Brian Harper: Were banging our heads against the wall, kid. Tilting at windmills. Spitting into the wind. Trying to objectively analyze two legendary muscle cars (actually, pony cars back in my youth) when their respective fan bases have long ago made up their collective minds is just going to get us in trouble. But we gotta try, dont we? Ford Mustang versus Dodge Challenger. Off and on rivals going back 50 years. Not the ultimate versions of each, maybe not even the most livable for the street, but traditional V8 power and six-speed manual transmissions, the cars augmented by optional performance upgrades that give them superior handling and grip. Stripping it down to the basics, its a fight between tradition and evolution. Whats it going to be?Nick Tragianis: Well, the Mustang GT certainly makes a compelling case for evolution. Starting with a 5.0-litre V8 under the hood making 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, and of course, hooked up to a six-speed manual and riding on independent suspension at all four corners, its without a doubt the closest the Mustangs ever been to sports car territory, Shelby GT350 (and GT350R) notwithstanding. It pulls hard, sounds incredible and, most importantly, it can boogie around corners.The key ingredient to this formula is what Ford calls the Performance Package Level Two, or as its known to enthusiasts, the PP2. It adds a laundry list of track-spec trinkets, such as beefier springs and sway bars, more chassis bracing, magnetic dampers, a Torsen limited-slip differential, super-sticky (and wide) Pirelli summer tires, and more. Much more. Too much to list, in fact. All you need to know is, the PP2 is magical. The grip is absolutely unreal, though it makes the Mustang somewhat twitchy near the limit and ride quality suffers. I think this package is a requirement, but something tells me youre not one to agree, old dude. BH: Its a qualified agreement, kid. I love almost everything about PP2, except those meaty P305/30ZR19 Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Ungodly grip in the dry, yes, but with next to no tread, and thus a very limited lifespan. I had to wait to pick up the tester because new tires were being installed, and the car had just 6,000 kilometres on the odo! And unless youve found a perfect stretch of unsullied tarmac, the GT tramlines over every uneven surface. Both hands on the steering wheel here.Interestingly, the Challenger Scat Pack fitted with the Widebody had similar 305-width rubber P305/35ZR20 Pirellis and was nowhere near as frenetic on real roads, though that is clearly not its forte. The big Dodge is definitely Old School muscle car, with blistering straight-line acceleration courtesy of its 485-horsepower, 6.4L V8. Its perfect for the quarter-mile, equipped with line lock, launch assist and an improved launch control setup (hold time is increased to 10 seconds from five for optimal launch and consistent straight-line acceleration). Oh yeah, larger six-piston Brembo front brakes and a stiffer suspension. Still, you feel the difference in the two cars weights the Mustang is 220 kilograms lighter especially on a serious set of twisties (or a track). I have to say, though, the Mustang is no slouch over 1,320 feet, either, not with its own line lock and Drag Strip mode. NT: And therein lies the biggest difference between the two. The Mustang is definitely the better car, if you will the steering, clutch, and shifter action are more precise and nowhere near as heavy as the Challenger. You can pretty much tailor the Mustang to however youre feeling on any particular day with its adjustable drive modes and optional active exhaust system which, by the way, should be standard. And inside, the Mustang may as well be in a completely different league: Your butts positioned far lower to the ground, and the eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system and fully digital instrument cluster add a sense of modernity. There are a few quibbles, though: The optional Recaro seats, particularly on the passenger side, arent friendly to shorter passengers, and forking over the extra $1,800 for these means you lose out on power adjustability, and heating and ventilation. Overall fit-and-finish, too, while reasonably good overall, feels a bit cheap in some areas.But its almost as though the Mustang feels too complicated, too modern for its own good. This is where the Challenger truly comes into its own, indulging the old-school crowd these days far better than the Mustang or Camaro. It seems to be working the design might be more than a decade old, but the Challenger still turns heads and it even outsells the Camaro. But its very much a one-trick pony; the Challenger takes a corner just fine, but whether youre peeling off with the go-fast pedal pinned and slamming through the gears, or just eating up the highway at 120 km/h, the Challenger is happiest going in a straight line. <img
Origin: Car Comparison: 2019 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack 392 vs. 2019 Ford Mustang GT
2019
SUV Comparison: 2019 Honda CR-V vs 2019 Toyota RAV4
Jonathan: While these two little rigs might not set blistering lap times, raise the bar for torque or towing, travel hundreds of kilometres on free electrons, or even get hearts racing, they are the true giants of the Canadian auto industry. Coming from the incredibly popular compact crossover segment that they created, we are here to pit the Toyota RAV4 against its archival and longtime nemesis, the Honda CR-V. The RAV4 is fresh from a complete redesign for the 2019 model year, so the CR-V, a couple of years into its generational cycle, has its work cut out for it to claim superiority over a rival with all the latest tech and gadgets. And as these things go, both are indeed loaded to the roof rails with every gadget and feature available to each model line, the CR-V showing up in Touring trim at $39,090 plus a $1,795 freight and PDI charge. The Toyota RAV4 is a Limited AWD model, ringing in at $40,690 with $1,815 for freight PDI, and while it is fully loaded, there is a more expensive RAV4 out there if you opt for the same trim with a hybrid powertrain ($42,090 + PDI). Those prices are practically a dead heat, so each will prove its value through merit, showing its practicality, feature content and engineering excellence.Peter: Indeed, these two Ontario-built sales champs have a lot in common near identical exterior and interior dimensions and power ratings but they sure feel different on the road. By the numbers, the Toyotas 2.5L naturally aspirated four cylinder outmuscles the Hondas 1.5L turbo four 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque vs 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. So the Toyota RAV4 is more fleet of foot, right? Uh, no.The Toyotas engine doesnt find that torque peak until a rather thrashy 5,000 rpm, whereas the Hondas shove comes on board at a more usable 2,000 rpm. In the cut and thrust of day-to-day driving, the Honda is the more relaxed and quiet crossover, moving forward on a nice easy shove of mid-range torque. The Toyota always feels and sounds like its working hard, and youre going to want to plan your highway merging. I got caught flat-footed, with my foot flat to the floor.That said, the RAV4 settles down into a quiet, stable and comfortable cruiser, and the eight-speed auto works well when not pushing hard, shifting smoothly and making the most to the engines power. The Honda CR-V is fitted with CVT (continuously variable transmission), but under most circumstances youd never know it. Again, its the little 1.5L turbo-fours low-end torque that keeps things moving along with little drama.JY: Actually, after spending a bit more time behind the wheel of the RAV4 after filming, there were occasions when that lack of low-end torque and the efficiency goals of the transmission led to some rough downshifts under hard acceleration. The 8-speed went looking for a lower gear to deliver the kind of urgency my foot was calling for, but it couldnt get out of its own way. Despite the Sport button on the console, the RAV4 simply does not like being driven quickly. Eventually I learned to accept its limitations, but it required resetting my more sporting style of driving to something far more patient, and I equally doubt that the extra AWD settings (Rock and Mud Sand) will get any use at all from the typical RAV4 owners. Save it for the 4Runner, Toyota. Once I started driving the RAV4 within its comfort zone, it shone. It is plenty comfortable around town and settles in nicely at highway speeds, and has excellent visibility and good steering response making it easy to maneuver around town. You could say the same of the CR-V, which might have a touch better steering response and comfort, but both are respectable and dialled in nicely for a compact crossover. Both cruise quietly and with great stability on the highway, with adaptive cruise and other driver aids to help alert you to dangers around you and take action if necessary.It should be noted for value shoppers that adaptive cruise, lane departure alert, lane keep assist, forward emergency braking, plus blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard equipment on the base $27,990 RAV4, but those features dont come into play until the $31,686 LX AWD model on the CR-V. At the top of the lineup, the one big edge I gave to the RAV4 is the 360-degree parking camera (the CR-V has just a multi-view rear camera) that makes parking a breeze in any situation, especially crowded mall parking lots or tight underground garages. <img
Origin: SUV Comparison: 2019 Honda CR-V vs 2019 Toyota RAV4
5 things we learned driving the 2019 Lexus UX200
2019 Lexus UXBrian Harper / Driving Sport-cutes, faux-by-fauxes, crossovers; belittle them all your want, but theyre all the rage, especially in the entry-level luxury segment. Indeed, there appears to be no limits to how small you can make these soft-roaders, as long as they sport a recognizable that should be read pretentious badge and some fancy leather. Hence why, despite already having the cuter-than-thou NX in its lineup, Lexus recently released in its UX, an SUV so small that it feels like it could fit in the glove box of a Suburban. Yes, it really is petite, at least by sport-brute standards.If calling them crossovers or SUVs is what it takes to notice hatchbacks, so be itLexus bills the new UX as a crossover, another of those soft-roaders that trade on the robustness of the classic SUV, but offer the familiarity of a passenger car. But, the line betwixt car and crossover has been blurring lately and nowhere more so perhaps than in this baby Lexus. For all intents and purposes, this is a hatchback with a little more ground clearance and a butch grille.Thats no insult, as said pseudo car status result in excellent space utilization and surprisingly because were all still getting used to Lexus new performance push good handling while still looking butch enough for urban adventurers. Im not sure if this trick is going to work, but so far, consumers have proven willing to buy anything as long as you bill it as something that claims some sport and a modicum of utility.The interior is truly incredible I just finished testing a $44,599 Ford Escape Titanium, a sport-cute whose cabin I lauded for its dramatic improvement over its predecessor. It cant hold a candle to the UXs interior, which is as luxurious if not more so than anything Ive seen in this segment. The leather used in the seats is worthy of a full-float luxury sedan. Ditto for the dashboard, which really feels it should be in an LS rather than a bargain-basement for a luxury marque hatchback passing itself off as a sport-cute.The ergonomics are also well thought-out. The controls the traction control and drive mode switches placed on the upper binnacle around the gauge cluster were a good idea when Nissan tried it on its iconic 300ZX sports car and theyre still an advantage compared with reaching over to centre console, or further cluttering of the turn signal stalk. Lexus still relies on more buttons than most automakers who have succumbed to the allure of touchscreens, both the climate controls and audio system having fully physical switchgear. This last is truly innovative; the radio controls are set back in a little pod atop the centre console.To minimize distraction, the volume knob is at the front of the pod while the tuning control is on its side, making operating the audio system so easy that you never have to take your eyes off the road or reach for the dashboard. In fact, if you are particularly ADDd who, me? you can operate both the volume control (with your middle finger) and the tuning knob (with your thumb) simultaneously.Better yet, the little pod also has two little buttons on either side again, well placed so that they can be operated by thumb, and this time, the ring finger so you can toggle up and down the station spectrum even more easily. These are, by far, the best radio controls I have ever tested on any car, regardless of the marque, segment, or price. Well done Lexus: more convenient and less distraction!Well done, Lexus; more convenience and less distraction!These exemplary controls are probably a good thing. Lexus insisted on staying with the touchpad control system for its infotainment systems; its much improved in its iteration, but at best, it takes some getting used to, and at worst, some will never make their peace with it. Its the only sticking point, however, to the best interior in this entry-level luxury segment. It could use a little more gutsLexus offers the UX in two guises the base, front-wheel-drive UX200, and the top-of-the-line UX250h Hybrid. Both use small, 2.0-litre four-bangers for motivation and neither, as is so common in this segment nowadays, is turbocharged. That means, while some players in this segment boast more than 200 horsepower, the base UX200 claims but 168. Even the UX250h, with the addition of two small electric motors only nets out at 181 horsepower. Perhaps more damaging is that the base UX200 is purely front-wheel-drive, no AWD option available. The UX250h, having an electric motor powering the rear axle, directs at least some power to all four wheels.It may not be as damaging as those numbers indicate, though. Despite the lack of forced induction, the little 2.0L has enough low-end guts for pretty much everything short of serious hooliganism. Its also decently quiet and smooth. In fact, the only flaw in its comportment is that Lexus, always concerned about efficiency and fuel economy, has paired the small four-cylinder with a CVT.
