The 2018 Honda Civic Type R made its North American debut at the 2016 SEMA show in Las Vegas, and TFL’s Roman Mica spoke with Sage Marie, senior manager of public releations at American Honda, to find out all he could about it.
The car that debuted is a prototype, but is close to what will come in the 2018 model year. It will have 300+ horsepower through the front wheels, and is basically a race car for the road.
TFL will be able to get inside the car at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this year, so stay tuned. For now, check out the full video above.
And check out the rest of the TFL’s coverage of the 2016 SEMA show in Las Vegas, which will run through November 4.
Hyundai surpassed my expectations with the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport. I was expecting something else, something simple. The 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport is a comprehensive, complex upgrade in nearly every measurable way. Lots of automakers have C-segment vehicles that get the “Sport” treatment. Usually, they get nice wheels, some graphics and badges… sometimes an upgraded suspension and interior – but little else.
Starting with the engine, the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport has a turbocharged and direct-injected 1.6-liter 4-cylinder that makes 201 horsepower (at 6,000 rpm) and 195 lb-ft of torque (at 1,500 rpm). This power is channeled to the front wheels via a smooth 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Combined EPA figures for the 6-speed equipped 2017 Hyundai Elantra is 25 mpg and 29 mpg with the dual-clutch transmission.
While there are quite a few exterior upgrades, (nose, LED headlights, exhaust and LED taillights to mention a few) it’s the rear suspension that is one of the most noteworthy upgrades on this vehicle. Removing the torsion rear beam suspension, the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport has a multi-link, independent rear suspension. Not only that, it’s a beautifully tuned rear suspension too. It completely changes the character of the car, giving it an almost European feel to it.
The interior has standard leather and raised red stitching. While the dashboard is nice, the hard plastics used in the door panels was a bit of a letdown. Fortunately, the flat-bottom, sporty steering wheel is an outstanding design that could easily find its way into a German car. The seats are comfy and, as long as you like black, you’ll find that black is the only color the interior and headliner come in.
While not quite as sporty as the Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen GTI, the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport competes directly with vehicles like the Volkswagen Jetta GLI.
Driving the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport is a hoot. Acceleration is excellent as is passing power. The torque seems to be ever-present when you downshift and punch it. The engine revs nicely, although, not quite as rev-happy as a 1.8 VW turbo. Hyundai actually worked on the air intake and exhaust to get a more spirited growl. The engine does sound a bit beefier than a regular Elantra, but it’s no bulldog. Flying through corners and powering out of the bend is what this vehicle loves. With the larger brakes and excellent balance, control was easily managed. This baby likes to hunker down and get to business.
2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport
Were the issues? My only real issue was the sound deadening material (or lack thereof) as road noise was fairly noticeable. It could have used cooled seats as an option too. Otherwise, there is very little to dislike with this car.
The prices are good too: a base model with the 6-speed manual starts at $21,650 with the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport with the 7-speed DCT starting at $22,750. Both excellent prices considering what you get for the money.
I can’t wait to get this sporty sedan up to Colorado where its turbocharged engine will shine!
Speaking of the Hyundai Elantra – here is the regular one.
By melding together three generations of Jeeps, Mopar created a concept vehicle for the 2016 SEMA show that classic Jeep fans will love.
Called the CJ66, it melds a previous-generation TJ frame with a 1966 CJ “Tuxedo Park” body. While the engine remains a mystery – Mopar will be unveiling new products later today at the show – it is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Whatever the engine is, it’s got a cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust to enhance its lung capacity. Two crate Mopar Dana 44 axles round out the running gear.
Outside, the CJ66 wears current-generation JK Wrangler headlights in its classic grille. The body is done in a bright orange hue called Copper Canyon, with custom CJ66 graphics on the hood. The concept Jeep rides on 35-inch BFG all-terrain tires on 17-inch Jeep Performance Parts wheels. The big fender flares are concept pieces, but the front and rear bumpers, skid plates and bumper plates are not.
Inside, the CJ66 has a modern-day JK center console between custom Viper seats. The custom steering wheel incorporates the new 50th Anniversary Moab Easter Jeep Safari logo.
The 2016 SEMA show runs today until November 4. The Mopar press event starts today at 4:26 pm Pacific time. TFLcar will be covering the show from wall to wall, so check back for more updates from the show.
Check out this related TFLcar Difflock video of our own customized Jeep Wrangler:
Mopar, the parts and accessories arm of Fiat-Chrysler, will be unveiling an old-school Dodge Challenger with a modern twist later today at the 2016 SEMA show.
