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Six new car models from 2020 Chicago Auto Show

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This year marked the 112th edition of the longest-running auto show in the U.S.

2020 Chicago Auto Show offered unfettered access to nearly 1,000 vehicles on display, four indoor test track experiences, three outdoor ride-and-drive opportunities, brand-new engaging displays, interactive activities for people of all ages and a robust lineup of special events throughout the entire show.

Chicago Auto Show visitors were among the first to see the newest vehicles that made their debut during the show’s 2020 Media Preview, including: 2021 Chevrolet Equinox, 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, 2020 Durango SRT Black and Redline Stripe, 2020 Ford GT Liquid Carbon, 2021 Genesis GV80, 2021 Jaguar F-TYPE, 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave, 2020 Jeep Special Edition Wrangler and Gladiator Premium High Altitude, 2020 Jeep Wrangler JPP 20 Limited Edition, 2020 Nissan Frontier2021 Toyota Highlander XSE; Trail Special Edition Tacoma, Tundra and 4Runner; and Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia Go Dark with Nightshade Special Editions, and Volkswagen Atlas among others.

@Ford Media

The Ford GT is improved for 2020 with increased horsepower and upgraded engine cooling

Ford Performance announces upgrades to the Ford GT supercar for 2020, including increased engine power to 660 horsepower and improved cooling. Much of the 2020 Ford GT’s advancements are a result of Ford’s continuous technological innovation, especially GT’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6.

“Ford GT continues to be the pinnacle of Ford performance,” said Ed Krenz, Ford Performance chief program engineer. “GT is always the ultimate expression of Ford racing innovation, and as we know from the 1966 Le Mans through today, that means constantly raising our game for our customers as well as earning the checkered flag.”

Ford Performance is also introducing the premium Akrapovic titanium exhaust as standard equipment for GT. Boasting the signature craftsmanship of these renowned race experts, this exhaust provides a nine-pound weight saving over the previous system while featuring that deeply resonant, unmistakable sound emanating from the more powerful EcoBoost engine.

Ford GT Liquid Carbon

Newly available Ford GT Liquid Carbon places an emphasis on GT’s lightweight sculpted carbon fiber body completely free of paint color. A special clearcoat punctuates each GT’s unique carbon fiber weave in this limited-edition appearance option.

2020 Jeep Special Edition Wrangler and Gladiator Premium High Altitude; @Jeep

Jeep introduced the new special edition Wrangler and Gladiator premium High Altitude models during the 2020 Chicago Auto Show

“Our new Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator High Altitude are in direct response to customers who continue to ask for even more luxurious materials, premium content and technology in two of the most capable vehicles that we’ve ever offered,” said Jim Morrison, head of Jeep brand – FCA North America. “We’ve taken the most capable SUV and midsize pickup on the planet and delivered a pair of truly unique vehicles, inside and out, so there’s clearly no compromise between luxury and capability.”

The exterior of each High Altitude edition model boasts a premium look starting with new 20-inch fully painted gloss black aluminum wheels and a full suite of exterior LED lights – daytime running lamps with LED accents, front LED fog lamps, LED reflector headlamps and LED taillamps.

Premium exterior enhancements continue with matching body-color treatments – hardtop, fender flares, exterior mirrors, door handles, tailgate handle, as well as the front and rear bumpers – that distinguish the High Altitude models. Running boards with an integrated step and a matte black Trail Rated badge round out the luxurious look of each High Altitude model.

Inside the cabin, High Altitude models feature a full leather luxury interior boasting a leather-wrapped dashboard, center console and door panels, and Nappa leather seats with quilting. Two interior color options Black and Steel Gray (late availability), as well as a black leather-wrapped steering wheel, are offered as well.

@Mopar limited-edition 2020 Jeep® Wrangler JPP 20

Mopar introduced a customized version of its new limited-edition 2020 Jeep Wrangler JPP 20

Based on the four-door Jeep Wrangler, the Wrangler JPP 20 carries a range of quality-tested parts and accessories from the JPP portfolio.

In addition to high-strength, full-aluminum doors, JPP steel tube doors and a new mirror kit are standard equipment. Tube doors, along with a mesh sun bonnet that provides shade for all passengers, deliver an open-air feel unlike any other production SUV. Standard JPP rock rails are made of heavy-gauge steel and Durabull-coated (truck bedliner coating) to provide superior protection and durability.

The JPP steel front bumper and skid plate are designed to take on whatever the trail can throw at it. Wide enough to provide fender protection, but narrower than the stock version, the bumper is black powder-coated with D-rings for extra towing capability. Completely waterproof to ensure reliable operation during water fording and other adverse conditions, the JPP Rubicon Winch includes 100 feet of Warn Spydura synthetic rope.

2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave; @Jeep

New 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave model

The Jeep car brand is breaking new ground with the Gladiator Mojave, the first Jeep vehicle to carry the brand’s newly minted Desert Rated badge. Jeep Desert Rated vehicles represent the ultimate in high-speed off-road capability and performance while traversing grueling desert and sand environments.

“4×4 capability has always been the foremost pillar of the Jeep brand and the new Gladiator Mojave is a natural extension of our legendary Trail Rated 4×4 capability leadership,” said Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA North America. “Jeep Gladiator is already the most capable midsize pickup on the planet and, with the addition of the new Mojave model, we are delivering our most passionate customers a new level of capability with the ability to master high-speed desert and sand terrains.”

Jeep Gladiator Mojave models will arrive in Jeep showrooms in the second quarter of 2020.

@chicago auto show

Volkswagen of America unveiled the new 2021 Atlas during the 2020 Chicago Auto Show

“The 2021 Atlas takes all the good things about the vehicle and makes that even better: a spacious interior with room that can comfortably seat seven adults, expressive design, intuitive ergonomics and infotainment, vast array of available driver assist systems and a typical Volkswagen driving experience,” expressed Hein Schafer, senior vice president, product marketing & strategy, Volkswagen.

Thanks to new front and rear bumper designs, the refreshed Atlas is nearly three inches longer. A bold three-bar grille extends into the front light signature creating a more stylish presence. The refreshed model features new headlight and taillight designs that include standard LED lighting. This, along with the sculpted front and rear bumpers, gives the Atlas a more aggressive stance.

The Atlas will be available with two powertrains: a 276-horsepower V6 and a 235-hp four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI engine. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and are available with Volkswagen‘s4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The 2.0T and 4Motion pairing is new for 2020, as is the availability of the four-cylinder engine on top trimlines. V6 models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, when equipped with the Towing Package.

Dodge 2020 Durango SRT Black and Redline Stripe ; @dodge

Dodge 2020 Durango SRT Black and Redline Stripe

Dodge gave the Durango SRT a new look with two new custom appearance options from the factory – The Black and Redline Stripe packages – adding a more aggressive look to the three-row SUV.

Tim Kuniskis, global head of Alfa Romeo and head of passenger cars – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America, stated “The numbers tell the story. As Dodge performance enthusiasts move through the Durango lineup to the fastest, most powerful and most capable American three-row SUV, they want their vehicle to stand out in a crowd.” Kuniskis added “Last year, 25 percent of Durango SXT buyers chose the Blacktop Package. That jumped to more than 60 percent on the Durango R/T. Now, this new SRT-exclusive Black package gives SRT buyers an even more exclusive look and they can order it when they order their vehicle at the dealership.”

The Dodge Durango SRT Black appearance package features Midnight Grey Metallic and Gloss Black exterior accents throughout the exterior. Also exclusively available on the Durango SRT is the new Redline stripe – a full-length Satin Black center stripe with Redline Red accent tracers on each edge.

The 2020 Dodge Durango SRT sports a 392-cubic-inch HEMI V-8 delivering 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, allowing it to go from 0-60 miles per hour (mph) in 4.4 seconds and covering the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds as certified by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), all while out-hauling every three-row full-size SUV on the road with a best-in-class towing capability of 8,700 pounds.

Five million euros Pagani Imola: Limited-run, just five models built, all sold

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Pagani Automobili unveiled a new roadworthy hypercar with a wholly racing temperament.

pagani imola; @pagani automobili

The new hypercar is named after the Imola racetrack on which it was modeled and fine-tuned. Imola is a sacred place for car enthusiasts.

