A growing majority of tradies and delivery drivers are choosing automatic transmissions for their vans, in a bid to give their left feet a rest in the daily grind of gridlock. The majority of these vans sold are the fleet-favoured (but ordinary to drive) Toyota HiAce and the evergreen Hyundai iLoad, but here we’re looking at the next rung down. The latest van to get a self-shifter is the Ford Transit Custom, which we test here in short-wheelbase (SWB) 290S guise against one of its closest rivals – the Volkswagen Transporter TDI340 SWB. This pair have entrenched themselves as staples of the mid-sized van class alongside the aforementioned Toyota and Hyundai, plus the (manual-only) Renault Trafic, $45,975 Mercedes-Benz Vito 114 BlueTEC auto and bargain-basement $33K LDV G10. Often, this pair of slightly premium vans are purchased by single operators who want something comfortable for their mobile office, or those drawn to the lure of a Euro workhorse. But which … [Read more...] about 2017 Ford Transit Custom 290S auto v Volkswagen Transporter TDI340 auto comparison
Loop road auto
Here’s How The Mahindra Roxor Compares To A 1948 Willys CJ-2A Jeep Off-Road
The Mahindra Roxor is the modern incarnation of the original civilian Jeep, the Willys CJ-2A. But to find out if it’s as good in the rough stuff, I took the Indian side-by-side and my junky 1948 Willys off-road, and beat the crap out of both. After flooding the Willys’ engine and denting the Mahindra’s tub, one winner rose to the top. But by just a hair. (Full disclosure: Mahindra lent me a Roxor and a trailer for a weekend, U-Haul let me borrow an Auto Transport trailer to bring my CJ-2A along for the ride, and Ram gave me a 1500 for a few days to tow the Willys. I borrowed a lot of stuff for this test, but I returned most of it without dents. Most of it.) For decades, Wrangler and CJ enthusiasts have complained about how Jeeps aren’t what they used to be. “Oh no, a plastic dash and interior creature comforts!” fans lamented when the YJ Wrangler launched for 1987. “Oh no, coil springs!” they cried in dismay when the TJ launched for … [Read more...] about Here’s How The Mahindra Roxor Compares To A 1948 Willys CJ-2A Jeep Off-Road
King of the hill: 2018 Jeep Wrangler rules the off-road world
If some days are better than others, a day off-roading in a Jeep Wrangler is great. Add some insane terrain, the season’s first sunshine, the muddy muck following a Midwestern winter that wouldn’t quit and the only thing clearer than this overdue sunny day was why the 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is one of the most capable off-road vehicles in the world.Redesigned for the first time in a decade, the 2018 Wrangler JL builds on 77 years of history to make the American icon more accessible to a global audience who want on-road convenience as much as off-road capability. It’s working; the brand had a record March, led by a record number of Wranglers sold.Exterior changes are subtle but significant, including a more raked seven-slotted grille and rounded angles on the roof and hood for improved aerodynamics. The four-door is nearly 4 inches longer and 2.4 inches wider, though the use of lightweight aluminum sheds 200 pounds. Its front doors went on a diet, dropping 17 pounds … [Read more...] about King of the hill: 2018 Jeep Wrangler rules the off-road world
Detroit area’s cutting edge center for self-driving autos is set to open
Share This Story! Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about Facebook Email Twitter Google+ LinkedIn Pinterest Detroit area's cutting edge center for self-driving autos is set to open The American Center for Mobility will develop self-driving cars safely on on closed tracks at historic Willow Run after fatal Uber crash in Arizona Sent! A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Join the Conversation To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press Auto Critic Published 6:00 a.m. ET April 1, 2018 CONNECT TWEET LINKEDIN COMMENT EMAIL MORE The only engineering facility built expressly to test self-driving vehicles officially opens Wednesday at the historic 335-acre Willow Run site just west of Detroit. The American Center for Mobility will be home to automakers, … [Read more...] about Detroit area’s cutting edge center for self-driving autos is set to open
The 2016 Road & Track Performance Car of the Year
THE OLD BLACK FIREBIRD was blocking our exit from the gas station. As the passenger door opened, I saw the look on the face of the immense, camouflage-clad good ol' boy who sprang out like he'd just spotted a new form of game on his personal hunting grounds. Throwing the Cadillac ATS-V coupe into neutral, I jumped out to greet the man before he reached our group. I spotted a sun-worn but freshly polished badge on the Pontiac's front fender. No way. Could it be? Advertisement - Continue Reading Below "Eighty-eight GTA, am I right?"The driver, also wearing full hunting camo but half the size of his friend, laughed behind his wraparound sunglasses."Yeah! Been working on her for a while. Lot of specific parts to this model, you know? Everything from steering wheel to spoiler. Hard to get. What you boys doing down here? Some kind of test? That's the new Ferrari, right?""488 GTB," the hulking passenger clarified. "Which makes this," and I paused for effect, "GTA meets GTB." In the space of … [Read more...] about The 2016 Road & Track Performance Car of the Year