2015 Subaru Outback

With previous models receiving a steller performance rating in safety, the all new 2015 Subaru Outback is announced bringing with it all-road capabilities and refinement. 

                                            

Looking past the 2015 Outbacks upgraded front fascia, raked windshield, and the light weight aluminum hood, Subaru has upped the safety features as well. All Outback models will receive side curtain airbags that will be set off by rollover sensors and seat-cushion airbags to help keep occupants in place during a frontal collision. Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection System, standard on the Limited trims and optional on the 2.5i Premium, offers several functions including blind spot detection through the side view mirror mounted LED's. Best of all, the 2015 Outback offers EyeSight driver assist system, which is the highest rated front crash prevention system ranked by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. 

The 2015 Outback will be offered with a 175 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 256 hp 3.6-liter six-cylinder BOXER engine. All the Outback models will feature Subaru's Lineartronic CVT transmission, with the six-cyliner receiving a high-torque version. The CVT transmission does not shift gears, which in return gives the driver smoother performance, but also has a "manual mode" for those sportier driving days. Upgraded McPherson front struts and double wishbone rear suspension keep the car firmly planted in the turns, while the All-Wheel drive keeps the car on the road. 

The Outback premium will bring 10-way power driver's seat, dual climate controls, All-Weather Package, leather wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, and dark-tint privacy glass.

 

The Outback Limited trim brings the highest level of luxury for an Outback by adding perforated leather upholstery, memory 10-way power driver's seat, 4-way power front passenger seat, dual-mode heated rear seats, and a power rear gate with memory height. 

With a quieter ride, more safety features and interior space, the 2015 Subaru Outback is a winner in Subaru's line-up.

Source: Subaru

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible

When most car manufacturers design a convertible model, weight has to be added to help create a more structurally rigid frame. That is not the case with the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z06 Convertible. Thanks to recent technological advancements created over the last five year, Chevrolet was able to create a car that is exactly identical to the hardtop Z06, except you can drive with the top down.

"We wanted a frame that was lighter than the steel frame of the previous Corvette, yet strong enough for both a 600-horsepower convertible and a 24-hour endurance racer," said Ed Moss, engineering group manager for Corvette structures. "That would not have been possible without improvements in computer-aided engineering software, which allowed us to model more than 17,000 frame iterations, with each iteration improving strength and stiffness, while reducing mass."

Both the Z06 hardtop and convertible will feature the supercharged LT4 V8 pushing a whopping 625-horsepower and 635-lb-ft of torque. The power passes through a 7-speed manual transmission, or an 8-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission, before planting the power down with 285/30ZR19 front and 335/25ZR20 rear Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. Two options are available for brakes, with the Z06's Z07 package offering the better 15.5x1.4-inch front and 15.3x1.3-inch carbon ceramic brake rotors to assist with the brake heat known to occur during track days.

The Z06 convertible will feature an electric soft-top that can not only be lowered with the car's key fob, but also has the ability to lower the top while driving up to 30 mph. The tops fabric is made thick with added padding to keep road noise low while driving with the top up.

Being the first Z06 to offer a convertible option since 1963, this will be one car to keep an eye out for.



Source: Chevrolet

Dodge Scat Pack Pricing and Details

Back in November 2013, Dodge announce they would be bringing back the Scat Pack name onto its Challenger, Charger, and Dart line-up. No further details were given at the time, but Dodge has released pricing and power details for the Challenger and Charger. The best news of it all- performance packages all retain the factory warranty. A big plus for anyone wanting to get more power, but hesitant about voiding their warranty. The Scat Pack will comprise of three different stages that offer its own power gains to the 5.7-liter Hemi V8.

 "The new Scat Pack kits reinforce our commitment to the performance arena," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand. "By maintaining the vehicle warranty, we are demonstrating to customers our confidence in the kits, which were built to exactly complement the Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger by working hand-in-hand with the engineers who use factory specs to create these vehicles - exclusive knowledge available only to Mopar."

The Scat Pack 1 will have a gain of up to 18 horsepower and 18 lb.-ft of torque. The power gains will come from a Mopar cold-air intake, Mopar cat-back exhaust, and a re-calibrated engine controller to optimize these modifications to the Hemi engine.

