2020 Toyota SupraHandout / Toyota A social media manager for Toyota UK got the brand in some hot water this week when they sent a response to a Twitter user who wanted to know why Toyota didn’t have any cars in the new Need For Speed video game. The Tweet has since been deleted, and the whole situation explained by Toyota UK, but we screencapped it so you can see what’s set the Internet ringing with cries of “hypocrisy!”Keeping its cars out of projects that romanticize illegal street racing sounds like a decision made with noble intentions, but it doesnt quite square up with what else we know about Toyotas current media partnerships.Because rumour has it Toyota will be lending its image to another media franchise that isn’t exactly renowned for its promotion of responsible, law-abiding driving. According to an Instagram image of a Supra on set and reporting by Motor1, the 2020 Toyota Supra will be one of the four-wheeled stars of the latest Fast and Furious film. All talk of hypocrisy aside, Toyota issued a five-Tweet clarification in the wake of the now-deleted post that kicked this whole thing off, explaining it has no plans to licence its cars to any video game franchises outside of Gran Turismo Sport. About last night ToyotaUK (@ToyotaUK) August 21, 2019Officially, Toyota Motor Corporation has no concrete plans to license its model range to any other games besides Gran Turismo Sport at the moment. 3/5 ToyotaUK (@ToyotaUK) August 21, 2019Well be really excited to share our future plans with you as soon as were able to. In the meantime, whether its Gran Turismo Sport, Forza or Need for Speed, keep on racing. 5/5 ToyotaUK (@ToyotaUK) August 21,
Origin: Toyota UK called hypocritical for video game street racing Tweet
SUV Review: 2019 Audi Q8
2019 Audi Q8Brian Harper / Driving OVERVIEW Full-size, 5-passenger luxury crossover PROSExceedingly quiet and comfortable, excellent ride CONSPricey, mild hybrid technology not especially fuel efficient VALUE FOR MONEYFair WHAT TO CHANGE?More powertrain options needed to compete with BMW and Porsche competition HOW TO SPEC IT?As is with fewer options OK, Ive never completely bought into the idea of four-door coupes, these stylistic fastback reinterpretations detractors say aberrations of the traditional sedan profile, though I will admit that some, notably the Mercedes-Benz CLS, Porsche Panamera, and BMWs M850i Gran Coupe, are certainly deserving of an admiring glance.The coupeification of the sport-utility vehicle is an even tougher sell, the sloped roofline skewing said vehicle more to sport at the expense of utility. Nonetheless, companies have embraced the concept: BMW, for instance, with the X2, X4 and X6, derivatives spun off from the two-box, wagon-shaped X1, X3 and X5. Mercedes isnt far behind with its coupe versions of the GLC and GLE. Even Lamborghini, when it decided to go over to the dark side last year with its first real SUV (as opposed to the militaristic LM002 of yore), chose a rather extreme sloping roofline for its Urus.Which brings it around to the test subject here, the brand-new Audi Q8. Audi, being under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, shares the Q8s platform and some mechanicals with the aforementioned Urus, plus the Bentley Bentayga and the no-longer-for-North-America VW Touareg. Unfortunately for gearheads, that does not include the Lambos 650-horsepower, twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8. Not as extremely styled as some of the examples cited, the 2019 Q8 is based on the family friendly, full-sized, seven-seat Q7, keeping the latters wheelbase, although the five-seat Q8 is wider, shorter, and lower, has shorter overhangs, and gets a wider track. Theres a bold octagonal grille up front, flanked by large air inlets. In profile the roofline terminates in gently inclined D-pillars and rests against the Quattro blisters. The spoiler, wheel arch trims, door trim strips, and diffuser are in a contrasting colour. The result is an SUV that is quite the looker and this before Audi dressed up the tester even further, going nuts on the build sheet and ticking off almost $20,000 worth of options, including the S-line sport package ($1,000), 22-inch Black Optics wheel package ($1,000) and Black Optics package ($1,700).The short take of the powerplant department is thus: Priced above the former flagship Q7, the Q8 ($81,200 to start for the Progressiv trim, $88,800 for the Technik) is motivated by Audis ubiquitous 3.0L turbo V6, putting out 335 horsepower and mated with an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Also, like the A6, A7 and A8 cars, the Q8 benefits from a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that incorporates a lithium-ion battery and a belt-driven alternator/starter (BAS), aimed at recouping kinetic braking energy and allowing for a seamless coasting feature that sees the V6 decouple and shut down when conditions allow.Clearly a model that will compete with the base versions of the BMW X6 and Porsche Cayenne (unlike the latter two, there is no engine upgrade for the Q8, although a higher-performance SQ8 is available only in Europe for now), theres a certain formality to the Audi, a latent conservatism that suggests a focus on comfort and luxury rather than overt sportiness. This is more an observation than a criticism, for theres enough grunt under the hood to move the 2,270-kilogram Q8 to speed when required. Yet, there was an issue with the normally unflappable nature of the turbo V6, at least in the tester a momentary pause in acceleration when taking off from a stop when using light throttle, an interruption of the power flow as it were. Initially I thought it might have something to do with the engines stop/start feature, so I switched it off. It made no difference.Once beyond that minor irritant, the Q8 was smooth sailing all the way; on the highway the big rig eating up the miles in a calm, quiet manner, unflustered by any tarmac nasties. (Interestingly, one of the very few options not found on the $110,300 tester was Audis highly regarded air suspension. Getting around slower moving vehicles took just a slight prod of the pedal. And highway cruising bettered the Audis fuel economy, which was showing more than 18 litres per 100 kilometres on the readout while navigating city streets. Actual fuel economy during my week with the crossover was 15.6 L/100 kilometres, with a fairly even mix of highway and in-town commuting.According to Audi, the V6 working in with the mild hybrid system only reduces consumption by a maximum of 0.7 L/100 kilometres in customer operation. Furthermore, when decelerating, the BAS supposedly enables up to 12 kW of energy to be recovered and fed into the battery. At
Origin: SUV Review: 2019 Audi Q8
Donkervoort to unveil hardcore, sub-700kg JD70
Dutch car maker Donkervoort has previewed the JD70 – a supercar designed to celebrate the 70th birthday of company founder Joop Donkervoort. The D8 GTO-JD70, as its name suggests, is an evolution of the D8 GTO sports car that was released in 2011. Like the standard D8 GTO, the JD70 will weigh in at less than 700kg and be powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre Audi Sport engine with some adjustments. This lightness is apparently due to Donkervoort’s innovative ‘Ex-Core’ carbonfibre production method. Performance figures will be witheld until closer to the JD70’s full unveiling in spring 2020, but the standard D8 GTO delivers 380bhp, can accelerate from 0-62 mph in just under three seconds and has a top speed of 167mph. It remains to be seen if the commemorative model will exceed those figures. On an environmental note, the JD70 is clean enough to pass Euro 6d-Temp emissions rules. Taking a minimalist approach, the company says the JD70, which will cost €163,636 (£148,450), will “swim against the mainstream sportscar tide by minimising electronic driver aids”. The model will also be fairly exclusive, with only 70 examples to be built across a 2020/2021 delivery run. Pre-orders are already being taken. The JD70 isn’t the first variant of the D8 GTO; Donkervoort also revealed S, R and RS versions in
Origin: Donkervoort to unveil hardcore, sub-700kg JD70
Lynk&Co 03 Cyan Concept is fastest four-door at Nurburgring
World Touring Car team Cyan Racing claims to have broken the front-wheel-drive and four-door lap records at the Nürburgring with its LynkCo 03 Cyan Concept. A lap time of 7min 20.143sec marks a three-second improvement over Jaguar’s limited-run XE SV Project 8, which broke its own four-door record just last month. However, that car was in full production guise, while Cyan’s model remains a “mass production-based” concept for now. The previous fastest front-wheel-drive record was held by the Renault Mégane RS Trophy R, which set a time of 7min 40.1sec ahead of its launch earlier this year. The 03 Cyan Concept is a road-legal reworking of Geely-owned LynkCo’s World Touring Car (WTCR) racer, and is being tested as part of a development programme for what the company calls “an extended performance offer”. Henrik Fries, Cyan Racing’s head of automotive RD, said: “While our main purpose for the many laps on the Nürburgring Nordschleife is development, the records that we broke are a true testament to the potential and capabilities of the LynkCo platform, as well as our engineering philosophy from more than two decades of motorsport and road car
Origin: Lynk&Co 03 Cyan Concept is fastest four-door at Nurburgring
Buy them before we do: second-hand picks for 23 August
At the last count Volkswagen had five SUVs in its ranks but, if you ignore its R and GTI models, no traditional sports cars. Rewind to 1989 and the company had no SUVs but two sports cars: the Scirocco and Corrado. Volkswagen Corrado, £6000: Today the Corrado, which was dropped in 1995, three years after the Scirocco, is the more sought-after, but either in good nick is worth having. The 2.9 VR6 is the most plentiful Corrado, and prices begin at £3000 for a high-miler. The potent 1.8 G60 is rare, partly because its supercharger had a tendency to self-destruct. The 1.8 16v and 2.0 16v versions were the bread and butter but again, few remain. That said, we found a 1990 1.8 16v with 82,000 miles and full service history for £6440. The remaining model is the 2.0 8v. Like most eight-valve engines of the time, its power was more immediate than the peakier 16-valve’s. To our delight we stumbled across a one-owner, 1996 2.0 8v with 54,000 miles and full service history (22 service stamps in the book) for £6000. What to check? A faulty idle stabilisation control valve can cause erratic tickover (replacements are available). With the gearbox still cold, we’d feel for graunchy first and second gear selection. On the test drive, we’d expect some looseness from droplinks and suspension arms. More serious is the threat of rust. Front wings and sills corrode, although the seller claims the bodywork is in good condition. Fortunately, the headlights and foglights look clear – replacement units are rare and expensive. Finally, we’d check the dynamic spoiler rises and falls, and inside, that the round heating dials aren’t broken. Perhaps not Chrysler’s finest hour, but today, with the sun blazing, this Sebring cabrio is tempting. It’s a genuine four-seater, too. The 2008/08-reg car has done 67,000 miles. There’s no mention of service history, but it looks pretty straight. : Vauxhall’s trail-blazing plug-in hybrid could travel 33.4 miles on electric power. Using its 148bhp 1.4 engine and regen assistance, it returned 54.2mpg overall. This 2012-reg Electron version has done 78,000 miles. New, it cost £31k post-grant. Here’s a rare thing: a rust-free Lancia – and what a pretty one it is. So many Betas have been scrapped that this 50k-mile 1983 example is gold dust. It’s a left-hooker but that just makes it more authentic and all the excuse you need to have that Riviera holiday. If Andrew Frankel’s V12 tribute got you thinking, why not try your luck with this? It’s a 1990/G with 78k miles, restored in ’07. It’s just had a gearbox and oil service, plugs and fuel pipes. It’s just been Waxoyled, so check there’s no rust underneath. Auction watch In case you’re wondering, yes, this 911 has had a new intermediate shaft bearing. The 996 of 1998-2004 has such a poor reputation – in particular pre-facelift cars such as this one – that without it, it would probably have been knocked down at least by the price of the bearing job, not to mention a rear main seal (which can also let go). The car showed 85,000 miles, was registered in 1999 and sold or £10,000. Its four previous owners seem to have taken care of it, if the 12 service stamps plus sundry later service receipts are anything to go by. Future classic Everyone raves about its sister car, the Mazda MX-5, but the chances are that the Abarth 124 Spider will be the one people pay a premium for in years to come. Its 168bhp 1.4 MultiAir turbo develops maximum power earlier than the 2.0-litre unit in the Mazda, so you don’t have to wring its neck anything like as hard. There’s a sports exhaust, Brembo brakes, Bilstein dampers and a limited-slip diff, too, but it’s the car’s Italian associations and its exclusivity that will attract future enthusiasts. And the fact that it isn’t an MX-5. Clash of the classifieds Brief: Find me my first EV for less than £7k. Toylander Land Rover Series I, £4150 Max Adams: Oh, crikey Mark. You appear to have taken John’s words way too literally and gone for something only a five-year-old can drive. Mark Pearson: John said to find him “my first EV”, so what we have here is a wonderful homage to the Series 1 Land Rover, beautifully made and fully electric, brand new and ideal for a spot of (very) light off-roading. It’s got lights, a folding windscreen, even a tow hook for a small trailer. MA: That’s not a proper car. My Leaf, on the other hand, was praised for being as much when it came out back in 2013. You can put five real people in it, and it has a decent-sized boot. Plus my 24kWh example has a range of about 100 miles, not 10 laps of the back garden. MP: Have you driven that generation of Leaf? You wouldn’t want to go 100 miles in it, believe me. You’d be happy to attend any fifth birthday party in my Landie, though, or be dropped off outside nursery or the local zoo. And what better way to acquire the necessary off-road skills a budding young farmer will need as he or she grows?
