Volkswagen shows Atlas Cross Sport GT Concept

If you live in an area like I do where you see a lot of customized vehicles, The Volkswagen Atlas Sport Cross GT Concept wouldn't seem out of place. With one possible exception, the go factor. Volkswagen has taken care of that by fitting the drivetrain from the new Golf R (2.0-liter turbocharged four, 300 hp, seven-​speed DSG® automatic transmission, 4Motion® all-wheel-drive) for more oomph. Granted, the Sport Cross GT would not be as fast as the Golf R due ro the extra weight, but it would probably be the quickest Atlas model. Using a 2021 Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line as its base, the GT Concept includes upgrades like the special Eisvogelblau paint color, 22-inch ABT Sport HR AEROWHEELs wrapped in Yokohama Advan Sport V105 UHP 285/35R22 tires; lowered ST Suspension with XTA Plus 3 coilovers with color-matched and GT Concept-branded springs; TAROX eight-piston front brakes; and gloss black exterior trim and custom GT badging. Inside, the Eisvogelblau color was used throughout from the custom RECARO Sportster CS seats to the custom blue gear shift and safety belts. While VW gave no word on the production of the Atlas Sport Cross GT Concept in Tennessee, the concept will be touring to gather potential buyer reaction. Who knows. If they can homologate the Golf R powertrain into the Atlas easily and with little extra testing to meet government regulations, we might see this one at your local dealer. If this looks like something for you, let VW know. Click on "read more" below fore more info.

Source: Volkswagen - Media release, pics

Lotus unveils it's latest sports car, the Emira

As we know, Lotus is a builder of sports cars. Good ones too, but Lotus is also an engineering company creating designs and doing engineering work for other automakers. Some of these car companies cannot afford extensive internal engineering departments. Lotus even creates platforms for others to use, like Tesla did with the original Roadster. It has been reported that Lotus has designed three EV platforms, one for their upcoming SUV, one for sports cars, and one that is offered to other automakers. Geeley, Lotus' parent, will use this platform for an upcoming EV. It has also been reported that the Emira will be Lotus' last model with an internal-combustion engine (ICE). Lotus calls the Emira their most accomplished Lotus ever made, which is saying something. The mid-engine design will feature two engines. At launch, the first cars will be available as limited-production ‘First Edition’ models powered by the Lotus-honed supercharged 3.5-litre V6 that creates 400hp. The V6 engine is source from Toyota and breathed on (heavily) by Lotus. The second engine is a four-cylinder engine that was developed by AMG and Lotus that produces 360 hp. AMG is the performance division of Mercedes Benz, so Lotus is hangin' with good company. A manual, an automatic, and a dual-clutch automatic are the transmission choices. The Emira is loaded with safety equipment and tech like the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) which includes adaptive cruise control, anti-collision system, fatigue alert, road sign information, vehicle speed limiter, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, lane change assist and much more. Click on "read more" below for all the details and an extensive (read long) video of the Emira reveal. Like most Lotus offerings, the cars can be extensively personalized. For example, Emira will be available with six exterior paint colors – Hethel Yellow, Shadow Grey, Magma Red, Nimbus Grey, Dark Verdant and the launch finish of Seneca Blue (shown). Seven interior colours are available – Black Nappa leather, Red Nappa leather, Grey Nappa leather, Tan Nappa leather, Black Alcantara with grey stitch, Black Alcantara with red stitch and Black Alcantara with yellow stitch. There are five wheel choices – cast 10-spoke, gloss black 10-spoke, silver forged V-spoke, gloss black forged V-spoke and diamond cut forged V-spoke) – with four brake caliper colours – black, red, yellow and silver. Choose away at their digital visualiser showcasing the car’s striking design which can be found at www.lotuscars.com. Prices should be just under six figures, but can go higher with lots of checks on the options sheet. Emira will be available early next year. No word on US deliveries. Enjoy.

Source: Lotus - Media release, pics, spec sheet, and video

Aston Martin unveils the Valhalla hybrid hypercar

Aston Martin is hanging in there and just released it's latest, the Valhalla Hybrid Hypercar. The low slung sports machine features stunning looks and a 950 hp (combined) hybrid powertrain that gets you to sixty in under three seconds, improved efficiency, and a 217 mph top speed. Ralph Illenberger, Head of Powertrain Engineering said: “Valhalla is our first opportunity to really show what we are capable of in a true production sense. We have created our own bespoke air-to-air charge-cooled, flat-plane crank V8 engine and have combined it with a powerful hybrid system. And, of course, we also have our own bespoke Dual Clutch Transmission - a first for Aston Martin and an essential component both for Valhalla and future Aston Martin models. The result is a truly world-class powertrain for an efficient, ultra-performing supercar.” Valhalla has a carbon fiber tub and performance suspension created with technology gleaned from Aston Martin's F1 program. This is a beautiful car with the latest technology and performance befitting a proper Aston Martin for the future. Says AM, "Valhalla is a new generation Aston Martin, it defines a new driver and driving experience – ‘the Mastery of Driving’, a true ultra-luxury, exclusive, British supercar." Here, here, pip, pip, Cheerio. I understand that a certain famous British spy has been looking the Valhalla over. Celluloid dream (cars). Pricing wasn't released, but as they say, "If you have to ask..." For more information, a well-written media release, and a video, click on "read more" below. Enjoy!

