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Camaro SS, Hellcat Widebody, and an Airstream camper | Autoblog Podcast #545

On this week's Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Green Editor John Beltz Snyder and Senior Editor Alex Kierstein. We talk about a lot of American stuff, including the Chevy Camaro SS 1LE and the new Blazer, Dodge Challenger Hellcat Widebody, Ford's new train station and a diesel F-150 towing an Airstream trailer, as well as some Tesla pickup news. Somehow the Kia Stinger also made its way into this red, white and blue episode (because it's great, and it's our new long-termer). This week, we try something a little different in the "Spend My Money" segment. Autoblog Podcast #545 Your browser does not support the audio element. Get The Podcast iTunes – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown Cars we've been driving: Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE, Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody, Kia Stinger AWD Visiting Ford's new train station in Detroit Camping with a Ford F-150 Diesel and an Airstream Basecamp Chevy unveiled the new Blazer New Tesla pickup truck details Spend my money Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on iTunes Related Video: Green Podcasts Chevrolet Dodge Ford Kia Truck Coupe Crossover Electric Future Vehicles Performance Sedan RVs/Campers chevy blazer michigan central station

Lincoln dealers to build standalone dealerships separate from Ford

Way back in 2011, Ford Motor Credit Co. established Lincoln Automotive Financial Services as part of what Automotive News called "a campaign to set the Lincoln brand apart." Lincoln's been on a wild, public ride in the seven years since, which included a near-death experience in 2013 under former Ford CEO Alan Mulally. But Ford's luxury brand has rebounded and is ready to take another shot at setting itself apart. Automaker execs have asked dealers with twinned Ford- Lincoln dealerships in 30 major U.S. markets to build standalone stores. According to company data, the move isn't a gamble — dealers with standalone showrooms sell more vehicles. Lincoln's standalone dealerships in the 30 major U.S. markets that account for 70 percent of luxury segment sales increased 48 percent from 2014 to 2017, compared to an overall Lincoln brand sales increase of 18 percent. After a former Ford-Lincoln dealer in Minneapolis opened a devoted Lincoln store this January, sales have climbed 60 percent so far this year. Dealers in Orange County, California, and Atlanta, Georgia have seen sales double since opening exclusive Lincoln storefronts. The sales manager at the Atlanta dealer said, "Customers have pulled up and said, 'This is how it should be.'" Robert Parker, Lincoln's head of marketing, said, "Customers expect the environment to be equal to the product. They want to buy a luxury product in a luxury environment." That issue repeatedly comes up when a mass-market brand launches a luxury product; observers have lately wondered how much the issue affects sales of Hyundai's Genesis brand. Out of 845 Lincoln showrooms nationwide, there are 150 Lincoln dealers in those 30 major U.S. markets. So far, 72 dealers have made or are working to make the standalone switch on their own. Lincoln is asking the remaining 78 shops to follow suit, to agree to a new facility by July 2019 and to have the store finished by July 2021. Only the showrooms would need to be exclusive, service and other back-end departments can remain in Ford-branded complexes. Wielding the carrot, Lincoln will help dealers with relocating, and pay more for every car sold. Wielding the stick, Lincoln said that come Q2 2019, it won't let twinned dealers sell Black Label trims if they don't already. Over the next couple of years, Lincoln will complete the revamp of its lineup. Said marketing honco Parker, "The next phase of the transformation is critical.

2017 Ford Fusion facelift comes into focus

The latest generation Ford Fusion has been one of the better-looking members of the mainstream midsize sedan ranks since its introduction for the 2013 model year. In the automotive world, though, even the most attractive designs don't stay fresh for long. These new spy shots shed some light on what to expect when the model is refreshed, possibly for 2017. With only a modicum of camouflage here, it's not exactly hard to see where the Fusion is getting design tweaks. Up front, the wide grille remains, but the lower air dam appears to have restyled recesses for the fog lights. Also, while it's difficult to get an exact look, the headlights seem a little rounder through the concealment. Moving to the rear, the lower bumper shows some tweaks, but those circular pipes are obviously just there for testing. With a light on, you can a good glimpse of the redesigned taillights too. Based on these photos, Ford's stylists know a good thing when they have it, and it doesn't look like the Fusion's general look will have any monumental changes. Still, it's worth a minute to click through the gallery for a preview of the refreshed design. Related Video: