Auto Industry News: Russian Sherp Off Roader, 2019 Chevy Camaro, ZR2 Bison & More
It’s a tough crowd in this week’s auto industry news. Superfans and haters alike toss a few harsh words at the 2019 Chevy Camaro, while a Russian super-ATV dubbed Sherp gets stuck in some mud of its own.
Sherp Pushes the Limits
In a scenario that perhaps too closely mimics the current foreign affairs climate, here is a wild video of a Russian super-ATV taking on some American mud. The Sherp is a badass ATV, with a 1.5-liter diesel powerplant and 63″ tall tires. There’s also an onboard tire inflation system, meaning its adventurous spirit knows no bounds—much like our friends at Up Down Air! But it may have met its match in this gigantic mud hole. What do you think of the Sherp and its holy roller off-roading capabilities?
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 AEV Going Into Production
Chevy is reportedly putting an AEV-modified ZR2 into production. Rumor has it that the truck will be called the ZR2 Bison. You might remember when Chevy brought some wicked concepts to SEMA, one of which was a more desert and off-road capable iteration of the midsize sport truck. It picked up some serious momentum, so the legendary truck maker listened. Well, now it’s making its way to the market. Which meeeeeeans extreme off-road enthusiasts unsure of whether to pull the trigger on the standard ZR2 or not, can get one, confident in their ability to roam all over God’s creation. Specific production dates are unknown. But it’s estimated to start at $45,000 and upgraded versions of the AEV could bump it up to $50K, though those figures are unconfirmed, too.
Shaky 2019 Chevy Camaro First Look
But it hasn’t been all “wins” for Chevy in recent days… To be more blunt, many folks are less than pleased about the 2019 Chevy Camaro reveal. It’s never been a universally loved performance car, but this newest edition seems to be the most polarizing in years.
The bumper and grille have been redesigned, as have the headlights and hood. To some that’s not a huge deal, but many feel it changes the Camaro’s famed look, rounding it off. Could this be the beginning of the end of the muscle car? There are “sport and track” modes on the 2019 Chevy Camaro, though that might not be enough to defend what the company thinks is a step forward. The six-speed, 1LE four-cylinder certainly doesn’t help the cause in terms of power either. How do you think it stacks up to previous Camaro models?
Subaru WRX STI Expected to Get Power Increase For 2019
Power, however, will hopefully not be an issue for the new Subaru WRX STI. After many complaints that it is has been lingering too long at the 300 horsepower mark, the model will see a raise… sort of. The 2018 STI’s turbo saw an increase to 305 horsepower (ha), and hardly anyone noticed the difference. So now, according to NHTSA documents, next year’s model will reach…get ready for it… 310 horsepower ::shakes head::
This isn’t very exciting, we agree. But the increase, at the very least, separates the STI from competitor Volkswagen Golf R (292 HP). Though, it still doesn’t touch the new Ford Fusion RS (350 hp). To the devoted Subie nation, what are your thoughts on the matter?
Around the Circuit
NASCAR hit Bristol on Sunday, and it’s going to be there Monday, too, as the Food City 500 was suspended 204 laps into the race. After a steady rain, the track had become too wet to compete. Kyle Larson was in the lead at the stoppage, and will resume in that position Monday at 1PM Eastern Time.
In F1, Daniel Ricciardo captured the checkered flag in China over the weekend. The first place finish at the Chinese GP is the 6th win of the young Australian’s career. What sprung him from the rest of the field was actually an unexpected pit stop. During a caution for debris on the track, Ricciardo got some fresh tires and never looked back. He edged out Valtteri Bottas, who took second and Kimi Räikkönen, who finished third. The field will head to Baku City Circuit April 29th.
