, but I would suggest we stop scratching for sardines and fry bigger fish. It’s time for an overhaul. Something. Anything. It wouldn’t hurt to “Americanize” the lineup a bit – not saying to abandon the Italian flare entirely – but finding a way to marry the styling cues of both cultures might help, especially for the 500X.
If I’m Fiat, I’m working overtime to make meaningful connections with the younger buyers who want small SUVs.
The 124 Spider and 500 Abarth are cool and they can stay. The 500L cannot. It’s hideous. Yet, according to Fiat, U.S. sales are up more than 20 percent year-over-year through June, making the 500L Fiat’s fastest growing nameplate. Sure. Fine. But the 500L is the one ugly duckling that’s not growing up to be a beautiful swan.
How about a nice, sporty mid-size sedan? Honda, Toyota, and Nissan are profitable with cars like this, why not Fiat? Slap an Abarth badge on there with some horsepower, braking and suspension upgrades, and suddenly the Fusion Sport and Regal GS have company. How about the Audi S4 or BMW 340i? Why not? Kia is taking on the Germans with the Stinger, why not a muscled-up Fiat too?
Fiat 500L with the Chrome Appearance Group. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Happy Accident
I don’t have the whole picture as to what is going on at Fiat, but for better or worse, it seems like a lot. I won’t speak for them and I am sure they know what they are doing, but a complete redesign of key vehicles, like the 500X and 500L (shudder), would help immensely.
I don’t see people waiting on pins and needles going “Oh, I just cannot wait to see the Chrome Appearance Group on the new Fiats.” If somebody gets one of these new chromed Fiats it will likely be by accident. They went in looking at a 500X, liked the one on the showfloor, and it just so happened to have this chrome package.
Just in case you are chomping at the bit for one, the equipment list is below. I’ll be over here, holding my breath for the Fiat Abarth performance sedan.
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.
Fiat 500L Chrome Appearance Group
MSRP: $495.
Fog lamps.
Body side chrome accents.
Front fascia chrome accents.
Rear reflector chrome bezels.
17-inch aluminum wheels with black pockets.
Available for all seven exterior colors: Grigio Chiaro (graphite metallic), Nero (black), Bianco (white), Rosso (red), Grigio Scuro (grey metallic), Blue Tornado, and Blue Denim.
Fiat 500X Satin Chrome Appearance Group
MSRP: $395 (all-wheel drive) / $695 (front-wheel drive).
Satin silver roof rails.
Fog and cornering lamps, automatic headlamps.
17-inch aluminum wheels (front-wheel drive only).
Satin chrome accents: exterior mirrors, door handles, and body side moldings.
Satin chrome accents: fog lamp bezels, front fascia, front and rear badges, liftgate handle.
Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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2018 Mazda3 Trims Levels Broken Down

2018 Mazda3 Trims Levels Broken Down

The 2018 Mazda3 gets a big refresh for 2018. The 3 is Mazda’s answer to the Accord, in that it is the right size, the right price, and has the right features for seemingly 90 percent of the buyers out there. For 2018, the Mazda3 aims to give you more of everything you’d want in a car of this type. The Hiroshima-based company’s Mazda3 is said to be a “combination of craftsmanship, quality, and uncommonly good driving dynamics.” I really wouldn’t argue with that, especially when it comes to “uncommonly good driving dynamics.”
Configurations & Options
Mazda seems to have a real knack for making fun, tossable little cars that perform much better than you expect them to. Add to the mix that for 2018, the Mazda3 will come as both a sedan and five-door hatchback slathered in tech and safety goodies, and it’s not too much of a stretch to see them selling by the boatload.
The 3 comes in a trio of trim levels: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring, and all of them get a bewildering level of option packages that have been a frustrating Mazda trademark for decades now. No, you can’t get cruise control without opting for the “Heated Glove Box & Rear Seat Foot-Warmer package.” There always seems to be two or three things in any given package you don’t really want.
Sport Tirm
The Sport trim level, the most basic, comes with cloth seating surfaces and a 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G engine, putting out 155 horsepower. There’s a 7-inch infotainment screen with a Commander control knob. The Sport also gets Bluetooth phone and audio pairing, a one-touch driver’s power window, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, and push-button ignition. Not bad for the base trim level.
Mazda3 Sport sedan models have available 16-inch alloy wheels, Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, satin chrome interior trim, and power heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals. The Mazda3 five-door models have 16-inch alloy wheels as standard.
Photo: Mazda North American Operations.

Touring Trim
The Mazda3 Touring, the middle of the range, comes standard with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter engine, cranking out 184 horsepower. The Touring comes with leatherette seating surfaces, heated front seats, Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, rain-sensing wipers, automatic on/off headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry, a six-way power driver’s seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob.
Other niceties include a new dark silver alloy wheel color, standard illuminated vanity mirrors, and an overhead sunglasses holder. There’s a new Bose/Moonroof/Satellite package for the Touring that includes a nine-speaker premium audio system, SiriusXM radio with a four-month subscription, and a one-touch-open moonroof.
Grand Touring Trim
Up at the tippy-top of the Mazda3 lineup is the Grand Touring. Buy a Grand Touring Mazda3 and it comes standard with perforated black or parchment-colored leather seating surfaces and heated front seats. There’s a full-color Active Driving Display (heads-up) unit. LED fog lights, self-leveling bi-LED headlights, LED combination taillights, and LED daytime running lights are also standard.
If you add the Premium Equipment Package, you get a pivoting Adaptive Front-Lighting System, a heated steering wheel, paddle shifters (automatic models), an auto-dimming interior mirror with Homelink, and navigation. Additional safety systems include High Beam Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart Brake Support, and Traffic Sign Recognition.
Photo: Mazda North American Operations.
Performance Tech
The 2018 Mazda3 is available with either a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual or a SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic transmission, in either the sedan or five-door body style, and across all three trim levels. All Mazda3 models get something called G-Vectoring Control, which is, unsurprisingly, a Mazda-exclusive. G-Vectoring Control uses the engine to put a small amount of weight on the front tires to make steering inputs more surefooted, giving drivers more peace of mind while improving stability. Mazda doesn’t say much more, but the engineering is interesting nonetheless.
Is the Mazda3 better than the Honda Accord or others in the segment? Ultimately, that will be up to individual buyers to decide, but personally, I wouldn’t count the Mazda3 out. At the end of December, we took the 2017 model for a drive and really liked it. Expect the 2018 Mazda3 to be in dealers nationwide by the end of August.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Trim
Sedan
Five-Door
Sport 6MT
$18,095
$19,345
Sport 6AT
$19,145
$20,395
• Sport Preferred Equipment Package
$1,000

Touring 6MT[2]
$20,090
$20,840
Touring 6AT
$21,140
$21,890
• Touring BOSE®/Satellite/Moonroof Package
$1,500
$1,500
Grand Touring 6MT[3]
$23,145
$23,895
Grand Touring 6AT
$24,195
$24,945
• Grand Touring Premium Equipment Package
$1,600
$1,600
Premium Paint Colors:
Machine Gray Metallic
$300
Soul Red Metallic
$300
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
$200
Photos & Source: Mazda North American Operations.
*2017 models shown

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2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Goes NASCAR

2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Goes NASCAR

Wearing #8, Louis Chevrolet’s old racing number, the new, 2018 Camaro ZL1 race car debuted in its Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series guise. Sadly, at least in my opinion, these are not as stock as they should be. Long gone are the days when NASCAR stock car racing was truly stock. We will never see the likes of Chevy Chevelles and Dodge Coronets with the doors welded shut, running on the high banks, let alone watching “The Fabulous Hudson Hornet” dig into the sand at Daytona (that would be the literal beach, not the track).
Star-Studded Debut
Rolled out by NASCAR racer Jimmie Johnson (“Mr. Seven Time” as he’s known) and Mark Reuss, the Executive VP from GM Global Product Development, the NASCAR Camaro ZL1 had all the presence of a bazooka; i.e. not something you’d want to have pointed at you. The reveal happened at Chevrolet’s headquarters in Detroit, so yeah, this guy has full factory backing.
“The new Camaro ZL1 is a great looking race car with a lot of heritage behind it, which will make it a big hit with fans,” Johnson said, driver of the #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. “And as someone who’s enjoyed the ZL1 on the street, I’m really looking forward to getting this new race car on the track.”
And boy, what I wouldn’t give to be sitting in the passenger seat when Johnson “enjoyed the ZL1 on the street.”
Photo: Chevrolet.
Racetracks & Main Street
The ZL1 had the full treatment applied to it by Chevy’s engineers during its gestation. The slide rule guys smeared on a range of engineering paraphernalia like computational fluid dynamics analysis and reduced-scale and full-scale wind tunnel testing. Ultimately, the ZL1’s design character was maintained and aerodynamic performance optimized.
The ZL1 designation actually comes from the 1960s factory-developed, all-aluminum racing engine that Chevy used to dominate road racing (think of Mark Donohue’s Trans Am Camaro). Somehow the thing got lose off the track and onto the streets, thanks to a few, uh, “imaginative” dealers that used Chevrolet’s special-order system to get the ZL1 engine installed in regular production ’69 Camaros. Those cars became terrors on the street and dragstrip, and now live on in a mythical Valhalla of cool stuff that factories once produced.
40 years later, Chevrolet reintroduced the ZL1 as the ultimate performance Camaro, offering blistering track performance from the showroom floor. That’s mainly becasue of the 650 horsepower, supercharged engine paired with an array of aerodynamic properties.
Photo: Chevrolet.

Honor Roll
The 2018 Camaro ZL1 race car looks to build on a winning legacy already established by the Camaro SS. The previous Chevrolet Camaro has 70 Cup Series wins so far, and had a hand in Chevrolet earning a record 39 NASCAR manufacturer titles. And yes, that included 13 consecutive titles from 2003 to 2015 and Jimmie Johnson’s Cup championship in 2016.
Also at the roll out of the Camaro ZL1 race car were representatives from Hendrick Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing, Germain Racing, JTG Daugherty Racing, and Leavine Family Racing. So, all you racers running Fords and Dodges, that’s what you’re up against. The 2018 Camaro ZL1 race car will make its competition debut this coming February at Daytona Speedweeks, kicking off the 2018 NASCAR season.
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.
Photo: Chevrolet.
Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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Jeep: An American Classic Both Then And Now

Jeep: An American Classic Both Then And Now

If you’ve spent any time on the roads lately, you may have noticed a lot of proud Jeep owners. While Jeeps have always been popular and trusted vehicles, they have become very trendy in recent years, especially with younger drivers. If you’re like me, you may be curious as to how this happened. I decided to take a look at the history of Jeep to find out how this classic American brand became a sensation which inspired an almost cult-like following and lifestyle.
Heroic Beginnings
In June 1941, the United States Army was seeking proposals for a new, lightweight, four-wheel drive truck for use in combat. The American Bantam Car Company submitted the first approved prototype. However, the Army ran into one small problem: American Bantam was on the verge of bankruptcy and would likely be too small to handle this major request. With the threat of war looming, the Army handed the prototype design over to Willys-Overland Motors and the Ford Motor Company.
Willys and Ford were given free rein to update and modify the Bantam prototype, which resulted in several versions that were subjected to extensive field testing. The Army finally settled on the Willys Model MB design as the most functional. Willys and Ford were instructed to begin churning out these vehicles as quickly as possible.
It is also around this time the name Jeep is said to have originated and there are two theories about its creation. One is simple: the new models were referred to as Government Purpose vehicles, or GPs, and the sound “Jeep” is a slurring of these two letters. The other theory argues the word had been used by Army mechanics since 1914 to refer to any untested vehicle. Either way, the name Jeep caught on in the 1940s with the popularity of the GP model and eventually stuck.
Regardless of how they got their name, Jeeps went on to be used by every branch of the military during World War II, serving as field ambulances, supply trucks, and even amphibious vehicles. While they are no longer used by the military, similarly-designed combat vehicles such as Humvees and Ford M151s can be traced back to the Jeep.
Army test procedures of the day called for rugged driving and basically punishing the vehicle until something broke or until the driver was worn out. Here we see an MD/M38-A1 with all four wheels off the ground. From Jeep: The History of America’s Greatest Vehicle by Patrick R. Foster, published by Motorbooks, an imprint of Quarto Publishing.
The Birth of the Modern Jeep Brand
Following their wartime success, Willys began producing Civilian Jeeps (CJs) in 1945 and eventually won the rights to the Jeep name as a registered trademark in 1950. Willys-Overland Motors changed hands and was sold several times in the subsequent decades, eventually ending up with the Chrysler Corporation in 1987. Jeep has remained with Chrysler ever since and is now one of the multiple brands owned by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, a group which was established in 2014.
Although they were born in America, Jeeps are now manufactured all over the world. Toldeo, Ohio, where Willys-Overland Motors was founded, remains the proud headquarters of Jeep. You can still find Wranglers and Cherokees being built there, not far from the site of the original plant.
Final assembly line at Jeep Parkway, Toledo, Ohio, 1964. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Today’s Jeep Culture
In recent years, Jeep has expanded and refined its fleet and now offers five models primarily catering to individuals and families with active lifestyles. 1987 marked the first appearance of one of the most well-known and enduring Jeep models: the Wrangler. The Wrangler remains Jeep’s most popular model, with eight variations on the market and countless opportunities for customization. There are some who believe the Jeep Wrangler is the closest descendant of the original military model created in the 1940s.
The opportunity to customize a Jeep and make it unique to the owner’s lifestyle and personality is why the Jeep culture has become so prominent in recent years. With Jeep blogs and forums, as well as annual meetups and jamborees, it’s easy for Jeep owners to be a part of this unique community. Whether they are interested in off-roading tips or the latest mod accessories, Jeep owners are connecting more than ever and spreading the love for this quintessential American brand.
Richard Reina is a Product Trainer at CARiD.com and lifelong automotive enthusiast.
Jeep Through The Years Gallery

