Does Nissan Just Not Want People To Buy A GT-R Anymore?

By

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July 8, 2019

“Godzilla” gets a $14,000 price hike.

Somehow, I feel like I’ve seen this story before. The Nissan GT-R has been around for 11 years now, and it’s gone all that time without any overhauls short of a minor facelift in 2011. In short, the 2020 Nissan GT-R gets no significant changes. Despite that, Nissan effectively cranked up the price to the base model GT-R by a whopping $13,550 over its version. The “Pure” base trim is gone, leaving the Premium as the least expensive entry point. Then the Premium trim had its price hiked by $3,000 for good measure.

All the prices below do not include the $1,695 destination and handling fee.

Now, the 2020 Nissan GT-R starts off at $113,540.

For your $113,540, you get Nissan’s same VR38DETT twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 that you’ve always gotten. Like the 2019 model, this engine cranks out 565 horsepower and 467 lb-ft of torque, according to Nissan. That is more power than the earlier versions, though you still get a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. A titanium exhaust system comes standard, as does Active Noise Cancellation and sound enhancement in the cabin. Other changes to the 2020 Nissan GT-R Premium include new RAYS 20-inch wheels, revised turbocharger tuning, a new headliner color and a new available Hai Gray interior color.

For $8,500 more, you can step up to the 2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition. That’s also based on the Premium trim, but includes a two-tone paint scheme as well as unique interior trim and an Alcantara headliner. Base pricing for the 50th Anniversary Edition starts at $122,040.

Then there’s the 2020 GT-R Track Edition. Unlike the GT-R Premium and 50th Anniversary Edition, you do actually get more power. More specifically, the Track Edition and NISMO manage 600 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque. However, you also get NISMO-tuned suspension, reduced weight, wider 20-inch alloy wheels, and a carbon fiber spoiler. Inside, you get a red and black interior with Recaro seats. As its name implies, this more hardcore Track Edition is more race-ready than its standard counterpart. But, there’s another huge price hike from 2019. Now, the 2020 Nissan GT-R costs $145,540 and up — $17,000 more than the outgoing version.

Finally, we have the 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO. Nissan says the ultimate GT-R has a bespoke turbocharger design straight out of the GT3 race car, although the road version has a modified turbine shape and fewer blades. Still, the company claims that improves flow rate and improves throttle response by 20 percent.

Again, Nissan lightened the NISMO, improved the transmission’s shift control and upgraded the brakes. Nissan also includes some bespoke touches to visually set the NISMO apart from other models. However, there is a massive price to pay for the new version. The 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO starts off at $210,740 before destination. That amounts to a $35,200 increase over the 2019 model.

A slow death for the GT-R?

Sales of the Nissan GT-R are already down nearly half this year, with sales in June alone dropping by 50 percent. Nissan managed to shift just 30 last month, as opposed to 60 in June 2018. It’s worth noting that Nissan did effectively drop the GT-R’s price a couple years ago by featuring the Pure trim. Even so, sales have not improved heading into 2019.

So why crank up the price? We aren’t talking about a measly thousand or two here either. $210,000 is a truly eye-watering amount of money, and that puts Nissan well ahead of the Acura NSX and Audi R8 on price.

Granted, the GT-R is still less expensive than the likes of the Lamborghini Huracan or the Ferrari Portofino. But for those of us who are used to seeing Godzilla pitched as something of a bargain racer, this is a tough pill to swallow.

Is it worth that much? If you’re a die-hard GT-R fan and feeling flush, perhaps it is. However, charging up to $35,000 for minor changes seems like a surefire way to drive the GT-R into the ground. I don’t imagine Nissan will shift many at that price, unless it’s a primer to a redesigned, cheaper model. Selling relatively few cars at ludicrously high prices make a less expensive new model easier to stomach.

That’s just a guess, but we will have to wait and see how this affects Nissan GT-R sales. This is a similar story to what Alfa Romeo did with the 4C Spider. Not only did they kill off the coupe for 2019, but they made the Spider $11,000 more expensive without making any major changes.

Correction 7/8/2019: I incorrectly stated that the Track Edition has the same amount of power as the standard 2020 GT-R. To clarify, the GT-R Track Edition and NISMO models both produce 600 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque, according to Nissan.

