Automotive

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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55 MPG Expected For 2019 Honda Insight

55 MPG Expected For 2019 Honda Insight The 2019 Honda Insight can finally be seen at this year’s upcoming New York International Auto Show. Honda says the 2019 Insight has robust acceleration and competitive fuel efficiency thanks to its new hybrid drivetrain. Joining the Clarity series and the 2018 Accord Hybrid, the new Insight is the fifth Honda electrified vehicle introduced over the past year. The all-new Insight will provide a fresh look for Honda’s expanding lineup of electrified vehicles.
Premium Treatments
The Insight, a compact sedan, is positioned and priced between the Civic and Accord in Honda’s lineup, and aims to offer a unique level of packaging, refinement, and efficiency. The design aims to be sleek with a low and wide stance, bold front fascia, low-profile LED headlights and taillights, sharp character lines, and a sweeping, coupe-like, roofline. On the inside, drivers will find premium cabin appointments such as a soft-touch instrument panel, ergonomically sculpted seats, a large-ish seven-inch TFT color “digital driver’s meter,” and heated, leather-trimmed seats. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also built-in.
Photo: Honda North America.
Chassis & Suspension
The new Insight rides on a comparatively long wheelbase of 106.3 inches. That means you get both a nice ride and excellent packaging for a spacious 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space. Honda accomplished this – a tricky feat to pull off in a hybrid – by placing the lithium-ion hybrid battery pack beneath the rear seats. Not only do you get a normal-sized trunk, but the Insight also comes with a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat to maximize cargo – and people – hauling flexibility.
The Insight shares the same basic platform as the tenth-gen Civic, which helps explain why the Insight has that premium compact sedan feel. The body features an aluminum hood to cut weight, while additional sound insulation in the engine bay, front fenders, front firewall, and front and rear floors help create a tranquil cabin. The new Insight also features Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure.
The chassis is designed for a refined, confident, and composed driving experience according to Honda. There’s a fully-independent suspension system with a Macpherson strut front end, and a multi-link rear setup; the high-trim Touring models have liquid-sealing compliance bushings at both ends. The electric power steering is a variable-ratio dual-pinion deal and there’s an electro-servo brake system, which combines regenerative braking with the normal mechanical brake system for better stopping performance.

Power & Performance
Speaking of that hybrid system, it all starts with an efficient 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle engine that is coupled to a powerful electric propulsion motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. Total output is 151 horsepower and 197 lb-ft. of torque with up to 55 mpg in the city, according to Honda’s internal certification testing.
Under most conditions, the Insight operates as a series hybrid, like a railroad locomotive: The gasoline engine, connected to the generator motor, produces electricity that is supplied to the electric propulsion motor or to the 60-cell lithium-ion battery pack. There are three drive modes for the new Insight: NORMAL, ECON, and SPORT. You can pick and choose which one suits you, your mood, or the conditions. All Insights have steering wheel-mounted deceleration selectors so you can choose from three levels of regenerative braking performance as well.
Photo: Honda North America.
Availability & In Person
The 2019 Honda Insight comes in three trim levels: LX, EX, and the top-of-the-line Touring; the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance tech comes standard. It will arrive at Honda dealers later this year, but will be on display for the duration for the 2018 New York International Auto Show which opens to the public on Friday, March 30th.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
2019 Honda Insight Gallery

Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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Run For The Roses: Ram Kentucky Derby Edition Arrives

