It is hard to imagine a world where 385 horsepower seems “adequate.” Just ten years ago that number would have raised eyebrows, especially in a compact crossover SUV. But thanks to AMG’s overachieving GLC 63 and its 469 horsepower biturbo V8 that drops almost a second in the zero to sixty time, the GLC 43 seems like a respectable compromise for those who desire performance but not at the top-trim’s cost. And it is.
Photo courtesy of Mercedes-AMG
Mercedes does a wonderful job of throwing automotive reviewers off their game. Do you write about the attractive styling first? Do you mention the luxurious interior? Or do you go straight for the driving dynamics? The GLC 43 excels at all three, if there is compromise it lies in the fact that Mercedes built a great looking SUV with a benchmark interior and made it drive like a sports sedan.
Attractive Exterior Design
Photo courtesy of Mercedes-AMG
Sleek and muscular, the AMG GLC 43 stands out from the compact crossover segment. Mercedes has refined the boxy look of the GLK that it replaced, but kept the athletic presence that made the outgoing design popular. The G in GLC ties the model to the Mercedes G-Wagen and the resemblance, while passing, is enough to evoke the occasional “baby G-Wagen” from the AMG faithful.
Photo courtesy of Mercedes-AMG
Luxury features can be found throughout the GLC43’s exterior. From the automatic LED headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers to the power liftgate, Mercedes’ crossover strives to be the segment standard. The 20-inch five-spoke wheels are nicely proportional, giving the compact a slightly bigger curb appeal and road-going presence.
Benchmark Interior Appointments
Photo courtesy of Mercedes-AMG
Spacious room for four adults or comfortable accommodations for five, the GLC 43 is everything you expect from a Mercedes crossover. Finding a comfortable driving position is only a matter of tweaking thanks to the power-adjustable front seating and a power-adjustable steering column.
Photo courtesy of Mercedes-AMG
The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system includes voice control. Much like a new smartphone, the system is triggered by simply saying “Hey, Mercedes” and barking out a command. Mercedes includes a touchpad in the center console and buttons on the steering wheel for additional control and functions. The system includes standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, HD Radio, satellite radio and dual USB-C ports
Standard driver-assistance features include blind-spot monitors, lane keep assistance and automated emergency braking.
Cargo space is 17.6 cubic feet which is expandable to 56.5 cu ft with the rear seat folded.
Power and Performance
Photo courtesy of Mercedes-AMG
The AMG GLC 43 is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. We’ve already mentioned the 385 horsepower, but the engine also produces 384 lb-ft of torque. For many years the gold standard of 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft made for what we considered motoring nirvana, the additional 80-something in each category seems equally lovely. Thanks to precise steering, apt braking and a sport-tuned adaptive suspension the GLC 43 is equally adept on the highway, in the city and on a winding road with elevation changes. According to EPA estimates, fuel economy is rated at 18/24 mpg city/highway.
Pricing for the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 starts at $59,500 excluding fees.
Jacksonville, FL – Announcing the special classes for the 26th Annual Amelia Concours d’Elegance, May 20-23, 2021.
1938 Hispano Suiza DuBonnet Xenia. Photo by Michael Furman.
Hispano-Suiza The fabled Spanish-Swiss grand marque remains the only car named for a king, Alfonso XIII of Spain, himself a Hispano enthusiast, who owned as many as 30. His enthusiasm for the marque and its reputation for exquisite engineering made it a favorite of royals, celebrities, heroes of all stripes and even a few literary characters who drove Hispanos across the pages of bestselling fiction when the need to project a sense of wealth and style was required. Every famous European coachbuilder of the custom body epoch dressed Hispanos. Their V-8 engines helped win the air war in WWI. That elegant engineering blood gave the cars that wore the “flying stork” mascot, as the sales brochure put it . . . “vitesse, securite, confort, silence, elegance.” It wasn’t hyperbole. Even today the reputation of Hispano-Suiza ranks it with the greatest, most respected and revered names at the pinnacle of the auto industry.