Origin: Buy them before we do: second-hand picks for 23 August
New Porsche Taycan: electric four-door’s interior revealed
Porsche has revealed the interior of its first electric production car, the Taycan, ahead of its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show next month. The Tesla Model S rival’s cabin takes the brand’s design and technology to a new level. It’s based around up to four digital displays, including a curved, freestanding 16.8in configurable driver’s display – Porsche’s first fully digital instrument binnacle. To the right of that the Taycan features a 10.9in infotainment screen where navigation, music and connectivity functions are handled. To the right of that – uniquely for Porsche – is an optional screen of the same size for the passenger. It can’t control driving functions, but allows them to programme the sat-nav and media features independently. Finally, there’s an 8.4in portrait layout screen on the centre console, set at an angle with a touch trackpad below to help control the upper screen. Unlike the upper two touchscreens it offers haptic feedback to improve usability on the move. Over-the-air updates – traditionally a big draw for Tesla buyers – are also possible in the Taycan. Buyers will also receive a free six month subscription to Apple Music, with Apple CarPlay integration also included. Android Auto functionality is not available, however. Despite the distinctly high-tech approach, classic Porsche features such as the dash-top analogue clock still feature. Porsche has been building up to the launch by releasing snippets of information about the Taycan. A pre-production version of the machine recently completed 2128 miles in a 24-hour endurance test run at the Nardò high-speed test track in Italy. Porsche claims that, in temperatures of up to 32deg C, the electric performance saloon averaged speeds of between 121 and 134mph. Minimal stops were made, with the Taycan only pausing for driver changes and battery top-ups. The Taycan’s battery size is yet to be confirmed, but it’s said to offer around 270 miles of range on the WLTP test cycle. In order to maximise mileage, the test car was charged using Porsche’s 800V ultra-fast chargers, capable of delivering 249 miles of range in 15 minutes. The machine will be the first mainstream production car built using 800V technology, allowing for the use of fast-charging stations. The car made its public dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in lightly disguised form, driven by ex-Formula 1 driver Mark Webber. The Taycan has previously been previewed with official camouflaged images (below) and has also been spotted testing numerous times in prototype guise. The Taycan’s styling is heavily influenced by the original Mission E concept, which was designed by Porsche’s former head of exterior design Mitja Borkert, now head of design at Lamborghini. Details include a retractable rear spoiler, advanced regenerative braking system and Tesla-style retracting door handles. The Taycan is the first in an extended line-up of electric models being developed in a programme budgeted to cost up to £5.3 billion through to the end of 2022. It marks a radical departure from Porsche’s traditional line-up, bringing zero-emissions running together with the promise of what the new car’s lead engineer, Stefan Weckbach, describes as a “typical Porsche driving experience”. When it goes on sale in the UK, the Taycan will be positioned between the £55,965 Cayenne SUV and £67,898 Panamera five-door coupé in a move that will set the scene for the introduction of other new electric Porsches, including a mid-engined sports car in the mould of the existing 718 and an electric Macan. Porsche UK boss Marcus Eckermann told Autocar earlier this year that the Taycan is “the beginning of a new era” for Porsche, and is attracting many conquest customers. “We have a lot of interest in the car – and a lot of new customers. Based on the expressions of interest, there are more new people to the brand than existing customers.” While he declined to give expected sales figures, the Taycan’s share of the line-up is set to be considerably higher than the overall EV market share in the UK, which is below 1%. Porsche has previously said it expects to produce 25,000 Taycans worldwide annually, which is about 10% of its current sales. In the UK last year, Porsche sold 12,500 cars, so we can expect at least 1250 sales of the Taycan per year. The Taycan will be offered in two bodystyles, with the standard saloon planned for right-hand-drive delivery in Britain in early 2020 and a higher-riding estate-cum-crossover model, previewed by the Mission E Cross Turismo concept, arriving in showrooms in 2022. Taycan rivals include Tesla Model S Among the key rivals for the new Porsche is the Tesla Model S, which was used as an initial benchmark during the early phases of the Taycan’s development. However, Weckbach acknowledges the model will also compete against a host of other upcoming electric offerings, including the E-tron GT from sister brand Audi and