Origin: 5 things we learned driving the 2019 Lexus UX200
Reader Review: 2019 Ford Ranger Lariat Supercrew
Bob Corrigan with the 2019 Ford Ranger in Calgary.Al Charest / Postmedia Small trucks such as the original Ford Ranger, last sold in North America in 2011, are a distant memory as pickups continue to morph into oversize haulers. As such, the small and useful light-duty truck segment has languished.With a 2019 model-year truck, however, Ford has returned the Ranger nameplate to Canada and the U.S. Like its full-size brethren, the Ranger has grown in size.According to Bob Corrigan, thats not a bad thing. Corrigan recently drove a SuperCrew 2019 Ranger Lariat 44. Regarding the Rangers growth, he says buyers are simply looking for more room in a vehicle. I spent a lot of time driving smaller trucks in my younger days when I was delivering newspapers to paper boys, the Calgarian says. They were useful vehicles for the size.Corrigan also owned a 2007 Ford Ranger, one of the last generations of the truck that first launched in 1983 as a replacement vehicle for the Mazda-built Ford Courier. Originally sold with a. 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and four-speed standard transmission, the Ranger could also be had with a V6 powerplant. The truck quickly gained a faithful following and became a best-selling compact pickup for Ford.I bought my 2007 Ranger as a utility vehicle, but I only kept it for a year and a half before it transitioned into being my sons truck, Corrigan says. He drove it to university and used it as a work truck for his painting business.We just sold it this spring.According to a Ford media release, the automaker chose to return the Ranger name on a midsize truck because theres a new generation of midsize truck buyers seek(ing) more manoeuvrable, fuel-efficient pickups.Although absent since 2011 in Canada and the U.S., a Ford Ranger truck has been available in other global markets for years. Ford based their new North American version on the global platform but says theyve developed the Ranger specifically for our market.For example, while the North American Ranger does have its similarities to the global product, including styling cues and a high-strength steel backbone frame, the new truck is equipped with steel, frame-mounted front and rear bumpers the global Ranger lacks these.Power comes from a 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine and power is transmitted through a 10-speed automatic transmission. An available FX4 four-wheel drive package adds off-road tuned suspension components, all-terrain tires and frame-mounted steel bash plates and Dana Trac-Lok differentials. The truck can be had in two-wheel and four-wheel drive in SuperCab and SuperCrew cab configuration. Trims include the base XL, next level XLT and well-equipped Lariat. Pulling up to the 19 Ranger, equipped with the $3,000 Lariat package and a host of options including the FX4 off-road package for a total of $51,859 before taxes, Corrigans first thought was of the overall size.Its significantly bigger than the old Ranger, he says, and adds, But, given that, I think it will be a truck for people who have occasional use for such a vehicle without being in the full-size truck market.His tester was painted in Fords Hot Red Pepper metallic.Red might be the name, but its more of an orange and I think its a very attractive colour, Corrigan says. Overall, the Ranger has solid, clean looking lines, almost like a scaled-down F-150.Corrigan says its a step up to get into the cab, but one thats not awkward. Once in the leather-covered drivers seat, he adds that it took him little time to become comfortable and familiarize himself with the controls.Although I owned that older Ranger, Ive never been much of a Ford guy, Corrigan admits. But, with this 2019 Ranger, Im very impressed with how Ford has set up the controls and touchscreen system it was easy to set up and very intuitive, even better than our 2019 Toyota Camry.Fit and finish was rated as excellent, with the contrast stitching on the all-black interior receiving a favourable comment. The fitted floor mats, which were a $170 tray-style floor liner option from Ford, would protect the interior nicely in all kinds of conditions and Corrigan approved.Immediately after picking up the Ranger, Corrigan and his wife drove 300 kilometres to their vacation home in Fernie, B.C.Although this Ranger has the FX4 off-road package, in regular drive mode with the tires it had, it was very quiet Fords done a great job on the sound-deadening, he explains. You can talk and just enjoy the ride without a lot of noise, road or wind, from entering the cabin.Power supplied by the EcoBoost engine was rated as excellent.Driving down Highway 22, we had the opportunity to pass several times and I never had any concerns about pulling out and the 10-speed automatic never felt like it was hunting for gears, Corrigan says. I think Fords done a great job with these four-cylinder engines to get the power out of them.Plus, the Ranger is capable of towing a maximum 3,400 kilograms (7,500
Origin: Reader Review: 2019 Ford Ranger Lariat Supercrew
2019 LA motor show: full report and pictures
