Automotive

The all-new sixth generation "F90" BMW M5 is here, 0-60 in 3.2 seconds, 600 horsepower, and all-wheel drive

The all-new sixth generation "F90" BMW M5 is here, 0-60 in 3.2 seconds, 600 horsepower, and all-wheel drive One of BMW’s most iconic cars enters a new generation with more oomph, making it the most powerful M5 yet.

What’s going on?
A new BMW M5 is here! And it’s faster and better than ever. As usual, it’s based off of the current generation BMW 5-Series, internally dubbed the G30. But unlike previous BMW M5s, this one is significantly different.
For the first time ever in the M5’s history, it comes standard with all-wheel drive, sadly rendering the rear-wheel-drive M5 a thing of the past. But it’s not like we didn’t see it coming, given that all-wheel drive proved to be popular by demand. Nonetheless, the new BMW M5 is completely new from the ground up.
What’s new with the next-gen BMW M5?
Because the new BMW M5 is, well, new, its pretty much that from the ground up. Besides the obvious, the biggest change to the M5 is its inclusion of all-wheel drive, a first for the company and the M5 itself. And it’s the only configuration available. To some, this seems like a blasphemous move since BMW always prided itself over the use of rear-wheel drive while its competitors shifted to all-wheel drive.
But all is not lost since according to BMW, it can completely disable its all-paw traction, enabling rear-wheel drive only, at the touch of a button. Another first for both BMW and the M5.
Despite the added complexity and equipment of the BMW M5, not to mention, growing slightly in size in every direction, the new BMW M5 manages to shave off a considerable amount of weight. Thanks to more extensive use of carbon fiber and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), the new M5 manages to save almost a couple hundred pounds. BMW knew they had a weight problem with the last M5, so they clearly readdressed it this time around.

What about performance?
A BMW M5 isn’t an M5 without performance. That said, the new model comes with plenty of it. The newest car utilizes the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, though it’s been retweaked to serve up 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of twist. That’s up to 40 horses and 53 torques more than the outgoing car.
This was accomplished thanks to improved internal lubrication, more effective cooling, a special compartmentalized oil pan, and increased turbo and fuel injection pressures. There’s also better breathing tools, particularly with the exhaust system that saves 11 pounds alone. It also features electronically controlled valves to alter the sounds it channels, according to the situation.
Another significant change to the M5 is the lack of a manual and it ditches the previous car’s M DCT dual-clutch automatic, in favor of a more traditional, torque converter-based eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic.
Nonetheless, the result is a 0-60 time of just 3.2 seconds, while a 0-124 mph sprint takes only 11.1 seconds.
That’s a lot of performance, but there’s more!
While the new BMW M5 prides itself for featuring all-wheel drive, the beauty of that all-wheel drive system is its ability to operate in two-wheel-drive mode at the change of some settings. The idea is that all-wheel drive is there for the inclement of weather or improved grip for track or performance driving. Then, if the driver prefers to hoon around and hang the ass out just for fun, the M5 can be put in rear-wheel-drive mode.
The new BMW M5 will launch with a limited-run First Edition variant, with only 400 being made, and only 50 coming to the US. The First Edition M5 comes with a special Frozen Dark Red Metallic exterior. It’s complemented by BMW Individual glossy Shadow Line trim for the door and window frames, and the front grille. Also included are standard 20-inch seven-double-spoke lightweight alloy wheels painted in black. Special treatments occur inside with BMW M5 First Edition commemorative badging, Piano Finish Black Trim, Smoke White leather, and red contrast stitching.
Pricing isn’t yet available, but such information should surface nearer to the M5’s launch date in Spring of 2018. And because it’s an M5, expect that price to be high…like, really high.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: BMW USA News
2018 BMW M5 Quick Specifications

2018 BMW M5 Photo Gallery

2018 BMW M5 First Edition Photo Gallery

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2018 Mazda3 Trims Levels Broken Down