“With a limited edition of only five examples built, the Pagani Imola has gone through the severest on-track validation test ever applied to a Pagani car,” revealed Pagani Automobili. “In addition to the regular and already scrupulous validation process, in fact, Imola has covered over 16,000 km on the track at racing speed – the equivalent to about three times the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”

It’s a fast, difficult, technical circuit that has always separated the wheat from the chaff, in terms of both men and machines. A circuit that has made the fastest drivers faster, one that has given rise to fierce duels between opponents and gentlemen, and where the sweetest victories and bitterest tragedies have been witnessed. A circuit in the Motor Valley of Emilia Romagna. A place that has given so much to the automotive industry. That has given so much to Pagani” Horacio Pagani, Founder and Chief Designer of Pagani Automobili.

“The aerodynamic technology behind the Pagani Imola is evident in three of its key features. The general outline, the internal aerodynamics and the external aerodynamic details, such as the fins, winglets and deflectors”, explained Horacio Pagani, Founder and Chief Designer of Pagani Automobili. “We can’t say that it’s an elegant car. We wanted an efficient vehicle, and just as you’d expect if you were looking at an F1 single-seater, this led us to design a car with additional aerodynamic features.

The Pagani Imola is a vehicle-laboratory where important innovations have been devised, tested and developed. Some of these have been used in the Roadster BC and will be a feature of Pagani’s future creations.

The new formula of the Carbo-Titanium HP62 G2 and Carbo-Triax HP62, developed for the ultra-reinforced central monocoque of the Pagani Imola and Roadster BC, was created to reduce weight while increasing torsional and bending stiffness. Pagani Imola takes the fanatical attention to weight-saving to new heights, with the introduction of Acquarello Light, a new bespoke painting system that represents a further evolution of Pagani’s advanced state of the art, allowing to reduce the weight of the paint by 5 kg while maintaining color richness, depth and shine unchanged.

pagani imola; @pagani automobili

The extreme research for weight saving conducted by Pagani over the years has led to the increasingly extensive use of noble alloys, such as those of aluminum, titanium and chrome-molybdenum steel, allowing a general optimization in terms of mechanical properties and lightness and a greater aesthetic experimentation. On the newborn Pagani Imola the effort involved more than 770 forged or CNC-machined components, this time featuring the newly developed texture-look finish specifically applied to the aluminum alloy parts. The innovative braking system built by Brembo has been optimized, through intensive aerodynamic study and countless dedicated tests, to further improve the entire cooling system. Working with Pirelli and the newly
created Next MIRS system, we developed tires for a vehicle that would provide excellent performance on track but would also be “communicative” and easy to drive, in true Pagani style.

Since the luxury automotive company could test drive on track at different temperatures and track surface conditions, the team was able to try out new solutions. For instance, fitting semi-slick tires allowed Pagani to subject different parts of the car to stress that far exceeded – with respect to the suspensions and lateral forces – the stress sustained when road tires are used.

pagani imola; @pagani automobili

New Pagani Showroom opens in Japan

Pagani Automobili announced the opening of a second new showroom in Japan’s Kansai region, as part of the Asia Pacific area development plan. After almost 2 decades since the first car delivered in Tokyo, Pagani continues to cater to Japanese clients through a stronger presence.

Located in Sannomiya, Kobe, Pagani showroom embodies the true essence of the Modenese Atelier, featuring the signature Pagani furniture and the latest state-of-the-art digital visualization tools to provide an unforgettable configuration experience.

pagani imola; @pagani automobili
pagani imola; @pagani automobili
pagani imola; @pagani automobili

New Azimut Verve 47 outboard: For owners who want to fly at 50 knots

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Why Verve 47 is the perfect boat to go island hopping and enjoy a 360 degrees marine experience.

Azimut Verve 47 boat; @Azimut Yachts

A product of collaboration between the Azimut Shipyard, Francesco Struglia and Michael Peters, Verve 47 boat is the ultimate boating machine and looks set to become the new benchmark for an all-Italian lifestyle, says Azimut.

Verve 47 is an exciting, high-performance craft designed for an owner attracted by the prospect of reaching his favourite hotspots quickly. The new marine vessel can reach exceptional performance with a top speed of 50 knots.

The helm station has big side windows that extend the driver’s field of view and establish close contact with the outside world, introducing a design feature that has so far only been seen in a few celebrated super sports car projects. The hull by world-famous naval architect Michael Peters delivers extraordinary handling, directional stability, significantly reduced drag and excellent performance, without affecting the dimensions and proportions of the hull. Four outboard engines rated 450 hp each, a latest generation joystick and a series of technical innovations complete this ambitious and original project.

