Automotive

2017 Mazda CX-9 Trim Level Guide

Mazda recently announced their CX-9 sport utility vehicle will be back for its sophomore model year, with an unchanged MSRP of $31,520 when it reaches showrooms later this month. Sounds like a good deal already, but, of course, Mazda being Mazda, has done some tweaking and improving here and there.

Sport Trim

The entry version of Mazda’s CX-9 is dubbed the Sport trim level. The Sport version comes standard with LED headlights and taillights as well as fabric seating surfaces.

The parking brake is, sadly, electronic, so no hand-brake turns in snowy parking lots for you mister. Also standard are 18-inch wheels, a rear backup camera, trailer stability assist, MAZDA CONNECT infotainment with Commander control, and a 7-inch color display. I have no idea what “Commander control” might be, but it sounds a tad over the top and compensating.

All the other stuff is pretty self explanatory. Trailer stability assist sounds like a wonderful idea for anyone who’s messed around with trailers, especially in cross winds, slippery roads, and stuff like that. The MAZDA CONNECT infotainment is one of those centralized data platforms within the car. Everything from your tunes, phone, navigation, and the like run through the system.

The rear backup camera also seems to be a very good thing to have, and lots of car companies are touting them at the moment. If you go for the Sport trim level, you can also opt for the Sport Package (that doesn’t sound too confusing), which adds a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and heated door mirrors. Nice for those of you in winter climes and/or ski-bum types.

2017 Mazda CX-9. Photo: Mazda North American Operations.

Touring Trim

Further up the food chain lives the CX-9 Touring where you get an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and SCBS (that’s Smart City Brake Support, which is one of those contraptions that hits the brakes for you when you’re not paying attention, you dolt).

You also get a selection of black-or sand-colored leather seating surfaces.

HomeLink garage door openers, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System, a power liftgate, power front seats, and an 8-inch MAZDA CONNECT touchscreen display round out the options, all of which seem fairly attractive.

If you tick the box for the Touring Premium Package (again Mazda, confusing naming conventions here), you get automatic headlights, LED fog lights, navigation, and a premium 12-speaker Bose audio system that will get you Felix Pappalardi levels of hearing damage I bet. Rain-sensing wipers, rear backup sensors, second-row retractable sunshades, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a sunroof are also included.

Grand Touring

Next up comes the Grand Touring were you get all the icing from the Sport and Touring trim levels. Here you get an Adaptive Front-Lighting System, 20-inch wheels, aluminum interior trim (nice!), and Mazda’s first Active Driving Display that projects instrument and navigation information onto the windshield (essentially a HUD). There is a high-beam control (I assume that’s automatic), lane-departure warning (because you can’t pay attention, can you?), lane-keep assist (you really can’t pay attention, can you?), and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Smart Brake Support.

Finally, a set of roof rails and memory settings on the driver’s seat finish off the Grand Touring.

“We are seeing a considerable number of new Mazda buyers come in from premium and luxury brands, with CX-9 Grand Touring and Signature models regularly being cross-shopped with the likes of Lexus, Porsche, and Volvo,” said Tetsu Nakazawa, Vehicle Line Manager for crossover SUVs, Mazda North American Operations. “That consumer confidence illustrates the strength of CX-9’s design, quality, and engineering innovations.” Photo: Mazda North American Operations.

Signature Trim

And at the very apex sits the CX-9 Signature that comes with standard predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive. That would be 27 sensors, busily working away, measuring conditions more than 200 times per second, to govern how to allocate power to each wheel so you never feel them slip.

On the inside, the CX-9 Signature is adorned with Auburn-colored Nappa leather, rosewood supplied by Japanese guitar-maker Fujigen, LED signature accent grille lighting, and LED accent lighting around the automatic shifter.

Regardless of which model you choose, all power comes from Mazda’s turbocharged SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine. That plant produces 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on 93-octane gasoline (227 horsepower on 87-octane if you’re a cheapskate). Fuel economy? A class-leading EPA rating of 22/28 city/highway and 24 combined for front-wheel-drive configurations. The engine is teamed up with a standard SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic.

Starting price of $31,520 USD and finishing off just under $38,000 USD if you go full-boat and get every option available. Not bad at all.

