Author: davidnovick

Ford GT returns – in time for 50th Anniversary of 1966 Le Mans win!

Fifty years later, and Ford is bringing the GT back to life! In 1966, Ford had a 1-2-3 finish competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and has very high expectations for the 2016 race. Ford is hoping their new GT will put them back in the supercar game and win on the track, as well as the streets. The new Ford GT will undoubtedly look to be a very respected successor to the 1960’s Ford GT40 and the 2005-06 Ford GT. The GT will feature its new twin-turbocharged EcoBoost 3.5L V6 churning out over 600 horses – the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever. The 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans is set to take place on June 18 and 19.

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Ford GT Le Mans

The Ford GT Racing Program started its development back in 2013 when they partnered with Chip Ganassi Racing. “We’ve won races and championships, but we’ve never run Le Mans,” team owner Chip Ganassi said. “When presented the opportunity to compete with the all-new Ford GT on the world’s biggest sports car stage, and on the 50th anniversary of one of the most storied victories in racing history, how could any race team not want to be part of that? Will it be a challenge? Absolutely, but we couldn’t be with a better partner than Ford.”

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Ford GT Le Mans

Raj Nair, Ford Motor Company’s VP of Global Product Development and CTO said, “As we developed the Ford GT, from the outset, we wanted to ensure we had a car that has what it takes to return Ford to the world of GT racing. We believe the Ford GT’s advances in aerodynamics, light-weighting and EcoBoost power will make for a compelling race car that can once again compete on a global stage”.

Ford has come out with a series of new videos for the GT revival called “The Return”, about the 50th anniversary of the GT’s legendary win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.

The documentary features Bill Ford, Raj Nair, Dave Pericak and Edsel B. Ford II, who attended the 1966 race with his father, Henry Ford II.

Tesla prepares to unveil Model 3 tonight!

Big news! Tonight, Tesla will be live streaming the highly-anticipated unveiling of their Model 3.

Be sure to tune in tonight, 11:30pm ET/8:30pm PT on www.teslamotors.com and check back with us tomorrow as we’ll have photos and more information!

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Tesla Motors

 

 

2016 New York International Auto Show Press Day!

Today is the day! 2016 New York International Auto Show Press Day has arrived. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and right here for live coverage, beginning today at 5PM. 

50th Annual Easter Jeep Safari, Jeep honors CJ-5 and others

The 2016 Easter Jeep Safari is already underway in Moab, Utah for their 50th year running. It kicked off Saturday, March 19th and is running straight through to Sunday, March 27th. The Safari is an event starting in Moab, using your own vehicle on 40 different trails ranging in difficulty for a 9-day long adventure! Every year, Jeep shows off new concepts at this event which utilize both production and prototype Jeep Performance Parts. The Safari is hosted by the Red Rock 4-Wheelers Inc., which is one of the the local four wheel drive clubs of Moab.

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For almost 30 years, the CJ-5 was in production, making it the longest-living Wrangler model to be produced. It’s been said throughout the years that the CJ-5 was one of the hardest vehicles to kill off. The CJ-5 went through years and years of changes and upgrades since it was produced for so long. Some of the most noticeable changes were gas tank relocation, frame length and width and various transmissions and engine size upgrades. The CJ-5 sure is an iconic Wrangler model, which is what makes this 2016 Shortcut Concept that much more special.

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The 2016 Shortcut Concept is inspired by the classic CJ-5 to handle tight, winding trails. It is overall a tad more than 2 feet shorter, while the wheelbase remains the same. The bumpers were also pushed in a small amount and the rear spare tire was taken off – bringing the Shortcut closer in size to the older CJ-5. The Shortcut features no doors and roof as well as a restyled grille, hood and tailgate. The Shortcut also shows off the classic round side-view mirrors. Another eye catcher of course are the matching body color 17-inch rims that are fitted into 35-inch tires. As for the engine specs, the Shortcut will be running the same 3.6-liter V6 and five-speed automatic from the current Wrangler.

Jeep is extremely excited this year for the Easter Jeep Safari. Mike Manley, the head of Jeep for FCA Global said, “Every year, the Jeep team looks forward to pushing the limits with new, exciting, and capable concept vehicles for our most loyal enthusiasts at the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, where we receive a tremendous amount of valuable feedback.” I think we can all agree that this year’s concepts are on point. Manley continued, “This year is extra special, as together with our biggest fans, we celebrate Jeep’s 75th anniversary, as well as the 50th running of the Jeep Safari”.

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Jeep Crew Chief 715

The Crew Chief is a salute to legendary Jeep military service vehicles

Jeep Renegade Commander

Jeep Renegade Commander

The Jeep Renegade Commander is built to blaze a trail deep into the secluded wilderness.

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Jeep Comanche

The Jeep Comanche is designed to be off-road ready with practical utility.

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Jeep FC 150

The Jeep FC 150 is a heritage cab-over design, rich in history and capable of tackling any terrain.

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Jeep Trailcat

The Jeep Trailcat is a  Hellcat-powered off-roader, capable of both crawling and high-speed runs.

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Jeep Trailstorm

The Jeep Trailstorm has added offroad capability with a 2-inch lift kit, 37-inch tires and Dana 44 axles.
To view more photos of the Jeep concepts, check out our album on Facebook.