The Porsche 935. Photo courtesy of The Brumos Collection.
Porsche 935 “The Racers’ Concours” honors and celebrates the 45th anniversary of the long-lived, fire-belching 200-plus mph Porsche 935 turbos that once ruled international endurance racing. The 935 was the backbone of international endurance racing for nearly a decade and owned championship titles from Daytona to Le Mans and back. Its popularity remains so potent that nearly five decades after its debut Porsche is creating 77 tribute cars to the 935/78 Moby Dick Le Mans racer based on the 911 GT2 RS.
1977 Chevrolet Corvette Supervette. Photo courtesy of Canepa Motorsport.
Chevy Thunder Truly the “heartbeat of America” from Indy, Sebring, Daytona, Le Mans, Pro Stock, Can-Am, Trans-Am, club racers, Sprint Cars, Baja & Desert racers, IROC, F5000, Swamp Buggies, Dune Buggies, Hot-Rods, Kit Cars and even to off-shore powerboats, Chevy’s small blocks, big-blocks and pure racing engines set records, crushed competitors and dominated practically every type of motorsport for well over half a century. Chevy’s small block V-8 of 1955 was the elegantly simple engineering masterpiece that inspired hot rodders and race car builders alike. Chevy small block power even sat on the front row of the Indy 500 (1981), outran the fabled Offys on dirt tracks, ruled NASCAR’s high banks, short tracks and road courses, won the 24 Hours of Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring and owned the Can-Am (at one point winning 33 races in a row).
Chevy Thunder is the soundtrack of NHRA Pro Stock competition winning the championship 24 times, more than any other manufacturer. Its impact on American culture even extends to popular music; in 1962 the Beach Boys composed a song commemorating the power of Chevy’s big block Turbo-Thrust V-8 entitled, appropriately, “409.” Specifically songwriter Gary Usher’s “ . . . 4-speed, dual-quad, positraction four-oh-nine!” Since its first V-8 in 1917, Chevy V-8 power has touched practically every facet of American life towing trailers, delivering groceries or taking the likes of McLaren, Scarab, Lola, Chaparral, Eagle, Corvette and Camaro to scores of racing victories and championships; some Chevy V-8s even replaced those legendary Italian V-12s in American sports car racing.
Ferrari 275 GTB. Photo Courtesy of Peter Harholdt.
Ferrari 275 GTB It’s hard to imagine a tougher automotive act to follow than Ferrari’s landmark 250 GTs. From the mid-fifties to the immortal GTO of 1962, Ferrari 250 GTs set the standard, won the races and were the fast moving targets of every GT builder from Los Angeles to Coventry to Stuttgart. Unveiled in Paris in 1964 the 275 GTB became Ferrari’s first GT to fit modern alloy wheels and wear independent suspension at each corner. It proved itself in June 1965 with the Belgian racing yellow #24 275 GTB/C finishing third overall and eclipsing the Le Mans distance record of every previous class-winning GTO.
The 275 won Le Mans’ GT class again in 1966 and 1967. Easily the most famous 275 GTB — one of just ten NART Spiders built — was Steve McQueen’s signature ride in the 1968 double academy award nominated film The Thomas Crown Affair.
The 1909 Columbia Electric. Photo courtesy of Hyman LTD.
It’s Electric The Amelia’s “It’s Electric” Class showcases the development of the electric car from the beginning of the automotive age when it was a viable alternative to steam and internal combustion automotive power. Fast evolving highway and road infrastructure and the rise of the petroleum industry eased the electric car aside turning its advantages and strengths into liabilities. Times and technologies have changed. So have the mission and operational envelope of the automobile and its place in society. Fast evolving technologies and acute civic awareness of environmental trends stand poised to return the electric car to mainstream motoring life well beyond its original duty as short range urban transportation
1970 Dodge Charger R/T. Photo Courtesy of Peter Harholdt.
1970s Muscle Cars Purely American, the Muscle Car brought horsepower to the people with low monthly payments and practically unlimited brute force. Every manufacturer from Chevrolet to Ford, from Buick to Dodge offered an alternative and competitor to the Pontiac GTO, the car that started it all in the mid-sixties. The peak of the Muscle Car Era was 1970, just before emission laws and the fuel crisis hobbled Detroit’s horsepower warriors. Amelia 2021 will host a special display class from the renowned Wellborn Musclecar Museum in Alexander City, AL including a Muscle Car from every manufacturer that played Detroit’s high stakes high horsepower game at the overpowered breed’s showroom apogee in 1970.
1989 Ferrari F40. Photo by Deremer Studios LLC/Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
Supercars of the 80s and 90s While the term “supercar” dates back to 1920, the descriptor is often associated with the debut of the mid-engine Lamborghini Miura in 1966. The rules to play the supercar game were simple: big exotic engines between the driver and the rear wheels and a body shape that echoed Le Mans prototype contours: the wilder the better. Enter the Lamborghini Countach, Ferrari F40, Bugatti EB110, Jaguar XJR-15 and the Ferrari F50.
Over time the term “supercar” expanded to describe an elite group of sports cars that stand apart in terms of design, performance, technology and price. For 2021, The Amelia will gather some of the world’s most iconic supercars of the 1980s and 1990s onto the main showfield.
Shadow DN4. Photo courtesy of Peter Harholdt.
Shadow In 1970, the wildest year of Can-Am competition, everybody seemed to have a better, wilder or weirder idea. None more so than a radical, bizarre, unloved and evil handling little doorstop of a race car spawning a family that would claim the Can-Am Championship, deliver a future World Champion his first F1 victory and compete at the top level of Grand Prix racing. Don Nichols, Shadow Cars chief and a genuine international man of mystery, loved the Shadow radio serials and named his cars and team accordingly. The 2021 Amelia Concours will feature a special Shadow class including the bizarre and radical AVS — Advanced Vehicle Systems — Shadow Mk 1 of 1970, the 1974 Can-Am champion DN4 and Alan Jones’ 1977 Austrian Grand Prix winner, the Shadow DN8A. Shadow designers were an all-star team with world class credentials and imaginations: Trevor Harris, Peter Bryant and Tony Southgate drew the sinister shapes that were instantly recognizable as Shadows, right down to the team’s famous cloaked spy logo.
The SUV’s dramatic rise in popularity makes it easy to forget about the sedan’s continued significance. Sedan sales are down dramatically in 2019, but ruling out the segment’s importance remains short-sighted.
Hyundai gets it. Over the past few years, the manufacturer has expanded their lineup of SUVs to include Venue, Kona, Tucson, NEXO, Santa Fe variants and the Palisade. We’ve spent time with most of them and have found the build quality, performance and styling to be excellent. However, in the rush to fill out the SUV segment the Korean manufacturer has not forsaken their sedans. In the words of Albert Biermann, president and head of R&D Division, Hyundai Motor Group, “The Sonata (sedan) holds a special significance for our company as one of the longest-standing and most successful models in the global market.”
Spending a few days in Arizona with the all-new 2020 Sonata provided us with plenty of evidence that Hyundai’s strategy includes building attractive and tech-filled four-door midsize family cars. Add excellent fuel economy, one of the best warranties available and a MSRP that won’t break the bank, and it is hard to ignore the latest Sonata’s value.
The all-new 2020 model features Hyundai’s “sensuous sportiness” design language. To our eyes the styling of the four-door coupe is sleek and attractive. Sitting lower, but longer and wider than the outgoing model, it isn’t hard to consider the Sonata a sports sedan. The long hood and short rear deck lid, with integrated spoiler, are taken straight from the sports car lexicon.
Centered around a dashboard that was inspired by the stealth bomber’s wing, the interior design is simple and elegant. Seating is comfortable and the infotainment system continues to be one of the best in the industry. Rear passengers will find the new C pillar’s design robs a little space from the door’s opening, but once inside headroom is excellent and three adults will fit comfortably.
Sonata’s sporty look is more than skin deep. Hyundai’s new sedan is the first model to be based on the manufacturer’s new platform. According to Hyundai, the new architecture is lighter and stronger than the outgoing model. The changes result in better comfort, performance and safety.
The base SE model gains as much as three miles per gallon over the outgoing model. The 2020 Sonata SE, with the 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four cylinder engine, is rated at 32 mpg combined.
The base engine is complemented by a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine found in the higher trim models. The engine provides less horsepower, 180 versus 191, but has an advantage in torque. Thanks to a wide powerband that kicks in the sedan’s full 195 pound-feet of torque at a mere 1500 rpms, the turbocharged Sonata’s acceleration is immediate and feels consistent at almost every speed.
Both powerplants favor fuel economy as the key performance feature over acceleration. That said, the Sonata has plenty of power for the majority of owners shopping for an attractive family sedan. Handling is excellent. The sedan’s braking and steering is immediately familiar and welcome. Powered by either engine, the 2020 Sonata is a capable vehicle.
Driving enthusiasts will want to wait for the yet to be released Sonata N Line. The turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 290 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. We were able to take a pre-production version of the N Line for a spirited drive along a twisty Arizona. While we can’t make an in depth assessment based on our limited time behind the wheel, we can report that the car is fast, fun and surprising in the best ways.
Hyundai’s new Sonata is filled with plenty of standard and optional technology features. Standard active safety includes forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist and advanced Smart cruise control with stop and go. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included in all models.
Hyundai has also developed a smartphone “key” that allows the driver to operate the vehicle without a traditional key fob. The Limited’s key fob includes a remote control function for starting the car and driving it into narrow parking spaces from outside the vehicle.
Pricing for the 2020 Hyundai Sonata starts at $23,400 for the base SE. The top line Limited costs $33,300. Pricing does not include a $930 delivery. SE and SEL models are equipped with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The SEL Plus and Limited arrive with the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine.
This review also appeared in The Florida Times-Union.
Ruthless. A fitting word to describe the competition in the mid-size family sedan marketplace. Juggernauts from Toyota and Honda continually take top sales numbers with their respective Camry and Accord. KIA and Hyundai fight for consumer dollars with the Optima and Sonata. Everyone of them is a great vehicle, all are worthy of consideration.
Last year, Nissan redesigned their entry into the mid-size family sedan segment. The resultant all-new Altima deserves a place right along the top contenders. With attractive styling, a comfortable amenity-filled cabin, advanced safety tech and a pair of capable engines and transmission, the new Altima shines.
Powered by the base 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, with is rated at 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque and a CVT transmission, the base Altima offers excellent fuel economy with up to 28/39 city/highway mpg.
Consumers living in colder climates will appreciate the addition of all-wheel-drive, which is available on all trim levels equipped with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. The “intelligent” all-wheel-drive system automatically detects road conditions and redistributes power to the front wheels accordingly.
The turbocharged Altima is powered by a 2-liter turbocharged inline4 that makes 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The smaller, but more powerful engine helps make the Altima a better enthusiast’s choice, although the CVT transmission tends to remind the driver that the Altima is also a gas sipper. The turbocharged SR and Platinum FWD models are rated at 25/34 city/highway mpg.
On the road the Altima is a compliant vehicle that does what you ask of it. Daily commuting ticks by without incident and weekend family outings are comfortable. The standard 8-way adjustable drivers seat makes finding a comfortable driving position easy. Nissan’s “zero-gravity” seats are some of the most comfortable in the segment.
Rear passengers are given plenty of legroom. While we wouldn’t want to plan a cross-country road trip for 5 grownups, three adults will find the rear seats accommodating for short trips around town. The trunk’s 15.43 cubic feet of cargo space is in line with the segment, besting Camry (15.1) but sitting below Accord (16.7).
The five 2020 Altima Trims Levels at a Glance:
S, SR, SV, SL and Platinum
Front-wheel-drive is standard. Models with the 2.5-liter engine and are available with all-wheel drive. Altima SR and Platinum grades are available with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
Altima S includes standard Automatic Emergency Braking, Intelligent Driver Alertness, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, Rear View Monitor, NissanConnect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 7-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display, Remote Engine Start, 12-volt DC power outlet, four front/rear USB charge ports (Type-A and Type-C), 8-way power driver’s seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, Rear Door Alert and more.
Altima SR adds 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, unique rear diffuser color, sport suspension (FWD only), sport interior with sport seat, paddle shifters, leather-appointed steering wheel, LED projector headlights, dark chrome grille, Nissan Safety Shield 360, exhaust finishers, black side mirror caps and body colored door handles.
Altima SV includes a moonroof, LED fog lights, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, ProPILOT Assist, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Rear Automatic Braking (RAB), heated outside mirrors with LED turn signals, 2-way power lumbar support, High Beam Assist (HBA), rear console HVAC vents and Dual Zone Auto Climate Control.
Altima SL adds a Bose premium sound system with nine speakers, NissanConnect with Navigation and Services, Traffic Sign Recognition, leather-appointed seats and 4-way power passenger seat.
Altima Platinum includes 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Intelligent Around View Monitor, interior accent lighting, and driver memory seat and mirrors function.
Pricing for the 2020 Nissan Altima starts at $24,300 plus fees.
Big bold and beautiful, the 2020 Lincoln navigator redefines the American luxury SUV. While the argument could always be made that the Navigator was fantastic, nothing compares to the stunning design and overwhelming luxury of the latest iteration of Lincoln’s full-size masterpiece.
The spacious, well appointed interior provides plenty of room for seven or eight passengers. The front seats are almost infinitely adjustable and second two rows are spacious and provide adequate legroom. All things considered, the 2020 Navigator could take the “Family Cross-Country Adventure vehicle” award.
The Navigator is available in four different trim levels: Premiere, Select, Reserve and Black Label. Lincoln offers an extended wheel base in select trims. Rear-wheel drive is standard and four-wheel drive is available.
Lincoln’s Navigator features bold exterior styling. The SUV’s oversized front grille is framed by premium LED lighting. A straight beltline separates the SUV’s windows from the large doors and bright chrome trim shines throughout.
The base Navigator includes 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, running lights and fog lights. All trims feature a capless fuel filler, hands-free power liftgate, dual exhaust and active grille shutters.
The 2020 Lincoln Navigator’s interior sets a new standard for family comfort. The nicely-appointed cabin features leather upholstery and plush carpets. Front seats are highly adjustable, heated and ventilated (optionally). Second row seating includes two heated captain’s chairs and a center console or an optional three passenger bench seat. While not as spacious as the first two rows, third-row bench seats are power reclining and work well for two adults.
Lincoln’s Navigator provides 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats and 57.5 and 103.3 cubic feet behind the second and first rows. Those numbers increase to 34.3/73.3/120.2 cubic feet in the extended wheelbase L models.
A 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine delivers 450 horsepower and 513 pound-feet of torque. That powerful V6 sends power to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, four-wheel drive optional. Lincoln’s towing package means the great looking SUV can pull up to 8,700 pounds.
Fuel economy in the 4×4 models is rated at 16/21 mpg city/highway. Rear-wheel drive models see a modest bump at an EPA-estimated 16/23 mpg city/highway.
Lincoln’s powerful engine and smooth shifting transmission help make the massive SUV feel light on its feet. Sure, the suspension is tuned for comfort, but the Navigator feels ready and handles everyday city driving with ease. Lincoln’s optional surround-view camera and parking sensors help make parking and maneuvering in small areas less stressful.
The 2020 Navigator features a WiFi hot spot, push-button start and remote start. The base infotainment system features a 10-inch touchscreen display, 14-speaker audio, Bluetooth, USB ports, satellite radio and navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Audio are also included.
The 2020 Navigator now brings more signature features and standard technology to luxury clients.
The Navigator includes a long list of active safety equipment include:
With 577 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, the 4-liter BiTurbo V8 Mercedes-AMG GT R is an enthusiast’s dream. AMG’s rear-wheel-drive engineering marvel is an absolute blast to drive and equally impressive to look at. As one observer noted, “that car looks like it is going 100 miles per hour sitting still.”
The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT R is beautiful inside and out with an ergonomic interior that fits well with the luxurious Mercedes brand. From the stunning center console to the purposeful steering wheel, the aviation-inspired interior matches the GT R’s exterior step for step. The leather seats are comfortable and supportive and offer an almost infinite level of adjustability.
Cargo space is impressive considering the nature of the car. The 5.8 cubic-foot trunk is tiny, but the space works well for trips to the grocery store or stowing a single carry-on bag.
AMG has gone to extensive lengths to reduce the vehicle’s weight and assure a performance-enhancing rear-biased weight distribution. To aid in this quest. the seven-speed dual-clutch rear-mounted transmission is linked to the engine by means of a carbon-fiber driveshaft. The vehicle’s exotic styling is complemented by the use of exotic build materials.
Acceleration is dramatic. Zero to sixty clicks by in 3.5 seconds. The dual-clutch automatic transmission makes lightning-fast shifts through the transmission’s seven gears. The entire vehicle is designed for performance. Notable engineering standouts include a dry-sump lubrication system that replaces the traditional oil pan with a remote oil reservoir and the turbocharger configuration that shortens the intake’s air path for more immediate throttle response.
Fuel economy is rated at 15/2o city/highway mpg.
Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, says it well, “Our sports-car and performance brand AMG has its roots in motorsport and, ever since its formation, has repeatedly faced up to the competition on the racetrack. These genes are particularly prevalent in the new AMG GT R. Boasting a wealth of technological innovations, the new top-of-the-range model is proof of the close collaboration between our constructors of racing cars and road-going vehicles.”
The 2020 Mercedes AMG GT R Roadster will be limited to 750 vehicles. Pricing starts at $185, 750.
Recently we spent a week with the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, America’s first and only hybrid minivan. We were impressed with the efficient and powerful powerplant and the vehicle’s family-friendly packaging. Chrysler recently sent us the 2020 model, which features an update grille, some new appearance packages and a few minor updates inside.
2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Courtesy of FCA.
The last review talked about the historical significance of Chrysler’s minivan. Creators of the industry first vehicle that combined the ease of driving a car with the family-friendly convenience of a truck-based van, Chrysler has sold more than 14.6 million minivans since 1983, a number that equates to twice as many as any other manufacturer.
2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Courtesy of FCA.
The Pacifica Hybrid fills the “minivan hybrid” spot for Americans. Between that exclusivity and the fact that it is a great minivan, it is the fourth best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) from the 30 PHEVs available in the market, and the #1 seller among the 20 vehicles that offer PHEV as an option.
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan equipped with Waymo’s fully self-driving technology. Courtesy of FCA.
Powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine and Chrysler’s an dual-motor eFlite electrically variable transmission the 2020 Pacifica Hybrid achieves more than 80 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in electric-only mode. The minivan has an all-electric range of more than 30 miles. Allow the batteries to fully charge and with a full tank of gas the hybrid is capable of traveling more than 500 miles before you need more fuel.
2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid cutaway. Courtesy of FCA.
With more than 100 available safety and security features, the Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system, exclusive Stow ‘n Go seating and storage, available 4G Wi-Fi and an array of comfort and convenience technologies, the Chrysler Pacifica is a no-compromise minivan ideally suited for today’s families.
2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Courtesy of FCA.
