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http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2015-aston-martin-vantage-gt-2015-aston-martin-v8-vantage-gt/2015 Aston Martin Vantage GT 2015 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT
2015 Aston Martin Vantage GT 2015 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT
2019 Porsche 911 Speedster: Consult Your Doctor Before Driving!
2019 Porsche 911 Speedster: Consult Your Doctor Before Driving!
Gorgeous and rare, the 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster makes its debut in New York.
The flat-six engine revs to an impressive 9,000 rpm as it cranks out 500 horsepower.
Expect it at U.S. dealers near the end of the year but the ordering windows open soon.
Who says nothing interesting ever comes out of the New York International Auto Show? Porsche just dropped a new 911 Speedster powered by the engine found in the GT3 and GT3 RS. And great googly-moogly can this thing rip. They’ll sell it to anyone with a check that won’t bounce, but you better get in line now for your 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster.
That’s sort of the bad news or, more accurately, half of the bad news.
Big Checks & Limited Runs
Porsche is only making 1,948 of the 2019 911 Speedster. Why such an odd number? Because 1948 was when Porsche got their start, and to celebrate that anniversary, Zuffenhausen is making the Speedster on a limited run. The other half of the bad news is this: $275,750. That’s how big that check must be before you can drive it. Sure, sure, that’s a lot less than, oh, a Ferrari Pista Aperta, but Porsches have always been the value-conscious choice. Still, that’s nearly 300-thousand dollars, or about the equivalent of three-bedroom home in suburban Indianapolis.
Then again, a three-bedroom home in suburban Indianapolis won’t blow your hair back like the 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster.
And the Speedster can do this thanks in large part to the naturally-aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine, sourced from the current 911 GT3 and GT3 RS. Spinning up to 9,000 rpm, it’s good for 502 horsepower and 346 lb-ft. of torque which (checks slide rule, punches some numbers into calculator, consults astrolabe) is a fricken ton. Given this thing tips the scales at only 3,230 lbs., the Speedster should simply fly down to the next corner. Which it does. With ease. Zero to 60 mph ensues in just 3.8 seconds. Top speed is 192 mph.
If erection lasts for more than four hours, consult your doctor.
2019 Porsche 911 Speedster. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Related: Spending a day with the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
The Essentials: Nothing More, Nothing Less
The Speedster is more than just an engine (I’m surprised I’m saying that like its a bad thing). Porsche cut down the windshield and side windows and dropped the height of the manually-operated, lightweight fabric top. This is always a cool choice, both for chop-top hot-rodders like myself and for harkening back to the original Speedster and its cut-down greenhouse look. Carrying on with that semi-retro look are the two headrest fairings – Porsche calls them streamliners for some reason – on the rear decklid. These are carbon fiber for a bunch of obvious reasons.
Speaking of weight savings, the interior of the 911 Speedster is nicely paired back to the more-or-less essentials. The door panels are lightweight and have storage nets and fabric loop pulls for weight reduction. More weight savings measures are found in the front luggage compartment lid, front fenders, and rear the decklid. Each are carbon fiber, while the front and rear fascias are lightweight polyurethane.
The Spartan Approach
That fabric top? No power up/down for you, my friend. Manual operation only. Air conditioning? Gone. (But it can be added at no cost if you so desire.) And the final weight-saving cherry on top: the six-speed manual transmission. This saves nine lbs. compared to the seven-speed manual transmission in other 911s, and almost 40 lbs. compared to the PDK dual clutch tranny. Yes, the PDK is a better way to shift gears. Yes, you’re a neo-Luddite if you think old-school manuals are the way to go.
But you can keep all that to yourself when it comes to the 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Related: An in-depth look at the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
Chassis & Braking
The chassis is a derivative of the 911 GT3, with a re-calibrated rear axle steering system and dynamic engine mounts for a supreme amount of precision and stability. The wheels are even kinda attractive: 20-inch center lock, satin black jobs wrapped with high-performance tires. Porsche doesn’t say but they’ll probably end up being Michelins or Contis for seriously high levels of grip.
Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes are standard and save about 50 percent in overall weight from the cast iron setup. According to the company, it delivers “very powerful and consistent braking performance.” Which is a nicely understated way of saying it’ll nearly pop your eyeballs out if you mash on the binders.
It has always been this way: Porsche makes great brakes!
And A Few Extras
Oh, and for those of you swayed by tchotchkes, buyers of the 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster will get a Porsche Design 911 Speedster Chronograph timepiece (i.e. watch). It comes with tons of gee-gaws and stems and calibrations and ways to calculate the rotational mass of the cup holder if you were driving on Venus and stuff like that.
If you’d like, you can get red stitching for the dashboard and a “Speedster” script on the headrests of the black leather seats. The door pulls are also red and so is the 12 o’clock center marker on the GT Sport steering wheel.
