Daily Archives: November 13, 2017
Top 3 Features of the 2018 Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang just got an update for its 2018 model around four years when its sixth generation unit was unveiled in 2013. For a starting price of $25,585, what does the car bring to the table?
Exterior
The Ford Mustang is defined by its muscular frame and wide body. Compared to the fifth generation model, the sixth generation series we have now is wider by 1.5 inches, lower by 1.4 inches and its grille has been revised to a trapezoidal shape.
Looking at the exterior of the 2017 and 2018 models of the car, there were no significant changes in their aesthetics. However, those who wish for their Mustang to stand out more can get the higher trims matched with the optional Performance package of Ford.
Interior
The new Mustang replaced its analog gauges with digital gauges and it got a 12-inch screen. The instrument panel allows the driver to choose from the different drive modes of the auto and other functions. The other interior elements of the 2018 model are the same with the ones found in the 2017 year model.
Engine
The updated Ford Mustang kept its predecessor’s 5.0-liter V8 and 2.3-liter EcoBoost units. The 5.0-liter mill has been reconfigured to produce 460 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. The rotational speed of the engine was improved to 7,500 rpm. The EcoBoost model is still at 310 hp but the torque has been increased to 350 lb-ft.
The power of the car is distributed via a six-speed manual transmission. The car can be combined with Ford’s new 10-speed automatic too.
Performance
The problem that we usually encountered when test driving an automatic transmission car with so much gears was that it sometimes switched to and fro at the higher gears like it was unsure where to stick. However, the 10-speed unit of the 2018 Mustang felt so smooth. It stuck to where it was supposed to be during the power increments.
The new suspension of the car performed decently. Combined with the Magneride active suspension, the handling of the auto is improved.
The Next Volkswagen Beetle is Going Electric
The Volkswagen Beetle is proposed to get an electric power. The next generation of the car will most likely run on the new MEB (Modular Electric Baukasten) platform of the automaker.
According to Autocar, the electric Beetle is planned to serve as a sister model to the latest Microbus, which came out as the ID Buzz concept at the 2017 Detroit Motor Show. The Beetle is one of the number of cars that will be presented to the VW board when they will have a vote on the company’s initial range of electric vehicles.
Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, said that the decision of the board will be based on what kind of “emotional concepts” they need. He explained that “emotional concepts” will include autos like the Microbus, Beetle, Kubelwagen and Buggy. He cleared out that there is no firm decision on the subject yet though.
Further into the interview, the VW exec hinted that they are favoring the Beetle. He stated that if they are going for an electric Beetle, it would be better than its latest model. Instead of its modern design, it would get back to its roots and it will have a rear-wheel drive.
Deiss pointed out that their MEB platform is planned to support up to 15 new electric-powered models. Five of them will be marketed under the VW name.
The rear-wheel drive setup for an EV was previewed under the Volkswagen ID hatchback concept at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. The concept was equipped with one electric motor mounted on the rear axle. The output of the auto was 168 bhp.
Although this is not yet conclusive, it definitely gives us something to look forward to. Getting back the retro Beetle design is a cool direction, especially for the die-hard fans of the classic VW.
9 Cool Add-ons for the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon has a starting price of $84,995.
The deliveries of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon to buyers started a few days ago. It was revealed that it comes packed with plenty of options and accessories to choose from.
According to Motor Authority‘s interview with Dodge’s spokeswoman during launch, a few dozen units of the car already reached customers, but she said the ramp-up has been slow. She attributed the delay in shipping due to the availability of colors and customization required by buyers.
Here are the extras you can get when you buy the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon:
1. Hard-Bound Manual
The leather-bound manual was written by Hot Rod magazine editors. It discusses the key technical components of the car and instructions for setting up the Demon for the race track.
2. Authentication Package
The Demon Authentication Package costs $1. It comes with a “Certicard” and 12 sheets placed in a portfolio that detail the build process of the vehicle.
3. Demon Crate
If you want to make the most out of the Demon’s 840 hp, this $1 kit embedded with the buyer’s name plus the car’s VIN and serial number contains everything needed to squeeze that power out of it. Included are the powertrain control module, replacement switch module, performance air filter, block-off plate for passenger mirror and drag wheels. It also has tools like the hydraulic floor jack with bag, cordless impact wrench with charger, torque wrench, tire pressure gauge, fender cover and tool bag.
4. Custom Car Cover
The personalized car cover is stitched with the buyer’s name. It is made with satin.
5. VBOX Video HD2
The kit from RaceLogic allows the driver to monitor driving data like the acceleration, brake use, rpm, speed, wheel slip, air temperature, altitude, G-force reading upon launch, gear selection, transbrake activation and launch control activation. It costs $3,680.
6. Four-Point Harness
The four-point harness bar from Speedlogic is worth $1,299.88. It attaches right in the rear if the rear seats have been removed.
7. Rear-Seat Delete Package
The accessory from Mopar only amounts $1. It lets the buyer detach the rear seats when drag racing. Included here are seatback closeout panel, seatback panel bezel, lower seat tray with cargo net, seat belt delete C-pillar covers and rear packaging shelf.
8. Demon Street Tire Package
This protects the sticky, race track tires of the car from wear when the auto is driven at long distances. The package is provided by Mopar. The price of the package will be announced later.
9. Devil’s Rim Wheels
The Mopar four forged aluminum wheels each measure 20 x 11 inches. These are similar to the stock wheels of the Hellcat Widebody. The rims are wrapped in Pirelli P Zero all-season 305/35ZR20 tires. Moreover, these include tire pressure sensors. The pricing of the wheels is not available yet.
BMW M140i Bombs the Test Drive Video of the New Mercedes-Benz CLS
A new video revealed the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLS having its usual test drive in Nurburgring before its official unveiling. Apparently, it is not as quick and nimble as the BMW M140i.
The BMW M140i packs 335 hp in its 3.0-liter turbo inline-six engine. That allows it to sprint from zero to 62 mph in just 4.6 seconds.
Details about the specs of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLS are not officially available yet, but the basic model of its predecessor possesses a 4.7-liter biturbo V8 engine capable of delivering 402 hp. The new CLS should be along that line, so it was quite a scene when the BMW M140i was seen approaching the car at the 1:10 mark of the video.
The CLS looked like it was just minding its business when suddenly the M140i swooped pass the Merc during a sharp bend on track. Look at the 1:13 mark of the video where the Bimmer showed how agile it was.
It should be reminded though that the CLS is heavier than the M140i. Mercedes classifies it as a “four-door coupe”. It is defined by its elegant styling rather than its performance. After all, it sits along the middle of Merc’s E-Class and S-Class flagship car. However, having at least a V8 or an improved inline-six that is rumored to produce at least 500 hp, the expectations are heavy on this one. The current CLS can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
The new Mercedes-Benz CLS is set to make its public unveiling at the Los Angeles Auto Show starting from December 1 to 10. Those who want to see the car in the flesh should go to the LA Convention Center during the said dates.
Mercedes-Benz CLS Test Drive at Nurburgring Track
Check out the test drive video of the Mercedes-Benz CLS here that was bombed by the BMW M140i: