Automotive

Chevrolet Owners Record Massive Data Usage In 2016

A top attribute of any vehicle today is connectivity. The ability for our automobile to seamlessly integrate our smartphones in the name of infotainment is becoming the order of the day. Sometimes, and especially for old school car enthusiasts, the connectivity bug may be nothing more than an annoying buzz, but Chevrolet owners tell a different story.

Bowtie customers in the United States used a hulking 4,220,684 gigabytes (or 4,220 terabytes) of data in 2016, marking a nearly 200 percent increase from 2015.

Practical Perspective

Chevrolet has strategically placed and enthusiastically promoted their in-vehicle connectivity, which may explain the jump in data consumption. One of the strongest selling points for us on the new Silverado is the how the truck acts as a mobile hotspot. The OnStar 4G LTE Silverado can connect up to seven devices, ideal for the Jawbone speaker you want to take to the camp ground, but handy for the laptop you need on the job site.

“We are attracting new buyers to Chevrolet by offering technologies like OnStar 4G LTE not available on competitive models,” said Alan Batey, President of GM North America and Global Head of Chevrolet. “New owners are in turn more likely to become repeat Chevrolet customers as these features become an integral part of their day-to-day lives.”

Chevy owners utilize the OnStar 4G LTE for a variety of activities, from streaming videos and playing games, to sending e-mails and listening to music.

“As a strategic plan to grow retail sales, Chevrolet has continually invested in new safety, convenience, and connected technologies across our trucks, utilities, and cars,” Batey said.

2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country. Photo: Chevrolet.

Big Numbers

The most significant increases were with Tahoe and Suburban owners, who used three-and-a-half times more data than a year ago. The figures here may not be surprising, especially as Tahoe and Suburban are the best-selling full-size SUVs today. In 2016 alone, retail sales climbed 21 percent and retail share climbed 2 percentage points, meaning 49.3 percent of the segment now belongs to General Motors. Essentially, Tahoe and Suburban accounted for nearly one out of two full-size SUVs sold in 2016.

No other automaker has a higher retail share for any segment, SUV or otherwise, in the U.S.

Bigger Numbers

Tahoe and Suburban owners consumed 713,669 gigabytes of data in 2016, a 260 percent increase over 2015. That’s equivalent to approximately 3 million hours of streaming standard video, 25 million hours of streaming music, and 1.8 billion song, game, or app downloads.

It’s also the equivalent of 1.5 billion photos posted to social media. Hope you are happy with that selfie you took?

OnStar 4G LTE connectivity was introduced across the Chevrolet lineup in 2015 for the U.S. and Canada. Today, a 4G LTE connection is standard on every new Chevy vehicle, along with the OnStar Basic Plan, which features remote vehicle access and the AtYourService marketplace via the myChevrolet app.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Photos & Source: Chevrolet

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2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon: Hauling More Than Your Family

Mercedes says their new AMG E63 S Wagon is sportiness meets space and intelligence. Sure, fine. Spin it however you want. All I know is that when I saw this beast puts out over 600 horsepower, all I could think of was, “gas pedal, meet my right foot.”

Station wagons in America are a forgotten segment of the automotive world. Through the 60s and 70s, you had a family, you had a wagon. How else were you supposed to take your wife, 2.3 kids, and all your stuff on a two week driving vacation?

Suburban Stereotypes

But then Lee Iacocca came up with the minivan. And, let’s face it, from a perspective of pure utility, a minivan is the answer. But then, minivans became the symbol of middle class suburban conformity, and potential buyers became nervous about even being near them, let alone driving one.

American SUVs to the rescue! Now you could have the utility of a minivan, with the added style that shows you are a rugged, prepared for anything Man with a capital “M” baby! The fact this demand to show ruggedness and preparedness was largely driven by a subconscious need to counteract deep seated fears of inadequacy rather than any real vehicular need was beside the point.

Who cares if you were never going to drive the thing up 13 miles of bad logging road in the middle of a rainstorm? You might! And that was the whole point.

Twin-scroll turbochargers were utilized for the first time to enhance the overall performance the AMG 4.0-liter V8 engine. They reduce exhaust gas backpressure and optimize the gas cycle, resulting in higher output and increased torque at low revs. Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.

