Welcome to the Hooniverse News! As always, this is a weekly recap of some of the biggest stories in the automotive industry without the fluff or bull. There’s also just a little opinion of mine because I can. This week:
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BMW commits to the X4 again, mentions “dynamic” in the press release 17 times
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Another Texas edition truck is coming courtesy of Ram
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Alfa Romeo prices the Stelvio Quadrifoglio at $79,995
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New Yenko/SC Stage II Camaro offers 1,000HP because it can
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Toyota confirms new “racing concept” Supra for a Geneva debut
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What’s your automotive news?
2019 BMW X4
It seems like it was just yesterday that BMW proved they truly don’t care anymore by forcing the X4 upon the world. Despite it being an uglier and less practical yet more expensive X3, it sold well enough to warrant a second generation after only four years of production. It goes on sale this July with new styling, new suspension, a lower center of gravity, and improved aerodynamics among other updates.
Since this is basically an X3 with more of that “coupe-like styling” crap, it shares all of the same styling updates found on the X3 as well. That means larger, “three-dimensional” kidney grilles flanked by new LED optics and more sculpted lines all around. The X4 grows in almost every dimension which enables the wider track width, which of course helps promote #dynamism. Its overall height is reduced by a tenth of an inch, which I guess is how they get away with claiming a lower center of gravity.
Promoting a “harmonious blend of dynamism and comfort” is a new suspension setup with a double-joint spring strut axle at the front and five-link axle at the rear. Speed-sensitive steering will assist with maneuvering around tight corners and standard M-Sport suspension will make it pretty quick for when they do the press launch at a race track.
America will get the X4 with a choice of two gas engines. The standard X4 xDrive30i is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The X4 M40i is the one with the 3.0-liter twin-scroll turbo straight-six making 355 hp and 365 lb-ft. Both models feature standard all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
As is typical with BMWs, it’s packed with new convenience and safety tech. New features include standard navigation with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, iDrive Touch Controller, real-time traffic and parking information, and a larger multicolor HUD. There’s also a new panoramic moonroof for “increased rear passenger comfort”. But you know what else would increase rear passenger comfort? Not reducing rear headroom by nearly two full inches because you wanted to make an SUV look more like a coupe.
Pricing starts at $50,450 for the base X4 xDrive30i and $60,450 for X4 M40i.
[Source: BMW]
2019 Ram 1500 Lone Star
Remember the all-new Dodge Ram 1500 that debuted about a month ago? It’s just like that but with some badges that say “Texas”.
[Source: FCA]
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio priced
As Alfa Romeo’s first ever SUV is just starting to gain market share, the version we really care about just got another step closer to its launch. The Stelvio Quadrifoglio, the performance version with many of the same underpinnings as its Giulia counterpart, has just been given an MSRP of $79,995 (excludes the $1,595 destination charge).
So for $81,590 you basically get a taller Giulia Quadrifoglio. It has the same all-aluminum, direction-injection 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 with 505 horsepower and 443 lb.-ft. of torque and the same eight-speed automatic transmission and carbon drive shaft pushing that to the wheels. One major difference though is the mandatory all-wheel-drive system in the Stelvio which helps make a 3.9-second 0-60 mph sprint possible (only a tenth slower than the Giulia Q).
Its power that is actually put to good use as evidenced by its 7:51.7 Nürburgring lap record, the fastest of any production SUV. Helping to tame that power is a torque vectoring differential, Quadrifoglio-tuned dynamic suspension, and powerful six-piston Brembo brakes which can be paired with more thermal resistant carbon-ceramic discs. Another notable option that will certainly shave off a couple seconds from your lap time is the carbon shell Sparco racing seats.
It’s another dumb performance SUV that no one really needs, but somehow it’s the only dumb SUV I care about. It’ll arrive in the US before summer.
[Source: FCA]
2018 Yenko/SC Stage II Camaro
Specialty Vehicle Engineering has pulled the wraps of their ridiculous new Yenko/SC Stage II option for the 2018 Camaro. Just like the original Yenko Camaros from the height of the muscle car era, it’s a high-performance dealership option that won’t look like anything special to the untrained eye. But this new one has more power than we could’ve dreamed of back then.
The main selling point of this package is Specialty Vehicle Engineering’s own 6.8-liter LT1 V8 built specifically to withstand their high-output supercharger which sits on top. Output is rated at an American-approved 1,000 horsepower and 875 lb.-ft. and that makes its presence known through custom stainless steel long tube headers with high-flow cats.
To help it bare any semblance of control, it makes use of GM’s Magnetic Ride Control, an electronic LSD, Michelin PS4S performance tires (front 295/30 ZR20, rear 305/30 ZR20), some suspension upgrades (new bushings, springs and stabilizer bars), and Yenko-branded brake calipers for +10 stopping power. It also has a new engine oil cooler, dual outboard radiators, transmission cooler, and rear differential cooler to handle the extra heat.
Visually, it’s distinguished by the Yenko/SC striping package that’s available in seven colors on top of the ten factory paint colors, torque-thrust-style wheels, a rear decklid spoiler, and the painted carbon fiber hood with a non-functional scoop for +8 power. There’s also a bunch of Yenko and ‘1000HP’ badges in case anyone forgot what they were driving.
There’s no word on pricing yet, but we do know it comes with a 3 year/36,000 mile engine and supercharger assembly and non-powertrain component limited warranty. You can supposedly order it from any GM dealer in the US and Canada, but it’s emissions legal in California. Also, just 25 will be built.
[Source: Specialty Vehicle Engineering via Autoblog]
Possible Toyota Supra race car confirmed for Geneva debut
Toyota has released a teaser shot of a new “modern racing concept” along with the tag line “the legend returns”. We can safely assume it’ll be the latest showing of what will eventually become the new Supra. Much of the bodywork we’ll be seeing by now should be pretty close to what will come on the production car.
Given Gazoo Racing’s recent track record, I fully expect them to be involved with this concept and have it lead to a factory-backed racing effort of some sort. And maybe even a road-going GR performance variant. And maybe it’ll come with bright orange paint and that rad robotic arm thing livery from the greatest movie of all time.
March 6th at 3:45PM EST is when we learn more.
[Source: Autoweek]
What’s your automotive news?
That’s all I’ve got for you this week, so now it’s your turn. If you saw anything, fixed something, broke everything, or otherwise did anything even remotely car related that you want to share with your fellow hoon, sound off in the comments.
Have a good weekend.
[Image © 2018 Hooniverse/Greg Kachadurian]
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