2018 Mazda3 Trims Levels Broken Down

The 2018 Mazda3 gets a big refresh for 2018. The 3 is Mazda’s answer to the Accord, in that it is the right size, the right price, and has the right features for seemingly 90 percent of the buyers out there. For 2018, the Mazda3 aims to give you more of everything you’d want in a car of this type. The Hiroshima-based company’s Mazda3 is said to be a “combination of craftsmanship, quality, and uncommonly good driving dynamics.” I really wouldn’t argue with that, especially when it comes to “uncommonly good driving dynamics.”
Configurations & Options
Mazda seems to have a real knack for making fun, tossable little cars that perform much better than you expect them to. Add to the mix that for 2018, the Mazda3 will come as both a sedan and five-door hatchback slathered in tech and safety goodies, and it’s not too much of a stretch to see them selling by the boatload.
The 3 comes in a trio of trim levels: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring, and all of them get a bewildering level of option packages that have been a frustrating Mazda trademark for decades now. No, you can’t get cruise control without opting for the “Heated Glove Box & Rear Seat Foot-Warmer package.” There always seems to be two or three things in any given package you don’t really want.
Sport Tirm
The Sport trim level, the most basic, comes with cloth seating surfaces and a 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G engine, putting out 155 horsepower. There’s a 7-inch infotainment screen with a Commander control knob. The Sport also gets Bluetooth phone and audio pairing, a one-touch driver’s power window, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, and push-button ignition. Not bad for the base trim level.
Mazda3 Sport sedan models have available 16-inch alloy wheels, Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, satin chrome interior trim, and power heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals. The Mazda3 five-door models have 16-inch alloy wheels as standard.
Photo: Mazda North American Operations.

Touring Trim
The Mazda3 Touring, the middle of the range, comes standard with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter engine, cranking out 184 horsepower. The Touring comes with leatherette seating surfaces, heated front seats, Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, rain-sensing wipers, automatic on/off headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry, a six-way power driver’s seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob.
Other niceties include a new dark silver alloy wheel color, standard illuminated vanity mirrors, and an overhead sunglasses holder. There’s a new Bose/Moonroof/Satellite package for the Touring that includes a nine-speaker premium audio system, SiriusXM radio with a four-month subscription, and a one-touch-open moonroof.
Grand Touring Trim
Up at the tippy-top of the Mazda3 lineup is the Grand Touring. Buy a Grand Touring Mazda3 and it comes standard with perforated black or parchment-colored leather seating surfaces and heated front seats. There’s a full-color Active Driving Display (heads-up) unit. LED fog lights, self-leveling bi-LED headlights, LED combination taillights, and LED daytime running lights are also standard.
If you add the Premium Equipment Package, you get a pivoting Adaptive Front-Lighting System, a heated steering wheel, paddle shifters (automatic models), an auto-dimming interior mirror with Homelink, and navigation. Additional safety systems include High Beam Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart Brake Support, and Traffic Sign Recognition.
Photo: Mazda North American Operations.
Performance Tech
The 2018 Mazda3 is available with either a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual or a SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic transmission, in either the sedan or five-door body style, and across all three trim levels. All Mazda3 models get something called G-Vectoring Control, which is, unsurprisingly, a Mazda-exclusive. G-Vectoring Control uses the engine to put a small amount of weight on the front tires to make steering inputs more surefooted, giving drivers more peace of mind while improving stability. Mazda doesn’t say much more, but the engineering is interesting nonetheless.
Is the Mazda3 better than the Honda Accord or others in the segment? Ultimately, that will be up to individual buyers to decide, but personally, I wouldn’t count the Mazda3 out. At the end of December, we took the 2017 model for a drive and really liked it. Expect the 2018 Mazda3 to be in dealers nationwide by the end of August.
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.
Trim
Sedan
Five-Door
Sport 6MT
$18,095
$19,345
Sport 6AT
$19,145
$20,395
• Sport Preferred Equipment Package
$1,000

