The new Ford GT specs are out and it's officially the fastest Ford ever made

The 2018 Ford GT is capable of 216 mph and can lap the Nürburgring faster than a McLaren 675LT and Ferrari 458 Speciale.

What’s going on?

Way back in 2015, Ford did the unthinkable and surprised the world with the reveal of the all-new GT supercar at the Detroit Auto Show. Since then, everyone new it was going to be something special.

But believe it or not, two years have passed since the GT was revealed. Now, Ford finally published the car’s official factory numbers. And it’s batshit-insane fast.

For starters, how does, SAE-certified, 647 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque sound?

That sounds great. What does that translate to?

Well, that power comes thanks to an all-new twin-turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6, which we already knew. Despite the deficit by two cylinders from the last Ford GT, the new model produces a whopping 97hp and 50 lb-ft of twist more than the supercharged V8 model. Not only does the power increase, the top speed does as well, at 216 miles per hour, compared to the last car’s 205. That makes it the fastest production Ford ever produced.

The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is mated strictly to an all-new seven-speed dual-clutch PowerShift transmission.

Straight-line performance isn’t the only thing making the new Ford GT fast.

Thanks to the new Ford GT’s clever active aerodynamics systems on the body, the new Ford GT laps the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife faster than a McLaren 675LT and the Ferrari 458 Speciale. The active systems consist of various moving air flaps placed throughout the body to actively channel air, all in the name of speed.

Specifically, the GT did it in just 2:09.8 minutes while the McLaren managed 2:10.8 and the Ferrari was interestingly at the bottom, at 2:12.9. They’re not going to be happy about that.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Ford

 

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AMG GT R First Drive - A Closer Look

Help the Dodge Viper ACR retake its title as the fastest production car around the Nürburgring

Die-hard motorsports and Dodge Viper lovers are seeking to send the last model off into the sunset with a record-setting bang.

What’s going on?

The Dodge Viper is one of America’s most iconic sports cars ever. Currently in its fifth generation, the latest version has been with us since 2013. But sadly, although the latest Viper is also the best one yet, Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles decided to pull the plug. Meaning this will be the last Dodge Viper ever produced.

Now this is sad for a number of reasons. Firstly, the Dodge Viper is Chrysler’s only halo car–the car that interests people in the first place. That’s because the Viper is cool and an American performance icon, much like the Corvette is to Chevrolet.

Secondly, this is the best Dodge Viper ever made. So it’s disappointing to know that despite this, nobody’s buying them. And lastly, nobody likes the death of an icon.

So if you thought the saga of the Viper was to end with a slow drift into the sunset and a sad violin playing in the background, not all hope is lost. Thanks to die-hard Viper enthusiast and FM radio magnet Russ Oasis in Miami, FL, a collective group is seeking to send the last Viper off into the sunset with a big, winning bang.

What’s this big, winning bang attempt?

According to Oasis’ GoFundMe page, the goal is to have the last Dodge Viper ACR tackle the infamous Nürburgring with one task in mind: to retake the coveted as the fastest production car to lap the nearly 13-mile-long Nordschliefe.

In September 2011, the Dodge Viper ACR set this record, posting a time of 7:12:13 at the hands of renounced racer, Dominik “Ring King” Farnbacher. This record remained until several years later when Porsche took the title with the 918.

Now, the plan is to retake that title. And the only way to do this would be to meet the GoFundMe’s campaign goal of around $150,000 to $200,000.

The money raised will cover the cost to ship two Viper ACR Extremes donated by ViperExchange, the US’s proclaimed premiere dealership exclusively for the sale of Dodge Vipers. The funds also goes towards the pay for two drivers, plus any additional support required to complete the attempts.

And should you choose to donate more than $250, your name will be acknowledged and printed on a commemorative poster.

The timeline for a new Dodge Viper’s last stunt at attempting a ‘Ring record is set for APril 2017.

If the goal is not met during the GoFundMe, all donations will be refunded.

Check out the campaign, HERE.

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– By: Chris Chin

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The Volkswagen I.D. Buzz is yet another bus concept for Detroit

Volkswagen reveals its latest I.D. Buzz Concept, another electrified bus designed to be hip and friendly to the environment. Summon the millenial hippies!

What’s going on?

Are you a tree hugger? Do you listen to Willie Nelson and enjoy putting flowers in your hair? Say no more! Volkswagen is back to provide you with another VW Bus-inspired concept. And of course, it comes solely with a new electric powertrain.

Another one? Uhm, ok. What’s different about it?

