by L Baures | Mar 14, 2018 | Automotive News
2018 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Black Edition.
A couple of months ago we covered the Chrysler Pacifica S Edition. The S Edition on the Pacifica is an all-black package added to the award-winning minivan to give it a more sporty looking appearance. It seems GMC and some other manufacturers are thinking in the same manor.
GMC Yukon Ultimate Black Edition
GMC is bringing out an ‘Ultimate Black Edition’ for 2018. The ‘Ultimate Black Edition’ will be a package available on the Yukon. Not just any GMC Yukon though, the package will only be available on the Denali trim line. The Denali trim is the top of the line Yukon available from GMC. Unlike the Pacifica package which is to depict a more sporty looking vehicle, one might say the ‘Ultimate Black Edition’ on the Yukon serves a different purpose. It’s about luxury and prestige.
What does a black car say about your personality
According to an article by, ‘colorpsychology.org‘, titled, “What Your Car Color Might Say About You”, Black is all about luxury and success. “Black is especially prevalent in luxury model cars. A deep black shiny car exudes a feeling of luxury and the finer things in life, especially if the car is a newer model. Black is sophisticated, powerful and always makes a statement”. The article goes on to mention that the President and Diplomats are transported in Black cars.
What does the Yukon Ultimate Black Edition come with?
As mentioned earlier, the Ultimate Black Edtion will only be available on the top of line Denali trim level. The Luxury large SUV will already be loaded and have features such as; the 6.2L V-8 engine, Magnetic Ride Control suspension, Active Noise Cancellation, Head-Up Display, Wireless Charging, and a plethora of other options.
Ultimate Black Edition Features
- 22″ black painted wheels.
- Polished exhaust tip.
- Chrome mirror caps.
- Premium carpeted floor mats.
- Available exclusively with Onyx Black exterior paint.
- Open Road package (9 month trial of Sirius XM and NavTraffic)
- Power sunroof
- Rear entertainment system
- Power-Retractable Assist Steps
- Enhanced Security Package (door and liftgate lock shields, glass breakage sensors, interior motion detectors, self-powered horn and vertical movement sensors)
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Automatic Braking.
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2018 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Black Edition.
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2018 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Black Edition.
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Photos : GMC Media
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2018 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Black Edition.
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2018 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Black Edition.
Przybyla, Dena. “What Your Car Color Might Say About You.” Color Psychology, 16 Feb. 2016
by L Baures | Mar 13, 2018 | Automotive News
The Shelby GT500 is a legendary car
Shelby GT500, Photo: Ford
If you have ever seen the movie, Gone In Sixty Seconds, you may be familiar with Eleanor. Whether you are a Mustang fan or not, Eleanor probably made you like them just a little. If you are a Mustang fan, it was pure love. Eleanor is the legendary 1971 Shelby GT500. Ford has produced several other Shelby edition Mustangs, such as the Shelby GT350, the Shelby GT, GTS and GTE and more.
Who is Shelby?
Carroll Shelby Photo by Flickr User :Royalbroil
Carroll Hall Shelby was a race car driver who was also a car designer. He raced in Hill Climbs and Formula One and eventually opened a high-performance racing school. He worked with Ford Motor Company since the late 1960’s, assisting in the production of performance cars. One of those was the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. He also worked with other manufacturers such as Dodge and Oldsmobile, however, the nameplate ‘Shelby’ remains with Ford. Carroll Shelby died in 2012 at the age of 89.
The 2020 Shelby GT500
Shelby GT500 rear wing, Photo: Ford
Ford said it will be the, ‘most powerful street-legal production Ford ever’ with a ‘projected’ horsepower of over 700. The fastback coupe will be equipped with a supercharged V-8 and Ford said it will have, “functional track-tuned styling”. Is Ford feeling pressure from the 707hp Dodge Challenger Hellcat and the Demon?
Will it be faster than the Hellcat? It’s probably going to come to down to the weight of the vehicle. The Dodge Challenger Hellcat curb weight is around 4400lbs. Manufacturers can claim higher horsepower numbers but how fast the vehicle actually is, comes down to weight and usable power on the road/track.
The Mustang Shelby GT500 is expected to be here in 2019.
Ford GT500 Video
Ford also recently revived another Mustang movie star. The limited edition ‘Bullitt‘ special will be available this summer. Want to be Steve McQueen for a day in a San Francisco car chase? I don’t recommend it. I once rented a Mustang in San Fran just because of that reason and all I got was 7 lanes of rush hour traffic. Still, though, I bet a Bullitt edition would turn a few car nerds heads if you turned up at a car show with it.
Also available from Ford is the Shelby GT350 which boasts a very respectable 526hp with 429lb-ft of torque. Check with your local Fremont dealer for other fast Mustangs such as ROUSH editions.
2018 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Video
Find out if your Car or Truck is made in America
“Shelby Mustang.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 5 Feb. 2018,
“Carroll Shelby.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 3 Feb. 2018,
by L Baures | Mar 9, 2018 | Automotive News
The “Drive for Design” contest
Is open to all United States High School student in grades 10-12. The contest is run by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles of North America. Students are to design a Jeep Wrangler for the year 2030. The prizes include a two-week automotive design course at Lawrence Technological University. The winner will receive a one-to-one day of design at the FCA Product Design Office. Winners will receive their prize at a black-tie event in Michigan. 
Entries must be submitted by April 27th, 2018.
FCA has been running this contest since 2013, with previous winners ending up working or getting internships with FCA. This is great opportunity to not only inspire youth automotive designers but to give them a glimpse into the world of an automotive designer. Do you know someone who is talented in artistry with cars and/or engineering? Be sure to let them know about this huge opportunity.
Mark Trostle, Head of Performance, Passenger Car and Utility Vehicle Design, FCA – North America says, “This year, we are offering aspiring designers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet and work side-by-side with designers of some of the hottest vehicles on the road today”.
How
Design a Jeep Wrangler for 2030. Entrants work must be original (ie. don’t copy someone else’s design) and submitted on the http://www.fcadrivefordesign.com/#/ website. Entries are to be submitted in a .pdf or .jpg format not bigger than 11″x17″.
Entrants are limited to submitting one design. Exterior or interior designs are acceptable.
For inspiration check out this page and students can follow all competition news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #DriveForDesign.
Wyomingite’s and Nebraskan’s
If you know someone who is going to enter this contest, or maybe you are. We’d love to hear about it! Let us know. You can email us at [email protected] or send us a message on Facebook.
Can You Flat Tow a 2018 Jeep?
Do you Suffer From Car Sickness?
by L Baures | Feb 27, 2018 | Automotive News
Ford Edge ST
The sporty ‘ST’ trim package has been previously added to cars like the Focus and the Fiesta. Now, Ford has decided to make a sporty looking SUV by adding the ‘ST’ package to the Edge.
Photo: Ford
The Ford Edge is a mid-sized cross-over and the ST version will be the top of the line. The Edge ST will have the 2.7L twin-turbocharged V-6 EcoBoost engine. This means the engine will be putting out 335hp with 380 lb-ft of torque. “Edge ST puts a new animal on the road – a performance SUV with a track mentality,” said Hau Thai-Tang, executive vice president of Product Development and Purchasing. “From a performance standpoint, and with its SUV silhouette and versatility, it sets a new standard, Edge fans will love to drive.”
What does it have?
- ST-tuned sport-tuned suspension
- Sport mode
- Quick-shifting 8-speed transmission
- AWD (with selectable traction control)
- Performance brake package available
- SelectShift® Paddle shifters
- Bolstered seats
- Post-collision braking
- Evasive steering assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go and lane centering
- SYNC 3 with AppLink™
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Photos: Ford
On paper, this crossover/SUV has more horsepower than a Subaru WRX STI, but who will buy this? It’s not the only powerful SUV on market, there’s the Dodge Durango SRT out this year as well the Jeep Trackhawk. The Ford Edge ST, like the other suped-up SUV’s gets a mild makeover in terms of looks.
Exterior
- Wider Grille
- Dual exhaust
- 21″ wheels
- Freshened fascia
- LED headlamps
- LED fog lamps
- Signature lighting
- Redesigned hood
Technology
As well all the safety technology that will be available on the Ford Edge ST, the interior will also be getting a sporty upgrade.
- All new rotary shift dial (Ford says to free up space)
- Wireless charging pad for smartphones
- Auto start-stop technology
- 8″ touchscreen
- FordPass™ Connect
- Wifi hotspot
- Bang and Olufsen (B&O) PLAY premium audio system
- Ford+Alexa App support
- 180º front and rear camera
- Active park assist
- Rain-sensing wipers
Ford Edge ST models will be built in Canada and are expected to arrive in U.S. showrooms summer 2018.
by L Baures | Feb 26, 2018 | Automotive News
Chicago Auto Show Unveils New TRD’s
At the 2018 Chigaco Auto Show, Toyota unveils three new editions coming for 2019. The 4Runner, Tacoma, and Tundra TRD Pro editions. Jack Hollis, Group Vice President and General Manager of the Toyota Division gave a press release presentation during the show.
Photo: Toyota
Hollis says during his presentation that performance packages have been offered from Toyota since 1979. That is almost 40 years! We have come to know those packages as TRD (Toyota Racing Development) or TRD Pro. Hollis went on to give us some statistics including; 40% of all Toyota Tacoma’s, Toyota Tundra’s and Toyota 4Runner’s sold in 2017 were equipped with a TRD package. A staggering 56% of Tacoma’s sold in 2017 were TRD grade.
The Toyota slogan, “let’s go places”, is exactly what they mean with the TRD packages for the Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner.
