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2019 Fiat 500 Abarth Final Drive | Farewell to the Hellmouse

The market for tiny hot hatchbacks hatchbacks was always small in the United States, but it's getting even smaller. The Ford Fiesta ST has joined the dearly departed and soon to join it is the Fiat 500 Abarth, which Fiat has announced will go away along with its less caffeinated 500 siblings. Before it does, though, we got one more romp in the little monster and learned that, even with its age and rough edges, it’s still one of the most fun and charismatic machines you can get for the money. You're reminded of it the second you twist the switchblade key. The little turbo 1.4-liter four-cylinder has a gnarly burble at idle that wouldnÂ’t seem out of place in a muscle car. It only gets better when you start cruising around. The burble becomes a raging howl, and shifting right at redline results in a whiplike crack. ItÂ’s intoxicating. The 500 Abarth is boisterous, but itÂ’s not exactly fast. At 160 horsepower and 183 pound-feet of torque, most of its competition, such as the Veloster Turbo and Civic Si, feature at least 200 horsepower. The turbo isnÂ’t especially fast to spool up, and the engine isnÂ’t quick to rev either. But itÂ’s peppy enough, and the slowly building boost comes on very smoothly. As such, itÂ’s easy to manipulate what power the Abarth has. And the exhaustÂ’s placebo effect is omnipresent. But make sure the car is in Sport mode. If it isnÂ’t, the amount of boost is restricted, making the Abarth feel more like the normal 135-horsepower 500, and no amount of noise will distract you from that. The tiny turbo engine can be paired with either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The manual is a pretty average unit. The shifter is well-placed, but the throws are long and ropey. The pedal position is excellent, making rev-matched downshifts easy. Only having five gears to choose from seems strange in this day and age, but the long-ish ratios work nicely with the slow, low-revving engine. And you donÂ’t have to mess with the wriggly shifter too much. The automaticÂ’s six ratios feel like a good number, and each ratio is closely spaced, which helps keep the car in the power band. It shifts quite smoothly and fairly quickly, too, whether youÂ’re in automatic or manual mode. The automatic even makes smart downshifts when slowing for corners. ItÂ’s a good unit that doesnÂ’t detract from the experience. Curiously, the automatic model makes more torque at 183 pound-feet to the manualÂ’s 170.

Fourth Lamborghini model could be an all-electric 2+2 GT

It was almost a year ago that Automotive News spoke to Lamborghini CEO Stefano Domenicali about the carmaker potentially adding a fourth model to the lineup. Asked about the potential of a new 2+2 GT model picking up where the Espada left off in 1978, Domenicali demurred on the matter of a bodystyle. Instead, the CEO said the brand is "working hard to combine high performance with interior space and driving comfort in a package that, designwise, should be striking as well as highly efficient in terms of aerodynamics." A year on, Autocar spoke to Lamborghini R&D head Maurizio Reggiani, who hinted at how ideas have coalesced since. Autocar says a 2+2 GT "is due to be given the green light to arrive by 2025," and there's a chance the model could be all-electric. Last we heard, Domenicali was explaining to AN that buyers weren't asking for a battery-electric vehicle. With a five- to seven-year horizon for the introduction of a fourth car, however, the CEO allowed that customers could be ready for one by 2027, so Lamborghini should be ready, too; nevertheless, he hedged the battery-only offering by saying it would come "together with a high-performance plug-in hybrid." According to Autocar's story, the brand's got more bullish on batteries in the interim. Reggiani said, "If you look at the timing for a fourth model line, there is the potential that this will be the right time for a full-electric vehicle" that can do at least 350 miles on a charge. Not only could such a car make sense by 2025, Lamborghini could likely find some way to fit the model into the Volkswagen Group's scheme for EV domination. There are two electric platforms floating around the high-performance divisions that could get the nod; the J1 architecture under the Porsche Taycan and coming Audi E-Tron GT that will evolve into the J1 II come 2023, or the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture that will support a range of models and is already rumored for an all-electric Bentley.    In terms of styling, Autocar repeatedly mentions cues coming from the 2008 Estoque concept (above). The four-door GT unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show has been in limbo since then, the heart of rumors ranging from an Estoque range of everyday supercars to becoming a Lamborghini twin for an Audi A9.

2020 Dodge Charger Widebody First Drive Review | Wider is better

NAPA VALLEY, Calif. - The guy in the white Silverado is already pissed off. He didn’t appreciate the first two times we blazed the rear tires of this 2020 Dodge Charger Widebody Hellcat through three gears, so we might as well do it again. ThatÂ’s right, sir, we are number one. Dodge seems to be playing by a different set of rules than the rest of the industry. While everyone else is worried about small crossovers and CAFE regulations, miles per gallon and electrification, autonomy and Elon Musk, the gang at Dodge is building AmericaÂ’s best muscle cars ever. Unapologetic, loud, in your face, tire-smoking muscle cars. Hellcats, Demons, Scat Packs and Redeyes. For 2020, the brandÂ’s list of Hemi-powered, rear-wheel-drive tire fryers now includes Widebody versions of the Charger Scat Pack and Hellcat, borrowing parts and inspiration from Widebody Challenger models, which began showing up for 2018. Dodge will also offer the 2020 Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition to commemorate the 1969 Charger Daytona, a NASCAR homologation special with special aerodynamics for the superspeedways, including a massive rear wing and pointed beak with pop up headlamps. 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody Daytona 50th Anniversary View 14 Photos Just 501 will be sold, the same number of Daytonas Dodge had to build back in the day to satisfy Big Bill France. ItÂ’s available in four colors, and for 2020, itÂ’s the only Charger to wear B5 Blue, which was also originally offered in 1969. ItÂ’s a favorite color of classic Mopar muscle car enthusiasts. “Customers said we were giving too much love to the Challenger and ignoring the Charger,” said Jeff Strauss, the senior manager of Dodge/SRT Sales Operations. “ThatÂ’s not the case anymore.” The Widebody Package will be optional on the Charger Scat Pack (the white car in the above photos), but itÂ’s standard equipment on every 2020 Charger Hellcat and only adds about 30 pounds to the car. Just as on the Widebody Challenger, the plastic wheelwell flares widen the sedan's 3.5 inches, and their wider 20x11-inch forged aluminum wheels wear massive 305/35ZR20 tires front and rear. All-seasons are standard, but the cars are best on the available Pirelli Summer tires. There are also new front and rear fascias, rocker trim and a reshaped rear spoiler.  “My main goal was to make the cars look bad ass,” said Mark Trostle, FCAÂ’s head of performance, passenger and utility vehicle design.

Mercedes-Maybach GLS prototype caught testing with its big new grille

The new Mercedes-Benz GLS is a massive tech fortress on wheels, so the Maybach GLS is bound to be a massive tech castle. Last we heard from the gigantic Benz SUV was that it was going to be built at Mercedes’ Alabama plant. With a starting price expected to be around $200,000, itÂ’ll probably be the most expensive vehicle produced in the U.S. These spy shots give us an idea of what weÂ’re going to be looking at when the production SUV is finally revealed. Our first hint that this prototype is a Maybach is the grille. It looks suspiciously similar to the grille on the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Concept with all the vertical slats running down the big maw. Minimal camouflage is disguising the exterior for the most part, but we imagine Mercedes is hiding any of the gaudier parts of the car itÂ’d like to save for a big reveal. The exhaust outlets sure do look a bit different than the regular GLS, but the outside is generally the same as what we see today. As for the interior, thatÂ’s where most of the magic is expected to happen. A significantly overhauled look is inevitable, with the focus on even more luxurious materials than the most expensive norm-core GLS. A rear seat that's fit for a king or two is likely, along with Maybach-exclusive tech to boot. For now, we canÂ’t see in the heavily camouflaged and taped-off windows, leaving us to wonder about the luxury within. This Mercedes-Maybach is expected to compete with other massively expensive SUVs like the Bentley Bentayga or a fully decked-out Range Rover.  Everything thatÂ’s optional on the GLS should come as standard here, including the trick E-Active Body Control suspension. Look for a reveal coming in the not-so-distant future, as this prototype doesnÂ’t look terribly far from production to us. Featured Gallery Mercedes-Maybach GLS View 12 Photos Spy Photos Maybach Mercedes-Benz SUV Luxury

Updated Alfa Romeo Tonale possibly caught camo-free during design clinic

Amateur spy shots taken during what looks like a design clinic held behind closed doors have shed light on how Alfa Romeo's Tonale concept is evolving on its way to production. They suggest the design study presented during the 2019 Geneva auto show wasn't as close to done as many thought. The photos were posted on an Italian enthusiast forum and quickly taken down, but they were saved and published by an Instagram user named CocheSpias. Alfa Romeo did not distribute them on its official channels, so we can't be 100 percent certain about their authenticity. Assuming they're the real deal, they reveal the Tonale has mellowed out considerably since it first showed its nose in Geneva. The headlights are bigger in nearly every direction, they're less bionic-looking, and they're separated from the grille by smaller, recessed air vents. It's a look that's very loosely reminiscent of some of the company's classic models, like the Giulia Sprint GT. Stylists also re-shaped the hood.           View this post on Instagram                   Aqui os dejamos unas fotos de una de las maquetas pre-produccion del futuro SUV de Alfa Romeo. El Tonale. #alfaromeo #alfaromeotonale #alfaromeosuv #alfasuv #prototype #carspy #carscoop #carshot #fotoespia #instacar #spyshot #newcar #carporn #carpassion #instapic #carpic A post shared by CocheSpias (@cochespias) on Oct 8, 2019 at 1:04am PDT The profile and the overall proportions don't appear to drastically change. The rear door handles remain integrated into the C-pillar to give the Tonale a two-door look, a styling cue also seen on the Giulietta sold in Europe. The rear lights are bigger, though they're still connected by a light bar. The emblem on the hatch confirms Alfa Romeo hasn't changed its mind about the crossover's name. The user who posted the photos from the design clinic explained he wasn't given permission to upload images of the interior. He reported the Tonale's steering wheel looks a lot like the Giulia's, and the dashboard receives the same blend of round and rectangular air vents. The infotainment system's touchscreen is propped up on the dashboard rather than neatly integrated into the center stack, a layout which makes it easier to change during a mid-cycle update, or as tech advances. Mechanical specifications remain under wraps. Alfa didn't have much to say about the concept, either, but we know it used a gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

2019 Mazda CX-9 improves its IIHS rating to Top Safety Pick +

The 2019 Mazda CX-9 three-row crossover has managed to improve its overall safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety from an already respectable Top Safety Pick to the higher Top Safety Pick +. The area it needed to improve was in the headlight department, and now the crossover features a set of headlights that gets the highest "Good" rating, a prerequisite for the Top Safety Pick + award. The headlight improvement does have caveats. The top-rated headlights are only available on Signature and Grand Touring trims built after June 2019. Headlights on other trims and older models range from "Poor" to "Acceptable." All versions of the CX-9 have top scores in crash tests, though. Mazda's optional forward collision prevention system also earns full marks, stopping the crossover before hitting a car at speeds up to 25 mph. Child seat LATCH anchor access is rated as "Acceptable." Four other similarly sized and priced crossovers earn the Top Safety Pick + designation: the Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Ascent and Kia Telluride. And of those, only the Pallisade, Ascent and Telluride offer three rows of seating.

Nissan names Makoto Uchida as next CEO

TOKYO — Nissan named Makoto Uchida, the head of its Chinese business, as its next CEO, picking an executive known for close ties to top shareholder Renault and for a frank, straight-talking manner that has marked him as an outsider. By selecting Senior Vice President Uchida, Nissan's board has gone with someone slightly at odds with its traditional corporate culture. He joined the carmaker mid-career in 2003, a rarity in a country where top executives usually spend their entire working lives at the same company. Known for his unflagging work ethic and relentless focus on cost control, Uchida was described by one long-time associate who spoke on condition of anonymity as a "foreigner with a Japanese face" — direct and to the point in conversations. He will be joined by newly appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) Ashwani Gupta, currently COO of junior partner Mitsubishi Motors, in trying to find new ways to revive a business that has been struggling for months with plunging profits, management scandal and tensions with Renault. Japan's second-largest automaker has been shaken in particular by the arrest of former Chairman Carlos Ghosn last year on allegations of financial misconduct, which he denies, and the more recent departure of CEO Hiroto Saikawa after he admitted to being improperly overpaid. Whether the 58-year-old former theology student can deliver a miracle turnaround — particularly at Nissan's business in the United States — and repair ties with Renault will now be a focus for investors. "The biggest business challenge for Nissan is speeding up," the head of Nissan's nominations committee, Masakazu Toyoda, told a news conference. "Speedy decision making is a challenge that Uchida raised, and to this end he said that he wants to empower people as much as possible, so we decided to ask Uchida to take on the CEO role." One source close to Renault described the selection as "a victory for the alliance", saying that both Uchida and Gupta knew the business and were ready to help Nissan recover. 'ISN'T REALLY JAPANESE' Before his ouster, Ghosn had been working on a plan for a full merger of Renault and Nissan, but had met resistance in Japan, which is concerned about French influence in the alliance. The French government is a major Renault shareholder. Relations were further strained this year when Renault held abortive merger talks with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Dad 3D-printed a Lamborghini because his son liked one in Forza

