Mercedes-AMG is well into the development of a second-generation GT, which is due on sale in 2021 with a hybrid powertrain that will offer increased power and torque. The next iteration of AMG’s supercar will adopt a revised twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine with new mild-hybrid assistance, as well as a transaxle re-engineered to accommodate a fully variable four-wheel-drive system in selected models. That move is set to endow it with significantly greater performance potential than its predecessor. Insiders at Mercedes-AMG’s headquarters in Affalterbach, Germany, suggest a series of driveline innovations will push the power output of future upper-end GT models beyond 650bhp. The innovations will include an electric boosting capability as part of a range of new mild-hybrid EQ Boost functions. As well as increasing the power output, the addition of electric boosting via a starter/ alternator and new 48V electric architecture will bring a notable increase in torque to the GT’s upgraded V8 engine. The successor model to today’s GT R is set to generate up to 700lb ft. As a point of reference, the most powerful current iteration of AMG’s V8, codenamed M178, resides in the GT63 S 4Matic 4-Door Coupé, where it kicks out 630bhp and 664lb ft with an initial range of EQ Boost functions. In today’s form, the GT R makes 577bhp and 516lb ft. The new GT will once again be produced in both coupé and roadster bodystyles. It’s scheduled to reach UK showrooms in early 2022. Key rivals for the new model include the Porsche 911, which is also set to adopt hybrid functions when the facelifted version of today’s 992-generation model is launched, and the Aston Martin Vantage. But whereas Porsche is looking to go down the full plug-in hybrid route, including all-electric capability for limited distances, this has been ruled out for future Mercedes-AMG GT models because of packaging concerns. One source told Autocar: “With a 75-litre fuel tank behind the cabin, we’re already at the limit on packaging. For worthwhile distances on electric, you need a battery with at least 12kWh of capacity. As well as commanding space, it also adds quite significantly to the weight.” Key to the future of the GT is a decision by Mercedes-Benz to twin it with the successor to the SL. Both models share vital elements of their platform, driveline and interior in a move that, AMG insiders told Autocar, has helped to streamline and lower the cost of their development despite the adoption of new technology. Among that new tech is a four-wheel-drive system that can rapidly balance drive between the front and rear axles as well as a torque vectoring function to vary the amount of power sent to each individual rear wheel. Together with a newly developed transaxle, the added traction of the new four-wheel-drive system should rectify one of the existing, rear-drive-only GT’s weaknesses – namely its standing-start acceleration in comparison with the supercar competition. But, like today’s E63, it will feature a Drift function, which sends power exclusively to the rear wheels. Although the GT is set to retain its existing two-seat layout, the new SL will adopt a roomier 2+2 interior – a move, Autocar has been told, that’s aimed at ensuring the models appeal to different customers. The basis for the second-generation GT is a revised aluminium spaceframe that is claimed to weigh less than the 233kg structure used by the existing model. The weight saving has been achieved in part by the adoption of more cast aluminium components within load-bearing areas. Mercedes-AMG is also said to have met its aim of increased rigidity, most notably in the front end of the new spaceframe, which uses a newly designed transverse member with what is described as “improved torsional properties”. The new GT is expected to feature a more contemporary exterior, described as being “a bigger step away from the current GT as it was from the earlier SLS”. The more modern approach is also said to be reflected inside, with new Formula 1-inspired digital graphics among the early design
Origin: Next-gen Mercedes-AMG GT to be four-wheel-drive hybrid
GM may be building a Silverado ‘ZRX’ to take on Ford’s Raptor
