Author: julesonwheelz

The original 1968 Bullitt Mustang driven by Steve McQueen in the police drama “Bullitt” makes its way to Washington next week.

Much like Jimmy Stewart in “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”, Sean Kiernan’s treasure has the potential to bring people who wouldn’t normally be “car people” to their knees on the National Mall next week with an idealistic view of history as seen through the eyes of car lovers everywhere.

April 17-23 marks the calendar for east coast dreamers to see their dream car under Plexiglas along with four other iconic cars that have made their appearance at this years 2018 edition of Cars at the Capital display in the month of April.

A 1985 Modena Spyder California from the movie “Ferris Buehler’s Day Off” kicked off the celebration.  You might remember it as I do as Cameron’s Dad’s car that was “borrowed” for the day to deliver three precocious teens to the City of Chicago for a day of playing hooky.  It was made for the movie modeling it after the Ferrari.

The fifteen-millionth Ford, a 1927 Model T shows a bit of history itself on the Mall with its hand-stamped 15000000.  As one of the last off the line, Edsel and Henry Ford drove it off to signal the end of production and celebrate its success.

So far, none of the above mentioned history-makers have I had the privilege of riding in or any like them…but this next one…sign me up!  The 1984 Plymouth Voyager minivan in all it’s wood-paneled glory graces the stage too.  Dodge Caravan joined the family as well.  It’s original 12,000 miles dating from the release in 1983 make this one unique Plymouth and very familiar to visitors.

Giving a nod to our military, a 1918 Cadillac Type 57 may help some hearken back to the days before the Jeep became the standard military vehicle.  As the only remaining Type 57 it is sure to thrill car enthusiasts at the end of April on the Mall as the last entry into “Cars at the Capital” for 2018.

For me, the Bullitt is the draw if I make my way to DC next week.  Ford has released a “new” 50th Anniversary Bullitt for 2019 pictured above as seen at the Chicago Auto Show in February.

The Kiernan Bullitt is estimated to be worth over 4 million dollars in its un-restored original condition with movie modifications and all.

The 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt Limited-edition will be throwing back 480 horsepower when it is released later this summer.  The only wonder in this buy is whether to go with Highland Green or Shadow Black.  Its Shelby GT350 intake is a no-brainer and top speed of 163 mph cements the deal.

Photos by Jules Stayton

Clean lines and hardly a patch adorns the body, save the faux fuel tank cover.  The 2019 Bullitt makes its own “new” statement.  Power, performance and history rolled together to make the next generation of  Mustang lovers proud to drive an icon, be it fifty years old or current day.

Thank you Steve McQueen for making history with that memorable green monster.

An even bigger thanks to Sean Kiernan and his dad for preserving a legendary automobile that means so much to so many.

Go to Washington next week with the same eyes as Mr. Smith did…open and willing to see the best…this time in the shape of a Mustang…and the cherry blossoms aren’t bad either.

 

The Bullitt will sell for $46,595.  Destination and delivery – $900.

 

 

Today BMW launched its automobile subscription service Access by BMW.

Nashville, TN is the headquarters for the pilot program that will include two levels to choose from that allows unlimited switching of vehicles during any given 32-day membership cycle.

A $575 joining fee applies unless you are one of the lucky 50 to sign-up for the service first.  Insurance, maintenance and roadside assistance are included in the membership fee that will be fulfilled by local dealerships.

The Legend tier chimes in at $2000/month and includes the following:

Sedans:  530e xDrive iPerformance and 540i xDrive 35i

SAVs:  X5 xDrive 35i

Coupes/Convertibles:  440i Coupe, M2 Coupe, 440i Covertible

 

$3700/month moves you up to the BMW M tier including:

Sedans:  M5

SAVs:  X5M, X6M

Coupes/Convertibles:  M4 Convertible

Ian Smith, CEO of BMW Group Financial Services USA and Region Americas stated,  “As customers continue to explore the growing mobility market, service-related offerings are becoming more in demand. With Access by BMW, our members will enjoy the freedom of personal mobility with access across a broad range of our highly emotional vehicles” .