Touring 6MT[2]
$20,090
$20,840
Touring 6AT
$21,140
$21,890
• Touring BOSE®/Satellite/Moonroof Package
$1,500
$1,500
Grand Touring 6MT[3]
$23,145
$23,895
Grand Touring 6AT
$24,195
$24,945
• Grand Touring Premium Equipment Package
$1,600
$1,600
Premium Paint Colors:
Machine Gray Metallic
$300
Soul Red Metallic
$300
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
$200
Photos & Source: Mazda North American Operations.
*2017 models shown

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2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Goes NASCAR

2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Goes NASCAR

Wearing #8, Louis Chevrolet’s old racing number, the new, 2018 Camaro ZL1 race car debuted in its Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series guise. Sadly, at least in my opinion, these are not as stock as they should be. Long gone are the days when NASCAR stock car racing was truly stock. We will never see the likes of Chevy Chevelles and Dodge Coronets with the doors welded shut, running on the high banks, let alone watching “The Fabulous Hudson Hornet” dig into the sand at Daytona (that would be the literal beach, not the track).
Star-Studded Debut
Rolled out by NASCAR racer Jimmie Johnson (“Mr. Seven Time” as he’s known) and Mark Reuss, the Executive VP from GM Global Product Development, the NASCAR Camaro ZL1 had all the presence of a bazooka; i.e. not something you’d want to have pointed at you. The reveal happened at Chevrolet’s headquarters in Detroit, so yeah, this guy has full factory backing.
“The new Camaro ZL1 is a great looking race car with a lot of heritage behind it, which will make it a big hit with fans,” Johnson said, driver of the #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. “And as someone who’s enjoyed the ZL1 on the street, I’m really looking forward to getting this new race car on the track.”
And boy, what I wouldn’t give to be sitting in the passenger seat when Johnson “enjoyed the ZL1 on the street.”
Photo: Chevrolet.
Racetracks & Main Street
The ZL1 had the full treatment applied to it by Chevy’s engineers during its gestation. The slide rule guys smeared on a range of engineering paraphernalia like computational fluid dynamics analysis and reduced-scale and full-scale wind tunnel testing. Ultimately, the ZL1’s design character was maintained and aerodynamic performance optimized.
The ZL1 designation actually comes from the 1960s factory-developed, all-aluminum racing engine that Chevy used to dominate road racing (think of Mark Donohue’s Trans Am Camaro). Somehow the thing got lose off the track and onto the streets, thanks to a few, uh, “imaginative” dealers that used Chevrolet’s special-order system to get the ZL1 engine installed in regular production ’69 Camaros. Those cars became terrors on the street and dragstrip, and now live on in a mythical Valhalla of cool stuff that factories once produced.
40 years later, Chevrolet reintroduced the ZL1 as the ultimate performance Camaro, offering blistering track performance from the showroom floor. That’s mainly becasue of the 650 horsepower, supercharged engine paired with an array of aerodynamic properties.
Photo: Chevrolet.

Honor Roll
The 2018 Camaro ZL1 race car looks to build on a winning legacy already established by the Camaro SS. The previous Chevrolet Camaro has 70 Cup Series wins so far, and had a hand in Chevrolet earning a record 39 NASCAR manufacturer titles. And yes, that included 13 consecutive titles from 2003 to 2015 and Jimmie Johnson’s Cup championship in 2016.
Also at the roll out of the Camaro ZL1 race car were representatives from Hendrick Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing, Germain Racing, JTG Daugherty Racing, and Leavine Family Racing. So, all you racers running Fords and Dodges, that’s what you’re up against. The 2018 Camaro ZL1 race car will make its competition debut this coming February at Daytona Speedweeks, kicking off the 2018 NASCAR season.
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.
Photo: Chevrolet.
Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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Jeep: An American Classic Both Then And Now