Availability
The 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster will be available for order on May 7th. Expect it in U.S. dealers near the end of the year. Get in line now.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
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The flat-six engine revs to an impressive 9,000 rpm as it cranks out 500 horsepower.
Expect it at U.S. dealers near the end of the year but the ordering windows open soon.
Who says nothing interesting ever comes out of the New York International Auto Show? Porsche just dropped a new 911 Speedster powered by the engine found in the GT3 and GT3 RS. And great googly-moogly can this thing rip. They’ll sell it to anyone with a check that won’t bounce, but you better get in line now for your 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster.
That’s sort of the bad news or, more accurately, half of the bad news.
Big Checks & Limited Runs
Porsche is only making 1,948 of the 2019 911 Speedster. Why such an odd number? Because 1948 was when Porsche got their start, and to celebrate that anniversary, Zuffenhausen is making the Speedster on a limited run. The other half of the bad news is this: $275,750. That’s how big that check must be before you can drive it. Sure, sure, that’s a lot less than, oh, a Ferrari Pista Aperta, but Porsches have always been the value-conscious choice. Still, that’s nearly 300-thousand dollars, or about the equivalent of three-bedroom home in suburban Indianapolis.
Then again, a three-bedroom home in suburban Indianapolis won’t blow your hair back like the 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster.
And the Speedster can do this thanks in large part to the naturally-aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine, sourced from the current 911 GT3 and GT3 RS. Spinning up to 9,000 rpm, it’s good for 502 horsepower and 346 lb-ft. of torque which (checks slide rule, punches some numbers into calculator, consults astrolabe) is a fricken ton. Given this thing tips the scales at only 3,230 lbs., the Speedster should simply fly down to the next corner. Which it does. With ease. Zero to 60 mph ensues in just 3.8 seconds. Top speed is 192 mph.
If erection lasts for more than four hours, consult your doctor.
2019 Porsche 911 Speedster. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Related: Spending a day with the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
The Essentials: Nothing More, Nothing Less
The Speedster is more than just an engine (I’m surprised I’m saying that like its a bad thing). Porsche cut down the windshield and side windows and dropped the height of the manually-operated, lightweight fabric top. This is always a cool choice, both for chop-top hot-rodders like myself and for harkening back to the original Speedster and its cut-down greenhouse look. Carrying on with that semi-retro look are the two headrest fairings – Porsche calls them streamliners for some reason – on the rear decklid. These are carbon fiber for a bunch of obvious reasons.
Speaking of weight savings, the interior of the 911 Speedster is nicely paired back to the more-or-less essentials. The door panels are lightweight and have storage nets and fabric loop pulls for weight reduction. More weight savings measures are found in the front luggage compartment lid, front fenders, and rear the decklid. Each are carbon fiber, while the front and rear fascias are lightweight polyurethane.
The Spartan Approach
That fabric top? No power up/down for you, my friend. Manual operation only. Air conditioning? Gone. (But it can be added at no cost if you so desire.) And the final weight-saving cherry on top: the six-speed manual transmission. This saves nine lbs. compared to the seven-speed manual transmission in other 911s, and almost 40 lbs. compared to the PDK dual clutch tranny. Yes, the PDK is a better way to shift gears. Yes, you’re a neo-Luddite if you think old-school manuals are the way to go.
But you can keep all that to yourself when it comes to the 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Related: An in-depth look at the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
Chassis & Braking
The chassis is a derivative of the 911 GT3, with a re-calibrated rear axle steering system and dynamic engine mounts for a supreme amount of precision and stability. The wheels are even kinda attractive: 20-inch center lock, satin black jobs wrapped with high-performance tires. Porsche doesn’t say but they’ll probably end up being Michelins or Contis for seriously high levels of grip.
Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes are standard and save about 50 percent in overall weight from the cast iron setup. According to the company, it delivers “very powerful and consistent braking performance.” Which is a nicely understated way of saying it’ll nearly pop your eyeballs out if you mash on the binders.
It has always been this way: Porsche makes great brakes!
And A Few Extras
Oh, and for those of you swayed by tchotchkes, buyers of the 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster will get a Porsche Design 911 Speedster Chronograph timepiece (i.e. watch). It comes with tons of gee-gaws and stems and calibrations and ways to calculate the rotational mass of the cup holder if you were driving on Venus and stuff like that.
If you’d like, you can get red stitching for the dashboard and a “Speedster” script on the headrests of the black leather seats. The door pulls are also red and so is the 12 o’clock center marker on the GT Sport steering wheel.
Availability
The 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster will be available for order on May 7th. Expect it in U.S. dealers near the end of the year. Get in line now.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
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http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2019-porsche-911-speedster-consult-your-doctor-before-driving/Letter From The UK: Are We Ready For Autonomous Cars?
As a motoring writer of long-standing and an old-school petrol-head through to my bones, I have to admit to being ambivalent about autonomous cars. What can you expect from a guy who still has AC/DC compact discs in the car? I’ve tried, really I have; I have listened to knowledgeable people and nodded sagely as they described the technology, but sorry, I can’t really get interested if I’m totally honest.
I don’t want to relinquish control.
I’m also getting tired of the vanilla cars being produced today for the mainstream market generally. They are mechanically sound certainly but where’s the flair; where’s the daring design? I’m not expecting something out of Isaac Asimov, just something that’s . . . fresh. Once upon a time, you could tell a car simply by silhouette. Bet you can’t now.
Land of Confusion
I’ve thought about this and yes, I have concluded it’s probably an age related thing. The simple fact is that older people are more resistant to change. A recent survey by Continental Tyres in the UK produced the same result as the one I mentioned in a previous letter a couple of weeks ago. We still have a bit of a “boy racer” (grown men loving The Fast and the Furious cars) culture here in the UK, but young people generally are not really engaged with driving. They prefer others to do it for them, hence Uber and the like. It costs a lot to learn and, although cheap first-timer cars are plentiful, insurance costs are through the roof.
They see the traffic jams and general traffic chaos, plus the running costs and just can’t be bothered.
Rural Challenges
This is especially true of urban dwellers. Now that all our public transport is in private hands, profit is always the only motive. Thus many towns and cities have brilliant internal transport hubs. Even the town I live, in the beautiful county of Wiltshire, the “around town” bus service is excellent.
Our UK main-line train service is very good too, but very expensive at peak times. Small branch lines have been shut down so for rural dwellers it is a different picture. If transport routes lose money, the companies don’t want to know. As a consequence, virtually everyone needs a vehicle in the countryside and this is another area likely to be problematic for autonomous cars. Our rural routes are often nothing more than country lanes with no road markings, blind bends and summits, and a very good chance of rounding a corner and locking headlights with an agricultural machine.
Human drivers are used to this; how will autonomy cope?
Autonomous cars in rural areas will face different challenges than those in urban settings.
Generational Gaps
Older drivers, in my view, see the current technological advances – autonomous emergency braking, hands-free cruise control, matrix LED headlights, surround reversing cameras, and the like as generally good things. They accept them as being available now. What they don’t like is letting go. It’s the loss of something they have always had – control over their destiny. That’s the perception that has to change. They see it like being on an aircraft with a drunken pilot.
They don’t know what is going to happen and there’s nothing they can do if it does. Autonomous cars should have the fail-safe for drivers to take over the autopilot at a moment’s notice.
Rooftop Shouting
Standards of driving are so bad here in Britain that a mix of autonomous and driver-controlled cars WILL lead to disaster. Right now, in my view, autonomy cannot possibly calculate the variables of stupid people unless it runs in special traffic lanes, which makes sense, but that won’t happen here on our antiquated road system. It seems to me that the approach being taken by the industry AND government is what’s at fault here. A positive message is fine but the enthusiasm for something not yet tried and tested, in the layman’s view, is too overwhelming. Proponents are far too pushy and prone to over-egging the pudding.
The answer, in my opinion, is for there to be a “softly, softly” approach. Stop shouting it from the rooftops. Move the technology forward slowly, taking time to introduce it into the cars we are encouraged to buy; EVs, hybrids, and the like. Get people used to the idea, like encouraging children to eat their vegetables. It takes time. There is nothing that upsets us more than people flagrantly waving things in our faces. Slow down the flood of information. Tell us when the feast is ready, not when it’s cooking.
General Motors became the first automaker to assemble driverless test vehicles in a mass-production facility when a fleet of self-driving Chevrolet Bolt EV test vehicles began coming down the line at Orion Township Assembly in January. Photo: General Motors.
Autonomy Levels
There are, we are told, six levels of autonomy:
Level Zero: No Automation:
In other words, the driver drives. As it has always been: acceleration, braking, and steering are all controlled by a real human at all times, even if they’re assisted by warning sounds or safety intervention systems. If your car has automated emergency braking, for example, it can still be viewed as Level Zero.
Level One: Driver Assistance:
Hands on the wheel. In certain driving modes, the car can either take control of the steering wheel or the pedals. The best examples of Level 1 automation are adaptive cruise control and park assist. The computer is never in control of both steering and acceleration or braking.
Level Two: Partial Automation:
Now it begins: Hands off the wheel if you dare but keep your eyes on the road. A Level 2 vehicle has certain modes in which the car can take over both the pedals and the steering wheel, but only under certain conditions, and the driver must maintain ultimate control over the vehicle. Tesla’s Autopilot is an example of this.
Level Three: Conditional Automation:
You can take your hands off the wheel and eyes off the road – sometimes. This is going to take some getting used to. In a Level 3 vehicle, the car has certain modes that will fully take over the driving responsibilities, under certain conditions, but a driver is expected to retake control when the system asks for it. The car can decide when to change lanes, and how to respond to dynamic incidents on the road, but uses the human driver as the fallback system. This is where it starts to get a bit tricky, where insurance liability is concerned, for example.
The 2018 Cadillac CT6 features Super Cruise which utilizes a driver attention system and LiDAR map data. These systems are added to the network of cameras and radar sensors already in the CT6. Photo: Cadillac.
Level Four: High Automation:
Hands off, eyes off, mind off – sometimes. A Level 4 vehicle can be driven by a human, but it doesn’t ever need to be. It can drive itself under the right circumstances, and if it encounters something it can’t handle, it can ask for human assistance, but will park itself and put its passengers in no danger if human help isn’t forthcoming. Essentially, this is the first stage of a truly driverless motor. “For goodness sake Pops! Let go of the wheel!”
Level Five: Full Automation:
Do we even need a steering wheel? The interior might just as well be your parlour because the vehicle neither needs nor wants your help, thank you very much. It means full-time automation of all driving tasks on any road, under any conditions, whether there’s a human on board or not. The question is, “are we ready for this?”
Put simply like that we can see a natural progression, but enthusiasts for the technology won’t shut up about it. This in turn stirs up dormant politicians with the inevitable consequences. The technology is nowhere near ready yet and right now the onus is on the industry to prove it when it is, IF they want to convince the car buying public.
Leave It To The Young
As with any technological advances, it is young people who will pick up the challenge simply because they know nothing else. My seven-year-old granddaughter can work her way around an iPad as if born to it. They are not the problem. It’s the silver surfers; they won’t let go of their motoring past. The solution, of course, is to just wait the old ones out. That way, over the next 30 years, the herd of anti-autonomy aged will be thinned out by process of natural erosion. Then the world can be as autonomous as they like, but I’ll bet they won’t have so much fun.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite
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http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/letter-from-the-uk-are-we-ready-for-autonomous-cars/Ford Motor Company, Mahindra Announce Strategic Partnership
Ford Motor Company and Mahindra Group are in the opening stages of a possible long-term strategic alliance. Both companies would benefit from each other’s experience and expertise, in particular Ford’s global reach and Mahindra’s operational model in India.
“The agreement between the two companies will allow each to leverage their mutual strengths during a period of unprecedented transformation in the global automotive industry,” reads a joint statement from Ford and Mahindra.
MultiFaceted Approach
The collaboration will run for three years and examine a multitude of opportunities for both companies, including mobility programs, connected vehicle initiatives, and electrification strategies. The partnership will also explore sourcing and commercial efficiencies, plus product development in general. Ford hopes to gain traction in India, an emerging automotive market.
“Ford is committed to India and this alliance can help us deliver the best vehicles and services to customers while profitably growing in the world’s fifth largest vehicle market,” said Jim Farley, Ford Executive Vice President and President of Global Markets.
Farley unscored the importance of the collaboration and believes working with Mahindra will help Ford capitalize on the forthcoming changes in the automotive industry.
“Our two companies have a long history of cooperation and mutual respect,” he said. “The enormous growth potential in the utility market and the growing importance of mobility and affordable battery electric vehicles are all aligned with our strategic priorities.”
Growing Base
Ford entered India in 1995 and remains as one of the country’s largest exporters. Ford manufactures and exports vehicles and engines from facilities in Chennai, Tamil Nadu and Sanand, Gujarat. India is also the second-largest Ford employee base globally, with more than 14,000 working across the Ford India or Global Business Services operations in New Delhi, Chennai, and Coimbatore.
As Ford is looking to expand in India, Mahindra wants additional traction outside the country. Mahindra has topped the utility vehicles segment in India for the last 70 years, and continues as a leader in clean, affordable transportation. Currently, Mahindra is the only manufacturer with a full line of electric vehicles in India, but the company believes such a portfolio is necessary today.
“The changes facing the automotive industry globally are triggered by the accelerated rise of new technologies, sustainability policies, and new models of urban shared mobility,” said Dr. Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd.
Ford EcoSport, Goa, India. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
New Trends
Mahindra has already extended their global footprint as majority owners in Ssangyong Motor Company in Korea. To meet the needs of future automotive customers, Mahindra has invested in ride sharing platforms in the United States and the development of GenZe, the world’s first electric connected scooter.
“Given these changes we see the need to anticipate new market trends, explore alternatives, and look for ways to collaborate even as we compete and build powerful synergies that will allow rapid exploitation of the exciting new opportunities,” Dr. Goenka added.
At the end of the initial three year collaboration, Ford and Mahinda will then determine if the partnership is to continue.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company, Mahindra.
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http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/ford-motor-company-mahindra-announce-strategic-partnership/Telematics And The Auto Experience
Based on past driving records, “safe driver” discounts offered by auto insurance companies have delivered welcome benefits for both drivers and insurers. Now insurers are taking things a step further, tapping into real-time driving data to optimize rates and discounts. Known as “telematics,” this transmission of vehicle data can give auto insurance companies a more accurate read on what kind of drivers their customers really are – and the potential costs to cover them.
Mixed Emotions
While insurance companies have much to gain from leveraging real-time automotive telematics, the majority of consumers aren’t eager to cooperate. In a recent Deloitte report, 74 percent of survey respondents said they would be somewhat reluctant or outright refuse to allow their driving behavior to be monitored. 31 percent of individuals said they would be open to sharing data with the caveat that they received a discount greater than 20 percent – a tall order for insurance companies looking to use driver data.
This consumer hesitancy, along with associated regulation, is hindering insurers from taking full advantage of the data provided by telematics. Instead, insurers are developing “opt-in” programs to capitalize on willing participants and further explore how this data can influence their current business models.
Promising Avenues
Additionally, insurance isn’t the only sector of auto services that stands to benefit from telematics. Providers of service contracts and roadside assistance plans can also employ these data insights to optimize customer experiences; using GPS to target and locate a vehicles, or tracking vehicle use and driving distance to optimize protection levels, are just a few examples. These kinds of data applications aren’t commonplace yet, but with around 70 percent of auto insurers expecting to use telematics by 2020, they will be soon.
Why the optimism? Well, as we look to the future of telematics and the auto industry, Millennial drivers are projected to open up new opportunities for insurers and service providers. Over 60 percent of drivers in their 20s, according to the Deloitte report, are willing to share data with the auto insurance industry in some form – and Gen Z’s comfort with data sharing should lead to an even larger audience for real-time, data-dependent offerings in the future. “Opt-in” programs are just the start of what’s sure to be a fascinating area to watch.
Scott McLaren is the Chief Marketing Officer of Fortegra with a background in business and communications. He once flew the Saturn VUE Lightship and awarded a Saturn Sky to Travis Pastrana for the first double back flip in the history of the X Games.
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http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/telematics-and-the-auto-experience/2017 Toyota Yaris iA 6-Speed Manual Review
There’s lots of choices in the compact sedan market with affordable and fuel-efficient models across the segment. But what if you are searching for one that’s also packed with features and surprisingly fun-to-drive? The new 2017 Toyota Yaris iA is a car you should have on your shopping list.
What’s New For 2017
Formerly known as the Scion iA, the 2017 Yaris iA comes under the Toyota umbrella now that Scion has been axed. It’s essentially unchanged compared to last year’s model.
Features & Options
Our 2017 Toyota Yaris iA tester came with the 6-speed manual transmission ($15,950) which is $250 more than the Scion version from last year. It comes well-equipped for a subcompact car with its abundant features. It offers up keyless entry, push-button start, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, power mirrors, a 7-inch touchscreen, and 6-speaker sound system with music streaming. It also comes with steering-wheel controls, voice recognition for audio and phone, Bluetooth, a USB port, plus compatibility with Aha, Pandora, and Stitcher.
A 60/40 fold-flat rear seat was also included. Total MSRP including destination: $16,815.
Interior Highlights
We were impressed the moment we stepped into the Yaris iA’s cabin. The upright touchscreen and circular vents come right from the page of a Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. It’s unusual to find this kind of material quality and fit and finish in a subcompact, costing less than $17,000. There’s lots of soft touch materials used throughout and the infotainment system features the kind of connectivity a high-tech generation wants.
The 7-inch touchscreen sits on the dash. It caught and kept our attention with its easy to read display. Room up front is typical for a subcompact and rear passengers will feel a bit cramped on longer jaunts around town. For cargo, the rear seats fold flat and open up to the sedan’s trunk.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2017 Toyota Yaris iA is powered by a 1.5-liter engine producing an ample 106 horsepower and 103 lb-ft. of torque. The iA engine comes from Mazda, using direct injection with a high 12:1 compression ratio. The four-cylinder powerplant is tuned for fuel efficiency and achieves an EPA-estimated 30/39 city/highway and 34 combined with the 6-speed manual gearbox.
If you don’t want to shift yourself, a 6-speed automatic is available and gets better fuel mileage at 33/42 city/highway and 37 combined.
Driving Dynamics
There’s a lot to like about the Scion iA sedan with the manual gearbox. It’s a driver’s car from the start and offers plenty of fun for enthusiasts. We had the car for the weekend and had a chance to drive it in the city and mountains west of Denver.
The Yaris iA hugged the mountain curves with ease and little body lean. The manual gearbox is a joy to shift with crisp changes up and down in the gears. The 6-speed manual is more fun-to-drive than the automatic Scion iA we drove last year by a mile!
On the open road, we had to downshift into 5th on the mountain hills as 6th gear is tall and more of an overdrive. It was easy to find the right gear, however, as we motored through the city streets and made the commute through town. Handling is sporty and the suspension is just right with MacPherson struts in front and the torsion beam in the rear.
Conclusion
If you want a more engaging driving experience, we like the Toyota Yaris iA manual over the more serene automatic. For fuel mileage and city commuting, the Yaris iA automatic is the way to go. Our personal preference would be to sacrifice one or two mpg and go with the sportier driving machine, the 6-speed manual. It’s fun-to-drive, offers a more engaging experience, and still gets excellent fuel mileage overall.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Toyota Yaris iA Gallery
We trust Edmunds.com to give us the best, up to date, and TRUE pricing of what people are really paying for their cars. Get a free dealer quote at Edmunds on this car:
2017 Toyota Yaris iA Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
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http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2017-toyota-yaris-ia-6-speed-manual-review/Unexpected Car Shows Are Always Worth Visiting
For me it has turned into an immutable fact that you should always, always head to a car show, especially if you are in a strange setting or you didn’t know about the car show in advance. About a month back, I found myself in just such a time and place, when an unexpected car show appeared out of nowhere.
It turned out to be a gloriously affirming good time of car related gearheadedness.
Quintessential Community
I was recently in Port Townsend, Washington on a working vacation. Port Townsend is a cute little Victorian-era town on the banks of Puget Sound. Back when it was founded, before the Civil War, they thought Port Townsend was going to be the San Francisco of the north. And they were nearly right, since at that time, Seattle was a brine-soaked series of mud flats and Tacoma was, uh, a brine-soaked series of mud flats (it’s amazing what a lot of rain will do to a place). But Port Townsend got outpaced by both Seattle and Tacoma and now exists, mainly, as a weekend getaway spot, artist colony, ex-hippie refuge and, somehow, a place for retired Californians to live.
Port Townsend was also a place where I stumbled onto a local car show that was pretty impressive; the Port Townsend Kiwanis Classic Car Show. Sure, there were the tastefully done up hot rods (I refuse to call them street rods) more than a few immaculate antique cars that looked showroom fresh 75 years on and, surprisingly, more than a few outright sports cars, plus interesting older cars and even – gasp – something French! Here are a few of my favorites, or at least the cars that caught my eye, followed by a photo gallery of the other rides assembled.
Photo: Tony Borroz for Automoblog.net.
First up, let’s get my biases out of the way. This is a rather nice and tastefully modified Triumph TR3. It had all the period goodies like wire wheels and that factory grille bar with the driving lights, but it had also been seen-to here and there.
The interior was redone with new materials but retained that old style look; even the dash was redone, and just as tastefully. “But what’s this,” I asked as I walked around the front and took in the engine bay . . . that, my dear friends, is a Roots-type scroll supercharger. I never found the owner so I couldn’t tell you how much power this thing puts to the tarmac, but that’s an upgrade after my own heart.
Photo: Tony Borroz for Automoblog.net.
Just aft of that Roots blower was this, the nearly impenetrable stronghold of Lucas, The Prince of Darkness.
Photo: Tony Borroz for Automoblog.net.
Many a times have I stared, knuckles bleeding, tears welling up in my eyes, at just that fuse block. Many, many times have I looked on, feeling like an Old Testament prophet that God had decided to test. That fuse block, right there, is one of the biggest reasons why I drive a Miata.
Photo: Tony Borroz for Automoblog.net.
Next up, we have this pickup, an older Chevy; I didn’t really pay attention, but what jumped out at me was the car club plaque screwed into the front bumper.
Photo: Tony Borroz for Automoblog.net.
Badge of Honor
See, back in the 1950s, if you were in a car club, one of the things your dues got you, in addition to that totally cool Car Coat and the secret blood initiation, was some sort of identifying marker. In SoCal, they tended to be these stand-up things you put on the parcel shelf in your rear window. In other places, it was a bumper plaque like this one.
Check it out closely, it is exemplary of the art: up top, your car club; in this case The Rakers (and how cool of a club name is that?) and down at the bottom, where you hail from, in this case, Port Townsend. In other words, this guy was a Port Townsend gearhead waaaay back in the day, and he still is. Like I said, cool, no?
Photo: Tony Borroz for Automoblog.net.
Red Hot
Ah, the Shoe Box Ford. Why they got called that I never knew, but that’s what everyone knows them as now. This is a particularly fine example that also hews very close to what cruiser cars were like back then. The modifications were usually subtle. This guy sported a very nice, deep wine red paint job; it was lowered a little, and was running on what looked like Gotti wheels (an odd choice, but they worked).
Photo: Tony Borroz for Automoblog.net.
But what’s this? This would be some rather nice pinstriping flourishes up front, a la Von Dutch. And if you think, even for a second, that Von Dutch is that clothing line Justin Timberlake wears, I swear I will hunt you down with dogs and show you just how wrong you are.
Photo: Tony Borroz for Automoblog.net.
I Fought The Law
But wait, it gets even better! What’s that, you might ask? That, my young Padawan, is a “Blue Dot.” That thing, right there in the center of the taillight, is an aftermarket item you could buy back in 50s and 60s. They are these faceted pieces of dark blue plastic about the size of a nickel, surrounded by a chrome bezel. And the deal was, you’d drill a hole in your taillight and mush them in there, and when you’d hit the brakes, you’d give off this purple-ish glow. Putting Blue Dots on your car back then was like rolling up your Pall Malls in your t-shirt sleeve, and turning up the collar on your Car Coat; it showed in no uncertain terms that you were A. Bad. Boy.
I know, it doesn’t seem like much until you consider that, for some reason lost to me, the local cops hated seeing them. You’d get pulled over and ticketed for some sort of penny-ante equipment infraction. But you didn’t care! You were a gearhead! The bulls could kiss it! Hand me a match, will ya? I am still personal friends with older guys that got hassled by cops because of this. See, when you’re a gearhead, there’s always something the cops are going to dislike. You get used to it, I suppose.
Here’s the rest of the cars that were at the show. Like I said, a pretty impressive turn out; everything from fabulous Hudson Hornets to Citroen Maseratis – and what sort of masochist owns a French car powered by a 70s vintage Italian engine way out in the wilds of the Olympic Peninsula? My kind of gearhead, that’s who.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Port Townsend Kiwanis Classic Car Show Gallery
Gallery Photos: Tony Borroz.
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http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/unexpected-car-shows-are-always-worth-visiting/Global Summit In Brussels, Belgium Examines Autonomous Driving
Autonomous driving is one of the headline topics today in the automotive industry. A conversation on autonomy can include everything from technology and infrastructure, to legalities and testing. Sometimes, people will even voice apprehensions about an autonomous car, expressing their fears about life in an autonomous world. Recently, a new study highlighted that safety is still the main concern among consumers.
AutoSens organizers are in tune to this, understanding that collaboration is necessary for the successful implementation of autonomy.
Challenges & Opportunities
AutoSens returns this week to Autoworld in Brussels, Belgium, their second summit this year, following a successful event in May in Detroit, Michigan. The Detroit event marked the North American debut for AutoSens, with over 350 engineers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and other automotive industry experts in attendance. AutoSens is built on the visions these professionals share on vehicle perception technology, ADAS systems, and autonomous driving. Like in Detroit, AutoSens Brussels examines OEM requirements for developing these systems, and provides arenas for engagement, idea sharing, and collaboration.
“AutoSens has a strong following, backing within the industry, and is building a community of dedicated and passionate automotive engineers and technologists,” said Robert Stead, Managing Director, Sense Media. “That same community has a powerful desire to see through the roll out of autonomous vehicle technology.”
Photo: Sense Media.
Active Participation
AutoSens Brussels will see an influx of over 400 technical experts and engineers, each with a thorough understanding of connected car systems. The biggest topics in Brussels include camera developments, functional safety testing and validations, sensor fusion, image processing, imaging standards, and benchmarking. LiDAR, radar, computer vision, in-car networking, and the challenges facing each will be prime talking points as well.
Organizers are dedicated to providing the ideal environment for industry professionals to better understand what is talking place in these key areas. The strongest aspect of AutoSens is how attendees participate in the conversations, bring ideas to the table, identify problems, and even implement solutions. In Brussels there will be ample opportunity: the 4-day program includes 6 expert workshops, vehicle demonstrations, over 60 keynote-style conference sessions, 40 plus booth exhibitions, 8 industry awards, and a gala ceremony.
“Keeping engineers at the core, AutoSens in Brussels will see an international awards program and gala dinner in Europe, extended learning through an enhanced series of workshops, continuation of the IEEE P2020 working group activities, and vehicle demos to showcase the latest technology as we develop the ADAS and autonomous vehicle technology community this year,” Stead said.
Photo: Sense Media.
Accomplished Voices
The speakers at AutoSens Brussels are as diverse as they are distinguished. Collectively, the panel has experience in everything from robotics and computer vision, to automotive electronics, digital imaging, and functional safety. Each speaker was handpicked and selected based on their contributions to functional safety, driver assistance systems, autonomous cars, and their overall passion for the topics. Speakers at AutoSens Brussels include:
Philipp Hoffmann, Research, New Technologies and Innovation, Project Leader, BMW Group.
Heiko Hirschmueller, Co-Founder, Roboception.
Erich Ramschak, Sensor Product Manager, ADAS Engineering, AVL.
Markus Heimberger, System Architect; Senior Expert, Valeo.