Comeback Stories

Pity the poor station wagon. Forgotten to the dust heap of history.

At least in America, but not in Europe. You go to Europe, and you see a lot of wagons. A lot of them. And let’s face it, if you’re a dad from, oh, Frankfurt with a Geschwindigkeit but a burgeoning family, you won’t take any old people hauler off of the rack.

Oh my no. You’re going to take one that can haul buns down the bahn like a Panzerfaust. And if that’s your bent, then let me introduce you to the Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon. And even better, if you’re an American with that sort of bent, then you’ll be overjoyed to learn that Mercedes-Benz is bringing this brute of a ride to our shores.

The new AMG E63 S Wagon combines the Mercedes-AMG art of performance-inspired driving dynamics with modern utility. The wagon is propelled by a hand-crafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, cranking out 603 horsepower (5,750–6,500 rpm) and a stump pulling 627 lb-ft. of torque (2,500–4,500 rpm).

I’ll let those figures percolate for a bit while you consider coming across some knot-head in a brand new Mustang. He with his trollop-of-the-moment beside him, and you with your wife and kids. Traffic light goes green and you blow his butt so far into the weeds you don’t stop smiling for the next 7 miles.

The E63 S Wagon comes with an electronically controlled rear limited slip differential for improved traction. The electronically-controlled limited slip differential reduces slip on the inside wheel when cornering without braking intervention, resulting in the ability to accelerate out of turns earlier and more gracefully. Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.

Class Records

All this moron humiliating power and torque is put to the tarmac via a fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system. An electromechanically controlled coupling connects the permanently driven rear axle variably to the front axle. Since the best possible torque distribution is calculated continuously, the wagon can transition from all-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive, yet still provide a sound and solid feel for the occupants.

The fact Mercedes-AMG have finally started putting their 4MATIC system into performance cars is a wonderful thing. It puts to rest one of the main arguments, usually hurled by Audi owners, that although the AMG cars are nice, they were only offered in rear drive. Also, if you live in someplace with less than stellar weather, you can now be a lot more happy and secure Mercedes-Benz owner.

All this powertrain tech is enough to hurtle the wagon from 0 to 60 in 3.4 seconds. Mercedes-Benz says the vehicle “sets a new record in this class.” It will be very interesting to see if Audi or BMW can top it. Speaking of top, the AMG family hauler tops out at an electronically limited speed of 180 mph.

“Dad? Are we there yet?” “Yes!”

The large-sized high-performance compound braking system is quick and fade-resistant, even under high loads. The E63 S Wagon is fitted with internally ventilated and perforated 15.4″ x 1.4″ compound brake discs on the front axle with six-piston fixed callipers. At the rear are 14.2″ x .9″ discs and single-piston floating brake callipers. An AMG Ceramic Composite braking system is also available. Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.

Hallmarks & Heavy Right Feet

The new wagon features an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT (Multi Clutch Technology) 9-speed sport transmission mated to a wet clutch. This means smoother power application and less grabbiness than a dry plate scavenger clutch.

“The new AMG E63 Wagon combines our brand’s hallmark driving dynamics with high everyday practicality. It is not for nothing that the model has been a permanent fixture in the AMG portfolio for 40 years,” said Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “The powerful engine and the intelligent all-wheel drive underpin our claim to always be at the forefront of development when it comes to performance.”

And we at Automoblog are not going to argue with him. We might not all have growing families, but we all have heavy right feet.

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 Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon Gallery

Photos & Source: Mercedes-Benz USA

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Letter From The UK: More Fun Than It Should Be

Letter From The UK: More Fun Than It Should Be The Suzuki Jimny is one of those vehicles: it’s not glamorous but it sure is gorgeous.
Geoff Maxted of DriveWrite Automotive Magazine goes in for some hard-hat motoring.
Unfortunately, the Suzuki Jimny is not available in the United States which makes us sad.
A few weeks ago I made mention of the Ford Focus Active, a very good car that as of right now, America will not get. In the meantime I have been driving the Suzuki Jimny, a small G-Wagen style off-road hero that is taking much of the rest of the world by storm; except the USA.
In 2012 Suzuki announced that it would no longer be selling cars in the U.S. because, frankly, you didn’t want them, and anyway they were not terribly good. Times change and if any brand can be considered to have gotten its act together it is this Japanese company. Masters of producing relatively inexpensive small cars and SUV’s, their current catalogue has a whole range of great vehicles. Taking pride of place among them is the Jimny, described below.
About The Suzuki Jimny
The unashamedly retro-styled Suzuki Jimny has been around in one form or another since 1970, originating as the diminutive LJ10, a car especially noted for its ability to roll over like a fat dog if the steering was used with any enthusiasm at all. The more recent incarnation, the Jimny, is stable, beloved of off-road enthusiasts the world over, and largely ignored by the general public. If, in this modern era, we are still allowed to have fun with cars then the general public don’t know what they are missing.
The Suzuki Jimny is not big and it is not clever. It has the basic technology we have come to expect but no more than that. It is not by any means a highway cruiser. And it would impossible to make love on the back seat unless the participants were double-jointed. What it does have in spades is the DNA of a mountain goat and the crusty performance reliability of Sam Elliott. It offers unrivalled off-road performance for a car in this sector. It will go anywhere and is the equal of the big boys in the muddy playground of the wild blue yonder.
You can’t not love it.
The Suzuki Jimny will go anywhere and is the equal of the big boys in the muddy playground of the wild blue yonder.
Off The Road
Built around a robust ladder frame with a wheel at each corner allowing for three ample body angles (Approach, Ramp and Departure), the Jimny comes with an ‘AllGrip Pro’ switchable two/four-wheel drive system with a low-range transfer gear. Power comes from a 1.5L petrol engine (replacing the laboured old 1.3L) that will take the occupants wherever they want to go. Off-road the car is supremely agile and will deliver the goods when you need it most. Shift to low-range when the going gets really tough for maximum torque and better traction on steep slopes and rough terrain.
This writer has driven the Jimny in these conditions and can vouch for this claim: It’s brilliant.
It is so brilliant that the brand cannot build them fast enough to meet demand. In the UK some enterprising entrepreneurs have bought early examples and are selling them on at a premium. Right now, there is no point in asking the hard-bitten sales staff in the Suzuki showrooms for a discount for cash because they will just laugh in your face.

On The Open Road
On the road things change a bit, it has to be said. You simply cannot engineer that level of gnarly, mud-plugging, Goliath-slaying ability without compromise. Emissions of 154g/km or fuel economy averaging around 37 miles per gallon for the manual gearbox (there’s an auto too) cannot match the family crossover or SUV crowd, and the ride can best be charitably described as rugged.
That said, the Jimny could make for a mighty fine, quirky, left-field urban car choice. The small size, high driving position, and chunky proportions all make navigating an urban environment a piece of cake as the Jimny shrugs off speed bumps, potholes, and awkward kerbs (that’s how we spell curbs in the UK) as we would brush away a fly. It is easy to park and, unlike the popular soft-roaders, will not be brought to a halt by a bit of gravel, snow or ice.
Demand is high in the United Kingdom for the beloved Suzuki Jimny because of its off-road ability.
On The Inside
Although having a slightly shorter wheelbase than the previous model, the space inside has been well utilised – in the front. There’s as much room as any small city car and the hard-wearing interior and simple controls can take a beating. Where things fall down is in the back. The rear seats are fine for children and for adults over shortish distances but the trunk space with the rear seats up is laughable. A decent-sized French baguette and that’s your lot.
With the seats down, there’s much more space for luggage for two. Of course, a roof rack could be used, which would make the car more versatile. There are two levels of trim in the UK: SZ4 and SZ5; the latter having a few more conveniences and connectivity plus alloy wheels instead of the ‘steelies’ on the base model. Prices start at UK £15499 ($20,000).