The Best of Japan? Toyota Supra vs. Honda Civic Type R vs. Acura NSX

By

Nathan Adlen

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July 8, 2019

We all know what the Toyota Supra vs Acura NSX vs Honda Civic Type R would look like on paper. The Acura NSX is ridiculously quick, the Toyota Supra is extremely quick and the Civic Type R is damn quick. Meaning, the Civic is slowest, the Supra is in the middle and the NSX is fastest.

Still, there’s more to it than that. Way more.

Each vehicle is completely unique from the next. Providing different overall driving characteristics and completely different personalities. Just because a car is fast, doesn’t mean it’s fun. You might be surprised as to which is the most rewarding.

This is how they stack up.

Acura NSX: Not only is the Acura NSX a marvel of science, it’s a joy to drive. It feels natural to drive, especially when it’s pushed. I’ve driven the NSX in many conditions on several roads. Despite having three electric motors and more computing power than NORAD, it feels almost organic.

It’s combined power equals 573 horsepower. That’s three electric motors (two feeding the front wheels, one for the rear) connected to a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. The nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is the only transmission available.

The NSX screams when abused, but for all the right reasons.It sounds amazing too. You would be hard pressed to feel it when the electric power assists forward progress. It’s seamless. The NSX corners and rides similar to an Audi R8, but it feels lower and it’s harder to see out of.

As enjoyable as it was to drive in the wet AND dry, there’s nothing more rewarding than pushing it through a corner and stabbing the accelerator. The sound mixed with high G cornering is addictive.

All in all, the Acura NSX is a supercar for high-end sports car money. It’s a marvel, but it’s not for everyone.

Toyota Supra: The Supra delighted and disappointed. In terms of driving, it was outstanding. The rear end is one of the most planted I have ever encountered and the engine performance is near-supercar-level. It was a hoot. Given its impossible-to-see-out-of roof design, I was not very comfortable.

The Supra has a BMW-based, turbocharged, 335 hp 3.0-liter, inline six cylinder that makes 365 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission available is an 8-speed automatic. While this is the same basic setup (and platform) as the BMW Z4, the Toyota Supra is a completely different animal.

Handling is remarkably tight and the gear select in performance mode is intuitive. Dropping a gear as you power out of a corner is done with precision, and rear-end adhesion is the stuff of legends. It’s an amazing driver.

The engine crackles, snarls and screams – like a proper sports car.

I’m a big guy and, while I had good legroom, headroom was at a premium. I had a difficult time seeing out of the sides of the vehicle too. Still, despite my past issues a of parts-sharing conspiracy; I adore the way it handles and sounds.

Honda Civic Type R: Three things I don’t like about the Honda Civic Type R:

1. The tight bucket seats
2. The ridiculous wings and fins,
3. Room for only two in the back seat (some bizarre cupholder takes away from the center seat).

Things I love about the Honda Civic Type R: everything else.

The Honda Civic Type R has a turbocharged 306 hp engine that makes 295 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission available is a sweet-shifting six-speed manual. While it is a front-wheel drive car, torque steer has been addressed thanks to the Helical limited-slip front differential.

It is a remarkable driver and, provided you’re comfortable in the driver’s seat, it’s everyday practical. I cannot think of another front-wheel drive hot hatch that is THIS good in the corners. Not the Ford Focus ST, not the VW GTI not even the mighty Hyundai Veloster N.

Rocky Mountain Redline orchestrated a driving event called Redline Rally. This event allowed journalists to drive cars like these through some of the most scenic back roads and highways in Colorado. It was an amazing event, one that allowed me to drive these cars, the Toyota Supra vs Acura NSX vs Honda Civic Type R – back to back to back.

Each was awesome, but in the end – I truly think the Honda Civic Type-R was the most fun.

LEAKED: Here’s The Rear End Of The C8 Corvette Before You’re Supposed To See It

By

Zach Butler

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July 8, 2019

C8 Corvette leaked rear photo — A leaked photo that supposedly shows the rear end of the upcoming C8 Corvette. [Photo: Corvette Forum]

Chevrolet will reveal the C8 Corvette next week.

It’s been years in the making, but next week still seems so far away to see the new C8 Corvette. Although we’re right around the corner from Chevrolet’s reveal, let’s take a look at this new leaked photo, courtesy of the Corvette Forum. This is supposedly the uncovered rear end of the new mid-engine model before you’re supposed to see it. We can’t say with absolute certainty that it is the real deal, but it doesn’t look too far off other photos we’ve seen in the past.