Welcome to Autocar’s extended coverage of the 2019 Los Angeles motor show, one of the last major shows of this year’s automotive calendar. As ever, it is a uniquely Californian show that plays home to a varied mix of SUVs, V8s and electric cars. Manufacturers including Audi, Ford and Volkswagen are all in attendance, with major announcements expected throughout the week. Some brands even jumped the gun, revealing all ahead of the show floor opening to the industry. We were on the ground in LA to bring you all the news as it breaks from the show, as as well as providing insight and comment from industry figures, and first drives of some of the biggest new launches. LA 2019: show report Wheeled vastness, electric vehicles and fast-breeding mid-size SUVs were the most visible exhibits at an LA show marked by the welcome arrival of heavy rain and hail to a parched California. Whether this sudden shift was merely weather or a symptom of climate change, there were certainly signs of fundamental change at the show, where the electric Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s surprisingly potent – and fairly pricey, at £40,000 upwards – Tesla fighter. VW’s ID Space Vizzion concept, the E-Tron Spaceback that makes Audi the first premium player to introduce a second EV, the new-to America electric Mini and numerous plug-in hybrids will all be able to take advantage of the fact that California’s solar and wind power quite regularly generates surplus electricity in need of a home. Yet the industry’s growing battle to introduce affordable electric models was overshadowed, literally, by the bombastic trucks littering much of the Chevrolet stand, a spectacular ultra-high-riding, highly modified Ford F250 pick-up in the main entrance foyer and any number of medium to large SUVs. Not all of them from US manufacturers either, Mercedes unveiling AMG versions of its GLE and GLS, Audi its potent RS Q8, Toyota a new Highlander SUV of a size unremarkable in an American context, Land Rover its Defender and Kia its not-for-Europe Seltos. The almost absurd contradiction in all this can be hard to explain, but to understand the big trucks follow the money – these beasts are highly profitable US best-sellers – while the EU’s CO2 squeeze, China’s commitment to EVs and Tesla’s sales success explains the heavy peppering of battery-powered cars at this show. Which also explains the strange avenues some manufacturers are travelling in an effort to clean up the car and maintain its appeal. Who would have thought that there would one day be a five-door Mustang SUV punching out as much as 459 electric horsepower, or that BMW would have hired a couple of musicians to devise soundtracks for its EVs, or that it would be harvesting methane from a US dairy farm to produce electricity? VW, meanwhile, will plant 1000 trees to compensate for the 1000 miles that its Atlas Cross Sport R will travel in the Baja 1000 off-road race and Subaru, which had turned its stand into a virtual slice of US National Park, would be planting no less than half a million trees to rebuild US forests destroyed by fire. Even the unchanging is changing. There’s a new Mustang Shelby GT 500, but there’s now a Mustang EV. There’s a new Corvette, this the legendary sportscar’s first US show appearance, but its engine lies behind the driver rather than in front. On the other hand, some things really don’t change. Dodge celebrated 50 Challenger years with a very limited limited edition of 490 multi-hued cars, FCA’s policy of starving most of its brands of genuinely new product underlined by the sorry 300C saloon at the back of a Chrysler carpet park of ageing minivans and a modest Fiat stand deprived of its one-time mainstay 500, now deleted. Yet this show was optimistic, as motor shows almost invariably are. Live blog Thursday 21 November, 1000 GMT Last few udates from the show floow. “Big show for Hyundai,” says editor Tisshaw. “Not only is it previewing its new design language with the Vision T SUV concept, but also its plans for its first mid-engined car with the RM19 prototype. Think of that for a second: a mid-engined Hyundai. That’s remarkable progress from the company in such a short space of time.” The sun always shines in LA, right? Not today: heavy rain and thunderstorms are rattling the convention centre, and each executive giving a speech has made pretty much the same gag about the weather at the start of their presentations. Kia has a new SUV at the show, but it’s not for the UK. The Seltos is sized between the Stonic and Sportage in European terms, a gap Kia has just filled with the XCeed in Europe. The Seltos will instead be offered in the US, Korea, India and the Middle East. Thursday 21 November, 0900 GMT Jaguar stole a march on its big German rivals with the I-Pace, but Mercedes-Benz and Audi have caught up with launches in their own. And now in the case of Audi, it’s gone past Jaguar with the launch of its second electric car, the E-Tron
Origin: 2019 LA motor show: full report and pictures
2019 LA motor show: live coverage
Welcome to Autocar’s extended coverage of the 2019 Los Angeles motor show, one of the last major shows of this year’s automotive calendar. As ever, it is a uniquely Californian show that plays home to a varied mix of SUVs, V8s and electric cars. Manufacturers including Audi, Ford and Volkswagen are all in attendance, with major announcements expected throughout the week. Some brands even jumped the gun, revealing all ahead of the show floor opening to the industry. We’re on the ground in LA to bring you all the news as it breaks from the show, as as well as providing insight and comment from industry figures, and first drives of some of the biggest new launches. LA motor show: What’s on display There are plenty of big names revealing new metal at this year’s show. While we’ve focused on the models most likely to go on sale in other markets as well as the US, there’s still lots to see. Aston Martin DBX Although Aston Martin chose China for the official reveal of its first ever SUV, it also made sure to bring one to Los Angeles. The £158,000 SUV promises the kind of sporting pedigree Aston is famed for, with a 4.0-litre V8 delivering 542bhp. A luxury interior and capable off-road credentials should make it a threat to the likes of Bentley’s Bentayga and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Audi E-tron sportback The rakishly styled Sportback variant of Audi’s E-tron