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Motor Trend international bureau chief Angus MacKenzie recently road-tripped Jaguar’s spanking-new I-Pace long-range electric crossover 734 miles from London to Berlin to watch both the Formula E and supporting I-Pace eTrophy races. That trip afforded ample seat time with which to glean copious driving impressions, but he didn’t get a chance to do any flat-out lapping of the Berlin race course. So a few weeks later, Jaguar invited us to southern Portugal for a chance to really stretch this new e-cat’s legs on the Autodromo do Algarve outside Portimão.

Our Algarve Circuit experience starts with some recon laps in Jaguar F-Types powered by the new 2.0-liter 296-hp 295-lb-ft turbo four. This 3,600-pound sports car storms the hilly 2.9-mile 15-turn circuit as admirably as expected, but my ride-along driving instructor draws attention to my frequent need to paddle-shift the automatic to keep the combustion engine humming in its window of optimum performance. I also find myself timing my throttle application to account for the split second or so of delay that occurs while fuel is dispensed, turbos spool, the intake manifold pressurizes, and the full turbo thrust reaches the rear wheels.

All of that is dispensed with as I switch into the all-wheel-drive 394-hp 512-lb-ft single-speed electric I-Pace. Yes, it weighs a staggering 1,200 pounds more than the F-Type, but its weight-to-power ratio is virtually identical at just over 12 pounds per horsepower. (Each pound-foot of the I-Pace’s torque carries about 3 fewer pounds, however.) More important, there’s absolutely no delay between the minutest ankle twitch and readily detectable acceleration. The broad torque band negates the need for gears, which leaves your hands free to concentrate on steering. Of course, paddle-pulling might distract from the fact that precious little road feel survives the arduous journey from the broad, heavily loaded tire contact patches up past the electric-assist trolls on the steering rack to the wheel rim.

Putting aside for the moment its dearth of steering feel and surfeit of mass, the I-Pace has most of the driving dynamics fundamentals nailed—50:50 weight distribution, infinitely variable torque distribution fore and aft courtesy of Intelligent Driveline Dynamics, a center of gravity just about 21 inches off the deck (some 5 inches lower than an F-Pace’s), adaptively damped air suspension for improved roll control, and four fat 255/40R22 Pirelli P Zeros for grip.

Working together, these attributes conspire to virtually shrink and significantly lighten the I-Pace. It feels nimble and planted and it jets out of corners with uncanny ease. Although its Dynamic drive mode permits some controlled four-wheel drifting, I notice two occasions when overeager throttle application at corner exits generates enough wheel spin to awaken the nannies. Both times this provoked a “one-Mississippi” torque interruption that struck me as overreaction (the pause was long enough for me to wonder, “Did the battery just overheat and go into limp mode?”). Hopefully, the programmers can be persuaded to soften that intervention. Upgrading the super-trick axle-concentric motor/transaxle units with mechanical or electric limited-slip devices would surely be another way of curbing this problem (side-to-side torque distribution is handled by braking a spinning inside wheel, but we disapprove of using the brakes to go faster).

Although the high-regen setting allows most road driving to be done without touching the brake pedal, attacking Algarve gives the friction brakes a good workout. These 13.8-inch front and 12.8-inch rear vented steel discs never exhibit a hint of fade on the track, and the pedal demonstrates none of the slightly wonky transition from regen to friction braking one occasionally feels on public roads. The sliding calipers (two-piston front and single-piston rear) are clearly not designed for track work, but the pedal demonstrates perfectly acceptable bite and travel throughout our lapping sessions. Fixed calipers from AP Racing upgrade the eTrophy racers.

Will anybody track their I-Pace? Of course not. But any true Jaguar should be capable of doing so, and this one certainly is. It’s also comforting to know that this battery pack and inverter and these very motors plus the cooling system that keeps everything happy are being used in the eTrophy race cars, so we know they can handle the heat—unlike early Teslas, which entered a battery-protection limp-mode when we attempted to establish Laguna Seca lap times. So load up your I-Pace and tackle that Davis Dam grade in the dead of summer with confidence. You’ll be fine.

Just above the Algarve Circuit is a nice ridge of hills complete with a fordable stream, so our route to the circuit detours through, up, and over several carefully chosen obstacles tailored to suit our test cars, which are shod in 22-inch Continental PremiumContact 6 tires. We sample Jaguar’s All Surface Progress Control system—cruise control for off-roading—which maintains an impressively steady pace (controllable via the cruise-control set switch on the steering wheel) as we scale an impressively steep trail of loose gravel. The same system holds an equally steady speed on the downhill stretch, as well. We definitely appreciate the selectable camera system, which offers the choice of a stitched-together 360-degree helicopter view of our bow wake through the stream, while front, side, or rear camera views prove highly useful for spotting a wheel on a rock or monitoring the ground immediately in front of the vehicle at the crest of the hill when the hood blocks your view. Here again, you probably won’t, but you’ll rest easier (or feel more comfortable signing the purchase papers) knowing you can.

The post 2019 Jaguar I-Pace Track Drive: Trophy Run appeared first on Motor Trend.

It’s summer—that means it’s time to bring the drop-top out of your garage. But what if you don’t have one? We’ve compiled a list of choices ranging from affordable to insanely expensive, and from cruiser to bruiser. There’s a convertible for everyone to soak up the sun and feel good conquering your favorite roads or simply cruising around the city.

The quintessential driver’s car gives you plenty of smiles behind the wheel, and it punches way higher than the 2018 model’s 155-hp output might lead you to believe. Available with a traditional soft top, or with a slick-looking targa-like hard top as the RF variant, the current-generation MX-5 Miata blends engaging driving dynamics, a slick-shifting manual transmission, and seductive styling.

Want a little Italian flavor with your roadster experience? The Fiat 124 Spider gives you that and a turbocharged engine for an extra dose of torque. Like the car on which it’s based, the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the 124 Spider is agile and easy to maneuver so you can easily devour mountain roads. Opt for the Abarth variant for a better soundtrack and buttoned-down chassis with less body roll, for just under $30,000.

The Porsche 718 Boxster sacrifices the aural drama of its predecessors for improved performance with a range of turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The mid-engine roadster bundles together superb driving dynamics, potent power, and daily usability, making it one of the best sports cars around if you can afford the $60,050 base price.

The A3 Cabriolet is Audi’s smallest convertible and starts at $39,325. Opt for the 220-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four if you’d like that extra kick and all-wheel drive, over the base model’s 186 hp and front-wheel drive. Sadly, you can’t get the higher-performance S3 and RS 3 in convertible guise in the U.S. Read our First Test of the incredibly quick RS 3 sedan here.

Need aural drama to go with your quick drop-top? The Jaguar F-Type will happily oblige while giving you plenty of points for style and flair. The ultimate British road burner is the driftable 575-hp F-Type SVR, or you can opt for the 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 if you’d like to shift yourself.

Essentially a German muscle car, the Mercedes-AMG GT also comes in roadster form with a folding soft top. Powered by a hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 in three power outputs, the AMG GT gives you pops and crackles for epic sensory overload. Opt for the 550-hp AMG GT C or the 577-hp GT R for maximum performance on and off the track.

Despite its retro-inspired looks, the Chevrolet Camaro is no longer just a burnout specialist. It’s a thoroughbred sports car that’s become a world-beater, and was our 2016 Car of the Year. Although you can’t get the 1LE as a convertible, you can get the SS and ZL1 as a drop-top, so you can hear that beautiful V-8 engine roar as you attack your favorite winding roads or simply cruise.

From the EcoBoost four-cylinder engine to the V-8-powered GT, the Ford Mustang was recently refreshed with more aggressive looks and extra power. If you’re a fan of high-revving engines, the Mustang GT should be right up your alley.

Like the coupe and four-door hatchback variants, the A5 convertible has tasteful and timeless styling. Opt for the 354-hp Audi S5 if you’d like more power and sportier handling to go with the wind in your hair and head-turning looks.

Prefer a retractable hardtop in your convertible for an extra layer of sound insulation? The BMW 4 Series gives you the wind in your hair, sporty performance, and a folding metal roof to keep you isolated from the elements when the weather turns. Go for the high-performance M4 with its available Competition package if you want more power and track-ready handling.

Mercedes-Benz’s legendary SL roadster is perfect for cruising in all weather conditions but is best experienced with the retractable hardtop down. Available in six-, eight-, and even 12-cylinder guises, the SL is luxurious and powerful, perfect for high-speed cruising. Opt for the AMG SL 63 for a glorious V-8 exhaust note for maximum top-down listening pleasure.

The legendary Porsche 911 gives you two choices for top-down driving: the traditional 911 Cabriolet and the slick 911 Targa with its folding-roof panel. Like the coupe, the 911 Cabriolet is available on all variants except for the GT2 and GT3; the 911 Targa is offered in base, S, and GTS with all-wheel drive standard.

