Automotive

Report: Could a new Toyota MR2 be on the horizon?

Report: Could a new Toyota MR2 be on the horizon? Following the media frenzy of the 2017 Geneva Auto Show, rumors suggests some new Toyota sports cars are on the way.
What’s going on?
A new report from EVO suggests Toyota could be furthering the process of reuniting with its past of making affordable sports cars. Toyota delivered pretty well to the enthusiasts with the 86 sports coupe–those complaining about lack of power notwithstanding.
But now, the new report says Toyota’s planning two additional sports models, one of which might signal the return of the MR2. Yup, you read that correctly.

Please, say it is so…
I wish I could, but there’s no genuine and real confirmation from Toyota quite yet. But EVO did manage to speak with CEO Tetsuya Tada, who hinted at the prospect. He first recognized the 86 and the obvious collaboration with BMW, summoning the return of the Supra. Then, Tada ambiguously admitted that a third model will join the lineup, resulting in a total of three sports cars. By the time the lineup is fulfilled, a new generation 86 will have arrived.
To many, the hints Tada shared suggests a new MR2 is on the way considering Toyota’s past lineup of sports cars that led itself to recognition by enthusiasts.
Originally, Toyota’s sports car lineup consisted of the flagship Supra. Then, you had the mid-engined MR2. And at the entry-level, you had the lovely Celica.
We already know a Supra is on the way. So gap filled. The current and next-gen 86 serves the purpose of the Celica. Gap number two, filled. What does that leave? The MR2.
It’s not all just the talk of the town…
For those of you already skeptical and thinking: this is Toyota folks, there’s no way the maker of the Camry and the Corolla will do this when people don’t care about cars yada yada yada yada yada….
But you see, this is false. Subcompact sports cars with low horsepower, but excellent chassis and handling dynamics are becoming increasingly popular. Or, at least demand is strong enough for Honda to make an all-new one–the S660.
The MR2 would technically be a step above the S660. But Honda is already rumored to be working on reviving the S2000. So the Japanese affordable sports car wars are back.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: EVO
The post Report: Could a new Toyota MR2 be on the horizon? appeared first on egmCarTech.

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Letter From The UK: Two British Legends & The Pleasure Of Your Company

Letter From The UK: Two British Legends & The Pleasure Of Your Company

Fish. Some folk like to eat fish and some don’t. Those that do are often enthusiastic about their preference and in the UK, fish eaters mostly love the humble and inoffensive cod. Mild of flavor and flaky of texture, this once abundant fish has been a staple meal-to-go for the truly hungry Brit.
The British like it deep-fried in batter and served with sliced fried potatoes called chips. Additionally, the we might like some “mushy peas” (don’t ask) all liberally sprinkled with salt and brown vinegar. It all stems from being a sea-faring island nation, I guess.
Cod stocks are running low and once, some years ago, we even went to “war” with those slippery Icelanders up in the Arctic Circle who tried to hold back the basis of our national dish. We sent a gunboat. I’m pretty sure they got the message. Right about now I’ll bet you’re thinking, “say Geoff; this is all very well and interesting and stuff but what has it to do with cars exactly?”
Well, I’m getting to it now . . .
Arguably the finest vehicle in the world is the Range Rover. As good on the blacktop as it is brilliant on the rough stuff. Now, the Range Rover has been tried and tested for years so there is no point in flogging away at a detailed review here. Everyone already knows how brilliant and capable this legendary car is in its various iterations, so instead, we’ll go on a trip to the glorious English county of Devonshire, home of traditional afternoon teas with scones, jam, and thick dairy cream, to visit Babbacombe.
Cruising For Fish & Chips
My wife and I like to travel the land in search of the finest fish and chips. The coastal town Whitby for example, in the county of Yorkshire, has two fine establishments and is also the port where Dracula first landed in Victorian England. The dark ruins of Whitby Abbey still stand sentinel over the town.
On this occasion though, we loaded up a shiny Range Rover Vogue SE on loan to us from the company. With all the extras fitted, the car costs the thick end of £100k but, in use, it feels more like a million dollars. Comfortable, roomy, and safe at any speed.
Powering up the V6 3.0-liter diesel, we traveled to the once quaint coastal village of Babbacombe to sample the delights of that other British legend: fish & chips with the optional mushy peas, served to perfection at Hanbury’s, the famous and award-winning take-out and restaurant.
Despite one annoying traffic tailback and some biblical British rain, our drive was relatively trouble free. We were able to watch the countryside change as we headed into the stormy distance, and to the beautiful, rain-washed West Country.
Hanbury’s is known for their famous fish and chips. The restaurant is located near Babbacombe Downs. Photo: DriveWrite Automotive.
The Method
For a car the size of Penn Station, the Range Rover really handles well, dispatching major routes with disdain and tackling narrow country lanes with more agility than you might expect. On the go, the Range Rover feels precise, inspiring driver confidence and allowing accurate placing on the road. There are many candidates for the role of Off-Road King but, like an aging lion protecting his pride, the Range Rover continues to fight off all-comers.
It really is that good.
You can get it with a V8 and in the USA I would, but here on the crowded, broken roads of the UK, I’d say the good old V6 diesel is all that’s needed. Put the foot down and let the eight-speed auto do its work as the legal limit comes at you swiftly and quietly, like an automotive ninja. A V8 will do it faster but will obviously use more precious fuel.
The Range Rover is a very quiet and refined car. It’s particularly impressive cruising at high speeds. It really does an excellent job of isolating you from the elements, thanks in part to an acoustically laminated windscreen that’s standard on all versions.
Inside it is the epitome of comfort. Certainly some things are starting to look a bit dated but it is still a pleasure to drive. The lofty driving position commands the road. As good as it ever was, 2017 is seeing new additions to the range of Rovers available. SVR or Velar anyone?
Our Range Rover took the heavy rain and long journey in stride. Photo: DriveWrite Automotive.

