robertkstone

[robertkstone]

AMC Javelin

By 1971, the writing was on the wall for American muscle car manufacturers. Higher fuel prices and increasing insurance regulations meant owning a high-powered Pony Car would not be easy for the average young working man. American Motors would combine their Javelin and AMX models into a single all-new body style. For the first time, all Javelins and Javelin/AMX's would include a back seat.

AMC Javelin originally appeared on Conceptcarz.com on Sun, 24 Mar 2019 09:31:19 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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[robertkstone]

The sYc Yenko 427 Super Camaro

Approaching the height of the muscle car era, General Motors was holding back. The rebellious enthusiasts cried for power, but GM wasn't sure its clientele was mature enough. Leave it to Don Yenko to come along like some grandparent and spoil the grandchildren making the parents, and the law, a little perturbed.

The sYc Yenko 427 Super Camaro originally appeared on Conceptcarz.com on Sun, 24 Mar 2019 09:30:08 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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[robertkstone]

Ferrari 340 MM

The 340 America and 340 Mexico were followed by the ultimate 340 variant - the MM. Fitted with a magneto ignition, four-choke Weber carburetors, a four-speed synchromesh gearbox and a ZF limited-slip differential, the 340 MM was designed specifically to dominate long-distance road events like the Mille Miglia.

Ferrari 340 MM originally appeared on Conceptcarz.com on Sun, 24 Mar 2019 09:28:48 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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[robertkstone]

Isotta Tipo 8C Monterosa

Isotta Fraschini's postwar luxury model, the Tipo 8C Monterosa, encompassed the highest technical standards of the day. Following a sedan by Zagato and a coupe by Touring, this striking cabriolet was built by Milanese Carrozzeria Boneschi.

Isotta Tipo 8C Monterosa originally appeared on Conceptcarz.com on Sun, 24 Mar 2019 08:47:10 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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[robertkstone]

Be Positive: Harrop’s Supercharged Mission

Mention the name Harrop to pretty much anyone in the global Speedhunters community and the word supercharging usually follows. But forced induction is a relatively recent addition to the Australia-based outfit’s incredible history. Harrop has been helping make our cars stronger and faster for a whopping 64 years (read more in Richard’s story of the […]

The post Be Positive: Harrop’s Supercharged Mission appeared first on Speedhunters.

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[robertkstone]

Take a closer look at the McLaren 720S supercar's complex suspension

Numerous systems go into making a high-performance car, and while a powerful engine is almost always one of them, engineers never forget about the suspension. What's a lot of power good for if it handles like a sloppy mess? The McLaren 720S uses a very neat system, although it's mighty complex. Thankfully, we have explainer extraordinaire Jason... from PerformanceJunk WP Feed 3 https://ift.tt/2Wjzt28 via IFTTT

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[robertkstone]

The I.C.E. event puts Ferrari F50s, Lamborghini Countachs and more on frozen lake

These days, many supercar and classic car owners look at their vehicles as investments. That's the opposite case for the owners who brought their cars to the first I.C.E. event in Sankt Moritz, Switzerland, on March 2. I.C.E. stands for International Concours of Elegance in St. Moritz, and it's a proper acronym since the entire event takes place... from PerformanceJunk WP Feed 3 https://ift.tt/2YjCgub via IFTTT

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[robertkstone]

2019 Mazda3 AWD First Drive: All-Weather Sophistication

During our First Drive of the 2019 Mazda3, we praised the car’s agile handling and superbly executed interior. Now that we’ve driven the new all-wheel-drive variant, we’re happy to report that the sporty compact car is even better to drive with four-wheel traction. The 2019 Mazda3 AWD handles better in all weather conditions, turning it into a sophisticated all-weather driver’s car that puts entry-level offerings from luxury brands on notice.

At a drive event for the 2019 Mazda3, we started the day on a snow course and an icy slalom section. We jumped into a front-drive 2019 Mazda3 sedan first and instantly found it lacked the traction to get up inclines without momentum. All-wheel-drive-equipped cars breezed through the course from a standstill. Mazda’s all-wheel-drive system sends torque where it’s most needed and works with G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC+) to maintain traction, taking into account weather and road conditions.

