Automotive

2020 Acura MDX & MDX Sport Hybrid: A Brief Walk Around

2020 Acura MDX & MDX Sport Hybrid: A Brief Walk Around The 2020 Acura MDX cruises into dealerships as of this writing.
Buyers can choose between a gasoline or hybrid powertrain.
An available A-Spec package dresses up the new MDX.
Acura’s MDX SUV, that’s the big one with three rows of seats, just arrived in dealers, so now we know if all of Acura’s promises are real or not. Ah, who am I kidding. You know this thing is going to work. It’ll haul a grand volume of people and things, it’ll always start, always run, and won’t cost that much to operate. We will spend a few minutes here running through the ins and outs of the 2020 Acura MDX.
2020 Acura MDX Equipment
The new Acura MDX comes in two flavors: The normal MDX and the Sport Hybrid. The gasoline MDX starts at $45,395, whereas the Sport Hybrid will run you $53,895. An A-Spec sport appearance package is available, and both models come with a vast list of standard features and tech choices. Each have the suite of AcuraWatch safety and driver-assistance technologies. AcuraWatch includes things like collision and road departure mitigation systems, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keeping Assist among others.
The 2020 MDX comes in three packages: base, Tech, and Advance; each with Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive as an option. Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (often written as “SH-AWD”) puts power to all four corners with a sophisticated torque-vectoring system. Who knows; it might even be fun in certain conditions. SH-AWD increases rear-wheel torque capacity 40 percent versus the prior generation. Up to 70 percent of the available torque can be distributed to the rear wheels; and up to 100 percent of that torque can be distributed to either the right-rear or left-rear wheel.
If you go for the popular A-Spec look-good package, you’ll add a bunch of appearance upgrades inside and out. Your passengers will treated to four-way power lumbar seats, a “walk through” second-row configuration (with the Technology and Entertainment packages), and an exclusive matching wood center console. Our pick is definitely the A Spec. Go with that.
2020 Acura MDX. Photo: Acura.
Traditional MDX
The normal MDX features a 3.5-liter i-VTEC 24-valve V6 with direct injection. The plant puts out 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft. of torque with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Nine! (I wonder how many gears we’ll add before someone says uncle?) Front-wheel drive is available if SH-AWD isn’t your thing. Regardless, the “Idle Stop” feature (Acura’s version of start/stop technology) offers a “more refined” driving experience. You can pick from nine colors, including several premium choices.
Related: The 2020 Acura TLX really lets those colors fly!
MDX Sport Hybrid
The 2020 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid differs mainly in the drivetrain arena, being motivated by SH-AWD. The 3.0-liter, i-VTEC V6 pairs with the three-motor SH-AWD system to deliver more direct power and torque. Total system horsepower is an impressive 321 ponies and 289 lb-ft. of torque, yet all MDX Sport Hybrids earn an EPA combined fuel economy of 27 mpg. In the case of the Sport Hybrid, the transmission of choice is seven-speed dual-clutch unit, a close relative of the NSX’s nine-speed DCT.
It’s also worth noting the Hybrid’s electric system operates independently of the gasoline engine as it delivers torque to the rear wheels.
The Technology and Advanced package are available for the 2020 MDX Sport Hybrid. The Tech Package has seating for seven, while the Advance Package seats six with second-row captain’s chairs, and a large second-row center console in place of that three-up bench. The MDX Sport Hybird comes in eight colors, including several premium colors. In other words, there’s a lot there for less than $60,000.
Photo: Acura.
2020 Acura MDX Availability
The new MDX and MDX Sport Hybrid are at dealers now. Acura says the MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time, which is probably true; given that “three row” cuts out a lot of competitors and what counts as “luxury” is debatable. But hey, Acura has been selling more than 50,000 MDX units per year for seven straight years.
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.
2020 Acura MDX Gallery

Photos & Source: Acura.

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Chevy Silverado 1500 Duramax Sails Past Rivals, Fuel Economy Announced

Chevy Silverado 1500 Duramax Sails Past Rivals, Fuel Economy Announced The 2020 Chevy Silverado with the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel tops Ford and Ram in fuel economy.
The in-line six diesel employs an aluminum block and nixes a balancer shaft to reduce weight.
Expect the new Chevy Silverado with the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine later this fall.
The fuel economy numbers are in, and it’s looking good for the new Chevy Silverado 1500 Duramax. The turbo-diesel engine returns an EPA-estimated 23/33 city/highway in two-wheel drive; 23/29 with four-wheel drive. The figures are a solid win for Chevy in the ongoing truck battle between Detroit’s Big Three. By comparison, the F-150 Power Stroke with two-wheel drive achieves 22/30 city/highway and 20/25 in a 4×4 configuration. The current Ram EcoDiesel comes in at 20/27 city/highway for two-wheelers and 19/27 with four-wheel drive.
“We designed the all-new Silverado and the all-new 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel to deliver both performance and efficiency,” explained Tim Herrick, Silverado Executive Chief Engineer. “The engine utilizes state-of-the-art technologies to optimize every drop of fuel, and takes advantage of architectural changes to make Silverado larger, lighter, and more aerodynamic than before.”
2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 Duramax: Setting The Stage
This new 3.0-liter Duramax is the first diesel since 1997 for a Chevy light-duty truck. It’s also the automaker’s first inline-six configuration for full-size, light duty trucks. With the truck market being so competitive, the challenges of designing a new powertrain are monumental. However, engineers had plenty of experience to fall back on as they worked through the architecture of the new inline-six Duramax.
“We set out to offer light duty truck customers the best of diesel – outstanding fuel economy, great horsepower and responsive torque – plus unexpected levels of refinement,” said Nicola Menarini, Director for diesel truck engine program execution. “We leveraged our global diesel expertise to make sure the all-new 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine offers the impressive performance and durability our truck customers demand.”
2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 with the 3.0-liter Duramax. The engine features dual-overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and an 84 mm x 90 mm bore and stroke. Photo: Chevrolet.
Under The Hood
Hallmarks of the 3.0-liter Duramax include an aluminum engine block, iron cylinder liners, forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods, and blended silicon/aluminum pistons. Chevy says the on-board thermal management system quickly warms up propulsion components for more efficient operation. In the interest of fuel efficiency, the new Silverado 1500 Duramax employs a driver-selectable stop/start feature. Designers also worked to keep the engine’s operation smooth absent a balancer shaft, something Mark Phelan of the Detroit Free Press noted as a strength during a recent test drive.
“The resulting combination offers all of the performance, refinement, and capability customers want in a full-size truck, with highway fuel efficiency you would expect from a family sedan,” Herrick added.
Related: An inside look at the 2020 Chevy Silverado HD.
Transmission & Towing Specs
Chevy’s 3.0-liter Duramax delivers 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. of torque, with max payload coming in at 1,870 lbs. Properly-equipped 4×4 trucks can tow up to 9,300 lbs., a figure Chevy says will suffice for 90 percent of buyers. Power is put to the ground via a Hydra-Matic 10L80 10-speed automatic, complete with a larger overall ratio spread and smaller steps between gears to maximize performance and efficiency. Those using the truck for towing will benefit from the standard diesel exhaust brake and tow-haul mode.
2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 with the 3.0-liter Duramax. Photo: Chevrolet.
Pricing & Availability
This new Duramax is Chevy’s fourth such diesel, joining the Colorado, Silverado HD, and Silverado Medium Duty. The 3.0-liter Duramax is available on the LT, RST, LTZ, and High Country trims. For LTZ and High Country, the engine is a $2,495 option, same as the 6.2-liter V8. The upgrade for LT and RST trims runs $3,890 more than the standard 2.7-liter turbo engine.
Expect the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 with the Duramax diesel this fall.
Carl Anthony 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. Before going back to school, he simultaneously held product development and experiential marketing roles in the automotive industry.
2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 Duramax Gallery

Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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Letter From The UK: Beware The Highway Vigilantes

