Category: Highlight

  • Classic Recreations launches resto-mod Bronco builds

    Would you pay a quarter of a million bucks for a vintage but resto-mod Ford Bronco? That’s what Dallas-based Classic Recreations wants for each of the vehicles in its new series of the early model off-roaders.

    The company, known for producing custom high-performance vehicles, including Shelby continuation cars, has announced a production line to supply resto-mod Broncos based on original 1966-1977 donor bodies.

    But these Broncos will be “reimagined” with modern drivetrain components — including chassis by the Roadster Shop — and amenities while retaining the classic styling.

    “In our business, timing is everything, so we have been studying the Bronco and classic 4×4 off-road market for several years,” Classic Recreations founder and vice president of design and engineering Jason Engel is quoted in the company’s announcement.

    “We took the time to see what needs aren’t being met from a consumer standpoint,” he continued. “Now, with the introduction of the Roadster Shop chassis, which is unmatched in design and engineering, and Ford’s reentry with their late model Bronco, the timing is perfect for us to introduce our one-of-a-kind Bronco.”

    Roadster Shop chassis unpin the reimagined Broncos

    Roadster Shop chassis unpin the reimagined Broncos

    Classic Recreations noted it chose the Roadster Shop RS4 Ford Bronco chassis because of its geometrically correct engineering and optimal performance. The chassis features 5- x 2.5-inch .188 wall frame rails. Classic Recreations said the Roadster Shop chassis also increases ride height, “eliminating the need for a body lift.”

    To power the rebuilt Broncos, Classic Recreations uses fuel-injected Ford Performance Gen 3 5-liter Coyote crate engines rated at more than 460 horsepower “before included modifications.”

    Modifications include a Vaporworx fuel pump and a BeCool aluminum crossflow radiator with two electric fans. The engine’s output goes through an automatic transmission and 4×4 Atlas transfer case.

    Fox Racing 2.5 Factory Race Series coil-over shocks are tuned with RS-specific valving. Also included in the builds are RS Fast Link 1.75-inch front and rear 4-bars with X-axis sealed bearing assemblies, RS billet sway arms, Currie Rock Jock High Pinion Dana 44 front and 60 rear axles, Fox ATS steering stabilizer and Fox Factory 2.0 bump stop components.

    The updated SUVs ride on BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain tires mounted on American Racing wheels. Brakes are Roadster Shop 6-piston set ups.

    Custom TMI seats are designed to provide a stylish, comfortable ride while on the road and stability while navigating difficult off-road obstacles, Classic Recreations said.

    Broncos also are fitted with Focal FPX 5.1200 5-channel AMP audio systems.

    Paint color and other options are buyer’s choice. For more information, visit the Classic Recreations website.

    This article, written by Larry Edsall, was originally published on ClassicCars.com, an editorial partner of Motor Authority.

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  • Preview: 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class receives the mildest of updates

    The original Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class ignited the modern era of coupe-like sedans when it launched for 2006, but the nameplate has lost some of its verve in the generations since as many rivals have hit the market, including from Mercedes itself which offers the more exciting AMG GT 4-Door Coupe as an alternative.

    The CLS-Class is currently into its third generation, and possibly its last due to the imminent arrival of another coupe-like sedan from Mercedes, the all-electric EQS. Nevertheless, the CLS-Class will be around for a few years still as Mercedes has just updated it for the 2022 model year.

    2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

    2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

    Revealed on Tuesday, the updates represent a mid-cycle refresh for the current CLS-Class which was launched on the market for 2019. They’re relatively mild by mid-cycle refresh standards, though that’s partially due to the CLS-Class having received some tech updates for 2021, namely a new infotainment system and some additional electronic driver-assist features.

    For 2022, the exterior updates are limited to a revised grille and front fascia, new wheel patterns, and the addition of the sporty AMG Line styling package as standard equipment. Inside, there’s a new steering wheel with sensor pads, and additional trim options, including from Mercedes’ Manufaktur personalization department.

    The CLS-Class is currently offered in the United States in only CLS450 and CLS53 grades. We expect this to be the case with the updated version, though at present Mercedes has only detailed the updated CLS450. It continues with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 and mild-hybrid tech, and matches the current model’s peak 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Drive is to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic as standard.

    2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

    2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

    Tech goodies in the CLS-Class include two 12.3-inch screens arranged side by side on the dash for a widescreen look. One screen is for the instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment system, known as MBUX. The system can be controlled much like a smartphone and also responds to natural-speak voice commands.

    Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection is standard, though many additional handy items, like adaptive cruise control with speed limit assist, are only offered through the available Driver Assistance Package. An automated parking system and surround-view camera are also available.

    The 2022 CLS-Class reaches dealerships in early 2022. Pricing information, as well as info on any AMG variants, will be announced closer to the market launch.

    As for the long-term fate of the nameplate, a report from last year claimed Mercedes could ultimately drop the CLS-Class (along with the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe) to make way for the EQS. It wouldn’t come as a surprise as just 1,206 examples of the CLS were sold in the U.S. in 2020, and the figures for 2018 and 2019 were even lower.

    For more on the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, read the in-depth reviews at The Car Connection.

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  • Here’s what Gordon Murray T.50’s Cosworth V-12 sounds like lapping Le Mans

    Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) has already provided a sample of how the 3.9-liter Cosworth V-12 in its T.50 supercar sounds, but on Wednesday the company released a video of the engine running a simulated lap of Le Mans’ Circuit de la Sarthe on the dynamometer. Spoiler alert: it sounds epic.

    In the video, GMA namesake Gordon Murray seems as proud of the engine note as he does of any other aspect of the car. Murray attributes the lack of forced induction, and the ram-air intake mounted right behind the driver’s head, to the car’s fantastic high-pitched sound.

    Gordon Murray's first drive in a GMA T.50 prototype

    Gordon Murray’s first drive in a GMA T.50 prototype

    On the simulated Mulsanne Straight, the V-12 shrieks like the engine of an early 2000s Formula One car. That’s thanks to a 12,100 rpm redline, which the company claims is the highest of any production car. GMA also claims its engine is the lightest V-12 in a production car, at 392 pounds.

    Working with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, peak output is 654 horsepower and 344 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers aren’t world-beating for a supercar these days, but keep in mind that the T.50 only weighs 2,174 pounds, about 200 pounds less than a Miata.

    Murray also isn’t interested in chasing numbers. Instead of trying to beat a top-speed record or Nürburgring lap time, he designed the T.50 to be the ultimate analog supercar. That’s why the V-12 is coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission, which most competitors have abandoned.

    Gordon Murray's first drive in a GMA T.50 prototype

    Gordon Murray’s first drive in a GMA T.50 prototype

    The T.50 will almost certainly be entertaining to drive. During a recent test drive, Murray chirped the tires at just 3,000 rpm. At higher speeds, the T.50 uses trick aerodynamic aids, including a fan inspired by Murray’s Brabham BT46B “Fan Car” F1 racer from 1978.

    Only 125 T.50 supercars will be built, including 100 road cars and 25 T.50s Niki Lauda track cars, which ditch the manual transmission but get more power and even more extreme aerodynamic elements.

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