October 24, 2014 at 6:14 pm by Jens Meiners | Photography by Michael Simari
Dodge has a fascinating history of creating hot compacts, a single prominent instance being the Omni GLHS by Shelby, although the Caliber SRT4 marked a low point in terms of style and refinement. For the 2014 SEMA show in Las Vegas, the carmaker has taken its sensible Dart and tweaked it substantially to make it digestible to more discerning enthusiasts.
Painted in vibrant orange with matte black as a contrast color, and fitted with a prominent rear spoiler and diffuser, this Dart R/T concept looks pleasantly aggressive. But it also appears rather refined, thanks to a revised front fascia that turns the grille into a slit, although generating a large decrease air intake visually separated by a physique-colored strip. This feeds far more air to the intercooler, Dodge says. We say it just looks cool.
The flat-black aluminum hood incorporates a massive duct that not only appears great, but also feeds further air to the unspecified engine’s intake box (the hood will be obtainable as a Mopar add-on beginning early subsequent year). Fiat-Chrysler claims the Dart R/T idea appears “poised to strike worry in the competitors.” We wouldn’t go that far, but we will say that the package is an impressive improvement more than the already sleek-searching Dart. With 18-inch lightweight wheels, a large-brake kit, and adjustable coil-more than suspension from the Mopar catalog, it promises far better road manners, also.
Who knows—this idea may truly inspire a series-production variant and add yet another chapter to Dodge’s remarkable history of compact higher-performance beasts. Provided the Dart’s basic “meh”-ness, we believe such a car can not arrive quickly enough.
October 24, 2014 at 6:14 pm by Jens Meiners | Photography by Michael Simari
Dodge has a fascinating history of building hot compacts, 1 prominent example being the Omni GLHS by Shelby, whilst the Caliber SRT4 marked a low point in terms of style and refinement. For the 2014 SEMA show in Las Vegas, the carmaker has taken its sensible Dart and tweaked it drastically to make it digestible to much more discerning enthusiasts.
Painted in bright orange with matte black as a contrast colour, and fitted with a prominent rear spoiler and diffuser, this Dart R/T notion appears pleasantly aggressive. But it also appears rather refined, thanks to a revised front fascia that turns the grille into a slit, whilst making a massive reduce air intake visually separated by a physique-colored strip. This feeds much more air to the intercooler, Dodge says. We say it just appears cool.
The flat-black aluminum hood incorporates a big duct that not only seems awesome, but also feeds added air to the unspecified engine’s intake box (the hood will be available as a Mopar add-on starting early next year). Fiat-Chrysler claims the Dart R/T concept seems “poised to strike worry in the competitors.” We wouldn’t go that far, but we will say that the package is an impressive improvement more than the already sleek-looking Dart. With 18-inch lightweight wheels, a huge-brake kit, and adjustable coil-over suspension from the Mopar catalog, it promises far better road manners, also.
Who knows—this notion might truly inspire a series-production variant and add another chapter to Dodge’s outstanding history of compact high-overall performance beasts. Offered the Dart’s common “meh”-ness, we feel such a auto can not arrive speedily enough.
October 24, 2014 at 6:14 pm by Jens Meiners | Photography by Michael Simari
Dodge has a fascinating history of creating hot compacts, one prominent example becoming the Omni GLHS by Shelby, even though the Caliber SRT4 marked a low point in terms of style and refinement. For the 2014 SEMA show in Las Vegas, the carmaker has taken its sensible Dart and tweaked it substantially to make it digestible to a lot more discerning enthusiasts.
Painted in bright orange with matte black as a contrast colour, and fitted with a prominent rear spoiler and diffuser, this Dart R/T idea looks pleasantly aggressive. But it also looks rather refined, thanks to a revised front fascia that turns the grille into a slit, even though creating a massive reduce air intake visually separated by a physique-colored strip. This feeds a lot more air to the intercooler, Dodge says. We say it just appears cool.
The flat-black aluminum hood incorporates a huge duct that not only seems awesome, but also feeds additional air to the unspecified engine’s intake box (the hood will be available as a Mopar add-on starting early subsequent year). Fiat-Chrysler claims the Dart R/T notion appears “poised to strike fear in the competition.” We wouldn’t go that far, but we will say that the package is an impressive improvement over the currently sleek-looking Dart. With 18-inch lightweight wheels, a huge-brake kit, and adjustable coil-more than suspension from the Mopar catalog, it promises far better road manners, as well.
Who knows—this concept might actually inspire a series-production variant and add an additional chapter to Dodge’s outstanding history of compact higher-overall performance beasts. Given the Dart’s basic “meh”-ness, we believe such a vehicle cannot arrive rapidly adequate.
For the duration of this week’s huge reveal occasion for the 2016 Volvo XC90, we stumbled across Volvo’s ambitious solution plans for the subsequent 4 years—and beyond. Really, we didn’t so much as stumble across them as we had been shown them: Buried in a presentation slide covering XC90 specifics, and visible for much less than half a minute, was a tiny chart showing what Volvo has planned subsequent. This happy accident immediately produced the classroom session magnitudes more fascinating.
We already knew that the XC90 would spearhead the company’s self-described rebirth, but we now know what the entire litter will sooner or later contain. Here’s what we discovered:
Volvo is planning on creating 9 core models more than 3 essential model lines: the 40-, 60-, and 90-series. Every single group will consist of a sedan, a wagon, and an SUV/crossover. Today, Volvo’s global lineup includes the non-U.S. compact V40 wagon an S60 sedan, V60 wagon, and XC60 crossover the bigger S80 sedan, Euro-marketplace V70 wagon, and XC70 off-road wagon and ultimately, the new XC90. At the moment, only the 60-series is totally fleshed out as per program.
The new data indicates that the S80 and V70—Volvo’s aging “flagship” duo—will be replaced by a large-mid-size S90 with a V90 wagon counterpart previewed by the gorgeous Idea Estate. The 60-series rides will stay Volvo’s mid-size offerings, while the 40-series line appears to regain an S40 sedan (which has been dead because 2012) and get an all-new XC40 compact crossover. All of these models, we’re told, have the possible for global sale. Yes, that signifies the U.S., also.
We expect the beautiful Concept Estate to achieve an further set of doors to become the production V90, but Volvo must otherwise leave the factor alone.
All of the fresh models in the new 60- and 90-series family will use Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), a shared modular platform that, days ago, made its debut beneath the 2016 XC90. All of the SPA-primarily based cars will bow by 2017 or 2018, and the S90 should be the subsequent major product launch. The 40 group will, by the end of the decade, have switched entirely onto Volvo’s CMA architecture, a compact front-drive platform in co-development with the Swedes’ Chinese Geely overlords. We do not anticipate Volvo will introduce the S40 sedan or the XC40 crossover before the new CMA platform is ready, but it is attainable that the automaker could quickly-track the 2 new 40 cars employing the current V40′s pre-CMA underpinnings.
In addition to understanding of Volvo’s new-model proliferation, we also got a taste of what those cars may possibly appear like. In an interview with Thomas Ingenlath, Volvo’s recently acquired chief designer, during the XC90 reveal occasion, we were told that each and every new Volvo going forward will share its simple “face” with the XC90, but each car will wear individualized styling tailored to its size and price. This holds wonderful guarantee for the brand, since the formal-searching XC90 is really handsome. Ingenlath seemed eager to apply some of the hotness discovered on the Concept Estate and Idea Coupe show properties to production Volvos. Correct on.
Introducing new little automobiles right here in the U.S. is critical for Volvo, which demands one thing affordable—and sexy—both to attract younger buyers and to compete with the new crop of entry-level vehicles from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. On the other finish of the spectrum, Volvo desperately needs a fantastic S90 to give its 60-series customers a bigger and more sumptuous car to upgrade to instead of abandoning ship for one more brand. It’s definitely an thrilling time in Gothenburg, and we are extremely significantly seeking forward to seeing these plans unfold.
Retromobility for your retro-hipster cosplay party.
MICHAEL SIMARI AND
THE MANUFACTURER
Excellent news for those who like to arrive fashionably late to parties: The 1957 Edition of the Fiat 500 survives for the 2015 model year. Introduced for 2014 to commemorate, oddly adequate as it was, the 57th anniversary of the model that inspired its style, the commemoration carries on into year 58 because, nicely, Italians and clocks, correct?
With fellow Fiat-Chrysler divisions Maserati and Dodge celebrating centennials and Fiat’s own centennial in 1999 lengthy behind it, possibly Fiat didn’t want to feel left out. What ever the result in, it was already playing quickly and loose when it dreamed up the 1957 as a way to add however another particular-edition 500. When you are playing the style card, as exemplified by BMW’s Mini brand, you need to take benefit of each and every opportunity. Aside from the fashionable array of interior and exterior colors (your selection of Celeste [pastel blue], Verde Chiaro [light green], or Bianco [white]), 1957-style Fiat badges replacing the modern day ones, and 16-inch painted aluminum wheels made to look as old college as a black-and-white Audrey Hepburn flick on TCM, there’s not much else that modifications from the standard Cinquecento.
Harkening to a More Pastel Time
The tiny, quasi-original twenty-first century Fiat character auto traces its style inspiration to 1957 when Fiat rolled out the original 500—which was then known as the Nuova (New) 500 to distinguish it from the 1936–1955 Topolino. In the U.S., a ’57 reference fairly significantly gets you a Chevy—the be-finned conclusion to the tri-5 run of loved ones cars that created the modest-block V-8 popular. It may show up in say, turquoise or coral occupied by some infant-boomer retiree who nevertheless refers to herself as a “gal” wearing a poodle skirt. That ’57 Chevy driver’s millennial cohort, en route to the vintage clothes shop or the retro furniture store, might want the reliability and fuel economy of a spanking-new, child-blue Fiat.
What she’ll find at the Fiat shop, for a little far more jingle than the base cost on the a lot more effective 500 Turbo, is essentially the 500 in Lounge trim, except that on the 1957 Edition the leather package is normal. The dashboard is rendered in ivory and gray and contrasts nicely with the brown leather and its prominent ivory-colored stitching. The details are quite contemporary, with a lot of digital electronic displays and such, but rendered in retro style (for instance, the round “dials” flanking the radio-tuner face are truly buttons arrayed to appear like dials). And that white roof? The Mini is the obvious touchstone. These who’ve noticed the 1969 film The Italian Job will keep in mind that though Mini was the star, the Fiat 500s have been ubiquitous all through. As in the modern car market place, Mini is the star that shows the way, but Fiat can money in on retro, too.
Nevertheless, in spite of the robust fashion cues, the 1957 Edition drives like any other Fiat 500. It is roughly a 10-seconds-to-60-mph car, like our long-term 2012 Fiat Sport example. This specific auto had the 6-speed automatic transmission, so it was significantly less engaging to drive than the 5-speed manual version of the 1959 Edition that starts at $ 21,250, $ 1900 far more than a 500 Lounge. With its common sport-tuned suspension, the 1957 Edition is definitely nimbler and more entertaining to pilot than Fiat’s other car, the newer 500L crossover, a bloated, Serbian-built bus wearing the quantity and the face but with none of the charm. Nonetheless, we truly like saying “Cinquecento.”
Retromobility for your retro-hipster cosplay party.
MICHAEL SIMARI AND
THE MANUFACTURER
Great news for those who like to arrive fashionably late to parties: The 1957 Edition of the Fiat 500 survives for the 2015 model year. Introduced for 2014 to commemorate, oddly enough as it was, the 57th anniversary of the model that inspired its style, the commemoration carries on into year 58 since, nicely, Italians and clocks, right?
With fellow Fiat-Chrysler divisions Maserati and Dodge celebrating centennials and Fiat’s personal centennial in 1999 extended behind it, maybe Fiat didn’t want to really feel left out. What ever the lead to, it was already playing quick and loose when it dreamed up the 1957 as a way to add but an additional particular-edition 500. When you’re playing the style card, as exemplified by BMW’s Mini brand, you need to take advantage of each opportunity. Aside from the stylish array of interior and exterior colors (your choice of Celeste [pastel blue], Verde Chiaro [light green], or Bianco [white]), 1957-style Fiat badges replacing the modern ones, and 16-inch painted aluminum wheels developed to appear as old college as a black-and-white Audrey Hepburn flick on TCM, there’s not significantly else that modifications from the normal Cinquecento.
Harkening to a Much more Pastel Time
The tiny, quasi-original twenty-1st century Fiat character car traces its style inspiration to 1957 when Fiat rolled out the original 500—which was then named the Nuova (New) 500 to distinguish it from the 1936–1955 Topolino. In the U.S., a ’57 reference quite much gets you a Chevy—the be-finned conclusion to the tri-5 run of household vehicles that made the little-block V-8 renowned. It may show up in say, turquoise or coral occupied by some child-boomer retiree who still refers to herself as a “gal” wearing a poodle skirt. That ’57 Chevy driver’s millennial cohort, en route to the vintage clothes shop or the retro furniture store, may want the reliability and fuel economy of a spanking-new, infant-blue Fiat.