Letter From The UK: Beware The Highway Vigilantes Can community-sponsored traffic enforcement initiates go too far?
And where does the money go when it comes to said traffic enforcement?
Geoff Maxted of DriveWrite Automotive Magazine examines in this latest Letter.
Here in the UK, we have a term for people who write to internet forums, newspapers or their local representatives anonymously; we refer to them as ‘Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells.’ Royal Tunbridge Wells is a town in the English county of Kent and the ‘Disgusted’ handle stems from an apocryphal story that this was where the first such letter emanated, way back in time. Usually, these writers are not brave enough to give their name yet are often “horrified and disgusted” about something specific, perhaps important to them but far less so to the rest of us.
Dropping litter, for example, to all reasonable people is unpleasant but to some it is a matter of life and death.
Like Dogs With Bones
At this stage, reader, you are probably wondering when this writer is going to get to how this is relevant to automotive issues. Soon, very soon, is the answer, but the point of this is to highlight the fact that once some people get a hold of an issue they are like dogs with bones. They just won’t let it go. Single emotive issues tend to polarise opinion and a sort of swivel-eyed mania takes over those so afflicted. This is especially noticeable here right now, thanks to Britain’s exit from the European Union which has caused a base level of ‘us and them’ nastiness and dissent that is frankly hard to believe among sentient beings. It’s like the Hatfields & McCoys on a national scale. This same monomaniacal intensity of being ‘disgusted’ is also applied to our motoring lives.
Dangerous Polluters
In recent years, Great Britain has seen a rise in the stigmatisation of car use. Motorists, to some, are dangerous polluters who run rampant through town and country with a complete disregard for the residents. This gives rise to strident and virulent complaint and usually both local and national government rapidly cave in to the wishes of these screeching minorities, presumably in the interest of having a quiet life. Thus, there is plenty of road signage and regulation here that is both daft and pointless, and is usually dreamed up by a local official with the IQ of a chicken nugget, who is nevertheless part of the conspiracy against cars.
Clearly though, it is essential we have motoring rules and our crowded road transport system should not be some free-for-all. By and large in today’s conditions, motoring regulations are about 80 percent right, and this is from someone who likes going fast. For example, I have every sympathy with villagers whose tranquillity is disturbed by their through road being used as a rat-run by commuting traffic or has become part of a major route; and also with parents who are concerned by the actions of inattentive drivers near school crossings.

Flaming Torches
The trouble is, this has all given rise to a type of vigilantism that sets neighbour against neighbour. Across the country, certain locals have taken to our pavements and verges with placards and speed cameras (or safety cameras as they are disingenuously called by officialdom) with which they accumulate evidence, subsequently passed to the police for action. They become, in a sense, judge and jury. (The State just wants the money). These people may well have a case but with their single-issue blinkers on can’t see what is actually happening.
Whilst these angry villagers are freezing on street corners, they forget that they have already paid for the police and their local district council to take this sort of action. Surely these folk have a right to expect value for money from their local taxes, because they certainly don’t get it from national taxes? I personally object to ordinary civilians judging what I do. At what point will litter-louts be lynched from the nearest lampposts by baying hordes of passers-by? When will come the day that you are dragged from your car by rabid villagers raising aloft flaming torches, and be forced to listen to a thirty-point list of grievances before the cry goes up, “Somebody get a rope!”
Don’t bet against it.

Making Money From Motoring Misery
Many of our UK roads are in a terrible condition despite the fact every legal driver pays an annual fee colloquially known as ‘Road Tax.’ Meanwhile, although many issues could be solved by traffic calming measures, our authorities prefer to maintain the use of the single-eyed Cyclops of financial pain, the speed camera. Cameras don’t morally censure; they just want the fines they generate. In 2018, our councils trousered some £900 million British Pounds (over 1.1 billion USD) from parking fines and other local and congestion charges. Where does it go?
Although money is tight for many folk, life is too short to be dealing with stuff like this. This is why the public acquiesce; they shrug and move on, muttering darkly. In the old American West of legend, outlaws were hunted down: Here in the 21st Century they take political office. Perhaps we drivers ought to get together and form our own vigilante groups to protect our right to drive cars without forever antagonising the ‘Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells.’
Now, where did I put that kerosene?
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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Black Is The New Black: GMC Special Editions Coming

