Mazda Unveils New Prototype Race Car At LA Auto Show

The new Mazda RT24-P race car was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show, ushering a new era in the prominent history of Mazda Motorsports' flagship endeavors in North America. The new car will compete under Daytona Prototype international (DPi) rules in the Prototype class, the top level of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. After significant on-track testing, it will make its racing debut at the 2017 Rolex 24 at Daytona in late January.

KODO Design

Mazda is known globally for the engineering and design excellence of its vehicles, and the new Prototype is no exception. The bodywork of the race car was developed by Mazda designers utilizing the KODO—Soul of Motion design philosophy. KODO represents the instant that energy becomes motion, such as the muscular beauty as an animal pounces or a human leaps into action.  The KODO design cues on the Mazda RT24-P include the sleek body contours and the five-point Mazda grille.

"KODO design is at the heart of any vehicle that carries a Mazda badge, and that is very evident in the design of the 2017 Prototype," said Ken Saward, senior manager of Design at Mazda Design Americas, which falls under the Mazda North American Operations umbrella. "We considered the two main parameters of designing a successful race car for this series: aerodynamic performance and the new-for-2017 technical regulations. Working with Multimatic's aerodynamicist and engineers, we discovered that applying the KODO design philosophy to the surfaces and the silhouette of the car enabled us to create a dynamic, purposeful-looking design and a very aerodynamically efficient one." 

Managing the two-car Mazda Prototype factory race team is Florida-based SpeedSource Race Engineering. The team will race the new Riley Mk. 30 chassis, developed by Riley Technologies in relationship with Multimatic. Riley Technologies is a prominent chassis design and development company with 99 race wins and nine Prototype season championships in North American endurance racing since 2004. Canadian-based Multimatic has worked with Mazda since 2014 in the Prototype category, and has developed and built some of the world's premier on-road supercars and successful sports cars for the race track. The Mazda team will be the first to test the Riley Mk. 30 chassis later this month. 

The Mazda RT24-P will be powered by the Mazda MZ-2.0T engine which raced during the 2016 IMSA season. The approximately 600-horsepower engine, developed and raced with Advanced Engine Research (AER), is a 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine. 

"This is a huge moment for Mazda Motorsports and the entire Mazda family," said John Doonan, director of Mazda Motorsports North America. "To have a car which features Mazda design language at the top level of our motorsports program is meaningful for us as a brand. We believe we have the right team, the right drivers and the right chassis to win races and championships. 

"Mazda has good, long-standing relationships with Riley and Multimatic, and is happy to be the first to test their new chassis. We look forward to seeing it make its racing debut at Daytona with Mazda bodywork and the Mazda MZ-2.0T engine. The strategic vision of IMSA to give auto manufacturers this opportunity to integrate our branding —to better engage our passionate fans— is unique and we're proud to be the first to unveil what is possible."

What's in a Name? 

The Mazda RT24-P name echoes the Mazda Road to 24, a driver development program that provides scholarships to help championship-winning drivers progress from grassroots into the upper categories of professional sports car racing. The "24" also represents the two-liter, four-cylinder race engine. The "P" signifies Prototype. 

Mazda currently holds a more-than-55-percent market share in grassroots racing, and the Mazda Road to 24 helps provide championship-winning drivers an opportunity to earn scholarships to compete in pro categories such as the Battery Tender Global Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BF Goodrich Tires. Mazda's similar scholarship system in open-wheel racing is known as the Mazda Road to Indy. By the start of the 2017 season, Mazda will have provided $14.9 million in driver development scholarships to 53 drivers since 2007.

Mazda Motorsports

Mazda Motorsports boasts the most comprehensive auto racing development ladder system of any auto manufacturer in the world. The Mazda Road to 24 (#MRT24) program offers a number of scholarships to advance drivers up the sports car racing ladder, beginning with the Global MX-5 Cup series and culminating with the Mazda Prototype team. The Mazda Road to Indy (#MRTI) is a similar program that includes Mazda-powered categories of USF2000, Pro Mazda and Indy Lights. In grassroots road racing, more Mazdas race on any given weekend in North America than any other manufacturer. Mazda is the title sponsor of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif. Follow all of the latest news at MazdaMotorsports.com, @MazdaRacing on Twitter, and MazdaMotorsports on Instagram and Facebook.

The Jeep Renegade Trailhawk 4x4 Is Good On and Off Road

By Darlene Donloe

THE CAR: JEEP RENEGADE TRAILHAWK 4x4

There are many reasons to like this Jeep. It’s a head turner. It’s also a cool looking, stylish vehicle with a solid performance. It’s fun to drive. It works as an SUV for singles as well as an SUV for families. The ride is easy whether you’re in the city or you take it off road.  The Jeep’s steering is good. It also handles the curves very well. It’s balanced and sturdy.  Although it’s a compact vehicle, the interior is roomy, has comfy seats, a convenient dash and ample cargo room. 

