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After originally debuting on the 2016 XC90, Volvo’s Sensus interface found its way into every new vehicle from the Swedish automaker. Instead of a combination of dials, buttons, and a touchscreen, Volvo consolidated nearly every function into one display. This makes the system distinctive but also, sometimes, harder to use.

Now that I’ve spent some time with our long-term XC60, I’m used to the portrait-style display and find it intuitive. Compared to earlier iterations, this version reacts quickly to inputs, allowing you to scan through menus quickly. The trick to learning Sensus is to use it exactly like you would a tablet. Swipe, pinch to zoom, and touch are the only inputs you need to learn, minimizing complication. On the home menu, shortcuts to navigation and media allow for easy access of the most used functions. Using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, however, requires one more step because you need to swipe right and press the icon to activate it.

On the road, however, you should use Android Auto or CarPlay because it’s difficult to use the touchscreen, especially on rough pavement. Executive editor Mark Rechtin recently drove the XC60 to Monterey and back, and found that even changing the radio station is hard because you have to interact with the touchscreen. “If the road is at all bumpy, the suspension is responsive enough that you feel the control over the road, but its side effect is that your fingertip audio command will never be the right one because the icons are so small and the reach is so far,” Rechtin said. Because almost everything is on the touchscreen, you’re forced to take your eyes off the road for an extended period. As a result, it can be difficult to make quick inputs due to the lack of physical buttons.

On the user-friendliness scale, Sensus falls behind FCA’s UConnect and Subaru’s Starlink, two of the easiest systems on the market. Even so, versus Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND and BMW’s iDrive interfaces, Sensus takes less time to learn and most functions are only a swipe away instead of buried in a sea of submenus.

• Arrival

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After we saw the redesigned Navigator, we had high hopes for Lincoln’s smaller three-row, the Aviator. Lincoln met those expectations, and the Aviator was one of our favorite models to debut at the L.A. auto show this year. Technically replacing the MKT in Lincoln’s lineup, the Aviator will face the same competitors as its predecessor when it arrives next summer. But seeing how it’s now built on a rear-drive-based platform, has a more premium Navigator-like interior, gets a long list of available tech features, and offers up to 450 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque in plug-in hybrid trim, it’s clear Lincoln is moving its midsize entry up market. With that said, we’ve chosen to compare it to two stylish and tech-heavy models sitting at the higher end of the class: The Audi Q7 and the Volvo XC90. How do the three luxury three-rows compare when it comes to styling?

Although we live in an era of “the bigger the grille, the better,” Aviator stays away from this trend. The grille still manages to stand out with high-gloss black and chrome accents that give off a 3D effect. The Aviator has big headlights instead of the slim headlights many automakers have chosen to put on their newest vehicles. Meanwhile, Audi gave the Q7 a large grille that connects directly to the rectangular-shaped headlights. The front end takes on a curvier shape than its other two rivals. The Volvo XC90, meanwhile, adopts a waterfall grille design and unmistakable Thor’s Hammer headlights. The Volvo badge sits prominently in the middle of the glitzy grille.

From the side, the Aviator looks long thanks to the windows that wrap around to the back of the vehicle. Bold character lines, a raked windshield, and distinctive roof spoiler also contribute to the Aviator’s windswept look. The side profile of the Audi looks a bit more conventional, but the strong wheel arches give it prominent hips. Other than this, the Q7 doesn’t have particularly strong character lines running through the doors. The XC90 takes on an upright stance with a straight, not sloped, roof. Overall, it has simple lines much like the Audi.

In the rear of the Aviator, a light bar connects the two taillights. The bumper is simple, but dual exhausts seen on the Aviators pictured below add visual interest. The Q7 has a more traditional look with a defined rear windshield and standalone taillights. The XC90 is distinguishable by its vertical-oriented taillights, which contribute to the model’s overall upright appearance.

The Aviator takes design risks inside the cabin. Lincoln offers a tan and ebony design theme with engine-turned aluminum appliques that resemble the finish of early aviation instrument panels. There is also a design theme with Mahogany Red Venetian leather and wood appliques. No matter which theme you choose, the model offers a large central touchscreen. A cut-out in the center console section allows for the storage of small items. Buttons for Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive are tucked underneath the central air vents. The Q7 has a simpler design and a more traditional gear shifter. The retractable screen sits straight atop the dashboard, controlled by a touchpad on the center console. The XC90 has the simplest interior design of them all. For better or worse, the XC90 features a  touchscreen that resembles a tablet, eliminating the need for most buttons. Top-spec models offers a crystal gearshift knob. The Lincoln, Audi, and Volvo SUVs all offer a 12.3-inch instrument cluster.

How does the 2020 Lincoln Aviator stand up to the competition? Let us know in the comments on Facebook.

The post Refreshing or Revolting: 2020 Lincoln Aviator vs. Rivals appeared first on MotorTrend.

There are few vehicles that possess the beauty, presence, and significance of Lamborghini’s Miura—the car that arguably started the supercar era. Even rarer still is the Miura SV, the final production iteration of the breed, of which just 150 were produced. Nevertheless, registered bidders at the December 8 RM Sotheby’s Petersen Automotive Museum auction will have the chance to take home a 1971 Miura SV of their very own.

The car in question is chassis number 4912, which just so happens to be owned by comedian and radio and television host Adam Carolla, a well known Lamborghini enthusiast. Said to be the only Miura SV finished in Bleu Medio over a Pelle Bleu interior, it’s also one of 11 single-sump SVs to have been fitted with air conditioning—an option you’ll want with a blistering 385-hp, 4.0-liter V-12 engine sitting right behind the cabin.

SV versions of the Miura had several mechanical changes from earlier cars, including revisions to the camshaft profiles, carburetor jetting, and suspension geometry. Wider wheels and tires, deleted headlight “eyelashes,” and of course an ‘SV’ badge on the rear of the car all distinguish the SV cosmetically.

Marcello Gandini was the legendary designer behind the Miura while at Bertone, and Gian Paolo Dallara was responsible for chassis development. The potent P400 engine was designed by ex-Ferrari engineer and 250 GTO development chief Giotto Bizzarrini.

Delivered new to the U.S., this Miura SV remained in the country until the early 1990s, when it was delivered to an enthusiast owner in Japan. After some 20 years in storage, it was again brought back to the U.S. and treated to a cosmetic and mechanical freshening, including new paint in the original hue and a top-end rebuild. Since then it has been displayed at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Élégance and the famous Rodeo Drive concours, a Southern California Father’s Day tradition.

At what price does such an icon come? RM Sotheby’s pre-sale estimate is pegged at $2.1–$2.5 million dollars. That’s not exactly chump change for most of us, but considering the Miura’s upward trajectory with regard to value, the price may actually seem cheap—relatively speaking—in the future.

To find out the hammer price, be sure to check back here for results. And if you’re local to Southern California, consider having a look—or a bid—yourself Saturday, December 8.

The post Adam Carolla’s 1971 Lamborghini Miura SV Heading to Auction appeared first on MotorTrend.

Volkswagen has begun a massive push to create new electric vehicles, and these efforts come at a price. The brand says it will streamline its product portfolio and reduce vehicle variants as it invests in new EVs and other technologies.

Volkswagen Group wants to introduce 15 million vehicles based on the new MEB platform for electric vehicles in its first wave. That’s up from previous plans to make just 10 million vehicles. Through 2023, the VW brand will invest more than 11 billion euros in EVs, autonomous driving, and other new technologies, with 9 billion of these euros earmarked for the I.D. family.

The first I.D. model will enter production in Germany in late 2019. After the small hatch arrives, VW will expand the I.D. lineup with a crossover, sedan, and van. By 2025, the brand plans to sell 1 million electric cars annually around the globe. At this time, the VW brand will have 20 electric models in its lineup instead of the current two. Meanwhile, it will make a decision “soon” on a production location for building EVs in North America.

To support these investments, VW aims to save 3 billion euros by 2020, of which $2.2 billion will be achieved by the end of this year. VW will make additional cuts of 3 billion euros by 2023, reports Reuters. This will help the brand boost its profit margins by at least 6 percent by 2022, three years earlier than previously anticipated.

How will it achieve these savings? Again, VW said it will streamline its portfolio and reduce variants, but didn’t name any specific vehicles that are on the chopping block. It also wants to slash administrative expenses and increase the productivity of its plants by approximately 30 percent by 2025. Earlier this week, Volkswagen Group CEO Herbert Diess said the German automaker might use Ford plants to build cars in the U.S. This could be part of the new collaboration between the two companies that will create synergies, including joint work on commercial vehicles. More news on the partnership between Ford and VW is expected in January.

Source: Volkswagen, Reuters

The post Volkswagen Plans to Build up to 15 Million EVs on MEB Platform appeared first on MotorTrend.

Back in early October we brought you the very first render of the C8’s interior from a designer named FVS over at the MidEngineCorvetteForum.com. In that first render, FVS worked to recreate a render from the rough sketch by ZERV02 who claimed on the Corvette Forum to have seen the interior.

Continue reading [PICS] FVS Has Another Go at Rendering the Interior of the C8 Mid-Engine Corvette at Corvette: Sales, News & Lifestyle.

To say we’re excited to finally drive the upcoming 2020 Ford Bronco would be a serious understatement. After all, who wouldn’t love a boxy, Raptor-influenced, alternative to the Jeep Wrangler? At the same time, though, we understand that no matter how cool the new Bronco ends up being, there are always going to be fans out there who wish Ford would just sell the original Bronco again. If you’re one of those people, the good news is there actually is a way to get your hands on a brand new Bronco I.

Gateway Bronco, an Illinois-based company known for restoring first-generation Broncos, recently announced that it’s reached an agreement with Ford to officially sell brand new 1966-’77 Broncos. These won’t be restomods, either. Thanks to the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act of 2015, Gateway is able to legally build its continuation Broncos from the ground up.

“We’re honored to be recognized by Ford Motor Company and consider this license agreement a tremendous privilege,” said Seth Burgett, CEO of Gateway Bronco, in a release. “We will work diligently to serve and protect the Ford brand. Our proprietary, exclusive solutions to re-condition and manufacture the first-generation Ford Bronco has led to incredible growth of our company. Deepening our relationship with Ford will help us better serve our customers who want the ultimate classic for Bronco with modern performance.”

Customers will have their choice of three different models, each priced between $120,000 and $180,000. And while Gateway’s Broncos all retain the original styling, they benefit from the use of modern chassis components, suspensions, and engines. Spring for the top-of-the-line Modern Day Warrior edition, and you’ll get a 5.0-liter Coyote V-8, a six-speed automatic from the last-gen Raptor, a premium leather interior, four-wheel disc brakes, reduced NVH, and a five-year warranty.

Yes, that’s a ton of money for a new version of an old SUV you can probably find in the classifieds for a fraction of the price. But remember, these Broncos are engineered and built from the ground up at a rate of two to four vehicles a month. That kind of low-volume production doesn’t come cheap. The upside is you’ll always have the coolest car in the parking lot, guaranteed.

Source: Gateway Bronco

The post This Company Can Now Sell You a Brand New Old Ford Bronco appeared first on MotorTrend.

In 1994 the C4 generation was growing long in the tooth. Now in its 11th model year, the Corvette team needed new ways to keep the car interesting until the C5 would arrive in a few years. With that in mind, Admiral Blue and Copper Metallic joined the Corvette color palette. Admiral Blue would go on to become one of the all-time favorite Corvette blues, but Copper Metallic wasn’t so fortunate.

Continue reading Corvettes on eBay: 1994 Copper Metallic Convertible at Corvette: Sales, News & Lifestyle.

Happy Friday Corvette friends!

Today we need your opinion for our next Friday Poll. For today’s survey we’re asking about barn find Corvettes again. This time is slightly different, though. This time we’re talking about this barn find 489-mile 1972 Corvette coupe that was shown at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals last month in Chicago.

Continue reading [POLL] What Would You do with this Barn Find 489-Mile 1972 Corvette? at Corvette: Sales, News & Lifestyle.

Nissan revealed the production version of the GT-R50 by Italdesign, and sure enough, it stays true to the concept. Orders have begun, but only 50 copies will be sold.

The concept had a gray and gold exterior, but customers can specify whichever color combination they’d like on their own model. As we learned while driving the prototype, all 50 copies will feature a different design so that no two are alike. Buyers can choose different colors and packages to customize the interior.

The supercar celebrates the 50th anniversary of the GT-R in 2019 and Italdesign in 2018. It started life as a 600-hp GT-R Nismo, but Nissan tweaked the engine to produce a lot more power. Under the sheet metal, a 3.8-liter V-6 makes a whopping 710 hp and 575 lb-ft of torque. The engine pairs with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Along with a more potent engine, the GT-R50 has an adjustable rear wing, a revised Bilstein suspension damping system, improved Brembo brakes, and a roofline that has been lowered more than 2 inches.

If you’re interested in one of the 50 copies, you’ll have to contact Italdesign. Prices start at 990,000 euros before taxes and options, or roughly $1.1 million at today’s exchange rates. Deliveries will run from 2019 into 2020.

Source: Nissan

The post Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign Shown in Production Form appeared first on MotorTrend.

We may love the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk‘s imposing styling and face-melting acceleration, but it’s also impossible to miss how dated the rest of the 707-hp SUV feels. And considering the current generation Grand Cherokee has been on sale for eight years, it’s safe to say the big Jeep could use a redesign. In two years, it sounds like that’s exactly what we’ll get.

The Detroit News reports that Jeep plans to introduce a new Grand Cherokee for the 2021 model year, meaning the current version will be a decade old by the time it goes out of production. To make it more appealing to families, the 2021 Grand Cherokee will reportedly offer third-row seating, as well. And in a move that Detroit residents are sure to appreciate, Jeep is said to revive an idle plant to build its next-gen SUV.

Mack Avenue Engine II, which has been idle since 2012, will reportedly be retooled to produce the new Grand Cherokee. According to The Detroit News, reviving the Mack Avenue plant will create about 400 jobs. It would also be the first new assembly line to open up in Detroit in 27 years. For workers affected by GM’s recently announced plant closures, the news of a new plant opening soon will likely come as a relief as they continue looking for jobs. Once the Mack Avenue facility comes online, FCA will reportedly begin retooling the Jefferson North Assembly Plant across the street to build two-row and three-row Grand Cherokees.

According to LMC Automotive, Fiat Chrysler’s plants are currently at 92-percent capacity, while GM and Ford are operating at 72 percent and 81 percent respectively. “FCA is essentially out of capacity,” Jeff Schuster, an analyst with LMC Automotive, told The Detroit News. “They’re kind of running up against being against full capacity. This is a very different situation than what GM is dealing with.”

As far as we’re concerned, that’s a pretty good problem for an automaker to have. Let’s just hope that FCA plans for one of these retooled plants to build a 2021 Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.

Source: The Detroit News

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