Automotive – Boston Auto Blog

McLaren F1, McLaren 720S, and V12 Zagato – All In One Weekend

The car season in Boston has already reached the halfway mark, and to transition into the second half of the season July 8th and 9th certainly didn’t disappoint. So far this season we’ve seen two Ferrari 488 GTBs, at least three Porsche 911Rs, and now in one weekend we got the opportunity to see the McLaren F1, the new McLaren 720S, and the Aston Martin V12 Zagato. Here are some of the photos from this past weekend.

The Spy Shots of the McLaren 720S

At McLaren Boston Cars & Coffee, we were greeted by the 720S which was being delivered to the dealership at the same time as the event was coming to an end. Unfortunately, the covers weren’t taken off, but thanks to a few exposed parts of the car, this 720S is Pearl Orange. This makes it one of the first to land in the United States.

Herb Chambers’ McLaren F1

Sadly, this will be the last time we see this F1 as it will be auctioned off later this year. The good news however, is that it will be replaced by the new Mercedes Benz AMG Project One hypercar.

The 2013 Aston Martin V12 Zagato

After McLaren Boston Cars & Coffee, I had to stop by and check out the Aston Martin V12 Zagato at Aston Martin of New England. This car is very rare, as only 61 were made worldwide and about six are in the United States.

This was by far the best weekend so far this car season, and hopefully bigger and better things are to come before the winter arrives.

Upcoming Car Events and Cars & Coffees For July In Boston

Here’s the list of upcoming car events and Cars & Coffees for the month of July. If you know of any other large car events this month, comment below and I’ll add them to the list.

In addition to Boston Cars & Coffee at Larz Anderson, there’s special events held at the museum each weekend. Here’s the four car events at Larz for the month of July.

July 9th is Seacoast Cars and Coffee up in Portsmouth, NH.

For more information you can visit their website:
http://www.seacoastcarsandcoffee.com

You can also check out their Facebook Page:
Seacoast Cars & Coffee Facebook Page

For more information on Southern New Hampshire Cars & Coffee, you can check out their Facebook page:
Southern New Hampshire Cars & Coffee

As always, I’ll continue to update this article if any large car events pop up within the next few days and weeks.

Upcoming Car Events and Cars & Coffees For June in Boston

Here’s the list of upcoming car events and Cars & Coffees for the month of June. If you know of any other large car events this month, comment below and I’ll add them to the list.

In addition to Boston Cars & Coffee at Larz Anderson, there’s special events held at the museum each weekend. Here’s the four car events at Larz for the month of June.

It’s an hour drive from Boston, but up in Portsmouth, New Hampshire there’s Seacoast Cars & Coffee on June 4th

For more information you can visit their website: http://www.seacoastcarsandcoffee.com

You can also check out their Facebook Page: Seacoast Cars & Coffee Facebook Page

As always, I’ll continue to update this article if any large car events pop up within the next few days and weeks.

Aston Martin of New England Showroom – Experiencing British Automotive Heritage

On May 13th, Aston Martin of New England held an open house/Cars & Coffee event at their dealership in Waltham, Massachusetts to help kick off the beginning of car season in Massachusetts. While I was there, I spent about an hour filming inside their showroom to create a video that would bring an appreciation to the craftsmanship and design of the cars made by the British automaker, along with the handful of German cars also on display. It was the best and most rewarding hour I’ve spent at a car event in a very long time.

Starting off, I want to say thanks to the people at Aston Martin of New England for allowing me to film in their showroom as the event was coming to a close and everyone started to leave. Being the only person surrounded by Aston Martins, vintage Porsche 911’s, and a new Lotus Evora 400, I was able to take in British automotive heritage. Aston Martins are more than just cars used by James Bond for over 40 years, they’re at the pinnacle of British luxury, design, and performance. These beautiful cars symbolize the very best of the automotive industry, bringing a sense of class, sophistication, and properness that only the British could offer.