Gallery Photos: FCA US LLC.
Cover Photo: Jeep Willys MB, FCA US LLC.

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Uncluttered Luxury: The Preference of The Next-Generation Car Buyer

Uncluttered Luxury: The Preference of The Next-Generation Car Buyer The United States of America is known for their colossal and technologically-advanced armies, rumbling V8 motors, and stroke-inducing cheeseburgers. The average American is also known for buying stuff they don’t need, and we’re all guilty of overconsumption at some point in our lives. But according to the report on Decluttering the State of Luxury conducted by Volvo and Harris Poll, it seems the thirst and hunger for excess consumption is becoming a thing of the past.
Emerging Trends
The report is part of a series from Volvo exploring how our relationships are changing and evolving with regard to car ownership. Earlier this year, one report examined how Americans feel about traveling with their pets. This latest report, New Luxury Demands Less Clutter was conducted on behalf of 2,102 online participants aged 18 and above between April 26th and May 1st, 2018.
Less is More: The New Standard of Luxury
The survey concluded 85 percent of Americans believe they have too much stuff and are looking to sway toward the minimalist approach in terms of luxury. The same people are actively working to declutter and simplify their home and office spaces. The traditional American mantra of “bigger is better” along with consumption-driven buying habits is proven by the 48 percent of Americans who say their lives were more cluttered than they were 10 years ago.
However, 34 percent of respondents are looking to streamline all areas of their lives, with one in four Americans seeing their vehicles as a space they actively need to declutter.
The surprising thing is that 60 percent of parents say they feel the need to declutter their vehicles more often than other spaces, compared to only 37 percent of non-parents. Is this also a clear sign of maturity as one enters the interesting world of parenthood? Most probably yes.
The survey concludes by saying “modern luxury” is 64 percent more inclusive and transparent and 63 percent more minimalistic compared to 10 years ago. Most Americans now prefer clean, functional, and spacious as the primary motivators of the term “luxury.” In fact, most people will now choose craftsmanship (51 percent), advanced technology (50 percent), and customization (47 percent) over exclusive access and elaborate design.
Volvo XC40 Inscription T5 AWD in Denim Blue. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
How Decluttering Luxury Translates to Cars
Gone are the days when the average dashboard was filled with hundreds of buttons, knobs, and switches reminiscent of the control center in a nuclear missile silo. You can see this clearly on modern luxury cars. Touch panel displays are replacing the voluminous amount of switches that control all aspects of a vehicle’s performance and comfort settings.
Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi are cramming as many touchscreens as possible in their new vehicles to keep the interior modern, upscale, clean, and functional. But when it comes to true modern luxury, almost two-thirds or 61 percent of Americans agree that Scandinavian design is the modern interpretation of uncluttered luxury.
Trash Talking
You only need to look at the 2019 Volvo XC40 to discern this. Volvo engineers utilized the “less clutter” concept to come up with a design that speaks to the results of this study. What we particularly like about the XC40 is the clever usage of space to impart the feeling of practicality without compromising on premium design.
Case in point: the built-in trash bin. Yes, the 2019 Volvo XC40 comes with a trash can in front of the arm rest.
The bin is equipped with a flapping lid to keep things clean and simple. You can remove the trash bin, empty the contents, and pop it right back into place. This feature literally blew our minds since no other car in the history of the world came with a purpose-built trash can!
Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Parking Tickets & Tough Robots
The XC40 also comes with handy slots on the left of the driver’s knee to hold IDs or parking tickets, and the door pockets are even sculpted enough to accommodate a 15-inch laptop. There is a wireless phone charging pad because using conventional cables is as primitive as leaving the couch to change the channels on your TV.
The exterior design is no different. The modern lines and surfacing of the body have a sense of playfulness and adventure. In fact, exterior lead designer Ian Kettle utilized the phrase “Tough Little Robot” to draw inspiration for the crossover’s design.
What he really meant was sci-fi movies blended with the clean Swedish design, and it shows.
Future Considerations
As the modern consumer shifts from excessive consumption to minimalism and uncluttered luxury, this could only mean good things for the cars of tomorrow. This is also good news for those who find it almost impossible to change the radio station or fan settings in a modern car.
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.

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2019 Dodge Durango: Adulting Just Got Cool

2019 Dodge Durango: Adulting Just Got Cool It’s a predicament. You love horsepower but the stork has visited your residence on a few occasions. Maybe that old sports or performance car got traded in somewhere along the way for a minivan or run-of-the-mill SUV? Whatever the case, you have a family you need to haul around town now.
Responsibilities. Priorities.
Adulting.
The 2019 Dodge Durango is uniquely suited for family, adult-going types who still want a little extra performance and style. Across the range, the Durango offers several different powertrain options, including all-wheel drive, plus a number of connectivity and infotainment features.
Here is a look at the Durango lineup for 2019.
Durango SRT
Over breakfast, the kids are uttering new catchphrases they discovered on the latest social media app. They are Draking about having to go to school and are acting quite Salty, but little do they know the drive there is about to be Lit. Why? Because Hemi.
The Durango SRT with its 392 (cubic-inch) V8 creates 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft. of torque, good enough to launch this beast to 60 in 4.4 seconds. The SRT Durango also runs a quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds as certified by the National Hot Rod Association. That’s what we call Real Talk, and if that isn’t enough to make the kids these day exclaim “Zayum,” then the donuts you do in the school parking lot (don’t actually do that) should suffice.
The Durango SRT’s Brembo braking system comes complete with two-piece, vented rotors and six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers. The all-wheel drive is paired to an Active Damping System while the custom exhaust lets the world know you are just around the corner.
Leather and carbon fiber treatments decorate the inside, plus heated and cooled seats. The available 825-watt, 19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo is a nice touch, even if people don’t care for your taste in music.
Dodge Durango SRT. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Durango R/T
When you need more but not too much, the R/T is the ticket with its evergreen 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic. The R/T provides a healthy 360 horsepower, 390 lb-ft. of torque, and a tow rating of 7,400 lbs. The Hemi’s “Fuel Saver Technology” feature utilizes cylinder deactivation, alternating the engine between four and eight cylinders.
Sepia leather seats and the aforementioned Harman Kardon audio system are available.
Standard equipment is plentiful: performance steering and suspension systems, LED fog lamps, high-intensity discharge headlamps, navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Dodge Durango R/T. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Durango Citadel
The word Citadel may elicit images of castles, colleges, and financial markets but the Durango has its own interpretation of the 16th century word. With refinements straight out of the 21st century, the Durango Citadel is an infotainment stronghold with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
The aforementioned Harman Kardon audio system is also an option.
Behind the Citadel’s gate is either a standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque, or the optional 5.7-liter Hemi with 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft. of torque. The Pentastar can tow 6,200 lbs. while the Citadel with the Hemi can match the R/T’s tow rating of 7,400 lbs.
Dodge Durango Citadel. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Durango GT
The GT holds the middle ground in the Durango lineup and is the perfect balance of “everything you need, nothing you don’t.” The nicely-equipped GT seats seven with leather-trimmed bucket seats and heated first and second-row seats as an option. For those grocery runs, the power liftgate option is worth its weight in gold.
Standard features on the GT include LED daytime running lamps and dual exhaust.
The Pentastar V6 and TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic provide the GT with a 6,200 lbs. towing capacity. Both rear and all-wheel drive powertrains are available. An SRT-inspired hood with a center air inlet duct and two heat extractors is available – you know, for something a little extra.
Dodge Durango GT hood. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Durango SXT
Simple but far from plain, the SXT gets the job done with its Pentastar V6 and five-passenger seating that can be configured 50 different ways. The SXT receives a seven-inch, full-color infotainment digital display, plus Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth compatibility.
The Voice Command system is also standard along with a push-button start.
Colors & Additional Options
The 2019 Dodge Durango is available in 11 colors: Octane Red, Redline Red, In-Violet, Granite, Billet, DB Black, White Knuckle, and Vice White. New colors (late availability) include Reactor Blue, Destroyer Gray, and F8 Green.
All Durango models now offer an integrated trailer brake when equipped with the Trailer Tow Package. Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection is available as a free-standing option.
Availability
Expect the 2019 Dodge Durango in the showroom this fall, although orders can be placed at dealers now.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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