Scat Pack 2 adds up to 30 horsepower and will be the "first stage" geared towards the performance enthusiast (maybe Scat Pack 1 is a tease?). The modifications added to this pack is a Mopar camshaft to take advantage of the components of the Scat Pack 1's intake, exhaust, and engine controller. 

Scat Pack 3, probably the better, yet more expensive option, will gain up to 58 horsepower and 47 lb.-ft torque thanks to the addition of Mopar CNC ported heads and hi-flow headers. 

With the additional cost of the car, the packs are priced as followed:
Scat Pack 1- $2,195

Scat Pack 2- $1,895

Scat Pack 3- $4,995

While the performance gains might not agree with your wallet, remember that the performance parts will be fully covered by the warranty.

Source: Dodge

2014 Ford F-150 Lariat

With the Ford F-150 holding the ranking as the best selling truck in America for three consecutive decades, it seemed fitting to test the 2014 F-150. With a quick stop to Tallahassee Ford Lincoln dealership, I was placed in a new F-150 Lariat Crew Cab with all the amenities you could want or need in a truck.

Don't let the size fool you - with a wheel base of 145", the F-150 is not small. However, you wouldn't believe how small the truck felt when driving. The F-150 hugged the lane as I drove and handled every narrow road I could find without an issue. The ride quality of this truck was good and the look of the truck was even better. The Ruby Red Metallic two-tone paint made this truck truly stand out in traffic in a good way.

Acceleration was not an issue with the 5.0-Liter 360-horsepower V8 backed by a 6-Speed automatic and 3.55 rear gear. This mix moved the truck effortlessly through town with the intoxicating sound of the V8. With trailer sway control and tow package included, this truck was ready to tow your everyday needs and then some. An EPA estimated 14-city and 19-highway, the truck is not what you would call fuel efficient, which one would expect from a full-sized pick-up.

The interior was nicely designed and featured a 4.2" LCD screen with Microsoft SYNC, adjustable pedals, memory seat, heated and cooled front seats, and a nicely illuminated instrument panel. After talking to an employee about SYNC, I was notified that customers reported having issues using the interface. However, after spending 15-minutes playing with SYNC, I found it to be fairly easy to use. While I still prefer to use the old fashion way of changing the radio station, the voice command was a nice feature. I really enjoyed the sunroof and the rear sliding window - mainly to hear the sound of the motor, but the feel of the plastic dash, glove box, and the faux wood radio bezel left something to be desired.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed driving the 2014 F-150 and hope to be able to test Ford's all new 2015 F-150 lineup due to release later this year.

For a detailed list of this trucks features and pricing- Click Here

Local Motors to Deliver the First 3-D Printed Electric Car

Local Motors Rally Fighter that took 5 days to build from the ground up

With the popularity and affordability of 3-D printing, it was a matter of time before someone took to the plate to print a car. Local Motors is doing just that, but taking it a step further by printing a hybrid.

Local Motors announced they will be building and delivering the first direct digital manufactured vehicle at this years International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago. Using the material science and advanced manufacturing techniques available through the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility in Oak Ridge Nation Laboratory (ORNL) and the Local Motors global community, Local Motors will produce the first 3-D printed car for urban transportation.

"Local Motors is undeniably the first disruptive entrant into the U.S. automotive industry in decades," said Bonnie Gurney, Director - Communications for AMT. "The innovations they are driving in the design, manufacture and sale of vehicles has been empowering individual innovators since 2007. Partnering with them to deliver safer, more functional, lightweight and efficient vehicles via new, innovative manufacturing technologies is core to our commitment to bring global technology advancements to the local level."

The possibilities with 3-D printing are endless and Local Motors will be showing the world a way to utilize advanced manufacturing that can deliver stronger, safer, faster, and more efficient vehicle. Local Motors will be a brand to keep an eye on later this year. The IMTS will take place September 8, 2014.

Source: Local Motors

Jacksonville's Hidden Gem Project

As a collaborative assignment for my Emerging Media, we were required to create a Wiki map locating a few places that only local people would know. Seeing as this blog is based around cars, I thought it would be suitable to pin Golden Era Motors. Please take some time to check out Golden Era Motors and other places that have been pinned with the help of my class.
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View Jacksonville Hidden Locales in a larger map
Stay tuned for a future post regarding my experience with Golden Era Motors and a review of the car I will be test driving.