Origin: New Porsche Taycan: electric four-door’s interior revealed
Post-Pebble Beach hangover
The Canadian-built Sadler Mk IV was a joy to watch as it attacked the famed Corkscrew at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.Cam Hutchins Although this weekend boasts some great local events, I relish the thought of only going to one a day after last weekends mad dash to cover as many events as possible during Car Week in Carmel. We were up at 6 a.m. most days with one 4:30 a.m. alarm on the day of the Pebble Concours d Elegance. I was stoked to see the car restored by RX Autoworks, the North Vancouver shop that won the best of show last year and attended this years concours with a freshly restored 1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Ghia. Unfortunately it did not win, but in fairness the winner, a 1931 Bentley 8-Litre Gurney Nutting Sport Tourer owned by the Honorable Sir Michael Kadoorie of Hong Kong, was stunning.Also very impressive was the Tour dElegance, where concours entrants drive their cars on a tour down the coast and back to give them an edge if they were to tie with another entrant that does not complete the tour. The RX Autoworks’ restored 1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Ghia was another feather in the North Vancouver shop’s cap after winning Best of Show last year with an older Alfa Romeo. RX didn’t win that title this year but still didn’t go home empty-handed as the Ghia won first place in the Postwar Touring class and was named Most Elegant Closed Car. Cam Hutchins The 2019 Pebble Beach Concours celebrated the 100th anniversary of Bentley and no less than 55 Bentleys were on the fairway of the fabled golf course, representing roughly 20 per cent of all the entrants.As Ive stated before, my favourite event during this carnut-fest is the historic racing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The entrants cover almost all types of auto racing, but without a doubt my favourite class is the Trans Am series of 1966 to 1972. These cars look very similar to the cars that left the showrooms back in the day except for their stance and lack of hood scoops. The sounds of these howling V8s is magical and the creative use of the rulebook back in the day is almost legendary for these cars.The 1959 Sadler Mk 4 was my favourite car of the weekend of races. This car was built be Canadian Bill Sadler for Dave Greenblatt. Sadler took the previous Sadler Mark III and made it less complex, without fully independent suspension but adding a Latham supercharged Chevrolet V8. This was the era when lots of very competitive cars were being built by Ferrari, Maserati, and independents like Lance Reventlows Scarabs. The Sadler Mk IV won one race back in the day, but this was against amazing competition with huge wallets. During the Rolex Monterey Motorsport Reunion the Sadler was in the front of the pack the entire race and was a real crowd pleaser.Next year join me on our trip to car week, and lets bring come kids with us!SHOWSAUG. 24What: Jaguar/MG Club 50th AnniversaryWhere: Hazelmere RV Park, 18843 8th Ave., SurreyWhen: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: $10 and open to Jaguars and MGsInfo: 604-618-2537, newby@telus.net or patilbury@shaw.caWebsite: jaguarmg.comWhat: ElectraFest 2019Where: Round House Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, VancouverWhen: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Admission: FreeWebsite: veva.ca or electrafest.caWhat: Vision Tree Cruise-in AutocrossWhere: Alliance Church, 8700 Young Rd., ChilliwackWhen: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: By donation to Send a Kid to Camp FundRegistration: $15. Autocross Runs three for $20Info: 604-795-1044 or wayne@chilliwackalliance.bc.caWhat: Shriners Car Show BBQWhere: Kenyon Park, Okanagan FallsWhen: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: 8 a.m. $20 (second car $15). Proceeds to benefit children of B.C. in need of medical help of special concernsInfo: 1-250-473-7454 or gwalhughes@shaw.caAUG. 24-25What: Cruise the ShoreWhere: Saturday North Shore day cruise. Sunday Edgemont Village showWhen: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both daysInfo: 604-818-8162 or info@cruisetheshore.caWebsite: cruisetheshore.caAUG. 