What she’ll find at the Fiat shop, for a tiny more jingle than the base value on the more effective 500 Turbo, is basically the 500 in Lounge trim, except that on the 1957 Edition the leather package is standard. The dashboard is rendered in ivory and gray and contrasts nicely with the brown leather and its prominent ivory-colored stitching. The information are quite contemporary, with plenty of digital electronic displays and such, but rendered in retro style (for instance, the round “dials” flanking the radio-tuner face are in fact buttons arrayed to look like dials). And that white roof? The Mini is the clear touchstone. Those who’ve observed the 1969 movie The Italian Job will don’;t forget that though Mini was the star, the Fiat 500s had been ubiquitous all through. As in the modern day car marketplace, Mini is the star that shows the way, but Fiat can cash in on retro, too.
Still, in spite of the robust fashion cues, the 1957 Edition drives like any other Fiat 500. It is roughly a 10-seconds-to-60-mph vehicle, like our lengthy-term 2012 Fiat Sport example. This distinct automobile had the 6-speed automatic transmission, so it was less engaging to drive than the 5-speed manual version of the 1959 Edition that begins at $ 21,250, $ 1900 a lot more than a 500 Lounge. With its regular sport-tuned suspension, the 1957 Edition is undoubtedly nimbler and more entertaining to pilot than Fiat’s other auto, the newer 500L crossover, a bloated, Serbian-constructed bus wearing the quantity and the face but with none of the charm. Nevertheless, we really like saying “Cinquecento.”
Retromobility for your retro-hipster cosplay celebration.
MICHAEL SIMARI AND
THE MANUFACTURER
Great news for these who like to arrive fashionably late to parties: The 1957 Edition of the Fiat 500 survives for the 2015 model year. Introduced for 2014 to commemorate, oddly sufficient as it was, the 57th anniversary of the model that inspired its design, the commemoration carries on into year 58 due to the fact, well, Italians and clocks, correct?
With fellow Fiat-Chrysler divisions Maserati and Dodge celebrating centennials and Fiat’s own centennial in 1999 long behind it, maybe Fiat didn’t want to really feel left out. What ever the lead to, it was already playing quick and loose when it dreamed up the 1957 as a way to add however another unique-edition 500. When you’re playing the style card, as exemplified by BMW’s Mini brand, you need to take benefit of every chance. Aside from the fashionable array of interior and exterior colors (your decision of Celeste [pastel blue], Verde Chiaro [light green], or Bianco [white]), 1957-style Fiat badges replacing the contemporary ones, and 16-inch painted aluminum wheels created to look as old college as a black-and-white Audrey Hepburn flick on TCM, there’s not significantly else that adjustments from the normal Cinquecento.
Harkening to a More Pastel Time
The tiny, quasi-original twenty-very first century Fiat character automobile traces its style inspiration to 1957 when Fiat rolled out the original 500—which was then called the Nuova (New) 500 to distinguish it from the 1936–1955 Topolino. In the U.S., a ’57 reference fairly significantly gets you a Chevy—the be-finned conclusion to the tri-5 run of family members vehicles that made the modest-block V-8 renowned. It may well show up in say, turquoise or coral occupied by some baby-boomer retiree who still refers to herself as a “gal” wearing a poodle skirt. That ’57 Chevy driver’s millennial cohort, en route to the vintage clothes shop or the retro furnishings store, may possibly want the reliability and fuel economy of a spanking-new, child-blue Fiat.
What she’ll uncover at the Fiat store, for a tiny more jingle than the base price tag on the far more strong 500 Turbo, is basically the 500 in Lounge trim, except that on the 1957 Edition the leather package is regular. The dashboard is rendered in ivory and gray and contrasts nicely with the brown leather and its prominent ivory-colored stitching. The particulars are very modern day, with lots of digital electronic displays and such, but rendered in retro style (for instance, the round “dials” flanking the radio-tuner face are truly buttons arrayed to appear like dials). And that white roof? The Mini is the apparent touchstone. Those who’ve noticed the 1969 film The Italian Job will keep in mind that though Mini was the star, the Fiat 500s were ubiquitous throughout. As in the modern day auto marketplace, Mini is the star that shows the way, but Fiat can cash in on retro, also.
Nonetheless, regardless of the sturdy style cues, the 1957 Edition drives like any other Fiat 500. It is roughly a 10-seconds-to-60-mph auto, like our extended-term 2012 Fiat Sport instance. This distinct car had the 6-speed automatic transmission, so it was less engaging to drive than the 5-speed manual version of the 1959 Edition that begins at $ 21,250, $ 1900 far more than a 500 Lounge. With its normal sport-tuned suspension, the 1957 Edition is surely nimbler and much more entertaining to pilot than Fiat’s other automobile, the newer 500L crossover, a bloated, Serbian-constructed bus wearing the number and the face but with none of the charm. Nevertheless, we actually like saying “Cinquecento.”