Photography by Michael Simari and Jeep

Nissan Teases the 2017 GT-R

All systems are go! Nissan just recently released a teaser photo for the 2017 Nissan GT-R, which is set to make its debut at the New York International Auto Show.

Nissan. New York. 2016.

Nissan. New York. 2016.

In the photo, the 2017 GT-R taillights appear to be quite similar to the current model, which only leaves us more in a great deal of suspense as to what’s changed. One thing is for sure — Nissan won’t disappoint. Nissan has not released any further information regarding the 2017 GT-R other than it will debut this year at the New York International Auto Show.

The 2016 GT-R comes standard with a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 which cranks out 545 horsepower AND only comes in all-wheel drive, to boot! For those that want a little something extra, Nissan offers the GT-R Nismo which boosts power 55hp, bringing that up to 600. With power like that at a fraction of the price of a supercar, who wouldn’t want to give the GT-R a chance?

The GT-R’s competitors include the Porsche 911 Turbo and Chevrolet Corvette Z06, which are some solid models to be in competition with.

The Autocracy will be in full force covering the Auto Show and we’ll be posting live to Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Be sure to keep checking back for Auto Show coverage, as well as a first look at the 2017 Nissan GT-R.

As Technology Advances, Volvo Stays On Pace.

We all remember the days when cars had only a little metal key. Eventually, laser cut keys were made; fast forward a few years and cars with push button start using a key fob were the next big thing. The push button start feature comes with many pros, the major one being never having to take your key out of your pocket to open the doors and start the car. But, what if you’re getting tired of carrying around keys in your pocket?

Volvo has the answer, but there is still one major question to ask. What is the one thing you can almost guarantee that every person walking down the street has, long before they even get their learners permit?

Answer: a smartphone.

Volvo has set off a trial run on manufacturing keyless cars using three things that almost everyone use today: bluetooth, a smartphone and an app! With these simple features, Volvo is looking to perfect the next big thing in the automotive industry. Just so you are not deterred from purchasing a Volvo if you are not too technologically inclined, Volvo plans to still offer physical keys for their customers.

The Bluetooth enabled app will give the cars owner a “digital key” that they will be able to share with other people that also use the app, like family members who will also use the car. Not only will it be useful for families that share a car, but it can also be utilized for rental car companies that will be able to send a digital key to the app. Volvo’s app will also able to control door locks and engine starting/stopping.

Having an app on a phone to control your car does cause concern for battery life for the phone but Martin Rosenqvist, New Car Director of Special Products at Volvo Cars says, “Our app has marginal effect on battery life”. The concern for a phone breaking or being misplaced is also bothersome as to how that gets resolved. Rosenqvist is also quoted saying, “If you lose your car key you need to go to the Volvo dealer, if you lose your phone you have to get a new phone. You can acquire a new app on a new phone”.

If this new technology will become a production reality, there is only one way to find out. Stayed tuned with us as we plan on keeping you guys updated with Volvo’s trial of a keyless car.

Video from: The Volvo Group – Volvo Cars

REVIEW: 2013 Subaru BRZ
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Gallery at bottom

Sharing its’ platform with the Scion FR-S and Toyota 86 (in Japan), the Subaru BRZ is a one-of-a-kind car. The first rear-wheel-drive car for Subaru, BRZ stands for Boxer-engine, Rear-wheel-drive, and the Zenith. With great lines and style, a RWD platform, and 6-speed manual, we though the BRZ was a pretty well-rounded car. Starting at just $25,495, the BRZ comes standard with 17″ sporty wheels, a sport tuned suspension, LED daytime running lights, and HID headlights. On the inside, you get Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, XM radio with USB and iPod connectivity, Navigation, and AM/FM/CD player. With Subaru’s signature 2.0L Boxer engine, it gets you up to 60 from 0 in 6.4 seconds. With 200hp and 151lb.-ft. of torque, we felt pretty comfortable driving it. Although the interior was a little cramped and acceleration could have been a little faster, the handling more than made up for it. Taking corners and windy mountain roads with ease, the BRZ is sure to make you happy.

 

Pros: Great looking car with edgy lines, very modern looking, handles like it’s on rails.

Cons: No leg room for rear passengers, could use a little more power.

 

QUICK FACTS:

Base Price: $25,495 || Price as Tested: $26,510

Vehicle Layout: Front Engine, RWD, 4-passenger Coupe

Engine:  2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, 200-hp,  151 lb-ft torque || Transmission: 6-speed manual

Curb Weight:  2,762 lbs || Length/Width/Height: 166.7/69.9/59.8 inches

0-60:   6.4 seconds || EPA City/Highway Fuel Economy: 22/30 MPG (manual)

 

RATING: 7.9/10

Exterior: 9

Interior: 7

Acceleration: 7

Braking: 9

Ride: 7

Handling: 10

Gearbox: 8

Audio: 7

Tech: 7

Value: 8

We’d like to thank Ted Siebold of Town Motors in Englewood, NJ for getting us into the 2013 Subaru BRZ! For all of your Subaru needs, go check out Town Subaru in Englewood, NJ and online at http://www.townmotors.com. Make sure you tell them Greg and Dave sent you!

DISCLOSURE: Our Editor-In-Chief, Greg Saperstein, works for MWW Group, of which Subaru of America is a client. This blog post, in no way, reflects the thoughts or opinions of MWW Group or Subaru of America and is not sponsored by MWW Group or Subaru of America, in any way, shape or form.