Sterling Backus's son only had one question after he drove a Lamborghini Aventador in the XBOX video game Forza: Can we build one? Most dads would respond with a chuckle and some quip about winning the lottery. But not Backus, whose day job is laser physicist. Backus responded, "Sure," and he meant it. As of this week, the replica is capable of driving under its own power. Backus, the chief scientific officer at KMLabs in Boulder, Colorado, and his 11-year-old son dubbed the project "Interceptor," and the build has a budget of about $20,000. Backus hand-built the steel chassis and pulled an LS1 V8 from a Corvette for power. He found the panel layouts through online design community GrabCAD, and then he modified them for 3D printing.  But he ran into a problem: The 3D-printed plastic would melt in the sun. So, he decided to incorporate carbon-fiber encapsulation (shown below), in which he wraps the parts and covers them in epoxy. Piece by piece, he assembled the shape of the supercar using a Creality CR-10 105 desktop 3D printer that he got for about $900 from Amazon. The front brake air intake alone is said to have taken 52 hours to complete. Additional cool features include a gated shifter, functioning lights, and scissor doors.  One of the fun aspects of the whole story is that Backus admits he had some learning to do when it came to the art form of additive engineering. So, he turned to the same place everybody else goes these days: YouTube. The physicist joked that he went to YouTube University and learned by watching videos.  With the end of the project in sight, Backus says he wants the final product to serve as an educational tool for Science Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) programs.  "The intent is to take the car to local schools to show kids how cool technology can be," the project's Facebook page says.  In the words of Jesse Pinkman, "YEAH SCIENCE!"  This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

No wing, no Hemi. This Dodge Charger Daytona is two-tone and tufted

In between the Dodge Charger Daytona's 1969 debut as a wild, winged NASCAR warrior and the current 2020 Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition with its monster 717-hp Hemi V8, the nameplate had some ... less-glorious years. The nameplate first resurfaced in 1975, when the Charger moved into the "personal luxury" space as a riff on the Chrysler Cordoba. This 1975 Charger Daytona might not be the model's heyday, but damn if this clean machine, surfaced by Barnfinds.com, isn't striking in its own Me Decade kind of way. And this low-miles example is on offer right now on eBay motors. Outside, this dynamic Dodge sports two-tone silver and blue paint, alloy wheels with white-letter tires, and a power sunroof. Inside, we find high-backed split-bench seats with button-tufted vinyl (no "rich Corinthian leather" here). Raising the miles-long hood reveals a 400-cubic-inch, 4-bbl V8, which for 1975 packed 190 horsepower. A far cry from today's 717 horses, perhaps, but still an upgrade over the Charger's standard 360-cubic-inch V8. It may not be the car that pops immediately to mind when someone says, "Charger Daytona," but with less than 12,000 miles showing, this mid-Seventies example is a time warp to a lesser-known era for the marque.   Featured Gallery 1975 Dodge Charger Daytona Dodge Coupe Classics

This virtually new, very last Saab 9-3 could be yours

The date is October 7, 2019, and it is currently possible to buy a virtually new 2014 Saab 9-3 Aero Turbo4. Spiking the car's rarity is the fact that this specific vehicle is said to be the last Saab to roll off the production line in Trollhattan, Sweden. Driven only 41 miles, chassis No. YTNFD4AZXE1100257 is a true piece of Swedish automotive history, and it's set for auction this month. We first got word of this car back in June 2019, and the time has finally come for this Saab to be sold. As previously reported, this vehicle is from the National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) era. The seller, Bilweb Auctions, says it is the last Saab to come off the manufacturing line, and it was reportedly set aside for crash testing. The testing never occurred, and the sedan, one of only 420 built, survived. The seller says the mileage comes from running the car on the test track next to the old plant for photography and videography purposes.  This 9-3 Aero uses a Ecotec 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 217 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It has immaculate Diamond Silver paint and matching silver turbine wheels. Inside, there is a two-tone interior with cream leather seats, a black dashboard, and black accents. According to Autocar, the proceeds of the auction will go to NEVS' Sustainable Mobility Scholarship at University West in Sweden. Bidding on the car opens soon, and interested parties can sign up to be alerted when the auction starts.   Auto News Auctions Saab Sedan

The last Buick Cascada unceremoniously rolls off the assembly line

Motorists in the market for a new Buick Cascada need to act fast. Peugeot-owned Opel has built the last example of the drop-top model in its Gliwice, Poland, factory, and there's no replacement in sight. Buick announced the Cascada's demise in early 2019, and GM Authority learned the model went out unceremoniously. There's no indication that the final example received a commemorative plaque on its dashboard, or is headed to a private collection; photos of it aren't even available. The dealership who ordered it might not know it's about to receive the last specimen of the breed. As a non-luxury, front-wheel-drive convertible, the Cascada was marooned on an island that Buick's rivals abandoned halfway through the 2010s. The Chrysler 200 Convertible and the Volkswagen Eos were discontinued after the 2014 and 2015 model years, respectively. Landing in a class of one likely raised more than a few eyebrows in Buick's product planning division, but it was a semi-enviable position that helped the firm sell about 17,000 units of the Cascada between the 2016 and 2019 model years. It proudly pointed out about 60 percent of buyers were new to General Motors. Left-hand-drive examples of the Cascada were sold under the Buick and Opel banners. Right-hand-drive models joined the Vauxhall range in the United Kingdom, and they wore a Holden emblem in Australia. The four flavors were identical with the exception of some brand-specific trim pieces and powertrains. None will get a successor; the aforementioned carmakers are no longer operating under the same roof, and the global convertible segment is steadily shrinking.  The Cascada's multinational provenance made more sense before General Motors sold its Opel and Vauxhall divisions to PSA Groupe, the Paris-based carmaker that owns Peugeot, Citroen and DS. The French firm pledged to keep producing cars for Buick for as long as necessary, but the former sister companies tacitly agreed to stop co-developing vehicles. The sedan and station wagon variants of the Regal are now the only Opel-designed, PSA-built model left in the the Buick portfolio.

2020 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth Review | Miata Arrabbiata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of our favorite sports cars, and it’s hard to imagine how it could be improved – especially after Mazda added a revvier, more powerful engine for 2019. That presents a potential issue for its platform mate, the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider, which hasnÂ’t received a similar update. So we spent some time behind the wheel of an Abarth version on the road and on a track to see if thereÂ’s a reason to choose it over its new-and-improved twin. While itÂ’s unchanged for 2020, the 124 AbarthÂ’s engine does the lionÂ’s share of the work charming the driver. The 164-horsepower 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four is no longer more powerful than the MiataÂ’s 181-hp 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine, but the Abarth remains the torque king, packing 184 pound-feet to the MiataÂ’s 151 lb-ft. More importantly, the Abarth makes its power down low, feeling punchier at low rpm and taking far less work with the shifter to keep it in the power band. ThatÂ’s particularly nice around town when you might not want to push the car to redline repeatedly. The trade-off is that it feels much less exciting near redline, and the throttle response is lethargic compared with the snappy Mazda engine. And on a racetrack, that extra precision and power at the top end makes for a more rewarding experience. Besides user-friendly torque, what sets the 124 Spider Abarth from the Mazda is the sound. The Abarth is the only 124 available with the special Record Monza exhaust, and it makes the Fiat growl and snarl like only Italian cars can. And of course, itÂ’s all the better when you drop the top, expediting the sound to your ears. It makes the car feel more expensive and unusual than it is. Now, the Miata has its own more refined purr thatÂ’s lovely, too, but the FiatÂ’s soundtrack is giggle-inducing at every drop of the throttle. Capping off the powertrain is the FiatÂ’s transmission that I found to be just a bit better than the ND MiataÂ’s. It has heavier, more mechanical shifts that arenÂ’t as notchy as the MiataÂ’s. ThatÂ’s still a compliment to Mazda, though, as the FiatÂ’s transmission comes from the previous-generation NC Miata. It was chosen to handle the turbo engine's torque. The only complaint is the bizarrely shaped shift knob that never felt comfortable regardless of my grip. The AbarthÂ’s styling is another point of differentiation.

Aston Martin reveals the open-air Vantage Roadster

Aston Martin has tweeted the first official image of its Vantage Roadster in prototype form, following a promise made earlier this year to unveil a convertible version by year's end of the all-new coupe that was unveiled almost two years ago. As is clearly illustrated on the door, you’ll be able to buy the droptop next spring. ThatÂ’s about the extent of information on offer from the company, but, well, look at the thing! ItÂ’s presented in matte black paint, which suits it well and shows off the side gills, sculpted sidelines and the ducktail rear spoiler with the arching, full-length LED taillight. It may also be instructive to look at the DB11 Volante, the convertible version of AstonÂ’s higher-slotting sports car, for clues. It required tweaks to stiffen the chassis and redistribute the added weight as a result of chopping off the top. That droptop is also more expensive than the DB11 coupe, something we can also expect from the Vantage Roadster (the Vantage coupe starts at $149,995 and weighs in at 3,373 pounds). The Vantage features an AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that makes 503 horsepower and 505 pound-feet of torque and sends that to the rear wheels via a rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. In the coupe version, that setup helps produce a 0-to-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds and top out at 195 mph, though of course weÂ’ll have to wait for more from Aston closer to the soft topÂ’s launch. But before that, of course, weÂ’re likely to see the DBX sport-utility vehicle, which is set for a December reveal.

2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel fuel economy numbers are right in the zone

Every new truck spec gets it own awards show nowadays. In this next envelope we have EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel — drumroll, please: 22 miles per gallon in the city, 32 mpg highway, 26 mpg combined for the 4x2 trim; 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, 24 mpg combined for the 4x4. As one would expect, the numbers plop the EcoDiesel in the middle of the pot with light-duty diesel versions of the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2019 Ford F-150. In 4x2 guise, city mileage for the EcoDiesel ties the F-150 and is one mpg short of the Silverado, highway mileage rates two mpg more than the F-150 and one mpg short of the Silverado. In 4x4 trim, EcoDiesel city mpg is one mpg more than the F-150 and two mpg short of the Silverado, EcoDiesel highway number is four mpg more than the F-150 and ties the Silverado.    Of course, Ram would also like you to know that when it comes to output and carrying, the third-generation oil-burner tops the half-ton trio with 480 pound-feet of torque, 20 lb-ft more than the Silverado, and posts the highest tow rating at 12,560 pounds. Buyers who opt for the 4x2 diesel Ram and the 33-gallon tank will be able to travel the furthest, too, going beyond 1,000 miles before the fumes give out. Every trim gets the new EcoDiesel option for 2020, including the Ram Rebel for the first time. The 3.0-liter V6 is a $4,995 option, making it either $3,000 or $3,300 more than the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 eTorque trim depending. The EcoDiesel price ladder starts with the Tradesman Quad Cab at $36,890 plus a $1,695 destination charge, for $38,585 total. The 2019 Ram 1500 Classic will continue offering the second-generation 3.0-liter EcoDiesel, starting at the unchanged price of $40,835 for the Tradesman Crew Cab 4x2.

Dodge designer on yellow plastic splitter guards: 'I wish they would take them off'

About a year ago, Dodge began placing yellow strips of plastic on the leading edge of Charger and Challenger front splitters to prevent damage during transport from plant to dealer. Dodge embossed "To Be Removed By Dealer" into the plastic, but those instructions weren't always followed. By summer of 2018, so many owners had left the tabs on, or reinstalled a discarded set, or bought a set on eBay for $100 or more, that factions broke out. Some thought the protectors looked cool, some thought they looked foolish, some thought it didn't matter either way. Now Dodge and SRT lead designer Mark Trostle has stepped in with his thoughts, those being, "I wish they would take them off."  Trostle made the remarks at the end of a video by Canadian auto scribe Brian Makse that otherwise dove into the design and technology on the 2010 Charger Widebody. Part of the designer's remarks related to aesthetic aspects — designers are paid to be precious about every line they draw, after all. "When we did the sketch for the Charger and Challenger," he said, "it never had yellow strips on it," and, "To me, as a designer, it ruins the lines of the car." He had a functional reason as well, though: "You're just ruining the paint!" The paint issue convinced Tyler Grant, the Internet sales manager at a Dodge dealer, to make a Facebook post in April this year requesting owners remove the splitter guards. Grant wrote that because the guards aren't specifically molded to fit perfectly, dirt and moisture get between the plastic and the splitter and mar the clear coat or paint, illustrated by a scuffed example that had been driven just 18 miles with the protectors on. He ended with, "Please, on behalf of your splitter AND its paint, take off the splitter guards." Despite forum chatter, splitter-shaming Facebook photos, and Facebook groups like "Hey Pal, You Forgot to Take Your Splitter Guards Off," it appears too late for the protector color to curb (get it?) the trend. Owners have already dealt with the dirt issue by putting protective tape on the air dam, others have painted the spilitter guards to match the car, and the owner of a vintage Dodge pickup ran yellow tape across the width of his front bumper in an attempt to join the party.  In the Makse video, Trostle said that the automaker would soon be rolling out a "new fashionable purple color" for the protectors. "We'll see if that one takes off," he said. "I hope it doesn't."