Run For The Roses: Ram Kentucky Derby Edition Arrives Ram has unveiled a limited edition 1500 to commemorate the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby. The 2019 Ram Kentucky Derby Edition is modeled after the top Limited trim and will feature distinctive “Run for the Roses” fender graphics.
“The Kentucky Derby has long been among America’s most cherished sporting events,” explained Mike Manley, Head of Ram Brand – FCA. “The close ties between Ram trucks and the equine community have led us to the introduction of the 2019 Ram 1500 Kentucky Derby Edition.”
Features & Colors
The special Ram 1500 has a Uconnect 12-inch touchscreen radio with Sirius XM, navigation, four-corner auto-leveling air suspension, power running boards, trailer hitch with sway control, and blind spot monitor with automatic trailer detection. The Ram Kentucky Derby Edition includes premium, heated and cooled leather reclining seats, front and rear, and authentic wood and metal trim.
The truck comes in six colors: Delmonico Red, Diamond Black Crystal, Granite Crystal, Max Steel, or Patriot Blue. Ivory White Tri Coat is also available, a first for the Ram lineup.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Configurations
The Ram Kentucky Derby Edition is available in 4×2 or 4×4 Crew Cab configurations, with a 5 ft.-7 in. bed. When properly equipped, the 2019 Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 lbs.
“The Ram 1500 is a no-compromise truck that delivers capability, durability, technology, and safety and is well-suited to meet the needs of all kinds of owners, including those who love horses,” Manley said.
Pricing & Availability
The Ram Kentucky Derby Edition is on sale now, although production is limited to 2,000 units. Starting MSRP is $53,190, plus a $1,645 destination charge.
The 144th running of the Kentucky Derby takes place on Saturday, May 5th at Churchill Downs. 2018 marks the 9th year Ram has been the Official Truck of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Ram Kentucky Derby Edition Gallery

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL R-Line Review

2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL R-Line Review
Volkswagen has moved into the three-row family vehicle category with its all-new Atlas SUV. It offers a spacious cabin, V6 power, room for seven passengers, and an R-Line appearance package setting it apart from the standard model.
This weekend, we drove the near top-of-the-lineup, 2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL with the R-Line trim.
What’s New For 2018
The Volkswagen Atlas is entirely new for 2018 as a midsize, three-row crossover aimed at families. Built in Tennessee, alongside the Passat, the Atlas focuses on the American market, competing with the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and new Subaru Ascent.
Features & Options
The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL ($40,890) comes standard with simulated leather upholstery, push-button start, automatic headlights, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, rear sunshades, a blind-spot monitoring system, a larger eight-inch touchscreen interface, and the option for captain’s chairs in the second row. Tech features include remote start, automatic three-zone climate control, a power rear liftgate, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
The SEL trim adds a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front passenger seats, and park distance control. This SEL tester came with the optional R-Line appearance package ($1,960) featuring 20-inch alloy wheels, R-Line bumpers, badging and trim, and stainless steel pedal cluster. Total MSRP including destination: $43,775.

Interior Highlights
The cabin of the new Atlas is spacious up front with lots of leg and headroom for drivers and passengers. The all-black leatherette interior is in sharp contrast to the all-white exterior of this three-row SUV. The cabin design is conservative with clean lines, and was well thought out with its logical controls and easy to understand displays.
The quality of materials lags behind the competition, but there’s still enough soft-touch materials to give an up-class feeling. In the back, there’s more hard plastic, but that’s a good thing with the kids spilling things, offering easier cleanup for parents on the go.
The second row also offers stretch-out space and taller adults won’t feel cramped on long trips. The second-row bench splits 60/40 and slides forward to grant access to the rear compartment. The third row is exceptionally roomy and we think it wins best-in-class honors. It’s even capable of transporting average-size adults. With the second and third rows folded flat, the Atlas offers 96.8 cubic feet of cargo carrying ability.
Overall, the Atlas cabin is impressively spacious and versatile, functional and easy to use, and cargo space excels.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
This Atlas tester came with the optional 3.6-liter V6 engine, generating 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft. of torque. It’s mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission with Triptronic. This particular Atlas came with front-wheel drive, but Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive ($1,800) is an option for V6 models.
The Stop/Start system is standard and shuts off the engine at traffic lights to save fuel and reduce emissions. EPA fuel mileage estimates come in at 18/25 city/highway and 20 combined.
Driving Dynamics
While the raw numbers of the optional V6 would suggest this three-row family hauler would be underpowered, we found it to have more than enough grunt for most driving situations. The new Atlas has a composed attitude with smooth acceleration, solid stability at high speeds, a comfortable ride on the highway, and responsive handling in the corners.
On the road, the new Atlas feels lighter than expected for a vehicle of its size and weight. Even with the optional R-Line 20-inch wheels, our rear passengers over the weekend said it was a smooth, comfortable ride. Even on dirt roads, the fully independent suspension absorbed the bumps capably and confidently.
We pushed the Atlas hard around the tight mountain corners west of Denver, and it remained composed with little body lean. When pushed uphill at altitude, we found it had enough power and the eight-speed automatic wasn’t hunting for the right gear.
However, the V6 isn’t as frugal by today’s fuel efficiency standards as some of the competition, even without all-wheel drive.
Conclusion
The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is especially spacious inside and offers lots of flexibility for your cargo-carrying needs. There’s room for seven passengers, and adults can even ride in the back for more than a few blocks.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Volkswagen Atlas R-Line Gallery