25What: GVMA 2019 36th Annual Mustang Ford Roundup ShowWhere: George Preston Rec Centre, 20699 42 A, LangleyWhen: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: 8:30 a.m. $20 and open to all Mustangs, other Ford models and Ford-powered vehiclesInfo: 604-802-1024 or mustang390@gmail.comWebsite: gvma.orgWhat: Prospectors Gold Pan Steak OutWhere: LeBourdais Park, QuesnelWhen: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: 9 a.m. to 11a.m. $10 and open to all vehiclesInfo: 250-747-4353 or prospectorscarmail@gmail.comWebsite: prospectorscarclub.comWhat: 2019 Vancouver Island Motorcar Weekend Concours dEleganceWhere: Shawnigan Lake School, 1975 Renfrew Rd., Shawnigan LakeWhen: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Admission: Minimum $5 donation per personRegistration: $25Info: info@islandconcours.comWebsite: islandconcours.com COMPETITIONAUG. 23What: Westshore Spring 44 NightWhere: Western Speedway, 2207 Millstream Rd., VictoriaInfo: 250-474-2151 or denise@westernspeedway.netWebsite:
Origin: Post-Pebble Beach hangover
Man arrested while attempting to patch his car’s tires with Band-Aids
A man in California arrested for being under the influence of drugs had tipped police off to his crime when they found him trying to patch the flat tire on his vehicle with Band-Aids and gauze.At about 6:00 a.m. on August 20, Mission Viejo police responded to a call about a suspicious man stopped by the side of the road to find a 26-year-old pulled over with flat front and rear tires on the drivers side.The man was attempting to patch the sidewall of his tires with supplies from an emergency medical kit. A passerby had noticed the car was parked by the side of the road, and that the man was filling the tires with gauze and Band-Aids. When police arrived, he was arrested for being under the influence of drugs.Whatever kind of drugs this man was on, they must have been wild enough he thought the tires would somehow heal like skin hence the first aid. Its unclear if the man bought the first aid kit to try and fix the flat after the fact; or if he already had it on hand. Either situation is pretty equally stupid.Obviously, we dont need to tell you not to try and fix your vehicle this way. We also dont have to tell you not to do drugs and drive your car around, but just in case you forgot either of those, this is a stark reminder of just how dumb (or high) some people can
Origin: Man arrested while attempting to patch his car’s tires with Band-Aids
Mercedes-Benz first to get its foot in the door of electric van market
Der neue Mercedes-Benz EQV – Exterieur, Bergkristallweiß metallic, Black Panel-Kühlergrill mit Chromlamellen;Stromverbrauch kombiniert: 27,0 kWh/100 km; CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km*, Angaben vorläufig The new Mercedes-Benz EQV – Exterior, Mountain crystal white metallic, black panel radiator grille with chrome fins;Combined power consumption: 27.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km*, provisional figures While everybody else was fretting over how best to build an electric pickup truck, Mercedes-Benz decided to skip all that and release the industrys first all-electric van.The concept for the 2020 EQV van was shown a short time ago, but it looks like its now almost ready for people to buy.Underneath the vans body sits the battery, a 90-kWh power pack that can offer 405 km on a single charge.Using a standard 110-kW public DC rapid-charger, the battery of the EQV can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in just 45 minutes. Only the front wheels are driven by a single electric motor, and the power works out to the equivalent of about 204 horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. of torque.Inside, the van looks totally normal with interior styling borrowed from Mercedes crossovers.With EVs were usually talking about some silly mode that you can push on the dash to make your jowls touch your ears, but not in the EQV. The top speed is only 160 km/h, but you probably werent going to show up to a drag race with this, anyway. No, this is meant to carry a raft of people comfortably and silently.Speaking of that raft, it can hold seven people with the rear seat captains chairs installed, but an available bench seat option bumps that number up to eight people.So far, plans are for the 2020 EQV to be made available in Europe only, but were hoping the idea catches on enough that it makes its way around the
Origin: Mercedes-Benz first to get its foot in the door of electric van market
Want a 2019 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack Widebody? The competition is all muscle