In addition he commented,  “Subscription-based services are of emerging interest for our customers, and we’re excited to be offering a mobility service to meet their individual and evolving needs.”

Find out more at:  AccessbyBMW.com

 

 

Audi strikes a chord with fun-loving consumers via its symphony of speed in the Audi TT.

The four-ring symbol for Audi AG is an aria in itself that represents the 1932 merge of four manufacturers: Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer.  From the Type K to the TT the decades-old German manufacturer has been a leader in innovative ideas from left-hand drive to turbo-charged.

One such feature is the quattro® four-wheel drive system. Developed over thirty years ago for the racing branch of Audi, the quattro® has withstood the test of time and brings crisp handling and smooth performance to all Audi models.  Even sunny weather is a treat when the all-wheel-drive system is constantly updating.  Drive-selectable controls give an even more personalized experience.

Photo by Jules Stayton

The TT oozes racing as one takes the controls.  Firmly bolstered sport seats anchor and allow full performance driving for the conductor of this concert.  The focus is the road and what’s ahead.  What better place to be…

Speed courtesy of a four-cylinder TFSI®  (Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection) turbocharged 2.0 liter engine producing 220 horsepower with 258 lb-ft of torque drives the Audi TT.  Click the link above to see it in action via YouTube video. Developed in 2001, see the evolution of the TFSI® in this video from Audi.

A lean 26 mpg is music to the ears of potential drivers.  Whether around town or on the racetrack Audi brings a product worth consideration.

The base TT records a $43,950 price tag that includes an automatic transmission, LED tail lights, dual exhaust, adaptive rear spoiler and 18″ wheels.  Twelve-way adjustable seats with a three-spoke flat bottom sport-steering wheel and paddle shifters rounds out the cockpit.

Other trim levels include the TTS coupe $52,950, TT RS Coupe $64,900, and the TT Roadster $47,450. Add a $975 destination fee to each.

The RS Coupe is the most powerful TT with an all new five-cylinder engine producing 400 horsepower.  Joining Audi’s Sport model line, the 2.5-liter TFSI® delivers. 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph make it a challenging competitor to the 2019 Mercedes A-class just revealed in Amsterdam this spring.

Photo by Jules Stayton

The TT I drove on the closed course at the Autobahn CC just outside Chicago,  was an ultra-responsive speed machine that fulfilled the needs of the track at hand.  Littered with cones, the race was against the clock and the car’s capabilities to maneuver the staccato course before me.  Dismissing the brake and managing the surge of power revealed where  skill unfolded.  Of the ten participants, I managed to be in the top three…another great place to be.

Photo by Jules Stayton

Photo by Jules Stayton

Photo by Jules Stayton

The track, highway or open road is your oyster and can be directed by one of four driving modes:  comfort, auto, dynamic or individual.  Manual transmissions provide an even more personalized experience. MacPherson struts and an aluminum sub-frame paired with a four-link rear suspension equal a lighter and balanced drive.

All the bells and whistles you can imagine are available via Audi’s MMI® (Multi Media Interface).  The Audi Virtual cockpit’s digital instrument cluster displays squarely in front of the driver via a 12.3 inch high-resolution screen.

Photo by Jules Stayton

24 hours of Le Mans isn’t a race most of us will ever experience either in-person or on television but you can have a taste of Le Mans through the Audi TT and it’s TFSI® engine right out of your driveway…drift away with the sounds of performance…it will be music  to your ears.

You couldn’t miss it. It was green. A long box with windows. I jumped into the rectangular wonder many times on my way home from school.  Babysitting for a little boy who just loved the new movie “Star Wars” and playing with storm troopers my lot in life at the time.

I noticed a few other Volvos in town as the diagonal line across the grill stood out along with its strong styling.  Cars were very important at my house…quizzes about cars were given before, during and after trips to the Jewel-Osco or Eagle Foods or anywhere for that matter.  The men in my family kept little sister busy with polishing chrome bumpers and Turtle Wax runs on two wheels.  That Volvo showing up in the driveway across the street where the “new” neighbors lived sparked quite a discussion.  Words like safe, square, sturdy, green, and strange were exchanged.

As the person who rode most often in that car I remember it being roomy and brand new…something that didn’t happen over at our house.  The constant rotation of beaters and beauties that my four brothers and father ran through the driveway was, I’m sure, the talk of the neighborhood just as the Volvo was.

As I cruised the Chicago Auto Show during media days all those memories came flooding back after one look at that grill.

Photo by Jules Stayton

Once again the Volvo brand is the talk of the town as it makes a resurgence through its XC40, XC60, XC90 SUVs and S series sedans.  The XC60 has claimed 2018’s North American Utility Vehicle of the Year.  This win follows the XC90’s in 2016 in the same category.

Showcased at the Chicago Auto Show, Volvo makes an impact.  Each model’s attention to detail in both the interior and exterior is significant.  With production of these SUVs in both China and Sweden, Volvo recognizes that the American market is one of value and plans on investing in a new billion dollar production plant in South Carolina that will provide over 3900 jobs when it starts production of the S60 in the fourth quarter of 2018.  The XC90 will follow in 2021.

Safety continues to be a hallmark of Volvo via its City Safety System.  Steer Assist has been added.  Oncoming Lane Mitigation uses steer assist to temper head-on collisions. Lane changes are abated with Volvo’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS).

Photo by Jules Stayton

Signature “Thor’s Hammer” headlights will be just a blur as the new 407 horsepower T8 Twin-hybrid engine races zero – 100 Km in just 5.3 seconds in the XC60.  If diesel is your preference the D4 and D5 engines bring 190 and 235 horsepower to the table, respectively.  The T5 and T6 are equipped with a turbo and supercharged gasoline engine and push horsepower to 254 and 320 all in the luxury compact SUV class.

Photo by Jules Stayton

The XC60 in my hands a couple of weeks ago was a true pleasure to drive.  Supple leather seating and that wonderful minimalistic Scandinavian design shouts comfort as the center console headquarters all necessary functions.

Being in the market for a new SUV myself, this Volvo tops my list. I admit I am a sucker for the wood elements trimming out the inside of the XC60.

Smooth-as-silk acceleration with speed-on-demand characterizes this Volvo and one can see why it is raking in the accolades.  A crowded class is narrowed when looking for genuine luxury and performance. It’s not limited to this model, however.

Fresh off its 2018 European Car of the Year award at the Geneva Auto Show this past week, the XC40 is nothing to scoff at.  President and CEO of Volvo Hakan Samuelsson, 2018 World Car Person of the Year, remarked that “winning this award with our new XC40 is perfect timing”.  The third SUV is not just the little sister to the XC60 and XC90.  Taking a share of the small SUV market is Volvo’s goal with the XC40 and plans on the United States and Chinese markets taking significant shares.

Leading the charge, consumers can elect to join the “CARE by Volvo” subscription service to explore options other than ownership or leasing that includes multiple drivers and ride share features. One flat fee garners use, insurance, maintenance, and repairs via a two-year commitment. Patrons have a choice of the XC40 or the new V60 estate (that’s station wagon to you and me) just released last week by way of suburban Swedish driveway event. Multiple drivers can be accommodated by exchanging a digital key via “Volvo On Call”.

Future Volvo cars in the 40 series will be built on the new compact modular vehicle architecture (CMA) including a hybrid and electric option utilizing multiple engine types adding even a three-cylinder format. The three-cylinder is a first for Volvo in its 91-year run. 2019 is the ambitious goal the company has set for itself for all Volvo models to be “electrified”.

Photos by Jules Stayton

Saying that I’m considering a Volvo to just about anyone and they respond with an eye roll and “really”?  That’s when I come back and start listing all of the award-winning models in the line-up and harken them back to the days-gone-by when everyone wanted a Volvo for safety.

Now everyone wants a Volvo for safety AND style!

Its one way to again be the talk of the neighborhood.

We’ve all wished for it.  The eternal hope that we might someday sit in a fine specimen of automotive greatness feeling the rumble under us as we motor down an infinite highway of pleasure…

Hello, Hello!  This is reality…remember me!  Rarely do mere mortals commence on a path to this dream, but one can get pretty close…it’s called The Chicago Auto Show.

Hundreds of cars descend each February, near icy Lake Michigan, upon McCormick Place to the delight of those mere mortals to put a little spice in their winter by making some of those dreams come true…almost.

Having been an attendee for years, I know exactly how you feel.  Its cold.  It’s a pain getting there. Its…its…glorious once you head up those escalators and see the globe waiting for you.  You’re almost there!

Photo by Jules Stayton

Check that winter coat, by golly, and get in there!  Never has such care been taken to display all that each manufacturer holds dear this model year.  Well, maybe, there is Detroit (a close second especially with that Bullitt move this year), L.A., New York, etc.  but being the true Midwesterner…Chicago all the way baby!

I was able to live a dream this year by attending as a member of the media.  Up close and personal just got real.  The drama, excitement and the sheer love of cars bubbles up like champagne during media days.  We all took a long drink for two days and I especially savored sipping the bubbly at BMW.

See that smile on my face…dihedral, scissor, butterfly, batwing, gull-wing or falcon, sliding, suicide, canopy, swan, etc.  Doors, doors I love them all for they are the portal.  The BMW i8’s scissor doors are very functional and give a wider entry point for taller drivers like myself.  Sliding into the seat and swinging the legs around  into the cockpit is effortless.  I believe my BMW product specialist said I was “the most graceful so far today” which I wore like a badge of honor.  Closing and opening the doors was a breeze with the smooth mechanics and use of carbon fiber by BMW.

Photos by Jules Stayton

The i8 combines electric and combustion engines through BMW’s  eDrive technology for 369 horsepower and a 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds. This roadster in E-Copper is meant to play with the big boys, nicely.  Four driving modes COMFORT, SPORT, ECO PRO, and eDRIVE, add to the allure of the i8 as a car of the future made for the present.

Photo by Jules Stayton

The i-Series drives the electric revolution for the brand.  One hundred i3s were leased by LAPD in 2016,  beating out Tesla, to conserve emissions/carbon footprints. At half the cost of Tesla per unit, the three-year contract between BMW and LAPD allows for technology improvements and lays the groundwork for use as a possible patrol car sometime in the future.  The infrastructure needed to supply charging stations for the plug-ins is growing in California thanks to the LAPD investing in charging stations for the bevy of i3s.

Photo by Jules Stayton

Lastly, as I roamed the BMW corner this Laurel Motorsport M2 art wrap edition caught my eye that was provided by Laurel BMW of Westmont, IL.  Ever popular, the M-Series’ newest member is a hit with those wanting high performance in a smaller package.

BMW conducted extensive tests of its mettle at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and winding roads 5000 feet higher at Mount Charleston.  Living in Las Vegas for 20 years, I know these areas well and working some magic as the elevation increases incrementally towards Mount Charleston is a challenge for many autos but the rewards are worth it!

Photo by Jules Stayton

The Chicago Auto Show is definitely the place to go for winter dreamin’. It is the one show where most attendees are actually shopping for their next car.

I’ll put BMW on my “brands to consider” list from this year’s show, as a good Midwesterner would.

A little bit of February-in-Chicago dreamin’ is good for the soul.

Why should California get all the glory…

 

 

 

 

 

 

I grew up in a large family by today’s standards, my parents in even larger ones.  Often, genius runs in families.  We see this in the Olympic athletes that are second or third generation and as talented or more than their parents or grandparents.  Whether nature or nurture or both has shaped us, it shows up in what we become.

When Fiat and Chrysler merged in 2014 to form Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) the Italian and the American came together as one and the ensuing plethora of children resulting from the union ensued.  Abarath, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati and Ram Trucks blended like the Brady Bunch.

I was especially taken with two of the siblings at the Chicago Auto Show just a couple of weeks ago.  While cruising the Concept and Technology Garage, formulated for the media to get a head start on the show by getting up close and personal with both the cars and their product specialists, I was stunned by the Alfa Romeo Stelvio sitting before me in Alfa Rosso.  Starting at $41,995 and $37,995 respectively, the Stelvio, like the Giulia, have entered their classes by storm.

Photos by Jules Stayton

Four trims complete the Stelvio lineup:  base AWD, sport AWD, Ti AWD and Ti Sport AWD.  One might also choose the Lusso package on the Ti for those wanting luxurious touches and Lusso-exclusive light walnut accents in the cabin. The race-inspired Quadrifoglio bumps up the horsepower, handling and price ($79,995 plus a $1,595 destination fee) but still boasts the Q4 AWD system.  Whether it’s the Quadrifoglio’s 505 horsepower or the 280 horsepower yielded from the Stelvio it’s balanced 50/50 weight distribution manages the eight-speed transmission nicely with available steering column-mounted paddle shifters.  The Stelvio is the consummate Italian as it is produced at the Cassino plant in Frosinone, Italy.

Berj Alexanian, my product specialist, was eager to have me set eyes on the Giulia Quadrifoglio as well after we took our walk around the Stelvio drooling all the way.  I remember first setting eyes on the Giulia in 2016 at the Chicago Auto Show. Jules needs a Giulia I thought…

Photo by Jules Stayton

I still think that today…Jules needs a Giulia Quadrifoglio! The “halo” would look great in my driveway.  I would have to settle for the show floor to visit with my future this day.

I guess Jules knows how to pick em’.

Praise overflows for the Giulia in the form of Motor Trend Car of the Year®, Car and Driver’s 10 best, and most recently the Best New Luxury Compact Car Award from Good Housekeeping Magazine in cooperation with Car and Driver.

The Giulia’s all-aluminum 2.0-liter, direct-injection turbo with an eight speed automatic transmission is a class leader with 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft. of torque charting it’s zero-60 in 5.1 seconds at its top speed of 149 mph.  Should the Quadrifoglio’s motor sport DNA be in your future like mine, 505 horsepower screams 3.8 seconds in zero-60 mph.

Photos by Jules Stayton

The Chicago Auto Show was the perfect setting for FCA to showcase this branch of the bunch.  The Stelvio and the Giulia, each with its own praise and slot in the market that even Alice would approve.

Large or small, blended families don’t always find harmony as FCA has…hopefully it will last.

At least everyone played nice at CAS, making their parents proud…

 

 

Fiftieth birthdays can be fun, frustrating, fitful and/or fantastic.  Subaru jumps to Fifty and Fabulous with their Anniversary Edition line in Heritage Blue unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show last week.

Thomas Doll, President and COO of Subaru of America, Inc. was the leader of the festivities that started with his keynote address at the Midwest Automotive Media Association‘s (MAMA) breakfast on day one of media days at the Chicago Auto Show.

Photo by Jules Stayton

MAMA President Jill Ciminillo offered the introductions as President and COO of Subaru of America, Inc. Thomas Doll took the podium.  Doll outlined many of the points that have been key for Subaru.

Subaru’s successful 10 year run of overall sales increases is staggering given the mood of the market at times over that same span of years.  Riding their high, they’ve given 50 new 2018 Subaru Crosstreks to Meals on Wheels that will aid in delivering over 53,000 meals to 3,700 seniors in 39 states.  Crosstrek sales have lifted the numbers for Subaru as well as the Impreza.

Having reviewed both models in the past year, which are posted here on JulesOnWheelz.net, I can see why they’ve triumphed.

Subaru Impreza, Photo by Jules Stayton

Marketing campaigns drawing on emotions have been gold for Subaru.  The “Love. It’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru” focus and making pets part of the advertising, Doll revealed the three-row Ascent by bringing the ever popular canine family, the Barkleys, on stage with him for emphasis at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  The Ascent will be built at the Lafayette, IN plant.

Not to be outdone in LA, Subaru revealed a lineup of Heritage Blue models all at once at the Chicago Auto Show.  Darkness, spotlights, stars, sheets, oohs and ahhs flowed as the lights came up on Subaru’s sparkling diamonds.

Photos  and video by Jules Stayton

According to Marilyn, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend”.

Maybe turning 50 isn’t so bad after all…