The Acura ILX Special Edition Is Further Proof This Car Is Slowly Dying

Why pay more for a previous generation Honda Civic with an Acura badge?

The Acura ILX, built on the same platform as the previous generation Honda Civic, keeps trucking along, rolling into the 2018 model year with a new special edition trim. Featuring 18-inch wheels, unique badges, and aero upgrades such as aggressive side sills and a rear spoiler from the A-spec models, this new ILX trim offers decent features for the money. Speaking of which, Acura wants you to pony up at least $29,850 for the special edition, which is $800 more than the base model.

If you feel like spending more on a more luxurious but still outdated Civic, then that Premium A-Spec is there for you, beginning at $33,050. The fully-loaded top trim Tech Plus A-Spec runs for $36,050. Regardless of trim, all ILXs are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 201 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. And yes, there’s also just a single transmission available, an eight-speed dual-clutch. The ILX was last updated for 2016, so other than the special edition there aren’t any other changes. Or, in other words, the ILX may be on borrowed time. Let’s face it, the sedan market isn’t what it once was. Considering the latest Honda Civic is larger than its predecessor, better equipped, and more powerful, the need for the ILX’s existence is dwindling.

A fully-loaded 2018 Civic sedan begins at $26,700, and won’t even hit the $30k mark with added options. See the ILX’s problem? Why pay more for something that’s outdated when the only thing you’ll get in return is an Acura badge? Makes no sense. Acura hasn’t commented on whether there’ll even be a second generation ILX, but if there were to be we’d imagine it’ll ride on the new Civic’s architecture. However, given the crossover hype and lower industry-wide sedan sales, chances are Acura will let the ILX fade away with no successor. Acura also happens to do quite well, sales wise, with its crossovers, so it’d make sense for it to focus on crossovers. Unless we hear otherwise, the ILX likely won’t be around for much longer.

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2019 Audi TT Arrives With Sportier Styling And New Special Editions

The new special edition Audi TT 20 Years is inspired by the original 1995 Roadster concept.

Recent spy shots confirmed that Audi has been preparing a mid-cycle facelift for the TT to keep the current model fresh for a few more years. However, we weren’t expecting it to break cover until later this year as a public debut isn’t expected to happen until the Paris Auto Show in October.

As expected, changes applied to the 2019 Audi TT coupe and roadster are relatively mild. Both models feature refined exterior styling, more standard equipment and new engine options. The 2019 Audi TT arrives with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine available with two different tunes in three trims: 40 TFSI, 45 TFSI, and 45 TFSI Quattro.

The base 40 TFSI engine produces 197 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the 45 TFSI and TFSI Quattro powertrains deliver 245 hp and 272 lb-ft of torque. The TTS, on the other hand, has been tuned to deliver 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. 0-62 mph in the TTS coupe takes 4.5 seconds, while the roadster takes 4.8 seconds, shaving a tenth of a second off the previous model's sprint time.

The front-wheel-drive 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI come with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed S Tronic transmission, while the 45 TFSI Quattro trim is only available with a seven-speed S Tronic. The TTS comes with Quattro all-wheel drive and the seven-speed S Tronic transmission as standard. For the 2019 facelift, the entry-level TT comes with much more standard equipment.

As standard, you now get the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, heated mirrors, light and rain sensors, a multifunction steering wheel, and the Audi virtual cockpit. Illuminated USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity also now comes as standard along with 17-inch wheels. The TTS comes with 18-inch wheels, or optional 19- or 20-inch wheels can be fitted instead.

On first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking the 2019 Audi TT looks the same as the outgoing model. The changes are subtle but help make the new TT look sportier and more aggressive. At the front, the 2019 TT features a large 3D Singleframe grille, larger side air inlets and a sharp design line adorning the side of the body. The TTS also looks more aggressive thanks to a new front splitter and a wider rear diffuser.

To mark the 20th anniversary of the TT, Audi is also launching two new special edition models. Limited to 999 units, the “Audi TT 20 years” features styling cues inspired by the original Roadster concept from 1999 including arrow gray paint, Matrix OLED rear lights, glossy metal gray 19-inch wheels, stainless steel tailpipes and unique badging. Joining the TT 20 Years special edition model is the TT S line competition, which expands the S line exterior package to give the trim an unique appearance. Inside, there’s an additional sport screen in the Audi virtual cockpit and contrasting colored stitching.

There’s no word on US availability yet, but the 2019 Audi TT will arrive in Europe in Q4 2018 with pre-orders starting in September so it will probably arrive in America next year. The TT coupe starts at 35,050 euros ($40,859) while the roadster starts at 37,500 euros $43,708. The TTS coupe and roadster also arrive in Europe later this year starting at 54,500 euros ($63,523) and 57,500 euros ($67,015).

What's The Secret Ingredient That Makes An Audi So Special?

Until you drive one, you may not be able to see why Audi cars are so special.

It seems like most car enthusiasts have a strong opinion about Audi. Unless you're one of those people who thinks that everything from Europe is just expensive and unreliable, you've probably given Audi some thought. We'd like to get some of the negative opinions about Audi out of the way and hopefully debunk some of them. Enthusiasts have always gravitated more towards BMW because it builds RWD-based cars, whereas most Audi cars are based on a FWD platform. You may think this puts Audi at a disadvantage, but you'd be surprised.

It is true that some of the lower trim Audi models do come with FWD, however most of the Audis worth owning come with quattro AWD. The Quattro system really isn't all that different from other AWD systems like Mercedes 4Motion or BMW X-Drive, but clever marketing and a catchy name helped Audi give its system amazing brand recognition. The quattro system derives its name from the Audi Quattro model in 1980, which came with permanent AWD. Audi took the name of its legendary rally-bred car and turned it into a cash goldmine. Audi is the luxury car of choice if you live in a cold climate where it snows frequently. Mercedes and BMW have tried to challenge Audi, but quattro is still dominant.

While quattro is very practical, many enthusiasts have criticized it for being heavy and taking away feel. The BMW M5 was always the super-sedan of choice because it was incredibly fast, had great handling, and could slide around as a RWD car should. However, in recent years, Audi has proved what its RS models could do with incredible quattro grip. The Audi RS6 may be the best example of why quattro is so impressive. It may be a big, heavy wagon, but it can easily embarrass supercars in a drag race. In fact, other manufacturers have realized how good AWD can be. Mercedes has added AWD to its new AMG E-Class and the next BMW M5 should be AWD as well.

Clearly, the German giants have realized that Audi has been on to something all along. Most people who buy these performance luxury cars aren't going to take them to the race track. They just want to be able to prove that their car is fast in a straight line without a high risk of crashing. Audi has consistently built cars that are fast in a straight line, so fast in fact that the company often underrates the horsepower and performance figures. We often take Audi's 0-60 time predictions and throw them out the window because we know that they can perform better. We love the fact that the car you buy is actually faster than the company says, rather than being a disappointment when you try to match the claimed performance.

Other than building cars that are fast in a straight line, Audi also excels at building cars with magnificent luxury and technology. If you appreciate cars that are well-engineered with good quality, then you should probably look at an Audi. We aren't necessarily talking about long-term reliability here (although Audi has greatly improved in this area). What we are referring to is the unmistakable Audi quality that you feel every time you close the door with a satisfying "thoop." After recently driving a 2017 A4, we remember the secret ingredient that makes Audi so special. We drive a lot of cars, and just looking at the specs can make you forget the tangible aspects that make a car great.

Sure the Mercedes C-Class stands out visually and comes with RWD, but when you get into an Audi you remember what makes them so special. Close the door in an Audi, and it's as if you've closed the door to a bank vault. There's a such a tight seal, that the entire outside world gets sucked away when the door closes. Once inside, everything that you touch just feels perfect. BMW interiors can be a bit cheap in places, but an Audi interior just feels right. Even in the base A4 model, there's a bolstered steering wheel which just feels perfect in-hand. You may not think of Audi as the most exciting of the German automakers, but if all you want is a car that makes you feel special, then Audi has you covered.

BMWs have a sportier pedigree and Mercedes may have a longer history, but Audi has proved itself to be a highly technology-focused company, and deserves to be mentioned in the same sentence as its Teutonic brethren.

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Audi Sends Off A4 Manual Models With Special Ultra Sport Model

What a lovely way to celebrate the manual transmission's death.

Earlier this month, we got a sad bit of news when Audi announced that the 2019 A4 sedan and A5 coupe would no longer be offered with a manual transmission, making 2018 the last year you can buy an Audi with a manual in the United States. The lone transmission option will now be a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Audi understands that enthusiasts will likely be upset by this decision, but the company has decided to reward them with a limited edition model before the manual transmission is killed off for good.

This limited edition will be called the A4 Ultra sport, a name that was used on the B6 generation car to make the base A4 look as aggressive as an S4. The current B9 generation S4 isn't even available with a manual transmission, only an eight-speed automatic, so this new A4 Ultra sport will truly be unique. Audi says the last 40 manual 2018 A4 models to roll off the assembly line will be this new Ultra sport, equipped with some unique touches.

Each of the 40 cars was built identically from Premium Plus trim levels, which includes an advanced key, SiriusXM, driver memory, parking sensors, Bang & Olufsen stereo, LED headlights, power folding and auto-dimming side mirrors, and Audi virtual cockpit with navigation.

Beyond that, the Ultra sport package costs an additional $6,800 and adds stainless steel pedals, leatherette covered center console and door armrests, a flat bottom perforated steering wheel, dynamic steering, sport adaptive damping suspension, sport front seats, S line leather/Alcantara interior, Audi Sport RS carbon inlays, carbon fiber mirror caps, carbon fiber rear lip spoiler, 19-inch 5-arm-rotor design wheels, summer tires, Titanium Black exterior package, badge deletion, and Quantum Gray paint.

All of these parts can be found on other B9 models including the S4 and RS4, but are special when equipped on an A4. According to Audi Club North America, all 40 cars are currently sitting at port and Audi recommends placing an order now before they are all gone.

What's The Secret Ingredient That Makes An Audi So Special?

Until you drive one, you may not be able to see why Audi cars are so special.

It seems like most car enthusiasts have a strong opinion about Audi. Unless you're one of those people who thinks that everything from Europe is just expensive and unreliable, you've probably given Audi some thought. We'd like to get some of the negative opinions about Audi out of the way and hopefully debunk some of them. Enthusiasts have always gravitated more towards BMW because it builds RWD-based cars, whereas most Audi cars are based on a FWD platform. You may think this puts Audi at a disadvantage, but you'd be surprised.

It is true that some of the lower trim Audi models do come with FWD, however most of the Audis worth owning come with quattro AWD. The Quattro system really isn't all that different from other AWD systems like Mercedes 4Motion or BMW X-Drive, but clever marketing and a catchy name helped Audi give its system amazing brand recognition. The quattro system derives its name from the Audi Quattro model in 1980, which came with permanent AWD. Audi took the name of its legendary rally-bred car and turned it into a cash goldmine. Audi is the luxury car of choice if you live in a cold climate where it snows frequently. Mercedes and BMW have tried to challenge Audi, but quattro is still dominant.

While quattro is very practical, many enthusiasts have criticized it for being heavy and taking away feel. The BMW M5 was always the super-sedan of choice because it was incredibly fast, had great handling, and could slide around as a RWD car should. However, in recent years, Audi has proved what its RS models could do with incredible quattro grip. The Audi RS6 may be the best example of why quattro is so impressive. It may be a big, heavy wagon, but it can easily embarrass supercars in a drag race. In fact, other manufacturers have realized how good AWD can be. Mercedes has added AWD to its new AMG E-Class and the next BMW M5 should be AWD as well.

Clearly, the German giants have realized that Audi has been on to something all along. Most people who buy these performance luxury cars aren't going to take them to the race track. They just want to be able to prove that their car is fast in a straight line without a high risk of crashing. Audi has consistently built cars that are fast in a straight line, so fast in fact that the company often underrates the horsepower and performance figures. We often take Audi's 0-60 time predictions and throw them out the window because we know that they can perform better. We love the fact that the car you buy is actually faster than the company says, rather than being a disappointment when you try to match the claimed performance.

Other than building cars that are fast in a straight line, Audi also excels at building cars with magnificent luxury and technology. If you appreciate cars that are well-engineered with good quality, then you should probably look at an Audi. We aren't necessarily talking about long-term reliability here (although Audi has greatly improved in this area). What we are referring to is the unmistakable Audi quality that you feel every time you close the door with a satisfying "thoop." After recently driving a 2017 A4, we remember the secret ingredient that makes Audi so special. We drive a lot of cars, and just looking at the specs can make you forget the tangible aspects that make a car great.

Sure the Mercedes C-Class stands out visually and comes with RWD, but when you get into an Audi you remember what makes them so special. Close the door in an Audi, and it's as if you've closed the door to a bank vault. There's a such a tight seal, that the entire outside world gets sucked away when the door closes. Once inside, everything that you touch just feels perfect. BMW interiors can be a bit cheap in places, but an Audi interior just feels right. Even in the base A4 model, there's a bolstered steering wheel which just feels perfect in-hand. You may not think of Audi as the most exciting of the German automakers, but if all you want is a car that makes you feel special, then Audi has you covered.

BMWs have a sportier pedigree and Mercedes may have a longer history, but Audi has proved itself to be a highly technology-focused company, and deserves to be mentioned in the same sentence as its Teutonic brethren.

2019 Audi TT Arrives With Sportier Styling And New Special Editions

The new special edition Audi TT 20 Years is inspired by the original 1995 Roadster concept.

Recent spy shots confirmed that Audi has been preparing a mid-cycle facelift for the TT to keep the current model fresh for a few more years. However, we weren’t expecting it to break cover until later this year as a public debut isn’t expected to happen until the Paris Auto Show in October.

As expected, changes applied to the 2019 Audi TT coupe and roadster are relatively mild. Both models feature refined exterior styling, more standard equipment and new engine options. The 2019 Audi TT arrives with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine available with two different tunes in three trims: 40 TFSI, 45 TFSI, and 45 TFSI Quattro.

The base 40 TFSI engine produces 197 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the 45 TFSI and TFSI Quattro powertrains deliver 245 hp and 272 lb-ft of torque. The TTS, on the other hand, has been tuned to deliver 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. 0-62 mph in the TTS coupe takes 4.5 seconds, while the roadster takes 4.8 seconds, shaving a tenth of a second off the previous model's sprint time.

The front-wheel-drive 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI come with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed S Tronic transmission, while the 45 TFSI Quattro trim is only available with a seven-speed S Tronic. The TTS comes with Quattro all-wheel drive and the seven-speed S Tronic transmission as standard. For the 2019 facelift, the entry-level TT comes with much more standard equipment.

As standard, you now get the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, heated mirrors, light and rain sensors, a multifunction steering wheel, and the Audi virtual cockpit. Illuminated USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity also now comes as standard along with 17-inch wheels. The TTS comes with 18-inch wheels, or optional 19- or 20-inch wheels can be fitted instead.

On first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking the 2019 Audi TT looks the same as the outgoing model. The changes are subtle but help make the new TT look sportier and more aggressive. At the front, the 2019 TT features a large 3D Singleframe grille, larger side air inlets and a sharp design line adorning the side of the body. The TTS also looks more aggressive thanks to a new front splitter and a wider rear diffuser.

To mark the 20th anniversary of the TT, Audi is also launching two new special edition models. Limited to 999 units, the “Audi TT 20 years” features styling cues inspired by the original Roadster concept from 1999 including arrow gray paint, Matrix OLED rear lights, glossy metal gray 19-inch wheels, stainless steel tailpipes and unique badging. Joining the TT 20 Years special edition model is the TT S line competition, which expands the S line exterior package to give the trim an unique appearance. Inside, there’s an additional sport screen in the Audi virtual cockpit and contrasting colored stitching.

There’s no word on US availability yet, but the 2019 Audi TT will arrive in Europe in Q4 2018 with pre-orders starting in September so it will probably arrive in America next year. The TT coupe starts at 35,050 euros ($40,859) while the roadster starts at 37,500 euros $43,708. The TTS coupe and roadster also arrive in Europe later this year starting at 54,500 euros ($63,523) and 57,500 euros ($67,015).

2019 Audi TT Arrives With Sportier Styling And New Special Editions

The new special edition Audi TT 20 Years is inspired by the original 1995 Roadster concept.

Recent spy shots confirmed that Audi has been preparing a mid-cycle facelift for the TT to keep the current model fresh for a few more years. However, we weren’t expecting it to break cover until later this year as a public debut isn’t expected to happen until the Paris Auto Show in October.

As expected, changes applied to the 2019 Audi TT coupe and roadster are relatively mild. Both models feature refined exterior styling, more standard equipment and new engine options. The 2019 Audi TT arrives with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine available with two different tunes in three trims: 40 TFSI, 45 TFSI, and 45 TFSI Quattro.

The base 40 TFSI engine produces 197 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the 45 TFSI and TFSI Quattro powertrains deliver 245 hp and 272 lb-ft of torque. The TTS, on the other hand, has been tuned to deliver 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. 0-62 mph in the TTS coupe takes 4.5 seconds, while the roadster takes 4.8 seconds, shaving a tenth of a second off the previous model's sprint time.

The front-wheel-drive 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI come with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed S Tronic transmission, while the 45 TFSI Quattro trim is only available with a seven-speed S Tronic. The TTS comes with Quattro all-wheel drive and the seven-speed S Tronic transmission as standard. For the 2019 facelift, the entry-level TT comes with much more standard equipment.

As standard, you now get the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, heated mirrors, light and rain sensors, a multifunction steering wheel, and the Audi virtual cockpit. Illuminated USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity also now comes as standard along with 17-inch wheels. The TTS comes with 18-inch wheels, or optional 19- or 20-inch wheels can be fitted instead.

On first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking the 2019 Audi TT looks the same as the outgoing model. The changes are subtle but help make the new TT look sportier and more aggressive. At the front, the 2019 TT features a large 3D Singleframe grille, larger side air inlets and a sharp design line adorning the side of the body. The TTS also looks more aggressive thanks to a new front splitter and a wider rear diffuser.

To mark the 20th anniversary of the TT, Audi is also launching two new special edition models. Limited to 999 units, the “Audi TT 20 years” features styling cues inspired by the original Roadster concept from 1999 including arrow gray paint, Matrix OLED rear lights, glossy metal gray 19-inch wheels, stainless steel tailpipes and unique badging. Joining the TT 20 Years special edition model is the TT S line competition, which expands the S line exterior package to give the trim an unique appearance. Inside, there’s an additional sport screen in the Audi virtual cockpit and contrasting colored stitching.

There’s no word on US availability yet, but the 2019 Audi TT will arrive in Europe in Q4 2018 with pre-orders starting in September so it will probably arrive in America next year. The TT coupe starts at 35,050 euros ($40,859) while the roadster starts at 37,500 euros $43,708. The TTS coupe and roadster also arrive in Europe later this year starting at 54,500 euros ($63,523) and 57,500 euros ($67,015).

Aston Martin Creating 19 Pairs Of Special Edition Zagatos For $8 Million

The track-only DB4-based continuation car and road-legal DBS GT Zagato won't be sold separately.

For nearly 60 years, Aston Martin and Zagato have collaborated to create some breathtakingly beautiful cars; from the classic DB4 GT Zagato to the stunning Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake, with the latter representing the two company’s most recent collaboration.

To celebrate Zagato’s centenary next year, Aston Martin is once again collaborating with the Italian coachbuilder to produce a track-only DB4 GT Zagato Continuation car and a new road-legal DBS GT Zagato. Both cars form what Aston Martin is dubbing the DBZ Centenary Collection, which is limited to 19 pairs. That's right, these cars won’t be sold separately, buyers will have to take them as a pair for an eye-watering $7.8 million.

The DB4 GT Zagato will be built at Aston Martin Works, Newport Pagnell, which is where the DB4 was originally built, while the new DBS GT Zagato will be produced at Aston Martin’s global headquarters in Gaydon, UK.

Originally built in the 1960s, the DB4 GT Zagato was a thoroughbred track car designed to rival Ferrari on the racetrack. Only 19 were built, hence why the Continuation model will have the same production run. Like the original, the Continuation car will be fitted with thin-gauge aluminium body panels and a lightweight tubular frame. State-of-the-art digital scanning technology will improve the accuracy and consistency of the panels before they are hand-finished. Under the hood is a Tadek Marek-designed straight-six engine sending 380 hp to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential.

As for the DBS GT Zagato, Aston Martin says the new model will be based on the DBS Superleggera and will “embody the next evolution in Aston Martin Zagato design language,” as shown in a provided sketch design. It will feature a new interpretation of the iconic double-bubble roof, a striking front grille and a truncated tail to create an “amplified physique and an unmistakable presence.”

“The partnership between Aston Martin and Zagato is one of the most fruitful and enduring in the automotive world,” Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer said. “With Zagato celebrating its centenary next year, what better way to celebrate this landmark – and the long-standing bond between our two great companies – than creating these 19 pairs of cars. As an engineer I would always say my favourite Aston Martin is the next one, but I have to say I’m struggling to think of a finer two-car garage than this!”

Customer deliveries for the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation start in Q4 2019, while DBS GT Zagato customer deliveries will start a year later in Q4 2020.