NOVEMBER 14, 2018
Monday, November 12, 2018 at 02:15PM 
The new 2019 Porsche Macan features a three-dimensional LED light panel at the rear, standard LED headlights, and a revamped interior design. The taillights, which were separate on prior Macan models, now connect similar to rear lights on the 911, Cayenne and Panamera.
The standard 2019 Macan comes with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo with 248HP and 273 lb-ft of torque, and a seven-gear PDK dual-clutch gearbox. 0 to 60 mph comes in 6.3 seconds and it has a top track speed of 142 mph. As before, the Macan comes with staggered sized tires, keyed to take advantage of the rear-biased Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive. The wheel diameters range from 18 inches as standard to optional 21-inch diameter, and include new designs. In addition to the revised exterior design, a variety of new paint color options are available, including Mamba Green Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic, Miami Blue and Chalk. 
Porsche Connect Plus and online navigation is standard as well as a larger, 10.9-inch full HD touch screen with the latest version of Porsche Communication Management (PCM). An expanded range of options and assistance systems are also available on the new Macan, including an optional GT Sport steering wheel, which comes with a mode switch integrated into the steering wheel – including the sport response button – which is part of the optional Sport Chrono package. A heated windshield is now available as well as an air ionizer that – together with the standard fine particulate air filter – improves the quality of the air inside the vehicle. 
Built at the Porsche factory in Leipzig, Germany, the Macan will be available in the United States next summer with a starting MSRP of $49,900 (excluding $1,050 for delivery, handling and processing). 
One of our favorites from the SEMA Show.
General Motors has revealed two connected eBikes – one folding and one compact – without a brand. GM is asking enthusiasts from around the globe to help name its eBike brand using www.eBikeBrandChallenge.com. The challenge participant responsible for the selected eBike brand name will receive $10,000 and nine other participants responsible for runner-up submissions will each receive $1,000. You have until 10 a.m. EST Monday, Nov. 26, to visit eBikeBrandChallenge.com and submit your ideas. GM says it's looking for simple, smart and bold concepts capable of bringing the eBike brand to life, "Fun ideas capable of being understood around the world," say GM's PR minions. GM will announce the winners in early 2019. We had a few thoughts, as you might imagine: "STICK" (As in we're throwin' shit up against the wall to see what sticks.) "CYA" (As in we've got this mobility thing - and our asses - covered.) "SHINY" (Shiny, happy ebikes for shiny, happy people.) "WEE!" (As in the sound you'll make riding on slush-filled roads in the dead of winter.) "WOE" (As in we've been reduced to building transportation for a world of reduced expectations.) "LINGUIN-E" (As in, if you hate your miserable life, you can at least still go through the drive-thru pasta stand) -PMD & WG
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Update. Editor-in-Chief's Note: The miles have been coming a little slowly on the Stelvio at just over 6,000 at this point, but the characteristics that are so pleasing about the car remain strong. Not to beat this to death, but the way the Stelvio drives and the way it feels remain the main attraction for me. Having spent a fair amount of time in a second-generation standard Porsche Cayenne a while back, which was ponderous, sluggish and underpowered, the Stelvio is lively and light on its feet to the point that you feel like you're driving a sport sedan with a little extra ground clearance, which is exactly what it is. The fact that it's based on the Giulia architecture means that the Stelvio is a star on the road, and I just can't stress that enough. Another strength is the Stelvio's exterior and interior design. I still get unsolicited comments from people at gas station stops for instance, and they're all positive about the look of it. And I concur, because the Alfa designers got it right. Plus the interior is simple and tasteful in its design, and the harman kardon audio system is terrific, with excellent overall sound quality. My biggest criticism of the vehicle remains the cheap feel of the shifter. I've gotten used to it by now, but that's something that the True Believers at Alfa Romeo need to address first and foremost. Add to all of this the fact that the Stelvio shares similar positive attributes with the Crossover/SUV genre, meaning that is is easy to get in and out of and offers utility and versatility for the day-to-day of life, and you have a winning combination. Problems? I have had two recalls on the Stelvio, both involving re-flashes of the computer that each took less than one hour, start to finish. And I must say that my local dealer - Golling Alfa Romeo - performed these adjustments efficiently and professionally. So, here we are. After seven months I can say that the Alfa Romeo Stelvio was worth taking a chance on, and I am still very pleased with it. -PMD