7 Wildly Awesome Jeep Concepts For The 2017 Easter Jeep Safari

7 Wildly Awesome Jeep Concepts For The 2017 Easter Jeep Safari

The Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah is the cultural oasis of the off-road community. Each year, thousands of off-road enthusiasts descend upon Moab to tackle the trails, canvass the outdoors, and soak in the sights. To mark the 51st anniversary of the event, the Jeep and Mopar brands will showcase some of their most unique concepts.
“It’s truly a labor of love for the Jeep team to develop exciting, capable concept vehicles each year for Moab and the Easter Jeep Safari,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global.
This year’s concept collection employs both production and prototype Jeep Performance Parts. Mopar develops and builds the individual parts, ensuring each one can stand up to the rigors and challenges of off-road use. Jeep owners often seek these parts and accessories out to increase the capability of their vehicle.
“These concept vehicles are a perfect example of how off-road enthusiasts can use Jeep Performance Parts to personalize and enhance the already outstanding Jeep capability, allowing them to face the toughest trails in the world,” said Pietro Gorlier, Head of Parts and Service (Mopar), FCA – Global.
The concepts this year range and vary quite nicely in terms of performance and technology. Some of them have really slick designs, others have powerful engines; a couple have stellar lighting setups. Here are the seven concepts appearing at the 2017 Easter Jeep Safari.
Jeep Grand One
The Jeep Grand One celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Grand Cherokee with a modernized take on the classic 1993 ZJ. The Grand One Concept features custom 18-inch lace-style wheels and high-clearance fender flares. The wheelbase is extended while subtle wood grain decorates the body. Inside, the original Grand Cherokee is alive and well, with ’90s-inspired materials and touches, including a classic car phone.
Just in case anybody calls while you are on the trials . . .
And covering the trails should be of little concern with the Jeep Grand One’s 33-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires and 2-inch suspension lift. The front and rear axles are equipped with selectable locking differentials too. A 5.2-liter V8 engine, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, provides the necessary power.
Jeep Safari
Jeep Safari Concept. Photo: FCA US LLC.
When hitting the trails, its always more fun with family and friends. The Jeep Safari Concept realizes this through a unique cabin design that gives rear passengers a commanding view. This Wranger-based machine is ultra modern too, with a translucent hard-top roof panel and two-level aluminum cargo rack with incorporated drone. A raked windshield, boatsided rocker panels, LED headlamps, and custom LED tail lamps and parking/turn lamps finish off the Safari Concept.
Notice the “windoors” with zipper openings? Those are crafted from lightweight aluminum and clear vinyl, and hinge like a cabinet during entry and exit. Inside, the two rear bucket seats are rotated outboard, making it easier for rear seat occupants to see out. The modern treatments continue with an instrument panel-mounted iPad.
Getting to any off-road destination is easy with front and rear Dana 44 axles equipped with selectable differential lockers. Overall body length was reduced to make the Safari more agile with its 2-inch lift. The concept vehicle includes 35-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires on custom 18-inch wheels, full-length skid plates, steel front and rear bumpers, on-board air system, upgraded brakes, and a cold air intake.
The Jeep Safari is powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, paired to a five-speed automatic transmission.
Jeep Quicksand
Jeep Quicksand Concept. Photo: FCA US LLC.


Those who want to combine the likes of classic Mopar muscle with Jeep off-road capability will find themselves right at home with the Jeep Quicksand Concept. Perhaps the most noticeable element is the “peekaboo” cutout in the hood – underneath is a Mopar 392 Crate HEMI engine with eight-stack injection, mated to a six-speed Getrag manual transmission.
The downturned open headers add to that vintage hot rod feel.
Another Wrangler-based concept, the Jeep Quicksand features a longer wheelbase, with a trimmed front and rear body, and a chopped hard top and windshield. While flying down the trails, the top and windows provide that sense of “wind through your hair” freedom – or if not that, it’s a great way to hear the engine! What’s also unique is the staggered tire setup never done on any Jeep concept prior. The Quicksand features 32-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires in the front and 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires in the rear.
The interior is simple with red accents, two front low-back bucket seats, flat aluminum door panels, tilt-out windshield glass, and a chrome roll bar. Higher tech tools include a Warn winch in the front Moon tank and a recovery rope in the rear.
Jeep Trailpass
Jeep Trailpass Concept. Photo: FCA US LLC.
This little trail butterfly is based on the new Jeep Compass and features a 1.5-inch lift, 18-inch wheels, and Continental TerrainContact all-terrain tires. Other exterior features include Gloss Black side mirror caps, a custom hood graphic, side stripes, tinted headlamps and tail lamps, and a Mopar/Thule roof basket with roof bag and traction mats.
On the inside, Jeep Trailpass occupants are treated to custom Katzkin leather seats and armrests, body-color bezel accents, and all-weather floor mats. The powertrain consists of a 2.4-liter Tigershark engine and nine-speed automatic transmission.
Jeep Switchback
Jeep Switchback Concept. Photo: FCA US LLC.
The Jeep Switchback Concept hits the ground running with front and rear Dana 44 axles, a 4-inch lift with Remote Reservoir Fox shocks, heavy-duty cast differential covers, 10th Anniversary steel front and rear bumpers, Rubicon winch, and a cold air intake. The Switchback grips the trails with 17-inch concept wheels and 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires.
The axle-back exhaust is a nice touch.
The exterior features are nicely crafted from the hood and half doors to the hard top and roof racks. Jeep Performance Parts on the exterior include high-top fender flares, Mopar black fuel door and tail lamp guards, swing gate hinge reinforcement, and oversized spare tire carrier. Those who hit the trails in the evening or during bad weather will appreciate the Switchback’s incredible lighting system. This Jeep is complete with a concept LED off-road windshield light bar, concept LED off-road A-pillar lamps, LED tail lamps, and LED headlamps and fog lamps.
The inside is trimmed with Katzkin leather seats, body-color bezel accents, concept sport bar grab handles, and Mopar all-weather mats. The floor is actually made from a spray-in bed liner material. The cargo area also has a storage rack stocked with first aid and roadside safety supplies.
The Jeep Switchback Concept is powered by the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
Jeep Luminator
Jeep Luminator Concept. Photo: FCA US LLC.

This Wrangler-based Jeep concept has it all: off-road capability, high-tech features, and lots of lights. Hence the name, Jeep Luminator. The vehicle’s sophisticated lighting system was jointly developed with the Automotive Lighting division of Magneti Marelli. And they thought of everything needed to light up the trails in proper fashion: magnetic underbody rock lights, 7-inch LED projector bi-function headlamps, unique LED tail lamps, A-pillar-mounted LED spot lights, and upper bumper LED auxiliary lighting.
The fog lamps actually “corner” and are dictated by the steering angle.
The Jeep Luminator’s hood houses a scanning LED light bar module with active spot and dynamic following technology. This tool works as a spotlight to warn drivers of potential hazards while navigating the trials. The rear lighting setup is equally advanced. The center high-mount stop light, for example, acts as a scouting/trail lamp with four-color LEDs for trail rides: complete stop (red), 1-3 miles per hour (amber), 3-25 mph (green), or white when rear flood lighting is needed.
High-tech features include the roof-mounted solar panel, a drone landing pad with a lighted drone, and an interactive touchscreen display on the driver’s side rear window with GPS and internet capability.
Jeep CJ66
Jeep CJ66 Concept. Photo: FCA US LLC.


Think of this fireball as the Frankenstein of Jeeps. The Jeep CJ66 recipe calls for a Jeep Wrangler TJ frame and a 1966 Jeep Wrangler CJ universal Tuxedo Park body. Sprinkle in Wrangler JK elements and serve vigorously with a Mopar 345 Crate HEMI Engine Kit.
Like its Quicksand brethren, the CJ66 has plenty of muscle with its 383 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI and six-speed manual transmission. A Mopar 345 Crate HEMI engine cover shelters the powerplant while a Mopar cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust increase overall performance.
Front and rear Mopar Dana 44 Crate axles, 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, 17-inch beadlock wheels, and a 2-inch lift will make short work of any off-road obstacles. An advanced two-way air system lets drivers air tires up or down, depending on the desired pressure.
The color is called “Copper Canyon” and is accented by a matte black “CJ sixty six” stripe on the hood. Other exterior treatments include oversized fender flares, Mopar 10th Anniversary Wrangler JK Rubicon Bumper Kits, skid/front bumper plates, and rock rails. The CJ66 is also equipped with Mopar LED amber fog lamps and a Mopar Warn winch.
While it will attend the 2017 Easter Jeep Safari, this is not the first time the CJ66 has been in public. The concept Jeep actually made its debut at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas last November.
The Jeep CJ66 Concept features a custom-built roll cage and Dodge Viper style seats. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Jeep Mania
Do you have a favorite on this list? It’s hard to pick one, but we are kinda partial to the Luminator and CJ66. Maybe something on this list will make it into production after the 2017 Easter Jeep Safari? It’s hard to say, but Jeep is using the occasion to gain insight from the many off-road fans in attendance.
“We look forward to the reaction and feedback from enthusiasts and our most loyal customers as these new Jeep concepts are put through their paces on the trails in Moab,” Manley said.
If you are heading to the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, make sure you take lots of pictures and tag us on Twitter – we definitely want to hear about your adventure. The 2017 Easter Jeep Safari begins on April 8th and runs through the 16th.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 
Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.



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Nissan GT-R Track Edition: Godzilla Descends On NYC

Nissan GT-R Track Edition: Godzilla Descends On NYC

The Nissan GT-R. The ultimate Skyline. The preferred ride of Brian O’Conner. The Japanese Corvette. Godzilla. This is, to a lot of people, the definitive expression of Japanese automotive technology. The flagship for the entire country. And, apart from Acura’s NSX, it’s hard to argue with that.
The Nissan GT-R encapsulates a lot of the predilections of Japan’s auto industry and Japanese culture.
Standing Apart
It is very high tech. It does a lot with a little. It is amazingly reliable. It is very, very thought out and refined. It is, in strange ways, practical. It is styled and finessed like a Bonsai tree. The GT-R is about as Japanese as Kobe beef or an upset Hello Kitty with a Samurai sword. This, however, is not even that. This is not “just” a GT-R, this is the GT-R Track Edition, and it’s a whole new beasty.
The GT-R Track Edition is the third model in the GT-R lineup. The Track Edition slots between the “T” (touring) and “R” (racing) models. The GT-R Track Edition was conceived to deliver a higher level of performance than the GT-R Premium, but not be as bat guano crazy as the line’s flagship 600 horsepower GT-R NISMO. The GT-R Track Edition cranks out 565 horsepower, which is the same as the GT-R Premium.
Over 600 horsepower would have been fun, but oh well.
The Nissan GT-R’s front end retains the automaker’s signature “V-motion” grille, which enhances engine cooling versus the previous GT-R design. Furthermore, the reinforced hood provides additional stability during high speed driving. Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Performance DNA
The new GT-R Track Edition is set apart from its brethren by such performance-oriented features as the body’s additional adhesive bonding, which increases rigidity versus the GT-R Premium model. This is in addition to the normal spot welding, but sadly in place of fully seam welding the entire car. The suspension gets unique NISMO tuning that reduces weight and adds additional roll stiffness over the GT-R Premium. You also get NISMO-spec tires on the new GT-R Track Edition.
Speaking of the GT-R NISMO, the GT-R Track Edition gets the NISMO’s front fenders along with 20-inch NISMO forged aluminum-alloy wheels, and a special dry carbon-fiber rear spoiler. On the inside there’s a unique red and black color treatment with high-grip, Motorsports-inspired Recaro seats. “Motorsports-inspired?” Why not just throw in some real Motorsports-sourced Recaro seats?
All 2017 Nissan GT-Rs are built on an exclusive Premium Midship platform, which I’m guessing is Nissan-speak for a British “mid” engine; i.e. the engine sits behind the front axel line. This sort of set up allows Nissan to use a unique independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system. That places the transmission, transfer case, and final drive at the rear of the vehicle for better weight distribution for maximized handling.
Takumi Legend
The Nissan GT-R Track Edition’s power plant is a 565 horsepower, hand-assembled twin-turbo VR38DETT 3.8-liter V6 engine. All GT-R engines are hand-assembled in a special clean room by highly trained techs. They even give them a special Japanese name: Takumi. There’s an aluminum plate added to the front of each mill with the name of the Takumi, a nice touch. Torque is rated at 467 lb-ft., which is pretty good for an overhead cam six. The bad air goes out the back via a titanium exhaust system that’s standard, and probably very expensive.
The GT-R’s mill is mated to a paddle-shifted, sequential 6-speed dual clutch transmission, which, at the touch of a button, can be selected to shift at race car-like speeds. There’s also high performance differential oil standard in the diff case.
The aluminum plate at the front of each engine reveals the name of the Takumi engine craftsman. Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.


Audible Attributes
There is a standard Bose audio sound system with Active Noise Cancellation and Active Sound Enhancement technologies to filter out unwanted noise, and retain excitement during spirited driving. Which does fit with the character of the car, but it is also, to my mind, rather sad. You want to know how to make an engine sound right? Make it sound right from the beginning. Don’t mess around with fancy tech gimmicks like speakers and active noise cancellation.
Build the engine right from the get-go. Work the intake and exhaust tracts. Tune that exhaust they way any decent racing car company would, and it will sound fantastic . . . you know, like Porsche and Ferrari and Alfa Romeo have been doing for decades.
And this points out what is the “failing” (if you could call it that) of the GT-R. It is a $29 answer that 25 cents could have fixed. Nissan, like Japan itself, loves to throw high tech at any given problem. Why solve a problem in three steps when you can solve it in 103? Why make a car go fast and handle right with a high horsepower, naturally aspirated engine and rear-wheel drive, when you can make a car go just as fast with a twin turbo plant, all-wheel drive, and more computing power than the space shuttle?
“The new GT-R Track Edition gives buyers a specialized model, one true to GT-R heritage and available only by special order,” said Michael Bunce, Vice President, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. “Building on the major upgrade to every GT-R for 2017, the Track Edition is an amazing package inside, outside, and under the skin.” Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Waxing Poetics
But let’s get down to brass tacks here. The starting MSRP for a GT-R Track Edition is $127,990. And that is more than a loaded Corvette ZO6. And yes, you can say a Corvette is a blunt tool and the GT-R Track Edition is a precision instrument. You can say the GT-R Track Edition is a flint-knapped scalpel and the Corvette ZO6 is a meat axe in comparison. And you’d be right. But you’d also be right to say a Corvette ZO6 would chew up a GT-R and spit out the pieces.
But hey, it’s your money, and if you’re a fan of all things Japan, and really got a Jones for a GT-R Track Edition, please, be my guest and buy one of the things. I know you’ll enjoy it, and in many ways they are very hard to argue with. You best get in line, however. The GT-R Track Edition is by order only and will be available later this summer. The vehicle officially debuts at the New York International Auto Show, April 14th through the 23rd, at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2017 Nissan GT-R Track Edition Gallery























Photos & Source:  Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.



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2018 Toyota Camry Hits The Scene

2018 Toyota Camry Hits The Scene

I’m not sure if Toyota is trying to be funny here, but it seems like they are. They literally write the words: “All-New 2018 Toyota Camry Gains Emotionally-Charged Design and Performance Experience” in their press release for the car.
Has no one told them the Camry is the automotive equivalent of imitation mayonnaise? It’s not even real mayonnaise, it’s fugazi mayonnaise. It aspires to be this bland white stuff suburbanites slather onto Wonder bread. “Emotionally-Charged Design and Performance Experience?”
It’s as emotionally charged as a Perry Como concert and they expect me to believe it’s like an Iggy and The Stooges show in Detroit circa 1971? Are they mental?
Sensible Choices
Yeah, yeah, near as I can tell, they’re on the verge of going boi-oi-oing here. Look, don’t get me wrong. The Toyota Camry is good, solid, practical transportation. It’s what your great aunt Winifred ends up buying, not The Little Old Lady From Pasadena. It’s the automotive parallel of a no-salt saltine. A Toyota Camry is not a bright red, shiny, super-stock Dodge that will detach your retinas upon letting go of the clutch. Quite the contrary, the Camry is sense and sensibility. It’s muted beige paint in a world of ecru gone wild.
It is also not a bad choice if you want a good, reliable car that gets you from A to B in comfort and safety with solid efficiency. If you don’t really care about cars all that much, the Toyota Camry is the car for you.
Architectural Design
The new Camry utilizes what Toyota refers to as TNGA, or Toyota New Global Architecture. Essentially TNGA is the new platform that everything Toyota will be based off of. It’s the way Toyota will design, engineer, and package its vehicles going forward.
Toyota extended the Camry’s wheelbase by two inches, which made it easier aesthetically to drop the roof and hood height. This also lowered the center of gravity and created a wider, more planted vehicle. From here, packaging benefits continue to flow. The driver’s seating position is lower and near the center of the car, for example. The steering column can be adjusted over a wider range, and the hood, cowl, and dashboard height have all been dropped for better outward visibility. Visibility is also aided by the reworked A-pillar and side mirror placement.
When it came to design, there were three primary goals: a distinctive, low center of gravity for a firm, wide stance; a practical-yet-emotionally styled cabin profile, and a sporty and upscale look both inside and out. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Driving Dynamics
Chassis-wise, things have gotten stiffer for the Camry, which is always a good thing: Make the body stiffer and, therefore, let the suspension do its thing better. The new Camry has increased the use of ultra-high-tensile steel and has implemented a new molding technology to deliver this enhanced structural rigidity. There’s a new double wishbone rear suspension system out back for responsive handling, well-defined steering, and great ride quality. They’ve even reworked the engine mounts with a new, four-point mounting system for better road manners and to reduce unwanted noise, vibration, and harshness in the passenger compartment.
That said, kudos to Toyota for at least thinking about bringing driving dynamics to the forefront of the new Camry. Toyota wants the new Camry to “highly impress” the driver with its handling capability and composure. Does it? Dunno. Car’s not out yet, but here’s the deal Toyota: Grab a new one off the line and deliver it to 1 Automoblog Tower in Detroit, and we’ll run the bejeebers out of it on the tracks and AutoX’s and late night runs into Ontario, and well let you know if we’re “highly impressed” with its handling capability and composure.
Toyota says customers will “notice the dramatic improvements within the first few seconds of driving” the 2018 Camry.
“In order to create something that stirs people’s soul, we’ve laid out the concept of a new sedan that provides fun and excitement behind the wheel,” said Masato Katsumata, Chief Engineer, 2018 Toyota Camry. “In developing the next-generation Toyota Camry, we were able to start with a clean slate, which allowed us to create a true driver’s car.” Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Power & Performance
Motivational power comes from your choice of three engines: either a new 3.5-liter V6, an all-new 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine, which comes mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission, or a next-generation Toyota Hybrid System.
The (hysterically named) 2.5-liter 4-cylinder “Dynamic Force Engine” focuses on higher torque, higher power, and lower fuel consumption. Toyota has reworked the combustion chamber for higher tumble air flow, which results in faster and cleaner burning of the air/fuel mixture. With the focus on torque, it’s unsurprising that the engine is a long-stroke and high compression ratio layout that also features multi-hole direct fuel injectors, a variable cooling system, and an improved Variable Valve-Timing layout.
Toyota says the Dynamic Force Engine (snicker) is 40 percent more thermally efficient, which makes it one of the best in the world in this segment.
The Toyota Camry is sold in more than 100 countries and is the most popular mid-size sedan in the world. Introduced in Japan in 1982, the Camry was Toyota’s first mass-produced vehicle with a transverse engine design. It continues to be affordable and reliable and thus, distinguishes itself from other sedans accordingly. It is arguably a benchmark in its segment and a pioneer in its own right. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.


Interior Treatments & Tech
There’s a whole slew of other stuff sprinkled onto and into the new Camry like so many Chocolate Jimmies on a sundae. There’s Toyota Safety Sense-P suite of safety features, there’s 10 standard airbags, Toyota’s Star Safety System, there’s enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, an Anti-lock Braking System, Smart Stop Technology, and even a standard backup camera.
The front seats have improved ergonomics and the rear seats are more refined. There’s Toyota’s latest Human Machine Interface (which I thought was a Kraftwerk album), a 10-inch color Heads-Up Display (HUD), a seven-inch multi-information display within the instrument cluster, an eight-inch audio/navigation display, and an HVAC control panel all of which say six things: Money, money, money and tech, tech, tech.
There’s enough multimedia toys to make you feel like you’re in a rolling version of Nam Jun Pak’s garage sale. A Toyota Entune 3.0 multimedia system with navigation, App Suite Connect, Connected Navigation Scout GPS Link with Moving Maps, or Dynamic Navigation system (in the V6 models), wireless map updates, available Remote Connect, Service Connect, available WiFi Connect, and even a JBL premium audio system with enough speakers and amps to render you as deaf as Felix Pappalardi.
Look, I fully understand not everyone wants a new Ferrari 812 Superfast or an AMG wagon with enough power to blast a six pack into lunar orbit. Those cars are for crazy people people like me. You might be sensible type and not suicidal. You want good, solid, reliable, and efficient transportation. You want a Camry and this one promises to be the best yet.
The 2018 Toyota Camry will be available in four grades: LE, XLE, SE, and XSE.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2018 Toyota Camry Gallery








Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.



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2 Millionth Duramax Rolls Off The Line In Ohio

2 Millionth Duramax Rolls Off The Line In Ohio

Moraine, Ohio is a small, Midwestern community. As of the 2010 census, the population was just over 6,000 residents. The area is known for famous eateries like the Treasure Island Supper Club and Dixie Dairy Dreem, and its commitment to family parks and recreation.
It’s also known for the Duramax engine, a now legendary name forever etched in the hearts of GM truck enthusiasts.
Family Culture
General Motors, DMAX, Ltd. and I.U.E.-CWA Local 755 employees recently celebrated the building of the 2 millionth Duramax 6.6L engine. The milestone arrives following solid growth at DMAX, Ltd. where employment has risen the last few years. DMAX, Ltd. currently houses the 554 hourly and 114 salaried employees of the I.U.E.-CWA Local 755.
“This is a testament to the dedication of our workforce to continue to produce a great product,” said Carl Kennebrew, President, IUE-CWA Local 755. “We have a culture here at DMAX that is based off of teamwork and a family environment.”
Powerful Personas
Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra HD trucks utilize the aforementioned Duramax diesel; the engine is a vital cornerstone for both trucks in terms of performance and capability. Duramax engines also power some Navistar commercial trucks, Gale Banks vehicles, and even marine applications. Recently, the redesigned Duramax hit the market with an increase in power. The next-generation 6.6L turbo-diesel boasts an SAE-certified 445 horsepower (332 kW) at 2,800 rpm and 910 lb-ft. of torque (1,234 Nm) at 1,600 rpm.
“The Duramax Diesel has powered GM’s heavy-duty pickups to numerous quality, reliability, durability, and truck of the year awards,” said Cathy Clegg, Vice Presndent, GMNA Manufacturing and Labor Relations. “These awards would not be possible without the hard work of the men and women of the IUE and DMAX.”
Groundbreaking for the DMAX, Ltd. plant began in 1998, with the first engine rolling off the line on July 17th, 2000.
“When we started this project, who would have expected we would achieve 2 million engines,” said Shinichi Suzuki, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Operating Officer, DMAX, Ltd. “The most important thing is not that the 2 million engines have been manufactured, but that they have been sold by the effort of the entire team.”
Kennebrew agreed.
“Everyone is dedicated to the vision of our company,” he said. “I’m so proud of our members and their continued drive to be successful.”
2017 GMC Sierra Denali 3500 HD. Photo: General Motors.

Giving Back
Recent investments at DMAX, Ltd. include a $60 million investment for emissions improvements in 2014. This was followed in 2015 with an $82 million investment for productivity improvements. The subsequent investments at DMAX, Ltd. have been returned to the greater community.
“We have invested both dollars and volunteerism into several local organizations, specifically the Moraine Foundation, which channels all local charitable activities and the promotion of STEM-related opportunities through the West Carrollton HS–FIRST Robotics Club,” said Pat Curtis, DMAX, Ltd. Plant Manager. 
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 



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2018 Chevy Equinox Employs New Aerodynamic Tools

2018 Chevy Equinox Employs New Aerodynamic Tools

Aerodynamics are, in a word, important. They are, counter intuitively, very important in things like trucks and SUVs. Trucks and SUVs are potentially so bad to begin with aerodynamically speaking, that by tweaking them here and there, many beneficial gains can be made.
The sad, baseline fact to deal with here is that trucks are pretty boxy, and boxy is not good. How many birds do you see shaped like bricks? Exactly, none. How many trucks do you see shaped thusly? Exactly. Pretty much all of them.
Efficient Directives
Now, yes, of course, aerodynamic efficiency is a problem for anything that plows through the air. And any vehicle can pretty much benefit from paying attention to it. But trucks and SUVs are often so bad that almost any gains here usually reap big rewards, especially when it comes to fuel efficiency.
And Chevy has, for decades now, a real bee in its bonnet about fuel efficiency. Getting really good over the highway fuel numbers is something the bow-tie brigade has been obsessing over for a while now. So as sales of SUVs rise, corporate average fuel economy falls, and that really sticks in Chevy’s craw. So to counter that, Chevy had a go at tweaking the upcoming 2018 Equinox to make it more slippery.
Or at least that was the brief that landed on the desk of the Design and Aerodynamic team working on the all-new 2018 Chevy Equinox. They had to make the compact SUV a balance of style, function, and efficiency.
To this end, Chevy crows that the 2018 Equinox offers “an EPA-estimated 32 mpg on the highway” for front-wheel drive models. Now, a few caveats and observations here: 1 – That’s the highway MPG figure; 2 – that’s for the front wheel drive models; 3 – a lot of that efficiency can be done via gearing alone. Look, you don’t have to be the reincarnation of Archimedes to know that if you put a high enough top gear in the box and get the timing so the engine can turn over correctly at freeway speed, you’re going to get amazing gas mileage.
But that’s not what Chevrolet did here. At least not all they did here.
“Working closely with the aerodynamics team, we were able to craft a final design that is the ultimate win-win scenario,” said Jeff Perkins, Equinox Design Manager. “Together we reached the aerodynamic goals intended to give the new Equinox an efficiency-enhancing edge on the highway with the sculpted look and cargo space we set out to achieve.” Photo: Chevrolet.
Sizes & Shapes
The Design and Aerodynamic teams undertook great care in making a refined vehicle shape that still provides the main proportions of an SUV. In other words, the 2018 Equinox still looks like a big station wagon or a small half-track, depending on your taste.
Curiously, the Equinox’s overall length was cut by 4.7 inches, which should hurt aero efficiency (longer and skinnier is better at slipping through the air versus shorter and wider). Chevrolet did this more in the interests of making the Equinox easier to park and maneuver.  The Equinox team spent more than 500 hours in GM’s full-scale wind tunnel working on the exterior.
Their efforts ultimately reduced wind resistance by 10 percent over the previous model. Impressive.
Underbody panels on the front-wheel drive variants of the 2018 Chevy Equinox improve airflow beneath the vehicle. Photo: Chevrolet.


Aerodynamic Tools
They also pulled a few tricks out of the hat, such as new, electronically controlled upper and lower grille shutters to make things slicker. The shutters close in certain conditions on the highway, when less engine cooling is needed, to divert more air around the vehicle and reduce drag. There is also a larger rear spoiler that helps reduce trailing turbulence for less wind resistance.
The taillamps even incorporate a series of shrewdly integrated vortex generators for better air separation at the corners of the D-pillars. GM designers call them “air trips,” but any aerodynamicist worth their Masters Degree will recognize them as vortex generators. There are also new air deflectors by the tires that achieve the same aerodynamic benefit as a conventional air dam, but without the risk of gronking the air dam on a curb when parking. GM says the new air deflectors are there as to not compromise the Equinox’s sculpted design, but sure, whatever, not gronking it on the curb is a better idea.
The 2018 Chevy Equinox is in dealer showrooms now.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2018 Chevy Equinox Gallery








Photos & Source: Chevrolet.



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Just How Special Is The 2017 Toyota 860 Special Edition?

Just How Special Is The 2017 Toyota 860 Special Edition?

The 2017 Toyota 860 Special Edition is, as the name suggests, a special version of the Toyota/Scion/Subaru FR-S/BRZ sports coupe. They’re pretty wonderful cars to begin with. They’re light; nice low center of gravity thanks to that Subbie-sourced boxer-4 engine, good braking, all that stuff.
Think of them as a coupe version of a Miata, and you pretty much get the picture. So what’s up with the Toyota 860 Special Edition?
Style Over Power
Sadly, the 860 Special Edition of the corporate siblings does not feature more power. There’s no turbo (which would have been easy to grab from the Subaru parts bin) and there’s no displacement bump (ditto). Sad really, since everyone likes this car, but the main “what needs improvement” answer is usually “more power.”
No, the “special” part of the 860 Special Edition seems to come down to a stripe package and a few extra gee-gaws. Or, as Toyota puts it, “the new 860 Special Edition that adds stand-out styling, premium features, and performance technology.”
“The 86 is recognized by enthusiasts for its impressive driving performance and its value-oriented price tag,” said John Myers, Toyota National Manager, Vehicle Marketing and Communications.
And yes, he sure is right about that. These things are inexpensive and fun. Mr. Myers goes on to say the 860 Special Edition will “amplify these core elements with an added dose of premium styling mixed with performance technology.”
Colorful Origins
The exterior of the 860 Special Edition gets exclusive Supernova Orange paint along with black body stripes, black rear spoiler, heated outside mirrors, and 17-inch alloy wheels. They say it’s “Supernova Orange” but to me it looks like a dull red in the photos. Maybe it’s one of those “looks different in real life” things, but we’ll have to see. The 860 Special Edition also sports LED fog lights and a unique aerodynamic underbody panel for added style and function. In that order, I guess.
If orange ain’t your thing, the 860 Special Edition will also be available in Halo White, and only 860 units of each color will be made. See, that’s where they get the “860” in 860 Special Edition. Clever, no? No.
2017 Toyota 86 – 860 Special Edition. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Interior Treatments
The interior of the 860 Special Edition has heated front seats in black leather with orange stitching, and the same contrasting black and orange theme on the leather-trimmed steering wheel, shift boot, and parking brake lever. And there’s also a unique center console placard that signifies its exclusivity.  Or, to put it another, non-self-aggrandizing way, Toyota made a run of 860 badges and bought some glue.
The 860 Special Edition also has a Smart key with push-button start and touch-activated door unlock, as well as dual-zone automatic climate control, which are all nice to have.
Driving Dynamics
“The 86 is all about driving performance,” says Toyota. And what do they mean by that, exactly? This: “Each special edition will come with a 4.2-inch multi-information display that features a G-force meter and stop watch, and displays vital information such as horsepower and torque curves, engine coolant and oil temperatures, and MPG.”
Really? Really!? No revamped suspension? No upgraded tires? No big honking brakes? No turbo plant pulled from Subaru’s WRX STi? A G-meter on the touch screen? That’s it? Argh!
Look, how hard can this be? Go to the production line where Subaru makes the WRX STi plants and pull 860 X 2 of them. Go to the Toyota parts bin and grab 860 X 2 big brakes that will fit on the uprights, and while you’re there, snatch up 860 X 2 stiffer shocks, springs, and sway-bars. Bolt all of these parts to 860 X 2 860 Special Edition models, paint half of them Primer Black and the other half Primer Gray and make sure all of them have windshield header decals that say “MOVE IT!” in reverse lettering.
Yes, yes. I know: Insurance and price points.
2017 Toyota 86 – 860 Special Edition. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.


Overlooked Market?
A little coupe like this cranking out around 300 horsepower would make the insurance cost prohibitive for your target market (the 25-year-old version of me). And likewise, the out the door price of a Toyota/Scion/Subaru FR-S/BRZ would also be beyond the wallet-range for your target market (again, the 25-year-old version of me). Yes, yes. I understand all of that, but in the words of Zora Arkus Duntov: “Screw that! Put in the big block!”
Sure, you may not sell many to 25-year-old gearheads, but you know who you would sell them too? People like me. Also, people like Chris Burdick and Carl Anthony here at 1 Automoblog Towers. Sure, Carl is a Detroit native, and the locals don’t take too kindly to imports, but the entire point is this: Older gearheads with more money and favorable insurance brackets would love this thing.
But, alas and alack, you won’t do that will you?
As it stands, the 2017 Toyota 860 Special Edition is available now, with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management technology. The price is a not all that out of line: $29,155 for the manual transmission and $29,875 for the automatic box.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2017 Toyota 86 – 860 Special Edition. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.



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Ford Vans & Medium-Duty Trucks Increase In Versatility, Options

Ford Vans & Medium-Duty Trucks Increase In Versatility, Options

Ah, the Ford Transit. Immortal beloved of the delivery world (and also the world of English gangsters, if British films are to be believed). It’s flexible enough to come in a variety of configurations; from small enough to work in crowded urban environments to large enough to haul bulky items easily.
And recently, the Ford F-650 and F-750 were named Work Truck magazine’s 2017 Medium-Duty Truck of the Year for the second consecutive year.
Top Honors, Best Sellers
So hurrah for Ford, because they obviously deserve it. Work Truck magazine chose the Ford F-650 and F-750 as its 2017 Medium-Duty Truck of the Year by asking professionals what they thought. Professional fleet managers were asked to consider which of the nine competing trucks best fit their fleet requirements, incorporating application effectiveness, durability, quality, servicing, maintenance, and lifecycle costs.
In 2015, the Ford Transit became America’s best-selling commercial van, and in 2016, it became America’s best-selling van period. Ford sold more Transits than any other van out there, and that even includes minivans. That’s a pretty astounding statistic when you consider how many minivans you see in a single day.
Perhaps this success of the modern Transit has to do with its amazing flexibility. The Transit can be built in any one of 64 different configurations, which Ford notes makes it the best-in-class when it comes to configurations offered. The Transit also has a bunch of standard features, even in its bone stoke versions, that other companies either don’t offer, or charge extra for. A rearview camera is standard on the Transit van, for example, along with a locking glove box and rear LED cargo lamp switch.
The list of new optional equipment for 2018 is also extensive.
Options & Accessories
The cargo area flooring is now beefed up as is the rear scuff plate kit. The running boards have been extended too. The parking brake is now a push-down manual affair (not sure why that matters either way honestly) and the external mirrors are power-folding short-arm units, with heating for the mirrors and turn signals built in.
AM/FM stereo with audio input jack, microphone, and Bluetooth interface is also available, which means you can hook up tablets and smartphones with greater ease. This must be a real Godsend for delivery drivers with new routes or clients. There are new D-pillar assist handles for medium and high-roof models as well. Ford also gives you optional goodies to make your Transit look good. A forged alloy dual rear wheel package and a charcoal leather-trimmed/heated seat package, for example.
2018 Ford Transit. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Alternative Powertrains
Worried about the planet or just want to save on your fleet’s fuel bill? The 2018 Ford Transit has you covered there as well. FoMoCo has expanded the Ford Advanced Fuel QVM (qualified vehicle modifier) program to include three developers: XL Hybrids, Motiv Power Systems, and Lightning Hybrids. These companies offer hybrid solutions, either electric or hydraulic, for a range of Ford vehicles that are popular with fleet and commercial customers.
Traditional Powertrains
It’s also interesting to note that Ford is the only manufacturer to offer a gasoline engine in the medium-duty truck segment. I guess everyone else went with diesels. Ford’s plant is the 6.8-liter V10, cranking out 320 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. of torque in either the F-650 or F-750, coupled to the TorqShift HD six-speed automatic transmission. Ford does, of course, offer a diesel drivetrain package: The 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel delivers 270 horsepower and 675 lb-ft. of torque.
There’s other diesel options available with engine outputs of 300 horsepower and  700 lb-ft. of torque and 330 horsepower with 725 lb-ft. of torque. The diesel engines are backed by a standard five-year/250,000-mile limited warranty.
2018 Ford Transit. Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Parts & Service Availability
All of this fleet truck goodness is backed up by Ford’s extensive array of fleet dealers. The Ford Commercial Vehicle Center program has more than 670 dealers across the country that not only sell Ford commercial vehicles, but the service centers are particularly impressive. They use their own proprietary diagnostic software and Commercial Vehicle Tools.
To maximize road and usage time, the Commercial Vehicle Center service departments are open at least 55 hours per week, with new stocking programs to help improve parts availability. And Ford has started a new Commercial Advantage Rewards loyalty program. Customers can receive a range of factory benefits that can be redeemed at any Commercial Vehicle Center location.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.



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YourMechanic Hosts Forum On Transforming Car Ownership

YourMechanic Hosts Forum On Transforming Car Ownership


Years ago, I remember my father taking advantage of Heartland Car Care’s Saturday hours, the local shop that serviced our minivan in our rural Iowa community. The mechanics were knowledgeable and quick; Kent who ran the place greeted everyone with a smile and was thorough when he went over repairs.
The service was friendly, the coffee was hot, and the Saturday hours were convenient.
Winds of Change
In this digital and modern age, YourMechanic is the equivalent of Heartland Car Care. Just as we had the number written down on the pad by the phone, YourMechanic is accessed through today’s smartphones. Their specialty is mobile car repair, covering over 600 maintenance and diagnostic services. YourMechanic is available in the top 50 largest cities in the United States, and are as remarkably accessible today as Heartland Care Care was in its time with Saturday hours.
Companies like YourMechanic have capitalized from an evolving need – perhaps even a longing for – a different type of car ownership experience. People want a place as inviting as Heartland Car Care, yet able to meet them on the go in today’s increasingly mobile culture.
“The whole auto industry is in a massive transformation right now so it’s just not like it used to be,” said Anthony Rodio, President & CEO, YourMechanic. “And that is the sort of thing we want to talk about and cover.”
Transform Versus Transaction
YourMechanic is facilitating such discussions on Thursday, March 30th in Sunnyvale, California, as they present a conference dedicated to the ever changing relationship we have with our vehicles. Driving the Auto Industry Forward: Transforming the Car Ownership Experience will unite automotive industry experts who are disrupting and dissecting every aspect of vehicle ownership. Together with Ally Financial, Automobility LA, eBay Motors, and Turo, YourMechanic’s forum addresses the opportunities and challenges with regard to the 200 million plus car owners today.
“From my view, the biggest benefit is that we are getting some interesting companies to take part in something that is really big and significant for the industry,” Rodio said. “Unfortunately, these things are not really being served by the traditional media.”
Rodio is joined during the evening’s panel discussion by Angie Tuglus, Executive Vice President & COO, Ally Insurance, David Stewart, Chief Business Officer, Turo, and Sree Menon, General Manager of Parts and Accessories for eBay Motors. One of the primary questions is how customer behavior has changed in the last two years and how these companies are responding accordingly.
“It is amazing to see how customers across all ages and backgrounds have converged in their expectations: everyone is demanding a digital, fast, and transparent experience,” Tuglus noted. “We want to feel in control, and get everything on demand.”
Tuglus believes successful companies in the automotive arena will be able to make critical decisions regarding how customers think and feel.
“Product and service providers in the auto space are traditionally good at studying features and prices, but poor at truly understanding where and how a customer wants to interact with a service or product,” she explained. “And that’s the paradigm shift we’ve been making.”
A YourMechanic technician meets a customer at his workplace and explains the necessary maintenance needed for his vehicle. A large part of the company’s vision revolves around personalized service and transparent pricing. Photo: YourMechanic.


Creating Dialogues
Turo is the largest P2P car sharing marketplace, helping owners take otherwise depreciating cars and turn them into money making assets. This service is excellent for those who have a car just sitting most of the time. It wasn’t all that long ago, services like this were unheard of, yet the ways of our lives are evolving and companies like Turo saw an opportunity to capitalize on a growing trend.
Similar to how YourMechanic will do in Sunnyvale, Turo also facilitates dialogue on how car ownership is changing.
“In addition to reviewing customer feedback on a regular basis, we host community events in our top markets to ensure that we are meeting our Turo members and listening to their ideas and suggestions,” the company said in a recent statement.
Another topic of discussion focuses on how the process of purchasing a vehicle is changing. Will the car owner of tomorrow want to purchase said car in the traditional sense?
“There is a huge gap between customer awareness and where digital auto buying has evolved to – a large percentage of consumers across the country, and around the world, would like to buy their vehicle online,” Tuglus said. “Your average consumer either has no idea this is possible, or is not sure it is safe and legitimate, and this creates a massive opportunity for companies or car dealers who can bridge this gap.”
According to a recent report from Business Insider, 75 percent of all cars manufactured by 2020 will have the ability to establish an internet connection. The report also concluded the connected-car market is growing at a five-year compound annual growth rate of 45 percent – 10 times as fast as the overall car market. This trend presents a tremendous opportunity for various tech and automotive startups.
Startup Lane
The Sunnyvale event includes an exhibit of up-and-coming startups who are transforming car ownership. Founders of these companies will be available to demonstrate their products and solutions that ultimately change the way we view our relationships with our cars.
“There are a lot of people interested in what is going to be happening five to seven years from now,” Rodio said. “In my opinion, there is no better indicator of where markets are going than by looking at the companies that are starting and getting funded here in Silicon Valley.”
LotBlok, Prazo, Selly Automotive, SHIFTMobility, and other startups will be on hand.
“This is an interesting way to synthesize, in one place, where some areas of investment are in the car ownership ecosystem,” Rodio said.
YourMechanic’s forum will take place at the Plug and Play Technology Center in Sunnyvale, California, Thursday, March 30th. Automotive and mobility industry professionals, venture capitalists, startup founders, and OEM and aftermarket suppliers can register here for the free event. The evening gets underway at 6pm with registration, happy hour, and a photo opportunity with “Aviato” from the TV series Silicon Valley. The panel discussion begins at 7pm with social time and networking to follow at 8pm.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 



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Volvo Expands Connected Services Including In-Car Delivery

Volvo Expands Connected Services Including In-Car Delivery

Volvo, like every other manufacturer out there, is making their lineup more and more connected to the digital world around them. As this turns from being more of a trend and into a simple fact of vehicular life, it seems that car makers, and in this case Volvo in particular, are turning into software makers as well.
One of my brothers is a computer engineer. He’s a hardware jock. He’s a deep dive kind of guy with multiple advanced degrees from very prestigious engineering colleges.
If it’s a computer that can withstand an electromagnetic pulse that could knock down a space shuttle or a machine the NSA would purchase by the train car load, that’s his style. Years ago I swung by his office in Boston, and I noticed he had a bookcase that was overflowing.
“You need a bigger bookcase,” I observed adroitly.
With a wry look of resignation on his face he smirked and said, “yeah, ever since that Gates guy, everybody’s a software engineer now, even us hardware jocks.”
Fries With That?
His point was this: With computers of all sizes becoming ubiquitous throughout our daily lives, and hardware more or less stable in design and configuration, hardware is not the issue, software is and will be the prevalent issue in the future. Whether you realize it or not, you can see this all the time. From on high come the invisible edicts. From places like Cupertino and Redmond comes a little flashing notice on your smartphone or tablet: “Software update available. Install?”
And now there’s this whole internet of things (IoT), where your toaster can talk with your fridge and digitally nag you in the middle of the day to go pick up English Muffins or, “better” yet, automatically order them from an online shopping company.
Car companies are getting hip to this. Generally falling under the heading of “connected services,” they are trying to pump more and more info down your optic chiasma via the ever-growing touchscreen in the center of your dash. It all started out innocently enough: maintenance intervals and reminders, navigation functions, stuff like that. But now the madness is starting to set in. The marketing weasels are starting to gain more and more control and some cars are starting to shove “purchasing suggestions” at you as you drive. Insinuating where to eat. Reminding you to go buy, buy, buy.
Photo: Volvo Car Group.
On Demand Services
Volvo, the Scandinavian maker of all things boxy and logical, is even getting hip to this. It goes so far that their latest memo is not about a new engine or fuel economy numbers, about sales or even a new model. No, it’s about a software upgrade to their in-car driver/passenger interface.
Volvo announced a series of updates to its global connected services program and to its Sensus in­-car user interface. The updates will start with the new XC60 and the company’s existing and new 90 Series cars. This also includes Volvo’s In­-car Delivery service, part of the Volvo On Call smartphone app that accepts deliveries to your car. In-car Delivery will expand to five additional countries this year. Yeah. I know. You can get stuff delivered to your car. No. No, I don’t have any idea why you would want to do that.
“This is just the start,” advised Björn Annwall, Senior Vice President, Global Consumer Experience at Volvo Car Group. “Our roll out of one of the most comprehensive and customer relevant services in the industry is now shifting up a gear, and you will see more convenient and time-saving services offered in the coming months.”
With Volvo On Call, users can send meeting destinations to their car remotely. The app works with relatively common finger functions. For example, swiping left on the calendar card in home view allows the user to plan a trip. Swiping left can also be used on other cards in home tab for quick access to things starting the parking heater. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Always On Call
Volvo On Call, the company’s connected smartphone app, has undergone a total redesign to support the addition of all the new services. The Swedish car company says that On Call is one of the most widespread connected car platforms available today, and that it will be expanding. It will be available in around 50 countries by the end of 2017 and will cover more than 90 percent of Volvo Cars’ global sales.
Volvo says this is happening because of an “increasing desire among premium car drivers to access car features and related services while not in their car,” and that “Volvo Cars’ approach with Volvo On Call is firmly based on its commitment to make life easier for its drivers.”
Sure, it could be that. But there’s also a lot of data, sweet, sweet demographic derived user data to be mined, chopped, sifted, leveraged and, if the opportunity arises, sold.
While in the map view, driver’s can find gas stations and send other preferred destinations to the car. In less familiar areas, the Volvo On Call app will even provide walking guidance to the vehicle. Photo: Volvo Car Group.

Connected Compass
If you’re a Volvo owner, you can now send navigation destinations based on your calendar directly to your car. You can find nearby gas stations and even get help finding your car in parking lots or on unfamiliar city streets using this smartphone app. Volvo completed an update of the GUI for the Sensus system in the new XC60 as well as in the 90 Series cars to improve usability – they also refreshed the overall design.
These new Volvo On Call updates will apply to all new models, natch, but they are also available for Volvo On Call equipped cars back to the 2012 model year. The Sensus user interface design in the new XC60 will come already installed in new 90 Series cars. Existing 90 Series cars will be updated at the next service.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Volvo XC60. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group.



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Our 2020 autopom! Review

Our 2020 autopom! Review Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.



autopom! ReviewIn Our Opinion:With four comprehensive coverage levels, impressive customer reviews, and plans for vehicles up to 14 years old, autopom! is one of the industry’s best extended warranty providers. The company serves as a broker that connects drivers to plans administered by other companies. In order to maintain its excellent reputation, autopom! only works with A-rated insurers and administrators.Industry StandingCoverageAffordabilityCustomer ServiceProsExcellent customer reviewsFour different coverage levels broken down into 19 contractsOne of the few providers to offer plans in CAConsPlan availability varies by stateMay not cover luxury or exotic vehiclesDoesn’t directly administer extended warranty plans4.3Best Customer ServiceConsidering an autopom! extended car warranty? In this autopom! review, we’ll give you an in-depth look at the provider’s coverage plans, costs, customer satisfaction, and more.



Autopom! has been in business for 10 years, and thanks to its comprehensive coverage and outstanding service, it’s earned a spot on our list of the best extended car warranty companies in the industry.



If you like what you read in this autopom! review, you can get a free, personalized quote from the provider using the button below.




Best Customer Service




Get Quote
(888) 691-2354
Trusted provider with unmatched customer service and affordable coverage




Autopom! Highlights



Started in 2009 in Lake Forest, California, autopom! is an extended warranty company with a name that stands for “automotive peace of mind.” Autopom! differentiates itself by only working with A-rated insurers and administrators including Royal Administration and Integrity Admin Group. Its plans can cover vehicles up to 14 model years old.



Autopom! offers four different coverage levels and a total of 19 distinct contracts. These plans are available in most states, but availability may vary by plan. Autopom! notably offers coverage in California, which many of the best extended car warranty companies do not cover.



Additionally, autopom! reviews are largely positive, and the company holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).



Extended Warranty Coverage From autopom!



Autopom! offers 19 vehicle service contracts that can be classified into four coverage levels. Coverage is offered up to a maximum of 7 years or 150,000 miles. In addition to its extended warranty plans, this provider offers a few mechanical breakdown insurance plans, which are only available in select states.



Here’s what’s covered under each autopom! plan level:



autopom! Plan
Details
Exclusionary
The most comprehensive autopom! coverage, Exclusionary plans cover vehicles from bumper to bumper. There are six contracts to choose from within this level of coverage.
High-Level
These stated-component plans cover most major vehicle systems, including the engine, transmission, drivetrain, air conditioning, fuel system, and more. There are five contracts available within this coverage level.
Mid-Level
Mid-Level plans cover your engine, transmission, drivetrain, and a few other expensive components, including your braking, suspension, and cooling systems. There are three contracts available at this coverage level.
Powertrain Plus
These plans cover your vehicle’s powertrain, including its engine, transmission, drive axle, and more. There are five contracts available within this level of coverage.



Autopom! Benefits & Exclusions



With a plan from autopom! you can have your car repaired at any licensed repair facility in the U.S. or Canada. This is a significant benefit compared to a manufacturer extended warranty, which typically requires you to take your vehicle to specific dealerships that may be far from your home. Autopom! also offers the following benefits:



Interest-free payment plansTrip interruption reimbursementTire protection included with some contractsBreakdown coverage across the U.S. and CanadaRental car assistance while your vehicle is being repaired24-hour roadside assistance, including jump-starts and towingAutopom! vehicle service contracts do come with some exclusions common throughout the auto warranty industry. For example, autopom! does not cover breakdowns caused by a lack of basic vehicle maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations. It will also not cover breakdowns due to vehicle modifications. To see full autopom! coverage exclusions, visit the company’s website.



Cost of autopom! Plans



Overall, autopom! extended warranty plans are affordable. We reached out to autopom! for quotes for a 2018 Toyota Camry with 28,000 miles and a 2013 Honda Accord with 90,000 miles. Both autopom! quotes were competitive, with total costs ranging from about $1,800 to $2,900.



Autopom! plans can be paid upfront in full or on a monthly basis, depending on which plan and contract you choose.



Vehicle
Plan
Term Length
Monthly Price
Total Price
Down Payment
Deductible
2018 Toyota Camry
Exclusionary Plan
5 years/51,000 miles
N/A
$1,830.00
Full amount
$100.00
2013 Honda Accord
Powertrain Plus
5 years/75,000 miles
$107.44 for 24 months
$2,865.56
$287.00
$100.00







The cost of your own autopom! coverage will depend on many factors, including the administrator from which you purchase your plan and the age, model, and mileage of your vehicle. Your deductible, which is the amount you are required to pay for each vehicle service, will vary based on your monthly payment and term length.



In the quote we received from autopom!, it costs less than $2,000 to cover a 2018 Toyota Camry for five years.How to Get a Quote & File a Claim



You can get a free quote from autopom! by calling 888-691-2354 or by filling out this short form. Each plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.



Autopom! customers must travel 1,000 miles and wait 30 days before filing their first claim, which is typical for an extended warranty company. The autopom! claims process may vary depending on the plan administrator, but here are the general steps automobile owners should take when they need to file a claim:



Take your vehicle to a licensed service facility in the U.S. or Canada.Give the service manager your vehicle protection plan information.Wait for your service manager to determine the necessary repairs, and call your plan administrator to obtain a repair authorization number.Authorize the repair order with your signature, which will be faxed to your plan administrator.Your administrator will pay the repair shop directly, and you’ll only be responsible for covering your deductible.Autopom! Reviews



Autopom! reviews are largely positive. The company holds a 4.5 out of 5.0-star rating based on over 100 reviews on both its Trustpilot and BBB pages. The company also impressively holds an A+ rating from the BBB itself. Most customer reviews mention that the company delivers professional customer service and that its plans are reasonably priced. Some customers say that their plan administrator did not pay claims that they thought would be covered.



“[My customer service representative] was timely [in] getting my questions answered. He had [a] pleasant and respectful demeanor about him and represented autopom! in an excellent and professional manner.” – M.D. Cathcart (May 27, 2020), Trustpilot



“My complaint is against the administrator, not autopom! However, an insurance policy is only a promise, and only as good as the claims-handling and payment process. This company’s administrator is worthless and refuses to pay claims…” – R.B.F. (May 27, 2020), BBB



“I was very impressed with the knowledgeable and professional staff, and always received prompt and friendly customer service. Obtaining an extended warranty program at a reasonable price gave me great peace of mind. I would highly recommend autopom!” – Alice L. (May 11, 2020), BBB



Conclusion: Our autopom! Review



Autopom! is an excellent extended warranty provider to consider. The company offers many different coverage plans, covers drivers in California, and has a good industry reputation. There are also a number of outstanding autopom! reviews online, which indicate automobile owners are typically pleased with coverage, costs, and service.



Get a free quote from autopom! to see how much you would pay for extended warranty coverage.




Best Customer Service




Get Quote
(888) 691-2354
Trusted provider with unmatched customer service and affordable coverage








In the event of a breakdown, autopom! has excellent customer service.Recommendations for Extended Car Warranties



When shopping for extended warranty coverage, it’s a good idea to compare quotes and plan information from multiple providers. This way, you can be sure that you’re getting the coverage that best fits your needs and budget.



In addition to reading our autopom! review, we recommend that drivers consider an extended warranty from Endurance and CarShield, which received two of the highest overall ratings from our review team. Our review team analyzed every major auto warranty company on the market. Based on plan offerings, pricing, and reviews, we recommend getting quotes from Endurance and CarShield to compare with the cost of an autopom! Warranty.



Endurance: Best Direct Coverage



With five comprehensive coverage plans and the best benefits package in the industry, Endurance received our highest rating among all extended car warranty companies. Endurance provides plans directly to customers, so there’s no middleman to deal with when getting a quote or filing a claim. Coverage is available in every U.S. state except California.



With every contract, Endurance customers get a free year of Endurance Elite Membership. This program offers standard industry benefits like roadside assistance and towing, and it also includes two tire replacements or repairs per year, personal concierge services, a $250 retail voucher, and more. 



Endurance warranty reviews are mostly positive – the company holds above a 4.0-star average on Trustpilot and nearly a 4.0-star rating on its BBB profile. We received quotes from each major extended warranty company, and Endurance had the least pushy salespeople we encountered. Endurance also holds a notable partnership with Andretti Motorsports, one of the most successful auto racing teams in the world.




Best Direct Coverage




Get Quote
(877) 374-1840
Industry veteran that handles your plan directly, from quote to claim




CarShield: Best Prices



CarShield, the most popular extended warranty company in the nation, is known for its low prices. When calling for sample quotes from extended warranty companies, CarShield’s bumper-to-bumper coverage was up to $1,000 cheaper than some other providers. In addition to its lower prices, CarShield doesn’t require a down payment for coverage. 




Best Prices




Get Quote
(800) 563-2761
Well-known provider that offers great coverage with great pricing








Like Endurance, CarShield offers five comprehensive coverage plans, ranging from an exclusionary plan to a basic powertrain warranty. This provider even offers a plan for motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, which is unique in the industry. CarShield has a range of benefits with its plans, including emergency roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement.



To learn more about this provider, read our full CarShield review.
Original article: Our 2020 autopom! Review



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