Automotive

A Roundup of the 2018 North American International Auto Show

A Roundup of the 2018 North American International Auto Show
The 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is entering its final weekend in Detroit, Michigan. As always, it was full of big reveals, new technology, and outrageous concept vehicles. After following the extensive coverage of the show and digging into the biggest news, here are several of my takeaways and predictions for the year ahead.
Doubling Down On Trucks
In previous years, the flagship models of the Big Three (GM, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) have been members of the luxury car category. This year, the major truck reveals from these companies might indicate a plan to consider trucks the new domestic flagships for these brands.
The new Ford Ranger, returning for the first time since 2011, signifies Ford’s re-entry into the mid-size pickup market. It will come standard with automatic forward braking and a backup camera.
The 2019 redesigned Chevrolet Silverado includes wireless charging capabilities. The truck uses various weight-saving technologies to drop 450 lbs.
The new fifth-generation Ram 1500 is roomier and can be equipped with a 12-inch screen for its infotainment system.
The new models are in line with a recent trend toward more tricked out trucks, with all the latest tech bells and whistles. As we begin 2018, we can expect to see truck ownership be just as much about comfort and style as it is about power and functionality.
2019 Chevy Silverado High Country on display at NAIAS, Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan. Photo: Gino D’Orazio for Automoblog.net.
Less Focus On Autonomous Driving
Self-driving vehicles have been somewhat of an elephant in the room at auto shows in recent years. With NAIAS coming right on the heels of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where autonomous vehicle technology was a main focus, many industry experts were anxious to see what the big automotive companies had to say on the subject.
Despite the continued buzz around autonomous driving, many executives at NAIAS did not have much to say about it. Aside from GM’s reveal of a no-steering-wheel, no-pedals concept vehicle just before the show, there wasn’t much talk of self-driving cars. Many industry executives are adamant that much of the discussion on this subject is still conjecture, and they would rather spend time focusing on the development of conventional vehicles. In many ways, the show this year seemed to provide a refreshing break from all this speculation, and a return to vehicles as we have always known them.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan (middle) and Cobo Center General Manager Claude Molinari (right) meet with the workers responsible for setting up for NAIAS. Photo: NAIAS.
The Push For User-Friendly Infotainment
In 2018, passengers and drivers want to be connected on-the-go and new models at this year’s show revealed that more brands are ready to meet this demand. The broad category of “infotainment” systems has been growing in recent years. Lately, it seems to refer to any way to seamlessly connect a smartphone’s features to the vehicle. This includes music, maps, photos, and communication capabilities. As I mentioned before, the new Ram 1500 is adding a large screen to make these functions possible. BMW and Volkswagen are also among the brands making big moves in the infotainment direction.
However, some automakers seem to be running into a problem. With the speed at which smartphone technology changes these days, how can the car technology that integrates with our phones keep up? If the infotainment technology cannot upgrade with the phone it connects to, it can lead to a negative user experience. To combat this challenge, we can expect to see major automakers partner with tech companies. Several are already taking a head start on this front. For example, Ford and Nissan offer Amazon’s Alexa in some models and, in addition to BMW and Volkswagen, Toyota and Lexus are expected to add Alexa and Google Assistant capabilities to their vehicles.
2019 Ram 1500 – Uconnect 4C with 12-inch screen. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Big Reveals
For enthusiasts, the biggest part of NAIAS has always been about the highly-anticipated new models. For the most part, 2018 did not disappoint on this front. Among the big releases we had:
The 2019 Mercedes Benz G-Class received a modern upgrade while still keeping true to its iconic original design from 1979. Many are referring to the new G-Class as a “factory-produced” resto-mod.
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee debuted with changes to the face of the vehicle and has an option for a new turbocharged engine.
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, the latest version of VW’s most popular U.S. model, boasts better handling with the help of VW’s MBQ modular construction platform. Also included is a rearview camera, forward collision warning system, and Apple Car Play and Android Auto.
The 2019 Forte debuted as a larger version of Kia’s compact offering, with styling similar to the Stinger performance sedan. The biggest change to the new model is its continuously variable transmission, which replaces the six-speed automatic. It’s likely this change will improve the vehicle’s fuel economy.
A modern version of the iconic Ford Mustang Bullitt was on display, originally made popular by Steve McQueen in the 1968 film Bullitt. The new version features a V8 engine, six-speed manual-only transmission, and 12-inch LCD touchscreen – something that was certainly not in McQueen’s version!
The classic Ford Mustang Bullitt rolls out during NAIAS at the Cobo Center. Photo: NAIAS.
No-Shows
Notably absent from this year’s show was any mention of Chevrolet’s mid-engine Corvette, a model which many enthusiasts expected to be revealed in Detroit. Testing for the car has been spotted so the question remains as to when we’ll witness its grand debut. Mazda does not have a display this year at NAIAS and neither does Jaguar Land Rover. Volvo has a smaller setup when compared to years past and Brembo, who was present the last two years, did not have a display this year.
In Person
It will certainly be interesting to see how these trends develop throughout the coming year, and which new models are popular among consumers when they become available. NAIAS runs through Sunday the 28th at the Cobo Center, One Washington Boulevard, downtown Detroit. Ticket information for the public show and corresponding events can be found here; a list of daily activities can be found here; for anything else, the show’s official site is pretty easy to navigate.
Richard Reina is a Product Trainer at CARiD.com and lifelong automotive enthusiast.
Cover Photo: NAIAS.