The #Suzuki Jimny is easy to park and, unlike the popular soft-roaders, will not be brought to a halt by a bit of gravel, snow or ice. Click To TweetWhy Tell You About It?
Well, The LJ in LJ10, the 1970 original, stands for light jeep. Nothing to do with your legendary spine-breaker of old but the connection is implied as the Japanese sought to get some of that proper Jeep sales action. Then, it was no contest; today it might well be a different story and this brings me to the point.
Times change and our automotive tastes and preferences will vary over that time. I can see a day when, if Suzuki were to return to the States (allowing for import duties, taxes, idiot politicians and the like making it worth their while), F-150 owners would be left wondering why they need that flatbed after all. Owners of the soft, modern Jeeps would crave some of this small, bullish action. This is hard-hat motoring for the millennial generation; this is the car that would take rural-dwelling children to school and then tow a Jeep out of the mud.
The American buying public should clamour for this car because, above all else, it is mechanical auto fun as we all once knew it. Take the rough with the smooth. It’s more fun than it should be. I’ll bet Sam Elliott would approve.
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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2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Soft Top Arrives

The answer, as another website once said, is always Miata. And who am I to disagree with that? There are few things a gearhead can ask of a car that a Miata, from any of the now four generations, cannot do.

Look, I’ll get my prejudices out of the way right here at the top: I love these cars. Miatas are, all things taken into account, one of the best cars a car enthusiasts can own. I’m on my second one at the moment, a 1994 R-Package that I acquired from a friend that won ProSolo Nationals with the thing. Twice.

Automotive Origins

Yes, I grew up in a British sports car family. Yes, that has colored my opinion of what is “acceptable” in a car and what is not. I often say a Miata is the best British car I’ve ever owned, and I’m only half joking. They, and I mean all four generations of them, turn in like Emma Peel’s Élan and are forgiving like my brother’s TR4A (poor guy owned three of them in high school and college). They go, turn, and stop just like you ask them to.

They grip like a simian and can stop on a dime and give you nine cents change.

And, the cherry on top, is they are cheap. The cost of entry for a new one is low, and used ones are laughably affordable. Maintenance? Are you crazy? They cost next to nothing to run, and they run forever. Yes, they have their downsides. The trunk is the size of a lunchbox. Yes, they need more power, but I know guys that got AC Cobras that are whining about more top end. So deal. Keep that right foot planted and steer the thing.

It usually works.

The new 2017 MX-5 Miata soft top is arriving at dealers nationwide this month, and, as usual, they’re cheap like the budgie. The Miata keeps its $24,915 base MSRP, which is about . . . no wait, that’s less than a minivan, isn’t it? If it is, you have no excuses to not buy one.

With ultra-high-tensile strength steel and an aluminum construction, the fourth-generation MX-5 is approximately 150 lbs. lighter than its predecessor. All North American MX-5 models come equipped with a quick-revving, 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G engine that produces 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels. Photo: Mazda North American Operations.

Safety & Security

Mazda points out how the new Miata has more standard safety equipment for 2017.

Sadly, this is the usual safety geegaws that do for you what you should be doing for yourself. For 2017, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are standard equipment for MX-5 Club models. Before, you could only get these on the MX-5 Grand Touring, but who am I to complain?

Having this stuff in the car, and shoot, almost every new car these days, most likely keeps the lawyers at bay, and it does help if you’re a completely inattentive boob.

Trim Levels

With trim level choices, you get three: the entry-level MX-5 Sport, the leather-lined MX-5 Grand Touring, or the more performance focused MX-5 Club.

The most interesting of the triplets, to me anyway (and unsurprisingly) is the MX-5 Club. It’s the spiritual successor to the all-conquering, “light makes right” R-Packages of 1994/95. The 2017 Club is highlighted by red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and shifter. There’s a limited-slip differential and a shock tower brace in models equipped with the six-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission (which is the one you want).

There is also a front aerodynamic body extension and spoiler, and a Bilstein suspension set up. For all you AutoX cone-killers out there, this is the one you want.

If you want more, you can also spec the Club model with a Brembo/BBS Package. This gets you side still extensions, lightweight, forged BBS wheels, and front Brembo brakes with red-painted calipers. The MX-5 Club also comes with a nine-speaker Bose audio system with headrest-mounted speakers, and MAZDA CONNECT, which makes phone, satellite radio, audio, and infotainment controls accessible through the seven-inch touchscreen and commander control knob interface. Sadly this cannot be deleted. Then again, I’m not a big car stereo guy, since my right foot is playing a very enthralling tune, especially in a car like this.