2019 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack 392 WidebodyChris Balcerak / Driving So, you want the finest-handling Dodge Challenger ever. Well, then you definitely need the new Scat Pack 392 Widebody. Along with the de rigeur muscle car 6.4-litres of 485 horsepower Hemi goodness, the Widebody option adds stiffer springs, SRT-tuned adjustable damping suspension and six-piston Brembo front brakes, not to mention 305/35ZR20 Pirelli PZero tires. In other words, pretty much everything a tuner would throw at a sometimes wayward chassis to keep it between the trees.And it works pretty much as expected. Although the Widebody is also two-tenths of a second quicker through the quarter mile than the standard Scat Pack 392, its in that other, less obvious (if you drive a Dodge Challenger) realm road racing that it really ups the ante. According to FCA, in fact, the Widebody is some two seconds or 12 car lengths quicker per lap around some unnamed race course. I believe it. While hardly Porsche-like it still is a big blunderbuss of a sports car this Challenger actually goes more or less where you steer it, more or less stays on track once you get there, and stops more or less rapidly once youre passed where you meant to be. Its truly competent I wont beggar belief by claiming its extraordinary and it wouldnt be out of place on a curvy road. That might not sound like much of a compliment, but drive an early Challenger and youll appreciate how far Dodge has truly come.Throw in typical Challenger attributes the most faithful replication of the originals profile of any of the current muscle cars probably being primary and a few atypical ones according to J.D. Power, the Challenger is the best built muscle car of them all as well as the best put together Dodge product and you have an unlikely backroads bandit. That said, I am not sure how much of a market there is for a superior steering Challenger. Owners of muscle cars in general and the Challenger in particular dont tend to rank roadholding as a priority in their buying decision. Chevy probably produced the best-handling pony car ever the previous generation Z/28 and it was largely ignored by one and all.Those shopping Challenger tend to get excited about two things in life: Power in which case theyre shopping some form of Hellcat or the look of power, in which case a Dodge salesperson will usher them over to the SXT with its more rational V6 engine and all-wheel-drive powertrain. Im guessing the Widebody variant of the Scat Pack 392 will, despite its relative goodness, end up near the bottom of the order guide. 2020 Chevrolet Camaro Handout / Chevrolet You’re a Chevy guy. Well, then youre shopping Camaro, arent you? Which is a bit of a problem, I suspect, for mainstream muscle car buyers. Oh, the V6 variant is a real gem, the finest handling of all entry-level pony cars, and by far the sweetest-sounding V6 in the segment.After that, however, the Camaro lineup doesnt shine. The Z/28 which I considered near miraculous for turning ill-comportment into Porsche-baiting track worthiness is no more. The SS version has always been kind of milquetoast, and every time that GM ups the ante with the mega-horsepower ZL1, Dodge just slaps a bigger supercharger pulley onto the Hellcat. On top of that, the Camaros Transformer-like styling has always been polarizing. If I specifically wanted a fine-handling V6-powered muscle car, Id be shopping Camaro. Otherwise, not. 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Jonathan Yarkony / Driving You have a blue oval tattooed on your right butt cheek. Well, I guess were driving a Mustang, then. If so, and you like driving, please ignore the base EcoBoost model. Oh, if youre a dental hygienist who just wants the look and dont care that it sounds like a fart in the wind, no worries. But if you have any love for internal combustion at its sportiest, move on.That said, if you want the finest handling muscle car available, the Shelby GT350R version of the Stang now holds that mantle. Secure steering, prodigious grip and well-bedded brakes all make the Shelby something of a terror around a track. It wont quite keep up with a Porsche 911, but nothing with a pseudo-1960s profile will come close. A sweet-sounding, flat-plane crank V8engine, enough power 526 horsepower is nothing to sneeze at, even in a straight line and a truly well put-together styling package give it even more authentic bona-fides. Its the best Mustang available. 2018 Dodge Challenger Hellcat2018 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Nick Tragianis / Driving You want muscle. Big muscle. Well then, the strongest steroids to be had will be found at a Dodge dealership, wont they? That would be the Challenger Hellcat and its lunatic fringe sibling, the Hellcat Redeye.Its hard to know what to write a Hellcat. It is, by even the most generous and by generous, I mean truly demented standards both overpowered and undertired. In any circumstances, not picture perfect
Origin: Want a 2019 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack Widebody? The competition is all muscle
All about car 