2019 Ford Edge

Getting the Edge on the Competition!

By Charles Donaldson

There are many crossovers on the market and the 2019 Ford Edge is about to find more competition with the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer and the Volkswagen Atlas arriving soon. As Ford nears the elimination of most of its “car” lines, their focus has expanded on their SUV/Crossover and Pickup models. The Edge is a large part of their strategy and fits below the Ford Explorer and the Escape, providing two-rows of seats. It debuted in 2006 and was Ford’s first car-based unibody crossover. To date, over 2 million Edge’s have been sold with many more expected as this market continues to expand.

Pricing and Trims
For 2019, Ford Edge is available in four trim levels SE FWD ($29,939) and AWD ($31,864), SEL FWD ($32,598) and AWD ($34,504), Titanium FWD ($38,550) and AWD ($39,716), and ST AWD ($41,446).

What’s new for 2019?
Last redesigned for the 2015 model year, the 2019 Edge receives a refresh that updates the interior and exterior styling adding more standard safety features as well as Ford’s new 8-speed automatic transmission. A new performance-tuned edition, the Edge ST performance model replaces the Sport trim. Also, Edge has a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot that requires a dedicated data plan.

Interior Highpoints
Part of the refresh of the 2019 Ford Edge is the interior. Since it is just a refresh vs. a full design, don’t expect dramatic changes in the cabin. One change - the rotary shift knob, was taken from the Fusion sedan, which allows for a large wireless phone-charging pad. So many cars these days have wireless phone-charging pads that won’t fit the larger smart phones. I had no problem with my phone.

The ST performance trim is equipped with bolstered leather and cloth sport seats. The Titanium models have leather seats with heating and cooling in the front row and there is an option for rear heated seats.  The upper level models come with an 8.0-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. Amazon Alexa and Waze integration are also available.  The Edge has superior cargo space over its competitors with 39.2 cubic feet that expands to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Exterior Highlights
The exterior changes are minimal and begin with a wider grille design, a new hood, and new standard LED headlights.  For 2019, four new exterior and three new interior colors have been added. Four new wheel choices including 19-inch aluminum painted wheels on the Titanium. The ST comes in an exclusive “Ford Performance Blue” and has blacked out hexagonal upper and lower grilles compared with the slats on the rest of the Edge trims.

Performance Specs
The 2019 Edge is available in two engines, Ford’s second-generation twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 is exclusive to the Edge ST. The ST’s new engine generates a powerful 335 horsepower. All other Edges are powered by a turbocharged inline-four 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine with five extra horses bring it to 250. Both engines are mated to the new 8-speed automatic transmission. An auto stop/start system is also standard to help improve fuel economy.

Cool Features:

·         Optional park-assist system

·         Adaptive Cruise Control

·         Multiple USB outlets

·         New Sync Connect adds a Wi-Fi hotspot

Safety Integrity
The 2019 Ford Edge has a long checklist of safety features. Starting with an AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) and Curve Control, Airbags – Driver’s knee, glovebox-door, integrated knee, front-seat side, and Safety, Canopy® System with side-curtain airbags and rollover sensor. Other features include: Belt-Minder® front safety belt reminder, Brakes – 4-wheel disc with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Child-safety rear door locks, Individual Tire Pressure Monitoring, System (TPMS; excludes spare), LATCH – Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children, MyKey®, Personal Safety System™ for driver and front passenger with dual-stage front airbags, and Rear view camera.

In Summary – The 2019 Ford Edge is a beautiful and fun-to-drive crossover. Inside it has plenty of room for passengers and cargo, filled with high-tech features, and comfortable. The performance was confident and powerful, and the handling was a delight. In my opinion it is one of the best-looking crossovers in its class. Go take it out for a test drive and see what YOU think. 

Specifications 

2019 Ford Edge Titanium FWD

Base price:	$38,550 as driven: $44,890 (including destination & optional features)
Engine:	2.0-liter Turbo EcoBoost
Horsepower:	250 hp @ 5500 RPM
Torque:	275 lb.-ft. @ 3000 RPM
Transmission:	8-speed automatic
Drive:	Front-Wheel Drive
Seating:	5-passenger
Cargo space:	39.2 cubic feet
Curb weight:	3,959 pounds
EPA mileage:	City 22/Hwy 29/Comb 25 MPG
Fuel Capacity:	18.4 gallons
Wheelbase:	112.2 inches
Warranty:	3 years/36,000-miles
Also consider:	Chevrolet Blazer, Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Murano, and Volkswagen Atlas

2019 Lexus LC 500 Coupe

 Where Style meets Performance!

By Charles Donaldson

So, there are sports cars and then there are Sports Cars. The 2019 Lexus LC 500 coupe falls into the second category. How do I know this? Everyone with whom I have been in conversations with about the vehicle have told me so! My sister-in-law just previewed the San Francisco International Auto Show and on Thanksgiving shared with me that of all the cars she had seen, the only one she would have coveted was the LC 500. She wasn’t the only person who placed the Lexus LC 500 high on their wish list, “People constantly came up to me, and loved the car.”