The Dodge Shakedown Challenger, as it’s called, starts with a 1971 Challenger body on a custom-made frame. The door handles, drip rails and fuel door have been removed, leading to a sleek, streamlined look. The body is finished in Bitchin’ Black paint, a flat black color, with gloss black and red stripes running from the hood to the trunk. A red “392 Hemi” logo and “Shakedown” graphics complete the look.
The modern touches don’t end there. The Shakedown has black concept SRT Hellcat wheels measuring 19 inches in the front and 20 inches in the back. It also has modern Challenger headlights and taillights, along with a modern Challenger grille.
Inside, the Shakedown has a custom interior with Dodge Viper seats and steering wheel, Mopar gauges and a Hellcat shift knob.
All of this show requires some go, so the Shakedown Challenger has a 485-horsepower Hemi V-8 coupled to a Viper Tremec six-speed manual transmission. To make the concept go around corners as well as it goes in a straight line, the suspension is completely custom and lowered. Brakes are red Brembo SRT Hellcat disc brakes, with six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston calipers in the back.
The 2016 SEMA show runs today until November 4. The Mopar press event starts today at 4:26 pm Pacific time. TFLcar will be covering the show from wall to wall, so check back for more updates from the show.
Check out this related TFLcar video of the modern Challenger hitting the TFL test track:
Chevy Camaro SS, RS, and Turbo with Performance parts
The Chevy Corvette and the Camaro SS are not the only cars that deserve an extra punch of performance. Chevrolet unveiled a host of performance parts for the Chevy Cruze Hatch, all versions of the Chevy Camaro, as well as the Chevy Colorado and Silverado, which we will cover on TFLtruck.com. We had a chance to drive most of these cars with the latest performance enhancers at the Spring Mountain Motorsports Resort in Pahrump, Nevada on the eve of the 2016 SEMA show.
Chevy Cruze Performance
How do you make the Chevy Cruze a little more sporty and quick? How about lowering it 0.4 inches (10 mm) using stiffer springs, thicker antiroll bars, bigger brakes, and a higher flow air intake and exhaust systems for the 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine? Chevrolet does not claim a horsepower increase, but the exhaust sound is a bit louder and meaner.
The 1.4L turbocharged I4 produces 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque in stock form. The Cruze sedan and hatch can be configured with a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions. A stock Cruze can dispatch a 0-60 MPH acceleration run in 7.7 seconds, according to Chevy.
Chevrolet puts all of their performance parts to the same rigorous tests and quality checks as they do with any production parts, thus the new car warranty remains intact when these performance parts are installed by a participating Chevrolet dealer.
Chevy Camaro Performance
All Camaros deserve to be faster and also look even meaner. Performance-minded Camaro RS V6 owners can benefit from a 0.8 in (20 mm) suspension lowering, thicker antiroll bars, and stiffer suspension links. Better performing 4-piston brake calipers are also available. The 2.0L turbocharged Camaro showcased a new performance exhaust system as well as 6-piston calipers and a suspension lowering kit.
Chevy Truck Performance
The Chevy Colorado and Silverado have many customization options, as well as the performance exhaust and air intake systems. We had an opportunity to install several of these parts, and we will publish more on this at TFLtruck.com.
Now you have to decide – do you pick your performance parts a la carte or do you go for a complete track-ready package like the Camaro 1LE?
While you are considering the options, please check out our Chevy Corvette report from last year’s event at the Spring Mountain Motorsports Resort in Pahrump, Nevada.
The Audi A3 and S3 may be the A4 and S4’s kid brothers, but don’t let the size fool you.
Audi redesigned the A3 and S3 for 2017, giving both models an updated look and feel. TFL’s Roman Mica had the chance to get an in-depth look at the new models and talked to Anthony Garbis, product manager for Audi, about the new features.
The new A3 and S3 follow the A3 and S4 and have a wider grille, lower bumper design, new headlights, updated taillights and other features, giving them a sportier feel.
The S3 comes with a 2-liter, turbocharged, direct-injected engine that’s capable of 292 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle is also pretty peppy going from zero to 60 in 4.7 seconds. The A3 also has a 2-liter turbo four, but it makes 220 hp with all wheel drive or 186 hp with front-wheel drive.
The A3 and S3 also are available with the well-known Audi Quattro system, which provides power to all four wheels.
Inside, there are some updates, too. The virtual cockpit allows a driver to customize their settings to ensure what they need and want to view is right at their fingertips.
