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2019 Autoblog Technology of the Year finalists revealed

Every fall, we line up a range of new models with the latest and most compelling automotive technology from the past year. We test everything from semi-autonomous systems like Tesla's Autopilot to trick suspension setups like the Multimatic spool-valve shocks on the Chevy Colorado ZR2. We spend months paring down the list to a small group of contenders. After testing, dinner and healthy debate, we tally up the votes and name our winner. For Autoblog's 2019 Technology of the Year Award, our three finalists are the Cadillac CT6 with Super Cruise, the Infiniti QX50 with Variable Compression Turbo and the Mercedes-AMG E 53 with EQ Boost. Super Cruise is an advanced SAE Level 2 semi-autonomous system, though Cadillac (unlike some of its rivals) is reluctant to push that point. Cadillac would like you to think of this as an advanced driver assistance feature rather than a semi-autonomous system. Super Cruise allows completely hands-free highway driving. Thanks to a driver-facing camera, the system forces the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road even if hands are off the wheel. Although the CT6 is being discontinued, look for Super Cruise to make its way to other Cadillacs soon. VC Turbo is a little more complicated. Basically, Infiniti's 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four can vary the compression ratio on the fly. In general, turbocharged engines are more efficient than naturally-aspirated engines when on boost, but can perform worse at low revs. VC Turbo allows for a best-of-both-worlds situation, increasing the compression at low revs and backing it off once the turbo spools up. The best part is that it does so seamlessly, with only a dash readout letting you know what's going on under the hood. Our third finalist is the EQ Boost 48-volt system in the Mercedes-AMG E 53. Like VC Turbo, EQ Boost does a lot just beneath the surface. Mercedes has developed a new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and paired it with a small electric motor. While the car can't run on electricity alone, the motor helps improve both efficiency and performance, smoothing shifts and filling in low-end torque before the turbos spool up. Think torque fill, similar to a McLaren P1. Who can complain about better fuel economy and more torque? Look for the 48-volt system to make its way into most of the Mercedes-Benz lineup. The winner will be revealed next week on Autoblog, and we'll present the award Jan. 15 at the Detroit Auto Show. Related Video:

Cadillac launches ATS-V, CTS-V Crystal White Frost editions

With power and performance enough to challenge the best that Europe and Japan have to offer, buyers in the luxury performance market shouldn't need much more reason to consider a new Cadillac ATS-V or CTS-V. But to make its fastest models that much more enticing, Cadillac is rolling out the new Crystal White Frost editions you see here. Available on the ATS-V coupe, ATS-V sedan, or CTS-V sedan (pictured), the new Crystal White Frost Edition models feature unique matte-finish white paint. They also get special wheels and the Carbon Fiber and Luxury packages as standard. Other equipment like Recaro buckets and microfiber-trimmed control surfaces are also available, among other options. GM's luxury division will only make 99 examples available across the three models – 39 ATS-V coupes, 31 ATS-V sedans, and 29 CTS-V sedans. So if you want to get your hands on one, you may have to act faster than these forced-induction performance machines will muscle their way around the track. Prices start at $71,460 for the smaller sedan and extend up to $94,900 for the larger one – those prices including destination but not taxes, registration, and other fees. For a full rundown of the equipment included and available, scope out the detailed press release below. Related Video: 2016 Cadillac V-Series Crystal White Frost Editions CELEBRATING THE FIRST-EVER CADILLAC ATS-V & THIRD-GENERATION CADILLAC CTS-V 2015-10-16 Cadillac today announced the exclusive Crystal White Frost Edition for all three of its new high-performance V-Series models – the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe and Sedan, and the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan. These new special edition models celebrate the ongoing launch of the first-ever Cadillac ATS-V and the third-generation Cadillac CTS-V super-sedan. They feature a special production run of low-gloss Crystal White Frost exterior paint, which first appeared for the world premiere announcements of the new V-Series models, receiving positive consumer reaction. The edition includes select V-Series wheels and Carbon Fiber and Luxury packages that are options on regular V-Series models. The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Crystal White Frost Edition sedans start at $71,460 and coupes at $73,660. The 2016 Cadillac CTS-V Crystal White Frost Edition sedans start at $94,990, including destination freight charges but excludes tax, title, license and dealer fees.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R named Road & Track Performance Car of the Year

With a 526-horsepower, 5.2-liter V8 that roars to 8,250 rpm, it's really hard to consider the 2016 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350R an underdog in any fight. However, the Shelby held the lowest as-tested price and was only middle of the pack in terms of power in Road & Track's 2016 Performance Car of the Year challenge. The 'Stang's numbers clearly didn't tell the whole story about the potent coupe because Ford's muscle car grabbed the title in this year's test. A model needs to be new or significantly updated to be eligible for the honor, and R&T found an impressive slate of eight candidates this year. The challengers included the Bentley Continental GT3-R, Cadillac ATS-V Coupe, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Dodge Viper ACR, Mercedes-AMG GT S, and Porsche Cayman GT4. The Ferrari 488 GTB was the most expensive of the bunch with an as-tested price of $347,942, which is five times more than the Shelby. Once the group was together, R&T hustled them over curving roads and on the National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park. There was a lot to love about the Shelby, even in this impressive crew. "With a flat-plane crank and Sport Cup 2 tires, the GT350R is a Mustang turned up to 11," editor-in-chief Larry Webster said in the announcement of the results. The GT350R joins some great company. Past winners include the Porsche 911 GT3 last year and the Corvette in 2013. For some fantastic photography and the complete appraisal of these performance machines check out R&T's website for the full story. Related Video: ROAD & TRACK NAMES THE FORD MUSTANG SHELBY GT350R THE 2016 PERFORMANCE CAR OF THE YEAR New York, NY (November 9, 2015) – Road & Track today named the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R the 2016 Performance Car of the Year, beating out seven of the world's best new sports cars. The article appears in the December/January issue, on newsstands November 17, and on RoadandTrack.com. "With a flat-plane crank and Sport Cup 2 tires, the GT350R is a Mustang turned up to 11," said Larry Webster, editor-in-chief of Road & Track. "Not only does the car have soul and harness so much firepower with such ease, but the real achievement here is that it's so approachable. It's a car you can't help but love." The Mustang Shelby GT350R was the winner by a runaway vote.