The 2019 Lexus LC 500 is probably the most recent, exciting car in the Lexus fleet. It isn’t for the faint of heart.  My model was packing 471 horses under the hood and priced with options at $105,345. What’s interesting about the LC is that it makes a statement declaring worth the price with a roar and style confirming it!

Heads turned wherever I drove, eyes grew large and tongues wagged. It is drop-dead gorgeous and an attention grabber! The 5.0-liter V8 rumbles with power hungry to be released. Let me tell you, it was both easy and fun to let the beast out.

Pricing and Trims
For 2019, the Lexus LC 500 is available in two trim levels LC 500 ($93,225) and LC 500h Hybrid ($97,735).

What’s new for 2019?
The 2019, the LC 500 is pretty much unchanged. With that said, Lexus did update the Adaptive Variable Suspension system for a more comfortable ride, altered the programming on the 10-speed transmission to enable smoother shifts, and altered the assist levels in the power steering. Lexus also added a new color – Obsidian. They added, as well, Apple CarPlay compatibility and Amazon Alexa integration, however, decided to hold off on adding Android Auto. 

Interior Highpoints
The interior is plush with standard features including a 12-speaker audio system, SiriusXM ready, leather front 10-way power driver leather seat, NuLuxe rear seats, blue tooth, 10.3-inch LCD TFT multi-information display with mouse-like touch-pad controls, drape-like surface design with ambient illumination of door panels, satin, metallic finish throughout, and aluminum foot pedals. The LC 500 features two USB ports and a 12V socket, Siri® Eyes Free, and SmartAccess keyless entry with push-button start.  An optional ($1,220) Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System is available, which sounds amazing. The interior sports a back seat for namesake, but there is zero legroom. The seats are comfortable for short drives but after driving to Carmel and back to the Tri-Valley, my back was a bit sore.

Exterior Highlights
What can I say about the exterior design? It is a work of art! Every swooping angle is crafted with perfection and elegance. The LC 500’s wide hips are masculine and sexy. I wish I could pull that off! The LC sits low and wide and from any approach - looks assertive. The trunk will not hold much cargo, however, manages fine for your day-to-day storage needs. The car is simply gorgeous!

Performance Specs
Let me start by saying the Lexus LC 500 is exciting to drive! Powered by a 471-hp 5.0-liter V8, the LC 500 is much more powerful than its Hybrid brother. The Hybrid, which is going for economy and more nature friendly, generates 295 horses from a 3.5-liter double overhead cam V6 that combines with an electric motor and battery pack to upgrade the status to 354 total horsepower. Now that’s a hybrid! Both power plants are connected to a very smooth 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The LC 500 rockets to 60-miles per hour in only 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 168-mph. The fuel economy is what you would expect from a V8 – 16 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The LC 500 is rear-wheel drive.

Cool Features:

·         The speedometer slides to the right allowing for new info and commands to appear in the dash

·         Rear Pop-up Spoiler

·         Unique Styling

·         Self-revving engine when starting the car

Safety Integrity
The 2019 Lexus LC 500 is well-equipped with safety features including: Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) and Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) function for all positions except driver (driver's only equipped with ELR), entry system with lock, two-stage unlock, trunk open and “panic” features, volume-adjustable confirmation tone and rolling code technology, Lexus Enform Service Connect and Safety Connect with Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assist Button, and Enhanced Roadside Assistance, vehicle theft-deterrent system.

In Summary – The 2019 Lexus LC 500 is a fabulous “two-seater” with style and grace and a lot of horsepower! It’s a dream to witness, drive and ride in. It’s sporty and sexy at the same time. It turns onlookers’ heads so easily, that if a team of chiropractors should follow you, they would make a million bucks quickly. The LC isn’t for everyone – while you’ll need a lot of cash on hand, it’s not a family car. If you meet the LC’s demographics – go out and have a “joy” ride in the 2019 LC 500 coupe! 

Specifications.

2019 Lexus LC 500 Coupe

Base price:	$92,200 as driven: $105,345 (including destination & optional features)
Engine:	V8, 5.0 Liter DOHC 32-valve
Horsepower:	471 hp @ 7100 RPM
Torque:	398 lb.-ft. @ 4800 RPM
Transmission:	10-speed automatic
Drive:	Rear-Wheel Drive
Seating:	4-passenger
Cargo space:	5.4 cubic feet
Curb weight:	4,280 pounds
EPA mileage:	City 16/Hwy 25/Comb 19 MPG
Fuel Capacity:	21.7 gallons
Turning Circle:	17.7 ft.
Wheelbase:	113 inches
Warranty:	4 years/50,000-miles
Also consider:	Acura NSX, Alfa Romeo 4C, BMW M6, Jaguar F-Type, Porsche 911

2018 GMC Terrain

The Next Generation!

By Charles Donaldson

I have been toying with the idea of replacing my sedan with a crossover SUV. I do have a few vehicles at the top of my list, yet, after driving the all-new GMC 2018 Terrain, I find that my favorites have changed. The areas important to me are reliability, power, space, technology features, comfort, gas mileage, and price, however, not always in that order.