Bowtie fans are spoilt for choice if they want a mid-size truck packing acres of off-road cred, with the ZR2 and ZR2 Bison bringing the goods. The full-size cupboard is slightly more bare, given Trail Boss trucks arent level competitors to the mighty Ford F-150 Raptor.However, if the rumour mill is working reliably, that situation will change very soon.Those in the know over at GM Authority are reporting Chevy is planning an off-road brute with the chops to take on the Raptor. Potentially called the ZRX, this Silverado variant could slot in above the current Trail Boss.It would be a sensible move for GM to make, given it currently has no answer to the Raptor or Ram’s upcoming Rebel TRX. Chevrolet could leverage its relationship with Multimatic, the company which manufacturers the excellent DSSV suspenders found on the Colorado ZR2 pickup. Your author has launched bowtie trucks equipped with these dampers at speed off various and sundry off-road obstacles and can confidently report that, even at speeds approaching 65 km/h, landing back on terra firma is no more harsh than flopping down on a comfortable bed.Silverados unique weight and dimensions, compared to the smaller Colorado, would likely require some fettling of those dampers by the boffins at Multimatic. Dont expect a simple swap, in other words. Other goodies likely to appear on a Silverado ZRX are front and rear lockers; different fasciae for better approach and departure angles; and a raft of appropriately aggro trim features. The brands hand-of-god 6.2-litre V8 is a natural fit for a truck of this ilk, especially given that it is available in the Trail Boss for 2020. Its unlikely Chevy would allow little bro to out-power the big guns, after all. Given that GM offers the Colorado ZR2 with that trucks diesel option, it wouldnt be a surprise for them to list the Silverados new 3.0-litre diesel on a ZRX option sheet.Expect this Raptor-fighter to show up on dealer lots within the next couple of
Origin: GM may be building a Silverado ‘ZRX’ to take on Ford’s Raptor
Reader Review: 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited S
Kenton Smith with the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica.Brendan Miller/Postmedia Kenton Smiths first family hauler was a 1999 Dodge Caravan. The Calgarian says he left the minivan world behind years ago but recognizes the market has evolved.We owned that vehicle a long time ago, and I tried to keep that from my mind as I drove the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica, essentially a reimagined minivan Smith explains.Consumers initially saw the Pacifica name on a midsize CUV that Chrysler built from 2004 to 2008. The name was dormant until Chrysler retired its Town and Country minivan, replacing it with the re-designed from the ground up and re-branded Pacifica in 2016. Then, the Pacifica rolled out on an all-new platform with dynamically styled (for a minivan) sheet metal. Updates for 2019 are minimal, apart from some new paint colours and appearance packages. A 3.6-litre V6 engine that produces 287 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and in Canada the Pacifica is available in seven trim levels, from base L to Limited. The minivan is also available as a plug-in hybrid.It looked smaller than I expected it would, Smith says of his first impression of the Pacifica Limited he drove that was finished in a $245 extra-cost Billet Metallic paint. His Limited with the Sport appearance package rang in at $64,260.He says, Theres something about the Pacificas proportions that make it look more compact to me, likely because its not as tall. The Sport package included larger 20-inch aluminum wheels finished in black. That blacked-out theme carried over to many of the exterior accents and badging, while the entire interior was black with Light Diesel Grey highlights and an S logo in select areas.I had no issue getting into the minivan, Smith says. The doors werent gigantic, but there was lots of space for my legs and it only took a moment to get settled in. I found the controls were close at hand, but there was a knob you turned to select the gear rather than a lever I found that odd at first.With a lever, the movement is guided and you dont often have to check if youre in Drive or Reverse. With the knob, I always double-checked because every notch or click in the rotation felt the same.Smith was impressed with the overall fit and finish, and says it leaned towards luxury vehicle quality. The Nappa leather seating surfaces on the heated and cooled front seats was grippy and the four-way power adjustable lumbar provided plenty of support.Instrumentation was clear and featured two large dials on the left and the right of the gauge cluster with a screen between the two that was configurable to display various vehicle information Smith mostly left it set to show vital trip statistics, including fuel economy.When I talk about it looking compact, Smith says, and continues, I felt that it drove big. It didnt have a very tight turning radius, and that always makes a vehicle feel bigger to me.Acceleration from a stop was great, it would get up and go but the transmission didnt feel well-suited to the engine. Merging or getting up to speed to pass, you really had to stomp down to get it to downshift.It has what it needs, but I just felt the gearing could have been better.Power