electric SUV carries over the standard car’s 402bhp twin-motor powertrain, but the Sportback sees major efficiency gains that help boost range to 278 miles – a significant step up over the E-tron. Visual changes are largely limited to the reshaped roofline and a subtly restyled rear end, which includes an LED brake light bar similar to that of the A8 luxury saloon. BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé The largest model in BMW’s 2 Series line-up will make its public debut at LA, following a reveal in October. The firm’s first small four-door coupe sits atop the same front-wheel-drive platform as the smaller 1 Series, and shares that model’s range of petrol and diesel powerplants. The range-topping M235i xDrive, however, gains all-wheel drive and will take on the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35, with a 2.0-litre twin-turbo petrol unit pumping out 302bhp and 332lb ft. M8 Gran Coupe At the other end of BMW’s performance saloon range is this, the fearsome M8 Gran Coupe. Going up against the Porsche Panamera with up to 616bhp from its 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, the five-door version of the firm’s new M8 is priced from £120,935, with deliveries due to take place at the start of next year. Bollinger B1 and B2 Newly established American firm Bollinger will showcase prototype versions of its B1 and B2 electric SUVs. The rugged-looking off-roaders sit atop a skateboard-style chassis and have been engineered to meet road-legal requirements around the world. In spite of their aerodynamically unfriendly design and imposing size, the boxy models will hit 60mph from rest in just 4.5 seconds, thanks to a pair of electric motors that combine to produce 614bhp. Ford Mustang Mach-E Ford kickstarted its electrification strategy with the sleek SUV inspired by the Mustang sports car, showing the model for the first time at LA ahead of the main show. Due to go on sale in 2020 as a rival to Tesla’s new Model Y, the Mustang Mach-E will offer a range of 370 miles on the WLTP cycle in extended battery form. At launch, a range-topping First Edition version will produce 332bhp, with a GT model set to make around 459bhp shortly after. Lexus LC500 Convertible The long-teased Lexus halo model was finally shown off in production form at this year’s LA show. Previously revealed as a concept, the soft-top LC will arrive first in ‘500’ form with a 5.0-litre V8 engine. A V6 hybrid is expected to follow later. Mercedes Maybach GLS Conceived as a rival to the Range Rover SVAutobiography, Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the Maybach GLS is an ultra-luxurious reworking of Mercedes’ GLS flagship SUV. The standard model’s silhouette is retained, but spy shots show that the Maybach version will feature bespoke design elements inspired by 2016’s Maybach 6 coupe concept. There are suggestions that the top-of-the-line GLS could also offer improved rear legroom, courtesy of an extended wheelbase. Mini John Cooper Works GP Mini’s fastest model yet, the 300bhp JCW GP, has been teetering on the edge of an unveiling for a while, with prototypes making public appearances at high-profile events like the Nurburgring 24 Hours and Goodwood Festival of Speed, but now the wraps have finally come off. The 302bhp hot hatch will have a £34,995 starting price and be limited to 3000 units worldwide. Porsche 911 manual Not a new car, but almost as exciting, is the news that Porsche is adding a seven-speed manual option to its 911 sports car. The option is rolling out at no extra cost to buyers in the US, with a UK launch expected in the new
Origin: 2019 LA motor show: live coverage
Trucks at SEMA 2019: Chevy’s electric vs Dodge’s diesel
Las Vegas, NEVADAMopar or Chevy? Diesel power or electric energy? Battery versus brawn? Old rivalries were made new again at the 2019 SEMA show in Las Vegas, as GM and FCA each breathed new life into a couple of their old trucks.Dedicated to the automotive aftermarket, the SEMA show is jammed with modified vehicles showing off new products. Some of the major automakers get in on the action, creating or commissioning their own builds for the show. This year, that included transforming two trucks a 1962 Chevy C-10 and 1968 Dodge D200.Both drew the crowds, but they were as different as they could be. The Chevy had a couple of electric motors under the hood, while the Dodge went old-school with a diesel. See how they stacked up and which do you prefer?1962 Chevrolet E-10 Chevy changed C-10 to E-10 for what the company dubbed its E-Crate motor, and its basically made by stacking electric motors together and with components from the Bolt electric compact car.The E-10 has a dual-stack system, and GM claims more than 450 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque at the wheels. Zero to 96 km/h is about five seconds, and the truck is estimated in the high 13-second range for the quarter-mile. But dont expect it to do it silently: theres an emulator on board that churns out the sound of V8 induction and exhaust.A custom truck is more than an engine, and the E-10 has an adjustable air suspension, 20- and 22-inch wheels, illuminated bowtie badges and a digital instrument cluster. The hood and tailgate have been smoothed out, the drip rails have been shaved, and the 62 grille has been replaced with one used in 1964. The E-10 isnt just for show. GM says the E-Crate is a concept but its also a fully-functional prototype that could one day be available to drop into anything that is currently set up for a Chevy LS engine currently (no pun intended) the engine of choice for most hot-rod and custom-car conversions.These next-generation electric motors can be stacked three-high for more than 1,000 horsepower. Right now the E-10s box is taken up with the battery, but the E-Crate can run