Verve 47 has four Mercury Verado V8 four-stroke outboard engines rated 450 hp each, driving the boat to a top speed of 50 knots and a cruising speed of 37 knots.

“We took the typically American love of a sports-oriented lifestyle at sea as our starting point and then developed our own take on the concept based on Italian design criteria” said exterior and interior designer Francesco Struglia, who has always been attracted to the shapes created by dynamics and physics.

The flow line defined by the windows sets the tone for the deck’s development in a circular play of contrasts and light. At high speed, the wake can clearly be seen forming on either side of the glazed surfaces and merging into the seascape.

The design of the windows also facilitates communication between the driver and the yacht’s interior, which is designed to form part of an ensemble with the exterior, in such a way as to create a product in which a sporty personality and ultimate comfort live together in perfect harmony.

Turning to the materials, the new-concept laminates chosen for the interiors offer the handfeel of wood in a very hi-tech setting, while the “shockwave” pattern of the synthetic teak aims to exploit the full potential of a choice that is both ecological and practical.

Azimut Verve 47 boat; @Azimut Yachts

The hull has a deep V and a central stern tunnel, based on the famous Stepped ‘V’ Ventilated Tunnel (SVVT) developed and patented by the outstandingly talented US designer Michael Peters.

The classic deep V with two steps and a central stern tunnel improves the boat’s longitudinal stability when turning at high speed. Peters has been a prolific designer since the early 1970s and is regarded as the leading authority on fast hulls. Verve47 not only boasts a hull designed by him, but is also the largest boat on the market with this type of hull.

Designed to reduce water resistance significantly and deliver excellent performance without affecting the size and proportions of the hull, it guarantees extraordinary directional stability even when turning. High precision rudder response ensures that any obstacles in the boat’s path can be avoided, even at very high speeds. The yacht is also extremely easy to handle and in particular to moor, not least because of the latest generation joystick.

Azimut Verve 47 boat; @Azimut Yachts

Azimut Yachts has worked to obtain the maximum from the interior and exterior spaces.

The roomy cockpit, with its fully recessed high-low table and a swing-down side wall equipped for entering the water, can be used for different purposes at different times of day: a dining area, somewhere to relax and sunbathe or, alternatively, as a completely unencumbered, sea-facing ‘party’ space that is perfectly aligned with the design philosophy. The relaxation area in the bow has an asymmetrical layout that can accommodate additional comfortable seating and a big sun pad.

The refrigerators and the outdoor and indoor storage compartments are all generously sized to cater for longer stays on board.

The spacious and welcoming outdoor area in the stern has everything needed to relax and enjoy the open air life, including a multipurpose unit fitted with a wet bar, fridge, ice maker, barbecue, hob and sink. The setup is completed by a TV that can be raised and lowered.

The helm station features a plug and play layout and a glass cockpit dashboard with an extremely clean hi-tech design accentuated by scenic LED lighting. The helm seat can be adjusted electrically and is flanked on the right and left by two more seats. All three have an ergonomic design that tips its hat to the automotive industry.

The storage area in the stern can accommodate two seabobs and an inflatable paddleboard, with easy-to-reach stowage space for the fenders next to the console.

Last year, Azimut|Benetti confirmed its place for the 20th time as the world’s leading builder of high-end mega yachts, based on the international Global Order Book 2020 ranking of top yacht builders recently published by the highly-reputed magazine Boat International. With its Azimut Yachts and Benetti brands, the Italian Group has outranked shipyards from around the world, with 101 yachts under construction totalling 3,535 meters in length, and celebrates the milestone of 50 years in business with this prestigious win.

Azimut Verve 47 boat; @Azimut Yachts

The first exclusive collection of architectural surfaces by Automobili Lamborghini

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    Lamborghini x LUXE Surfaces Atelier are transforming stone into a work of art. Automobili Lamborghini, the Italian brand and manufacturer of luxury sports cars and SUVs based in Sant’Agata Bolognese, announced a partnership with LUXE Surfaces Atelier, a leading luxury licensing company working with iconic high-end brands in the design surfaces sector. “The … Read more

Call for inquiry into government funding of Norton Motorcycles

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Officials accused of ‘blindly pouring’ taxpayers’ money into firm before it went bust