The Reason
Babbacombe, with its twin beaches, used to be a lovely little stand-alone coastal village on the South Devon. Now it is more like a suburb of nearby Torquay, a bigger, brasher town.
It is sadly true to say the British seaside resorts, once packed with happy holiday makers, are now but a shadow of their former glories, thanks to global travel.
Resorts like Babbacombe still retain a gentile air though, and this small seaside village continues to boast a theater, and a famous funicular railway to manage the steep climb up from the beaches. We stayed at the Downs Hotel on Babbacombe Downs run by friendly and obliging owners. And very good it is too. We had a balcony from which we could overlook the great sweep of the bay and the open sea beyond.
Our ultimate mission was to sample the fare at the aforementioned Hanbury’s, the award-winning fish and chips emporium. My goodness it was good. I am drooling like Homer Simpson at the memory.
When it comes to this Great British delicacy, I am not easily pleased, seeing myself as something of a connoisseur. Feeling peckish, I ordered the Hanbury Jumbo Cod. Ever wondered what happened when they freed Willy? I think I’ve eaten him. With shame I admit the meal beat me. Our server removed the giant platter doing her best not to sneer at my pathetic appetite.
Babbacombe Downs in the early morning. Photo: DriveWrite Automotive.
Why Take A Trip To The UK?
Despite the fact that all other Europeans now hate us and we are about to go it alone, the UK still has a huge amount to offer visitors from the USA. All you need is a rental car and, to make it official, a reason for coming. Traditional British fish and chips from carefully selected establishments is reason enough. We have beaches, woodlands, stately homes, castles, lakes, culture, and lashings of ginger beer.
We’d love to have your company. Also, if the truth be told, we could really use a bunch of your American dollars. Do come.
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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Lurento: A Luxury Car Rental Marketplace Focused On Service

Lurento: A Luxury Car Rental Marketplace Focused On Service When you place “Italian” in front on things, it usually adds an element of luxury, status, and class. An Italian wedding or Italian cuisine sound magnificent and delightful, while Italian design or Italian influence is regal and poised.
The same is true arguably for an Italian vacation. Sounds exciting right? Perhaps a trip to Rome to see the remnants of the gladiators at The Colosseum, or to Florence for Renaissance art; perhaps Venice with its majestic canals has always been your dream? And all of that sounds so much better when paired with an Italian car, like a Ferrari or Lamborghini.
Disclosure: This article is sponsored by Lurento. All views and opinions expressed here are my own. Check out our advertising guidelines to see why we’d never steer you wrong.
Touch of Class
We took an instant liking to Lurento when we learned about them. They truly understand what it takes to compliment the perfect getaway with friends or an important business trip with your associates. Lurento is a luxury car rental marketplace. Their selection of luxury and sports cars are the best in the business, and are available in many European countries. Lurento offers high-end vehicles you won’t find anywhere else when it comes to planning your destination, be it for business or pleasure.
Lurento started in 2015 and their marketplace launched last November. Founder Mihailo Dhoric saw a need for more than just luxury cars, however. He wants customers to have a genuine connection and meaningful experience. This is something we appreciated a great deal after meeting Dhoric and learning about Lurento.
“The market is very specific with a lot of players, but customer-wise there is no good solution,” he said. “This is why we have full customer support and cars are delivered 24/7, wherever they want.”
Those traveling on tight schedules for business will definitely appreciate Lurento’s services.
“We’re flexible about late returns and we accommodate almost any request,” Dhoric said.
Lurento can make arrangements for long-term rentals, professional chauffeur services, and other special occasions. Photo: Lurento.
Customer Focused
Since renting an exotic or luxury car can take time, Lurento has simplified and streamlined the process accordingly. It’s shorter with direct customer support, and everything is transparent. For example, Lurento’s clients receive everything ahead of time, from original photos of the car to the rates. When it comes to renting an exotic, finding a reliable company, getting all the correct information, the lengthy booking process, and high prices with broker agencies can sour the experience. Lurento negotiates the rates and all fees (extra miles, additional drivers, security deposit etc.) so there are no surprises, and customers get the best price possible.
Lurento’s clientele includes every type of individual from leisure travelers and business executives, to athletes, celebrities, and other notable figures. Some customers simply want to sightsee throughout Europe at their own pace and enjoy the drive. Others are traveling on business and want an element of performance and luxury for their trip. This wide ranging yet unique customer base has given Lurento a specific advantage when it comes to providing top notch service.
“People expect a premium service when they pay for luxury cars,” Dhoric explained.
Those traveling with their spouses on romantic getaways and seniors enjoying their retirement also utilize Lurento.
“We never let anyone down,” Dhoric added.
Lurento offers some of the world’s finest automobiles like this Bentley Flying Spur. Photo: Lurento.
World-Class Cars
When it comes to selection, Lurento offers everything from luxury vans and convertibles, to sedans and sports cars. Their executive section features the BMW 7 Series, Bentley Flying Spur, and Maserati Quattroporte, among others. Lurento’s sports car section will really get your imagination running, especially if you love Ferraris. Cars like the 458 Italia, F12 Berlinetta, and LaFerrari are available, and some Ferrari models can even be rented if you are under 21.
Top speed, horsepower, and acceleration times are listed for each car Lurento offers. Clicking on the image brings up a page that shows additional performance information about that particular car. Lurento also has a large network of partners in Europe so even if the car you want is unavailable, you often can get the same model or a similar alternative.
The booking process is safe for both customers and suppliers, and is a vital part of Lurento’s mission. Each vehicle listed through Lurento has a supplier rating included, based solely on client reviews, so you know ahead of time what to expect.
“The booking process is fully secured for you, your event, or your group,” Dhoric said.
Whether it’s driving a Ferrari around the Italian countryside, blasting across the German Autobahn in an Audi R8, or rolling around London in a Rolls Royce, Lurento has you covered when you need a luxury rental car service in Europe.
“We have the best selection of vehicles and transparent pricing,” Dhoric said. “Instead of searching online and spending time emailing and calling, you have Lurento.”

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Ford To Add Over-The-Air Updates In 2020: How Will They Work?

Ford To Add Over-The-Air Updates In 2020: How Will They Work? Next year, Ford expects to introduce over-the-air updates for new cars.Software updates are designed to run “in the background” and be seamless. Ford says OTA technology will be more convenient in the long run for owners. Starting next year, Ford will equip most of their newly-redesigned vehicles in the United States to receive, handle, and install over-the-air updates. Sometimes called OTA technology, Ford says it will make it easier for customers to receive necessary quality and capability updates to improve vehicle performance, as well as reduce dealership visits.