When will the A3 and S3 be available for purchase? What were some of the other new features? And, what are the differences between the A3 and S3? Find out by watching the complete TFL video above.
What do you do or think about right after purchasing a high performance car, such as the brand new Chevrolet Camaro? What can I do to make it faster? Naturally, this is what the guys and gals on the Chevrolet performance team think about. Enter this Chevy Camaro SS “Drag Race Development Concept.”
The concept car that is being unveiled at the 2016 SEMA show in Las Vegas this week does not have a cool name, but it showcases many performance parts that are already available and many parts that are not yet available (a.k.a. concept parts). Why show concept parts? Chevrolet wants your feedback in order to make the business case to produce them.
Chevy’s goal with this concept car was reliable and repeatable 1/4-mile run in the 10-second range.
While many do-it-yourselfers go directly for the power increase on their car. Chevy started with the rear Hoosier drag slicks and moved all the way through the drivetrain components to the modified 6.2L V8, which is now making around 600 horsepower thanks to a new cam-and-heads and tuning package. The changes include the meaty tires that are mounted on 16-inch diameter rear wheels that hide new and smaller brake rotors. Then there are upgraded ZL1 half-shafts, “Gravedigger” rear differential, drive shaft, higher stall speed torque converter with the 8-speed automatic transmission, and more.
Chevrolet reports a best 1/4-mile time of 10.685 seconds at 125.73 MPH in this concept car.
Check out this video of the Concept test car 001 doing a burnout on a damp race surface at the Spring Mountain Motor Resort in Pahrump, Nevada.
2017 COPO Chevy Camaro
While the Drag Racing Development Concept Camaros are about gradual and generally affordable upgrades to a stock car, the 2017 COPO Camaro is an all-out dedicated drag racer. This car is specifically designed to compete in the NHRA’s Stock Eliminator classes.
The company will build 69 examples of the 2017 COPO, but prospective buyers will have a choice between several engines and powertrains. The first one out of 69 will be powered by a supercharged 350 cu-in (5.7L) V8 and will be auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale event in January 2017.
If a supercharged 350 is not your cup of tea, then you can select a naturally aspirated 427 (7.0L) or a direct injected 376 (6.2L) engines. All engine options will send power down the line via a SFI-approved ATI TH400 3-speed automatic transmission.
TFLcar and TFLtruck are at the 2016 SEMA show, and we will bring you all the latest Chevrolet performance cars. In the meantime, here is the overview of the concept and customized cars and trucks from last year’s show.
Will BMW/MINI build a tiny Mini Cooper pickup truck?
The a “Ike Gauntlet” with a Volkswagen Touareg TDI?
I saw an older full size Ram SUV. Will they ever build a modern one?
This first question comes from a viewer who wants a Mini Cooper Pickup truck!
Q: Oh please, please, please post my question Nathan! I don’t need it to be on the video page, I just want a good answer to my question. I love Minis and I even own a 2011 Mini Cooper Clubman S manual. It’s the best car I’ve even owned!
Years and years ago I visited my Grammie in Cardiff (Wales, UK) and her neighbor had an original Mini Cooper pickup truck. It was the craziest thing! I think it was a mid-60s model and it was used every day by its owner who’s a plumber. I mean it hauled pipes and boxes and tools every day and it was as cute as a bug!
I was wondering, do you think BMW-Mini would build something like that? I know it’s not practical and all, it would be pretty fun and I bet they would sell, especially in SoCal! I would definitely buy one to haul my bikes or my pottery!
Let me know and let the fellas know that they have a lot of fans in Fresno, California!
Thanks Nathan!
Cami
A: Hi Cami!
I agree with you, those old Mini Cooper pickup trucks were awesome. They are a tad cramped inside for tall drivers as the rear bulkhead restricts seat placement, but it’s still a cool looking little runabout. I drove a left-hand drive version in the U.S. about 20 years ago and it was a hoot!
As for a modern-day Mini Cooper pickup truck? Well, there have been concepts, including the ones pictured. That concept was based on the unloved Mini Paceman and it was a “one-off” design. There have been others, including a bunch of owner-built pickups, but nothing official from Mini regarding production.
Currently, Mini is updating or replacing their entire line of vehicles. The skuttlebutt has it that a three-row Mini crossover or van is in the works on a larger platform. Who knows? Maybe Mini could use this larger platform and build something cool – like a Mini Cooper pickup truck.
For now, it’s just wishful thinking.
Any Mini fans out there that might shed some light on any additional rumors?