Jeep: An American Classic Both Then And Now

If you’ve spent any time on the roads lately, you may have noticed a lot of proud Jeep owners. While Jeeps have always been popular and trusted vehicles, they have become very trendy in recent years, especially with younger drivers. If you’re like me, you may be curious as to how this happened. I decided to take a look at the history of Jeep to find out how this classic American brand became a sensation which inspired an almost cult-like following and lifestyle.
Heroic Beginnings
In June 1941, the United States Army was seeking proposals for a new, lightweight, four-wheel drive truck for use in combat. The American Bantam Car Company submitted the first approved prototype. However, the Army ran into one small problem: American Bantam was on the verge of bankruptcy and would likely be too small to handle this major request. With the threat of war looming, the Army handed the prototype design over to Willys-Overland Motors and the Ford Motor Company.
Willys and Ford were given free rein to update and modify the Bantam prototype, which resulted in several versions that were subjected to extensive field testing. The Army finally settled on the Willys Model MB design as the most functional. Willys and Ford were instructed to begin churning out these vehicles as quickly as possible.
It is also around this time the name Jeep is said to have originated and there are two theories about its creation. One is simple: the new models were referred to as Government Purpose vehicles, or GPs, and the sound “Jeep” is a slurring of these two letters. The other theory argues the word had been used by Army mechanics since 1914 to refer to any untested vehicle. Either way, the name Jeep caught on in the 1940s with the popularity of the GP model and eventually stuck.
Regardless of how they got their name, Jeeps went on to be used by every branch of the military during World War II, serving as field ambulances, supply trucks, and even amphibious vehicles. While they are no longer used by the military, similarly-designed combat vehicles such as Humvees and Ford M151s can be traced back to the Jeep.
Army test procedures of the day called for rugged driving and basically punishing the vehicle until something broke or until the driver was worn out. Here we see an MD/M38-A1 with all four wheels off the ground. From Jeep: The History of America’s Greatest Vehicle by Patrick R. Foster, published by Motorbooks, an imprint of Quarto Publishing.
The Birth of the Modern Jeep Brand
Following their wartime success, Willys began producing Civilian Jeeps (CJs) in 1945 and eventually won the rights to the Jeep name as a registered trademark in 1950. Willys-Overland Motors changed hands and was sold several times in the subsequent decades, eventually ending up with the Chrysler Corporation in 1987. Jeep has remained with Chrysler ever since and is now one of the multiple brands owned by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, a group which was established in 2014.
Although they were born in America, Jeeps are now manufactured all over the world. Toldeo, Ohio, where Willys-Overland Motors was founded, remains the proud headquarters of Jeep. You can still find Wranglers and Cherokees being built there, not far from the site of the original plant.
Final assembly line at Jeep Parkway, Toledo, Ohio, 1964. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Today’s Jeep Culture
In recent years, Jeep has expanded and refined its fleet and now offers five models primarily catering to individuals and families with active lifestyles. 1987 marked the first appearance of one of the most well-known and enduring Jeep models: the Wrangler. The Wrangler remains Jeep’s most popular model, with eight variations on the market and countless opportunities for customization. There are some who believe the Jeep Wrangler is the closest descendant of the original military model created in the 1940s.
The opportunity to customize a Jeep and make it unique to the owner’s lifestyle and personality is why the Jeep culture has become so prominent in recent years. With Jeep blogs and forums, as well as annual meetups and jamborees, it’s easy for Jeep owners to be a part of this unique community. Whether they are interested in off-roading tips or the latest mod accessories, Jeep owners are connecting more than ever and spreading the love for this quintessential American brand.
Richard Reina is a Product Trainer at CARiD.com and lifelong automotive enthusiast.
Jeep Through The Years Gallery

Gallery Photos: FCA US LLC.
Cover Photo: Jeep Willys MB, FCA US LLC.

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2017 Monterey: The new BMW Concept Z4 picks up where the last Z4 left off

2017 Monterey: The new BMW Concept Z4 picks up where the last Z4 left off Just when you thought BMW’s efforts with the Z roadster were kaput, Munich unveils the new BMW Concept Z4 at Pebble Beach.