New for 2020:
New Red S Appearance Package on Pacifica Limited features:
Rodèo Red Nappa leather seats with Light Diesel Grey stitching and piping, Silver Metal Brush hydro bezels on instrument panel and door trim
Red S liftgate badge and Black Noise Chrysler wing badges with Velvet Red insert and Gloss Black exterior finishes
18-inch wheels with a Black Noise finish, Advanced SafetyTec, 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio and KeySense
Uconnect Theater and tri-pane panoramic sunroof
Red S Appearance available in six exterior paint colors – Ceramic Grey Clear Coat (new), Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Granite Crystal Metallic Coat, Billet Metallic Clear Coat, Bright White Clear Coat and Maximum Steel Clear Coat
Honeycomb grille pattern now comes standard on Pacifica Hybrid models
New interior design elements include available Ceramic Grey Clear paint color and new Nova Black bezels on instrument panel and door trim
Pacifica Hybrid Touring model adds a standard universal garage door opener, second-row sunshades and an available Stow ‘n Place roof rack
Pacifica Hybrid Limited now features second-row, one-touch windows
The 2020 Chrylser Pacifica Hybrid starts at $39,995.
The attractively-styled 2020 Nissan Armada features a powerful V8 engine and a luxurious interior with seating for eight. Introduced for the 2017 model year, the second-generation Armada provides a premium experience for a price well below comparable premium full-size SUVs.
Nissan’s Armada uses body-on-frame construction that provides off-road capabilities and the towing capacity of a pickup truck, up to 8,500 lbs. The construction also gives the Armada a strong presence on the road. Nissan’s 5.6-liter V8 engine produces 390 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque. The giant V8 is quite welcome in a world that seems to be taken over by small displacement turbos All Armada models use a 7-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard and four-wheel-drive is available. Fuel economy is rated up to 14/19 mpg city/highway.
We found that the Armada’s precise steering and well-tuned suspension worked well for daily driving activities and that an extended highway trip confirmed the quiet luxurious nature of the SUV. It is easy to forget that the Armada is not a premium-branded vehicle. The powerful powertrain and refined suspension yield a driving experience that is similar to more expensive vehicles from competing manufacturers.
Armada’s family-friendly interior is spacious, quiet and comfortable. The standard heated front seats are comfortably padded, but could use more by way of support. The ten-way power adjustable driver’s seat and the tilt/telescopic steering wheel make it easy to find a comfortable driving position. Nissan’s use of soft-touch surfaces, attractive design and trim add to the Armada’s premium feel.
The Armada’s second row provides comfortable seating for three adults. The 60/40 folding third row is designed for three, but is better suited for two adults. The Armada provides 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and increases to 49.9 and 95.4 behind the second and third rows respectively.
The Armada’s standard audio system includes an 8-inch touchscreen, 13 speakers, four USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity. The system also includes standard navigation, HD and satellite radio. Nissan’s decision use a premium-branded system and include navigation helps bolster our argument that the Armada is actually a premium/luxury vehicle for a non-premium price.
Which Armada Trim Works for you?
The 2020 Nissan Armada is available in SV, SL, Platinum and Platinum Reserve models with 2WD or 4WD.
Armada SV features 18-inch alloy wheels, a tow-hitch receiver, chrome door handles and contrast painted roof rails, running boards and overfenders.
Armada SL adds Nissan Intelligent Key, Remote Engine Start System, power 60/40 3rd row seat, Intelligent Around View Monitor, power liftgate and 20-inch wheels and tires.
Armada Platinum includes power-sliding moonroof, front climate-controlled seats, a family entertainment system, “Nissan Safety Shield” technologies and the Intelligent Rear View Mirror.
Platinum Reserve adds dark chrome exterior trim, dark grey skid plate and tow hatch cover and two-tone leather-appointed seats, interior trim with unique stitching and 22-inch wheels and tires.
Four option packages are also offered.
The Driver’s Package (SV only) includes fog lights, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, power 60/40 3rd row seat, power liftgate and trailer towing harness and pre-wire and connector for brake controller.
The Captain’s Chairs Seat Package (SL and Platinum) replaces the 2nd row bench seat with 2nd row Captain’s Chairs and 2nd row center console with padded armrest.
