Automotive

Toyota GR Supra Racing Concept: The New Supra Perhaps?

Toyota GR Supra Racing Concept: The New Supra Perhaps? Man, Toyota has been drawing this out seemingly forever now. A certain stripe of gearhead has been hovering all over this since it was a mere rumor months and months ago. At first it was all “deny-deny-deny” and then it was all “maybe-maybe-maybe,” and that turned into “possibly, but we won’t show you” and now, this final tease. So what is here? What is Toyota showing us, and what does it portend for the upcoming Supra?
World Performer
No, this is not the new Toyota Supra that you lot have been slavering over for months now. This is the racing version of the new Toyota Supra, so wipe your face, stop that jabbering, and read on. Because beneath the bulges, aero bits, and flicks and trickery, is the new Toyota Supra. Somewhere, down underneath all of that.
This Supra – the GR Supra Racing Concept – is a compact, two door coupe-shaped thing with a front-engine/rear-wheel drive layout (of course!) (thankfully), which makes extensive use of lightweight materials. The GR Supra Racing Concept was ginned up by Toyota Gazoo Racing, the outfit that came to prominence in Europe in 2007. Gazoo went on to become the international umbrella organization for Toyota’s global sporting program and has competed in such diverse genres as the FIA World Rally Championship and the FIA World Endurance Championship.
I have never heard any real explanation as to why they named themselves after an hallucinatory character from The Flintstones, however.
Toyota says the GR Supra Racing Concept represents its commitment to bring back the iconic sportscar. The Supra badge first appeared in 1978, and fans today likely recognize the car from films like The Fast and the Furious and video games like Gran Turismo. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Mystery Material
Obviously, the GR Supra Racing Concept is wrapped in overly-dramatic, meat-axe-styled bodywork. Note the comically large rear wing, for example. That’s there for the track, and although I would be very surprised if the upcoming Supra did not have some sort of aero appendage out back, I doubt it will be that eccentric. Seemingly, the entirety of the body panels are made from some sort of unnamed “strong but lightweight composite material.” Seriously, that’s all Toyota refers to it as: “strong but lightweight composite material.” Could be carbon fiber. Could be good old fiberglass. Who knows?
Larger Than Life
What we do know is that it’s used in the front and rear bumpers, and note how they are obviously wider than what you’d find on a street car; better to hide the huge tires/wheels from the air stream. The front splitter is also more extreme than on a road car, as are the rear diffuser, side skirts, door mirror housings, and the rear wing. All of those: diffuser, skirts, and the rear wing are obviously for race tracks only.
Yes, yes. It looks cool and radical and all that, but huge front splitters and low hanging sill extensions wouldn’t survive one trip down to the mall parking garage, now would they? The hood is also made from the same stuff and features extensively louvered air inlets. The windshield and side windows are made of plastic and we all know that ain’t road legal.
Known as the A40, the original Supra was followed by three further generations: the A60 in 1981, A70 in 1986, and A80 in 1993. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Under The Surface
What you don’t see, the stuff under the skin, is where it gets really interesting, and where some clues to the road car can be augured. The front and rear suspension has been lowered, but both ends use “original equipment components.” Smart! So Toyota is using the race model as a test laboratory for what we’ll see on the streets. Nice! You’ll also find BBS racing wheels shod with Michelin racing tires with your standard center locking nut. The brake system includes Brembo calipers and discs, and there is a racing-spec exhaust.
Cockpit Treatments
Naturally the cabin is as far removed from a street car as a jail cell is from a beachfront hotel room. See, there’s even bars like in a jail thanks to the required full competition roll cage. The built-in fire extinguisher is also along for the ride. The fuel and brake lines, pedal box, battery and wiring looms are all full competition standard. The doors are lined with carbon fiber panels (at least they named that material), the dashboard includes a “racing display,” and the OMP driver’s seat and harness will cosset you in relative safety.
The Italian safety equipment manufacturer also supplied the quick-release steering wheel equipped with a paddle shift system. Will the street version of the new Supra have those same paddle shifters, or will it get a traditional stick? That we don’t know yet.

Future Visions
What we do know, or at least can guess at, is that underneath all the aero junk and steroidal bulges is the overall shape and design of the (soon to be here) new Toyota Supra. If you can visualize losing all that stuff, or perhaps are good with Photoshop, you can get a pretty good idea of what the long-awaited Supra will look like.
And if you can squint a little bit harder, you can even visualize what the new Supra will look like sitting in your driveway. Stop drooling!
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.
Toyota GR Supra Racing Concept Gallery

Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Letter From The UK: Do We Even Need Our Cars?

Letter From The UK: Do We Even Need Our Cars?
Great Britain is a small country. In area it is smaller than some of the individual United States. Unlike the vast America continent, it is pretty straightforward to get around and, in the past, we have gloried in a transport system that could get you anywhere you wanted to go.
Public Transport In The UK
What did the ancient Romans do for us? Well, for a start, they developed a network of cobbled roads that criss-crossed the country. Even today we use those same roads except that now they exist as usually two-lane blacktops. Over the centuries we built on that.
Unlike America, where the establishment of the first transcontinental railway was a brave and complex engineering marvel, the UK, upon the invention of the railway engine, quickly established a rail network that went everywhere. No town was too small not to have a branch line and a bus service. As the Victorians of the 19th century built and established roads, and subsequently developed the vehicles to use them, we luxuriated in a State-owned public transport system that was second to none.
And in typical British fashion we proceeded to ruin it.
Us Versus Them
The 20th century brought with it a mighty rise in power of the various Trade Unions, and workers demanded more and more rights and money. Standing against them was a management class steeped in Victorian values: The result was a stalemate and decades of industrial strike action from the 1950’s to the 1980’s. We, the travellers, got used to it and carried on.
Because of this, the public transport infrastructure went rapidly downhill thanks to a combination of inept bosses, antiquated buses and rolling stock, dirty stations and terminals, and staff who could not give a damn. Like a man who is given a gun but has no idea how to use it, we shot ourselves in the foot. Repeatedly.
Then along came The Iron Lady: Margaret Thatcher.
According to the American Public Transportation Association, more than 6,800 organizations provide public transportation in the United States. In 2016, Americans took 10.4 billion trips on average. Research shows public transportation saves the U.S. 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually.
Privatisation
Our Prime Minister in the 1980’s decided what was needed was for the transport services to be sold off to the highest bidders. It would, she declared, encourage competition and thus cheaper prices. That didn’t work either. As soon as private money got their greedy mitts on the system, unprofitable rail lines and bus services were axed and the prices went up. Now we have a transport system targetted at working commuters, albeit with the latest vehicles, that many people simply cannot afford to use or cannot access because they live in the country or outlying areas.
What we needed was . . .
The Motor Car
We have a thriving car industry that spans the globe. No matter that Britain’s antiquated road system is riddled with potholes and in desperate need of investment, we still prefer to travel by car. The convenience of the automobile is unquestioned. Door-to-door; it doesn’t get any better than that. Cars are safer and more economical than ever. That’s a fact; but there’s a downside.
They are subject to taxation when we buy them, when we put them on the road, when we fill them with fuel, and when we insure them. The motorist is the UK government’s cash cow. Running a car today is a very expensive business here in broken Britain and by-and-large it has to be questioned whether we need the things at all. This writer loves to drive but it would be nice to be transported once in a while, especially when I see trains flash by as I sit in yet another traffic jam.
Certainly, people, the young especially, living in urban areas, are foreswearing the auto in favour of public transport. In and around our towns and cities, public transport is plentiful and, although quite pricey, is still cheaper than car ownership, backed up by services from Uber and the like. I can see their point.
Uber passengers share a ride in India. Photo: Uber
Crossing The Country
The trouble is, I like to travel around and see new places. I once did an experiment. I calculated the cost and logistics of travelling between two places three hundred miles apart. Even pre-booking tickets for my wife and myself well in advance, the trip would have cost me three times the fuel and ancillary expenses had we travelled in our car. The car goes from door-to-door, public transport would have involved three train changes and a bus trip in both directions.
I think I’ve just answered my own question.
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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2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan: The Performance-Oriented Prom Date

2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan: The Performance-Oriented Prom Date Yeah, that’s what I’m talkin’ about! The latest AMG-tweaked C-Class just came out, and the basics look good: Power is up by 23 horses to 385 horsepower, the torque curve is broadened, zero to 60 times equate with a top o’the line Camaro or Mustang, and a blown V6 heading to all four wheels. Hey, isn’t that just an Audi S4 from a few years back?
I kid, I kid!
The 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan is its own separate animal, not to be confused with other performance sedans. It is, in short, very much worth paying attention to. As far as Americans are concerned, this is about as small and performance-slanted as Mercedes is going to get. So if you like small and fast over big and fast and want something with a three-pointed star, this is your prom date.
Power & Performance
As with all Mercedes-Benz products, this thing is screwed together like panzer, swimming in tech features, safe as a bunker, and comfy as your couch. It’s all motivated down der Bahn by a 3.0-liter V6 engine putting out the aforementioned 385 horsepower and 384 lb-ft. of torque. That grunt happens in a comfortably broad 2,500 to 5,000 rpm band, making for a zero to 60 time of 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. Which is electronically limited. Electronically limited? What’s up with that?!
That glorious 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine is mated to an AMG-tuned 9-speed transmission with shorter shift times. “Defined ignition adjustments,” according to Mercedes-Benz, also provide faster gear shifts.
The AMG-spec 4MATIC four-wheel drive system has a rear-biased torque distribution, with a front/rear axle split of 31 to 69 percent. This configuration provides for higher lateral acceleration and improved traction, according to Mercedes-Benz. The single-stage transfer case of the four-wheel drive system is flange-mounted to the transmission as a separate system. Photo: MBUSA.
Exterior Design
Since this is the sporty C-Class, the exterior is not as plane-Jane as lesser brethren. A distinguishing feature is the AMG radiator grille and sculpted front bumper with additional aero flics – like how the side air curtains in the front bumper help guide the airstream, for example. The rear is also sporty looking with two round tailpipes in high-gloss chrome, and a rear bumper with its own side air curtain and diffuser to improve airflow. If that’s not enough, there’s now an optional AMG Night Package that has a more “expressive front splitter,” a reworked spoiler lip, broader side skirt inserts, and other high-gloss black treatments.
Wheelin’ & Dealin’
Also new for this year are the aerodynamically-optimized AMG light-alloy wheels. You get your choice: The AMG wheel with five twin spokes painted in tremolite grey with a high-sheen finish, size 7.5″ x 18″ with 225/45 R 18 tires at the front, and 8.5″ x 18″ with 245/40 R 18 tires at the rear – or – a different aero-design with five twin spokes, painted with accents in tantalite grey – or – high-gloss black in size 7.5″ x 19″ with 225/40 R 19 tires at the front, and 8.5″ x 19″ with 255/35 R 19 tires at the rear.
Got all that? Good.
The AMG Ride Control suspension is a hallmark of the new C43 Sedan. The basis is formed by the 4-link front axle and independent multi-link rear suspension. The AMG-specific kinematics and elastokinematics, with newly developed components, result in high camber stability when cornering. Further, the axial brake connection on the front axle allows for more precise handling. Photo: MBUSA.
Interior Treatments
Naturally the interior of the new Mercedes-AMG C43 has been reworked. Leather, DINAMICA microfiber, and aluminum are everywhere. Optional AMG Performance Seats provide lateral support along with heating and ventilation in three levels. The door center panels and dashboard are finished in MB-Tex with red topstitching. Aluminum sport pedals with black studs, trim elements in Natural Grain Black Ash Wood and Brushed Aluminum, the black roof liner, and the red seat belts finish off the sporty interior particulars.
More Options? Oh, you got options. Trim elements in Natural Grain Walnut Wood & Aluminum and Natural Grain Grey Oak Wood, if sir or madam would like. There is also the optional Dark Brown Linden Wood trim, an AMG trim in Carbon Fiber/Aluminum, and something called AMG Silver Fiber Glass. Upholstery options are equally as numerous.
Standard on the new C43 Sedan is a 10.25-inch media display with a resolution of 1920 x 720 pixels. Photo: MBUSA.
Share & Compare
And most interesting of all? The data logger. The AMG C43 now comes with an on-board system for recording performance data when driving on race tracks called AMG Track Pace. It provides a wealth of vehicle-specific data recorded ten times per second. The system allows you to slice and dice your performance on any given track (many are already pre-installed) and share your experiences and data with other AMG drivers via Facebook, YouTube or the AMG Private Lounge. No, seriously.
In Person & Availability
The 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan will be seen in the flesh at the Geneva International Motor Show until the 18th before arriving in U.S. dealerships by the end of this year.
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.
2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 Gallery

