auto
OTIVES WHAT’S NEW FOR 2019 FROM AUTOMAKERS? Your local automotive buyer’s guide
Presented by The Laker/Lutz News • DECEMBER 2018
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ome have been around forever, some not quite so, many will be around for decades, and quite a few undergo major modifications. That’s the auto industry for you. Here’s a peek at the noticeable changes in vehicles for 2019:
By NITISH S. RELE
motoringtampabay@gmail.com
HONDA: The Insight is back, a hybrid that can fetch up to 55 mpg while base-priced at just $22,830, and it does look far better than its predecessor – almost a carbon copy of the Civic. Also making a return, after 16 years though, is the Passport slotted between the compact CR-V and the larger Pilot. It will get a sole standard 3.5-liter V6 with 280 horsepower, mated to a fresh nine-speed auto gearbox.
2019 ACURA RDX ACURA: With crossover vehicles in huge demand, Acura saw it fit to redesign the 2019 RDX inside and out. It now sits on a new platform, powertrain (2.0-liter inline-4-cylinder engine putting out 272 hp and a roomier and always expected techsavvy cabin. Lest we forget, the 10-speed auto transmission. It also acquires Acura’s new touchpad user interface.
2019 CHEVY SILVERADO CHEVROLET: Amid tough competition in the pickup market comes an overhauled Silverado 1500 4WD with a wheelbase stretched by 3.9 and length by 1.6 inches. Rear seat legroom gets a 3-inch boost. And, the truck is lighter by 450 pounds from the previous model. And, it comes with a varied choice of power trains, abundant passenger room and incredible tow/haul capabilities. What more can a pickup shopper ask for in a work ride? GMC: Hardcore pickup owners, your poised ride is here. The Sierra 1500 pickup has been totally redesigned with an all-new 3.0-liter diesel 6-cylinder engine. It’s also larger, longer and lighter (360 pounds) than the previous version and comes in six engine/transmission combos. This
utilitarian workhorse boasts not just generous cargo and tow capacity but also outstanding performance, marvelous ride and an upscale, gargantuan interior. JAGUAR: It’s stacking up awards by the dozens. That’s the all-electric I-PACE, which looks to directly compete with Tesla. Priced at $69,500, the SUV with a 90kWh battery delivers a range of about 230 miles on a full charge. Zero to 60 is achieved in just 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 124 mph. Not bad at all. NISSAN: The Altima receives a major exterior and interior design change, two all-new engines and for the first time ever, an all-wheel-drive power train on a Nissan sedan in America. This for a ride that was introduced in 1993. Base-priced at $23,750, the Altima has proved to be a huge success story. For 2019, the Japanese carmaker has also refreshed the Maxima sedan and the Murano crossover. KIA: After a one-year hiatus, the restyled K900 returns with a 3.3-liter V6 engine pumping 365 hp. The Korean carmaker’s rear-wheel-drive premium flagship boasts a cabin as top-notch and upscale as any of its German competitors. Also undergoing a styling change is the compact Forte, now longer by 3 inches, opening up plenty of room for occupants. Not only is the gas-sipper (EPA 34 mpg city) fun, lively and well-balanced, but also inexpensive at around $20,000.
2019 JAGUAR I-PACE liter (181 hp). This Urban + X-over (crossover) is a purposeful vehicle with no compromises! Also, an F Sport joins the midsize ES sedan lineup.
2019 SUBARU ASCENT SUBARU: Meet an all-new family hauler that has replaced the long-forgotten Tribeca. The aptly-named Ascent is equipped with a 2.4-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine producing a healthy 260 hp. The seven-seater will definitely give the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-9 a run for the money. Subaru also has revamped its smaller Forester SUV. LINCOLN: Remember the midsize luxury MKX? Well, it’s been replaced by the Nautilus with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine (245 hp) or the 2.7-liter turbo V-6 (335 hp), which was offered in the MKX. Gorgeous to the eye inside and out, the SUV boasts nippy acceleration and excellent handling.
CADILLAC: The all-new XT4 features a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine putting out 237 hp while mated to a 9-speed auto gearbox. Available in front- and all-wheel drive, it’s priced just right starting at $35,790. That is economical and attractive for even an entry-level luxury SUV Caddy like the XT4. FORD: After eight years, the Ranger is back! The midsize pickup will be offered in at least three trims and two body styles, but will share one power train: 2.3-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine developing 270 hp and coupled to a 10-speed gear box. Also revamped are the Edge SUV and the best-selling F150 pickup. LEXUS: Lexus has introduced the UX in the fastest-growing compact SUV segment. The urban-centric ride is available in two trims: the frontwheel-drive UX200 with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine (169 hp) or the AWD UX250h gas/electric hybrid with a 2.0-
2019 HYUNDAI SANTA FE HYUNDAI: Just so there is no confusion, the Santa Fe Sport model is out. From 2019 onward, all you have is a two-row, five-passenger Santa Fe offered in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. And, it will be a while before the three-row Santa Fe XL hits the market. The Veloster hatchback 2.0-liter engine gains horsepower and a redesign. Joining the Hyundai lineup is an all-new Kona subcompact SUV with 1.6- and 2.0-liter engines. RAM: The Ram 1500 pickup has gone through a major transformation. Sales are nationally up 9 percent, year-afteryear basis. The pickup, now longer,
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wider and offering the largest cabin in the segment, is loaded with tech goodies. Engineers at the recent Miami Auto Show praised its enhanced fuel economy and tow/haul increase of 20 percent. They claim the Ram is a “no-compromise truck.” We agree. TOYOTA: The best-selling car nameplate in the world gets a new hatchback with a 2.0-liter inline-4 cylinder (168 hp). Millennials will dig the look and feel of this hip Corolla. Also totally restyled is the RAV4, though Toyota has retained the 2.5-liter DOHC inline-4-cylinder engine (205 hp). Off-roading is now a real possibility in this roomy and secure ride.
2019 VW ARTEON VW: A longer and bigger Arteon flagship sedan replaces the CC four-door coupe. The sleek-appearing car with a wide stance gets a 2.0-liter TSI engine (268 hp) while paired to an eightspeed auto gearbox. With an even bolder front fascia and upscale cabin, the Jetta becomes an even more attractive proposition for small-car buyers. Indeed, this compact sedan is a splendid combination of thrift (starting at $18,545), practicality and fun to drive. BMW: The 8 Series returns to the U.S. after two decades. Under the hood of the all-wheel-drive car resides a 4.4liter TwinPower turbo V8 engine delivering an astounding 523 hp. Base price? Just $111,900! The BMX X3, X4 and X5 undergo noticeable alterations. BENZ: A Mercedes-Benz base-priced at just $30,000? Yes, readers, your dream has come true. The brand-new A-Class compact sedan is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine and puts out just 188 hp. Also, the CLS 450 gets a design overhaul. AUDI: The A6, A7 and A8 sedans have been restyled.
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auto | MOTIVES • DECEMBER 2018
REVAMPED 2019 LEXUS ES350: A NEAR PICTURE-PERFECT RIDE! By NITISH S. RELE
L
motoringtampabay@gmail.com
aunched 30 years ago, the Lexus ES350 has been the standard bearer for midsize luxury sedans. Delivering an entertaining and energetic ride since its launch, Lexus has once again totally overhauled the front-wheel-drive car for 2019. The seventh-gen ES is longer (2.6 inches), wider (1.8 inches), and lower (0.2 inches) from its predecessor. And, Lexus has added the more lively F Sport trim to the ES badge for the first time. The ES300h hybrid is available, too, with an all-new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine putting out 215 horsepower and boasting fuel economy figures of 44 city, 45 highway and 44 combined. The 3.5-liter V-6 engine in the ES350 blasts off 302 horsepower (up by 34 hp for 2019) @ 6600 rpm and 267 pounds-feet (up 19) of torque @ 4700 rpm. Out goes the six-speed auto gear box to be replaced by a more capable, smoother and fuelefficient eight-speed. Suspension handled via independent front MacPherson strut-type and rear trailing-arm multilink does a worthy job of soaking up potholes and other road bumps. Returning a weighted response to the driver’s input is an improved power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. And, 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 6.6 seconds instead of the former 7.1 seconds, which is fittingly quick for a 3,649-pound vehicle. Ensconced on a unitized steel body is the signature spindle grille with a centered Lexus insignia, flanked by slim L-shaped LED projector-beam headlights and daytime running lights. A low, sleek roofline leads to wraparound LED tail lamps. Project chief designer Yasuo Kajino says the car has a “provocative elegance … The ES has always been an elegant luxury ride. For this generation, we have added daring design elements that challenge the traditional expectations of buyers.” And that certainly shows in its graceful stance. The cabin is typical Lexus with welcoming wood and piano black trim and leather as occupants are pampered in spacious seats. The rounded large tachometer housing a digital speedometer and multi-information display is easy to read. Passenger and trunk volume is commendable at 99.9 and 16.7 cubic feet space respectively. Other standard amenities include dual auto a/c, power moon roof and 14.6-inch, three-spoke tilt/telescopic steering column with paddle shifters, keyless entry/engine start, 10-way power front seats, 8-inch touch screen, analog clock, three USB ports, 10-speaker Pioneer audio system with a CD player and satellite radio, and rainsensing wipers. Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist, vehicle stability assist with traction control system, front/rear crumple zones, smart stop technology, three-point safety belts for all, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system. Also, the Lexus Safety Sense + 2.0 fetches a pre-collision system that detects pedestrians, lane departure alert and lane tracing assist, dynamic cruise control and intelligent high beams at no cost. Available in base, Luxury and Ultra Luxury trims, the ES350 starts at $39,600, the 300h at $41,410 and the F Sport at $44,135. Placed between the entry-level IS and the larger GS, the ES350 is the near-perfect ride. Tweaks to the mouse-like Remote Touch for toggling navigation, climate, audio and phone controls are welcome. This delightful Lexus is a well-balanced blend of luxury and performance.