The official reveal is coming next week. [Photo: Chevrolet]

From first glance, this alleged photo of the C8 Corvette looks mean, particularly with those quad pipes and rear vents. It also looks like it shares its taillight design with the redesigned Camaro, which does lend to this photo’s legitimacy a bit. The boomerang-shaped red portions look to be the taillights, while the upper parts are the turn signals and reverse lights.

Hiding behind those taillights and that rear spoiler should be a V8 engine, although exactly which V8 GM put under there is a bit of a mystery. It could be a carryover of the 6.2-liter LT1 V8 or some variation, or it could be an entirely new engine. Forced induction also isn’t out of the question, either. We’ll have to wait and see what comes of next week’s reveal.

Of course, TFL will be on hand at the C8 Corvette reveal on July 18th. We should know much, much more by then. Hopefully we’ll also have a better idea of when the car is set to actually launch, though we probably won’t know how much it will cost until later in the year. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates!

The BMW X7 Pickup Truck is Real, Used Electric Car and What Would Hermione Granger Drive? [Ask Nathan]

By

Nathan Adlen

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July 7, 2019

… A BMW X7 Pickup Truck? Seriously?

Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and full name will be omitted – leaving your first name, initials or nickname, your preference.

We’ve come a long way at TFL – but we never thought we would see a BMX X7 Pickup Truck!
(Photo: TFLcar)

In this week’s Ask Nathan:

BMW X7 Pickup Truck
Good Used Electric Car?
What would Hermione Granger drive?

The BMX X7 Pickup Truck huling a BMW F 850 GS.
(Photo: BW)

It what’s becoming a consistent topic (luxury pickup trucks), we received an email from a fan about a possible BMW X7 Pickup Truck.

Q: Via Twitter (NathanAdlen@Twitter) Nathan! It’s luxury pick up truck madness I tell you! Now’s there’s photos of a BMW X7 Pickup Truck.

Is this thing for real?

D Mem

A: It’s real my friend, but it’s a one-off design study/project from BMW vocational trainees. Working in conjunction with the Concept Vehicle Construction and Model Technology divisions at the BMW Munich plant, it was presented a the BMW Motorrad Days.

The trainees managed to pull over 400 lbs of weight from the X7, yet they maintained structural rigidity despite removing a portion of the rear section. Covered in high end wood, the cargo area is 55 inches long and can expand to 79 inches with the tailgate down.

There are no other numbers available about the BMW X7 pickup truck’s capabilities. Still, it looks perfectly happy holding a 500+lbs BMW F 850 GS bike. The regular X7 is capable of towing up to 5,400 lbs, so the pickup truck version should meet or exceed that number.

In the wake of rumors about a Lexus pickup truck, a Land Rover pickup truck and very few German pickup trucks out there – why not?

BMW said they have NO plans to put this into production, none. Still, if this is something you want , why not send them a letter?

N

The next question comes from a viewer who needs cheap transportation and is considering an electric car.

Q: Dear Nathan and the rest of the TFLcar crew: I was wondering if you could help me with a car dilema.

I work six miles away from my home. My home is a few miles outside of the heart of New Orleans (I live in Lakewood) and, other than rain, weather is fairly simple here. So, all wheel drive isn’t necessary.

I have a limited budget and was having a hard time with the ethical issues surrounding pollution. We all know electric cars are not perfect, but I feel they are a good alternative. Having no remaining family and only one small dog, I don’t need a ton of space.

Perhaps I should get to the point? I am looking at getting a used electric car, but I need to know if it’s a logical idea, or am I being too idealistic?

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Wanda, K

Electric cars can be fun to drive too. (Photo: TFLcar)

A: Greetings Wanda!

Thank you so much for your email. Yes, used electric cars can be an excellent choice for short distance commuters. In many cases, given their fairly easy maintenance requirements, (only a few moving parts) they can be thrifty alternatives.

You did not mention your budget, so I’m not sure what level of electric car you’re looking at. Used electric cars range from $8,000 to $50,000 depending on what you’re looking for.

The Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi iMiEV are (usually) on the less expensive side. Chevy’s Bolt and the Tesla Model 3 are at the mid-level. There are also plug-in hybrids which give you the best of both worlds. If you’re every thinking of a longer drive, that might be a consideration.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Over time, electric cars’ batteries lose their capacity for maximum storage. Simply put, their range drops. Older electric cars, like the original Nissan Leaf, may only have 30 or 40 miles range. Usually, that’s why they are so inexpensive.
Make sure the tires are in good shape. Electric cars tend to burn the front tires when abused.
Home charging: You can charge an electric car using 110v, but it takes a long time. If you need your car ready in a shorter time, a proper in-home charger will help. A 220v Level 2 charger can cost between $500 to $2,000 depending on the company. Have a look at Chargepoint for example.

Best of luck!

N

The last question comes from a young fan who’s a Harry Potter enthusiasts.

Q: Hello Mr. Adlen. I am writing from Alberta B.C. and I am a huge Harry Potter fan.

I just finished Grade 3 and I’m off to California, USA to visit family soon. We are going to Universal Studios to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I am so excited!

We were talking about my favorite character, Hermione Granger. We were wondering about what she would be like at my mother’s age. My mother is 40.

My question to you is, what do you think she and Ron (her husband) drive?

I know it’s weird question. But you did answer the same question about Harry Potter.

Thank you Mr. Adlen!

Macy Macaroni

A: Hello Macy Macaroni!

Thank you for the email!

That’s an even tougher question than the Harry Potter one I received.
Hermione is a more complex type of driver I suspect. She multitasks, she does not like being late and, I think, she likes to make a subtle statement.

They have kids and Ron has a big family, so something roomy and logical would be a good idea… maybe something suitable for Muggles and wizards/witches alike?

Humm… it’s a tough choice.

I think Hermione would drive a Toyota Highlander Hybrid. It’s extremely logical, comfortable and somewhat environmentally friendly. Lots of House Elfs could fit in the boot too.

Ron? I think he would drive something fun that could still hold three or four people. According to the Harry Potter Fan Zone, “Ron also obtained a Muggle driving licence, but placed a Confundus Charm on the driving instructor to do so.“

I think he would drive a something like a Mini Cooper Clubman.

Truly delighted to hear that you’re going to Wizarding World of Harry Potter! I recommend getting there early and splurging on a proper wand at
Ollivanders later on.

Have a blast!

N

Speaking of good cars for the Harry Potter devoted. I think a Jeep would be ideal for Luna Lovegood!

From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com.

It’s The Weirdest, Fastest Drag Race Ever! Tesla Model S vs. Polaris Slingshot SLR: Thrifty 3 Ep. 15

By

Zach Butler

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July 6, 2019

You know where this is going.

By this point, we all know the Tesla Model S is capable of bringing down just about any other car out there. Thanks to its electric motors, it has all that instantaneous torque to bear on your unsuspecting drag race opponent. In this case, TFLcar viewer Russ was kind enough to let us borrow his Tesla Model S, complete with the software upgrade to include “Ludicrous+” mode. Oh yes, it’s not enough to just have Ludicrous anymore — now this car is even more berserk.

Against it, we’ve pitched one of the fastest vehicles we currently have at the office. Mind you, we’re a bunch of off-road loving guys, so the TFL fleet currently comprises a host of trucks and SUVs. Unfortunately, TFL’s own long-term Tesla Model 3 is still in the shop. We should have it back for next week’s episode of the Thrifty 3 series.

Compared to the Tesla, the 2019 Polaris Slingshot SLR doesn’t put down the best specs. While the Tesla Model S Performance has the equivalent of over 500 horsepower and nearly 800 lb-ft of torque (at least those are the advertised figures), the Slingshot gets by with a meager 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque. That power comes from a 2.4-liter GM Ecotec four-cylinder engine, and mates up to a five-speed manual transmission.

Okay, so it’s going to be a demolition here. Or will it? Roman tests out the Tesla Model S on the track. See how it compares to the “conventional” Slingshot with its internal combustion engine above! Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more of the Thrifty 3 series coming soon.

Q2 2019 Ford Sales Report: What’s Going On With The Fiesta? Car Sales Down 21 Percent

By

Zach Butler

-

July 5, 2019

Ford sales shrank 4.0 percent in the past quarter.
Lincoln sales fell 6.7 percent from Q2 2018.
Ford Escape remains the brand’s best-selling car, with 72,398 sold from April through June 2019.
Fiesta, Fusion and Flex also grew in the past quarter from the same period in 2018.

Q2 2019 Ford Sales Report: What's Going On With The Fiesta? Car Sales Down 21 Percent — The Ford Fiesta was actually one of the fastest-growing models in Q2 2019.

SUV sales shrank 9 percent as well.

Ford released their second quarter sales results, and there were some surprises hidden in the number. Overall, passenger car sales were down 21.4 percent. That’s not terribly surprising as the company killed off nearly all its car models except the Mustang. What is surprising though, are the cars that actually picked up throughout the last quarter.

Since the company now reports its sales quarterly, this is our first chance to look at Ford and Lincoln’s performance since April 2019. Both brands fell from the same period in 2018 — Ford by 4 percent and Lincoln by 6.7 percent. However, some models grew significantly over the past three months, and they likely aren’t the models you would expect.

The Ford Escape remained the company’s best-selling car, with 72,398 sold over the past three months. That averages out to 24,133 cars per month, making it less popular than the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue and Chevrolet Equinox.

Since Ford reports its sales quarterly, we’ll stick with those numbers in the getting down to the individual brands. When we post the best and worst sellers of the month though, we will look at average monthly sales against the other automakers.

See the quarterly sales breakdown by brand below.

Ford: 300,153 cars (-4.0%) in Q2 2019

Even as the brand shifts to crossovers and SUVs, passenger cars remain a significant part of Ford’s sales figures. Of the 624,396 vehicles the company sold in the second quarter (324,243 were trucks), 16.6 percent were car sales. SUVs comprised about one-third (31.5 percent) of Ford’s sales, while trucks comprise the rest (51.9 percent). Sales figures are available for Ford’s midsize trucks, full-size trucks and full-size SUVs on TFLtruck.com.

The Ford EcoSport was Ford’s fastest growing crossover in the past three months, while the full-size Expedition SUV also fared well. However, the rest of the brand’s crossover range slowed. That’s not terribly surprising, given that Ford is significantly updating both the 2020 Explorer and Escape models. Since people are holding out for the new versions, 2019 versions of both cars are suffering in the sales report.

The Ford Fiesta actually sold much better in the second quarter of 2019 than it had during the same period last year. This is the last chance for American buyers to get the least expensive Ford currently on sale, and some dealers are heavily discounting the cars to clear inventory. In the last quarter, Fiesta sales were up to 22,173 cars from 13,061 during Q2 2018 — a 69.8 percent increase. The Ford Fusion sedan also did well, despite its ticking clock, selling 54,668 units, up 24.8 percent from Q2 2018’s 43,802 sales.

It’s not just ordinary crossovers or hatchbacks, either. The Ford GT also sold well last quarter, scoring 51 sales. That’s up from this period last year by 88.9 percent, when Ford sold just 27 GTs. Yes, that still is a low number of cars, but at a starting price of $450,000, that adds up quickly. Year-to-date sales have doubled, from 67 last year to 135 through June 2019.

Ford sales: Quarter-over-Quarter (QoQ)

Model	Q2 2019	Q2 2018	QoQ
Escape	72,398	77,277	-6.3%
Fusion	54,668	43,802	+24.8%
Explorer	35,374	56,674	-37.6%
Edge	33,314	35,394	-5.9%
Fiesta	22,173	13,061	+69.8%
Expedition	21,796	14,484	+50.5%
Mustang	21,625	23,264	-7.0%
EcoSport	21,507	17,514	+22.8%
Flex	7,206	5,269	+36.8%
Taurus	2,390	7,893	-69.7%
Focus	2,131	40,055	-94.7%
GT	51	27	+88.9%
C-MAX	21	2,612	-99.2%

Ford sales: Year-over-Year (YoY)

Model	YTD 2019	YTD 2018	YoY
Escape	133,100	144,627	-8.0%
Fusion	96,351	86,978	+10.8%
Explorer	88,680	110,805	-20.0%
Edge	64,234	68,048	-5.6%
Expedition	43,569	27,934	+56.0%
Mustang	38,542	42,428	-9.2%
Fiesta	38,116	25,359	+50.3%
EcoSport	34,386	23,610	+45.6%
Focus	12,840	75,101	-83.4%
Flex	12,763	10,144	+25.8%
Taurus	8,121	15,540	-47.7%
GT	135	67	+101.5%
C-MAX	38	5,401	-99.3%
BRAND*	1,189,670	1,227,422	-3.1%

*Figure includes truck year-to-date truck sales.

Lincoln: 25,940 cars (-6.7%) sold in Q2 2019

So far this year, Lincoln’s sales have actually grown 1.3 percent from where they were halfway through 2018. However, sales are down 6.7 percent in the last quarter, mainly due to the Navigator’s relatively slow sales. Lincoln’s largest and most expensive SUV slipped 13.2 percent over the past three months, down to 4,387 units from 5,053 they sold in the same period last year.

Like the Ford Flex, sales of the aging Lincoln MKT also picked up last quarter. Lincoln managed to move 1,246 MKTs, compared to 730 in the second quarter of 2018. That’s a 70.7 percent increase, which may well come down to livery companies changing over to 2019 MKTs from older cars.

The Lincoln Continental did not fare well on the sales charts in Q2 2019.

Lincoln’s two remaining sedans are also down significantly in the past quarter. The MKZ dropped 12.1 percent, while the Continental fared worse. In Q2 2019, Lincoln moved just 1,490 Continentals, down 28.1 percent from the same period in 2018.

Two new models are joining Lincoln’s lineup soon — both crossovers. The Lincoln Aviator returns to the lineup to slot below the full-sized Navigator. The MKC, which fell 19.4 percent in the last quarter, is also being replaced by the new Corsair.

Lincoln sales: Quarter-over-Quarter (QoQ)

Model	Q2 2019	Q2 2018	QoQ
Nautilus/MKX	8,187	7,242	+13.0%
MKC	5,956	7,393	-19.4%
MKZ	4,674	5,316	-12.1%
Navigator	4,387	5,053	-13.2%
MKT	1,246	730	+70.7%

Lincoln sales: Year-over-Year (YoY)

Model	YTD 2019	YTD 2018	YoY
Nautilus/MKX	16,022	13,470	+18.9%
MKC	11,743	12,289	-4.4%
MKZ	8,961	9,675	-7.4%
Navigator	8,856	9,115	-2.8%
MKT	2,488	1,242	+100.3%
BRAND	50,915	50,269	+1.3%

Mazda Files Trademark Application For The ‘MX-30’ Name – Wait, What?

By

Zach Butler

-

July 5, 2019

Mazda MX-30 patent application - a successor to the Miata?

UPDATE 10/23/2019: This turned out to be the name for Mazda’s all-electric crossover. Check that out here!

What are you up to, Mazda?

Following the debut of the strangely-named CX-30 crossover — not to be confused with the CX-3, or the CX-5, CX-9, or CX-10 through CX-29 they apparently skipped — we wondered what would possibly come next. According to a new trademark application, we may have an answer. What could be next on Mazda’s docket is a so-called “MX-30”.

AutoGuide recently uncovered the patent application, filed with the European Union Intellectual Property Office. There are no details in the application on what exactly this name is meant for. At this point, we just know they filed an application to trademark the name for something. However, since the MX line exclusively refers to Mazda’s MX-5 Miata, we may be looking at a name for either its successor or some kind of stablemate. Is Mazda looking at a larger roadster?

Let’s go back to the Mazda CX-30 for a second. It’s sort of a go-between for those cross-shopping a CX-3 and CX-5. It carries styling features from both, and some suppose it will eventually replace the CX-3 in Mazda’s lineup. The whole brand is in a transition stage, as it aims to move in a more “premium” direction. Changing the names may be a part of that process. However, in pursuing that goal, the company may eschew the MX-5’s traditional philosophy — a small, taut, lightweigh sports car — in favor of a more upscale, luxurious roadster.

A successor to the MX-5 Miata?

Mazda has to be careful here, since the MX-5 is the brand’s halo car. Even if it’s not Mazda’s cash cow, like the CX-5 is, it’s a revered nameplate among enthusiasts. What’s more, the car itself has more or less followed the same formula for 30 years. Replacing this with something softer, more luxurious, and inevitably more expensive, could be a bad move on Mazda’s part.

Even adding an MX-30 roadster to the lineup alongside the MX-5 could trigger a negative response from the community. After all, if that is the plan, it’s still “not a Miata”. All of this is speculation of course, as Mazda has not officially commented on a future product. At this point, all they’ve done is apply for a trademark. They may just be holding the name, and the name itself won’t make an appearance for years to come.

The Mazda MX-30 could also be a revival of the RX lineup. More or less, it would be the anticipated sports car derived from the Vision Coupe concept — a successor to the RX-8. That could make sense as well. Bigger number, bigger car. Mazda is reportedly working on a new straight-six, “large architecture” platform, so putting a “-30” in the name could denote a new coupe.

Confused? Until we see some action from Mazda on the subject, it’s unlikely we’ll get some clarity right now. However, the moment we do know more, we’ll provide updates.

Photos: Mazda

The Ludicrous 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 Hits Goodwood With 382 Horsepower — And A Drift Mode

By

Zach Butler

-

July 5, 2019

It’s one of the most powerful four-cylinder cars around.

Right off the bat, I’d like to get one point of bitterness out of the way. No, we are not getting the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A 45 hatchback. As a hot hatch enthusiast, that saddens me. However, we are getting the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 four-door coupe and the A 45 sedan. It’s the new performance halo of the lineup, ahead of the 302 horsepower CLA 35. If that isn’t enough oomph for you, AMG has the solution. The S version of the A 45 manages a whopping 416 horsepower from its 2.0-liter engine. Mercedes did not officially announce horsepower for the CLA 45, but it will almost certainly be the same as the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S.

At any rate, it’s massively more powerful than the entry-level A-Class sedan.

Chucking out that much horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque puts it in the same league as the Audi RS3 and BMW M2 Competition. Whichever version of the CLA 45 or A 45 you pick, you get an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. You also get all-wheel drive, so the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 and A 45 models clearly have the Volkswagen Golf R locked in their sights.

The AMG CLA 45 has a Drift Mode, you say?

Even though the 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 and A45 are all-wheel drive, they do have an ace up their sleeve. That would be a Drift Mode. On top of the car’s six normal driving modes: “Slippery”, “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport +” and “RACE”, this button lets you hoon around at will. The rear axle differential has two multi-disc clutches, so it can send power to each rear wheel individually. Drift Mode only comes up when the car is in RACE, and is an option on the normal CLA 45 and A 45 (it comes standard on the S).

Inside the 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 and A 45, you get the standard fare. That means an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, and the rest of the interior comes in black with yellow accents throughout. You get dual digital displays — one for the gauge cluster and one for infotainment. On the outside, you get the classic high-caliber AMG grille, 19-inch alloy wheels and performance brakes.

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 will run the 0-60 sprint in 4.0 seconds, according to Mercedes. The S variant, when it arrives, will reportedly do it in 3.9 seconds. The AMG A 45 variants will go on sale later this year, and we should also know more about pricing by then.

“Godzilla” gets a $14,000 price hike.

Now, the 2020 Nissan GT-R starts off at $113,540.

A slow death for the GT-R?

This is how they stack up.

Chevrolet will reveal the C8 Corvette next week.

In this week’s Ask Nathan:

Q: Via Twitter (NathanAdlen@Twitter) Nathan! It’s luxury pick up truck madness I tell you! Now’s there’s photos of a BMW X7 Pickup Truck.

Q: Dear Nathan and the rest of the TFLcar crew: I was wondering if you could help me with a car dilema.

Q: Hello Mr. Adlen. I am writing from Alberta B.C. and I am a huge Harry Potter fan.

Speaking of good cars for the Harry Potter devoted. I think a Jeep would be ideal for Luna Lovegood!

You know where this is going.

SUV sales shrank 9 percent as well.

Ford: 300,153 cars (-4.0%) in Q2 2019

Ford sales: Quarter-over-Quarter (QoQ)

Ford sales: Year-over-Year (YoY)

Lincoln: 25,940 cars (-6.7%) sold in Q2 2019

Lincoln sales: Quarter-over-Quarter (QoQ)

Lincoln sales: Year-over-Year (YoY)

What are you up to, Mazda?

A successor to the MX-5 Miata?

It’s one of the most powerful four-cylinder cars around.

The AMG CLA 45 has a Drift Mode, you say?

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