Black Is The New Black: GMC Special Editions Coming GMC fans will receive a new trim package later this year. The 2019 Terrain and Acadia Black Editions give buyers a little extra flare from the factory. The GMC Black Editions arose after company officials reviewed internal data showing roughly one in five new SUV buyers spends extra money to personalize their vehicle.
“The new Terrain and Acadia Black Editions perfectly capture the identity of the GMC brand by offering a bold and confident exterior appearance,” explained Duncan Aldred, Vice President of Global GMC. “They give our customers more choices within the premium SUV segment to distinguish their vehicle and themselves.”
As the name would suggest, the Black Editions are characterized by their darkened exterior treatments.
Terrain Black Edition
Available on SLE and SLT grades, the package includes 19-inch gloss black aluminum wheels and a darkened grille insert. There are black mirror caps, roof rails, and badging, along with other exterior accents. The 2019 GMC Terrain Black Edition will be offered in five colors: Ebony Twilight Metallic, Summit White, Graphite Gray Metallic, and Satin Steel Metallic. A new Sedona Metallic will be available later on.
Acadia Black Edition
Available on SLT grades, the package features 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with black accents, a black grille insert, and black headlamp and taillamp details. Similar to the Terrain, the Acadia Black Edition comes in five colors: Ebony Twilight Metallic, Summit White, and White Frost Tricoat. Dark Sky Metallic and Smokey Quartz Metallic are new for 2019.
Pricing & Availability
The GMC Black Editions will be available this summer. GMC has not yet announced pricing, although expect it to be competitive relative to other special edition SUVs on the market. GMC crossovers were up 19 percent in February alone, with the Terrain posting a 17 percent year-over-year increase, and the Acadia was up 22 percent.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photo & Source: GMC.

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These Very Stylish Infiniti Vehicles Are Headed To The Big Apple

These Very Stylish Infiniti Vehicles Are Headed To The Big Apple Infiniti will roll into the New York International Auto Show with two specially-equipped SUVs. The 2019 QX60 and QX80 Limited will have more premium appointments than their non-Limited counterparts, and will serve to bolster sales for both product lines. Infiniti has been making the rounds on this year’s auto show circuit, showcasing their SUVs in particular.
The automaker says the Limited versions of the QX60 and QX80 have treatments that were “designed to make a statement.” Here is a rundown of what those treatments are – it’s up to you if they actually make a statement.
2019 QX60 Limited
The QX60, already one of Infiniti’s top sellers, receives a dark chrome front grille and fog lamp finishers in its Limited skin. The roof rails and cross bar have a darker coat of premium paint, and the rear bumper is covered in a gloss black tint. A “Limited” rear badge denotes this QX60 from the rest of the pack as it rides on 20-inch dark aluminum-alloy wheels.
Luxury treatments on the inside include leather-wrapped grab handles, dark silver wood accents, and a black headliner and pillars. All three rows feature a stone-colored semi-aniline leather with quilting, perforation, and contrast stitching and piping. It even comes with special floor and cargo mats with metal logos. Why? Because Limited!
Like all QX60s, the Limited is powered by a 3.5-liter V6, creating 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft. of torque.
2019 QX60 Limited. Photo: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.
2019 QX80 Limited
Drivers who demand large and luxurious will likely opt for the QX80 Limited. This big mother rides on dark machine-finished, 22-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels. Note the stainless steel running boards with rubber grips so drivers can actually get inside the vehicle.
And once inside, Infiniti says the “resemblance to a modern luxury space is purely intentional.” Thank goodness because we at this publication look poorly on automakers who unwittingly make their vehicles nice inside. That said, the 2019 QX80 Limited will feature two-tone semi-aniline leather and Alcantara-appointed seats, which come with their own special quilting, contrast piping, and stitching. The steering wheel and shift knob are leather-wrapped and matte silver open-pore Ash wood runs throughout. There’s even “branded welcome lightning” becasue Limited.
Those with a growing family may appreciate the available seating for seven. In this configuration, the second row has captain’s chairs whereas the third row becomes a bench. Also for the family, an available Theater Package has headrest screens for rear passengers who want to play a game or binge watch a show.
The 5.6-liter V8 creates 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft. of torque, and powers either the rear or both axles, the latter being known as “All-Mode 4WD.” The four-wheel drive system operates via a dial on the center console. Infiniti says this provides four-wheel traction when conditions require and off-road capability when the driver needs it.
2019 QX80 Limited. Photo: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.
In Person & Availability
These “Limited” machines will be on display at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public on March 30th. They are expected to arrive at Infiniti dealerships beginning this spring and summer, with pricing info available at that time.
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.
2019 QX60 Limited Gallery

2019 QX80 Limited Gallery

Photos & Source: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.

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Letter From The UK: The British Pothole Crisis

Letter From The UK: The British Pothole Crisis
As drivers we are admonished by our leaders to do better and be mindful of all the road safety rules and regulations. Commit a minor misdemeanour, however innocently or accidentally, and a camera has your number or a policeman pulls you over and your billfold is suddenly, painfully, lighter. That’s how it works here on the British Isles and I daresay it is the same in the USA.
Big Promises
Successive UK governments (motto: If you can’t fight, wear a big hat) have made road safety a top priority. This is as it should be but, like a boasting bully, they scarcely ever follow through when it comes to supporting the automotive infrastructure. In short, we are supposed to drive better but we have to do it on increasingly inferior roads.
In the UK, road maintenance is carried out by two different agencies. Local or regional town and country councils must maintain the minor roads and The Highways Agency must maintain the arterial routes, motorways, and expressways.
Friends, it just ain’t happening.
A Bit Of History
When cars were invented, it didn’t take long for governments to realise there was money in it for them. As vehicles improved the requirement of better roads became greater and it is the driver who paid. Our motoring taxes work like this: A substantial amount of the cost of a gallon of fuel is made up of not one, but two, taxes. When we buy a new car, part of the cost is tax. When we insure it there is tax to pay, and every year thereafter we have to pay another tax known as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).
The name changes from time to time but, historically, VED has always been known as “Road Tax.” The motorist who pays expects that money to be used to maintain the roads. These days, the government don’t see it that way and trouser the cash to spend on diversity training or lavish lunches in both our Houses of Parliament.
The result is that drivers pay more and get less. Sound familiar?
Pothole Crisis
The number one gripe among British drivers is the pothole. We have more holes in our roads than the moon has craters. Driving on the surface of the moon is a luxury we can only dream of. Thanks to literally decades of under-investment, some of our roads aren’t much better than Peruvian goat tracks. In fact, goats steer clear. The backlog of repairs runs into the many BILLIONS of our British Pounds and we have passed the point of no return.
Sure, the “authorities” will tell you that every year a couple of million potholes are repaired. This is largely true but it is money wasted because the repairs are often so inferior that as soon as there’s a frost or heavy rain, the repair material pops out again to form more dangerous gravel on the side of the road. Potholes are like those hardy weeds that grow in your yard; those things just keep on coming back.
The solution is clear to all except those who have their heads buried ostrich-like in the sand. Every year more and more cars appear on our roads. Wear and tear of surfaces is inevitable. This is why a full and comprehensive road programme is required. Instead of patching, remake. Instead of repairing, renew.
We, the motorists of Britain, are not holding our breath.
Winter conditions can have an adverse impact on a nation’s roadways. For example, in the State of Michigan, a significant portion of the MDOT’s annual maintenance budget is dedicated to pothole repair – over 8 million alone in fiscal year 2017. According to MDOT, potholes are caused when moisture seeps into the pavement, then freezes, expands and thaws, creating a gap in the pavement. Photo: Mircea Ploscar.
Road Casualties
This writer has no figures as to how many accidents are caused by potholes; that it happens though is certainly true. Potholes that are severe can at best blowout tires and at worst damage suspension. That’s an accident waiting to happen right there. The aftermath of road crashes costs the UK economy in excess of £15.6 billion every year. Where do you think that money could be better spent?
It doesn’t stop there. Our current driving test is, to be fair, pretty comprehensive, but more could be done. That we could help reduce new driver risk in the first six months of solo driving is a priority, and one of the aspects that pertains is pothole awareness. A new driver will not know what to expect when a wheel drops into a chasm until it’s too late.
And Finally
When a car is damaged by a pothole we may choose to claim it on our auto insurance. Insurers don’t like customers claiming; they take it personally. Thus some motorists accept the financial hit and pay up themselves, then try and claim back the money from the organisation responsible for the road maintenance.
It is possible; you can make a claim and win, but it’s a Stygian hell of malevolence that awaits. There is nothing more labyrinthine and sloth-like than a local government department. Yet, how else can a taxpayer penalise the people he pays to do a job if not through litigation? Otherwise it’s all just highway robbery.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite
Cover Photo: Jacob Ode.

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2019 VW Arteon To Offer Sporty R-Line Package

2019 VW Arteon To Offer Sporty R-Line Package Volkswagen will offer the sporty R-Line package for the 2019 VW Arteon. The R-Line trim provides drivers with additional performance-inspired design elements throughout the car. The Arteon R-Line package will be formally introduced during the upcoming 2018 New York International Auto Show, which opens to the pubic on Friday, March 30th. The new Arteon made its official debut in Chicago in early February.
Exterior Additions
With the R-Line package, the 2019 VW Arteon receives a set of special 19- or 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, along with unique air inlets and cover panels. R-Line badging, a front bumper that incorporates the air intakes, and a gloss black spoiler complete the exterior treatments.
Interior Elements
Arteon R-Line models will include contrast stitching on the steering wheel and shift knob, along with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, metallic décor pieces, and a black headliner. Other interior treatments include stainless-steel sport pedals and stainless-steel door sills with the R-Line logo.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Power & Performance
The 2019 VW Arteon features a 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine with direct-injection. The engine creates 268 horsepower, 258 lb-ft. of torque, and is paired to an eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard but VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system is available on every trim level.
Availability & In Person
The 2019 Arteon goes on sale this fall with the R-Line package available at that time. In addition to debuting the R-Line trim, VW will also unveil a concept version of a new five-passenger SUV at the New York International Auto Show. The new SUV will be a variant of the seven-passenger Atlas designed and engineered for the American market.

Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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2019 Audi A6 To Feature Technology You Can Interrupt

2019 Audi A6 To Feature Technology You Can Interrupt The 2019 Audi A6 will make its U.S. debut at the upcoming New York International Auto Show. Audi promises the new A6 will offer the latest technology, better driving dynamics, and increased comfort. The interior of the new A6 is larger than the outgoing model too, so occupants can look forward to more head and shoulder room. In advance of the festivities in New York, here is what we know so far about the 2019 Audi A6.
Touch & Go
The new Audi A6 is a rolling bin of tech-goodness, starting first with the MMI touch response system. The rotary dial and traditional controls from the previous model are gone in favor of two high-resolution displays. The MMI touch response operates in a familiar fashion, through the use drag-and-drop features. The menu structure, including the search function, works like a smartphone, and the main menu tiles and direct access bar can be configured individually. Over 30 shortcut buttons can be stored so drivers can configure their own preferences.
Both displays have special, anti-fingerprint coatings and anti-glare layers, making them easier to clean and see. The outermost layer is tempered so it’s more scratch-resistant.
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Talk & Go
The 2019 Audi A6 will take spoken requests and commands from drivers. This can include speaking things like “I’m cold” or “call Emily” or “where is the nearest coffee shop?” In each instance, the 2019 Audi A6 will respond accordingly, with things like “what temperature would you like to set the cabin to?” The dialogue manager will ask clarifying questions if necessary and offer other choices if applicable.
Audi also, quite hilariously, says the system “accepts being interrupted.”
Mobility Management
The myAudi app, launching later this year, offers A6 owners a special feature called myAudi Navigation. Essentially, the route to a given destination can be passed back and forth between the driver’s phone and their A6. Said route could begin on a smartphone, but continue through the car’s on-board system once the vehicle is started.
Power & Performance
Audi is slim on the details, but they do say “innovative suspension solutions” make the new A6 “noticeably more dynamic.” A new damping system is said to provide more precise feedback and higher levels of comfort, be it a cruise around town or a long jaunt on the highway.
An all-new turbo V6 is paired with a new 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which supports the engine and serves as the vehicle’s primary electrical source.
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Styling & Design
While such things are always subjective, the A6 does showcase Audi’s latest design language. Following the cues of the A8 and A7, the 2019 A6 is characterized by larger surfaces, nicely sculpted edges, and visible body lines. From the side, three distinctive lines actually reduce the visual height of the A6. The roof line, which tapers into the flat C-pillars, encompasses the silhouette while the shorter trunk ends in a curved edge for better aerodynamic performance.
Pricing & In Person
Audi did not disclose pricing or the date the 2019 A6 will be on sale. Expect to see it, in the meantime, at the New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public on Friday, March 30th.
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.
2019 Audi A6 Gallery

Photos & Source: Audi of America, Inc.