2018 Volkswagen Atlas Official Site.
Photos: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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Automoblog Book Garage: Muscle Car Barn Finds

Automoblog Book Garage: Muscle Car Barn Finds
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure is probably the best idiom to sum up the automotive barn find movement. Back in that old shed, surrounded by clutter, and underneath all that dust and dirt is a rare gem just waiting to be discovered. Those who seek such prizes are like the automotive equivalent of Indiana Jones – minus the encounters with snakes – but then again, depending on where you come across these buried treasures, snakes might be part of the ordeal.
You go on ahead and look around in there. We’ll wait.
The Hunt
Muscle Car Barn Finds comes to us by way of “Automotive Archaeologist” Ryan Brutt, who shows us old bulls do come back from the pasture. The book takes us through the small towns and back roads, under tattered tarps, and behind garage doors for a look at what long forgotten cars are stashed there. Finding an abandoned car is one of the most common dreams among collectors and a catalyst for the hobby, with car shows now having entire classes devoted to barn find vehicles. And we get a good taste of that thrill in Muscle Car Barn Finds.
Restoration & Imagination
Perhaps the best part about a barn find is seeing what the car could become again. Sure, it may not look like much now – it may look pretty rough – but with a little love and elbow grease, these barn finds can become just as majestic today as they were in their time. Muscle Car Barn Finds inspires our imagination in that way, and reminds us why we enjoy cars so much in the first place. This is an ideal book for any classic or muscle car enthusiast to have on the coffee table.
Author
Brutt travels the United States documenting lost and abandoned automotive gems. He is a Contributing Editor for Hot Rod Magazine and organizes the barn finds class for the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals. He is also the author Amazing Barn Finds and Roadside Relics and lives in Skokie, Illinois.
Muscle Car Barn Finds is available through Motorbooks and other online retailers.
Muscle Car Barn Finds Gallery

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Memory Lane: Bumbershoot Festivals & Defensive Driving

Memory Lane: Bumbershoot Festivals & Defensive Driving

Part one of this series here.
It’s been a few weeks since the anger over losing my beloved F-150 has faded, as if losing my truck was more important than the fact that I was not seriously injured. According to the United States Department of Transportation, male drivers aged 16 to 29 are the most dangerous people on the road.
The guy who hit me and totaled both vehicles in the process was 28.
As much as I want to be in denial about it, I was a young driver and fitted that category perfectly. My angst towards the guy subsided when I remembered the accidents I had caused, and how I became more respectful of the machines I drove over time.
Forty Dollar Folly
When I was 18, or so, I borrowed a co-worker’s 1965 Plymouth Valiant with a push button transmission. It was black with red interior. I lived up north and was driving on a clear road, except it was covered with black ice. Due to my inexperience, I failed to recognize it and lost control of the car. I ended up down an eight-foot embankment, the car smashing dead on a boulder. The rock didn’t move, but the front of the car was pushed back quite a ways and it was totaled.
I only suffered a scratched knee when it busted the 8-track tape.
Of course, there was a cost to my poor driving and I had to reimburse my co-worker for what the car was worth to the tune of $40.00 per paycheck, a lot back then. I felt bad about the whole thing, but at least there was no one else involved in the crash. After that, I was a little less careless. I would have the occasional distraction, like hitting the rear bumper of a car waiting at a yield sign when I was too preoccupied to see if the road was clearing up so I could get on the freeway.
But I still drove too fast, especially in wintertime, and would lose control of my car once in a while and hit a curb.
According to Safety Insurance, at least 77 percent of traffic accidents are the result of driver error. Photo: Pexels.