N
Check out this tiny Jeep pickup concept!
This next question is from a new boat owner who wants to know if we ever filmed a towing video with the Volkswagen Touareg diesel.
Q: Hi Guys,
I’ve been enjoying watching your various videos about 4WDs and towing capabilities. I just bought a boat, which I’ll be bringing from the San Francisco Bay Area to Lake Tahoe and back probably a few times a year.
(I’m) towing with a 2007 Volvo XC90 V8 (which does a bangup job, by the way, even at altitude and towing up hills). I’ll probably be in the market to replace it within a couple of years, and have really appreciated watching lots of your vids. So here’s my question: I don’t see that you have reviewed the VW Touareg diesel for towing on the Ike Gauntlet (or anywhere else). Did I miss something? If not, do you have any plans to do so?
Thanks for all of your play! I mean work!
David M
A: Hi David!
Sadly, we never had the opportunity to tow with the Volkswagen Touareg diesel. It’s a real shame as the potential for a damn good towing machine was there. Still, I do have a little bit of insight as I drove a 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 V6 TDI that was towing a 3,100 lbs trailer in Moab, Utah.
It was terrific. There is very little lag, even under the extra load. Despite having a full vehicle with four adults, luggage, bikes on the roof and a few cases of (adult) beverages, the V6 TDI was solid and fairly frugal. I felt the only issue was a bit of squat, but we were a bit overloaded.
It did so well, I wish I knew how the V10 performed.
If you are looking for another vehicle with a smaller displacement diesel 4X4 that tows well, I would recommend the GMC Canyon diesel. It’s an outstanding mix of capability, grunt and economy. Also, Volkswagen is coming out with a 7-passenger vehicle (the Volkswagen Atlas) and, even though it’s not a diesel, it may be a good tow vehicle.
We hope to find out soon.
Hope that helps!
N
The last question comes from a viewer who saw a Dodge Ramcharger from Mexico and wondered why Ram/Dodge/FCA didn’t try competing with full sized SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe.
Q: Guys, I watch your channel all the time. But PLEASE, don’t send me any junk mail or put me on your email list, or I will fight back!!!
Here is my question.
I have been wondering for years, why Dodge or Ram never came out with a full-size SUV. Their Dodge Durango is really a mid-size SUV, which competes with Ford Explorer. I have been told that Nissan Armada’s engine was built in collaboration with Dodge and therefore, Dodge doesn’t need a full-size SUV of their own. I don’t know if this is true.
Recently I spotted this Ram truck in Los Angeles with a Mexican license plate! I almost had a conniption! It looks like a Ram 1500, modified into a full-size SUV!!! (See pics in the attachment)
Why do you think Dodge (or Ram, or Chrysler) never came out with a full-size SUV to compete with Ford Expedition or Chevy Tahoe?
Cordially,
Sam
—
A: Hi Sam!
We’ll keep your email address free of pesky junk-mail and off our mailing list – promise!
Thank you for providing the photos of your discovery. What you saw was a Dodge Ramcharger that was built in either Mexico or Canada. It’s a hodgepodge of parts-bin components that was never meant for our market. It was popular in Mexico and South America and built on the short wheelbase, second-generation (Dodge) Ram 1500.
The tailgate came off a Dodge Caravan minivan, there was an additional seat in the cargo area to maximize seating for up to seven, it was only available in rear-wheel drive (unthinkable that there was no 4X4 version) and it was available with either a 318 cu-in (5.2 L) V8 or the 360 cu-in (5.9 L) V8. Build quality was poor and, while it was produced for seven years, the demand in the U.S. was minimal.
The two-door, fullsize SUV segment began to die-out before the end of the 90s.
I’ve asked FCA (Ram) folks about building a modern, full size, modern SUV several times. Some feel that, with GM owning the market, it would not make fiscal sense to build one. Others feel that there may be room to compete when the next Ram 1500 platform enters production. Still, others claim that between the Dodge Durango and the upcoming Jeep Grand Wagoneer, it would create too much internal competition.
There are concerns about CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) numbers too.
Still, there is a buzz floating around that FCA is looking into the possibility of building a full size SUV with a Cummins diesel. It’s just a rumor, but its one that makes sense. No other competitor in North America offers a diesel option on their full size SUVs.
I hope that helps!
N
Here’s the next video episode of “Ask Nathan!”
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 name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.
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.
Roman just bought one of the most hated modern Land Rovers to prove a point: Even this SUV doesn't suck! Or maybe it does...that's what we're going to find out in our latest project series.