What’s going on?
Monterey Car Week! That’s what’s going on! And of course, that means the world-famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is happening. While there’s plenty of old school iron to drool over, especially in conditions and donning values that even make the “One Percent” weep, several manufacturers still decided to steal some of the limelight. In this case, BMW is one of those several manufacturers.
In addition to debuting the hotly anticipated BMW Concept 8 Series on North American soil for the first time, BMW also introduced the Concept Z4. Rumors suggested BMW was ending its slow-selling roadster, implying the segment wasn’t active enough, hindering the company’s interest to introduce a model. But those rumors were clearly wrong as the compact sports roadster segment shows its alive and well.
Cool! But will it remain as a concept?

Upon initial glance, there appears to be a lot going on with the Concept Z4’s aesthetics, making one wonder how watered-down it’ll be when it reaches production. Although fairly futuristic in its design, like the Concept 8 Series, BMW insists both cars preview near-production-ready designs. We imagine things like wheel designs, side-view mirrors, and lighting details will change but overall, BMW promises the general design will remain.
“The Concept Z4 expresses the new BMW design language from all perspectives and in all details,” said BMW’s chief designer, Adrian van Hooydonk. “From the dynamic-looking front to the striking flanks to the clean-cut tail end: a few lines and the subtle interplay between surfaces are enough to generate a sense of power and emotion.”
What powers it?
Not may details are available. Word on the street says it gets six-cylinder power, meaning it’s likely the latest and greatest rendition of BMW’s ubiquitous twin-turbo inline-six.
Overall however, the Concept Z4 proves skeptical rumors wrong and breaks cover with a very eclectic, modern, and edgy design, thoroughly epitomizing a new modern peak in automotive design.
I’m personally on the fence about it and would need to view it in person to get a better idea. It’s neither ugly nor good looking in pictures, but in person, it could be an entirely different experience.
What do you think of the new BMW Concept Z4?
– By: Chris Chin
BMW Concept Z4 Gallery

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BMW Unveils Two Concepts, Showcases Racing History During Monterey Car Week

BMW Unveils Two Concepts, Showcases Racing History During Monterey Car Week

BMW unveiled two concepts during its annual Monterey Car Week Press Conference at the Lodge at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Reviewing Stand. The first was the Concept 8 Series, originally shown at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in May; the second, the Concept Z4, made its world debut.
The concepts are a spitting image of the production vehicles BMW plans to reveal over the course of 2018.
Concept 8
The last time the 8 Series was in existence, SpongeBob SquarePants was premiering on Nickelodeon and Napster was allowing users to download music. The BMW 8 Series Coupe will hit the road next year with the distinct luxury and performance elements synonymous with the German automaker. The return of the 8 Series draws on BMW’s rich history as well.
“The number 8 and cars like the Z8 Roadster and i8 have represented the pinnacle of sports performance and exclusivity at BMW,” explained Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “The forthcoming BMW 8 Series Coupe will demonstrate that razor-sharp dynamics and modern luxury can go hand-in-hand.”
The Concept 8 is a modern interpretation of BMW’s styling cues, with particular attention given to the vehicle’s clear surfaces and crisp lines. BMW intends the 8 Series to be regarded as the ultimate “driver’s car.”
“This will be the next model in the expansion of our luxury-car offering and will raise the benchmark for coupes in the segment,” Krüger said. “In the process, we will strengthen our claim to leadership in the luxury class.”
BMW Concept 8 Series. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Concept Z4
The Concept Z4 Roadster reflects BMW’s vision for the perfect, modern roadster. Complete with a long wheelbase and low-slung silhouette, the Concept Z4 Roadster puts the driver more in the center when compared to prior BMW roadsters. Like the 8 Series, design is paramount here, being regarded as one of the most important aspects of the Concept Z4 Roadster.
“The concept expresses the new BMW design language from all perspectives and in all details,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President, BMW Group Design. “From the dynamic-looking front to the striking flanks to the clean-cut tail end: a few lines and the subtle interplay between surfaces are enough to generate a sense of power and emotion.”
BMW Concept Z4 Roadster. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.