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Toyota Announces New Partnership To Advance Automated Driving

Toyota Announces New Partnership To Advance Automated Driving

The Toyota Research Institute (TRI) has signed an agreement with GoMentum Station for the further development of autonomous vehicle technology. The testing will take place on the 5,000 acre autonomous vehicle proving grounds managed by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) in Concord, California. The CCTA facilitates and encourages what they call “collaborative partnerships” between automobile and OEM manufacturers, Tier 1 suppliers, technology companies, researchers, and public agencies, among others.
Working Together
This partnership announcement from TRI and CCTA is remarkably similar to a story we reported on last week in our home state of Michigan. Our recent experience in Brussels, Belgium at AutoSens further drove home the need for collaboration in the fields of vehicle perception technology and automated driving. While these two partnerships are relatively new, it’s encouraging to see entities in the automotive arena working together, particularity when it comes to something that will change society’s entire landscape. Driverless car advocates point to a massive drop in – and possibly the elimination of – traffic accidents and fatalities. TRI’s automated programs, Guardian and Chauffeur, are designed and engineered accordingly.
“The benefits of driverless technology are many, but the most important one is increased safety,” said Randy Iwasaki, Executive Director of CCTA. “The statistics are clear: lives will be saved by reducing a vehicle’s reliance on human drivers, and we are excited to see the progress TRI will make to perfect driverless and driver-aided technology at GoMentum Station.”
Double Vision
Under TRI’s Guardian approach, the driver still maintains control of the vehicle. Guardian is exactly what it sounds like: an advanced driver assistance system, keeping an eye out for potential collisions, and activating only when needed. It’s always present but not in the forefront until absolutely necessary, similar to how many active safety systems, like forward collision mitigation, work today. Chauffeur, on the other hand, is full automation. Like Guardian, Chauffeur is also exactly what it sounds like: every person is a passenger as the vehicle operates itself.
Guardian and Chauffeur are part of TRI’s Platform 2.1 research vehicle; the video below shows how the technology responds when things like roadway debris and stalled vehicles are encountered. Both systems use the same array of sensors and cameras along with a new, high-fidelity LIDAR system provided by Luminar.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Prime Location
TRI will use GoMentum Station for further road testing of Platform 2.1. The facility will allow for the evaluation of certain extreme driving events not yet ready for testing on public roads. TRI believes GoMentum’s varied terrain and real-life infrastructure like roads, bridges, tunnels, intersections, and parking lots provide the ideal environment. TRI’s close proximity (Los Altos, California) to GoMentum Station is an added bonus.
“The addition of GoMentum Station to TRI’s arsenal of automated vehicle test locations allows us to create hazardous driving scenarios for advancing capabilities of both Guardian and Chauffeur, and further develop our technology,” said Ryan Eustice, Vice President of Autonomous Driving, TRI.
“The city of Concord is very excited to welcome Toyota Research Institute and its autonomous technology to GoMentum Station,” added Concord Mayor, Laura Hoffmeister. “The city continues to serve the region as an autonomous technology hub, and we believe this partnership will continue to support economic growth and spur excitement for high-tech jobs in our community.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

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

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How Many Pumpkins Can You Stuff In A Chevy?

How Many Pumpkins Can You Stuff In A Chevy?

Halloween is always a fun time for families, especially when it comes to decorating. The pumpkin is, of course, the quintessential Halloween decoration and the subject of a new graphic from GMPartsOnline.net. The McAllen, Texas outfit has measured the cargo capacity of Chevy’s SUV lineup in pumpkins. Spoiler alert: the Suburban holds the most but the smaller SUVs fit more pumpkins than one might think. When comparing cargo capacity behind the last row of seats, Chevy’s small SUVs shine at the pumpkin patch.
Pumpkin Math
Yes, pumpkin math is a thing. The GMPartsOnline.net team devised this system, rather than loading each individual pumpkin. GMPartsOnline.net is one of the largest online retailers of GM parts and accessories, so it’s unlikely the team had the proper time to toss all those pumpkins around. Instead, they created “pumpkin math” which works like so:
The average, medium-sized Jack-O-Lantern breed is typically 9 to 10 inches tall, 7 to 10 inches around, and weighs an average of 14 pounds.
According to multiple pumpkin farmers, roughly 85 medium-size Jack-O-Lantern pumpkins will fit inside a standard, 36-inch bulk produce bin.
With a volume of 40 cubic feet in that 36-inch bin, it’s estimated there are 2.1 pumpkins per cubic foot of cargo space.
Small Surprises
When the pumpkin math was applied to each member of Chevy’s SUV family, there were a few surprises. Bigger does not always mean more storage space for pumpkins, especially in the cargo area behind the last row of seats. Here are the results:
2018 Trax – 18.7 cubic feet behind the 2nd row, which equals 39 pumpkins.
2018 Equinox – 29.9 cubic feet behind the 2nd row, which equals 63 pumpkins.
2018 Traverse – 23 cubic feet behind the 3rd row, which equals 48 pumpkins.
2018 Tahoe – 15.3 cubic feet behind the 3rd row, which equals 32 pumpkins.
2018 Suburban – 39.3 cubic feet behind the 3nd row, which equals 83 pumpkins.
“We thought it would be fun to use pumpkins to compare the cargo space behind the last row of seats for each new Chevy SUV,” explained Angel Vigil, Director of GMPartsOnline.net. “Imagine our surprise when we learned that the entry-level Chevy Trax can hold more pumpkins than a Tahoe.”
The Tahoe really threw us for a loop too. If you are doing some last minute pumpkin carving and own a Tahoe, it might have to stay in the garage. However, if you own a Trax, Equinox or Traverse, you are in good shape at the pumpkin patch.
“The Tahoe doesn’t have quite as much cargo capacity as the Trax when that third row seat is up, which means it is not the best choice for pumpkin hauling duty,” Vigil said. “The Suburban is the winner, but the Equinox is the surprise.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

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2018 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 1794 Edition Review

2018 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 1794 Edition Review
In a very competitive environment with the top-selling Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Nissan Titan, and Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra makes headway in catching the competition. Introduced for 2007, the current generation Tundra was revised for 2014, and gets some refreshing for 2018. While it needs a major overhaul, the Tundra still offers plenty of grunt and the luxury many truck buyers are looking for.
This week we drove the top-of-the-line, 2018 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 1794 Edition.
What’s New For 2018
The 2018 Tundra gets refreshed styling and Toyota’s Safety Sense driver assist package. The safety technology includes forward collision warning and mitigation, lane departure warning, auto high-beam control, and adaptive cruise control.
Features & Options
The 2018 Toyota Tundra Crewmax 1794 Edition ($50,130) comes loaded with standard features like foglights, variable intermittent windshield wipers, and an upgraded tech interface that includes a 7-inch touchscreen, HD and satellite radio, traffic information, and navigation. The CrewMax adds a power-opening rear window and an overhead console.
Up front it gets bucket seats, leather upholstery, an upgraded power driver’s seat, a power-adjustable passenger seat, a center console (with storage and console shifter), and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Our tester came with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, 20-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, movable tie-down cleats, and dual-zone climate control.
1794 Edition Features
At the top of the heap, the 1794 Edition comes with distinctive styling elements, LED daytime running lights, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, heated and ventilated front seats, driver-seat memory functions, and a 12-speaker JBL sound system.
Our 1794 Edition tester came with the optional TRD Off-Road package adding 18-inch TRD wheels, off-road tires, trail-tuned shock absorbers, skid plates, and tow hooks (included with 1794 Edition). Other features included the power moonroof ($850), TRD performance exhaust ($1,100), and TRD rear sway bar ($299). Total MSRP including destination: $54,892.