The 2018 GMC Terrain is all-new and addresses the issues of the last generation that weren’t measuring up with the technology features and interior quality of its competitor vehicles. The folks at GMC took note and redesigned and restructured the Terrain to elevate it to a compelling small 5 passenger compact crossover SUV.

Interestingly, GMC managed to shrink the 2018 Terrain by over 3-inches in length without sacrificing much head and legroom. The weight also dropped by 400 pounds which contributes to its improved fuel MPG. The new sheet metal allows the Terrain to finally standout and turn heads.

Pricing and Trims
For 2018, GMC Terrain is available in four trim levels, but I will break it up into six to share some Diesel engine prices. The base is the SL FWD ($25,990), is followed by the SLE FWD ($28,815) and AWD ($30,565), SLT FWD ($32,315) and AWD ($34,065). The top of the line Denali is priced at FWD ($38,515) and AWD ($40,265), The SLE and SLT are also available with a Diesel engine and priced at FWD ($32,585) and AWD ($34,335), and FWD ($35,160) and AWD ($36,910) respectively.

What’s new for 2018?
The 2018 GMC Terrain has been completely redesigned for its 2^nd-generation. It offers a new turbo-diesel engine and new 9-speed transmission. Stop/Start technology is featured on all systems. The 2018 Terrain is dressed in an all-new interior including an expanded center console with pass-through storage. A new fold-flat front passenger seat with flat-folding rear seat offers more loading options.  Additional active safety technologies are designed to assist the driver.

 

Interior Highpoints
The base Terrain comes with cloth seats. Our model, the Denali, had leather seats that were very comfortable. Both front and rear seats were enjoyable to ride in. The dash is clean, and the center console was easy to operate. GM upped the game with its IntelliLink infotainment system that includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The Terrain Denali model has an upgrade 8-inch touchscreen with two additional USB ports.  A wireless charging system is also available. With the front passenger’s seat folding flat creates a notable 81 cubic feet of storage. More and more manufactures are getting away from the typical gear shifter. The Terrain elected to go with a push-button shifting system on the console that I must admit did take a little time to get used to. I do appreciate the extra storage space created due to the lack of a center shifter.

Exterior Highlights
The exterior is bold with sharp-edged lines and flat fender wheel wells. The Terrain has a unique look that manages to scream tough, yet, sophisticated. As noted earlier, the 2018 Terrain is shorter and lighter than Gen One. Improved handling was conceived by pushing the wheels a bit more towards the corners of the vehicle. At the front is a big powerful grille with wishbone-gazing headlamps. The rear quarter panels raise high into the rear-side glass making an impactful look, while, at the same time, manifesting a challenge to see out of.

Performance Specs
The 2018 Terrain is offered with 3 engine choices. The SL, SLE, and SLT come with a 4-cylinder 1.5-liter gas engine. The Denali is equipped with a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 252 hp and 260 lb.-ft of torque. All gas engines are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The SLE and SLT are also available with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel (137 hp, 240 lb.-ft of torque) and paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Cool Features:

·         OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot (requires membership after a 3-month trial)

·         Seat vibrating lane warning system (optional feature)

·         Multiple USB outlets

Safety Integrity
The 2018 Terrain filled the safety option list with blind-spot monitoring system, lane-departure warning, and rear parking sensors. Six standard air bags, including frontal driver and passenger, roof rail-mounted head curtain and thorax side-impact air bags, collapsible pedal assembly, standard rear-vision camera, Rear Seat Reminder alerts when the second-row doors are opened before the vehicle is started, Driver Alert Package I is available on SLE and SLT and standard on Denali. Content includes Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert, Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Safety Alert Driver Seat. Driver Alert Package II is available on SLT and Denali. Content includes Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator and IntelliBeam headlamps. The Advanced Safety Package is available on Denali and includes Automatic Parking Assist and Surround Vision.

In Summary – The All-New 2018 GMC Terrain is an impressive generation change. All areas of improvement were made, and the Terrain stands out in the crowd. Its size and category might have shrunk, but its overall quality and functionality has increased. It is a fun-to-drive vehicle that is capable and has style. The 2018 Terrain is the right size for families looking to seat 5 and have a flexible amount of cargo options. Its price may be higher than others, but in most cases, it’s worth it. Take it out for a test drive and see if the Terrain will entice you to take it home. 

Specifications.

2018 GMC Terrain Denali AWD

Base price:	$39,270 as driven: $44,370 (including destination & optional features)
Engine:	4-clyinder, 2.0 Liter Turbo Charged
Horsepower:	252 hp @ 5500 RPM
Torque:	260 lb.-ft. @ 2500 RPM
Transmission:	9-speed automatic
Drive:	All-Wheel Drive
Seating:	5-passenger
Cargo space:	63.3 cubic feet
Curb weight:	3,636 pounds
EPA mileage:	City 21/Hwy 26/Comb 23 MPG
Fuel Capacity:	14.9 gallons
Turning Circle:	41.6 ft.
Wheelbase:	107.3 inches
Warranty:	3 years/36,000-miles
Also consider:	Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Toyota Rav-4