The Renegade comes with two 4x4 systems.  They are the Jeep Active Drive on Sport, Latitude and Limited models and Jeep Active Drive Low on Trailhawk models. Each one of the systems has a rear axle disconnect system that effortlessly shifts between two and four-wheel drive. The system intensifies effectiveness when 4x4 isn’t needed and boosts traction when it is.

    

            VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: Wireless phone connectivity: Uconnect w/Bluetooth, AM/FM radio: SiriusXM, heated front seats, leather steering wheel, power 4-way driver lumbar support, power driver seat, front center armrest, leather upholstery, overhead airbag, knee airbag, occupant sensing airbag, dual front impact airbags, ABS brakes, 4-wheel disc brakes, panic alarm, rear window defroster.  Display: digital/analog, exterior parking camera rear: ParkView yes, compass, front fog lights, rain sensing wipers, front reading lights, blind spot sensor, voltmeter, rear reading lights, driver vanity mirror, tilt steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, air conditioning, front beverage holders, speed control, Illuminated entry, front dual zone A/C, telescoping steering wheel, automatic temperature control, power windows, remote keyless entry and heated steering wheel 

MSRP: $32,095

FUEL ECONOMY: 21/29

THE DRIVE: Rad!

Subaru VIZIV-7 SUV Concept Makes World Debut

Fuji Heavy Industries, LTD. (FHI) the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, recently unveiled the Subaru VIZIV-7 SUV Concept* at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Subaru VIZIV is a concept series embodying the future vision of car development for the "enjoyment and peace of mind" that Subaru wants to provide to customers. 

With the VIZIV -7 SUV Concept, Subaru is demonstrating its thinking about how big a future Subaru SUV can be. "The concept expresses our core brand values, safety, dependability, capability for outdoor activities and a forward looking attitude," said Takeshi Tachimori, corporate executive vice president, Fuji Heavy Industries, LTD. 

"We know customers in this segment want a full-sized vehicle and the next 3-row from Subaru will be the biggest Subaru vehicle ever."

With full three-row capability and Subaru's DYNAMIC x SOLID design philosophy, Subaru VIZIV-7 SUV Concept shows the size direction of the all-new three-row midsize SUV to be introduced to the North American market in early 2018. 

*VIZIV is a name derived from Vision for Innovation.

MAIN SPECIFICATIONS
Body Size (overall length x width x height) 204.7 x 79.9 x 72* inches
Wheelbase     117.7 inches
Tire Size         265/55 R21
*73.2 inches including roof rail

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of more than 620 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants, and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. 

Dodge Durango Limited Brass Monkey AWD Sets Standard

By Darlene Donloe

THE CAR: DODGE DURANGO LIMITED BRASS MONKEY AWD

The Dodge Durango is an SUV’s SUV!  Yeah, that about sums it up!

The people who drive this car want you to know that their know knows this car is special!

This behemoth automotive specimen has a lot going for it. It’s big on looks and big on ability and status. The interior is classy and spacious.  It fits a small army, but that doesn’t take anything away from its charm and easy handling. It’s effective and well-made. You can’t be shy and drive this car because everyone is going to be looking at the car as you glide down the road.

This is a statement car. You don’t even have to say anything. The car does all the talking. It speaks volumes.

The SUV/crossover I drove had a velvet red pearl coat exterior with a black interior.  It looked HOT!  The ride in this family crossover is effortless and secure and the steering is excellent. Driving the Dodge Durango is a treat. To find out more about the car – keep reading.

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: 3.6-LItr V6 24-valve VVT Engine upgrade with ESS, Transmission: 8-speed automatic 845RE Transmission, advanced multistage front airbags, 20-inch aluminum wheels, platinum-finished grille, door handles, badges, mirror caps, and lower sills; driver inflatable knee-bolster airbag, supplemental side-curtain airbags in all rows, supplemental front seat-mounted side airbags, HD radio, LATCH Ready child seat anchor system, rotary shifter, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, selectable steering modes, electric power steering, Parkview rear back-up camera, trailer sway damping, security alarm, remote start system, SiriusXM travel link 5-yr travel link subscription, SiriusXM Traffic/5-Yr traffic subscription, GPS navigation, power sunroof, power liftgate, Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen, satellite radio is optional, 506-watt amplifier, Blue-Ray compatible dual screen video, rear seat video system, power 8-ay driver seat w/memory and 8-way passenger seat, rear load leveling suspension, blind spot and cross path detection, Leather-trimmed bucket seats, 12-volt auxillary power outlet in console.

MSRP: $49,560

FUEL ECONOMY: 18/25

THE DRIVE: The Business!

Darlene Donloe is a seasoned entertainment and travel journalist whose work has appeared in People, Ebony, Essence, LA Stage Times, LA Watts Times, Black Meetings and Tourism, Los Angeles Sentinel, EMMY, The Hollywood Reporter, Rhythm & Business, Billboard, Grammy, CYH, BlackVoices.com and more. Contact her via: ddonloe@gmail.com

The 2016 Nissan Maxima Platinum Has Plenty To Like

By Darlene Donloe

What’s not to like about the Nissan Maxima? The truth is I like this car because there is plenty to like.  Recently redesigned, this isn’t your typical family sedan. For instance: it’s a great looking car, it handles well, it’s lower, it’s smoother, it’s enjoyable and an easy drive, it’s smart, popular and has a level ride.

            The interior is classy. Updated touchscreen technology. The tech controls are easy to figure out and easy to use. Comfortable seating. Lots of headroom and legroom in the front, however, the backseat doesn’t have a lot of legroom. Bummer!  The trunk isn't very spacious, but the car makes up for that in other ways.

This isn’t a luxury vehicle, but it looks like one as it rolls down the street. It’s a sharp looking car that has some great bells and whistles. At $40K, this full-size sedan isn’t a cheap proposition. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s still affordable.  It’s only money! If you’re going to spend money, it may as well be for something that will securely get you from point A to point B.  You can also get from here to there. And, lets face it, you know you want to get there.

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: Horsepower: 300 HP, Engine: 3.5 L V6, 24-valve, 261 lb-ft Torque, Curb weight: 3,593 lbs, Dimensions: 193” L x 73” W x 57” H, Tronic transmission, drive mode selector (normal and sport), 18” machined aluminum alloy wheels, driver and front passenger, side-impact, and curtain air bags, lower anchors and tethers for Children, driver attention alert, auto-dimming driver-side outside mirror, heated outside mirrors, dual panel panoramic moon roof power tilt/telescopic moon roof, automatic entry/exit system, intelligent cruise control, driver’s seat power lumbar support, two front USB connection ports, Nissan intelligent key push button ignition, streaming audio via Bluetooth.

MSRP: $40,905

FUEL ECONOMY: 22/30

THE DRIVE: Effective!

Darlene Donloe is a seasoned entertainment and travel journalist whose work has appeared in People, Ebony, Essence, LA Stage Times, This Stage, LA Watts Times, Black Meetings and Tourism, Los Angeles Sentinel, EMMY, The Hollywood Reporter, Rhythm & Business, Billboard, Grammy, CYH, BlackVoices.com and more. Contact her via: dcdwriter@aol.com

Review: The 2016 Dodge Charger SXT Blacktop

By Darlene Donloe

THE CAR: 2016 Dodge Charger SXT Blacktop

I recently drove this badass car with the B5 blue pearl exterior and black interior.

While driving down Venice Boulevard in Los Angeles, a young 20-something pulls up beside me and asks how I like it and how the car drives.

“We’re thinking about getting one,” he says, speaking for his wife.

“I love it,” I shoot back, feeling kinda cool.  “I’d recommend you get one.”

Then I roared off like only a badass can.

In actuality, this car is a bit young for me. I’m a few years older than the 20-something that asked me about the car.  Ok, I’m a lot older than the 20-something, but we don’t have to go there.  The point is – this is a sharp car. It handles well and has a lot of personality.

That being said, although it’s been called a family sedan, my feeling is that this car is perfect for the male millenials. It looks young. It feels young.

This is a good-looking, sporty, luxury car. That’s a mouthful, but all of those adjectives actually fit. The Charger, with its rear-wheel drive, performs well on many levels.  The panel is user friendly. There is lots of headroom and legroom in the front. However, the rear seat could be a bit of a challenge for someone over 5’5”.

The Beats Premium Speakers with subwoofer, keeps the sound clear and bumping.

There is a lot of V-8 power under the hood of this sedan.  Unfortunately, due to those pesky speed laws, it makes it impossibly to see fully what this car is capable of in the city.

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: Leather sport seat with metallic accents; 3.6-Liter V6 24-Valve VVT Engine, TorqueFlite 8-Speed automatic transmission, advanced multistage front airbags, supplemental front seat mounted side airbags, supplemental side-curtain front and rear airbags, anti-lock 4-wheel disc brakes, rain brake support, ready alert braking, electronic stability control, all speed traction control, electric power steering, hill start assist, tire pressure monitoring display.

MSRP: $37,160

FUEL ECONOMY: 19/31

THE DRIVE: Sport-alicious!

#Dodge   #Charger   #DodgeChargerSXTBlacktop