Test drive all the Lexus ES models at Lexus of Wesley Chapel, 5350 Eagleston Blvd., Wesley Chapel. For more information, call the dealership at (813) 907-5350.
LEXUS ES350
TIRES: P215/55R17 WHEELBASE: 113 inches LENGTH: 195.9 inches WIDTH: 73.4 inches HEIGHT: 56.9 inches FUEL CAPACITY: 15.9 gallons CITY: 22 mpg HIGHWAY: 33 mpg WEB SITE: LexusOfWesleyChapel.com
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DECEMBER 2018 • auto | MOTIVES
BESTSELLER FORD F-150 OFFERS DIVERSE ENGINE CHOICES By NITISH S. RELE
D
motoringtampabay@gmail.com
id you know that the Ford F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in the United States for 28 years and the best-selling pickup for 42 years? Now that is an accomplishment speaking volumes of this remarkable truck that can seat from three to six people. The rear-wheel or four-wheeldrive pickup comes in several power train choices. So, take your pick. There’s the 3.3-liter V-6 engine that develops 290 horsepower @ 6500 rpm and 265 pounds-feet of torque @ 4000 rpm, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. A 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 (twin turbochargers and a smaller-displacement engine work in tandem with gas direct injection) puts out 325 hp @ 5000 rpm and 4000 pounds-feet of torque @ 2750 rpm; a 3.5-liter V6 but with an EcoBoost cranks 375 hp @ 5000 rpm and 470 pounds-feet of torque @ 3500 rpm or a 450 hp @ 5000 rpm and 510 pounds-feet of torque @ 3500 rpm; the sole 5.0-liter V-8 pumps 395 hp @ 5750 rpm and 400 pounds-feet of torque @ 4500 rpm; last but not least, one can say, is the all-new 3.0liter turbo-diesel V-6 with 250 hp @ 3250 and 440 pounds-feet of torque @ 1750 rpm. All are coupled to a 10speed gear box. A double wishbone front and leaf rear suspension ensures dexterity, sure-footedness and poise to the ride, irrespective of road/weather conditions. And, the rack-and-pinion, electric power steering system affords outstanding feedback. Tow capacity for the F-150, which comes in as much as seven trims (XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, offroader Raptor), peaks at an incredible 13,200 pounds. Cab styles are in regular, SuperCab (extended) and
with electronic stability control, rearview camera, antiskid system TIRES: 245/70R17 and tire pressure monitoring system, other WHEELBASE: 122.4 inches standard safety features LENGTH: 209.3 inches include auto high WIDTH: 79.9 inches beams, forward colliHEIGHT: 75.5 inches sion warning, FUEL CAPACITY: 24 gallons automatic emergency braking, pedestrian deCITY: 22 mpg tection, and a rearview HIGHWAY: 33 mpg camera with dynamic WEB SITE: hitch assist. FordOfWesleyChapel.com Base-priced at $28,155 (for XL), with the Lariat around navigation controls via a voice com- $41,700 and top-level Limited for mand, touch screen tap or button $67,135, the F-150 boasts plentiful click. Well-placed storage bins and room for cargo and passengers, adcubbies are scattered throughout. mirable tow capacity backed by a vast There also are numerous packages array of forceful engines. Even the and options to fit the needs of any fuel economy figures (15 mpg city/26 potential buyer. highway) are worth a mention. No Apart from dual front and side wonder the aluminum-alloy body airbags, side curtain airbag, four- pickup has led in sales for more than wheel antilock brakes, AdvanceTrac four decades in the U.S.
F-150 (XL)
SuperCrew (crew cab), and range from 5½-foot to 8-foot beds. Depending on the trim, cabin goodies include 10-way power heated and cooled front seats, overhead console, woodgrain-style trim, 60/40 rear bench, 8-inch display screen, dual auto a/c, leather tilt/telescopic steering wheel and an improved SYNC3 to access audio, telephone,
Test drive the F-150 at Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel, 28739 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel. For more information, call the dealership at (813) 907-7800.