Proactive Position
I became much more responsible when I had the good fortune of taking a defensive driving and skid control course. It is one of the best courses I have ever taken, still putting into practice what I learned so many years ago. The main thing I realized is I was following too close, and I can see to this day how many people tailgate. The other thing I realized was an overconfidence in the braking ability of cars. Aside from driving too closely and having little time to react, braking also takes time.
From the moment your brain tells your foot to switch to the brake pedal, it may already be too late. So, I’ve learned to keep my distance, at least three seconds behind, not two, and to know the limits of the car, and not just in terms of braking. Speeding was the last thing to be stricken off my list of do’s and don’ts. I even lost my driver’s license because of too many speeding tickets.
Wintertime Woes
The defensive driving course helped me countless times. There was a particular trip in winter when the sun was shining. I was driving a 1989 Thunderbird LX, climbing a hill next to a large body of water. The combination of moisture from the lake, sun, and cold air had turned the road into an ice rink. On the other side of the hill, I came upon a surreal sight. At least a dozen vehicles had skidded off the highway. There was a Greyhound bus way out in the field, the driver outside waiting.
None of the cars had overturned and no one was injured. They were waiting for the police and tow trucks to come along.
There was no one else on the actual road except me. I decided not to stop and made the conscious effort to stay away from the brake pedal. Had I stopped, I would likely have ended up off the road, or been an obstacle for future traffic since there was not enough space on the shoulder. Besides, there was nothing I could do and there were enough people around to help one another. I glided safely past this particular spiderweb of winter and eventually to the ice free pavement up ahead.
According to AAA Exchange, applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids during wintertime driving. Photo: fancycrave1.
Weekend Outing
Another time, I was driving my friend’s Chevy Lumina on the I-5. We were off to Seattle to attend Bumbershoot over Labor Day weekend. My friend was up front in the passenger seat and his two sons were in the back seat. The traffic was heavy, but we were making good time by staying in the left lane. All of a sudden, a Honda Accord positioned in the center lane loses a wheel. The Accord does a 180 but stays in its lane coming to a stop. The driver, still wondering what had happened, was now fearful of being hit head-on by the cars following behind.
I drive past the Accord, still in the left lane, but the wheel was bouncing ahead. It’s all happening at 60 mph too. We don’t know where the wheel is going to end up and a guy driving a Grumman van in the slow lane doesn’t know either. He is afraid of getting hit by the wheel and as he tries to avoid it, makes his way through the center lane and into our lane. We are gradually being squeezed between the van and the median barrier. I apply the brakes slowly and manage to avoid the barrier and the van. Thank you, defensive driving course.
We made it okay to our hotel near Seattle Center. I particularly enjoyed the Brazilian Girls, the New York Dolls, and the icing on the cake, Iggy Pop and the Stooges. “I want to be your dog.” Yeah, man! If you’ve never been to Bumbershoot, it’s worth putting on your bucket list.
Seattle Skyline. Photo: Unsplash.

Mindful Considerations
I cannot count the number of times the skills I learned during that course helped me out of jams. It seems too easy to obtain a driver’s license. At least it was when I started driving. I’m not judging. I was an overconfident and irresponsible driver in my youth. When young, we think of ourselves as invincible and oftentimes, we carry that to our senior years, especially when we sit behind the wheel.
In fact, a refresher course should be mandatory for all seniors of a certain age. I know so many “old guys” who should not be driving, but won’t give it up. They will lose their freedom, maybe their identity if they stop driving. For the young, defensive driving should be greatly emphasized as it teaches respect for a vehicle, something we all should have the moment we grab onto those handlebars or that steering wheel. This is challenging to inculcate since today’s cars are much safer and reliable, which only adds to the false sense of security.
Michael Bellamy is the author of our Memory Lane series. He enjoys driving his 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII LSC and until an untimely collision claimed it, his 2001 Ford F-150 7700.
Cover Photo: Pexels.