“Nobody wants to feel like they’re missing out on great features right after spending their hard-earned money on a new vehicle – that’s where our over-the-air updates can help,” explained Don Butler, Executive Director, Connected Vehicle and Services, Ford Motor Company. “We can now help improve your vehicle’s capability, quality, and overall driving experience while you’re sleeping.”

When Will Ford’s Over-The-Air Updates Arrive?

Ford expects to deliver its first updates about six months after launching the first vehicles with the capability in 2020. The updates may even go unnoticed by some, as the platform allows them to be installed in the background. Said platform keeps current programs running until the new version is ready for activation. Ford says they want the updates to be as seamless as possible.

“Computer updates that require reboots seem to come at the most inconvenient times, which is why we wanted to make our updates as invisible to customers as possible,” Butler said.

According to a recent Forbes report, special precautions were taken to ensure Ford’s OTA technology is safe and secure. “We have protection and encryption for the delivery pipe itself,” Butler told the publication.

Starting next year, Ford will equip most of their newly-redesigned vehicles in the United States to receive, handle, and install over-the-air updates. How Do Ford’s Over-The-Air Updates Work?

Owners select a time they are not driving the vehicle, like in the middle of the night for example. When owners come out in the morning, the updates have already been performed and the vehicle is ready to be driven. While Ford says some updates do require the vehicle to be parked and shut off, others can be activated in under two minutes.

Owners receive notifications when updates are available, and can have them applied automatically over Wi-Fi or cellular connections. In-vehicle alerts tell what updates were installed the next time they jump in the vehicle.

Many updates will be virtually invisible to customers via the cloud-connected and vehicle software platform. Ford plans to introduce its OTA technology in 2020. Photo: Ford Motor Company.What Over-The-Air Updates Are Not

Over-the-air updates are not a substitute for routine maintenance. Basic maintenance, like changing the oil and fluids, and rotating the tires is still the best way to get the most life out of any car. While convenient, OTA technology will not help if a vehicle needs things like new brakes and suspension components. Always have any vehicle, regardless of how new it is, inspected by a trusted mechanic each time you take it in for an oil change.

The Car Care Council offers a wealth of free information through a series of informative videos. The non-profit organization educates motorists about the importance of regular vehicle care and maintenance. We recommend the the council’s free Car Care Guide, which has helped over three millions motorists. The guide is available electronically or in print, and in English and Spanish.

The Automoblog staff covers automotive industry news, trends, and technology along with new vehicle releases. Automoblog is owned and operated by Gearhead Media LLC., based in Detroit, Michigan and Berlin, Germany.

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Concept: A Serious Contender?