Chris Davies, Head of Technical Superiority, Belron.
Saskia de Craen, Senior Researcher, SWOV.
Paul Jennings, Professor, University of Warwick.
Sheldon Russell, Senior Research Associate, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.
Junmuk Lee, Senior Research Engineer, Hyundai Autron.
Erik Vinkhuyzen, Senior Researcher, Nissan Research Center.
Photo: Sense Media.
Historic Appeal
AutoSens Brussels will be held in two different venues, the first of which is the Autoworld private museum. Organizers believe Autoworld’s architecture, car collection, and history make it the ideal location. During World War l, Autoworld served as the German army’s garage, while the Mundaneum, created by Belgian lawyers Paul Otlet and Henri La Fontaine, was installed there in 1920. The AutoSens Awards will take place on September 20th at the Atomium.
AutoSens Brussels begins on Tuesday, September 19th and runs through Thursday, September 21st. Registration is currently open and the full schedule can be found here.
“We have some really exciting things in store so the team and I are looking forward to seeing how the industry responds,” Stead said.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
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http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/global-summit-in-brussels-belgium-examines-autonomous-driving/2018 Acura TLX 3.5L AWD A-Spec Review
It’s always exciting when the new 2018 models arrive for our testing. It’s even better when a new sporty model is available to be driven before it arrives in showrooms. This new TLX is more dynamic, especially with the A-Spec trim we tested this week.
The A-Spec gets a sport-tuned suspension and its own unique styling elements.
What’s New For 2018?
The 2018 Acura TLX is updated with a face lift, mainly on the front end. Acura freshened the TLX’s styling to bring the sedan up to date with the company’s current design language. More advanced driver safety aids are now standard across all trims, the infotainment interface has been revised for quicker responses, and the transmissions have been retuned. The A-Spec trim level is new for 2018.
Features & Options
The 2018 Acura TLX 3.5L AWD A-Spec ($44,800) comes with standard features like keyless entry, leather upholstery, automatic wipers, a climate control system that compensates for sun direction, navigation, a 10-speaker premium audio system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. New for 2018 is the TLX 3.5L A-Spec, which comes with revised leather upholstery, a power-extending thigh support for the driver’s seat, sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, quicker steering, sport front seats, and some cosmetic tweaks.
The Technology package (included) adds parking sensors, remote engine start, ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors, a surround-view camera system, and a heated windshield.
For 2018, all TLXs are equipped as standard with a suite of driver assistance features collectively labeled AcuraWatch. This includes lane departure warning and intervention, forward collision warning and mitigation with automatic braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam control. Total MSRP including destination: $45,750.
Interior Highlights
Stepping inside the cabin of the TLX, we could tell the sedan was well-built from quality materials and the leather upholstery is an upgrade from the standard model. The most noticeable feature is the space-saving push button gearshift lever that so many automakers are going to. It frees up storage space, and once we got used to it, it’s a snap to use. There’s plenty of room up front for taller drivers and visibility out the sides and back are TLX strengths.
We used the ventilated front seats every day as the temperatures in Denver soared into the 90s during the day. They kept us nice and cool as the mile-high sun was extra hot this week. There’s ample leg and headroom in the front and rear legroom is impressive. Rear headroom, however, might be a problem for passengers taller than 6 feet, but the TLX should be plenty comfortable for average-sized adults.
Overall, the TLX 3.5L AWD A-Spec offers an upgraded interior package that’s well-assembled and appealing.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The new TLX A-Spec trim is powered by a 3.5-liter V6, making 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the SH-AWD system. EPA estimates come in at 20/29 city/highway and 23 combined.
Driving Dynamics
The top-trim Acura TLX 3.5L AWD A-Spec comes with the composure and speed you would expect from a true performance model. It’s easy to drive and easy to live with for commuting around town and for comfort on the freeway, but it has a wild nature when you need it. We shifted into Sport+ mode, pushed the pedal down, and we could feel the extra power and the throaty exhaust note. We used the steering wheel paddle shifters this week to manually run through the 9 gears and it performed like a true sports sedan.
We chucked the TLX AWD A-Spec around some tight mountain corners and the sedan responded with very little body lean; the steering was nice and tight. The TLX’s sport-tuned suspension and four-wheel steering generally enhance handling.
However, we would have liked to see the A-Spec come with performance tires instead of all-season radials. What we also didn’t like was the TLX’s variable cylinder management that saves fuel and kills the engine at a stop light.
Conclusion
Acura brings the new sporty A-Spec trim to the lineup for a good balance between comfort and sport. There’s better performance sedans out there, but the TLX AWD A-Spec is still a fun ride and will fulfill the needs of driving enthusiasts.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Acura TLX A-Spec Gallery
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2018 Acura Acura TLX Official Site.
Photos: Honda North America.
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