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2018 Audi S5 Sportback: The Semi-Sleeper In Wait

2018 Audi S5 Sportback: The Semi-Sleeper In Wait

Audi says the 2018 S5 Sportback “leads the segment in performance,” and who am I to disagree? My question is: what segment is that, exactly? The semi-big coupe, mid-hatchback segment, I suppose?
And it’s not like I’m really complaining here, it’s just the Audi 5 Series really doesn’t need much dodging around when it comes to performance. Audi has, for a while now, pretty much stolen the march on other German car brands, in terms of leveraged performance.
They’ve pretty much owned Le Mans for a very long while, and they show no hesitancy when it comes to putting performance stuff into their road cars. Ergo, the S5, the more performance oriented version of the A5 coupe, is no slouch in either in the go/turn/stop departments.
Power & Performance
Audi’s 2018 S5 Sportback has an all-new 3.0-liter TFSI V6 engine living under the hood. It produces a rather vigorous 354 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque. That power band spreads from 1,370 to 4,500 rpm, which is nice and mesa-like. Power from the V6 plant gets to the bahn via a newly prepared eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, optimized for the V6’s low-end torque.
The 2018 S5 Sportback blastoffs from 0 and hits 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, topping out at 155 mph when equipped with summer performance tires. Not bad, not bad at all. The standard Audi drive select comes with four different modes: comfort, auto, dynamic, and individual. S5 Sportbacks come standard with quattro all-wheel drive, because, duh.
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Styling & Design
There’s a wider, flatter Singleframe grille (yes that’s one word, and yes, Audi went and registered it, and yes, I think that’s overreaching) and a longer, lower hood line to highlight the V6 mill. The wave-design shoulder line is more distinct than earlier generations, and there are wider wheel arches. The slim sculptural LED taillights are joined by a horizontal design line to offer a markedly muscular look, and to emphasize vehicle width.
The S5 Sportback is recognizable by its aluminum-optic side mirror housings, the Platinum Gray Singleframe grille with aluminum-optic double horizontal blade bars, S model specific rear diffuser with honeycomb structure, and quad exhaust outlets with chrome tips. Consider it a semi-sleeper.
Interior Treatments
The sophisticated interior of the S5 has seating for up to five, as long as the backseat passengers are not NBA hopefuls or typical Wal-Mart shoppers. There’s three-dimensional decorative inlay trim with climate control integration that spans from the door panels and across the dashboard. There’s also 35 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded down.
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.

Standard Equipment
The list of standard equipment for the all-new S5 Sportback is rather extensive, but the high points include full-LED headlights, the aforementioned drivetrain, a leather/Alcantara trimmed interior, heated eight-way power front seats with four-way power lumbar support, and driver’s memory. The seats are diamond stitched with power side bolsters and massage function.
Other niceties include a power sunroof, power tailgate, and three-zone automatic climate control with digital rear display.
Optional Features
Options? Oh yeah, you got options. 19-inch 5-spoke-cavo design wheels with summer performance tires, a full-color heads up display, tunes via a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 3D sound, and Audi MMI touch with handwriting recognition. Yeah, I don’t get why it needs handwriting recognition either, and good luck recognizing mine, bub.
The driver assistance package includes adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, Audi active lane assist, high beam assistant, and traffic sign recognition (cause you’re a distracted baboon and need all the assistance you can get). A heated, 3-spoke steering wheel with shift paddles are part of the cold weather package, as are heated rear seats. The warm weather package gets you ventilated front sport seats.
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Pricing & Trim Levels
Pricing? Well, that’s where the bad news starts.
The dollars start flowing right away for the 2018 Audi A5 Sportback: $42,600 for the Premium level, all the way up to $66,700 for the 2018 S5 Cabriolet in Prestige trim, which is about what a new Corvette costs. And I highly recommend you think about that for a bit. The middle of the road, pricing-wise, seems to be the S5 Coupe starting at $54,600. But still, that’s not out of the ordinary for the market and for what Audi is bringing to the table here.
If you go for the S sport package you get red brake calipers, sport adaptive damping suspension, and rear sport differential, and really, you should go for this. Don’t be a poseur – go and get all the performance goodies you can.
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.

