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2018 Autoblog Technology of the Year finalists

After months of prepping and several days of testing, we narrowed the field for Autoblog's 2018 Tech of the Year award to the Nissan Rogue with ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system, the Lexus LC 500h and its new hybrid powertrain, and the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and its trick Multimatic spool-valve off-road shocks. Three very different cars with very different technologies duking it out for the award. Look for news of our winner at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show. We hand out this award every year to the technology or feature that we feel moves the bar forward for the automotive industry. Read more here on how our testing process works. We discuss, debate and count up score sheets, judging each vehicle and technology on a few different criteria. Is its purpose noteworthy? Does it work well? Does it advance the industry? The Nissan Rogue with ProPilot Assist was actually a prototype, as the technology will first debut in the 2018 Nissan Leaf. Still, we're here to test the tech and not the car. ProPilot Assist combines adaptive cruise control system combined with lane-keeping assistance. The system uses sonar, radar and a number of cameras for some light semi-autonomous driving and enhanced safety. While these systems aren't new individually, Nissan's system is affordable, intuitive, and coming to a mainstream product — democratizing the tech in a novel way, if you will. That's why it's here. The Lexus LC 500h uses a new powertrain that Lexus has dubbed the Multi-Stage Hybrid System. Basically it combines two types of transmissions — a CVT and a four-speed automatic — in a single unit mated to a naturally aspirated V6. That's complex and unorthodox technology, and Lexus engineered it to give drivers the efficiency of a CVT without sacrificing driving enjoyment. The package is subtle, working in the background to create a nearly seamless driving experience. It's engaging in a way most other hybrids can only dream of. The fact that it's wrapped in such gorgeous sheetmetal only makes things better. The Multimatic spool valve shocks in the Chevy Colorado ZR2 might seem low-tech compared to ProPilot Assist and the Lexus Multi-Stage Hybrid, but they represent a completely novel application of a technology that several years ago was so expensive that it was reserved for top-tier race cars. Like the LC 500h, these shocks really change your perception of how a vehicle like this should drive.

2015 Callaway Corvette Z06 gets new supercharger, adds $17K to starting price

Callaway's proud tradition of modifying Chevrolets is about to add a very significant chapter this weekend, as the company prepares to unveil a modified version of the 2015 Corvette Z06. The engine mods are simple, though we expect them to be very potent. That's because Chevy has replaced the factory supercharger with a new "GenThree" unit that's nearly a third larger than what's bolted on in Bowling Green. A new intercooler is also added, along with a new high-flow intake system. Beyond that, the changes are exclusively of the subtle cosmetic variety. There's new badging inside and out, as well as new engine covers, floormats and an underhood plaque. Naturally, there's documentation to verify the Callaway Z06's authenticity, and the comfort that comes with a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty. Callaway has priced the upgrade package at $16,995, in addition to the price of the stock Z06. While we're still waiting to hear official power figures, that seems like a reasonable asking price for what were wagering will be a major increase in power. The Callaway Z06 will debut this weekend at the National Corvette Museum's C7 Bash in Bowling Green, KY. Expect more details following the debut. Scroll down for the official press release. Related Video: 2015 Callaway Corvette Z06 to Debut at National Corvette Museum The 2015 Callaway Corvette Z06 will debut at the National Corvette Museum C7 Bash in Bowling Green, Kentucky, April 23 through April 25. Here's a sneak peek at the new package. Based on Chevrolet's track-proven Z06, Callaway engineers' no-compromise approach takes this Corvette to an astounding power level. While advertised Callaway horsepower and torque are pending final validation, the Callaway package adds Callaway's new GenThree supercharger system with 32% more displacement than the stock Z06 supercharger, improved manifold design and unique triple-element intercooling system. Callaway engineers recognize that a key contributor to maximizing power is reduction of inlet air temperature. By exposing the supercharger's large plenum area to outside ambient airflow, the design takes advantage of the significant charge air temperature reduction provided by convective cooling. The completely redesigned intercooling system also helps maintain nearly ambient charge air temperature with exceptionally low air restriction.

Nissan Leaf keeps plug-in vehicle sales crown for 6th straight month

And Nissan makes it 14 in a row. For the 14th straight month, the all-electric Leaf has had "record sales," according to Nissan's marketing team. What that means is that for that particular month (in this case, April) no matter what year you look at, the car sold more than it ever did before. For April 2014, the 2,088 Leafs sold represents a 7.8-percent increase from 2013. Nissan's director of EV sales and marketing, Toby Perry, said in a statement that the "new market" of Cincinnati made the top 25 list for Leaf sales areas in April, so the car's popularity continues to ebb and flow across the US. Over at Chevy, the Volt sold 1,548 units in April, reaching a year-to-date total of 5,154. The Leaf is outpacing that with 7,272 YTD sales. In 2013, the Volt outsold the Leaf by about 500 vehicles, but Leaf sales are up 33 percent year-over-year while Volt is down 7.1 percent. The Leaf has also outsold the Volt for six straight months. But we're excited for every eco-car sale, and that's why we'll have our monthly detailed write-up of the rest of the plug-ins, hybrids and diesel vehicles available soon. Until then, discuss. Green Chevrolet Nissan Electric Hybrid PHEV ev sales