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 Mazda CX-9 Gallery

Photos & Source: Mazda North American Operations

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Volvo V90: Personalized, Pretty & Powerful

I know, it’s just a wagon, what’s so special? 1 – it’s a very pretty wagon, and 2 – it ain’t slow. Nope, Euro-wagons have a habit of being much faster, and therefore much more fun, than you’d think. If you’re an American gearhead with a penchant for quick Euro wagons, another option is at hand, brothers and sisters. The Volvo V90 Wagon is now available to order for U.S. customers. Volvo allows us (and there’s a few of us out there) to use their custom order service via Volvo Concierge, so you can get a full range of options from the comfort of your couch.

Power & Performance

The V90 is based on Volvo’s new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) and shares interior design qualities such as the 12-inch Sensus Connect Touchscreen, open-pore wood trim, and Nappa leather with the S90 sedan. You can choose from two power plants for the V90, either Volvo’s T5 FWD, turbocharged DriveE engine, or the T6 AWD, turbo and super charged powertrain in Inscription or RDesign trim.

Obviously, we here at One Automoblog Towers recommend the latter. A Polestar performance package that upgrades the powertrain is also available.

Other goodies include leather seats, a panoramic moonroof, and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS). Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard along with City Safety that activates automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist, and large animal detection (moose, deer and so on).

Volvo Concierge

Volvo has a rather nice online setup for the V90, which allows wagon enthusiasts to customize their vehicle. You can also get in touch with Volvo Concierge, which uses online chat, email, and actual voice to voice phone conversations with a real human being, to assist in configuring and ordering, if you want to take it to the next level.

Keeping up with the “high touch” attitude, Volvo Concierge will stay in constant contact with you, the future V90 owner, notifying you of when the car has been shipped from far off and exotic Sweden, and when you can expect it to reach your home. When it shows up at the local dealer for delivery, the car will have all preferences (radio stations, software settings, and other personal touches) based on the owner’s choosing set up and ready to go.

The Volvo V90 on display at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.

Overseas Delivery

V90 buyers that wish to have the full Scandinavian experience (get your mind out of the gutter, I know what that sounds like, and it’s not that) can choose Overseas Delivery. Overseas Delivery gets you two paid airline tickets and hotel accommodations in beautiful Gothenburg, Sweden. Buyers also get a tour of the factory where the V90 is assembled and ultimately pick up their car at Volvo’s Factory Delivery Experience Center.

Once the keys are in your hot little hand, you can drive your V90 throughout Europe and drop it off at a designated port for shipping back home to the United States. How much fun is that?

Sadly, this much fun, beauty, and practicality does not come cheap. The T5 FWD R Design V90 will start at $49,950, with models, options, and higher-end specifications going up from there in 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.

Photos & Source: Volvo Car USA, LLC.

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Nissan’s Midnight Edition Package Adds Style & Value

Nissan has what they call a Midnight Edition Package that has proven very popular with customers. So what do you do when you have something people want? Make more of it. Or, in Nissan’s case, expand it to a wider range of vehicles.

Originally, the Midnight Edition Package was an available option just for the Maxima SR sedan. The response was positive, so why let good vibes go to waste, thought Nissan. They expanded the availability to a total of six models, and unveiled them at this year’s Chicago Auto Show.

In addition to the Maxima, the Midnight Edition Package is now available on the Sentra, Altima, Maxima, Rogue, Murano, and Pathfinder.

2017 Nissan Sentra SR Midnight Edition. Photo: Nissan North America.

Sentra

Offered on both the 2017 Sentra SR and SR Turbo, ticking the option box for the Midnight Edition gets you black 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (their full name is “Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels” and that redundancy of “Midnight Edition” really gets out of hand, so just assume Nissan uses it everywhere). The package also includes black mirror caps, black rear spoiler, and available Midnight Edition floor mats.

The package is available on four different colors too: Red Alert, Super Black, Aspen White, and Gun Metallic, which, I’m assuming translates as red, black, white, and dark shiny gray.

The whole package will set you back $490, which isn’t all that bad.

2017 Nissan Altima SR Midnight Edition. Photo: Nissan North America.

Altima

The Altima version, the Altima SR Midnight Edition, is available on the 2017 Altima 2.5SR. You can get the package with Super Black, Gun Metallic, Pearl White, and Cayenne Red (e.g. black, gray, white, and red). The special edition package includes black 18-inch Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels and low-profile 235/45R18 all-season tires, black mirror caps, black rear spoiler, LED headlights, remote engine start, and available Midnight Edition floor mats.

