The News for May 25th, 2018


Welcome to the Hooniverse News! As always, this is a weekly recap of some of the biggest stories in the automotive industry without the fluff or bull. There’s also just a little opinion of mine because I can. This week:

  • Updated F-150 Raptor is ready for more fun in the dirt

  • Chevrolet announces new turbo four-cylinder option for Silverado

  • Ferrari debuts another one-off project for elite customer, will never see daylight again

  • Subaru reveals 2019 WRX STI with “more power”

  • What’s your automotive news?

2019 Ford F-150 Raptor


An lightly updated F-150 Raptor will be jumping off the production lines later this year with a few improvements aimed at increasing its already excellent off-road abilities. I say ‘lightly updated’ because only three new features are mentioned in detail, but they should make a big difference to those who like getting them dirty. It gets new adjustable shocks, a new trail control system, and Recaro seats.
Ever since the Raptor first started soaring into our hearts, one of the keys to its success was Fox’s internal bypass shocks that allowed it to take such a beating off road. The 2019 Raptor will use a brand new set of those but with Live Valve technology that electronically and continuously adjusts damping in real-time. Ford says this provides better comfort and handling plus more bottom-out resistance because it can now “make the most” of its suspension travel (13 inches front, 13.9 inches rear). Ford also had to add sensors to detect when the truck was in mid-air so it can adjust the shocks for the landing.

For those who spend time navigating trickier terrain, Ford is introducing Trail Control with the Raptor which is like cruise control for rugged terrain. It can be activated between 1 and 20 mph and handles power and braking application at each wheel individually so drivers only need to worry about steering.

To help keep drivers and passengers in place while being tossed around on that rugged terrain many Raptors will never see, Ford now offers Recaro seats with “aggressive” support and extra bolstering in the seat back and cushion. The seats feature blue Alcantara inserts and accent stitching.
As with most new model years, you have some new paint colors and a new wheel design to pick from. There’s no word on pricing yet. Buyers will start getting theirs delivered late 2018.
[Source: Ford]

2019 Chevrolet Silverado Gets 4-Cylinder Option


You read that right. Chevrolet’s new full-size Silverado, seen here stalking its prey under the cover of tall grass, is getting an all-new turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder gas engine. This new engine was developed specifically for truck applications and replaces the 4.3-liter V6 they used to offer. This new engine is part of Chevy’s strategy to give buyers more options and create a Silverado that caters to every need. The need this engine seems to fulfill is the small but reasonable “I want a big truck but I’m not towing a yacht up the Rockies every weekend” market.
The new 2.7 Turbo offers 310 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 348 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,500-4,000 RPM, a good improvement over the old 4.3. When speaking of the engine’s capabilities, its chief engineer described it as an engine that can “punch above its weight” with a broad, flat torque curve and quick throttle response.

It was designed from a clean sheet specifically for trucking duties and has a few tricks that make this a beefier four-cylinder. It has a longer piston stroke of 4.01 inches to aid in generating strong low end torque, forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods to support the higher cylinder pressures from turbocharging, high and low-lift valve profiles to prioritize torque or efficiency as needed, and continuously variable valve timing.
It’s also GM’s first four-cylinder engine to feature cylinder deactivation and those last two features mentioned above. This 2.7 Turbo also has GM’s first use of active thermal management which uses targeted engine heating and cooling to improve engine performance in extreme conditions.
The new 2.7 Turbo is standard on the LT and RST trims and is paired with the 8-speed automatic transmission. With the next-gen Silverado shedding 380 pounds over the outgoing V6 model this replaces, the performance isn’t terrible with a sub-7-second 0-60 mph time. Though they haven’t released official payload and towing capacities, they hope to match that of the N/A V6-equipped Fords and Rams. The EPA fuel economy estimates aren’t available yet either. It’ll be interesting to see just how easily this four-cylinder can move a full-size truck around and whether the MPG benefits will be there.
[Source: Chevrolet]

Ferrari SP38


Remember the Ferrari 488 GTB that anyone with deep pockets can buy? This new Ferrari SP38 is just like that, but it’s uglier and can’t be bought by just anyone with deep pockets because there’s only one of them and it was made for someone with the deepest pockets of them all.
[Source: Ferrari via Autoweek]

2019 Subaru WRX STI finally gets a power bump!!!1!


It gains five horsepower. Five. The turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder gets a new intake, high flow exhaust, ECU tune, and stronger pistons but its factory-quoted power rating improves by five.
Prices start at $36,595.
[Source: Subaru]

What’s your automotive news?


That’s all I’ve got for you this week, so now it’s your turn. If you saw anything, fixed something, broke everything, or otherwise did anything even remotely car related that you want to share with your fellow hoon, sound off in the comments.
Have a good weekend.
[Image © 2018 Hooniverse/Greg Kachadurian]

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22 responses to “The News for May 25th, 2018”

  1. Fred Avatar
    Fred

    I finally took off my winter tires and put on summer. Also bluetooth on the TSX is getting fussy with the connection. Dealer wants $700 for a new headunit. I’m checking out to replace it with Android Auto and getting a backup camera while I’m at it.

    1. kogashiwa Avatar
      kogashiwa

      Bluetooth on my IS300 has always been sketchy but mainly because it never had it. Or even an auxiliary in … I’ve looked pretty seriously at the Pioneer AppRadio, seems like a good option.

    2. nanoop Avatar

      I managed to change two of four tires on the project car before higher duties called. Luckily I changed two on one side, so people won’t notice unless they walked around the car…

  2. kogashiwa Avatar
    kogashiwa

    Not to be outdone, Ford have announced that next year’s F-150 will be available with the 1.0 EcoBoost.

    1. outback_ute Avatar
      outback_ute

      At least the truck bros will finally be able to say “VTec just kicked in, yo!”
      I’m not sure many systems still have different cam profiles any more do they? I thought they usually just change the timing now.
      Also I wonder what rpm the V8 makes more torque at? 2500?

  3. salguod Avatar

    I’m amused that a sub 7 second 0-60 time in a 4 cylinder truck is called “not terrible”. That’s quicker than 5 of my 6 cars. The only one that will beat it is the RSX.
    Also, the SP38 is uglier than the 488 GTB? This 488 GTB with the awkwardly shaped huge scoops cut from the tops of the quarter panels? Greg, you should get your eyes checked, that SP38 is beautiful.
    https://amp.businessinsider.com/images/5731016652bcd063018c1e12-750-501.jpg

    1. Zentropy Avatar
      Zentropy

      I completely agree on the SP38, and intended to write something similar until I saw your entry. I generally don’t like the styling of contemporary Ferraris, but the SP38 is gorgeous. In comparison, the 488 GTB is pretty homely.

    2. Greg Kachadurian Avatar
      Greg Kachadurian

      Ha, I just think most new Ferrari designs aren’t that attractive. This one just looks odd to me. Maybe seeing it in person would change my mind as with most cars but that’s something which will probably never happen.

      1. salguod Avatar

        For me classic Ferrari styling is the 308/328 and the GTO of the same era. Of course that’s also the era where I first became aware of Ferrari, which might have something to do with it. The SP38 reminds me a bit of that era. There’s also a bit of Stratos in there to my eyes, which certainly doesn’t hurt.
        Since this is based on the 488 and has very minimal quarter window vents, I wonder why the 488 has the giant sugar scoops it has?
        The rear view is quite nice as well.
        http://hanabi.autoweek.com/sites/default/files/styles/gen-1200-675/public/180181-car-ferrari-sp38_0.jpg?itok=vCh3mwsl
        BTW, my inital comment was meant to be fun. Rereading it seems a bit harsh, sorry.

        1. Greg Kachadurian Avatar
          Greg Kachadurian

          No worries at all, I knew it was in good fun as with all comments here ;D
          Regarding the scoops, it looks like they’re still there but they hid it pretty well. I think it’s in that little opening behind the quarter window. I remember the 288 GTO’s scoops being referenced as inspiration for the 488’s scoops too.

      2. Toaster Avatar
        Toaster

        *wispers* No Ferrari, save for the Daytona, truly looked good.

    3. Monkey10is Avatar
      Monkey10is

      I know that I haven’t been paying enough attention recently; but how did we suddenly get all the way from ‘SP2’ to ‘SP38’?
      https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3a/Volkswagen_SP2_June_2017_02.jpg/420px-Volkswagen_SP2_June_2017_02.jpg

  4. JayP Avatar
    JayP

    Asked by my pal to assist in instructing a Lambo track event this Tuesday.
    Those pics will fill out my tinder profile nicely.

  5. Zentropy Avatar
    Zentropy

    Regardless of the Silverado’s engine options, the new styling sucks. The fender-into-grille detail is neither attractive nor tough looking. Automotive stylists must rank pretty low on the pay scale at Chevrolet.

  6. Alff Avatar
    Alff

    Chose today to pull an Explorer rear end for a project. It was 101 on the Pick n’ Pull lot. Not sure who the heat was harder on, me or the grinders batteries.

  7. Rover 1 Avatar
    Rover 1

    I can’t resist these internet advertised deals on our local TradeMe equivalent to the list of craig or the bay of E.
    So I have a new addition to our little fleet here in NZ.
    Another Rover, this one is an HHR model, the last joint venture with Honda, replacing the R8 in Rover’s range. A nice counterpoint to my XXs, the first Rover badged joint venture, the Rover 800.
    And like my Rover 820, it’s fitted with the last ‘evolution’ of the ‘B’ series, the DOHC 16 valve EFI, by now called the ‘T’ series in it’s final form before going out of production while starring as the BMW Group’s most reliable, lowest warranty claimed motor. Which was replaced by the ‘K’ series of HGF fame which wasn’t.
    So it’s a 1999 Rover 420 GSi, one previous owner, FSH, traded in for a new CRV at a not too far away dealer.
    Which makes it a Honda Domani, a Civic derivative, with a slight restyle, a leather interior, cruise, a/c, abs, asr, and a torquey Rover 140 Ps 2 litre motor driving through a five speed manual is now mine, or more likely my mother’s. She may be 81 but likes her independence.
    https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/791207977.jpg
    https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/791208040.jpg
    https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/791208786.jpg
    https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/791208849.jpg
    http://openiso.org/wp-content/uploads/parser/Rover-420-1.jpg
    https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a0/Rover_T-series_insitu..JPG/1280px-Rover_T-series_insitu..JPG
    The motors with their forged internals can be uprated a bit with the Turbo version and some of that reliability swapped for power. Turbo versions of these motors have Torsen diffs, weren’t fitted to this model but, oddly, were fitted to the previous 420 and are a straightforward swap.
    More than enough power.
    http://gallery.seloc.org/albums/userpics/48468/Performance_graph.jpg

  8. Troggy Avatar
    Troggy

    I love the look of the Ferrari SP38 from every angle but the rear: https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c59361f1f17353cc71f7ee3770f40c588d4690bebbf8bb91f148be9e0a57b8b2.jpg
    Why did they have to make it look as if it’s pooping a Dodge Challenger head-first?

    1. Zentropy Avatar
      Zentropy

      $#!+ on Dodge, anyway.
      No, seriously, I love both the front of the Challenger and the rear of the SP38.

      1. Troggy Avatar
        Troggy

        I would love the rear of the SP if the Challenger didn’t exist. I love the look of the Challenger too, but not when it’s staring at me from the rear of a Ferrari.
        Who am I to complain? I reckon it’s downright beautiful really. Some things just can’t be unseen.

    2. nanoop Avatar

      They saw the i8 giving birth to a 911 and picked up that clue. Luckily, it’s not a breech delivery this time…
      http://st.automobilemag.com/uploads/sites/11/2015/05/BMW-i8-by-AC-Schnitzer-rear-end.jpg

      1. Troggy Avatar
        Troggy

        Maybe not breech, but it looks like a painful birth nonetheless.