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Concept: A Serious Contender? In some ways, VW’s Atlas Cross Sport Concept is just that: A concept vehicle at an auto show loaded with gee-wiz features. In a lot of other ways, this is just VW’s latest SUV. But the real key to the Atlas Cross Sport Concept can be found in the press materials when VW says, “Atlas five-seater shows that Volkswagen has a serious SUV strategy.”
In other words, “take our SUVs seriously.” Well, should we take the Atlas Cross Sport Concept seriously?
Up To Speed
For those out of the loop, the quick sketch is that SUVs are a big deal. People want them, for a number of reasons you don’t have to be Sigmund Freud to really figure out. And car makers want to sell them, because the profit margins are higher than traditional cars. So, bottom line: Everybody wants in on the SUV game. And Volkswagen is kind of late to the party. So, their Atlas Cross Sport Concept has to hit all the right notes and make an impression.
The Atlas Cross Sport Concept sits right in the middle of the SUV world. It’s not huge, like an Escalade, and it’s not goofy and tiny, like a Nissan Juke (if the Juke even counts). The Atlas can seat five and carry a lot of their stuff, and it looks like a modern SUV: a big, two-box design resembling a station wagon on steroids.
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Concept on display at the 2018 New York International Auto Show.
Just Enough
The Atlas Cross Sport Concept is 7.5 inches shorter than the run-of-the-mill Atlas, yet it keeps the same wheelbase. The most notable loss is that third row, which knocks the seating capacity down to five. So the Atlas Cross Sport Concept is not aimed at big families, but it’s still big enough for most people and most families to use most of the time. VW goes on and on about how it looks, but to my eyes, it’s rather inoffensive and generic and, if anything, there’s not much there to even criticize. What really sets VW’s Atlas Cross Sport Concept apart is the hybrid drivetrain.
Power & Performance
Volkswagen notes the Atlas is based on the company’s modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform, and that it can be “built with all manner of drive systems, including a plug-in hybrid drivetrain.” In other words, look for a bunch of engine choices across the range.
The concept uses the same 3.6-liter V6 FSI engine as the “normal” Atlas, putting out 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft. of torque. However, that’s just the start, since output is enhanced by two electric motors “fueled” by a compact 18.0 kWh lithium-ion battery housed in the center tunnel. The front motor puts out 54 horsepower and 162 lb-ft. of torque, and the rear motor adds 114 horsepower and 199 lb-ft. of torque to the party. This means a total system power output of 355 horsepower and 1,439,294 lb-ft. of torque.
Wait, I think my figures are a little off for the torque? Let’s just say it puts out a lot of torque, okay? Anyways, you add all that up and this VW concept hits 60 in just 5.4 seconds, topping out at 130 mph.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Drive Modes
And here’s where things get interestingly geeky and gearhead-centric. The software genies that control everything do some very interesting stuff, allowing this concept to operate in any of five modes: E-Mode, Hybrid, GTE, Off-Road or Battery Hold/Battery Charge.
The vehicle always starts out in the all-electric E-Mode if the battery is sufficiently charged. The all-electric driving range is up to 26 miles. Impressive. In E-Mode, drive power is entirely supplied by the 114 horsepower electric motor at the rear axle. Further, the gasoline engine is decoupled from the drivetrain and shut off. As soon as the software decides it needs the V6, it is recoupled to the drivetrain in an almost unnoticeable process.
When working in Hybrid mode, the V6 and/or rear electric motor automatically engage. If the battery is not sufficiently charged at this point, lifting your foot off the accelerator or hitting the brakes will turn the electric motors into generators where the energy recovered from braking is pumped into the lithium-ion battery. In GTE, which is driver-activated via a button, the throttle map, gearshifts, and steering feel sportier, and the V6 and the electric motors work together to access the full system’s power output. Ya-hoo!
If the driver activates the Off-Road mode, the Atlas Cross Sport Concept goes full-on all-wheel drive. The battery’s state of charge is low, and the front electric motor is exclusively used as a generator for the electric motor on the rear axle. This is said to give this show-car Atlas very impressive off-road ability.
Finally, the dual Battery Hold/Battery Charge mode is activated from a menu in the infotainment system. Battery Hold means the energy content of the battery stays constant and Battery Charge means the battery is charged while driving; and all this sounds quite clever. For example, you might use this mode to intentionally prep for driving in the all-electric mode.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
In Person
Will this concept be built? Probably, but that’s not the point, I think. The point here is that VW could be sitting on a very flexible drivetrain that can be dropped into a large number of future vehicles. We will have to wait and see. In the meantime, the Atlas Cross Sport Concept is on display the New York International Auto Show, now through April 8th at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.
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.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Concept Gallery

Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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How Many Easter Eggs Can Your Favorite HD Truck Haul