The center of attention in the Aston Martin showroom is without a doubt the 1988 Vantage V8 Zagato, a car priced at $795k, and across the room near the window, the all new DB11. Two prime examples of Aston Martin staying true to their heritage. The time spent in that room made me appreciate the automaker even more, as for the first time in a dealership, I was able to film and understand why cars like Aston Martins are at the center of many people’s dreams. Instead of looking at a picture on the internet or watching a YouTube video, I was seeing and experiencing these cars through my own eyes, that can only be truly appreciated if you’re in complete solitude.

So without further ado, here’s the video from the Aston Martin of New England’s showroom. I hope you enjoy!

The Redesigned Buick Regal – A New Era For American Luxury

Today, we caught a glimpse of what will be the redesigned Buick Regal, which no doubt brings a sense of European styling and craftsmanship to the GM luxury brand. Known as the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia in Europe, and the Holden Commodore Grand Sport in Australia, the new Regal is reshaping how we interpret American luxury by going far more German in nature and design. While we’ve known for a while that Buick’s lineup is primarily rebadged Opel/Vauxhall vehicles, the new platform for the Regal is exactly what the American consumer craves; European luxury.

So without further ado, here’s renderings of what will be the all new Buick Regal when it arrives in showrooms. Its release is still to be determined, but we should know more in the upcoming months.

Despite the Regal’s German design that strikingly resembles the Audi A5 Sportback, there’s a lot of appeal for the car moving forward. Sold as a GM could have mixed results as Buick is still fighting the long believed perception that their brand is for old people, but on the positive side, having a sedan that looks European could swing in their favor, especially with younger consumers.

No word on pricing as of right now, but today’s unveiling is a step forward in the right direction. For GM, putting aside their past and producing vehicles drivers can have confidence in will once again bring the American automaker to prominence. GM’s subsidiary Opel has plans to release seven new cars in 2017, and hopefully the new Insignia is just a small taste of what’s to come.

Buick has made great strides this year with sales up 3% for the year and up 16% in the month of November. With momentum heading into 2017 and a redesigned Regal on the way, Buick could be an automaker to look out for, not only next year, but in the future as well.

Volvo S40 T5 – The Perfect Car For The Driver Who Wants A Manual

In the car community, having a car with a stick or being capable of driving a manual car, is an added bonus to show your knowledge and legitimacy as a car enthusiast. Often we discuss what car with a manual transmission would be perfect to learn and or own. The Mazda Miata is always brought up for many reasons, including the fact that it’s essentially a street legal go-kart which gives drivers the sensation of being connected to the road. There are many other candidates, but one that is never mentioned nor given credit as being a fun car is the Volvo S40 T5.

I know what you’re thinking, but much like the C30, the S40 can be fun to drive, and in fact could be the perfect car to learn how to drive a stick. Many S40 owners complain about the close proximity between the brake and gas pedals, as you’ll most likely accidentally tap on of them. This dilemma actually brings up the perfect opportunity to start heel-toeing, which will make you a better driver and help train you to shift through the gears smoother. The S40 T5 has other benefits as well, including performance and modification capabilities.

With a turbocharged 5 cylinder engine producing around 227 horsepower, you’re going to have a decent car right off the bat. It won’t beat a fully stock MazdaSpeed3 but you’ll have more horsepower than a stock Volkswagen GTI. This now leads up to modifications, and here are just a few S40s that are out there where the owners brought the Swedish sedan to the next level.

You can also go with body kits from Heico to add a more sporty appeal to the S40

Overall the S40 is a great car to start out with, whether to daily drive or learn how to drive a manual. It’s a safe car, the interior is cozy, and the seats are absolutely comfortable. Perfect for the driver who also wants to step into the entry level luxury segment. Despite not being a BMW, Audi, or Mercedes Benz, it’s definitely an alternative if you don’t want to buy a Japanese car, but with that does come costs at the repair shop.

Right now you can find S40 T5s around $5k – $6k. If you’re lucky enough to stumble upon an S40 T5 R-Design don’t pass it up. Not only are they rare to come by these days, but you get some added goodies in terms of aesthetics. They’re also holding their value slightly better and can be purchased for around $12k.

Most importantly, you’ll have a novelty car. Not many S40 T5’s are out there on the roads, let alone a modified one. It’s safe to say that at a local car meet, you’ll have the only S40, but it will be unique which just adds to the appeal and the whole package of owning one.

Why Buy a Subaru When You Can Treat Yourself With German Engineering

Winter is right around the corner. Many in the northern regions of the United States have received their first snowfall of the year, and that means we’re getting closer to unplowed roads and treacherous driving conditions. In the Northeast, Subaru has a monopoly on the AWD market in New England, as they’re the most relied upon brand to get people to and from work safely when it snows. But what if I told you that there’s another alternative for AWD vehicles around or under $30,000 that combine German engineering, luxury, technology, and AWD to enhance your winter driving experience this year?

Yes I know what you’re thinking, “Subarus are cheaper to maintain and they can be purchased new instead of certified used so why would I want to buy a German car?” It’s a fair argument, but you and I both know that it’s crossed your mind. A Mercedes Benz, Audi, or BMW for year round driving, luxury interior, and only a blizzard could stop Quattro, 4Matic, and X-Drive AWD technologies. Let’s put it this way, just like gingerbread, Lindt chocolate, and all the pastries you’re going to stuff yourself with this holiday season, owning a German car is a temptation that can’t be ignored.

Mercedes Benz

“The Best or Nothing” says it all. Why settle for a Subaru with a CVT transmission that makes driving mundane, when you can go with Mercedes Benz that provides AWD and comfort. There’s a few options to choose from, all under $30k, and best of all, still under warranty.

C-Class 2012-2014

The Mercedes Benz C300 that’s still under warranty and certified used can go anywhere between $22k and 30k depending on the mileage and number of previous owners. A great way to step into luxury, the C300 was the gateway to bigger and better vehicles by Mercedes Benz prior to the CLA hitting the market.

The C300 comes with a V-6 engine that produces 248 horsepower, so when it’s not snowing you can have some fun on the roads. For features you’ll get a navigation system and backup assist, bluetooth, power seats for both driver and passenger, and automatic temperature control. While the C-Class would be in the same price range as the Legacy, you’d receive better interior features, more power, and because it’s used, you won’t experience the big depreciation hit after driving off the lot.

E-Class 2011-2013

Believe it or not, you can also decide to go with the E350, which prices will vary. Hovering right around $30k, you’re now behind the wheel of the mid-level model in the Mercedes Benz lineup. This is where class and luxury come together to create one incredible sedan. With the option of wooden panels on the dash and small touches that distinguishes the E-Class from the C-Class will no doubt have an effect on how you carry yourself. There’s no walking with your head down in the office when you’re showing up in an E350.

With a V-6 engine, your E350 will get 302 horsepower. Just like the C300, you’ll have a built-in navigation system and backup assist, bluetooth, power seats, memory seat and head restraints, and automatic temperature control. The E350 is a step up from the C-Class, and with AWD, this car makes the perfect winter warrior, while also being a head turner.

GLK-Class 2014

You can also find a certified pre-owned GLK 350 for under $30k. Unlike the C and E-Class, the GLK will provide versatility and cargo room. Similar interior features, along with wooden panels is another nice touch by Mercedes Benz that will set you apart from a Subaru Outback. It’s perfect for the family on the go who need to get to school or other extra curricular activities. Old man winter won’t stop those in a GLK, and even during the warmer seasons, you’ll have an SUV that fits any situation.

BMW

“The Ultimate Driving Machine” can also being your ultimate winter daily driver. With X-Drive you have another formidable AWD system that won’t let you down.

320/328 2013 – 2014

BMW’s answer to the C-Class. Priced anywhere from $22k to $30k, you have a choice between going on the cheaper end with the 320i or going more expensive with better interior options by choosing the 328i. With a difference in power by about 60 horses, the 320i is really an entry level sedan that will introduce you to the brand, but still offers the comfort and features of the more powerful 328i. When choosing between such as BMW and Mercedes, it really comes down to personal preference and taste in luxury interiors.

You’re still getting a navigation system, wooden trim depending on the options that come with the car, heated and memory seats and automatic temperature control, but you won’t have backup assist. The major difference is engine type between Mercedes Benz and BMW. On the 3 Series you’ll get a 4 cylinder intercooled turbo engine that will get you either 180 hp or 240 hp depending on whether you decide to go with a 320i or 328i. You’ll also get slightly better fuel efficiency in the city and highway by going with BMW.

X1 2013 – 2014

BMW’s smallest crossover SUV is another alternative to versatility and cargo space and can be found around $22k to $28k. Essentially the 3 series on stilts, the X1 provides a higher ride height, similar interior features, and the same engine as the 328i. Smaller than the GLK, the X1 is truly a crossover, so you may sacrifice in terms of interior, but you’ll be saving on initial cost of purchase and better savings at the fuel pump.

Audi

Many Audi owners have made the argument, and rightfully so, that Quattro is the best AWD system out of the three major German luxury car manufacturers. For the harsh winters of New England, Audis priced around or below $30k will make your winter weather driving experiences better this season, giving you the peace of mind when it starts snowing heavy during rush hour.

A4 2012-2015

The A4, which competes with the C-Class and 3 Series, tends to be near the higher side of the $22 to $30k spectrum. Right now however, there are deals out there where you can find a 2015 A4 for just under $30k due to the new model year of 2017s that were released earlier this year. While the 2015 sports the outdated look, you’re not cheated out of the luxury aspects of the car, nor the performance.

With the A4 you’ll get a 4 cylinder intercooled turbo engine producing 220 horsepower, and since it’s an inline four, you’ll have better fuel economy that is in the same range as the BMW 3 Series, 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Like it’s competitors, you’ll get similar interior features such as power seats, automatic temperature control, and navigation system. More importantly with Audi, is the advantage of the Quattro AWD system. That’s what will get you home safely during a winter storm.

Conclusion

Buying a German car has it’s rewards, and it’s up to the individual as to whether they’re willing to buy a new Subaru, or go with the more luxurious German competitors by purchasing a certified used Mercedes Benz, BMW, or Audi. Either decision has it pros and cons, but there’s no doubt that you’d entertain the thought of buying German.

No matter what the choice is, the first priority is to get to your destinations safe this winter by having a reliable winter warrior. Subaru has proved time and again that they’re the best in their class, but if you want a side of luxury, the Germans are right there to grab your attention.

The Grand Tour – An Automotive Masterpiece

Everything we’ve waited for, from seeing Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond back on our television screens, to finally having the Porsche 918, McLaren P1, and Ferrari LaFerrari showdown was just a small taste of what we have to look forward to for the next 11 weeks. The former Top Gear hosts have elevated automotive shows to a whole new level, despite the Grand Tour not deviating too much from the platform that we were used to seeing on BBC. Our favorite trio brought back the magic we’ve been missing for almost a year, and although the wait was excruciating, they didn’t disappoint, and in fact, fulfilled every car enthusiasts highest expectations on the new show.

We may be one episode in, but lets face it, Top Gear UK is officially dead. How can BBC recover from losing the greatest entertainers that combine humor and cars, and replace them with mundane and very stale talent that could put someone who suffers from sleep apnea into hibernation? The automotive world took a major hit when BBC fired Clarkson, but he came back stronger, and with May and Hammond, they managed to create a masterpiece that far exceeds the many seasons of Top Gear they were a part of. The reigns are now in their hands, and we got a small sample of what the Grand Tour can become for many years down the road.

The Grand Tour in reality, is Top Gear on steroids. A bigger budget, less censorship, and the hosts at the helm shows not only can they entertain, they can also take a concept that we’re familiar with and perfect it. A new test track and Mike Skinner taking the place of the Stig, are some of the apparent changes to the platform, but both compliment the new show because the track allows for better testing, and Skinner provides further comedy by being interactive as opposed to being faceless. The Tent replaces the old Top Gear studio and there appears to be a segment similar to “the news” where all three hosts discuss automotive topics that are relevant in the time that the show is being produced.

In Episode 1, we caught a glimpse of what this season, and possibly the next 5-10 years could be. Kicking off with the McLaren P1, Porsche 918, and Ferrari LaFerrari sets the tone, and quite frankly, it will be hard for any show, Top Gear UK or otherwise, to create a season premier such as the Grand Tour’s. Needless to say, it’s great to see Clarkson, May, and Hammond back, and with the first season just beginning, car season ending will be easier to cope with when the snow starts falling, and the temperatures drop to the single digits.

Alfa Romeo Unveils The All New Stelvio – Everything We Want In An SUV

It’s finally here, the all new Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The fourth model the Italian automaker has brought to the United States in the past decade to reintroduce the brand to the New World. In true Italian style, Alfa Romeo has made it’s presence known even before walking through the door, as the Giulia hasn’t hit showrooms yet, but will very soon. The Stelvio introduces Alfa to the SUV market, and they’ve swung for the fences at their first at bat.

With the unveiling of the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, the generation of immediate buzz in the automotive world has been deafening, as the Italian SUV is set to be the fastest in its class at the Nurburgring. With a Ferrari powered V6 engine producing 505 horsepower, no one up to this point has produced a faster SUV, not including the Tesla Model X which is electric. Better yet, the Stelvio is capable of a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds, which is faster than the Alfa Romeo 4C. Not even Porsche can boast that it produces the fastest SUV, as the Macan and Cayenne have met their match.

More importantly than the performance is the styling. Alfa designed the Stelvio similar to the Giulia, which will only make it more attractive to new buyers. One of the biggest concerns with early renders of the Stelvio was it’s face, as it took on the appearance of the Giulietta. While the initial styling was up to par, had Alfa Romeo stuck with the design, it’s possible that early receptions wouldn’t have been positive.

Together, the Giulia and Stelvio give Alfa a chance to compete and even stand out in a very crowded market for both crossovers and small sports sedans. Also contrary to where the luxury market is heading, Alfa is promoting driving experience and performance while the Germans are fixated on driver assisting technologies. Right now, the Italians have an opportunity to change the landscape in the current automotive market, and reintroduce driving pleasure and fun behind the wheel. Needless to say, the Giulia and Stelvio’s appearances are distinct, and brings a new breath of fresh air into a very stale luxury performance segment.

The Stelvio is expected to hit showrooms sometime next year, and we can only hope that there are no delays, as Alfa Romeo pushed back the Giulia’s arrival to the US market multiple times. Over the next few months we should get a better idea of the true performance and craftsmanship, when car reviewers get behind the wheel.

The future looks bright for Alfa Romeo heading into 2017. The only dark clouds that linger is the reliability of the Giulia and Stelvio. If the Italians can hit a home run with these two models, not only will that ensure their survival in the US, but we’ll get bigger and better vehicles from the brand that understands what being a true car enthusiast is all about.

Auto Sales Get Decimated In October – A Sign Of Things To Come?

The month of October was not friendly to most car manufacturers, as overall sales in the United States dropped 6%. This sharp drop can be attributed to volume sellers who saw declines that haven’t been posted in quite sometime. Is this a reason for concern moving forward? Is a slowing auto market going to be the new reality that manufacturers will face for at least the short term? New car sales have been slowing over the past few months, but October’s sudden drop in overall sales is nothing that should be taken lightly.

It should be noted that October of 2016 had two fewer selling days than October of 2015, but with some of the percentages that were posted, not even two extra selling days could change the outcome of a bleak new car market.

Fiat-Chrysler Massacre

It has not been a good year for the Fiat-Chrysler group, and October magnifies the downward trend in sales for most of the brands. Chrysler posted a decline of 44.7%, Fiat down 24.3%, Dodge -16.4%, and Jeep -6.6%. Three out of the four brands listed are down on the year for new car sales, while Jeep is still maintaining an increase of 9.7%. With Dodge ending the Dart and Chrysler no longer producing the 200, sales figures being down was to be expected, but for the auto group as a whole, there’s not much excitement for any of the brands, besides Dodge which produces the Challenger and Charger.

