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With one exception, Volvo’s lineup has consistently impressed us since the XC90 became the 2016 SUV of the Year. Despite the brand’s successful run, a 2017 S60 sedan hobbled its way to a last-place finish in an eight-car compact luxury sedan comparison. That ancient compact was “outclassed at nearly every turn,” but it finally steps aside for the 2019 S60 sedan and 2019 V60 wagon. When specced carefully, the new 60-series cars shine, showing off an unmistakable Swedish approach to luxury and style.

Design is as much a part of Volvo’s brand identity these days as safety, and the S60 and V60 have serious presence. Credit for that largely goes to the new platform those cars now ride on, providing more premium proportions and an enormous 4.9-inch increase in length. The stretched-out 2019 S60 is longer than all eight cars in our most recent Big Test comparo and boasts a back seat that feels far more livable than what you’ll find in most competitors.

The Volvo S60 and V60 are at their best when you’re honest about what you want from a luxury car; back road burners should stick with the Alfa Romeo Giulia or Genesis G70. Even in R-Design form with the all-wheel-drive T6’s 316-hp turbo- and supercharged four, the S60 and V60 lack the transmission responsiveness and steering feel those competitors offer. The Volvo can entertain on your favorite driving road, but even with Fusion Red Metallic paint, the S60 R-Design isn’t the sports car of the segment. Given that, the stiff ride you’ll experience to and from that snaking two-lane disappoints. If you’re set on an R-Design or Inscription, consider test-driving models with the standard 18-inch wheels to see if you notice a difference in road feel versus models rolling on 19s.

The same story applies to the S60 T8 Polestar Engineered plug-in hybrid. A bit of a Swedish unicorn, the 20-unit U.S. production of this special variant has already sold out. With 415 total system horsepower, the sporty plug-in hybrid is expected to get an EV range of about 21 miles before the turbo- and supercharged four-cylinder kicks in to help. Beyond a normal S60 T8—the U.S. doesn’t get a V60 T8 model—the Polestar Engineered variant includes upgraded brakes and suspension as well as 20-inch wheels. The result is a surprising 4.5-second 0–60 time, but the plug-in’s powertrain also means a compromised trunk, slightly less rear-seat space, and a much smaller center storage area between driver and front passenger. What really kills the T8’s package, however, is its end-of-travel braking performance, making smooth stops difficult.

If all-wheel drive isn’t a must-have feature, take another look at the front-drive, 250-hp S60 T5 and V60 T5. Although the V60 T5’s 6.9-second 0–60 time can’t keep pace with many others in this class, it doesn’t feel much slower than T6 models, which reach 60 about a second quicker. Sticking with the T5 also bumps fuel economy from 21/31–32 mpg city/highway to 24/36 mpg and avoids the awkwardness of driving a 316-hp car that can be outrun by 252- and 280-hp all-wheel-drive alternatives (Audi A4 and Alfa Romeo Giulia, respectively). Saying no to the T6 also leaves you with an extra $4,500 to save and invest.

Or spend part of that money on blind-spot monitoring, which unfortunately costs extra on the compact luxury entry from the brand known for safety. Although we wish that tech (called BLIS in Volvos) were standard across the line and not just on the R-Design and Inscription models, it’s worth noting that a $36,795 S60 Momentum base model starts thousands below the Lexus IS, Alfa Romeo Giulia, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. And even at that price, the S60 gets a panoramic moonroof, a 9.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, LED headlights with slick daytime running lights that don’t announce your car as a base model, 18-inch wheels, and safety tech that includes Run-off Road Mitigation, a lane keeping assist system, and automatic emergency braking that can detect pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals.

All trims offer Pilot Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with a lane keeping assist system. Although the latter tech only works when it can detect lane markings on the road, the adaptive cruise control works well even in stop-and-go traffic. We’re a little less positive about the infotainment system on that 9.0-inch touchscreen. When complemented by the R-Design’s metal or the Inscription’s wood trim, the screen and the handful of buttons below it give the Volvos a refreshingly modern and clean interior. But the system has a couple drawbacks. Changing the amount of air or engaging air recirculation requires three clicks, including one to remove the HVAC screen. And even though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto greatly simplify in-car audio, phone, and navigation tasks, the systems only take up about half of that vertical-oriented screen—on the bottom.

Ease your frustrations with that subpar use of screen space by activating the Inscription model’s available massaging front seats. The S60’s prime competitors don’t offer that feature at any price, though if it’s a gotta-have feature, add the Lincoln MKZ to your short list. Volvo also continues to impress with its rear-seat headrest-folding functionality. Upon pressing a touchscreen button, the two outboard rear-seat headrests automatically fold down, increasing rear visibility. One-touch convenience extends to the V60 wagon, which has buttons in the cargo area to automatically fold down the rear seats to an almost completely flat position. And if you’d prefer the SUV-like styling of the Audi A4 Allroad and Subaru Outback, Volvo will happily point you to the upcoming V60 Cross Country model. S60 production begins late this year, with the V60 following in the first quarter of 2019.

Whichever S60 or V60 model you’re eyeing, the Volvos look distinctive inside and out. Combine that with the new, longer car’s decent interior space, and suddenly you’ve got a strong contender. Just skip the T8 plug-in hybrid and any trim with 19-inch wheels, as the car excels most when it isn’t trying to out-sport the segment leaders. As a $50,000 luxury four-door, the Volvo demands attention from those willing to look beyond the 3 Series and C-Class. We can’t wait to compare it to the rest of the segment.

Buying and leasing aren’t the only ways to get into a 2019 Volvo S60 sedan. If a three-year lease seems too long and you’d rather walk to work than negotiate with a local dealer, Care by Volvo might be worth a try. The 24-month program includes maintenance, some wear and tear coverage, insurance coverage regardless of your location, and the ability to change Volvos at the 12-month mark.

At $775/month, Volvo offers an S60 T6 AWD Momentum with matte wood trim and two packages, which include blind-spot monitoring, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

Splurge for the $850/month option for an S60 T6 AWD in R-Design form with 19-inch wheels, R-Design visual and dynamic updates, and the same equipment as the Momentum option. Both variants carry MSRPs between $46,000 and $49,000.

Too much? The XC40 crossover’s Care options cost $650 or $750 per month.

The post 2019 Volvo S60 and V60 First Test: Finding the Swede Spot appeared first on Motor Trend.

Since August, buyers have been able to go online and configure their own 2019 Ford Ranger before it heads to dealerships early next year. Now, leaked documents reveal a host of accessories that will be available on the truck, from bed products to body graphics and kayak carriers.

The folks at Ranger5G.com say they received a list of accessories from a dealer source, and it’s quite an extensive list. Some of the goodies include Bushwacker fender flares, exterior trim kit hood lettering, a bull bar, and custom exterior graphics, of which prices have not yet been determined. Buyers can choose black or chrome step bars, priced at $399 to $529, respectively. Black 18-inch wheels are on the list, priced at $999. Also look for bed mats, bed liners, and chrome exhaust tips.

Midsize trucks often serve as recreational vehicles, so Ford is offering a host of racks and carriers for your sports equipment. Kayak carriers range from $199-$219, and a paddleboard carrier will put you out $150. There are also ski and snowboard carriers available for $199.

Ford is offering a decent number of interior accessories, including chrome door sill plates and cargo organizers. An interior lighting kit goes for $249, while a rear seat entertainment system is priced at $995.

Check out the full list of accessories over on Ranger5G.com.

Source: Ranger5G.com

The post 2019 Ford Ranger Will Offer a Ton of Accessories appeared first on Motor Trend.

Porsche rolled out two more Panamera models—the Panamera GTS and GTS Sport Turismo that slot between the Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo variants.

Prices start at $129,350 for the GTS and $135,550 for the GTS Sport Turismo, and the models are expected to arrive at dealerships by the middle of next year.

Both vehicles pack a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine that delivers 453 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. For those of you keeping track at home, the previous GTS featured a 4.8-liter V-8, and the new version offers an increase of 13 horses and an additional 73 lb-ft of torque. The V-8 is mated to an eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission with the Porsche Traction Management all-wheel drive system.

Both the GTS and GTS Sport Turismo Panameras can hit 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 181 mph for the GTS and 179 mph for the Sport Turismo model. Big brakes that measure 15.35 inches up front and 14.37 inches in the rear help slow them down.

The chassis is 0.39 inch lower than other Panamera models, and Porsche Adaptive Suspension Management dampers are included as part of the standard Air Suspension package. Other standard goodies include the Sport Chrono package, a Sport Exhaust system, the Sport Design package with lots of black bits, and a set of black 20-inch wheels.

The interior gets matching black Alcantara and anodized aluminum accents. There’s also a heated sport steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara trim that’ll make your hands sweat just thinking about it.

A GTS Interior package is optional and gets fancy GTS logos, special stitching, and a choice of a tachometer in either Carmine Red or Chalk. There’s also an optional head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and rear axle steering available for a few more bucks. Porsche says both models are available to order now.

Source: Porsche

The post 2019 Porsche Panamera GTS and Sport Turismo Debut with 453 HP appeared first on Motor Trend.

Happy Monday, Corvette fans!

We are halfway through October and I am having a great day as my book on Corvette Special Editions was released today. Although the first official special edition came in 1978 with the Silver Anniversary model, long after the Midyears ended, I was able to work in a section of “historic” Corvettes that include the 1963 Grand Sports, the 1963 Corvette Z06 and the 1967 L88.

Continue reading [GALLERY] Midyear Monday! (49 Corvette photos) at Corvette: Sales, News & Lifestyle.

Photo Credit: Henry K. Lee / Twitter

A police chase in California ended Wednesday with a five-vehicle crash, including a C6 Corvette, briefly shutting down the westbound connector between Highway 24 and I-580 in Oakland.

Oakland police were chasing two suspects being sought in connection with illegal firearm possession when the crash occurred.

Continue reading [ACCIDENT] C6 Corvette is One of Five Cars Damaged in Oakland Police Chase at Corvette: Sales, News & Lifestyle.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk may not have been agile enough to win our Super SUV Shootout, but there’s no denying it’s seriously quick in a straight line. In fact, we even went so far as to call it the ultimate muscle SUV. But what if 707 hp and an 11.7-second quarter-mile time aren’t enough for you? In that situation, you may want to call Hennessey and order its HPE1200 Trackhawk.

As the name suggests, the HPE1200 tune gives the Trackhawk a tire-roasting 1,200 hp. Or more specifically, if you can get your hands on 109-octane fuel, Hennessey claims an HPE1200-tuned Trackhawk makes 1,003 hp and 892 lb-ft of torque at the wheels. Assuming a 20-percent powertrain loss, that works out to roughly 1,200 hp and 1,100 lb-ft of torque at the crank.

To get the engine to make an extra 500 hp, Hennessey says it upgraded the pistons, rods, and camshaft. It also ported the cylinder heads, added long-tube stainless steel headers, and installed a 4.5-liter supercharger. Those changes allowed the team to increase boost to 22 psi. For better drag times, the HPE1200 Trackhawk comes with an M5-like rear-wheel-drive mode that allows drivers to warm up the tires with a burnout. Once the tires are warm, you can re-engage the front wheels for added grip.

Based on the numbers Hennessey included in its press release, the HPE1200 turns the Trackhawk into an absolute monster on the drag strip. It did the eighth-mile in 6.27 seconds at 115.56 mph and laid down a quarter-mile time of 9.66 seconds at 149.49 mph. Hennessey also claims a 0-60 time of 2.3 seconds.

If you want one of the 24 HPE1200 Trackhawks that Hennessey plans to build, though, it’s going to cost you. A lot. While the Trackhawk starts at $87,695 including destination, Hennessey says the base price of its HPE1200 starts at $179,000. Then again, how many other SUVs can run a sub-10-second quarter mile?

Source: Hennessey

The post Hennessey-Tuned Jeep Trackhawk Makes 1,200 HP appeared first on Motor Trend.

Porsche is getting ready to launch its first electric vehicle, the Taycan, in 2019. Not long after, the sports car, formerly known as the Mission E, will receive a Targa version, reports Autocar. A new electric SUV is also in the works.

The same plant in Zuffenhausen, Germany that will build the Taycan will also produce the Targa model. We don’t know much about this variant, but it should launch in 2020 or 2021.

As we previously reported, Porsche is eyeing a family of Taycans. It has been working on a Cross Turismo variant, previewed at this year’s Geneva auto show. Autocar says the Taycan’s J1 platform could be modified for a small two-door sports car, should the automaker want to explore that route. However, these modifications would require a smaller battery, and thus sacrifices in range and performance.

The Taycan will boast two motors for a total system output of more than 600 hp. Hitting 60 mph should take less than 3.5 seconds, Porsche says.

Porsche is preparing a battery electric SUV that will be ready by 2022 at the latest, revealed Porsche’s finance director Lutz Meschke. He referred to the new model as a “big SUV,” but it’s unlikely to be a Cayenne replacement given that this model isn’t due for an overhaul until the middle of the next decade. It makes more sense that this vehicle will serve as a replacement for the Macan, which is due around 2021. But other possibilities include a variant of Audi’s e-tron SUV, a refreshed Cayenne, or a completely new model line.

Around the time the battery SUV rolls out, Porsche’s new all-electric vehicle platform may be ready for market. Called PPE, the architecture builds off knowledge gained from the Taycan’s J1 underpinnings. Porsche is developing the new platform together with Audi, hinting at some shared DNA between the two brand’s future electric vehicles.

By 2025, Porsche estimates that more than 50 percent of the vehicles it sells will be electrified. Porsche has also said it will offer an electrified variant of every model in its lineup by 2030.

Source: Autocar

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