Cost? A not at all unreasonable $990.

2017 Nissan Maxima SR Midnight Edition. Photo: Nissan North America.

Maxima

The model that kicked off all this midnight madness, the Maxima SR, is still to be had. For 2017 it’s found again on the range topping Maxima SR, the most capable of the five available grade levels. The Midnight Edition comes with black 19-inch Midnight Black aluminum-alloy wheels, a black rear spoiler, rear diffuser, and the seemingly ubiquitously available Midnight Edition floor mats.

Colors for the Maxima SR include four: Pearl White, Coulis Red, Gun Metallic, and the original Super Black.

The cost is a still rational $1,195.

2017 Nissan Rogue Midnight Edition. Photo: Nissan North America.

Rogue

The Rogue, Nissan’s best-selling nameplate, also receives the Midnight Edition action with black 17-inch Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels, black mirror caps, and those available Midnight Edition floor mats. There are black roof rails, black cross bars, black splash guards, rear bumper protectors, and trick illuminated kick plates.

The package is only available with the Rogue SV and comes in Magnetic Black, Gun Metallic, Pearl White, and Palatial Ruby. Not just every day red, oh no, Palatial Ruby.

Cost, if you’re making a shopping list, is $990.

2017 Nissan Murano Platinum Midnight Edition. Photo: Nissan North America.

Murano

The Murano, the crossover named for a suburb of Venice, gets exclusive black 20-inch Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels, black roof rails, black mirror caps, black splash guards, and those available Midnight Edition floor mats.

Sheesh Nissan, why don’t you just toss in the floor mats?

Color choices are Pearl White, Cayenne Red, Gun Metallic, and Magnetic Black. The whole thing will set you back $1,195, but it’s only offered on the Platinum grade level Murano.

2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum Midnight Edition. Photo: Nissan North America.

Pathfinder

Finally, the Pathfinder Midnight Edition includes fashionable black 20-inch Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels, black mirror caps, black spoiler, black splash guards, those trick illuminated kick plates again, a chrome rear bumper protector and, I hope you’re sitting down, but Midnight Edition floor mats are also available.

You can get it in Pearl White, Cayenne Red, Gun Metallic or Magnetic Black, again, only on the Platinum model for $1,195.

All of these stylish Midnight Editions, with their floor mats, are either in Nissan showrooms now, or will be soon.

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.

Photos & Source: Nissan North America

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The Range Rover Sport SVR Just Topped A Ferrari

The Range Rover Sport SVR Just Topped A Ferrari An SUV has not only matched but outperformed a supercar on a notable road in China. The new Range Rover Sport SVR has taken the record for negotiating the 99 corners of the famous Tianmen Road. A standard production Range Rover Sport SVR set a new unofficial record of 9 minutes 51 seconds for the seven mile ascent, at an average speed of 42.8mph, beating the previous record of 10 minutes 31 seconds, set by a Ferrari 458 Italia in 2016.
Tackling Tianmen Road is the latest challenge completed by the Range Rover Sport PHEV, following a climb to the Heaven’s Gate natural rock arch last month. The PHEV made its debut in a race against two-time open-water swimming world champion Keri-anne Payne and endurance athlete Ross Edgley in Devon, UK.
Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
The new Range Rover Sport SVR is the fastest Land Rover to date with its 567 horsepower supercharged V8. The SUV hits 60 in 4.3 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 174 mph. It’s considered a flagship for the brand with design revisions and lightweight materials to enhance performance, handling, and agility. Engineers focused on controlling pitch under heavy acceleration and braking, and changes to the damping hardware have improved turn-in, mid-corner grip, and body control.
It must have worked, at least according to Panasonic Jaguar Racing driver Ho-Pin Tung, who again piloted the Range Rover Sport SVR for the record-breaking feat.
“I am used to the high speeds of racing but these 99 turns were something unique. Maintaining concentration was the biggest challenge as the road twists and turns constantly, with huge drop-offs to the side,” he explained. “The consequences of getting it wrong would have been really serious so I focused on establishing a rhythm and the Range Rover Sport SVR made this easy – it may be an SUV but it has the performance and agility of a supercar and can take you to places a supercar can only dream of.”
Range Rover Sport SVR – Tianmen Road Challenge Gallery

Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.