aside, Smith says overall handling was great. The suspension was well-tuned, and he felt confident pushing the Pacifica through corners when taking on and off ramps. And, he always felt well-connected to the vehicle as it responded to his steering inputs.While spending the majority of his week-long test commuting in the city, Smith did travel north on the QEII Highway to Red Deer.It was comfortable on the highway and it handles well, Smith says. It was very windy with a significant cross breeze, and it felt impacted by that wind. Its been a couple of years since Ive had a minivan so I may just be forgetting what its like.It was a little noisier than I would have expected, and that was mostly road noise rather than wind noise, a bit surprising given the significant wind. There was rain on this trip, and the rain-sensing wipers worked well when rain was intermittent.The two sliding rear passenger doors and the liftgate are power-operated and were foot-activated. Smith says this feature worked well and was especially nice to have when approaching the Pacifica with hands full of packages.Theres lots of space behind the power-folding third row seats for storage, Smith says. I never did put the Stow-n-Go second row seats into the floor, but theyll fold flat and leave a level cargo area. You cant beat a minivan for that carrying capacity. Ultimately, while Smith liked the Pacifica, he had trouble wrapping his head around the price.In my opinion, I think youre getting up into the dollar figure of a luxury SUV, and there are lots of options when youre going to spend that much on a vehicle, he says, and concludes, But dont get me wrong, it was a great utility vehicle with a compromise between sport and luxury and you
Origin: Reader Review: 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited S
Collector nabs Best in Show at Cobble Beach concours second year in a row
A 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K, winner of Best in Show at the 2019 Cobble Beach Concours dEleganceCobble Beach Concours dElegance A one-off 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K commissioned when new by a Swedish Olympian swimmer earned top honours at Canadas most prestigious classic car event this past weekend, the 2019 Cobble Beach Concours dElegance in Owen Sound, Ontario.The Best in Show win is the second in a row for owner Robert Jepson Jr. of Savannah, Georgia, who last year took the award home with a French coachbuilt 1938 Delahaye.Jepsons Mercedes-Benz was deemed the most elegant of the field of roughly 113 cars, and also won the Peoples Choice award. The event included a variety of pre-war cars, microcars, muscle cars, hot rods and Porsches from Ontario, Quebec and roughly a dozen American states.The cars body was built by Norrmalm in Stockholm for Max Gumpel, who won two medals swimming for Sweden in the 1912 and 1920 Olympics. Among the 6,300-lb cars many notable features are a siren; a hood mascot molded after the Roman goddess Diana; and a special split front bench seat widened so he could ride with two women. (Greta Garbo, in fact, was frequently seen with Gumpel in the car.)Gumpel put his significant influence to use protecting the car from harm and government conscription during the Second World War, but sold it in 1955. The car traded hands and was restored and re-restored numerous times before being bought up by Jepson in 2017. He also subjected the car to an extensive restoration, which helps explain its win at Cobble Beach. The three winners of the 2019 Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance Cobble Beach Concours dElegance Walter Eisenstarks 1954 Siata 200CS, one of 11 made and seven remaining, was perhaps the closest rival for the Best in Show title; the South Carolina-based enthusiast took home the award for most outstanding post-war with the Fiat-powered race car.Outstanding pre-war went to a 1917 Locomobile 48 Type M owned by John and Mary McAlpin of Naples, New York. The concours was hosted by Porsche Canada, which showed off dozens of gorgeous old and new Porsche sport cars across two classes and around the Cobble Beach resort; and raised money for the Sunnybrook Hospital Foundation, among other charities.The fundraising efforts included the sale of a guitar by astronaut and car enthusiast Chris Hadfield, who performed a cover of David Bowies Space Oddity on the instrument directly before its auction, for $6,000, Saturday
Origin: Collector nabs Best in Show at Cobble Beach concours second year in a row
Mesmerizing time-lapse shows the Ferrari F8 Tributo engine being built