on a range of 350 to 800 volts, so the battery can be sized for practicality or performance.Mopar Lowliner Concept The Lowliner also has a battery, but its just there to turn over the trucks 5.9-litre Cummins engine. The inline-six is considered legendary by diesel fans, and was first put into a Ram truck in 1989; the Ram brands current 6.7L diesel choice initially appeared in 2007.The 5.9L started with 12 valves but went to 24 valves in 1998, and its the 2-4 thats in this truck now. And heres the best part: the transmission has to be manually shifted through its six gears.The designers started with a 1968 Dodge D200 Sweptline heavy-duty Camper Special that they found in Ohio. They boxed the frame, and in addition to extending the wheelbase, pushed the front axle forward 76 millimetres. An adjustable air suspension on both axles gives it low, driving height, and driving height-plus positions.But while the trucks been lowered, the bed heights been raised by welding in the box floor from a new Ram 1500 and that was done to accommodate the air suspension and the fuel cell.Just about everything on the outside has been customized: the front end flips forward electrically, the handle-free doors open with electric poppers, the badges and chrome have been shaved off, the headlights and taillights are LED, the fuel fillers now mounted in the bed, and the Candied Delmonico red paint has the Mopar M subtly ghosted into the fenders.Take Our Poll The wheels are styled on the smoothie stamped-steel design that was popular in the 1960s, but while those were usually 15 inches, the Lowliner rides on 22s, with wide enough tires that the rear wheel wells have been widened. The interiors done in distressed-look leather, the shifter ball has a Cummins logo, and the original 1968 steering wheel is still in place.Unlike the E-10, which could potentially spin off a production aftermarket conversion, the Lowliner is all about the show. But we like em both, and really like that two old trucks that were already cool have been made even
Origin: Trucks at SEMA 2019: Chevy’s electric vs Dodge’s diesel
The most – and least – reliable brands for 2019, ranked by Consumer Reports
2019 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack 392 WidebodyChris Balcerak / Driving If youve picked up a copy of Consumer Reports at all in the past 15 years, you know by now their tests typically rank Japanese manufacturers at or near the top for dependability; see various European automakers fill up the middle of the reliability list, plus maybe a Ford or GM brand; and then round out the bottom with most of the Detroit Three and some luxury car companies.This year, though, that pattern got a little up-ended. Perennial worst-for-reliability automaker Fiat Chrysler actually saw one of its brands, Dodge, take a spot in the top 10 on the list for the first time ever.What gives? The eighth-place ranking in Consumer Reports’ Auto Reliability Survey can be chalked up largely to high reliability scores from the Dodge Grand Caravan and Dodge Challenger two models built right here in Canada.If thats not a big enough upset for you, typically-reliable Volkswagen slipped nine spots, as did Acura yeah, the premium marque built by Honda. The non-profit consumer organizations survey is based on feedback from some 400,000 vehicle owners and their experiences with models from 2000 to 2019. The reliability score is distilled from numbers crunched using that feedback.So what else did this number-crunching show? Well let the top and bottom five brands on the list speak for themselves.The Worst26. JeepThis is what makes Fiat Chryslers meteoric rise this year so incredible typically it falls into the lower third of the 30-strong list, along with many other American brands, like Jeep did as usual. Dodge was the only U.S. brand in the top 10, thanks largely to the above-average reliability of the Windsor, Ontario-built Grand Caravan; and the Brampton, Ontario-built Challenger, but the also-Brampton-built Chrysler 300 dragged the automakers namesake brand out of the dregs, too.Whats the secret? Theyre old, says CR. The 300, Challenger and Caravan havent changed in forever, so all the bugs are worked out and theyre pretty solid now. Unfortunately the same cant be said, somehow, for the Jeep Wrangler, which anchored that brand down here, pulling it from 23rd place.27. VolkswagenDoesnt VW know how to make a good car by now? Sure, but the company is still not as familiar with SUVs. CR blames the companys new Atlas and Tiguan utilities for sinking Volkswagen nine spots on the list. Specifically, the trucks much-worse-than-average reliability rating stems from the frequent failure of their emissions and fuel systems and electronics and power-assisted options.28. AcuraHonda has built a reputation on rock-solid reliability, but move up to its premium Acura brand and that reassurance goes away. Transmission issues and continuing problems plaguing the MDX took the companys scores way down nine spots as did the below-average reliability of the RDX.29. Alfa RomeoOutside of the Detroit Three, the bottom of the list typically is stuffed with niche European automakers that just cant get their dependability where they want it. Mini managed to shake off that ballast this year, moving up five spots, but the Giulia sedan kept Alfa Romeo right at the lists end. We have to point out for ironys sake that Alfa is owned by Fiat Chrysler, parent company of the above-mentioned rapidly-improving Dodge and the not-so-hot Jeep.30. CadillacChevrolets Camaro and Colorado are among the least reliable vehicles on the market today, if you ask Consumer Reports members that own em, but overall the brand ranked 25th on the dependability survey. General Motors luxury arm Cadillac wasnt able to escape the bottom five, though, ending up in