If you want to flaunt your wealth, try the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet with its opulent interior and cutting-edge technology. And if the S 560’s 463 hp isn’t powerful enough, there’s always the AMG S 63’s 603 hp and the 12-cylinder AMG S 65’s 621 hp.

One of the best convertibles the 1 percent can use to soak up the sun in opulence is the Rolls-Royce Dawn. Unlike more pedestrian cars, the Dawn can be personalized inside and out so it’s uniquely yours.

Among convertibles, few are as striking as the Aston Martin DB11 Volante. Available with a 503-hp twin-turbo V-8 paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the DB11 Volante combines speed, agility, style, and sophistication in a package that’s sure to turn heads.

Currently one of the most visceral vehicles available, the Ferrari 488 Spider proves that moving to a turbocharged engine doesn’t have to come at the cost of aural drama. With 661 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque, the 488 Spider will give you plenty of smiles when the top is down.

More powerful for 2019, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet gives you twin-turbo power standard on the E 450, and 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque on tap for your cruising pleasure. For something more powerful, the AMG E 53 offers up 429 hp and 384 lb-ft from anew 3.0-liter turbo I-6 that features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that adds an extra 21 hp and 184 lb-ft for short periods of time.

Available in two- or four-door models and with your choice of a removable soft or hard top, the Wrangler can crawl through the beaten path with little issue. Read our 2018 Wrangler First Test here.

A high-riding boulevardier, the Range Rover Evoque convertible is currently the only SUV that’s available as a drop-top (besides the more rugged Wrangler). Although its off-road chops may not be on par with other Land Rover vehicles, the Evoque is still capable enough to get you far into the wilderness as you work on your tan. Just make sure to pack lightly because cargo space is compromised compared to the standard Evoque.

The smallest Mercedes-Benz convertible with seating for four resembles a shrunken S-Class, but it’s more agile and efficient. Available with a choice of a turbocharged four-, six-, or eight-cylinder engine, the C-Class Cabriolet offers something for everyone.

The post 20 Convertibles to Soak Up the Sun appeared first on Motor Trend.

Jag never misses an opportunity to point out the price differential that prevents its I-Pace electric crossover from consideration as a Tesla competitor, but the world is comparing them. Here are five key technical differentiators:

Read our 2019 Jaguar I-Pace Track Drive here, and don’t miss our 734-mile electric-Jag road trip here.

Both use AC electric motors, but Jaguar’s in-house-designed motor (built by Detroit-based American Axle & Manufacturing) utilizes permanent magnets. The rare-earth materials in these magnets makes them cost more, but for a given output, they’re smaller. And by not using some of the electricity to generate a magnetic field, they’re a few precious percentage points more efficient, as well.

Most electric motors are offset from the axles that drive the wheels, connected by bevel gears, but Jaguar’s compact motor is cleverly designed such that the motor output shaft connects to a hollow sun gear concentric with the axles. The ring gear is pressed into the housing, and the differential and axles connect to the planet carrier. The gear reduction is typical of performance EVs (9.04:1). This arrangement saves space, and the planetary gearing gains another scant few efficiency points. Hopefully they’ll soon figure out how to integrate a limited slip or torque vectoring device in there, as well.

The Jag and Tesla battery packs could not be more dissimilar, though the completed battery packs do look similar in size and shape. Tesla uses cylindrical Panasonic batteries with nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA) chemistry, whereas Jaguar uses long, flat LG Chem “pouch” batteries with nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) chemistry. (Fun fact: Tesla uses that chemistry for its stationary energy-storage battery products.)

Eight years is the industry-standard battery warranty period, but the fine print varies pretty widely. All Teslas since the original 60-kW-hr batteries built before 2015 are covered for “infinite mileage” during that period (the early 60s have a 125,000-mile limit). This only covers defects, however, not loss of total capacity, which is known to degrade over time. Jaguar’s warranty specifies that if your capacity drops below 70 percent of what it was when new within eight years or 100,000 miles, it will service the battery, replacing underperforming modules to restore the pack to at least 70 percent of its new capacity.

Tesla rates the Model X to tow 3,500 pounds with 22-inch wheels, or 5,000 with 20s. Jaguar does not rate any I-Pace to tow at all, and folks wishing to take matters into their own (and Draw-Tite’s) hands will have difficulty finding a spot to bolt an aftermarket hitch to. Jaguar engineers determined that the number of customers who would actually tow with their I-Pace would be so small that it didn’t warrant the effort to engineer the four different global hitch standards. The company will, however, offer accessory rear mounts that bolt in to the tow hook eyelets, like this bike carrier. Note also the roof-rack solution that bolts to holes on the roof rail that are covered by the door frames. Very slick. (Pricing has not yet been announced for either of these accessories.)

The post Jaguar I-Pace vs. Tesla Model X EV Tech: 5 Key Differences appeared first on Motor Trend.

Program going for ninth Le Mans class victory in 19 attempts LE MANS, France (June 13, 2018) – Corvette Racing went as fast as it ever has in the GTE Pro category around the Circuit de la Sarthe on Wednesday in the first of three qualifying sessions for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Both […]

The post Corvette Racing at Le Mans: Garcia, Milner Lead Charge in First Round of Qualifying appeared first on Corvette: Sales, News & Lifestyle.

Photo Credits: Richard Prince for Corvette Racing The real action at Le Mans has officially started with the free practice and the 1st qualifying sessions held today. Also helping to make it official if the release of the 2018 Corvette Racing team photo taken on the track before the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The […]

The post [PICS] Corvette Racing Continues Le Mans Tradition with the Official Team Photo appeared first on Corvette: Sales, News & Lifestyle.

Has Ferrari made the ultimate V-8 road car? That was certainly the goal. We traveled to the Fiorano Circuit in Italy to drive the 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista, the most powerful V-8 road car ever built by the coveted brand. With its 3.9-liter twin-turbo V-8, the Pista cranks out 710 hp and 567 lb-ft of torque. That’s significantly more than the 661 hp and 561 lb-ft made by the regular 488 GTB. The new model also has the best weight-to-power ratio of any road-ready Ferrari, saving around 200 pounds over the GTB.

Watch the video to learn more about how the Ferrari 488 Pista drives on the track.

The post Watch: Behind the Wheel of the 700-Horsepower Ferrari 488 Pista appeared first on Motor Trend.

Photo Credit: Oliver Gavin / Twitter Corvette Racing is in France for the team’s 19th consecutive run at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The team has 8 wins previously with the last coming in 2015 so to say they are hungry is an understatement. This year’s coverage will be a bit different as the […]

The post Corvette Racing: How to Follow the 24 Hours of Le Mans appeared first on Corvette: Sales, News & Lifestyle.

Spring Mountain Motorsports Resort and Country Club and the Ron Fellows Performance Driving School just kicked off the first Corvette ZR1 Owners classes at the school’s track in Pahrump, NV. We found this video on YouTube from Pierre Tourney who said he just graduated from the school’s first ZR1 Owners class. Pierre is riding shotgun […]

The post [VIDEO] Instructor at Spring Mountain Laps the 2019 Corvette ZR1 appeared first on Corvette: Sales, News & Lifestyle.

McLaren has confirmed it will unveil a new model on June 28, but it’s keeping quiet on the car’s identity. Until then, we’ll have to pour over this teaser image of the mystery car’s top-exit exhausts. We like how McLaren is channeling the Porsche 918 Spyder with this feature.

McLaren isn’t providing many other clues. But the automaker says it will “deliver track-focused dynamics.” Equally cryptic, McLaren declares the car will “benefit from increased power, minimized weight, optimized aerodynamics, and enhanced driver engagement.” Much like the new Senna, which also has an unusual exhaust design, the new model will be available in limited quantities.

In another teaser, McLaren shows off the model’s back end, and it looks a bit like the 570. Could this be a variant of that Sports Series car? We’ll have to wait a few weeks to find out. After the new model makes its online debut on June 28, it will show its face to the public at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The model is the fifth new car to be announced under McLaren’s Track22 business plan. Under this plan, announced in 2016, McLaren will debut 15 new or derivative models by the end of 2022. Half of these will offer hybrid powertrains.

Source: McLaren

The post McLaren Teases New Model with Top-Exit Exhausts appeared first on Motor Trend.

Photo Credit: Glenn Moore/Tracy Press Whipped by gusty winds, a routine fence fire quickly grew into a blaze that damaged two homes in Tracy, California on Monday afternoon – in the process consuming a 2016 Corvette inside one garage. “Any fire we have on a windy day has an added dimension,” Battalion Fire Chief Chris […]

The post California House Fire Claims a A 2016 Corvette Stingray appeared first on Corvette: Sales, News & Lifestyle.