The Volkswagen I.D. Buzz Concept is another pitch at “electric mobility.” But not only is the I.D. Buzz showcasing VW’s latest progress with electric drive systems. It’s also features some automous driving technology so that the occupants within the I.D. Buzz can also enjoy its spacious interior.

What powers it?

The electric drive system in the I.D. Buzz consists of two electric motors (one at each axle) to implement all-wheel drive. Together, they produce 369 horsepower with juice supplied by one 111 kWh battery. The result is a 0-60 time of just five seconds and a top speed of 99 mph. Thanks to the latest quick-charge technology, the battery can be charged up to 80 percent in just 30 minutes.

Volkswagen also developed the drive system with a modular design, or MEB (Modular Electric Drive). That means the system in the I.D. Buzz can easily be manufactured as a rear-wheel-drive model.

What else is cool about it?

The I.D. Buzz also comes with a list of autonomous driving tech. Should the drivers utilize the I.D. Buzz’s self-driving capabilities, the I.D. Buzz’s “Pilot” system also repositions the driver’s seat to face the rear.

Will it go on sale? And for how much?

Volkswagen didn’t say if the I.D. Buzz will on sale. Though chances are, the I.D. Buzz is more of an idea and a concept than one with true production potential.

Would you buy the I.D. Buzz if they make it?

– By: Chris Chin

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Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2ioByp5

2017 NAIAS: The 2018 Lexus LS takes on a more dramatic design

Lexus reveals the hotly anticipated, next-generation Lexus LS flagship sedan at the 2017 North American International Auto Show.

What’s going on?

Believe it or not, the current generation Lexus LS flagship luxury sedan has been with us for over 10 years. So it’s way overdue for a replacement.

But now that the 2017 Detroit Auto Show is happening, Toyota’s luxury branch finally revealed the all-new, next-generation 2018 Lexus LS sedan at the Cobo Center in Detroit. And already, you can tell that a lot is different.

With its new design, the 2018 Lexus LS follows the whole trend of utilizing a more “coupe-like” design, thanks to its long, low and sloping roofline. Then it takes the brand’s latest corporate front end and “spindle grille” to make the most aggressive-appearing Lexus LS ever made.

So Lexus is finally replacing the aging LS. Sweet! What’s new about it?

In addition to the new design, the new LS is built from the ground up on an all-new platform. Thanks to the new underpinnings, Lexus was able to focus on handling performance, agility, and comfort to keep from compromising the LS’s reputation or being a luxury sedan.

For instance, the new LS comes with the brand’s first-ever Lexus Advanced Safety Package. It incorporates a long-list of passive and active safety tech, such as Active Steering with Pedestrian Detection. It works with the LS’s electric power steering and lane-keeping assist and helps drivers avoid related accidents.

Sadly though, gone is Lexus’ legendary naturally-aspirated 4.6L V8. Taking its place is Toyota’s and Lexus’ first-ever twin-turbocharged V6 with 415 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a 10-speed automatic, the result is a 0-60 time of just 4.5 seconds for the rear-wheel drive model.

When will the 2018 Lexus LS go on sale?

Lexus confirmed the new LS will go on sale in the later half of 2017. Though pricing details should arrive closer to that date.

– By: Chris Chin

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Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2iIQGPk

2017 NAIAS – Audi pulls the sheets off of the new Q8 Concept

Ingolstadt’s finest reveals a new concept that previews the much-anticipated Q8 luxury full-size crossover at the 2017 NAIAS.

What’s going on?

Over the past year or so, Audi’s been hinting strongly at the prospect of an all-new full-size crossover. The idea is to have its new SUV sit above the Q7, which moved down to become the company’s midsize offering.

Now, Audi finally materialized a concept in the form of the Audi Q8 Concept. And they just unveiled it at the 2017 North American International Auto Show.

What’s cool about it?

Usually with crossovers, there isn’t much in the form of “cool.” But the Audi Q8 has some neat tech with its power and drivetrain.

The Q8 is helps Audi pave the way for its future line of crossover SUVs. That means the Audi Q8 Concept is designed to compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW’s impending and hotly-anticipated full-size crossover. Additionally, the Q8 features a whole range of new in-car technology, hinting at Audi’s intent to do away with analog controls and instrument clusters for large, digital touchscreens.

What powers it?

The Audi Q8 Concept’s plug-in hybrid power- and drivetrain are also its signature features. Propulsion begins with a traditional internal combustion engine. That engine is Audi’s latest 3.0L TFSI supercharged V6 with 333 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. An electric motor then assists the V6 providing an extra 100 kW. The result is a 0-62 mph time of just 5.4 seconds and a top speed limited to 155 mph. Because of the hybridization, fuel economy is also predictably high with the Q8 rated to return the equivalent to 102.3 US mpg.

The electric motor receives juice from a newly specially-designed lithium-ion battery pack with 104 prismaticc cells. Capable of 17.9 kWh, it enables the Q8 to travel on all-electric power for up to 37.3 miles. Combined range for the Q8 with both the gas and electric motors tops around 1000 kilometers or 621.4 miles.

Will it reach production?

Audi says the Q8 is virtually production ready with the final version launching in 2018. Pricing wasn’t announced, but we predict the Q8 will cost as much as a Mercedes-Benz GLS or similar, meaning its MSRP is likely to live above the $65,000 mark.

– By: Chris Chin

 

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2017 NAIAS – The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse follows in the footsteps of the GMC Acadia

The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse gets unveiled at the 2017 North American International Auto Show continuing the theme of a value-oriented GMC Acadia.

What’s going on?

The 2017 North American International Auto Show is in full swing and kicking off the show debuts is the all-new second-generation 2018 Chevrolet Traverse.

Like the Chevrolet Traverse before it, the new Traverse continues the recipe of being a more value-oriented GMC Acadia. And it even looks like a Chevy version of the Acadia…because that’s what it technically is.

So what’s new with the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse?

Because the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is based on the latest GMC Acadia, its sheetmetal gets a complete overhaul. As a result, the shapes and profiles of both crossovers are very similar. Gone is the former model’s bulky and bubble-like shape, which made the last Traverse look like a minivan without the sliding doors. In its place is a boxier, more upright design.

But despite the complete redesign, the new Chevrolet Traverse manages to pretty much remain the same size.

With the new 2018 Chevrolet Traverse also comes a variety of new packages and appearance options. For instance, the new Traverse gains a “sporty” RS variant while a High Country model tops off the range as the fully-loaded luxury model.

There’s also a new turbocharged four-pot.

The previous Chevrolet Traverse used Chevy’s latest 3.6L naturally-aspirated V6 with 281 horsepower  and 266 pound-feet of torque. It does carryover for the new model but with some extra oomph. Thanks to a list of revisions, the 3.6L V6 output jumps to 305hp with a slight reduction in torque at 260 lb-ft of twist. Both mills are mated to GM’s latest Hydra-Matic 9T50 nine-speed automatic with the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

When will it go on sale and how much will it cost?

Chevrolet didn’t announce when the 2018 Traverse hits showrooms. But due to its 2018 model year, it’s safe to speculate a launch sometime later this year along with pricing.

– By: Chris Chin

 

 

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Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2juRjvO

The 2018 Honda Odyssey continues the saga of the ultimate family vehicle

The next-gen Honda Odyssey gets revealed at the Cobo Center at the 2017 NAIAS.

What’s going on?

The 2017 North American International Auto Show is in full swing and we’re here in Detroit to cover it all. Kicking off the show conferences is the reveal of the all-new and next-generation 2018 Honda Odyssey minivan.

Honda has a new family mover. Sweet. What’s new about it?

Because the Honda Odyssey is a tried, tested, and true formula, significant changes aren’t really abundant. Rather, the new Odyssey takes its typical formula and adds the latest and greatest tech to make family road trip life a little easier.

It starts with a new design that evolves from the outgoing model. Except there are a few more curves and angles, making the already sleek Odyssey look even more sleek. Additionally, the Odyssey benefits from a small diet, thanks to a reduction by 96 pounds. 

New tech to make parenting in the car easier

2018 Honda Odyssey – CabinTalk – Photo from Honda

Honda introduced new suite of in-car technology, such as improved in-vehicle connectivity and infotainment systems. For instance, you have a newly designed infotainment system developed in house called Display Audio. There’s also a new in-car camera system called CabinWatch, allowing parents to keep a constant eye on the youngens in the back.

And in the event the you need to diffuse a situation of sibling rivalry, Honda created a new CabinTalk PA system that allows the driver to talk to the rear occupants through the speakers and in-car entertainment system’s headphones.

Then, the rest of the new bits come in the form of some updates to the power- and drivetrain.

What are those power- and drivetrain updates?

For the first time ever, Honda equipped its all-new 10-speed automatic transmission for the upper tier models for improved acceleration and fuel economy. Otherwise, Honda’s latest nine-speed automatic serves as the standard transmission.

Both cog swappers are mated to the company’s typical 3.5L i-VTEC V6 with direct-injection. With some various tweaks, Honda was able to coax an additional 32 horsepower.

When will it go on sale and how much will it cost?

The new 2018 Honda Odyssey will go on sale sometime later this year along with pricing.

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– By: Chris Chin

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Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2jCEiEn

2017 Ford GT - A Closer Look