The 2,300-lbs. roadster embodies Mazda’s “Jinba Ittai” philosophy. Translated as “horse and rider,” it reflects the ideology behind all of Mazda’s forthcoming vehicles. The original MX-5 Miata made its world debut on a cold morning at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show. Photo: Mazda North American Operations.

Additional Packaging

The 2017 MX-5 Sport is much more basic, with stuff like black cloth seats, bright-finish 16-inch wheels, and one USB port. However, Bluetooth phone pairing, a six-speaker audio system, leather-wrapped shifter and handbrake, cruise control, power mirrors and windows, and LED headlights are among the list of niceties. The MX-5 Grand Touring is the more comfort oriented of the three, with leather seating surfaces with three-stage heating, automatic climate control, and navigation.

There are a host of other features too for the Grand Touring: automatic headlights, High Beam Control with Adaptive Front-lighting System, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. There is additional sound damping stuff wadded into the cloth headliner. Nice touch.

An Advanced Keyless Entry doohickey is standard on all models with an automatic; it’s a $130 option on Sport and Club models equipped with a manual transmission. Which brings us to the best and most important feature on Mazda’s Miata: the transmission.

Silky Smooth

I am not one of those neo-luddite nutcases that dislike semi-auto gearboxes. I find them to be fantastic technology that does not detract from the driving experience one iota. Miatas, however, are not available with a semi-auto box. They do have an automatic transmission with stepper paddles, and it’s not all that bad. But c’mon! Their manual gearbox is probably the best out there, and one of the best ever made. Period.

The only thing I’ve driven with better gear selections are Formula Fords and other cars of that ilk. And yeah, I mean the shifter on a Miata is as good as Ferrari gated shifters from the 60s. No joke. The throws are super short, positive, and well oiled, like the bolt on a sniper rifle. Clack-snik-BANG, clack-snik-BANG, clack-snik-BANG, and you’re on the freeway.

By almost any measurement, the 2017 Miatas are seriously, seriously worth considering. The Miata MSRP ranges from $24,915 for the MX-5 Sport with the six-speed manual, to $34,925 for the MX-5 RF Launch Edition with the six-speed automatic. I’d be getting one, by hook or by crook right now, but I still have the R-Package. And I’m not giving that thing up any time soon.

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 Mazda MX-5 Miata Soft Top Gallery

Photos & Source: Mazda North American Operations

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Cadillac Sees Record Growth In China, Falls Slightly In U.S.

Cadillac is coming off a record January, reporting a 44 percent increase in sales. Last month, Cadillac moved 29,764 units worldwide, enough to tally their eighth consecutive month of double-digit percentage increases. Around the world, the esteemed luxury arm of General Motors is making a significant impact with consumers.

“We are growing the business significantly and attracting a youthful and affluent demographic, elevating the aspirational character of the brand,” said Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac President. “This is particularly the case in China, where our growth is explosive and sustained.”

The brand’s unprecedented growth in China was characterized by a 116 percent jump in January, a market they consider their largest. In January of 2016, Cadillac recorded 8,337 sales in China, versus 18,011 sales for January of 2017. There was a modest gain for Cadillac in the Middle East, where a 1.4 percent increase in sales occurred this January versus last.

By contrast, in the United States, Cadillac retail sales increased 1.2 percent, although total U.S. sales declined overall (4.1 percent). Last month in the U.S., Cadillac sold 10,298 vehicles, compared with 10,740 in January of 2016. The automaker noted a reduction in sales to commercial fleet customers. A slight dip occurred in Canada as well. In January of 2016, Cadillac moved 811 units versus 657 for January of this year.

Still the news is positive.

“Cadillac begins 2017 with a continuation of the robust global growth of 2016, a year in which we sold more products worldwide than any point in the past three decades,” de Nysschen said.

The XT5 drove sales substantially with 11,880 units sold worldwide in January. The midsize luxury crossover is uniquely positioned in one of industry’s highest customer demand segments. The ATS sedan and coupe were in high demand in January too, rising 63.8 percent. The XTS luxury sedan was another strong offering for Cadillac, recording a 29.3 percent sales increase.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

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