The Premium Package (SL) includes Intelligent Distance Control (I-DC), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Intelligent Back-up Intervention (I-BI) and power sliding moonroof with front tilt and rear slide. And finally, the new 22″ Wheel Package features 22-inch wheels and tires.
Pricing for the 2020 Nissan Armada starts at $47,500 plus fees.
Hosting a monthly Cars & Coffee event can be a lot of work. From the pre-planning and advertising to the day of the actual event, there are lot of moving parts. With an event the size of Jacksonville’s Cars & Coffee, with 800-1000 vehicles in attendance, setting up requires a lot of equipment.
In February of 2020 our team used the Mercedes-Benz Metris cargo van to haul 100 cones, a couple pop-up tents, boxes of merchandise, banners and signs and more to the Avenues Mall for the early morning cruise-in. The Metris swallowed it all and had plenty of room for more.
Not too big and definitely not too small, the Mercedes-Benz Metris Mid-Size Commercial Van provides incredible cargo capacity for very little money. Matter of fact, the Metris is the least expensive U.S. Mercedes-Benz with a starting price of $28,950.
Our Metris is powered by a fuel efficient 4-cylinder gasoline engine that makes 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and sends power to the rear wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission. Even though the Metris looks much bigger on the outside, we found the driving dynamics similar to a Mercedes-built minivan, if that existed. Braking was excellent, steering on point and much to our surprise, the suspension felt quite sporty.
View event photos from the February 2020 Jacksonville Cars & Coffee here:
Compact crossover SUVs are everywhere. From entry-level to high-end luxury there is a compact crossover being built for just about everyone. The compact SUV combines sedan-like handling and performance with utility vehicle practicality. Fuel economy is often on par with smaller hatchbacks or less versatile station wagons.
2020 Cadillac XT4
The 2020 Cadillac CT4 is on the luxury side of today’s compact crossover landscape. Designed to appeal to younger consumers, both in age or spirit, the CT4 features innovative design inside and out. Cadillac’s “user experience” infotainment intuitively grows and adapts with the user. It wouldn’t be a stretch to call it “smart infotainment” as it leverages cloud-based connectivity to continually update systems with the latest technology. The standard 8-inch touchscreen system includes 4 USB ports, BOSE seven-speaker audio, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Upgraded audio and a wireless charging station are available as options on select models.
2020 Cadillac XT4
One engine sits under the hood of every trim, regardless of the modifier in the name. All Sport, Luxury and Premium Luxury models are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline4 that produces 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A smooth, quick-shifting nine-speed automatic is standard. Front wheel drive models are rated at 24/30 city/highway mpg and all-wheel-drive, which is available as an option, yield 22/29 city/highway mpg.
2020 Cadillac XT4
What defines the trim levels is appointments and design elements. XT4 Sport models feature a gloss black mesh V-Series inspired grille, gloss black window moldings and unique alloy wheel choices. Luxury and Premium Luxury models feature extensive brightwork, including grilles with metallic accents, satin aluminum window moldings and satin chrome-accented door handles.
2020 Cadillac XT4
Our review vehicle was the front-wheel-drive XT4 Sport model with front-wheel-drive. The review period fell during a busy time of the year and the XT4 worked hard to transport materials, chauffeur friends and run numerous errands. The fuel efficiency was appreciated as we racked up more than 500 miles on the odometer. While the engine and transmission combination fall short of the “sport” nomenclature, they do work exceptionally well as a spirited daily driver. The XT4’s steering is precise. The suspension is comfortable and braking confident.
2020 Cadillac XT4
New for 2020, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking and forward collision alert and safety alert seat are now standard on all models. Additional standard active safety features include rear park assist and an HD rear vision camera. Optional safety feature highlights include Lange change alert with blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, following distance indicator, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, rear pedestrian alert and more.
The 2020 Cadillac CT4 has a starting price of $36,690 including destination.