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Pre-Ordering Open For Polestar 1

Pre-Ordering Open For Polestar 1 The Polestar 1, the first car from the new electric performance brand Polestar, is now available for pre-ordering in 18 countries. The news follows Polestar making its first public appearance at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show, and so far the response has been positive.
“With over 7,000 people interested in owning a Polestar 1 since its reveal, we are extremely encouraged by the passion shown for our product,” explained Thomas Ingenlath, Chief Executive Officer, Polestar. “We will now take the next steps towards delivering this beautiful car to our first customers.”
The Polestar 1, an Electric Performance Hybrid GT, produces 600 horsepower and over 700 lb-ft. of torque. Photo: Polestar.

Pre-ordering involves a fully-refundable deposit, which serves as a placeholder for the car. During the selection process, a configuration tool allows prospective buyers to visualize their Polestar 1 before placing an order. The 18 countries where ordering is open include the United States, China, Sweden, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Portugal, Poland, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, and Canada.
In October, Geely Holdings, parent of Volvo Cars, announced a $756 million dollar investment to bolster the early phases of Polestar’s product lineup and industrial footprint. Much of the Polestar 1 (about half) is based on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture; the rest is entirely new technology developed by Polestar engineers working within Volvo’s R&D department.
Source: Polestar.

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Nissan IMx KURO Concept: You Connect Your Brain To This One.

Nissan IMx KURO Concept: You Connect Your Brain To This One. The Nissan IMx KURO concept is a zero-emissions crossover that aims to investigate Brain-to-Vehicle technology. No. Really. Brain-to-Vehicle technology. I have no idea either, but I do hope they get it right. This car, the Nissan IMx KURO, is both a crossover concept and somewhat of a demonstrator platform for making vehicles even more predictive and safe with what Nissan calls Intelligent Mobility.
Concept Versus Reality
And apart from the overall crossover-ish design, it’s that Brain-to-Vehicle, or B2V, stuff that makes the Nissan IMx KURO so interesting. The overall design is simultaneously lumpy yet with protuberant edges, and none of it holds together well. The whole things screams “concept car” because you know there’s no way Nissan would make this.
Before You Know It . . .
This B2V technology has the potential to speed up reaction times for drivers, leading to cars that can keep adapting to make driving more enjoyable. Nissan says all this comes from “research into using brain decoding technology to predict a driver’s actions and detect discomfort” which sounds pretty creepy to me.
Nissan hopes by catching signs that a driver’s brain is about to initiate a movement, say turning the steering wheel, reaching for a control knob or pushing the brake pedal, driver assist technologies can begin the action more quickly. Ergo, reaction times improve and manual driving is enhanced. Or to put it more plainly, the car can see you reach for the control panel, think for itself (in a limited way) and say ‘A-ha! You’re going to turn the radio down, I’ll start doing that for you.’ But, you don’t have to be Marvin Minsky to see how this might not work.
The IMx KURO was first revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2017. Kuro is the Japanese word for black. Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Autonomous Vibes
The other, more subtle way that Nissan’s B2V stuff could work is while in full autonomous mode. If it detects you are feeling some level of discomfort, the artificial intelligence system can evaluate that and change the driving configuration or driving style.
Not to be gross about this, but here’s a concrete example: Suppose you’re in full autonomous mode, and decide to read some reports on the way into work. You’ve already told the IMx KURO to hurry along, so it’s driving rather rapidly and trying to make up time. But now the B2V system notices you’re looking a bit green around the gills, and decides to dial back on the abrupt lane changes to help you out. Get it?
Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Getting Connected
All this is achieved by you wearing a device that measures your brain wave activity, which is then passed on and analyzed by the autonomous system. Then, by anticipating the intended movements, the vehicle takes action, for example turning the steering wheel or slowing down. The system can do that 0.2 to 0.5 seconds faster than you or I could – Nissan also adds “while remaining largely imperceptible” which I would have to feel to believe.
Smart Transportation
The IMx KURO also has other clever tricks up its sleeve, aside from coiling itself into your brain. Since it’s an EV, it has some party favors to make it a good citizen. For example, after getting you to the airport, the IMx KURO can then go park itself and find a spot where it can connect to the local power grid, and act as a “virtual” power plant by returning electricity to the grid. Slick, no?
Oh, and once you return to the airport, the IMx KURO can pick you up at the terminal and drive home with little to no input from you. Easy-peasy, lemon-squeezy.
The Nissan IMx KURO on display at the 88th Geneva International Motor Show.

Power & Performance
And, and just in case you think the IMx KURO will be zero fun along with being zero emissions, keep in mind it’s driven by a pair of high-output electric motors living at each end of the car, giving you all-wheel drive capability. Combine that with the 320 kW of power and an astonishing 516 lb-ft. of torque (more than the Nissan GT-R kids) and this thing could really scoot. There is also a high-capacity battery redesigned and re-engineered for increased energy density that supports a driving range of more than 370 miles on a single charge.
In some ways, Nissan could be onto something, but in others, I’m not sure your average customer wants to literally, physically connect their brain to a car.
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.
Nissan IMx KURO Concept Gallery

Photos & Source: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

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This Special McLaren 720S Is A Blue Beauty

This Special McLaren 720S Is A Blue Beauty Like many other high-end car manufacturers, McLaren has their own in-house custom shop. It’s called McLaren Special Operations, or MSO, and it is responsible for creating customized versions of the British company’s already impressive cars. Bespoke, to use the veddy, veddy British term.
Deep Blue Somthing
The McLaren 720S in Atlantic Blue by MSO takes the deepest of deep blue paint the Woking outfit could come up with, and combines it with a classic Saddle Tan leather interior. I’ve got to say the result is very easy on the eyes. McLaren says the Atlantic Blue really shows off the “shrink-wrapped” design of the 720S, a car noted for its aerodynamics, smoothly sculpted surfaces, and double-hinged dihedral doors.
The McLaren 720S in Atlantic Blue was commissioned for the Geneva International Motor Show as a showcase for MSO’s bespoke craftsmanship and range of personalization choices. MSO’s capabilities include developing special materials, finishes, colors, and trim pieces, providing specific aerodynamic and lightweight components, and crafting entire one-off cars.
Photo: McLaren Automotive.
Driver-Focused
This particular Atlantic Blue McLaren 720S is the second in the company’s Super Series that marries supercar performance with a glut of luxury and convenience features in the glass-enclosed, teardrop-shaped cockpit. The McLaren 720S focuses entirely on the driving experience thanks to its use of aerodynamics, proactive suspension control, carbon-fiber construction, and a very potent 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8.
Thanks to that plant, the McLaren 720S puts out 720PS (as its name implies, but that translates to 710 bhp in American measurements) and can deliver a top speed of 212 mph. 62 mph comes up in a quick 2.9 seconds. And this is no performance stripper either. Heated electric seats, keyless entry, soft-close doors, cruise control, electrically-adjustable steering column, and a climate control system are all standard features.
Photo: McLaren Automotive.
Further Modifications
Since MSO rightly thinks the typical owner will want their ride to be suitable for both track driving and everyday usability, the Atlantic Blue McLaren 720S comes with the McLaren Track Telemetry and camera system. This is for enjoyment on the track naturally, but it’s practical with its 360-degree Park Assist system. The sensors and cameras will help you out in crowded city driving environments. The car also comes with a vehicle lift to avoid damage over ramps, speed bumps, steep(ish) driveways, and the like. There is a Bowers & Wilkins 12-speaker audio system in there too.
Pricing
How much, you ask? Well, customized, er bespoke stuff don’t come cheap, chaps, and in the case of this McLaren 720S in Atlantic Blue, that means £281,260, or right around $400,000 green back dollars.
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.
Atlantic Blue McLaren 720S Gallery

Photos & Source: McLaren Automotive.

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“Greatest Hits” Jaguar Created For Iron Maiden Drummer Nicko McBrain

“Greatest Hits” Jaguar Created For Iron Maiden Drummer Nicko McBrain Who said Jaguar is a stodgy old British company? If you did, this factory-custom 1984 XJ6 Series 3 they just turned out should dispel that notion. And if that’s not enough, look who they made it for: Nicko McBrain. Yes, that Nicko McBrain, the drummer for Iron Maiden. That doesn’t sound all that stodgy, now does it?
Full disclosure here: I’m not much of an Iron Maiden fan. It’s not that I dislike them, it’s just that if I’m in the mood for some British heavy metal, my tastes run more toward Motorhead [Killed By Death currently playing]. I’ve always thought the guys in Iron Maiden seem like good blokes, and seeing the drummer’s taste in cars just confirms that.
Running Free
The Jag in question was made to kick off the XJ’s 50th anniversary celebrations for 2018 and was rolled out at the Geneva International Motor Show. And, for a car customized for a metal drummer, it’s pretty tastefully done.
The bespoke commission was a collaboration between McBrain (great heavy metal name, that), the engineers and craftsmen from Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works in Coventry, and Jaguar Design Studio Director Wayne Burgess. From start to finish, the project encompassed more than 3,500 man hours of work and more than 4,000 parts refinished, replaced, or redesigned. By the time they were finished, the XJ had considerable modifications to the exterior, interior, drivetrain, and suspension.
Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Modifications & Treatments
Let’s run this down, shall we? For starters, there are unique front and rear bumpers that blend into the modded fenders. Also note the bespoke chrome brightwork and flush-fit US side markers – a nice touch (the car is full of them). Those fenders were flared and re-profiled, front and back, so the wheel arches can fit those beefy, custom-made 18-inch wire wheels fitted with 235/45 R18 Pirelli P Zero tires. The door sills are unique and the rear door pressings were modified. The suspension was upgraded with adjustable rear dampers.
The paint color is unique to this car, a mauve that comes across like a very dark purple/blue. See what I mean, rather restrain and understated for a heavy metal drummer? Jag also went the subtle route by using door handles from the Series 2 XJ, but they also added bullet rearview mirrors. The headlights are also modern LED deals with Halo daytime running lights. Jag even recessed the twin fuel fillers, a nice hot rod touch. Other modern niceties include the door sealing and additional sound deadening materials.
Of course the interior has been seriously gone through, but still just as restrained as the exterior. The leather seats are hand-trimmed in Pimento Red with black piping and embossed head rests, black hand-crafted carpet lines the floor, and Alcantara headlining finishes off the trimmings. The dashboard features Dark Grey stained Sycamore veneers – the preferred material for Nicko’s favorite snare drums – another nice touch.
Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Burning Ambition
There is a custom audio system with USB connectivity and machined aluminum amplifier-style control knobs (they look like Marshalls t’me). That audio system is an Alpine touchscreen-controlled piece that cranks out over 1,000 watts! Other sentiments of Nicko’s “day job” include drum kit inspired pedals, finished in chrome and black, and a three-spoke steering wheel featuring his unique mascot “Eddie Growler.”
Power comes from the classic Jag 4.2-liter in-line six-cylinder engine rigged with three two-inch SU carburetors from an E-type, and machined quad-exhaust tail pipes.
Honestly, what’s not to like?
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.
“Greatest Hits” Jaguar Gallery

Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.

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2019 Acura RDX & RDX A-Spec To Debut In New York

2019 Acura RDX & RDX A-Spec To Debut In New York Acura will hold the world debut of the new RDX and RDX A-Spec, in production-ready form, at the upcoming New York International Auto Show. Earlier this year, the RDX Prototype was showcased at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The forthcoming RDX is the first in what Acura bills as a new generation of products. Said products will demonstrate the brand’s new design language, Precision Cockpit cabin, and True Touchpad Interface.
Power & Performance
The third-generation Acura RDX marks the return of Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) to the RDX lineup. Acura says this system is paired to a “powerful and new” 2.0 VTEC Turbo engine and the segment’s first 10-speed transmission. Acura also says the new RDX includes an NSX-inspired Integrated Dynamics System, making it the quickest and best-handling RDX ever.
Design & Development
The 2019 Acura RDX was designed and developed in America for the first time, styled by the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, California and developed by engineers in Raymond, Ohio. The new RDX will be produced at the company’s East Liberty, Ohio plant, while its new VTEC Turbo engine will be manufactured in Anna, Ohio.
The reveal is set for March 28th at 12:15 p.m. (Eastern) and will be broadcast live on Acura’s YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter pages.
Photo & Source: Honda North America.

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