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McLaren 720S: The Logical Progression

McLaren 720S: The Logical Progression

After monkeying around, McLaren has finally released the specs on its 720S supercar, and it’s pretty amazing. It seems to be a logical progression from McLaren’s 650S, which was a logical progression from the MP4-12C. But logic, schmogic, the McLaren 720S can haul the mail.
First off, that name. Yes, it’s a number, and not a name (minus points for that) but that 720 does not refer to the engine displacement. Which is kind of sad, really, cause a big, whompin’ 7.2 liter V8 in the back of this thing would have been so much fun, a la the 1960s McLaren CanAm cars.
Power & Performance
No, the “720” is actually the power output of the thing. Yes, that’s the power output in European standards. The good ‘Murican horsepower figures are 710. Which is, and not to use too technical of a term here: a LOT!
The main figures breakdown thusly: 710 bhp at 7,500 revs and 568 lb-ft. of torque (5,500 rpm). Like I said, that’s a lot. Especially given how little this thing actually tips the scales. That would be 3,128 pounds at the curb (or 1,419 kilos for you metric types out there). Combine those hard points for the golden calculation that is power-to-weight ratio, and you don’t have to be Isaac Newton to figure out where this is going.
0-60 mph comes up in a searing 2.8 seconds, 0-124 mph is reached in 7.8 seconds, with a maximum speed of 212 mph. Quick and fast, no? These numbers spool out thanks to the new M480T engine powering the 720S. It’s a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, with power and torque fed to the tarmac via a 7-speed semi-auto box.
Every road car built by the British manufacturer since the McLaren F1 in 1993 has utilized a carbon fiber chassis. The same is true for the new 720S. A range of aluminium alloys are also used extensively in the chassis, as well as for some body panels. Photo: McLaren Automotive.

Handling & Aerodynamics
The architecture of the 720S is based around a new carbon fiber “tub” and upper structure, which McLaren refers to as the Monocage II. Essentially, it’s both the tub and a roll cage in one combined piece. It is extremely strong and rigid. McLaren doesn’t give specific torsional rigidity figures, but c’mon, these are the people who first used carbon fiber in a car – any car – back in their John Barnard era.
Handling, something the Brits have always excelled at, comes courtesy of McLaren’s Proactive Chassis Control, a new suspension design and McLaren’s power-assisted, electro-hydraulic steering. Grip? By the metric tonne. Balance? Like a Romanian gymnast on the uneven bars.
A interesting feature, design-wise, about the 720S is the lack of radiator intakes on the flanks of the car. They get cold air over the radiators via the unique “double-skin” aerodynamic shape of the dihedral doors. This channels air to the high-temperature heat exchangers for cooling the mid-mounted engine.
Interior Treatments
The interior is anything but Spartan. There’s yards of fine leather and lots of machined aluminum throughout the cabin. The new McLaren Driver Interface contains a Folding Driver Display and Central Infotainment Screen. The cabin offers excellent visibility, more space than you’d think, and a great deal of comfort.
Pricing & Availability
You can order a new McLaren 720S now – the first customers are expected to receive their cars in May. Price? A not all that unreasonable £208,600, which is around $250,000 USD. Three grades of the car are available, with different performance and luxury trims to suit a variety of tastes.
I’ll take mine in Papaya Orange, mate!
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.
McLaren 720S Gallery

Photos & Source: McLaren Automotive.

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