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McLaren Senna GTR: A Really Fast Car With A Face Only A Mother Could Love

McLaren Senna GTR: A Really Fast Car With A Face Only A Mother Could Love This is the McLaren Senna GTR, the track-only version of the McLaren Senna hyper-road car. And it is, somehow, even worse looking than the street version. Look, I know that Borrum demands you make certain aerodynamic sacrifices upon their altar, but if this is the result, perhaps you should start questioning your god’s aesthetic decisions. Seriously.
Power & Performance
Air can do fantastic things, if you know how to treat it. In the case of the McLaren Senna GTR, it can screw its plug-ugly ass down to the tar-Macadam of a race track with 2,205 lbs. of downforce. That aero-capability combines with a weight around 2,641 lbs., and even more power and torque from the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 found in the road car, which already puts out an upsetting 789 horsepower and 590 lb-ft. of torque. With a bump now to at least 814 horsepower, the Senna GTR will be considerably faster in a straight line.
Combine all that with a race-style transmission (I’m figuring a full dog box set up), revised double wishbone suspension, and full-on Pirelli race slicks, and it’s easy to believe McLaren when they say the Senna GTR posts the quickest McLaren circuit lap times other than a Formula 1 car. The Senna GTR uses the same carbon fiber Monocage III structure as the road-going version, which still provides more than enough core strength and rigidity for a out-and-out track car. The rest of the technical specs will be confirmed later this year.
Photo: McLaren Automotive.
Form & Function
“Form follows function” is the McLaren design philosophy, which I would love to see here, but all I can clock to is how the McLaren Senna GTR looks like a drawing on little Mikey Bay’s notebook, circa 8th grade. It is somehow worse than the normal Senna’s catalogue of bad design ideas only with tacky race graphics added. The Senna GTR does have a wider track and new fenders, front and back, with a new wheel design specifically for circuit use. For what that’s worth.
The front splitter of the McLaren GTR is a hilariously over-done and over-extended affair that, combined with the side skirts, has about the surface area of 1.1 pool tables. Obviously that Wyoming-sized-and-shaped splitter is larger than the road-car version (duh!) and contributes to improved front aerodynamic performance (also duh!). Add to this list the rear diffuser, which is both larger and extends further back. The rear deck sits lower than any previous McLaren, which aids aerodynamic performance.
Woking even took a crack at the doors, pushing the outer skin in as far as possible towards the center of the car so airflow is better channeled. There’s also that race track standard polycarbonate “ticket” window, which is not found on the road-legal McLaren Senna.

All You Need
All of this is part of McLaren’s focus on giving customers a track-fixated version across their full range of cars. McLaren has even gone so far as to start a single-make race series as part of the Pure McLaren track events. Yes, Pure McLaren. All you need is an International D-grade comp license and McLaren takes care of everything else. It’s a full “arrive and drive” setup that currently starts with the race-prepped 570S GT4. Oh, and money, it takes that too. Lots of it. Yup, you only need three things: an International D-grade competition license, your McLaren, and money. Boxcars and boxcars of money.
Pricing & Availability
If you want to buy one (and most of you would I’d bet) you can contact McLaren, as they’d be more than interested in talking with you about spending vast quantities of your money. “Expressions of interest” (which is about the most British thing I’ve read today) were taken at this year’s Geneva Motor Show and those “expressions of interest” can still be expressed up to 75 confirmed orders, then they shut off the factory line in Woking, England where the car will be hand-assembled. Each will be priced around $1.4 million.
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.
McLaren Senna GTR Gallery

Photos & Source: McLaren Automotive.

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