2015 Jeep Renegade

While having a slight baby Wrangler feel with its My Sky removable roof, the all-new Jeep Renegade brings a best in-class trail rated 4x4 (Trailhawk) while offering over 70 security and safety features. With safety and security at the forefront of the development of the Renegade, Jeep enters the global market with its first small SUV.

The Renegade will be the brands first small SUV and will offer a class first nine-speed automatic transmission- paired with the 2.0-liter diesel or 2.4-liter gas engine- that is said to offer aggressive launches, improved fuel economy, and smoother power delivery than a six-speed automatic. The Renegade will stay true to its nature by offering a trail rated version, the Trailhawk, for customers who want off-road capabilities.

The interior will have a mix of rugged and functional features that will be suitable for storage, sports gear, and the adventurous lifestyle. Award-winning hands-free is standard. Lets not forget the My Sky roof, said to date back to its Willys MB Jeep days, with its open-air feel.

While not as rugged looking as a Wrangler, the Renegade could fit the lifestyle of someone in the city who enjoys a weekend escape into nature. Keep an eye out for the Renegade later this year.

"Jeep Logo" © by inajeep, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en

Souce: Ford

Pictures: Ford, unless otherwise specified.

Warmer Weather Is Here

Jeep Wrangler by Daniel Patty is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

With warmer weather comes the time to remove your soft-top, T-top, roll your windows down, or turn the A/C up. Most importantly, it's time to inspect your vehicle to make sure it can meet the demands of higher temperatures. Here are some hot tips to help keep your car going, even during those miserable, hot, humid, Florida days:
1: Check your brakes and brake fluid. Warning signs include grinding, squealing, screeching, chatter, or a softer than usual brake pedal.
2: Change your oil. Stick to an oil that meets the requirements of the temperatures you'll be dealing with. The owners manual will be able to tell you the correct weight to use.
3: Check your fluids. Make sure to check, top off, or replace all fluids. This includes brake, transmission, coolant, power steering, and windshield washer fluid.
4: Examine belts for any cracking or fraying.
5:  Check your tires. Make sure they are properly inflated and do not have excessive wear.

If you're not sure you know what you're doing when it comes to inspecting your car, don't worry. Most shops will inspect your car for you free of charge and give you an estimate for any repairs that you may need. Stay cool!

News: 2015 Ford Mustang Convertible

What could be more exciting than the all-new, global, 2015 Mustang? How about the release of the uniquely designed convertible.

"Convertible tops and iconic sports cars like Mustang have always been a great pairing," said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. "This is the best convertible we've ever built with a one-of-a-kind design that is instantly recognizable as Mustang and an outstanding all-around driving experience."

Being designed from the wheels up, along side of the fastback model, the new convertible embraces an array of visual changes along with meeting increased standards of refinement, quality, and performance. The all new convertible top is now said to be as quiet on the road as the fastback, thanks to its all new full fabric outer layer and a full insulated inner headliner.

Not only has the top been beefed up, the time it takes for the top to come down is rumored to be half the time as before - an estimated 8-second. This is due to the new single center latch and its new drive system. The top sits 6.7 inches lower than previous models when folded, which helps keep a sleek profile while offering better rear visibility.

"When you're sitting in the driveway or at a traffic light and you decide you want to enjoy some sunshine, you shouldn't have to wait around for the top to lower," said Pericak. "Our team worked to engineer a retractable roof that gets out of the way or closes up quickly and quietly."

The convertible chassis stiffness has been increased 13 percent to provide a more stable platform and to help take advantage of the all-new independent rear suspension. The new rear-end has allowed for a class leading 11.4 cubic feet of trunk space. So all you golfers can put your golf bag, along with your friends bag, in the trunk.




Keep your eye out for the release of the all-new 2015 Mustang fastback and convertible later this year.

News source: Ford
Picture source: Ford

2015 Subaru WRX and STI Pricing Announced

The rally-bred cars are back this spring in their wide-body sedan form. The all-wheel drive 2015 WRX and STI will bring with them a new list or perks in not only styling, but performance.

The 2015 WRX price starts at $26,295 and will be delivering more power and handling than ever before. The new, direct-injected, turbocharged BOXER engine will deliver 268-horsepower backed by a 6-speed manual transmission. This marks a first for the WRX, which previously received a 5-speed manual transmission. An optional performance automatic transmission, the Sport Lineartonic, is available which offers two manual modes and paddle shifters. 

Subaru

The WRX is also receiving a mixture of handling upgrades including- bigger brakes, a new Active Torque Vectoring system that allows for improved agility, a stiffer chassis, performance tuned suspension, and a driver-focused interior to keep with the WRX character.

Subaru

Three trim lines are available- Standard, Premium ($28,295), and Limited ($29,995). The trim lines will all include audio by Harman/Kardon, multi-purpose 4.3-in LCD display (boost gauge, rear camera, audio controls), Bluetooth, iPod control capacity, USB ports, SiriusXM (subscription required) and an audio jack.

Subaru

The 2015 WRX STI, starting at $34,495,  is back with its legendary 305-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine backed by a reinforced 6-speed manual transmission.

Subaru

 Also included is Active Torque Vectoring, Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control, and a Brembo Performance Brake System with Super Sport ABS controls.  All the features one would expect from this rally-bred STI.

Subaru

The body of the car follows previous models with its special hood, fenders, doors, bumpers, headlights and taillights. Subaru has also brought back the "park-bench" style rear spoiler that does provide meaningful down-force.

Subaru

The interior, sharing many characteristics from the WRX, will also include a 3.5-in central LCD screen in the instrument cluster, dual climate control, heated seats and mirrors, and soft-touch materials from the door trim, dashboard, and center console armrest.

Subaru

For more detailed information please visit Subaru's Press Release

2013 Scion FR-S

Marianne Sauls Photography

For the past few years, I've found myself admiring the FR-S as they drove by. Whether it was factory-stock or heavily modified, the car has always grabbed my attention. Being a fan of the original 1980's AE86 (Hachi-Roku) Corolla, I had to give one a shot. Long story short- I'm glad I did.

I made a call to a friend of mine, and my old employer, Brian Bennett at Legacy Toyota in Tallahassee, Florida. After a few emails and phone calls, the car was lined up- 2013 Scion FR-S in Firestorm red equipped with a TRD Borla exhaust system. A color I would highly recommend for anyone looking into this car. 

Marianne Sauls Photography

When I arrived to Legacy Toyota, and after mingling with former co-workers, I was taken to the car. While a 6-speed manual would have been my first choice, as I love changing my own gears, this car was equipped with a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Different, I thought, but I was intrigued as to how Toyota and Subaru would keep the sportiness of the car with an automatic transmission. 

Marianne Sauls Photography

With the turn of the key and a rumble from the Borla exhaust, I pulled out of Legacy and onto the streets of Tallahassee to see what this car was made of. Immediately, I turned off all assists, put the car in sport mode, and moved the shift to M so I can give the paddle shifters a try. While the cars 200bhp does not seem like enough, its plenty to have fun with. The lightweight chassis give you the nimble, yet exhilarating driving experience. The motor feels great throughout the RPM's and the Borla exhaust gives the car just the right tone from its flat 4-cylinder boxer motor. The best part about this exhaust was the blip you would get between gear changes. 

Marianne Sauls Photography

Taking this car down several winding roads showed me just how agile this car was. The car felt very planted through every turn and it almost begged for it to be pushed harder. It probably could handle it, but being that these cars come equipped with Prius tires, I knew it wouldn't take much more for the rear end to kick out (not saying I wouldn't love to do this). The suspension was firm, yet forgiving and allowed you to feel everything the road had to offer. There's also something enticing about changing the gears with the paddle shifters as opposed to a manual gearbox as I was going down these curvy roads. With the flick of the paddle and a blip of the exhaust, I was in a different gear without having to take a hand off the wheel.

Marianne Sauls Photography

The interior of the car is very simple.The seats hold you in very well and were very comfortable considering they are styled as racing seats. Being that I'm 6'5, I tend to get back pain from like-styled seats, however, throughout my five hours of driving my back never once bothered me. The steering wheel is simple with only the paddle shifters and cruise control located on it. The 8-speaker Pioneer audio system sounded great and the touchscreen fit very well with the dash layout. The only downside I had with the interior was the rather useless rear seats, which is expected for a small car, and the road noise. While the road noise did not bother me at all, to some this might be bothersome. 

Marianne Sauls Photography

For an affordable, fun, compact, sport car, you can't go wrong with the FR-S. I'll even go far enough to say that while a 6-speed manual would be fun, I am happy I tried the 6-speed auto. A huge thank you to Legacy Toyota and Marianne Sauls Photography.

Toyota chases dirt with the all new TRD Pro Series

During the 2014 Chicago Autoshow, Toyota announced a new TRD (Toyota Racing Development) package for its 2015 Tundra, Tacoma, and 4Runner that's aimed at taking serious off-road enthusiast to "places they never dreamed possible."

The TRD Pro Series Tundra will be offered with a 2" front lift, decreased spring rates to improve harsh terrain driving, all-black 18" alloy wheels with Michelin ORP tires, TRD dual exhaust, TRP Pro quarter panel bed stamping, and unique touches in the interior.

The TRD Pro Series Tacoma, hilariously nicknamed Taco Supreme, will also benefits from a TRD 2" front lift, TRD dual exhaust, decreased spring rates, 16-inch black bead-lock style wheels with BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires, and a black TRD Pro Badge. Seeing as this is one of the best-selling pickups in the industry, we should see plenty Pro Series Tacoma's driving around.

The TRD Pro Series 4Runner will be equipped with a 1.5" front lift with an additional 1" of wheel travel, 17-inch TRD all-black alloy wheels, TRD Pro badge, and black front and rear bumper accents.

All three vehicles will also share:

• TRD Bilstein shocks with remote reservoirs
• TRD front skid plate
• TRD floor mats
• TRD shift knobs

With nearly four decades of providing in-house engine and chassis development for Toyota, TRD will be plenty ready for their release of the Pro Series this Fall.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51

The elegance of an Italian super-car with the triumphant rumble of a pushrod v8- anyone giving this car a quick glance would think Ferrari, maybe even a Maserati. But no, this is the all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray. Redesigned and ready to compete with its European rivals.

That statement may seem like a sales-ad pitch, but that is exactly how I felt when I first had the chance to look at the newly redesigned Stingray. I’ve spotted a few while driving around Jacksonville, but I never had the chance to actually look at one up-close. This particular car was the Z51 package being driven by the owner and publisher of AutomotiveAddicts.com, Malcolm Hogan.

I had the chance to catch up with Malcolm on his way to Jacksonville’s Main Street Cruise-in on January 25^th. I hopped in the passenger seat and was instantly shocked – no more cheap plastic?? No. Not in this Stingray. The interior underwent a complete one-over and has now been graced with heated and cooled leather seats, two LCD screens, dual-climate controls, and all while the dash and complementary panels are a mix of leather, stitching, brushed aluminum, and carbon fiber. The driver seat looks as if it’s a cockpit, while the passenger gets nothing more than two handles and a climate control panel. This car now has my complete attention.

We started the all-new 6.2L LT1 V8 and what a sound this car makes. The 6.2L power plant puts down 460 horsepower and 465 ft-lbs of torque all while receiving 16mpg city and 26mpg hwy, thanks to cylinder shutoff. The power passes through the 6-speed auto (7-speed manual option available) and putting the car in one of its five modes can vary how this car reacts. The modes include: Touring, Weather, Eco, Sport, and Track. There was a noticeable difference in Touring and Track, the two we switched the most. Touring left the car with a docile exhaust note and a forgiving, yet still stiff, suspension. Track, on the other hand, allowed you to use the paddle shifters, opened up the exhaust valve for the full V8 rumble, and gave you a noticeable stiffened suspension thanks to its magnetoheological dampers. In simpler terms: the suspension can quickly adjust in about 10 milliseconds.

When we arrived to the meet, and after gaining everyone’s attention, I had the chance to give the car a full walk around. The rear of the car took some time to grow on me, but I can understand why they did what they did. The car looks like it has spent some time in the wind tunnel. All the vents are useful on the body of the Stingray, or have some purpose other than looks. If you are not sold on the looks yet, go find one. Walk around and have the owner blip the gas. If that doesn’t do it, or even it does, ask for a ride. You may surprise yourself.

If you find yourself interested in the C7 Stingray, and want to see more pictures, please check out AutomotiveAddicts.com. Thank you again Malcolm for the ride along and thank you to the readers for reading. I leave you all with an in-cockpit view of the new C7R Stingray from the previous 24-hours of Daytona: