2018 Dodge Durango SRT with Mopar Performance Exhaust
What happens when Dodge stuffs their 392 cu-in (6.4L) HEMI V8 into the Durango? The result is the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT. It’s a three-row SUV with seating for six and a 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque V8 that can accelerate this Durango to 60 MPH in 4.4 seconds and a 1/4 mile of 12.9 seconds (according to Dodge).
This beast has a lot of luxury appointment, several drive modes with adjustable suspension, and a maximum tow rating of 8,600 lbs. Dodge has not let journalists drive the Durango SRT yet, and official pricing is not yet available.
It does not prevent us from listening to the big HEMI as it exhales through an optional Mopar performance exhaust system. Have a listen here!
Toyota has stood tall in the world of hybrids and the 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a worthy vehicle to look up to. Not because it does anything new, it’s because this car feels familiar. In many ways it feels like its non-hybrid brethren, unless you go crazy and push it real hard. Even then, the 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid behaves nicely.
Part of that good driving behavior comes from the use of a double wishbone rear suspension. Yep, the hybrid has the same rear-end setup as the fun-to-drive Camrys. Toyota moved the batteries from the rear bulkhead, which sat between the rear seats and trunk, to below the rear seats. This freed-up trunk space, which is 15,1 cu-ft, just like the other non-hybrids, and lowered the center of gravity.
All this new engineering makes for a much more balanced hybrid with fairly good cornering performance despite the extra weight and electrically controlled continuously variable transmission, it’s a great driver. Its ride is soft and compliant with little noise, yet, power through a corner and it adheres. The tires on the hybrid are the same as the ones used on some of the regular Camrys.
Combining the 2.5-liter engine with the electric motor gets you 176 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. The LE model gets better mileage and lithium ion batteries. On the other hand, the SE and XLE get nickle-metal hydride. No one explained the two options for batteries.
Most importantly, the 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE is capable of 51 mpg city, 53 mpg highway and 52 mpg combined. Get the slightly more aggressive SE and XLE, you’ll get an estimated 44 mpg city 47 mpg highway and 46 mpg combined. Remember: this is not a “plug-in” hybrid. Those numbers are nearly in Prius territory.
The interior is just about the same as the other Camrys. In fact, if it weren’t for the badging, you would have a hard time telling the 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid apart from the regular ones.
There was a time when the Lincoln marque was revered as the luxury brand of the Ford Motor Company, and it was on par with other domestic luxury sedans. Somewhere along the line it seemed to slip from its elevated status and remained rather nondescript for a lengthy period. As part of a resurgence plan, Lincoln sought to move away from its Ford association and renamed the division as “The Lincoln Motor Company.” There were several models that emerged but none with the former glory associated with the marque. But with the rebirth of the Lincoln Continental reviewed here, that period is over and flagship status is once again achieved.
WHAT’S NEW
The 2017 Lincoln Continental enters the luxury sedan market with a choice of three V6 engines and four levels of trim. The models offered include: the Premier; Select; Reserve; and Black Label. Available powerplants include: a base 3.7-liter V-6; a twin turbo 2.7-liter V-6 and the “Hot Rod Lincoln” 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 with Direct Injection that cranks out 400 horsepower at 6,750 rpm along with a numbers’ matching 400 pound feet of torque at 2,750 rpm.
Both Front-wheel drive and AWD are offered with the first two V-6s, while the 3.0-liter powered models are exclusively AWD with Torque Vectoring. All engines transfer energy to the driving wheels via a push-button operated six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
In terms of its exterior visual appeal, this all-new Lincoln Continental displays a certain elegance, but in a more mundane way – more on the order of an enhanced or upscale MKZ. It is stylish enough, but not necessarily emotion stirring.
My test 2017 Lincoln Continental was in Black Label trim. The base price was set at $65,075., which rose to $74,620 after adding optional features which included: the Chroma Caviar metallic exterior paint, the 3.0-liter V-6 engine, the Continental Technology Package, Continental Climate package and Destination and Delivery charge.
[photo: Arv Voss]
PERFORMANCE
Piloting the new Lincoln Continental is a most pleasurable experience. Acceleration is seemingly effortless and each smooth gear change delivers a distinctive and authoritative growl that’s enough to please most V8 fans. Lincoln Drive Control allows choosing between three suspension settings: Normal, Comfort, and Sport. An Auto Hold feature holds the vehicle at a complete stop without keeping one’s foot on the brake, making commuting in stop and go traffic easier. Parking is also easier with Self Parking.
The ride quality is most comfortable, but with a stable, planted feel and the handling characteristics are highly responsive from steering to braking.
[photo: Arv Voss
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Slipping into the interior, which accommodates five in an elegant, plush ambience and comes in one of three available Black Label themes: Chalet, Rhapsody and Thoroughbred. There are Available Perfect Position front seats with available heating, cooling and massaging functionality as well as up to 30-way adjustability.
The instrument panel is simple and functional, designed to inform rather than overwhelm, and may be configured to display select gauges, providing as little or as much information as desired. Total passenger volume is106.4 cu.ft.
[photo: Arv Voss]
TFLCAR’s TAKE:
In the final analysis, the new Lincoln Continental Black Label AWD is an ideal luxury sedan that represents a positive step in the right direction to return Lincoln to its former lofty status in the luxury marketplace.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2017 Lincoln Continental Black Label
Base Price: $65,075, Price as Tested: $74,620
Engine Type and Size: 3.0-liter DOHC, 24-valve Twin-turbo GTDI V6
Horsepower (bhp): 400 @ 6,750 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 400 @ 2,750 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed SelectShift automatic with paddle shifters
Drive Train: Longitudinally mounted front engine / AWD
Suspension: Front – MacPherson strut dampers with aluminum control arm and stabilizer bar; Continuously Controlled Damping
Rear – Advanced integral-link suspension with coil springs, gas-pressurized dampers and stabilizer bar; Continuously Controlled Damping
Brakes: Power-assisted four wheel vented discs with ABS
Tires: Goodyear Eagle 245/40 R20 99W A/S
Wheelbase: 117.9 inches
Length Overall: 201.4 inches
Width: 82.3 inches – with mirrors
Height: 58.5 inches
Curb Weight: 4,547 lbs.
Turning Circle: 41.77 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 18 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 16 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
Oh yes, we did. The X3 and RAV4 tackle Gold Mine Hill.
Rear-wheel bias (X3) and front-wheel bias (RAV4) AWD systems
With both the 2017 Toyota RAV4 and BMW X3 in TFL’s stable this week, Nathan Adlen decided to see for himself the two different approaches to AWD do on TFL’s legendary Gold Mine Hill dirt track.
Here’s how they stack up:
BMW X3
Toyota RAV4
Engine specs
240 hp; 2-liter turbo 4
176 hp; 2.5-liter 4-cyl.
Ground clearance
8.3 inches
6.1 inches
Wheel size/Tires
19-inch/Goodyear Eagle
18-inch/Toyo Open Country
AWD bias
Rear-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
To see how these two handle the Rockies, check out Nathan’s test video:
Hyundai is making a concerted effort to establish Genesis as its luxury division. Thus, the new Genesis G80 AWD 3.3T Sport sedan I tested with all-wheel drive (AWD) didn’t have the Hyundai name on it. Rather, it had a prominent Bentley style “Genesis” badge near its grille and the Genesis name throughout.
What’s New
The G80 is a lot of car for the money. But its the large customized grille up front and four chromed exhaust tips in back likely will be among features that will draw folks to the boldly styled 2018 Hyundai Genesis G80 3.3T Sport. You can get the G80 with rear-wheel drive for $55,250, while my Genesis G80 AWD 3.3T Sport test car listed at $57,750. Those prices exclude a $975 freight charge.
Genesis says it comes with the “most comprehensive array of standard safety technology in the mid-size luxury vehicle class.” Safety items include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, front/rear parking sensors and a multi-view camera. The G80 gets a five star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration out of a possible five stars.
A larger, costlier longer-wheelbase G90 sedan also is offered in the Genesis lineup, but the G80 3.3T Sport is the hot ticket with its silky smooth twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6 engine. Even most V-8 fans would likely approve of it.
The Genesis G80 Sport sure looks the part. Exterior styling features a dark chrome hexagonal front grille with a unique cross-hatch design and copper accents throughout the vehicle. There’s also a sport-design front fascia that integrates a honeycomb lower front air dam and functional side air intakes that channel air around the wheels for improved aerodynamics. The front end is pretty low, but is high enough to clear most parking stops.
[photo: Genesis]
Performance
The Genesis twin-turbo engine generates 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. There’s no turbo lag with this direct-injected engine, which makes the G80 quite fast. I found myself doing 80 m.p.h. in practically no time when I was doing a routine 65-75 m.p.h. highway pass.
The engine works with a smooth, quick-witted eight-speed automatic transmission with manual gear selection via easily used paddle shifters. The transmission’s features include an enhanced torque converter lock-up strategy that lets that converter lock up the clutch between gears two and eight for more spirited performance during aggressive driving. An overdrive lock-up torque converter allows higher fuel economy at freeway speeds and improved acceleration.
However, the separate console “Park” button seems superfluous. To put the G80 in electronic park mode, you move the console transmission lever to “Neutral” and then push the “Park” button.
Estimated fuel economy for my test car was 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 on highways. That seems OK for such a fast AWD car that weighs approximately 4,500 pounds with rear-drive and 4,700 pounds with all-wheel drive. Premium fuel is recommended for the best performance.
Drive modes can be selected by pushing console buttons marked Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow. Each drive mode reconfigures throttle responsiveness, transmission mapping, stability control, suspension and steering.
I found that the Sport mode really works well, altering transmission, throttle, steering and the traction control system, while stiffening the suspension for maximum all-out performance. However, it made the car’s quick but rather heavy steering even heavier. Eco and Normal modes were fine most of the time.
Handling was quite good, even out of Sport mode. There are 19-inch wheels wearing low-profile performance tires, and the suspension comfortably handles rough roads. There’s a rigid chassis, and a rear multi-link suspension with optimized five-link geometry and increased suspension travel for a good range of dynamic performance and ride comfort.
The brake pedal is easily modulated but must be pressed firmly for the best stops from the anti-lock brakes, which have electronic brake force distribution.
The light “”H-Trac” AWD system causes torque to be seamlessly and quickly routed to the front wheels for improved stability on slippery roads. It allows for a higher torque distribution range by offering a dual-sport mode linked to an “Intelligent Drive Mode.”
The inner-lined hood glides open on twin struts to reveal an engine set way back for good weight distribution. There’s additional bracing in the engine compartment for more body rigidity.
[photo: Genesis]
Comfort and Convenience
The church-quiet interior is spacious, despite a large front center console. The trunk also is very roomy and has a low, wide opening and an automatic opening and closing feature. However, rear seat backs don’t flip forward for more cargo room. Doors open especially wide, and there are many cabin storage areas.
The car is loaded with comfort and convenience luxury car features, including premium leather seating surfaces, supportive power heated and ventilated front sport seats with many power adjustments, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, dual automatic temperature controls, tilt and slide panoramic sunroof, genuine carbon fiber trim and an engine start/stop button.
A navigation system and 17-speaker Lexicon surround sound audio system operation can be accessed through the 9.2-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. I’m not a fan of touch screens because they take eyes off the road and some are overly complicated. This screen was easy to use, but I still appreciated the climate control system’s manual controls.
TFLCAR’s TAKE:
For the most part, my test 2018 G80 AWD 3.3T Sport qualifies as a genuine sports sedan that costs less than some rivals.
TFLcar’s European correspondent, Jan, breaks down the Top 5 vehicles sold in Europe that us Americans can only dream about driving here in the U.S. of A.
#5 Volkswagen T series (2003-present)
Volkswagen Caravelle Generation Six [photo: Volkswagen]
Yes, one of the coolest European cars is a van. Not just any van, it’s the legendary VW van. Produced over 60 years, it takes top place as the best-selling van worldwide. In 2003 it became a forbidden fruit for USA and Canada because of the Chicken Tax. Volkswagen has launched the sixth generation in 2015 with better looks thanks to the company’s new design language. T series is configurable in wide range of versions as a pickup, van, minivan, campervan and more.
#4 Dacia Duster
Dacia Duster in Croatia. [photo: Renault]
Duster is a small, light and cheap SUV sold in Europe that starts right below $13,500. Thanks to it’s available 4×4 system and ground clearance of 8.1 inches it can handle much rougher off-road expeditions than most of the people will run into. The 4×4 version starts approximately at $15,600. Design of this budget off-roader is not the pinnacle of the industry, however it is made with attention to work under hard conditions.
#3 Volkswagen up!
Volkswagen up! [photo: Volkswagen]
Do you want a cool tiny shopping bag? Then move to the Europe and buy a VW up! Volkswagen makes this funky car in Slovakia and fits a naturally aspirated 1-liter, 3 cylinder engine under the hood. According to the manufacturer, you should be able to fit four adults inside the car. For low emissions and eco driving VW offers an E-up with electric range of 99 miles. There is also a GTI version in works which will not come until 2018.
#2 Skoda Superb
Skoda Superb Sportline[photo: Skoda]
The definition of luxury by Skoda. The Superb shares most of it’s components with VW Passat, but what Passat doesn’t have are Czech Simply Clever features. These include two umbrellas (one in each front door), an ice scraper in the fuel tank door, a completely folding back of passenger seat — the list goes on and on. Skoda sells Superb as a classic sedan or a family-friendly wagon. Both versions can be equipped with an optional AWD system.
#1 Land Rover Defender (1998-2016)
Land Rover Defender in London[photo: Jaguar Land Rover]
The best and most legendary off-road vehicle around the globe is Land Rover Defender. This car has been produced for 68 years without any major design changes. It was available in the US from 1993 till 1997 when it was discontinued because it would not meet the safety requirements. For 2007 and 2012 Land Rover updated Defenders with modern engines that were compliant with newer emission standards.
If you are really interested in owning a Defender I have got a solution for you! In fact Tommy has. He bought a Traxxas TRX-4 Defender for his dad on Father’s Day. For a review of this RC car watch the video below!
Jaguar have just officially released the Jaguar XE SV Project 8, their most impressive sport sedan to date. Project 8 is the successor to Project 7, a Jaguar F-Type which Land Rover-Jaguar’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) group got their hands on. Much like the last car this sedan is the SVO group’s attempt to take a sport sedan and turn the dial up to 11, while also satisfying the collector crowd with only 300 units to be produced.
Powertrain
The Jaguar XE SV Project 8 has Jaguar’s long-used 5.0-liter supercharged V8. However, SVO have tuned this motor to 592 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission, able to shift in as little as 200 milliseconds. All in all, this powertrain can send the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 to 60 MPH in 3.3 seconds, and will continue onto a top speed of 200 MPH.
Modifications
This hand-built vehicle has undergone numerous modifications to prepare it for track use. It seems like there is not much bodywork that they haven’t changed. Among the list of changes is a carbon fiber bumper, a vented carbon fiber hood, flared fenders, an adjustable front splitter, a flat underbody, a rear carbon fiber bumper, a rear diffuser, and an adjustable spoiler.
The Project 8 has also been given a set of carbon ceramic brakes, to help slow the Project 8 down from its 200 MPH top speed.
The car will come in left-hand-drive only and will feature two seating options. You can have four seats if you live in the US, or you can opt for just two bucket seats with racing harnesses, so long as you are outside of the US.
Furthermore, the Jaguar Project 8 features two-setting height adjustable suspension. There is the standard ride height for road use and an optional 15mm drop for use on the track.
Regardless of interior seating options, this Jag will also be the first to feature a true track mode. This driving mode adjusts the driveline and stability control systems for track use, and sharpens both throttle and steering responses.
The Jaguar XE SV Project 8 is set to debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on Friday, June 30th. Pricing has not been announced, but given the extremely limited production run, you can guarantee it won’t be cheap. Maybe we will learn some more after the car’s debut at Goodwood.
Until then, why not see what we think of the car that this 592 horsepower monster is based on, the Jaguar XE:
Take a guess as to which of these cars is sexier. [photo: TFL]
As some of you may know, TFL recently purchased a Pontiac Aztek as our most recent project vehicle. One of our many plans for this vehicle is to use it as a prototype hunting spy car. However, we felt like the faded original black paint wasn’t sneaky enough so we set out to fix that with a camouflage vinyl wrap.
Charlotte, Tommy and myself, being the Avid DIYers that we are, decided to cut out and apply a special pattern of Aztek logos tessellated over the car’s body panels. This was an extremely time consuming process. There were hundreds of vinyl ‘A’s to cut out and apply!
We give ourselves an “A” for our wrap job. [photo: TFL]
The Project
In total, the project ended up taking about 30 hours of work between the three of us. Despite the time suck, we ended up very pleased with the vehicle’s look. From a distance, like a quarter mile away, it really does look a bit like a prototype vehicle in camouflage. Seriously.
All that is left now is for us to take this beast up into the Rocky Mountains to look for some prototype vehicles testing in the wild. And, we hope, be hunted ourselves. Be sure to stay tuned for our first prototype hunting adventure coming soon.
The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid hatchback stakes a claim as one of the most efficient and practical cars for the money — but just how good is it on a 1,200-mile road trip?