Aston Martin - Media release, pics, and video

Volkswagen shows updated 2022 Golf R and GTI

For those of you that still imbibe the dino juice, there are still a few interesting cars available today to whet your whistle. Volkswagen just released two of those cars, the 2022 Golf R and GTI. Available this Fall, the performance pair got numerous updates including engines, interiors, and more. The turbocharged I-4 now resides under both hoods with the GTI now rated at 241-hp and the R jumps that up to 315-hp mated to a six-speed manual or seven=speed DSG dual clutch automatic. Both models have improved power numbers with the new R beating previous model's six-cylinder engine. Inside an all-new electronic architecture enhances the interior with standard 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro, touch interfaces, and 30-color ambient lighting, New vehicle dynamics settings improve handling, along with standard VAQ torque-sensing limited-slip differential on GTI and torque-vectoring AWD on R. New wheels, colors, and options complete the update. The pics shown on this page are of the R model while comparable GTI images appear after the jump. The GTI has three flavors, S, SE, and Autobahn with prices starting at $29,545 (plus taxes, license, fees, destination) for the S trim and the R starts at $43,645+. Destination is $995 for both. What your money gets you is one of the quickest, best handling, and well-balanced hot hatches. What will these two be like when they convert to electric drive? For more information about the new performance VW Golfs and Golf R intro video, click on "read more." The release even details the equipment by model and trim level.

Source: Volkswagen - media release, pics, and videos

Hyundai adds 50+ mpg hybrid model to dramatic 2021 Elantra

 

To say that Hyundai has upgraded the 2021 Elantra is an understatement. The new car has a dramatic styling overhaul that makes the new Elantra appear much larger than its predecessor while the increases in size are less than two inches (length, width, lowered height) the interior volume remains mostly the same. The styling updates are, like all things, subjective and up to your eyes to decide, but the new Elantra is a looker. The big news is the addition of the new hybrid model that is expected to get a 50+ mpg rating by the EPA. Just to show how diminutive the new Elantra really is, just look at the power ratings. The standard car's 2.0-liter four is rated 147 hp and 132 lb./ft of torque while the hybrid makes 139 hp and up to 195 lb./ft of torque which in the past, has moved the car along nicely. If you're interested, drive it and decide for yourself. The hybrid gets a six-speed dual-clutch automatic while the ICE version has to make do with a CVT (continuously-variable transmission) or what I like to call a rubber-band transmission (sound and engine noise/revs don't always match speed). The interior (shown) has an optional 10.25 infotainment screen and 10.25 instrument display along with what you'd expect and can afford. Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto are new additions. For more info on standard and available equipment, check out the media release, intro video (at the end). and pics after the "read more" jump. Expect the 2021 Elantras (Elantri?) to show up at your local dealer soon.

Source: Hyundai - Media release, B-roll video, and pics

2019 VW Jetta GLI blows into Chitown Auto Show

Well, this one's a no-brainer. Why Volkswagen doesn't make the Jetta GLI a permanent model is beyond me (the model seems to come and go for no reason). Good news...it's making a comeback for 2019 based on the refreshed Jetta sedan. GLI duty (mustn't dilute the GTI brand after all) gets Jetta buyers the 228-hp GTI engine, a six-speed manual transmission or optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, sports suspension tuning, special 18-inch alloy wheels, black trim accents, limited slip, climate control, and much more. Options include the aforementioned dual-clutch automatic, Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a BeatsAudio® sound system. Tech includes 3 smartphone apps: Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink.  In other words, everything you'd want on your Jetta plus cool styling updates and more based on your judicious use of the options sheet and your checkbook or loan balance. VW's six-year, 72,000-mile, bumper-to-bumper People's Warranty is also on hand. The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI will be available in two regular trim levels and a 35th Anniversary Edition. It is expected to begin arriving at U.S. Volkswagen dealers in the Spring of 2019. Check out the press release after the jump for all of the currently available info. Click on the pics for a closer look. Enjoy...

Source: Volkswagen - Press release after the "Read More" jump.