Behind-the-scenes footage of an assembly line in action might not sound like the most compelling television ever, but when that assembly line is in the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy, it suddenly becomes a lot more watchable.The video above, sent to Driving by Ferrari, shows one of the most glorious engines ever designed coming together on the highly efficient and surprisingly photogenic line.The engine being lifted and flipped about in the clip is the F154 V8 from the Ferrari F8 Tributo, which debuted at Geneva earlier this year.Its mostly machines that bring the V8 together at first, with twists and turns from human hands here and there. But as the engine grows, Ferraris meccanici play a more involved role, adding the final pieces before the engine is taken away and fit into the F8.The twice-turbocharged V8 makes 710 horsepower for the Tributo, which means tribute in Italian. The supercar uses it to race up to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds; and 200 km/h in 7.8 seconds, making it faster than Ferraris 488, and, in the opinion of David Booth, who got to take the first drive of the F8, superior in most
Origin: Mesmerizing time-lapse shows the Ferrari F8 Tributo engine being built
U.K. man spends three years, $47,000 fighting $165 speeding ticket
A British man is dedicated to fighting the system after receiving a 100 ($165) speeding ticket he believes was wrongly issued, throwing more than $45,000 at the cause so far.Richard Keedwell, 71, received a fine for traveling 57 km/h in a 50 km/h zone in November of 2016, while Christmas shopping with his wife.I never saw the flash of the camera and I certainly didnt feel like I was doing faster than (50 km/h), Keedwell, of Bristol, told The Telegraph. I was incredibly annoyed when I got the fine through the post.Richard is a former RAF electronics specialist, and says the only reason he got a ticket was because of the double Doppler effect, wherein a speed camera receives two different signals due to the radio waves bouncing off of a second car and then onto his own, causing it to trigger the camera. Although, allegedly, neither car travelling through the intersection exceeded 50 km/h, the camera was triggered.According to The Telegraph, Richard is also an expert witness, and claims he has used this argument in court before. In 2015, he successfully used it to show a van driver was wrongly ticketed for doing 137 km/h in a 50-km/h zone due to the double Doppler effect.Unfortunately for Keedwell, his arguments arent working so well in his pursuing his own case. Even worse, legal fees are not cheap, and in fighting for his rights and the rights of motorists, hes racked up 22,000 ($36,212) in lawyers invoices across three hearings, even dipping into a fund set aside for his childrens inheritance to cover the costs. But when you start looking into this, you realize that its more about them getting money than road safety, Keedwell reasons, believing British motorists are being steamrolled by the system.Richard has since paid the ticket, but still has 6,700 ($11,028) in additional legal fees to settle as he decides whether or not to launch yet another appeal.Ordinary working people like me are getting done over by the system, he says. I have not been listened to and there has not been any justice in this
Origin: U.K. man spends three years, $47,000 fighting $165 speeding ticket
SUV Review: 2019 BMW X7 xDrive 40i
2019 BMW X7Costa Mouzouris / Driving OVERVIEW BMW’s newest and biggest SUV sets a high bar in terms of creature comforts, composure on the road, and technology PROSHigh luxury, refined and sedan-like ride CONSFinicky gear selector, somewhat ordinary styling VALUE FOR MONEYGood WHAT TO CHANGE?Offer 7 Series-style reclining second-row seats HOW TO SPEC IT?Take it with the Premium Excellence package, it’s pricey but you won’t regret it If you know anything about BMW, you know that by the time you hit the sevens, you expect luxury in massive doses. The 7 Series, for example, is the firms flagship sedan, setting a high standard in terms of copious coddling. Thats why our expectations of lavishness were high for BMWs all-new X7 xDrive 40i.Aside from the X7s imposing size its just over 5.1 metres long theres a particular styling detail that also sets it apart from all the other X models: Its BMWs only SUV that doesnt have a downward-sloping hood from the windshield forward. The hood line is mostly horizontal before curving downward near the front, and while its a subtle difference, it gives the X7 a more commanding presence.BMW added the X7 this year, and the three-row SUV is high on features and luxury. Were testing the X7 xDrive 40i, which although starts at $92,500, our tester is equipped with the $15,000 Premium Excellence package, the $2,900 M sport package, and various other odds and ends like lavish interior trim, that bump the price to $114,850 as-tested.The Premium Excellence package is pricey, but it adds a lot of the pampering goodness that elevates the X7 into the ultra-luxury zone. Among the bigger features, it adds are a panoramic sunroof with a section that extends into the third row and is controllable by third-row occupants. You also get Comfort front seats, which as their name suggests, are quite comfy, fully adjustable, heated and vented, and include a massage function. You get five-zone climate control (third-row passengers can control their own climatic destiny), heated and cooled cup holders, and a whole slew of other features.The package also includes an impressive suite of driver aids, including among other things, steering-assisted lane-keeping, front and rear cross-traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, and what BMW calls Driving Assistant Professional. That last one is a truly impressive feature, if your ready and willing to give up some of the driving experience when that experience becomes more of a chore in heavy traffic.A dedicated button on the steering wheel activates Driving Assistant, which works like a regular adaptive cruise control, maintaining the maximum set speed and minimum distance behind a vehicle ahead. It also keeps you centred in the lane and even negotiates curves, though it prompts you to hold the steering wheel every 30 seconds or so if you take your hands off the wheel; neglect to do so and it triggers an audible alarm and eventually assumes youve passed out and automatically brings the vehicle to a stop. Driving Assistant takes it one step further, though, if youre travelling below 60 km/h and the vehicle senses that the surrounding traffic is also moving slowly. It then prompts you to activate Driving Assistant Pro, which allows you to leave the driving entirely to the X7, accelerating, stopping, and following the road without any intervention on the part of the driver. Green LEDs in the steering wheel let you know its activated, and it alleviates the tedious task of driving in stop-and-go commuter traffic, so you can focus on other things, like playing air guitar and air drums with the standard Harman/Kardon sound system blaring. If traffic in adjacent lanes picks up speed, an alarm sounds, the LEDs flash red, and it prompts you to take the wheel, while reverting to normal Driving Assistant mode. I was actually quite surprised at how quickly I became accustomed to not really paying attention to traffic with this driver assist activated, placing my trust in the X7s ability to drive.Driving Assistant eventually gained even more of my trust, after it helped me avert a possible collision. As I turned on my turn signal and prepared to change lanes to my right ahead of a vehicle Id just passed, the driver of that vehicle decided to accelerate and re-pass me as I was merging into his lane. Lane-keep assist is normally disabled when the turn-signals are on, yet the X7 forcefully turned me back into my lane, as it sensed the vehicle approach from the right. I hadnt anticipated that boneheads bone-headed move, but the X7s sensors caught it and took over.Its 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six claims 335 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque. Thats respectable power for a the full-sized SUV, and capable of hauling the beast from zero to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds. The eight-speed automatic is mostly smooth, though it sometimes changed ratios abruptly at lower speeds nothing disconcerting, mind you,
Origin: SUV Review: 2019 BMW X7 xDrive 40i
Nissan and EDF to expand smart charging partnership
Nissan and energy giant EDF Group have reached a deal to work together to develop smart charging technology for electric vehicles – including systems that could allow Leaf and e-NV200 van owners to earn discounts on their electricity bills. The two firms already co-operate on a number of EV systems, but have expanded their collaboration with a focus on smart charging systems in the UK, France, Belgium and Italy. In particular, the agreement will focus on ‘vehicle to grid’ (V2G) systems, which allow the energy stored in a car battery that is plugged into a home charger to be ‘sold’ back to a supplier when needed. Nissan will focus on developing technology that will work with the electric Leaf and e-NV200, with EDF leading the development of V2G charging systems and services. The technology is likely to be particularly relevant to businesses, which could have large fleets of electric vehicles plugged in outside work hours without being used. Such a fleet could offer a significant amount of energy storage capacity, which a supplier such as EDF could pay to use in order to balance supply elsewhere. Francisco Carranza, the boss of Nissan Energy in Europe, said the deal was “another sign that our vision of an electric ecosystem is becoming a reality.” He added that a V2G solution would be “a logical next step” for Nissan EV owners to manage their energy supply and open “new revenue
Origin: Nissan and EDF to expand smart charging partnership
Ex-Jaguar executive explains shock move to Chinese start-up
Mark Stanton was one of the big beasts in the British car industry. He built his career at Ford and Jaguar Land Rover, becoming JLR’s director of vehicle engineering and then head of its Special Vehicle Operations division. But he has joined the exodus of senior automotive talent to China, where he is now chief technical officer for bold EV start-up Human Horizons. The firm revealed its first car, the HiPhi 1, last month. A six-seat coupé-ish SUV with high levels of autonomy, it’s due on sale in China by 2021. But why did Stanton, 59, leave JLR’s high-performance arm to gamble on a Chinese start-up? “SVO was meant to be the pinnacle and to begin with it felt that way,” he said. “I don’t want to speak ill of JLR because I still have a passion for them and the product, but the frustrations grew and grew. It should have been a great swansong but it didn’t turn out that way… “I could have gone on another three or four years and retired, but I didn’t want to do that. I wanted to change direction and do something different.” Moving to China has been financially rewarding, but Stanton said he had offers from several manufacturers, two of which would have kept him in the UK. But he said: “I didn’t want to go and work for another big OEM. I didn’t want that management style and that baggage. I was looking for more freedom.” After meeting with Human Horizon co-founders Kevin Chen and Ding Lei, both of whom have worked with western brands in China, Stanton decided it was a match. He relocated to Shanghai last year and now leads a team of 400 engineers. “We could never have moved so quickly in any traditional OEM,” he said. Stanton said his contacts in the automotive supply base have been useful, with many components for the HiPhi 1 sourced from top-tier European firms. Those include Michelin low-rolling-resistance tyres, which, Stanton said, “aren’t widely available in China.” Stanton had another reason to switch to an EV-only firm: “I got religion, I guess.” Having been involved with JLR’s electrification programme, “the environmental side has become really important to me. Cars have been around for 110 years and I’ve been working in the industry for 35 years. During that time, I think I’ve made the world a worse place. I’ve been contributing to the problem (of emissions). “Conventional OEMs are trying to move forward, but it is so difficult with everything else they need to do. It’s much easier to create a new world from scratch.” Asked how he squared that with his role at SVO, Stanton looked slightly uncomfortable – “yeah, there were a lot of V8s” – and said he doesn’t own a conventional car any more. He said he doesn’t know if Human Horizons will be one of the Chinese EV start-ups that breaks through, but he insists it has the funding and connections to succeed. “I’m in a lucky position because if it doesn’t work out, I don’t really suffer. I can retire and put my feet up,” he said. “But I want this to succeed, because we’ve got 1000 employees now and I want it to work for
Origin: Ex-Jaguar executive explains shock move to Chinese start-up
Customer parks like jerk, gets pranked with shopping carts
A customer at a supermarket in South America faced the wrath of disgruntled employees when they parked their car in the wrong spot.According to Fox News, the driver parked their small Peugeot 208 hatchback in the shopping cart area of a COTO shopping centre in Temperley Argentina, in the Buenos Aires province.Thats a top score in the being-a-jerk department, so employees responded by putting the shopping carts in their rightful spot anyway, all around the vehicle, boxing it in.A witness, Arnold Angelini, said he noticed the scene at around 11am on his trip to the store.What I saw generated surprise and indignation because I said park wherever, he said. The weird thing is that the car was really badly parked and the (shopping carts) were put later. He parked wherever he wanted.Photos of the prank were posted on Facebook, courtesy of Angelini. The post has now gone viral with almost 7,000 shares.The truth is someone has to be a moron to have parked in the section for shopping carts, he posted.You cant be such an SOB and leave it anywhere. It shows that nobody respects anything but an improper place.Angelini also adds the most surprising thing about the whole ordeal was how the employees reacted.It is their job and they are tired of the same thing happening to
Origin: Customer parks like jerk, gets pranked with shopping carts
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