Around Town
The BMW Concept 8 Series will be on display at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering on Friday, August, 18th, and on the Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Sunday August 20th. The Concept Z4 Roadster will be on the Concept Lawn of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday as well, but that’s the only time it’s expected to be displayed in North America.
BMW will run two classic race cars in the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. The famous #25 1975 BMW 3.0 CSL IMSA Group 4 will, one last time, be driven by retiring BMW of North America President Ludwig Willisch. The #21 1972 ALPINA BMW 2002ti will be raced by Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW Group Head of Design, who is quoted above. Both will race in Group 4A on Saturday, August 19th.
BMW is also showcasing the #42 BMW V12 LMR, which has a vibrant and extensive story. In the seven races in which it competed during the 1999 season, the BMW V12 LMR landed 10 podiums and five victories, including the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 1999 12 Hours of Sebring, and the Monterey Sports Car Championship. In total, there are only four V12 LMRs in existence of which one was the basis for the fifteenth BMW Art Car created by American artist Jenny Holzer.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
BMW Concept 8 Series Gallery

BMW Concept Z4 Roadster Gallery

Photos & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.
Cover Photo: BMW V12 LMR.

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Audi R8 V10 plus Spyder Makes U.S. Debut During Monterey Car Week

Audi R8 V10 plus Spyder Makes U.S. Debut During Monterey Car Week

The Audi R8 V10 plus Spyder will make its U.S. debut this weekend during Monterey Car Week. The automaker is celebrating their Motorsports heritage and showcasing their top performance vehicles for attendees. Audi plans to display race cars that have inspired their production counterparts at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, including the R8 LMS GT3, the RS 3 LMS, and the R8 LMS GT4.
Performance Pinnacle

On Friday, August 18th, the Audi R8 V10 plus Spyder will debut for U.S. car enthusiasts at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. The event features some of the world’s finest and rarest automobiles, and for Audi, it’s the perfect venue for a vehicle they define as their “pinnacle of performance.” The R8 V10 plus Spyder has the same naturally-aspirated V10 as the R8 LMS racecar, prompting Audi to describe the R8 as, “the best representation of how the production models benefit from developments and technologies first used in Motorsport.”
The R8 V10 plus Spyder hits 60 mph in 3.3 seconds with its naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter V10 and seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission. It’s the fastest production convertible Audi has ever produced.
Audi R8 V10 plus Spyder. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
VIP Events
Beginning Thursday, August 17th and running through Sunday, August 20th, Audi will have an exclusive driving experience for VIP guests at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. Invited guests will get behind the wheel of an R8 V10 for the Audi Sport Performance Drive, complete with a tour around Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
Audi fans will also enjoy the display of race cars that have inspired the brand’s Sport line, revealed earlier this year at the New York International Auto Show. On display will be the R8 LMS GT3, which shares half of its parts with the R8 street car, and the R8 LMS GT4, which shares more than 60 percent of its components with the R8 Coupe. Audi will also display the all-new RS 5 Coupe and the Sport quattro S1. This year happens to mark the 30th anniversary of Walter Röhrl’s record setting climb to the top of Pike’s Peak in the S1.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Audi of America, Inc.

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Letter From The UK: Car Production In Crisis