BMW, Volkswagen, Volvo and Land Rover Experience Sales Decline

Volvo and Land Rover, two manufacturers who are both up on the year in new car sales in the United States, saw sharp declines in the month of October. Volvo, a brand that has been revived thanks to the all new S90 and completely redesigned XC90, experienced a 14.6% drop in sales. Land Rover saw a decline of 23.2% in October. Despite the sharp drop in sales in the United States, Volvo and Land Rover are still having a fantastic year overall, and shouldn’t be too concerned about the final quarter of the year, unless lower sales figures overall in the automotive market becomes a trend.

BMW may be the biggest surprise for lower volumes in sales, not only for October, but for the year of 2016. Down 18.4% last month, and down 9% for the year, BMW is the only brand out of the big three luxury manufacturers in Germany that has experienced declines. Mercedes Benz and Audi are still strong, and while sales were flat in October, the loss of two sales days could be a contributing factor. Volkswagen on the other hand has not recovered from Diesel Gate, and with a loss of 13.5% on the year and another double-digit loss last month, it just continues to get worse for the German auto brand.

Bentley, Jaguar, Maserati, and Porsche Have Strong October

Not everyone is reeling from the October blues, there are car brands that had a fantastic month with Bentley, Jaguar, Maserati, and Porsche having double and even triple digit increases in sales. The British are leading the way and Jaguar’s 226% sales increase can be attributed to the F-Pace and XE, which have both taken their respective markets by storm. The F-Pace is Jaguar’s first attempt at making an SUV, and so far it has been a great success, while the XE, which is the British’s answer to the BMW 3 Series, is seeing strong sales since it’s arrival to the market earlier this year.

Bentley’s impressive gain of 158% in sales last month is all thanks to the Benteyga, which is Bentley’s first ever SUV. In October, the Benteyga contributed more than 33% of sales for the Bentley brand. While the British luxury car maker is down on the year by 6.8%, the entrance into the luxury SUV market has yielded strong sales figures, with the Benteyga making up about 50% of Bentley’s sales in the US since it’s debut on the market in August.

Maserati, much like Bentley and Jaguar, has seen strong sales numbers since entering the SUV market as well. The Levante, which also brought in about 33% of sales in October for Maserati, has received raved reviewed by journalists and consumers. Maserati has hit a home run with their luxury SUV, and that is starting to trickle down to other cars in the lineup. The Ghibli had a strong month alongside the Levante, leading to Maserati’s 11.8% increase in sales for the month of October.

Porsche had the best month out of all German brands in October, with luxury SUV’s again being the main contributor for strong sale. Up 10.7% in October and 3.2% for the year of 2016, Porsche has seen tremendous sales figures and it’s the Cayenne and Macan that is carrying the once sports car dominated lineup.

Strong sales across the board for luxury brands could be a good sign, despite the slowing of overall sales in the market. While Fiat-Chrysler, BMW, Volvo, and many others struggled in October, there’s no reason to panic just yet. If the fourth quarter of 2016 continues a downward trend and that transitions into the new year, then there would be a legitimate reason for concern. As for right now, we can only hope that October isn’t the start of a trend, and that the holiday season and the incentives that come with it could motivate consumers to buy in November and December.

Tag: Automotive

McLaren F1, McLaren 720S, and V12 Zagato – All In One Weekend

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Upcoming Car Events and Cars & Coffees For July In Boston

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Upcoming Car Events and Cars & Coffees For June in Boston

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Aston Martin of New England Showroom – Experiencing British Automotive Heritage

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The Redesigned Buick Regal – A New Era For American Luxury

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Volvo S40 T5 – The Perfect Car For The Driver Who Wants A Manual

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Why Buy a Subaru When You Can Treat Yourself With German Engineering

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The Grand Tour – An Automotive Masterpiece

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Alfa Romeo Unveils The All New Stelvio – Everything We Want In An SUV

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Auto Sales Get Decimated In October – A Sign Of Things To Come?

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