In the snow, the all-wheel-drive system and GVC+ keeps the Mazda3 sure-footed in the slush by reducing engine torque ever so slightly and applying small amounts of braking to shift weight and power around to keep the car stable. With GVC+ disabled, you immediately notice you’re steering more to keep the car from getting unwieldy. The lack of stability instantly became obvious on a slalom course where a 20-mph lane change easily caused the car’s rear end to step out, forcing the driver to counter the skid with lots of steering input.

On pavement, the all-wheel-drive system makes the 2019 Mazda3 feel predictable when driving enthusiastically. Torque sent to the rear wheels pushes the car out of corners, minimizing understeer and allowing it to rotate. Superbly controlled body motions keep the Mazda3 neutral, and the sharp, communicative steering tells you exactly what the front wheels are doing. The Mazda3’s brilliantly tuned chassis soaks up broken pavement beautifully without disconnecting the driver from the road, making you question the need for adaptive dampers and suspensions on some cars that aim to improve handling without sacrificing ride comfort.

The carryover 186-hp 2.5-liter naturally aspirated I-4 happily revs to redline; however, you feel it working hard at higher elevations. Mazda’s six-speed automatic upshifts quickly but takes a second or two to kick down. Sport mode offers quicker rev-matched downshifts and holds gears longer. We also drove a front-drive Mazda3 hatchback with the six-speed manual and found it to be the liveliest of the bunch. The free-revving four-banger works with the slick shifter and communicative clutch admirably to provide plenty of smiles behind the wheel.

Mazda’s interiors continue to move upmarket, and the 2019 Mazda3’s cabin easily matches those in entry-level luxury vehicles, especially with the two-tone options. Everything you touch from the dash to the armrests feels expensive, and the infotainment controls click and turn with a satisfying sound. Even harder plastics in the rear wouldn’t look out of place in a car donning a three-pointed star or a stylized “L.” Save for some road and tire noise at highway speeds on uneven surfaces, the 2019 Mazda3’s cabin is nearly vault-like. Complementing the spiffy interior is a 12-speaker Bose surround sound system that provides a crisp listening experience and just enough bass to satisfy audiophiles. The latest iteration of the MazdaConnect interface is easier to use but still falls behind Hyundai/Kia’s Blue Link/UVO, Subaru’s Starlink, and FCA’s UConnect.

All-wheel drive should make the 2019 Mazda3 more appealing to consumers living in four-season states, but that’s only one part of the equation. Four-wheel traction along with GVC+ also improves the Mazda3’s driving characteristics on pavement. When combined with its elegant interior, the Mazda3 turns into an entry-level luxury car in disguise. A Signature trim and the CX-9’s 2.5-liter turbo-four are the final pieces that can turn the Mazda3 into a nearly perfect package: fun, chic, and eye-catching.

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[robertkstone]

Two Michelotti Concept Cars In Japan

Last month at Nostalgic 2 Days, there were two such cars right at the entrance – a display spot that’s always been reserved for surprise appearances from Japanese manufacturers. We’ve seen rarities from collection halls, and in 2018 a pair of Dome Zeros that I expanded on with a dedicated spotlight. But this time around the surprise was bigger than ever. […]

The post Two Michelotti Concept Cars In Japan appeared first on Speedhunters.

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The Williams FW08C: A Champion’s Car

You own a Learjet, a penthouse in Munich, a country mansion in England, a chalet in Austria, and a villa on Ibiza. To earn the world championship title you drove every lap absolutely flat out in an era where safety just meant sacrificing speed. To get into the series in the first place, you earlier became a […]

The post The Williams FW08C: A Champion’s Car appeared first on Speedhunters.

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[robertkstone]

Here's what every button on an F1 steering wheel does

Glancing at a modern Formula 1 race car's steering wheel reveals a very complex contraption, and it's just as in-depth of a wheel as it suggests. Mercedes-AMG, the reigning F1 champion, recently published a video with driver Valtteri Bottas to give fans a closer look at what action each button performs. Obviously, some of the finer details are... from PerformanceJunk WP Feed 3 https://ift.tt/2FvB53p via IFTTT

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[robertkstone]

2019 Subaru WRX STI, 2020 Cadillac CT5, 2021 Land Rover Defender: This Week's Top Photos

Subaru has a limited-edition WRX STI S209 on offer for 2019, and this week we took a spin in the 341-horsepower pocket rocket. You'll be glad to note the car benefits from more than just extra power, ensuring it will remain a finely honed track machine for years to come. Another vehicle we tested was the 2019 BMW X7. The big bruiser reaches... from PerformanceJunk WP Feed 3 https://ift.tt/2FwguMw via IFTTT

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[robertkstone]

Just as Taurus production ends in US, Ford updates version sold in China

Ford ended production of the Taurus for North America just this month, but the nameplate lives on in China where Ford's been selling a next-generation model since 2015. The Chinese-market Taurus is based on a stretched version of the CD4 platform found in the Fusion, as opposed to the outdated D3 platform that underpinned our Taurus, and it's... from PerformanceJunk WP Feed 3 https://ift.tt/2TQ9q5S via IFTTT

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[robertkstone]

Under The Skin of the First 2JZ Swapped A90 Supra

If, however, you’ve been following the right social media channels over the last 10 days or so, you may have come to a different assumption. No, the Supra still hasn’t been released in Japan, but two pre-production models have already been well and truly engine-swapped. Below, is the story of one of these two cars… […]

The post Under The Skin of the First 2JZ Swapped A90 Supra appeared first on Speedhunters.

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[robertkstone]

Refreshing or Revolting: Porsche Cayenne Coupe Vs. The Competition

Fastback SUVs are all about the look, considering they provide no practical benefit over traditional utility vehicles. With their dramatic rooflines, they attract customers who want something a little different. The 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe is the latest entry in this growing segment, competing against the BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, and the new Audi Q8. But which is the best looking of the bunch?

Unsurprisingly, the Cayenne Coupe looks pretty much like the regular Cayenne from up front. Its front fascia has soft edges with rounded headlights, but the large grille gives it some edge. Similarly, the X6 looks like a typical BMW from this angle, sporting the brand’s familiar kidney grille. The Mercedes GLE Coupe has a streamlined feel to its front fascia with a rounded grille, headlights, and lower fascia. The Audi Q8 probably has the most unexpected front end since it looks so different than other models from the brand. Sharp lines abound, and the razor-thin headlights have a unique lighting signature. The grille is set off by a large frame.

Crossover coupes can sometimes look strange when viewed from the side. We would argue that’s the case with the BMW, whose roof rises sharply up front and drops off dramatically in the back. The slope of the Porsche’s roofline looks more natural, and that’s probably helped by the soft lines of the window trim. A soft character line runs high across the doors near the windows, helping the transition from front to back. The GLE Coupe comes in high-performance AMG trims, and its sporty ambitions are apparent through its bold wheels and window spoiler. The Audi Q8 shows off its long hood, sharp body lines, and bulbous rear end from this angle.

In the rear, the Cayenne Coupe offers an active spoiler. It has taillights connected by a rear light bar much like the Audi, which has a bolder lighting signature that matches the look of the front end. In contrast, the BMW features chunky taillights sitting below a large lip spoiler. On the Mercedes, a tasteful piece of chrome trim links together the traditional-looking taillights.

Take a peek inside the Cayenne Coupe’s cabin, and the first thing you’ll notice is the large screen and the thick center console dominated by buttons and switches, and big grab handles on either side. The interior of the X6 looks older, because it is. Swoopy lines cut the dash into various layers, and controls are laid out in a predictable and somewhat uninteresting way. The interior of the GLE Coupe looks particularly dated with the big number touchpad in the center below the screen. Audi interiors rarely disappoint, and the Q8 is another winner. It has a dual touchscreen setup, with the upper screen used for infotainment controls and the lower screen dedicated to climate functions. And who doesn’t love the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit instrument cluster?

So which crossover coupe is the style winner? Let us know in the comments on Facebook.

The post Refreshing or Revolting: Porsche Cayenne Coupe Vs. The Competition appeared first on Motortrend.

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[robertkstone]

New Customer Referral Program Gives Owners a Chance to Win a Tesla Model Y, Roadster

Tesla ended its customer referral program in early February, citing significant costs associated with the offer. Less than two months later, the automaker is announcing a new referral program, and this one works quite differently.

Under the new offer, Tesla owners and those they refer get 1,000 miles of free Supercharging. Each referral also enters you to win a Founder’s Series Model Y monthly and a Founder’s Series Roadster quarterly. The vehicles will come signed by CEO Elon Musk and designer Franz von Holzhausen. In the case that an owner already has free Supercharging, Tesla is offering two chances to win those awards per referral.

Tesla says the new program saves money compared to the old one. Although the deal is a nice perk, the old referral program was more impressive. In addition to six months of free Supercharging, there were other rewards. A first referral gave you the chance to launch your photo into space. With two referrals, you could snag yourself a Signature Black Wall Connector or a Founders Series Tesla Model S for Kids. Three referrals gave you special wheels or one week with a Model S or Model X; four gave you priority access to software updates; and five gave you invitations to product unveilings.

Tesla says referrals have been an important part of the company’s growth ever since it launched the Roadster in 2008. In one past offer, new Tesla buyers could get $1,000 off their vehicle when referred by an existing owner, while the referrer also received $1,000 toward a new Tesla.

There are a few caveats to the new program. Free supercharging miles expire three years after the most recent miles are added. And if you win one of the vehicle prizes, you can’t win the same prize again, Musk clarified on Twitter. New purchased or leased Model S, Model X, and Model 3 orders are eligible for the program.

Source: Tesla

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[robertkstone]

GM Preps Michigan Plant for New Chevrolet EV

General Motors Co confirmed on Friday it will invest $300 million in a suburban Detroit assembly plant, adding 400 jobs to build a new Chevrolet electric vehicle.

The largest U.S. automaker has come under heavy criticism from President Donald Trump in recent days over its decision to end production at its Lordstown, Ohio, assembly plant earlier this month.

GM officials said the announcement was planned well before Trump’s series of angry GM tweets that started on Saturday. Trump called GM CEO Mary Barra on Sunday to raise the decision to end production at the Ohio plant, which is in a crucial state for the 2020 presidential election. He again ripped the company in a speech in Ohio on Wednesday.

GM has shown no indication it will reverse course and reopen the Lordstown plant.

Reuters reported on Thursday on GM’s investment plans for the plant in Orion Township, outside Detroit.

Chevrolet Bolt and Sonic at GM Orion plant

Last year, GM said it would end production at five North American assembly plants and eliminate about 15,000 jobs, prompting outrage and a two-day visit by Barra to Capitol Hill to answer questions about the job cuts.

GM did not disclose the name or timing of the new GM EV but said it would be built on the same platform as the existing Chevrolet Bolt EV. GM did not disclose the name of the new EV or the timing of production.

The automaker said in total it is investing $1.8 billion in its U.S. manufacturing operations this year, creating 700 new jobs and supporting 28,000 jobs across six states.

Additional product information and timing for the new Chevrolet EV will be released closer to production.

GM said producing the vehicle in a U.S. manufacturing plant supports the rules of origin provisions in the proposed United States, Mexico and Canada Agreement.

In February, GM disclosed that it had hired Ballard Partners, a lobbying firm run by Brian Ballard, a fundraiser for Trump’s presidential campaign. The company has been eager to try to smooth over relations with the White House after Trump first began harshly attacking GM last year.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Dan Grebler)

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