Driving the Audi E-Tron and training like an F1 driver | Autoblog Podcast #597

In this week's Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Senior Editor, Green, John Beltz Snyder and Senior Producer Chris McGraw. First, they talk about what they love and don't love about living with the Polestar-tuned Volvo XC90 T6. Then, they talk about how much they've enjoyed driving the all-electric Audi E-Tron. McGraw lets us know what it's like to eat and train like a Formula One driver for a month, and then we tell him which Toyota or Lexus SUV he should buy. Autoblog Podcast #597 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 2020 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD R-Design 2019 Audi E-Tron Training like an Formula One driver Spend McGraw's Money Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on iTunes Related Video:      

2020 Subaru Impreza gets EyeSight safety tech, $100 price increase

We recently saw the Japanese version of the 2020 Subaru Impreza after a subtle mid-cycle update, and now come details of the American version, which follows the same script in appearance but has a few new tricks up its sleeve. Subaru adds $100 to the starting price for the four-door model, which starts at $19.595, including destination, while the five-door hatchback is priced from $20,095. The big news is the addition of EyeSight, Subaru’s suite of driver-assist safety technologies, as standard on all Imprezas equipped with the continuously variable transmission, which is available on all four trim levels (Standard, Premium, Sport and Limited). That gets you automatic pre-collision braking and throttle management, lane-keep assist, lane-departure and sway warning, and lead vehicle start alert, which is essentially a heads-up to hit the gas when the vehicle in front of you has started moving from a stop. New for 2020 is the option of adding a reminder to check the rear seat occupants before leaving the car. Unlike in its native country, Americans buyers can still get an Impreza with a five-speed manual. ItÂ’s available on the Standard trim for the sedan and on the Standard and Sport models in the hatchback. The trade-off for driving stick, Subaru tells us, is that you give up the option of EyeSight. Steering-wheel paddle shifters are now available on CVT-equipped Premium models and above to pair with a seven-speed manual-mode function, and drivers can now select between Intelligent and Sport modes of throttle management as a standard feature. Also new are automatic power door locks with a collision-detection unlock function, which are standard on all trims, new 18-inch alloy wheels and active torque vectoring Visually, the car looks pretty much the same as the Japanese version, with a revised grille and front bumper cover, a wide air dam stretching across the entire face of the bumper and L-shaped chrome bracket trim book-ending it. Five-door models only get a new design on the combination lights. ThereÂ’s also a new color option called Ocean Blue Pearl. The engine remains the same as before, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer making 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy tops out at 36 mpg on the highway and 28 in the city, with a range of 450 miles. Other standard features include the Starlink 6.5-inch multimedia touchscreen and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. The 2020 Impreza arrives in showrooms later this month.

Fiat 695 Abarth 70th Anniversary is the most absurd and awesome Fiat 500 variant yet

Fiat recently told us it would be discontinuing the Fiat 500 hatchback and convertible in America, but Europe still enjoys small cars. There, Fiat just took the wraps off the nuttiest and most shocking 500 variant of all, the 695 70th Anniversary edition. Although we won’t be getting it in America, we can't help but gawk at that spoiler. Look at it! Abarth went all out with this manually adjustable spoiler, naming it “Spoiler ad Assetto Variabile.” There are 12 different settings, varying from 0 degrees to 60 degrees in full attack. Fiat says its highest downforce setting provides 92.6 pounds of downforce at 124 mph. Testing was done in an Italian wind tunnel, ensuring the wingÂ’s functionality. It also says “Abarth” on it in big lettering, making it even cooler. The Fiat 695 Abarth is a tribute to the 70th anniversary of Abarth, which was founded in 1949 by Carlo Abarth. Only 1,949 will be made, and itÂ’s more than just the wing that sets it apart. All of the anniversary cars will get a full body kit, contrasting with the main paint color. A checkered roof and Abarth Scorpion stickers will also set it apart from other 500s. Additionally, Fiat is equipping all of them with the vocal Record Monza exhaust, a limited-slip differential, bright-red Brembo brake calipers and special 17-inch alloy wheels.  On the interior, folks will get “Sabelt Tricolor” seats only meant for this special edition car — theyÂ’re black, but they have the Italian flag colors on the headrest. Power remains the same as a regular 695 Abarth, putting out 180 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque from the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. YouÂ’ll be able to hit 62 mph in 6.7 seconds with this Abarth and a top speed of 139.8 mph.

Mazda CX-5 Luggage Test | How much cargo space?

We're already seen how Mazda's largest crossover, the CX-9, does at stuffing luggage inside its cargo hold. Now it's time for the next rung down the Mazda ladder. The Mazda CX-5 has 30.9 cubic-feet of space behind its raised back seat, which on paper, is considerably less than its top competition. The Hyundai Tucson leads the way with 38.7 cubic-feet, the Honda CR-V (39.2) and Toyota RAV4 (37.5) are basically the same, and the Subaru Forester has between 33 and 35 depending on options. However, the CX-5 does have more than the Chevrolet Equinox (29.9), Jeep Compass (27.2) and Ford Escape when its sliding back seat is in its aft-most position (33.5 when all the way forward).  Basically, this compact Mazda's cargo area is midpack, which makes it a good choice for my first luggage test of the segment. Let's see how much of the luggage in my garage fits inside. As a refresher, I use two mid-size roller suitcases that would need to be checked in at the airport (26 inches long, 16 wide, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that just barely fit in the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that fits easily (23L x 15W x 10D). I also include my wife's fancy overnight bag just to spruce things up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).  I started by keeping the cargo cover in place to see how much fits underneath it. The answer is the four largest bags. The two smaller ones did not. OK, now let's remove the cargo cover, which is an unusual design. Rather than a roller-type cartridge that you manually pull into place or a rigid hatchback-like unit that rises up when the liftgate goes up, the CX-5 basically combines the two. The forward bit is attached to the liftgate and unspools when opened.  To detach it, you need to unfasten these plastic clamps and then remove the cartridge reel much as you would a normal cargo cover. OK, and now here's how much the CX-5 can fit with the cargo cover removed.  All of it! That above configuration is just the first thing I came up with, but there's likely additional Tetris formations to be found. Note that the tailgate does close here but the middle cases' wheels are awfully close to the window.  I'm not going to stop there, though. I went ahead and rummaged through my garage to see what it would take to fill'er up. There you go: one duffle bag and one gym bag stuffed into the spaces. You could probably fit a grocery bag right in front there, too.

2020 Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato launches with 760 horsepower

The 2020 Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato has finally been revealed in real life, following renderings shown this summer. And with the reveal come additional details, such as the fact that it bears the most powerful version of Aston's twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 at 760 horsepower. That's an increase of 45 horsepower over the DBS Superleggera. That engine is wrapped in some stunning Zagato-designed bodywork. The fluttering multi-piece grille and rear-windowless roof are the big attention getters, but the fine details impress, too. The front and rear Aston badges are made of 18-carat gold. The interior is unique to the Zagato, featuring a new dashboard and center console. The geometric parts shown in the console are 3D-printed and can be produced in carbon fiber, aluminum, or in the case of the Centenary Specification car above, stainless steel with a real gold coating. The seats also are finished in leather and dotted with Zagato Zs. If those special parts aren't special enough, Q by Aston Martin is willing to work with you to make further modifications. Only 19 DBS GT Zagatos will be built, and all of them have to be purchased as a pair with a DB4 Zagato continuation car. Each pair starts at $7.9 million. Everyone that orders up a pair will have the cars delivered by the end of the year.

Lexus IS F Sport Blackline Edition embraces the darkness

Darkness continues to descend on all corners of the automobile market, and that includes Lexus, where the 2020 IS F Sport goes dark with the Blackline Edition. In contrast to last year's IS 300 F Sport Black Line Edition, the 2020 Blackline Edition (now one word) can be had as either an IS 300 or an IS 350. Once again, the package contains dark-finish split-spoke 18-inch wheels, a similar dark-chrome grille surround, and black mirror caps. This year's color choices are Obsidian (black), Ultra White, or Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 — the latter replacing last year's silver. The interior features black and gray Nuluxe (synthetic leather), this time with Indigo Blue accents rather than red. Lexus also tosses in triple-beam LED headlights, navigation, blind-spot monitoring, a heated wood-rimmed steering wheel, and a SmartAccess card key. Powertrains are the same as in the standard IS F Sports. The IS 300 with rear-wheel drive uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four making 241 horsepower, while the all-wheel-drive IS 300 gets a 260-hp 3.5-liter V6. The IS 350 models, both FWD and AWD, have a more potent, 311-hp version of the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter six. Prices range from $46,225 to $52,010 (with destination fee). The 2020 IS F Sport Blackline Edition joins the recently announced NX 300 Black Line Edition in a darkened corner of the showroom, where the two models can argue about the spelling of their name.  

Dodge Challenger outsold Mustang, Camaro in third quarter of 2019

The Dodge Challenger is nearly old enough to start driver's ed in some states, and it doesn't have a firm grasp on the increasingly crucial concept of downsizing, yet it beat the odds to become the most popular American two-door model during the third quarter of 2019. Its ballooning sales figures suggest buyers don't always want the latest, most advanced car they can get their hands on. Dodge sold 18,031 examples of the Challenger during the third quarter of 2019, a shocking 21% increase over the same period in 2018. It's a true muscle car, normally sardined in the same can as the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang, a pair of smaller, nimbler two-doors that are much closer to the historic definition of a pony car. Semantics aside, the Mustang finished on the second spot of the sales podium with 16,823 sales, a 12.3% drop compared to the third quarter of 2018, and the Camaro took third with 12,275 sales, a 15% dip that alarmingly comes in the wake of two redesigns. More specific sales figures aren't available. We don't know what percentage of the sales mix V8s represent, or whether buyers prefer manual or automatic transmissions. The scoreboard looks different when we examine 2019's year-to-date figures. The Mustang takes first place with 55,365 sales, followed by the Challenger at 46,699, and the Camaro at 36,791. While the Challenger's recent ascent is encouraging, it can't mask the fact that two-door models no longer enjoy a favorable tailwind, and the entire segment — not just the American entries — is declining. The aforementioned year-to-date figures are down by 10.1, 11, and 7.6 percent, respectively. The third-quarter statistics revealed a handful of other surprises unrelated to the world of performance. Dodge notably sold three examples of the Dart, a sedan it hasn't built since 2016. That's a 93% drop compared to the 45 units that found a home during the third quarter of 2018.

Ram Trucks celebrates 10 years as a standalone brand

In late September 2009, when Fiat still owned just 20 percent of Chrysler, Automotive News reported that Chrysler would turn Dodge Ram pickup trucks into the standalone Ram Trucks brand. On Oct. 5, 2009, the deed became official, so now it's time to celebrate the 10th anniversary — the tin or aluminum anniversary — of when the tagline "Grab Life" became "Guts. Glory. Ram." The truckmaker will let the world know about the milestone with a multimedia marketing campaign under the banner "Power of Innovation" that will run on broadcast and digital channels. The first 60-second spot is called "Power of Innovation" and debuted at the recent Texas State Fair; the Ram Trucks YouTube channel already counts a playlist showing off some of its goodies, with the hashtag #RamDoesThat. Two more 30-second marquee spots called "Bed" and "Hemi" will follow, as well as a series talking to Ram owners about their rigs. Ram Truck Celebrates 10-year Anniversary of Becoming Stand-alone Brand ‘Power of InnovationÂ’ Marketing Campaign multimedia campaign campaign includes three new broadcast videos all-new digital content viewed on RamÂ’s digital and social media channels new content featured on Ram brandÂ’s social series #RamDoesThat Launching with one-minute video called “Power of Innovation,” made debut September at State Fair of Texas spot speaks to how Ram Truck reinvent itself as stand-alone brand “Power of Innovation” 60-second spot will air broadcast this Saturday along with two new 30-second spots, “Bed” and “HEMI” digital content highlights real life Ram truck owners showcasing how features on their Ram truck enable capabilities and experiences in their everyday lives. “Power of Innovation” was created in partnership with the Ram Truck brand the Dallas-based agency The Richards Group. “Bed” and “HEMI” were created in partnership with the Ram Truck brand and the Doner Agency. trucks, ProMaster and ProMaster City vans Tradesman, Express, Big Horn/Lone Star, Rebel, Laramie Longhorn and Limited emerging as standalone brand October 2009 reclining rear seats, multi-link coil spring rear suspension, active-level four-corner air suspension, active air dam, mild-hybrid eTorque engine options, thermal axle technology, RamBox cargo management system and multifunction tailgate 2009 RamBox cargo management system.