dead last.That still seems mostly par for the course for many U.S. brands, though; outside of Dodge, the best America could muster was a dead-middle 15th-place finish via Lincoln, with Ford just behind.The Best5. GenesisIt took a long time, but the Korean trio of Kia, Hyundai and Genesis all owned by parent company Hyundai have gone from regularly showing up in the bottom half of CRs reliability scores to now taking three spots in the top 10. There is no gap anymore between the Korean manufacturers and the Japanese, said Jake Fisher, CRs senior director of auto testing. Their reliability is equal.If you cant afford the automakers upscale Genesis luxury cars, Hyundai itself was just behind in sixth place, and its Kona was ranked one of the top most-reliable models.4. PorscheWhile you arent always guaranteed the reliability youd assume youd be with a luxury marque, you do get it with Porsche, which moved up five spots this year to make it that spot just next to the podium.That bodes well for its upcoming Taycan electric sedan, which has a bunch of hype to live up to and cant afford to break down on buyers, especially with Tesla also climbing in CRs reliability ranks.3. ToyotaWhat can we say? You expected to see it here, and here it is. While Consumer Reports blame some brands falling scores on re-designs they still have to
Origin: The most – and least – reliable brands for 2019, ranked by Consumer Reports
Updated: 2019 Los Angeles motor show preview
This year’s motor show calendar is in full swing, with Frankfurt’s IAA event bringing us pivotal new models from countless mainstream manufacturers, and last month’s Tokyo motor show demonstrating that, for many firms, creativity is key in today’s challenging market environment. Now though, it’s time to look ahead to the Los Angeles Auto Show, at which we’re expecting a huge variety of important US and Europe-focussed models to appear in the metal for the first time. Last year’s edition saw the debut of Porsche’s acclaimed 992-generation 911, the striking Audi E-tron GT concept and Mazda’s reinvented 3 hatchback to mention but a few, and 2019 is already shaping up to be just as significant. Take a look at everything we’re expecting to see here: Audi E-tron sportback Shown in camouflaged prototype form at March’s Geneva motor show, the rakishly styled Sportback variant of Audi’s E-tron electric SUV has since lost its disguise in the run-up to its LA reveal. The standard E-tron’s 402bhp twin-motor powertrain is carried over unmodified, meaning the Sportback will be capable of 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds, a range of around 248 miles and 150kW rapid charging. Changes look to be limited to the reshaped roofline and a subtly restyled rear end, which includes an LED brake light bar similar to that of the A8 luxury saloon. BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé The largest model in BMW’s 2 Series line-up will make its public debut at LA, following a reveal in October. The firm’s first small four-door coupe sits atop the same front-wheel-drive platform as the smaller 1 Series, and shares that model’s range of petrol and diesel powerplants. The range-topping M235i xDrive, however, gains all-wheel drive and will take on the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35, with a 2.0-litre twin-turbo petrol unit pumping out 302bhp and 332lb ft. M8 Gran Coupe At the other end of BMW’s performance saloon range is this, the fearsome M8 Gran Coupe. Going up against the Porsche Panamera with up to 616bhp from its 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, the five-door version of the firm’s new M8 is priced from £120,935, with deliveries due to take place at the start of next year. Bollinger B1 and B2 Newly established American firm Bollinger will showcase prototype versions of its B1 and B2 electric SUVs. The rugged-looking off-roaders sit atop a skateboard-style chassis and have been engineered to meet road-legal requirements around the world. In spite of their aerodynamically unfriendly design and imposing size, the boxy models will hit 60mph from rest in just 4.5 seconds, thanks to a pair of electric motors that combine to produce 614bhp. Ford ‘Mach E’ electric SUV Ford will kickstart its electrification strategy with a sleek SUV-shaped model inspired by the Mustang sports car, showing the model for the first time at LA. Due to go on sale in 2020 as a rival to Tesla’s new Model Y, the model has been confirmed to offer a range of 370 miles on the WLTP cycle, but the company is withholding additional details pertaining to the model’s performance, pricing and design until its unveiling. Hyundai PHEV concept Hyundai’s ‘ground-breaking’ new SUV concept takes inspiration from 2018’s Le Fil Rouge show car, and looks to preview a futuristic plug-in hybrid production model to sit below the Santa Fe seven-seater. Technical details remain scarce, but a preview image shows off a sleek, rakish roofline, squared-off wheel arches and a bespoke grille design with integrated cooling flaps. Mercedes Maybach GLS Conceived as a rival to the Range Rover SVAutobiography, Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the Maybach GLS is an ultra-luxurious reworking of Mercedes’ GLS flagship SUV. The standard model’s silhouette is retained, but spy shots show that the Maybach version will feature bespoke design elements inspired by 2016’s Maybach 6 coupe concept. There are suggestions that the top-of-the-line GLS could also offer improved rear legroom, courtesy of an extended wheelbase. Mini John Cooper Works GP Mini’s fastest model yet, the 300bhp JCW GP, has been teetering on the edge of an unveiling for a while, with prototypes making public appearances at high-profile events like the Nurburgring 24 Hours and Goodwood Festival of Speed, but now the wraps are finally coming off. Confirmed details include a £34,995 starting price and sub-eight minute Nordschleife laptime, but we’ll have to wait to see just how Oxford’s answer to the Mercedes-AMG A35 will differentiate itself style-wise from the standard Cooper JCW. Porsche 911 manual Not a new car, but almost as exciting, is the news that Porsche is adding a seven-speed manual option to its 911 sports car. The option is rolling out at no extra cost to buyers in the US, with a UK launch expected in the new year. It’s likely that Porsche will show the manual 911 at LA. Taycan 4S Launched as the entry point into Porsche’s new Taycan electric super-saloon range,
Origin: Updated: 2019 Los Angeles motor show preview
2019 Los Angeles motor show preview
This year’s motor show calendar is in full swing, with Frankfurt’s IAA event bringing us pivotal new models from countless mainstream manufacturers, and last week’s Tokyo motor show demonstrating that, for many firms, creativity is key in today’s challenging market environment. Now though, it’s time to look ahead to the Los Angeles Auto Show, at which we’re expecting a huge variety of important US and Europe-focussed models to appear in the metal for the first time. Last year’s edition saw the debut of Porsche’s acclaimed 992-generation 911, the striking Audi E-tron GT concept and Mazda’s reinvented 3 hatchback to mention but a few, and 2019 is already shaping up to be just as significant. Take a look at everything we’re expecting to see here: Audi E-tron sportback Shown in camouflaged prototype form at March’s Geneva motor show, the rakishly styled Sportback variant of Audi’s E-tron electric SUV has since lost its disguise in the run-up to its LA reveal. The standard E-tron’s 402bhp twin-motor powertrain is carried over unmodified, meaning the Sportback will be capable of 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds, a range of around 248 miles and 150kW rapid charging. Changes look to be limited to the reshaped roofline and a subtly restyled rear end, which includes an LED brake light bar similar to that of the A8 luxury saloon. BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé The largest model in BMW’s 2 Series line-up will make its public debut at LA, following a reveal in October. The firm’s first small four-door coupe sits atop the same front-wheel-drive platform as the smaller 1 Series, and shares that model’s range of petrol and diesel powerplants. The range-topping M235i xDrive, however, gains all-wheel drive and will take on the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 with a 2.0-litre twin-turbo petrol unit pumping out 302bhp and 332lb ft. M8 Gran Coupe At the other end of BMW’s performance saloon range is this, the fearsome M8 Gran Coupe. Going up against the Porsche Panamera with up to 616bhp from its 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, the five-door version of the firm’s new M8 is priced from £120,935, with deliveries due to take place at the start of next year. Bollinger B1 and B2 Newly established American firm Bollinger will showcase prototype versions of its B1 and B2 electric SUVs. The rugged-looking off-roaders sit atop a skateboard-style chassis, and have been engineered to meet road-legal requirements around the world. In spite of their aerodynamically unfriendly design and imposing size, the boxy models will hit 60mph from rest in just 4.5 seconds, thanks to a pair of electric motors producing a combined 614bhp. Ford ‘Mach E’ electric SUV Ford will kickstart its electrification strategy with a sleek SUV-shaped model inspired by the Mustang sports car, showing the model for the first time at LA. Due to go on sale in 2020 as a rival to Tesla’s new Model Y, the model has been confirmed to offer a range of 370 miles on the WLTP cycle, but the company is withholding additional details pertaining to the model’s performance, pricing and design until its unveiling. Mercedes Maybach GLS Conceived as a rival to the Range Rover SVAutobiography, Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the Maybach GLS is an ultra-luxurious reworking of Mercedes’ GLS flagship SUV. The standard model’s silhouette is retained, but spy shots show the Maybach version will feature bespoke design elements inspired by 2016’s Maybach 6 coupe concept. There are suggestions the top-of-the-line GLS could also offer improved rear legroom courtesy of an extended wheelbase. Mini John Cooper Works GP Mini’s fastest model yet, the 300bhp JCW GP, has been teetering on the edge of an unveiling for a while, with prototypes making public appearances at high-profile events like the Nurburgring 24 Hours and Goodwood Festival of Speed, but now the wraps are finally coming off. Confirmed details include a £34,995 starting price and sub-eight minute Nordschleife laptime, but we’ll have to wait to see just how Oxford’s answer to the Mercedes-AMG A35 will differentiate itself style-wise from the standard Cooper JCW. Porsche 911 manual Not a new car, but almost as exciting, is the news that Porsche is adding a seven-speed manual option to its 911 sports car. The option is rolling out at no extra cost to buyers in the US, with a UK launch expected in the new year. It’s likely that Porsche will show the manual 911 at LA. Taycan 4S Launched as the entry point into Porsche’s new Taycan electric super-saloon range, the 4S offers considerably less power than the top-run Turbo and Turbo S models, but is also much more affordable, with prices starting at £83,000. Range is a still-respectable 252 miles in standard guise, with an optional Performance Battery Plus pack bringing that up to 287 miles. Toyota RAV4 PHEV Toyota will follow up its future-looking Tokyo motor show display with the unveiling of a new hybrid version of
Origin: 2019 Los Angeles motor show preview
All about car 