Photos & Source: MBUSA.
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2019 Ram 1500 MSRP: Complete Pricing Chart By Trim Level

2019 Ram 1500 MSRP: Complete Pricing Chart By Trim Level The 2019 Ram 1500 debuted at NAIAS earlier this year with some impressive technology and performance specs. As the trucks are being shipped to dealers, Ram has announced pricing for each trim level, with the starting MSRP coming in at $31,695, plus a $1,645 destination fee. Overall, the new Ram 1500 has a wide range of offerings.
The 2019 Ram 1500 MSRP chart is below.
By The Numbers
The Tradesman Quad Cab 4×2 comes in at the aforementioned $31,695, contrasted with the top-tier Limited Crew Cab 4×4 V8 at $57,390. Tradesman, Big Horn, and Rebel pricing reflects the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with the eTorque mild hybrid powertrain (late availability). The optional 5.7-liter HEMI with the eight-speed automatic transmission is $1,195, while the eTorque-equipped HEMI is $1,995 (late availability).
Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, and Limited pricing reflects the standard 5.7-liter HEMI, while the eTorque-equipped HEMI is an additional $800 (late availability). The chart below sorts everything out nicely.
The 2019 Ram 1500 is built at the Sterling Heights (Michigan) Assembly Plant.

Photo & Source: FCA US LLC.
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2019 Jaguar I-PACE Debuts In Geneva, Pricing & Specs Announced

2019 Jaguar I-PACE Debuts In Geneva, Pricing & Specs Announced Okay, here it is. After seemingly endless hyping, Jaguar’s all-electric I-PACE has finally been revealed. In a certain way, it’s sort of the Jag version of a Tesla Model X: it’s an SUV that drips style and exclusivity. And, this is a very strange thing to say about a Jaguar, it’ll be cheaper than a Tesla. Following its public debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, Jaguar said the new I-PACE will be priced from $69,500 before federal and local government incentives.
Interesting Fashions
When Jag finally rolled out the I-PACE for all the world to see, they did so in a rather modern, yet bizarre fashion, via a webcast from Graz, Austria (where the I-PACE is built). It was hosted by . . . by . . . wait, who are these people? British comedian and actor, Jack Whitehall (dunno who he is), TV presenter Jonny Smith (dunno who he is, but that missing ‘h’ and superfluous ‘n’ makes him suspect), and American tech guru iJustine (who, again I have no idea, but people with mononymes worry me and anyone who puts a friggin’ i’ in front of their name on purpose, I can’t even).
If that’s not enough, Jaguar enlisted small children, using a pair of nine-year-olds, Lola and Hudson, to explain the I-PACE’s technology to Whitehall. Jag refers to them as “vehicle experts.” Who are these people?
A “Smart Settings” program uses artificial intelligence algorithms to learn driving habits and tailor the I-PACE to individual preferences. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Charging & Performance
The tech behind it is, in some way, rather standard state-of-the-art EV technology circa 2018. There’s a 432 “pouch” cell battery pack. I take it Jag means there are 432 individual batteries grouped together to form one big energy store. This lithium-ion battery pack puts out 90kWh which is good enough for an estimated range of 240 miles. Acceptable. Jag says you can get an 80 percent battery charge in around 40 minutes using a 100kW DC rapid charge facility. If you juice it up at home with a 230V/32A AC wall box (7kW), it will take you over ten hours, and just over twelve for a full charge.
Coventry really massaged the battery itself with a batch of range-optimizing technologies, like a battery pre-conditioning system that warms or cools the battery and cabin to optimal temperature while plugged in and charging.
Jaguar designed the electric motors in-house, using a trick concentric design with driveshafts passing through the motors themselves for compact packaging. One motor is at each axle for a full-on, all-wheel drive setup to increase traction. And yeah, since this is an EV with all that juicy, juicy torque, the I-PACE can hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. About as quick as a new Camaro, ha-ha!

Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Structurally-Speaking
The structure of the SUV is made of riveted and bonded aluminum (glued and screwed) that’s light and stiff to the point of having a measured torsional rigidity of 36kNm/degree – the highest of any current Jaguar vehicle, even the F Types!
The battery lives centrally between the two axles which helps give the I-PACE a 50:50 weight distribution. The front suspension is a double wishbone deal with an Integral Link setup out back. The suspension is a standard Active Air Suspension which probably rides like a Rolls and costs about as much as a satellite to fix.

Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Design Language
Design-wise, this Jag is actually rather pretty. For an SUV. It has a short, low hood, an aero-enhanced roof design, and curved rear window. The cab-forward design and squared-off rear makes for a coefficient drag of just 0.29Cd. The Active Vanes in the grille open when cooling is required and shut when things are cool enough. The I-PACE also has tons of storage inside (since EVs don’t have traditional engines). The rear luggage compartment in the way back offers 25.3 cubic feet of space, going all the way up to 51 cubic feet with the second row seats folded flat.
On Sale & In Person
The I-PACE will be available during the second half of this year in S, SE, and HSE trim. The vehicle is currently on display at the Geneva International Motor Show, now through March 18th.
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.
2019 Jaguar I-PACE Gallery

Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.
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2019 Honda Ridgeline Arrives With Class-Leading Figures

2019 Honda Ridgeline Arrives With Class-Leading Figures The 2019 Honda Ridgeline arrives at dealerships nationwide this week. The Ridgeline, with its unit-body construction and all-wheel drive capability, provides buyers with a unique alternative in the truck market. The 2019 Ridgeline has two segment-topping figures, and an array of safety, performance, and connectivity technology. For 2019, RT, Sport, and RTL models have a second USB port, while RTL and RTL-T models add a power sliding rear window and moonroof.
Power & Performance
The 2019 Honda Ridgeline is powered by a 3.5-liter, direct-injected i-VTEC V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management. When paired to its wide-ratio six-speed automatic transmission, the engine creates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. of torque. All-wheel drive Ridgeline trucks utilize Honda’s latest and most advanced version of Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) to increase traction and handling in all conditions. Further, the Intelligent Traction Management System enables up to four different operating modes: Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand for AWD models, and Normal and Snow for 2WD vehicles.

Photo: Honda North America.
Class-Leading Figures
EPA ratings come in at 19/26 city/highway and 22 combined for 2WD Ridgelines; 18/25/21 for AWD models. The 2019 Ridgeline boasts a payload capacity of 1,584 lbs. when properly equipped and a max towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. Honda says the fuel economy and cargo capacity figures are class-leading.
Useful Tech
Those who enjoy picnics, sporting events, and similar outings will likely appreciate the 2019 Honda Ridgeline. The tailgate and bed are designed for easier access with a separate lockable and weather-sealed compartment to protect valuable cargo. An in-bed 115V AC power outlet and audio system are both available.
Inside, the eight-inch touchscreen display is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Comfort features include three-zone climate control, an eight-way power driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar, and ambient lighting.
Photo: Honda North America.
Safety & Security
The 2019 Ridgeline offers collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and road departure mitigation among other safety features. Each of these are included in the Honda Sensing package. Honda also says the new Ridgeline is expected to receive top marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Pricing
The chart below explains everything in detail. The 2019 Honda Ridgeline is manufactured in Lincoln, Alabama.
2019 Honda Ridgeline Pricing and EPA Data
Model
Transmission
MSRP
MSRP Including $975 Destination Charge
EPA Mileage RatingCity/Hwy/Combined
2WD
RT
6AT
$29,990
$30,965
19 / 26 / 22
Sport
6AT
$33,390
$34,365
19 / 26 / 22
RTL
6AT
$34,870
$35,845
19 / 26 / 22
RTL-T
6AT
$37,000
$37,975
19 / 26 / 22
AWD
Sport
6AT
$35,290
$36,265
18 / 25 / 21
RTL
6AT
$36,770
$37,745
18 / 25 / 21
RTL-T
6AT
$38,900
$39,875
18 / 25 / 21
RTL-E
6AT
$41,920
$42,895
18 / 25 / 21
Black Edition
6AT
$43,420
$44,395
18 / 25 / 21
Photos & Source: Honda North America.
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The new Ford GT specs are out and it's officially the fastest Ford ever made

The 2018 Ford GT is capable of 216 mph and can lap the Nürburgring faster than a McLaren 675LT and Ferrari 458 Speciale.

What’s going on?

Way back in 2015, Ford did the unthinkable and surprised the world with the reveal of the all-new GT supercar at the Detroit Auto Show. Since then, everyone new it was going to be something special.

But believe it or not, two years have passed since the GT was revealed. Now, Ford finally published the car’s official factory numbers. And it’s batshit-insane fast.

For starters, how does, SAE-certified, 647 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque sound?

That sounds great. What does that translate to?

Well, that power comes thanks to an all-new twin-turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6, which we already knew. Despite the deficit by two cylinders from the last Ford GT, the new model produces a whopping 97hp and 50 lb-ft of twist more than the supercharged V8 model. Not only does the power increase, the top speed does as well, at 216 miles per hour, compared to the last car’s 205. That makes it the fastest production Ford ever produced.

The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is mated strictly to an all-new seven-speed dual-clutch PowerShift transmission.

Straight-line performance isn’t the only thing making the new Ford GT fast.

Thanks to the new Ford GT’s clever active aerodynamics systems on the body, the new Ford GT laps the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife faster than a McLaren 675LT and the Ferrari 458 Speciale. The active systems consist of various moving air flaps placed throughout the body to actively channel air, all in the name of speed.

Specifically, the GT did it in just 2:09.8 minutes while the McLaren managed 2:10.8 and the Ferrari was interestingly at the bottom, at 2:12.9. They’re not going to be happy about that.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Ford

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2017 Ford GT: Fastest Ford On Record

The 2017 Ford GT is the fastest production vehicle the blue oval has ever produced. At the heart of the GT is Ford’s most powerful EcoBoost yet, and an advanced, active suspension system.

A precise power-to-weight formula is also ingrained through the car.

The combination propels the 2017 Ford GT to a top speed of 216 mph, making it an absolute nightmare on the track for competitors. Typical to Ford’s strong racing heritage, and fresh off a historic victory at LeMans, the new GT comes ready for the track.

In 2016 development testing, Ford topped the McLaren 675LT at Calabogie Motorsports Park in Canada. They also ousted Ferrari, their long-standing rival, by beating out the 458 Speciale on the same track.

Each car received fresh fluids and tires and the optimal suspension configurations were set. The same driver was behind the wheel and the conditions were identical. The 2017 Ford GT recorded a lap time of 2:09.8, a second faster than the McLaren 675LT at 2:10.8. The Ferrari 458 Speciale, by compassion, ran 2:12.9.

Potent Performance

Ford’s new high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost for the GT is SAE-rated at 647 horsepower and 550 lb-ft. of torque. The engine’s wide powerband produces 90 percent of its peak torque from 3,500 rpm. The EcoBoost is assisted by a fully active dynamics system, providing the GT with optimum downforce, drag, and balance at any speed.

“Our expectation has always been that the EcoBoost V6 would perform exceptionally well in the Ford GT – both in terms of power as well as aerodynamic efficiency,” said Dave Pericak, Global Director, Ford Performance.

The Ford GT’s dry weight is just over 3,000 pounds, making for a power-to-weight ratio of 4.72 pounds/horsepower. The GT’s carbon fiber architecture helped drop weight, although some of that weight was reinvested back into the car to increase performance, seen most notably with the active dynamics system.

“We are extremely pleased with how it performs, both on the track and on the road,” Pericak said.

The Ford GT raced to class wins at Le Mans and numerous other tracks in both IMSA and WEC last season. The production Ford GT resembles the high-performance track version a great deal, which means the end customer will definitely have an exciting car.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

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2017 Kia Niro: A lot To Like, Especially Price

Kia, the South Korean company that keeps churning out a brand new vehicle every 8 hours or so, just rolled out another debut model: The all-new Kia Niro. That’s Niro, with an ‘i,’ not with an ‘e.’ That’s the crazy Roman emperor dude or that unneeded antagonist from that Star Trek re-boot movie. This is neither.

The Kia Niro is, like seemingly all their products, pretty durn cheap to acquire, and comes frosted with a stack of gizmos, features, doo-dads, luxury bits, and alleged-luxury bits that make the car, whatever it’s shape, imaginary function, or invented “styling” worth considering.

Value Added

No, you will probably never see a Kia pull slowly into the drive-in and have a gearhead in a greasy white shirt whistle low and say, “whoa, a Kia!” No, you will probably never see a Kia product of any kind grace the lawn at Pebble Beach. But you will see, most likely, a Kia in the hands of a new driver – say 16 or 17 years old – or that kid that works at the drive-in or golf course and you’ll say, “not a bad choice for a first car.”

And they’re not. You get a lot of bang for your buck, and, let’s face it, you also get the added insurance (as odd as that term might sound just now) of having a car that is largely forgettable and disposable when you trade it in on your second car.

Take the all new Kia Niro as a good example.

It’s the brand’s new for 2017 crossover hybrid with five different trim levels: FE, LX, EX, Touring, and a limited production Launch Edition. And it rings the register between $22,890 for the FE to just $29,650 for the Touring. Kia crows: “Five different trim levels offer a Niro for every buyer, crossover utility, and hybrid efficiency at an affordable price.” Yes, that’s an awkwardly worded quote, but look what you get with this guy.

Photo: Kia Motors America.

FE & EX Trims

The Niro FE, that’s the range starting, bottom of the line, cheap-o version, with a beginning MSRP of $22,890. However, it is furnished with a long list of standard features such as 16-inch wheels, 6-way front seats, power windows, keyless entry, cruise control, and a 7-inch touchscreen display with rearview camera. It’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, and features a six speaker audio system with steering wheel mounted controls.

Around $23,000 for all that, and it pulls in 50 mpg (combined) in fuel economy, meaning it’ll be cheap like the budgie to own. Next rung up on the trim ladder is the $23,200 LX. Spring for that extra $300 clams and you get Smart Key with push button start, roof rails, and rear LED combination lamps.

Shell out a little more for the EX ($25,700) and you get heated seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, LED daytime running lights, heated power folding mirrors, and front fog lamps. Driver assistance features include Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Lane Change Assist (LCA). Many automakers today include the acronyms for these various technologies, if you’re wondering why all the extra letters. Which, to my way of thinking (arcane as it may be) translates as Look Over Your Shoulder (LOYS) Really, Look Over Your Shoulder (R,LOYS), and Make Sure There’s No One In The Next Lane Before You Move, Dingbat (MSTNOITNLBYM,D).

Seriously. Just pay attention for once, will ya?

Photo: Kia Motors America.

Launch Edition & Touring Trim

The Launch Edition is offered in only two colors: Snow White Pearl or Aurora Black Pearl. It is further set apart by unique Hyper Gray 18-inch alloy wheels with Michelin tires, and a unique metallic color grille. A 10-way driver’s seat, 8-inch touchscreen navigation system, and Harman Kardon premium audio are included.

The Launch Edition will set you back $28,000.

The top of the line Touring trim chimes out at $29,650. Not at all unreasonable. For that, you get to add a power tilt/slide sunroof, front and rear park assist, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, 10-way power driver’s seat with memory, and the aforementioned Harman Kardon audio.

Additional Goodies

In case those trim levels are not enough for you, there are also three option packages on offer. The Advanced Technology Package for the LX is $1,450 and includes Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning System. There is a Sunroof and Advanced Technology Package for the EX at $2,300 that also includes a power tilt/slide sunroof, Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning System.

The Advanced Technology Package, $1,900, for the Touring includes HID headlights, wireless phone charging, 110V inverter, Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and the Lane Departure Warning System once again.

“We’re always striving to offer exciting new products that redefine their segments in all areas, including price,” said Orth Hedrick, Vice President of Product Planning, Kia Motors America, and owner of a really cool superhero name. “The new Niro checks all the boxes – it provides crossover utility, good looks, outstanding fuel economy, it’s fun to drive, and it’s affordable.”

So there’s a lot to like about the new Kia Niro; content, efficiency, and probably most of all, price.

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.

2017 Kia Niro Gallery

Photos & Source: Kia Motors America.

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