How Many Easter Eggs Can Your Favorite HD Truck Haul If I could offer one nugget of advice for the Easter Bunny (assuming he’s reading) it would be to ditch the basket and get a truck. While the basket certinately has a novelty flare synonymous with the Easter season, hauling chocolate bunnies, jelly beans, and painted eggs is much easier with a big truck. The question is what truck would best suit the Easter Bunny, and the team at Royalty Core set out to find the answer.
Colorful Numbers
Based in Oregon, Royalty Core designs and hand-builds custom performance grilles, emblems, and headache racks. Their grilles and other unique truck parts have been featured in dozens of industry magazines, and are often part of award-winning SEMA builds. The staff came up with a math formula to get the hard boiled egg-hauling totals for the new Ford F-250, Chevy and GMC 2500 HD base models, Nissan Titan XD, and Ram 2500.
“We’re all about customizing your truck, so we thought adding something decorative to the bed would be a fun way to measure just how much these trucks can handle,” said Robb Kamp, owner of Royalty Core.
Here is Royalty Core’s brain scrambling (see what I did there) formula to determine how many eggs these trucks can haul.
One U.S. large, dyed egg weighs about 57 grams.
The egg’s density is 1.03 grams/cm3, so the egg is about 56 cm3 (3.4 cu. in.) in volume.
Round that measurement to 3.75 inches to account for the empty space around each egg.
Eat a chocolate bunny (optional).
Next, convert the volume of a truck bed from cubic feet to cubic inches, and divide by 3.75 to come up with an egg count.
Now, convert the weight of an egg in grams to pounds (57 grams = 0.126 pounds), and multiply by the egg count to get the total egg weight.
Write it all down in a table, check your work, and then brag to your friends about how much better your truck is than theirs.
“I can tell you when we started this, we weren’t sure any of the trucks could handle their max capacity of Easter eggs,” Kamp added. “That was surprising.”
The Nissan Titan XD is great for hauling hay. Easter eggs on the on the other hand? That’s a different story. Photo: Nissan North America.
And The Winners Are . . .
Weight totals mostly stayed beneath or just over each truck’s maximum payload, but one truck couldn’t haul the number of eggs that actually fit in its bed. Here’s the bed size, egg capacity, and whether or not these trucks were up to the challenge:
2018 Chevy 2500 HD – 61 cubic feet + 28,109 eggs = 8 pounds more than max payload.
2018 Ford F-250 – 65 cubic feet + 29,952 eggs = 3,774 pounds. Yes, it can haul!
2018 GMC 2500 HD – 61 cubic feet + 28,109 eggs = 8 pounds more than max payload.
2018 RAM 2500 – 58 cubic feet + 26,726 eggs = 3,368 pounds. Yes, it can haul!
2018 Nissan Titan XD – 59 cubic feet + 27,187 eggs = 516 pounds more than max payload.
So, based on this, the Easter Bunny (should) be getting either a new Ram or Ford. Chevy fans can counter by simply saying the Easter Bunny isn’t real. Nissan fans should just opt for the traditional Easter basket. It can probably haul more eggs.
Royalty Core’s graphic is below, with a version you can share on social media here. Happy Easter and sorry Nissan fans!
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.

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Brembo Showcases Next Gen, High Performance Caliper In New York

Brembo Showcases Next Gen, High Performance Caliper In New York Brembo introduced a new brake caliper for the high performance road car market during the New York International Auto Show. Brembo says the new caliper comes by way of rigorous study and a dedication to create functional products with engaging shapes. The company drew on over 45 years of Motorsport experience and over 300 racing championships as they developed the new caliper.
The goal was to create something that could match the shape, color, and exclusivity of high performance cars.
New Applications
Brembo’s engineers focused on the caliper’s geometry, reducing the mass of the areas not subjected to stress during braking. To get a better understanding on how to accomplish this, topology optimization was utilized. Topology optimization is a software tool that allowed the engineers to simulate the stiffness of the caliper and locate excess material. This application is more common for racing brakes, being used now for the first time for a cast aluminum caliper intended for road cars.
Brembo has a number of similar innovations for road-going performance cars already, including a hybrid material braking system for the 2019 Corvette ZR1.
New Benchmarks
With the minimized curves and material reduction, a weight savings of 400 grams per wheel was achieved, marking the highest ratio of weight/stiffness ever for a cast aluminum caliper for road use. Brembo says the new caliper will be used in conjunction with carbon ceramic discs and can be made in a variety of colors.
In Person
Brembo’s new caliper is equipped to the 720 horsepower Pagani Huayra, located inside their display at the New York International Auto Show, now through April 8th at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.

Photos & Source: Brembo SpA.