Letter From The UK: Car Production In Crisis As production thins from an ongoing Brexit debate, the future looks uncertain.
How will the auto industry in the UK weather the current storm; is there a silver lining?
Geoff Maxted of DriveWrite Automotive Magazine examines in this Letter From The UK.
With the industrial problems of the 20th Century long forgotten, it seemed as if Great Britain had secured a strong and burgeoning future for the car industry with the likes of Nissan, Toyota, and Honda among the foreign brands building cars in the UK. Alongside them are Mini, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Jaguar Land Rover and Vauxhall, despite this latter group being original British brands but now all foreign owned these days; but the cars are at least still made in Britain. Things were looking good and jobs seemed secure.
Then we had the Brexit vote.
Drop In Production: The Brexit Quagmire
Sadly our politicians and their European counterparts had other ideas. We are, like a man trapped in quicksand, now firmly stuck in the gloopy Brexit quagmire of confusion and uncertainty. It’s had a knock-on effect too: Official figures show UK car output fell 14 percent in March of this year. Only 126,195 cars were made. That’s the 10th consecutive monthly drop, thanks to the combined issues of a slowdown in foreign markets like China, and of course the Brexit insecurity, whether justified or not.
Not for the first time, the industry has repeated its warning that the sector stands to suffer a lot more if the country leaves the European Union without a deal, pointing to exports which account for nearly four out of every five cars made in Britain, being down by 13 percent. Further they predict output would fall in 2019 to 1.36 million vehicles from 1.52 million last year and that’s assuming, in their view – and, for balance, it is an opinion that is not universal – that some form of transitional deal with the EU is done.
Bentley employs over 4000 people at its Pyms Lane headquarters in Crewe, Cheshire. On average, it takes 130 hours to build a Bentley Bentayga (pictured here) and every vehicle on the production line undergoes a 500 to 650 point checklist before the final sign off. The Pyms Lane factory in Crewe has been the home of Bentley since 1946. Photo: Bentley Motors.
Continued Slowdown: One Hard April
April figures continued to show a decline across most sectors with registrations of the ever popular super-mini and small family car segments surprisingly low. Even zero-emission, plug-in hybrids experienced a significant decline. It has to be serious when the most popular vehicle types take a hit.
It wasn’t that long ago the motor industry was on track to produce two million new vehicles annually by 2020. That aim now seems impossible with our international reputation as a stable and attractive business environment undermined. Thus the forecast, should we rely on World Trade Organization rules which may include import tariffs when trading with the EU, is grim: a strong reduction in builds and the added consequence of damage to employment.
Of course, nobody really knows which way the pendulum will swing; the industry may ride out the storm, but from the cheap seats, it is not looking good.
Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Related: The Brexit debate is causing confusion for the automotive industry.
Waiting With Bated Breath
And so we wait, making sure not to hold our breath for a speedy resolution. The UK government has delayed the Brexit deadline until October to try and resolve this thorny issue. If our dithering politicians and the negotiators on the other side of the channel are to sort this out, then they need to pull a rabbit from the hat a bit sharpish. It is after all a matter of economics when you come down to it, and we can but hope they see it because it affects us all.
Questioning The Future
The British people have lost faith in their leaders. Major government sponsored projects like the North-South High-Speed Railway (known as HS2), the Crossrail metro in London, and even a new emergency radio system are delayed and way over budget. The level of incompetence at the top is staggering, yet they are blind to it all. No wonder the motor industry doesn’t know what to do next.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

Cover Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

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BMW, Intel, Mobileye, FCA Unite For Ambitious Autonomous Driving Initiative

BMW, Intel, Mobileye, FCA Unite For Ambitious Autonomous Driving Initiative

BMW Group, Intel, and Mobileye announced a signed memorandum of understanding with the intention for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) to be the first automaker to join them in developing a global, state-of-the-art autonomous driving platform. The three entities will leverage each other’s strengths, resources, and expertise to expand the autonomous platform’s technology, development, and market effectiveness.
Expertise & Support
FCA’s role in the venture is fairly extensive, as they will provide technical resources, engineering support, and insight to the North American market. FCA also brings their geographic reach to the table with the sales volume necessary to reach the car buying public. The trio will utilize the co-location of engineers in Germany and other areas worldwide for successful implementation.
Teamwork Mindset
Collaborations like these are becoming more common as a response to the challenges of automated driving. Recently, Volvo, Autoliv, and NVIDIA announced their plans to bring a Level 4 autonomous car to market by 2021. General Motors, in March of 2016, acquired Cruise Automation, a San Francisco, California company focused on autonomous driving programs and software. GM and Cruise Automation have been testing driverless Bolt EVs on public roads in San Francisco and Scottsdale, Arizona since June 2016; the companies recently began doing the same in Detroit, Michigan.
AutoSens, a global summit facilitating technical discussions on the future of vehicle perception technology, advocates and encourages collaboration. The next AutoSens event, beginning September 19th in Brussels, Belgium, will see some of the world’s most prominent engineers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and automotive professionals in one place addressing the challenges of automated driving.
“In order to advance autonomous driving technology, it is vital to form partnerships among automakers, technology providers, and suppliers,” said Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer, FCA. “Joining this cooperation will enable FCA to directly benefit from the synergies and economies of scale that are possible when companies come together with a common vision and objective.”
Earlier this year, FCA delivered 500 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans to Waymo to boost the tech company’s autonomous driving program. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Central Scale
In July, BMW Group, Intel, and Mobileye announced a partnership to make driverless vehicles a reality. The focus is on finding and implementing production solutions by 2021 for highly automated (Level 3) and fully automated vehicles (Levels 4 and 5). Developing a scalable architecture that can be used by multiple automakers, while still maintaining each manufacturer’s unique brand characteristics, is vital.
“The two factors that remain key to the success of the cooperation are uncompromising excellence in development, and the scalability of our autonomous driving platform,” said Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “With FCA as our new partner, we reinforce our path to successfully create the most relevant state-of-the-art, cross-OEM Level 3 to 5 solution on a global scale.”
“The future of transportation relies on auto and tech industry leaders working together to develop a scalable architecture that automakers around the globe can adopt and customize,” added Brian Krzanich, Chief Executive Officer, Intel.
Photo: BMW Group.
Open Invitations, Collective Efforts
BMW Group, Intel, Mobileye, and FCA, together with the recently announced development partners and system integrators, are inviting other automakers and technology suppliers to join them. The goal is the successful adoption of an autonomous driving platform that bolsters an industry-wide solution. Looking back, one could compare the implementation of crumple zones (Mercedes-Benz) and seat belts (Volvo) to these desires for an “industry-wide solution.”
Like crumple zones and seat belts, autonomous driving is an engineering and design concept ultimately focused on occupant safety with the intent of mass adoption. Just as crumple zones and seat belts work in conjunction with other passive safety systems, autonomous technology must act in a similar fashion.
“The combination of vision-intense perception and mapping, differentiated sensor fusion, and driving policy solutions will offer the highest levels of safety and versatility, in a cost-efficient package that will scale across all geographies and road settings,” said Professor Amnon Shashua, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer of Mobileye, an Intel Company, of the collaboration.
The high-strength steel architecture of the Chrysler Pacifica at the 2017 North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan. The individual colors correspond to different materials, including their grades and properties, used to manufacture the vehicle. Photo: Steel Market Development Institute.

Too Much, Too Soon?
The focus of the forthcoming autonomous world is, and should always remain on, consumer safety. Around the automotive industry, there are varying targets; some saying 2025, others 2020. This most recent collaboration between BMW Group, Intel, Mobileye, and FCA seems to hint at 2021. Either way, the industry targets for automated driving are soon; in other words, don’t say “it won’t happen in my lifetime.”
Despite crumple zones and seat belts being universal features, and advanced driver assistance systems being offered on more vehicles, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety data shows crashes claimed over 35,000 people in 2015. And while that figure is much lower than in 2005, the sheer number of fatalities, when compared to the relatively quick timelines given for automated driving, do require reflection and examination. On the surface, the ratio of fatalities to timelines looks out of balance. Indeed, rolling the whole system out too fast may hinder our otherwise noble objective of keeping drivers and passengers safe.
“Many of the leaders in this space have made a range of headline commitments to autonomous driving, but the industry still has a tremendous number of hurdles to overcome if those deadlines are to be met,” Tim Dawkins, an Autonomous Car Specialist with SBD Automotive, told us in June. “While the technologies are progressing rapidly, there are plenty of questions around liability, regulation, type approval, and infrastructure which are a long way from being resolved.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Sources: BMW Group, FCA US LLC.

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