Weekend Roundup: 10/13/17-10/15/17

Aston Martin Introduces DB11 Volante: AMG V8 Only Engine Choice

With the new generation Aston Martin DB-series car, expectations were high, with a collective breath being held to see if Aston ‘messed it up’. The release of the DB11 and its new twin-turbocharged V12 engine sated the world, and we settled in to wait for the inevitable follow-up releases to come.

First of these was the smaller-engine V8 model, which borrows a twin-turbo 4.0L V8 mill from the boys at AMG. It was good. Now, the company is looking to update its convertible lineup, with the introduction of the DB11 Volante.

While the smaller V8 may be lacking four cylinders over its V12 bigger-brother available in the Coupe model, its 503hp means it is no slouch. Sending this power to the standard LSD in the rear is an 8-speed automatic transmission equipped with paddles.

Maintaining the structures strength is a main concern when removing the roof of a vehicle, and to address the concerns, the DB11’s all-new bonded structure to underpin the new Volante with a structure that’s 26kg (~55lbs) lighter and 5% stiffer than its predecessor.

The Volante has an MSRP of $216,495 and will begin deliveries in the first quarter of 2018.

Non-Manual 2018 Mustang’s Get MPG Bump

Ford engineers seem to know their stuff. Not only are they leading the market with their EcoBoost series of engines, their Mustang–both EcoBoost and N/A GT models–has seen an important MPG boost for 2018. On top of these efficiency increases, both engines also receive revised–upwards–power numbers. Remember, the V6 is no more.

The EcoBoost model is equipped with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder which now makes 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft, a 30 lb-ft increase in torque. EcoBoost Mustang’s earned 21 mpg in the city with either the manual or automatic transmission—the same as last year—but 2018 models nudged last year’s 30 mpg highway (manual or automatic) to 31 mpg with the manual and 32 mpg with the automatic. This equates to 25mpg combined, an important number for Ford’s numbers under the federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) rules.

The manual V8 GT remains unchanged, at 15/23 city/highway, or 18mpg combined. The automatic–namely Ford’s new 10-speed automatic–is responsible for a 1mpg increase; to 16/24 and 19 combined. This efficiency gain is combined with an increase of 25 horsepower and 20 lb-ft of torque.

Slight aerodynamic changes such as active grille shutters aid in increasing the Mustang’s numbers, although the new 10-speed automatic can be credited with most of the improvements.

Ford Announces Complimentary Service for 2011-2017 Explorer SUV’s

Following a series of reports detailing Police Explorer units leaking carbon monoxide into the cabin, risking the occupants, Ford has begun repairing potentially afflicted police vehicles at no charge to the departments. Now, in a bid to improve customer faith, they are extending the move to retail customers.

In a statement released by Ford:

“Ford is aware that some 2011-17 Explorer owners have concerns about exhaust or carbon monoxide. These vehicles are safe. Our investigation has not found carbon monoxide levels that exceed what people are exposed to every day.
However, for our customers’ peace of mind, Ford is offering a complimentary service that reduces the potential for exhaust to enter the vehicle. Customers can take their vehicles, regardless of mileage or warranty status, to a Ford dealer to have this service performed, starting Nov. 1, 2017 through Dec. 31, 2018.
To be clear, other carbon monoxide concerns in Police Interceptor Utilities are related to unsealed holes from the installation of police equipment by third parties after the vehicle was purchased.
This action involves approximately 1.3 million vehicles in the United States, 84,000 in Canada and 24,000 in Mexico. The Ford reference number for this service is 17N03.
To reduce the potential for exhaust to enter the vehicle, dealers will reprogram the air conditioner, replace the liftgate drain valves and inspect sealing of the rear of the vehicle at no cost to the customer.
Customers with questions also can call a dedicated hotline at 888.260.5575.”