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auto | MOTIVES • DECEMBER 2018
DAVID MAUS FAMILY BUYS GORDON CHEVROLET NEW OWNER BRINGS FAMILY VALUES TO DALE MABRY DEALERSHIP
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ordon Chevrolet, the only automotive dealership in Carrollwood, has been sold to the David Maus family and is now Maus Family Chevrolet. Located on north Dale Mabry Highway, midway between Van Dyke Road and Bearss Avenue, it is the only dealership in the north Tampa area until the State Road 54 corridor in Lutz. “Our location makes us unique, because we’re the only dealer for several miles and we’re surrounded by residential neighborhoods that have grown up around us,” said David Maus Jr., who comanages the dealership with Patrick Abad, a family friend and longtime Maus employee. “Patrick and I are proud to be an integral part of the community, and excited to be enhancing and expanding automotive services for our neighbors,” said Maus. “We love shaking the hand of everyone who stops by, and welcoming them to the Maus family. We like to say we’re small enough to know you, but big enough to serve you.” In addition to selling new Chevrolet vehicles, the dealership has a large inventory of pre-owned trucks, SUVs and cars, a customer-focused service center and a professional body shop. “We believe it is important to be a full service dealership, so our customers can count on us for all their automotive needs,” said Maus. Maus adds that the dealership sells all makes of pre-owned vehicles, and that its service center and body shop take care of vehicles from just about every automobile manufacturer. Family is at the heart of every Maus dealership, and is the center of its core values. “We operate using Biblical principals, and look to Jesus as an example of how to serve people,” said Maus. For over 10 years, the Maus family has managed its businesses following a corporate philosophy they call IMPACT. “IMPACT stands for ‘Implementing More Positive Actions Creating Togetherness,’” said Maus. “And, that’s truly what we do — we are a positive, for-
This holiday photo of Nicole and David Maus Sr., their children and grandchildren was taken at Lake Park in Lutz. From left to right: David Maus Jr., daughter Selah on his shoulders, and daughters Ella and Ava in front of his wife, Stacie. Nicole and David Maus Sr., and their daughter, Faith, in front. Son Tyler Maus with brother Gabriel on his shoulders. Savannah and Nick Bentley and their daughter, Kylie, the youngest Maus grandchild born Aug. 7, the same day as her Uncle David.
ward thinking company that works hard to do the right things to bring us together as a family.” One reflection of this is the position his sister, Savannah, heads up for the company — Customer Appreciation. Her job is to make sure every customer has a positive experience, whether they are buying a new vehicle or having their vehicle serviced. Another example is the David Maus Foundation, which has donated millions of dollars to children’s charities throughout Florida, including Pasco Sherriff Charities and Ronald McDonald House Charities. There are close to 20 family members who work for Maus family dealerships in New Port Richey, Homosassa, Crystal River and now north Tampa. “Every member of our family adheres to these values,” said Maus. “We all live in
this area, attend church here, send our children to school here. We are committed to this community, which is why we believe so strongly in treating everyone we serve as members of our family.” David Maus Sr., started his automotive career in the mid 1990s in Orlando, where he eventually owned several auto dealerships. In 2014, he sold those dealerships and moved to Tampa Bay, where he bought a Nissan dealership in New Port Richey from Ferman Automotive. “We knew we wanted to be in the north Tampa area as well, and my father had his eye on Gordon Chevrolet for several years,” said Maus. “We couldn’t be more happy for the opportunity to buy Gordon Chevrolet and add it to our family of dealerships.” Maus has worked closely with his father his entire life, and credits his dad for making him the man he is today.
“I am so proud of my Dad. He is a man of faith and family, driven by hard work to succeed and provide for his family. Everything we do here is because of the lessons learned from our father,” said Maus. David is the oldest of five children. His older siblings also work in the business — Savannah in customer appreciation, and his brother, Tyler, as a used car manager. Before becoming general manager and vice president of Maus Family Automotive, Maus worked in several positions at the company, learning the business from the ground up. “On my 15th birthday, my dad asked me what I wanted, and I said a job, and he gave me a job stocking parts in the service department,” said Maus. “When I turned 16, dad moved me to the service counter and I began helping customers. At 17, I became a full-time detailer, probably the most fun job I’ve had – cleaning, buffing and detailing vehicles, and seeing the customer’s excitement when their vehicle was delivered.” At 18, Maus’ father told him it was time to go into sales, and he began selling vehicles at David Maus Toyota in Sanford. “I was working with sales people in their 40s with many years of experience, and I doubted that I could succeed,” Maus said. “But, I learned that sales is mostly about listening and serving, and asking the right questions to put a customer in the right car that works well for their lifestyle and budget.” Instead of going to college, Maus continued to learn on the job about management, financing, communicating, writing and providing excellent customer service. “I always wanted to be very good at every position I held in the company before moving up to the next one,” he said. “I want to earn everything I have by working hard, just like my father did.” Maus invites you to meet him and his staff at Maus Family Chevrolet. “Please stop by anytime so we can shake your hand and welcome you to the Maus family,” he said. “This is the best time of the year to buy a new vehicle, and the Maus family is here to help you,” said Maus.
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