Whether it’s for rock crawling, water wading, or negotiating sand, snow, mud or dirt. Toyota is adding some new features to the 2019 TRD lineup to make them more capable. One of the biggest changes will be to the shock absorbers, which will no longer be Bilsteins. Internal Bypass Fox shocks will now be standard on the TRD Pro’s.
2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
Projector beam headlights and LED daytime running lamps will be standard along with Rigid Industries LED fog lights. As well getting an inch wider track and Goodyear Wrangler Kevlar All-Terrain tires, here’s what else can be expected;
- 2.5″ Fox front shocks (with 46mm pistons and 8 bypass zones)
- TRD tuned springs for an extra 1″ of lift
- Larger front sway bar
- 2.5′ rear shocks (with 11 bypass zones) paired with 2″ piggyback reservoirs
- Updated front skid plate with red TRD lettering
- Exhaust gets a black chrome tip
- Black grille
- Black badging
Interior
- Entune premium JBL audio system with sub and amp
- Navigation
- App suite
- TRD branded seats and floor mats
Available for the Tacoma, will be the Desert Air Intake.This allows for better air quality and filtration whilst driving in sandy and silty offroad environments.
2019 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
The Tundra will also get the Fox shock absorbers, and TRD tuned springs, increasing front lift by 2″. This increases front wheel travel to 1.5″. It will also get the black treatment similar to the Tacoma with the black grille, and badging. Rigid Industries LED fog lamps will be added as well as LED headlights and accent lighting. A new hood scoop will be added and TRD Pro will be stamped on the rear quarter panels on the bed.
Photo: Toyota
Forged Aluminum (lightweight) BBS wheels will be added to reduce unsprung mass, improving cornering capabilities. A dual exhaust with black chrome tips finishes off the black accents on the vehicle. A 1/4″ skid plate will also be added.
2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
The 4Runner will receive the Fox shock absorbers on the front as well as TRD tuned springs. This gives the SUV a 1″ lift and nearly 1″ of wheel travel. A roost shield will be added to protect the inverted shock design on the rear. A roof rack gets added on top and the 1/4″ skid plate on the bottom. The 4Runner will get 17″ TRD alloy wheels, a wider stance, and Nitto Terra Grappler all terrain tires. Also included;
- Premium JBL audio
- Integrated Navigation
- App Suite
- TRD Pro floor mats
- TRD shift knob
- Red stitched Softex seats with logo
- LED fog lights
- Black grille
- projector beam headlights
Photo: Toyota
For more information, you can check out www.toyota.com or Fremont Motors Toyota in Lander or Sheridan.
“2018 Chicago Auto Show.” Livestream, Toyota, 8 Feb. 2018, livestream.com/Toyota/Chicago2018/videos/169949680
by L Baures | Feb 22, 2018 | Automotive News
Everybody deserves a turbo
For 2018, Fiat has decided to make their entire car lineup turbocharged. The standard 1.4-liter engine that is in most of the 500 lineup will now get the 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo engine. Previously only available in the track-ready sporty Abarth model of the Fiat 500.
More Pop
The new Fiat 500 models will still be called the Pop, Lounge, and Abarth. The Pop and Lounge will get the new engine along with twin intercoolers and a sport-tuned exhaust. This means horsepower will now be at 135hp with 150lb-ft of torque. That may not sound like a whole lot of horsepower but the car is so cute, tiny and weighs about as much as a bag of potatoes, making these cars as much fun as go-karts. Fiat will still offer the option of a 5-speed manual transmission. The automatic transmission is a 6-speed.
Photo: Fiat
Additional updates to Pop and Lounge models
- ParkView rear backup camera.
- Body-color front and rear fascias.
- 16″ aluminum wheels.
- Performance braking system.
- Sport suspension
- Side-sill ground effects
- Sport spoiler
- Fog lamps
- Turbo badging
Abarth
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Photos: Fiat
The tuned version of the Fiat 500 id the Abarth model. It puts out 160 horsepower and 183lb-ft torque. The Abarth has performance suspension and a three-mode stability control system with torque transfer control (TTC). Also standard on the Abarth is 16″ Black Aluminum wheels wrapped in Pirelli tires. The exhaust is a concentric “double-tip” dual-exhaust system that Fiat says, “…delivers a high-performance look with menacing Abarth-tuned sound”.
Free day at a race school
Photo: Fiat
Speaking of the Fiat 500 Abarth, customers who purchase one will get a free track day experience. The track day is at the Bob Bondurant School of High-Performance Driving in Arizona the official race school of Dodge and SRT (where Challenger Hellcats can be also be found).
New colors
Three new late-availability colors will be added to the existing choice of eccentric colors. Brilliante Red, Mezzanotte Blue Pearl, and Vesuvio Black Pearl. Nothing Italien sounding about those names at all?
Open-air fun
All the 2018 Fiat 500 line-up will also be available in a ‘Cabrio’ (ie convertible) option.
Photo: Fiat
The new Fiats can be ordered now and are expected to arrive in the Spring. For more information, feel free to contact your Wyoming Fiat dealer.
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