2019 Mini Cooper JCW Knight Edition Drivers' Notes | Drama in a tiny package

The Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Hardtop is the most performance you can buy in a Mini. More powerful JCW Clubmans and Countrymans are over the horizon, but those are much larger cars. A two-door hardtop with a hatchback is the traditional Mini shape, and we were thrilled to have a go in it. Being the JCW, our tester was equipped with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Those power figures aren’t tantalizing, but theyÂ’re enough to make this little car a real hoot to zip around town in. We also had the six-speed automatic, which costs $1,500 more than a manual — donÂ’t worry, the automatic is still fun. After adding options and the all-important Knights Edition package, the sticker was up to $42,565. That is far more expensive than a lot of cars with more performance than what this little Mini has to offer. However, the Mini lifestyle is about more than just performance — customizability is huge, allowing you to personalize your brand-new car to a much higher degree than competitors. Additionally, there are only going to be 150 Knights Edition models made, so youÂ’ll have a car that could be rather appealing to a Mini enthusiast in the future. Road Test Editor Reese Counts: I love hot hatches. Even in the hatchback-averse American market, there's a wide variety to choose from. There's the tried-and-true Volkswagen Golf GTI (I used to own a MkV), its more powerful all-wheel-drive Golf R sibling, the unfortunately styled but extremely fun Honda Civic Type R, and the soon-to-be-extinct (if possibly already) European-American hybrid Ford Focus RS. Few cars at any price point are as consistently fun as hot hatches. Good ones are always eager to play, even putting around town. The Mini Cooper JCW has always been one of the more wild of the bunch, a hopped-up version of the Cooper S that spits and pops and burbles like oil on a cast iron pan. Past models were for Mini enthusiasts that were willing to pay more for the most hardcore Cooper around. The current car debuted in 2015, and while I've driven a few current-gen Coopers, this is the first time I had a chance in a JCW. My complaints hold true — visibility isn't great and it's expensive for what you get — but it's a hell of a lot of fun and not nearly as punishing as I expected. The ride was pretty compliant on Detroit's moon-cratered streets, even with our tester's 17-inch wheels. It was firm, sure, but not nearly as bad as I'd heard.

Lincoln opens the doors again to the Continental Coach Door Edition

Last year, Lincoln did a limited — just 80 — run of stretched Continentals with '60s-style suicide doors to mark the nameplateÂ’s 80th anniversary. (The Continental launched in 1939 as a special project of Edsel FordÂ’s.) Those cars, officially the 80th Anniversary Coach Door Edition, quickly sold out. That enthusiastic reaction prompted Lincoln to commit to a return engagement. As promised, Lincoln is back with a Coach Door Edition of the 2020 Lincoln Continental. The essential elements are the same as last time. The sedans are based on the top-spec all-wheel-drive Black Label trim level and powered by the 400-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. TheyÂ’re stretched six inches between the axles, and the longer rear doors are rear-hinged. The work again is being done by Cabot Coach Builders in Massachusetts. The rear-hinged doors retain the ContinentalÂ’s signature exterior door handles that are integrated into the beltline molding with electronic releases. Inside, a full-length center console divides the rear seats and incorporates a table, wireless device charging, audio and climate controls, and tablet/notebook computer holders. The doors each house a Lincoln-branded umbrella, and the door sills are illuminated. Three exterior colors are offered: Chroma Crystal Blue, Infiniti Black and Pristine White Metallic, with the latter two available in a monochrome treatment. Inside, buyers have their choice of two themes: Alpine / Chalet or Jet Black / Thoroughbred. A standard all-wheel-drive Black Label starts at $75,470 (before options), but the 2020 Lincoln Continental Coach Door Edition will start at $115,470 (plus destination fee). This yearÂ’s production run will be approximately 150 cars, and order books open today (Friday, Oct. 4) with deliveries scheduled for spring 2021.

Next-gen Cadillac Escalade spied with grille uncovered for the first time

The next generation of full-size GM SUVs is coming, and the Cadillac Escalade may the most anticipated reveal of them all. Lincoln has blown up the scene with its excellent Navigator, and Cadillac needs something revolutionary in response. Our latest set of spy photos show us what appears to be a camouflaged Escalade, but it’s missing some of the camo covering the grille. None of our previous Escalade spy photos have given us this detailed of a look at the grille before. The grille design looks like a blown-up version of the XT6 right now. ItÂ’s not the exact same pattern as we see on the Sport or Premium Luxury trims of that car, but the design looks like it comes from a similar mind. ThereÂ’s certainly no mistaking it for anything other than a Cadillac, as the Yukon and Tahoe likely wonÂ’t be sporting such gaudy front pieces — the jury is still out on a potential High Country trim, though. This particular tester looks like it was caught on GMÂ’s proving grounds, as the driver unsuccessfully tries to hide his face from the camera. Just like previous spy shots, these feature the same rectangular exhaust outlets and independent rear suspension down below. We still have no idea what the rest of the SUV is going to look like, but as GM is wont to do these days, a big grille is a certainty now. The camouflage conceals just how far it stretches from one side to the other, but weÂ’ll be interested to see how much of the design language is ripped from smaller SUVs like the XT6 and XT5. We have a feeling Cadillac plans on giving us something new and game-changing with the Escalade; we just donÂ’t know if the styling is up to the task yet.

Mitsubishi MI-TECH concept has four electric motors and a turbine engine range extender

Mitsubishi is bringing a new concept car to this year’s Tokyo Motor Show, and itÂ’s already shaping up to be an exciting proposition. We got a teaser photo of the MI-TECH Concept today, and it looks like a short wheelbase convertible SUV. Not only that, but itÂ’s also a two-seater. All this means itÂ’s likely not anything close to what weÂ’ll see in a production car, but the tech onboard is what really grabbed our attention. ItÂ’s a plug-in hybrid, but itÂ’s different than most youÂ’ve seen before. There are four electric motors, two at each axle to provide the best four-wheel drive one could ask for. Then, instead of a traditional gasoline engine generator as a range extender, Mitsubishi is using a turbine engine generator. The Chrysler and GM turbine cars of the 1960s-70s were just ahead of their time, werenÂ’t they? Mitsubishi says this allows the MI-TECH to drive like a series hybrid when the battery pack is depleted. The four-wheel drive system is supposed to provide fantastic performance offroad and also on tarmac, being able to precisely dole out the exact amount of torque to whatever wheel needs it at any given time. Mitsubishi says the entire plug-in hybrid electric system is compact, so as to fit in a small SUV. Think Eclipse Cross or Outlander Sport size. The company already has a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the larger Outlander, but it wants to hybridize its smaller offerings one day, too. We donÂ’t expect the turbine engine to make it into our hands, but this four-motor electric drive system would be sweet in a production car. An augmented-reality windshield is the highlight on the interior of the MI-TECH. It is able to project a variety of information onto the windshield by using optical sensing technology. Hopefully Mitsubishi expands on that when it fully reveals the car in Tokyo. For now, we have the teaser, and it looks pretty neat. Mitsubishi, feel free to release a production version of a roofless, off-road, electrified SUV. We could use something fun in the lineup, as the Evo hole in our heart grows larger by the year.

2019 Subaru Forester Long-Term Introduction | Bring us your dogs

A 2019 Subaru Forester is officially entering the Autoblog long-term vehicle fleet. Subaru completely overhauled the Forester for the 2019 model year, so we’ve snagged one to start a year-long test. The new, small Subaru crossover left quite an impression on us when we drove it for the first time. It was much more refined and advanced than before, even if it doesnÂ’t look that different.  For example, the new Forester adopts SubaruÂ’s Global Platform and a new direct-injection 2.5-liter flat-four engine. The interior gets a massive overhaul with a new design, upgraded materials and impressive technology. What does it lose? The turbo. That's right, the 2019 Forester cannot be had with the outgoing model's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or any sort of engine upgrade. WeÂ’ll see how much weÂ’re missing the grunt by the time our year is up. What we got Subaru offers the Forester in five different trim levels, and we got the highest of them all: Touring. This means all the tech and luxury goodies are onboard, but it also means a $35,270 base price after the $975 destination charge is tacked on. All-weather floor mats and a rear seatback protector nudged our carÂ’s final price to $35,495. The other tempting trim option was the Sport, but we decided to pass on the slightly ridiculous red-orange accents — our eyes will thank us. Instead, our Subaru exudes class, or at least as much class as a Subaru can, in Horizon Blue Pearl.  As we mentioned, our Forester comes with the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder. It makes a whopping 182 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. At no point does it feel quick, but itÂ’s not painfully slow either. However, weÂ’re afraid to see what might happen with a full load of people and gear on a weekend getaway. Look out for updates on that one.  As for the extras we get with the Touring trim, there are many. Luxuries include LED headlights and foglights, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather interior trim, a 10-way power driverÂ’s seat, heated front and rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. Coolest of all, is SubaruÂ’s Driver Focus system with the infrared camera mounted on the dashboard, only available on the Touring. It watches your face to make sure youÂ’re alert and watching the road ahead, reminding you to look if it detects your inattention. An added benefit to this is facial recognition, allowing driver profiles to be set.

The $100,000 Winnebago Solis is a Ram ProMaster camper with a pop-top

Think of it as bunk beds for the outdoors. Maximum personal space, and the campsite has plenty of room for activities. It's an overall win-win. Camper vans with pop-tops are some of the most useful and versatile adventuremobiles out there, and now Winnebago has created its first entry into the growing market. For the first time, Winnebago is entering the Class B pop-top camper van business with the new Solis. Based on a Ram ProMaster chassis, the Solis' exterior is 19-feet-6-inches long, 8-feet-11-inches tall, and 6-feet-8-inches wide. Inside, the ceiling is 6-foot-2-inches high, and campers have access to 21 gallons of stored water. Power comes from a 280-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 and a 220-volt solar panel is integrated into the roof. In the video below, Winnebago Product Manager Russ Garfin says the goal with the Solis was to maintain durability while keeping things as simple as possible to get the job done. With the front captain's chairs swiveled around to face inward, they look at a cabin that is basic but comfortable. The driver's seat pairs with a removable swiveling plywood table with two more seats on the other side. Behind the rear passenger seats, there is a tri-purpose heated bathroom. The toilet is technically in the shower, and the space can also be used as a drying room for wet gear or laundry. The cassette toilet holds five gallons, and the shower has hot or cold water. The gray tank holds 20 gallons. Opposite the bathroom, the kitchenette is on the passenger-side wall. On the end near the door is a 12-volt compressor-driven fridge and freezer. The cooking unit also includes a countertop extension, built-in storage, a two-burner stovetop with backsplash, and a full faucet and sink. All of the insulation and plumbing on the Solis is four-season ready, as well, so adventuring can be done anywhere at any time. In the rear, the Solis has a murphy bed that flips up and out of the way. It sleeps two adults and stores a new "movable table" underneath. When the bed is up, that table can be put down to make a working space or for hanging out at the rear of the vehicle. There is also more storage under the rear floor space. Doubling the sleeping space is the fiberglass pop-top. The roomy space sleeps two more adults and is easily accessible thanks to a folding ladder that can be stored above the driving cabin. The Solis simplifies the camping experience by packaging full amenities and lots of sleeping space within a small van.

Mazda heads to Daytona with fierce-looking Mazda3 TCR race car

Hatchback lovers rejoice, Mazda has turned its stunning five-door into a race car. The Mazda3 TCR will participate in the 2020 IMSA Michelin PilotChallenge and will first debut in January 2020 during the Rolex 24 weekend in Daytona, Florida. Mazda is set to return to touring-car racing (TCR) with an adaptation of its popular compact car. The Mazda3 TCR has a lot of exterior changes that make it visually different from its road car brethren, and a whole lot more performance alterations we can’t see. A massive wing stands tall at the rear, and itÂ’s matched with a bulbous widebody kit with cooling vents behind the front and rear wheels. The new dress also has a front splitter, side skirts, and rear bumper aero. Further enhancements include a new hood, a single centered exhaust pipe, and new wheels and tires. Under the hood, the Mazda3 TCR has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 350 horsepower. It pairs with a six-speed transmission with paddle shifters. Mazda collaborated with the same company that manufacturers the Global Mazda MX-5 Cup Car, Long Road Racing, to develop the TCR. It is homologated for global racing in 36 TCR championships, and it will make its debut at the four-hour Endurance Challenge at the Daytona Rolex 24.