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2019 GMC Sierra AT4: No Road, No Problem

2019 GMC Sierra AT4: No Road, No Problem GMC Sierra fans are getting a little more bite for their bark as the 2019 GMC Sierra AT4 looms on the horizon. GMC says the truck is a “unique formula” becasue it blends off-road capability with technology and refinement. The new Sierra was recently revealed amid strong sales. Earlier in March, Duncan Aldred, Global GMC Vice President, explained that SLT and Denali models account for 87 percent of the brand’s total crew cab sales.
And now a new AT4 coming is down the pipe.
Essential Equipment
This GMC special rolls out of the factory with a two-inch lift, two-speed transfer case, locking rear differential, and skid plates. The Rancho monotube shock absorbers, hill descent control, and traction select system each increase the truck’s 4×4 capability. And there’s even a suite of advanced safety features like Surround Vision, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, and Front Pedestrian Braking.
The GMC Sierra AT4 comes with three different wheel and tire combos: 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, or mud terrain-rated Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires, or the available 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. It’s your call.
Photo: GMC.
Power & Performance
Standard is the evergreen 5.3 V8 although the beastly 6.2 is available. GMC has not clarified horsepower or torque figures, but says both engines feature Dynamic Fuel Management. This replaces the current Active Fuel Management and differs in the sense it can shut off any number of cylinders, in a variety of combinations, to boost performance and efficiency. Dynamic Fuel Management enables the truck to operate on just one or all eight cylinders, depending on driving conditions.
GMC Sierra AT4 buyers can also opt for an all-new Duramax 3.0-liter inline-six turbo-diesel. The Duramax and 6.2 are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The aforementioned traction select system contains preset drive modes tailored for different terrain or weather conditions. The different modes adjust the Sierra’s transmission shift points, throttle mapping, and StabiliTrak to optimize performance.
When loading up those ATVs for the wild country, the new Sierra AT4 will give adventure seekers plenty of towing tools. GMC’s ProGrade Trailering feature with a compatible smartphone app is on offer. The system includes a pre-departure checklist, trailer light test, tire pressure monitoring for the trailer, and maintenance reminders among others. There’s also a handy bird’s-eye view that shows up on the infotainment screen.
GMC’s MultiPro Tailgate features six functions and positions, second-tier loading, a standing workstation, and integrated hand grips and bumper steps. Photo: GMC.
Styling & Design
The GMC Sierra AT4 should look pretty slick coming down the road with its darker exterior finishes, black chrome, and touches of red. The front and rear bumpers and grille surround match the truck’s body color, and the C-shaped LED lighting is a nice touch. A premium high-gloss black finish was even applied to the window trim, mirror caps, and skid plate.
On the inside, drivers are treated to a darker cabin with tinted and textured aluminum finishes on the steering wheel, center stack, and sill plates. Long trips should be a breeze thanks to the leather-trimmed seats and Jet Black/Kalahari color accents. Special AT4 badging on the headrests and floormats finish off the interior treatments.
Pricing & Availability
GMC has not reveled pricing at this time. Expect the new Sierra AT4 at dealerships this fall.
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 GMC Sierra AT4 Gallery

Photos & Source: GMC.

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Waymo & Jaguar Land Rover To Create Self-Driving Fleet

Waymo & Jaguar Land Rover To Create Self-Driving Fleet Jaguar Land Rover and Waymo announced a strategic partnership to develop self-driving I-PACE electric vehicles for Waymo’s autonomous transportation service. The companies say the collaboration will strengthen their shared goals of making safe cars and increasing mobility for all populations. Testing will begin later this year.
“While we’ve been focused at Waymo on building the world’s most experienced driver, the team at Jaguar Land Rover has developed an all-new battery-electric platform that looks to set a new standard in safety, design, and capability,” said John Krafcik, Chief Executive Officer, Waymo.
Engineers from both Waymo and Jaguar Land Rover will use the testing data to refine the technology. The companies say the partnership focuses on safety and reliability, two things that have come into question recently after an Arizona woman was struck and killed by a self-driving vehicle.
Once testing is complete, up to 20,000 I-PACE vehicles will be built during the first two years, and be available for riders of Waymo’s driverless service. In the meantime, the Waymo Jaguar I-PACE will be shown at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public on Friday, March 30th.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Waymo Jaguar I-PACE Gallery

Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.

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