Interior Highlights
Tundra’s seats are big and roomy, but we thought they could use a bit more cushioning. Controls are large, logically arranged, and easy to figure out. We could even change the radio station without the owner’s manual. The center console is huge and perfect for working in the field because it can easily hold a laptop. A laptop computer will fit perfectly on the console as well.
This 1794 Edition came with brown leather seats with cream-colored stitching, and wood trim on the dash, door panels, steering wheel, and gear shifter. It also featured special 1794 floor mats front and back.
The big CrewMax offers seating for five with leg space for taller riders in every seat. The backseats fold up easily with one pull of the handle, opening up to a large cargo area that’s ready to carry those bigger work items. Toyota listened and opted for the folding seats over the tilt and recline feature. Now you can carry tools or other valuable items you’d prefer to have inside and not leave exposed in the open bed.

Engine, Towing, & Fuel Mileage Specs
A 5.7-liter V8 engine developing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft. of torque is standard on the Limited, Platinum, 1794, and TRD Pro trims. All Tundras equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 come with a standard tow package and a larger 38-gallon gas tank. It was more than ready to tow up to its rated 10,500 lbs. This tester also came equipped with a 4:30 axle ratio, engine and transmission coolers, and an HD battery and alternator.
EPA fuel economy estimates are 13/17 city/highway and 14 combined with 4WD.
Driving Dynamics
The first thing we noticed after getting behind the wheel was the throaty exhaust note. The optional TRD performance dual exhaust system brings the 5.7-liter V8 to life. We found ourselves jumping hard on the accelerator this week just to hear the sound inside the cabin. The 5.7-liter V8 impresses, thanks its generous torque output and smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission.
We had a snow storm hit the mountains this week and shifted from 2H to 4H with the knob on the Tundra’s dash. The 4W Demand 4WD system instantly shifted into action and we never lost traction as we moved from dry pavement to a snow-covered highway in less than a few miles. On the open road, Tundra gives the driver a feeling of confidence and security in the extreme elements with its size, commanding view of the road, and all-terrain winter tires. We had no problem passing slower traffic that was having more difficulty with the slick roads.
Ride quality is reasonably comfortable, though rough pavement and the dirt roads leading to our house produced impacts beyond the normal range. During our urban driving, the Tundra handled well in heavy city traffic. The rear backup camera came in handy as we parked the long CrewMax in a tight parking space.
Conclusion
The 2018 Toyota Tundra CrewMax is a capable full-size pickup, and when equipped with the TRD Off-Road package, can deliver in a big way for those using it for hunting, camping, and boating trips. The 1794 Edition adds an extra level of comfort beyond the ordinary and the new safety tech gives greater security on the road.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Toyota Tundra Gallery

Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Tundra Limited also shown (red photos).

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Letter From The UK: Winning Over The Electric Car Skeptics

Letter From The UK: Winning Over The Electric Car Skeptics
The citizens of Great Britain are, to say the least, a skeptical lot. Tell them white is white and they will question how many shades of gray that includes. Tell them their borders are safe from invasion and watch the barricades appear in the streets like scenes from Les Miserables. Offer them a fair choice and they will ask what the catch is. Not that they’re all like that of course; some of them are true cynics.
Slow & Steady
Thus, when they are told electric vehicles are The New Big Automotive Thing, the best reaction you will get from them is “we’ll see,” possibly with an added snort of derision. In short, the take up of electric cars has been slow for all the reasons we now know, including range anxiety and the lack of fast-charging.
It is a fact, however, that the rate of purchase for electric cars is increasing, albeit slowly. Some of the cars are very good indeed and really quite fun, but unless your driving is confined to a local area or short journeys generally, they just don’t measure up. Under no circumstances will we Brits undertake a long trip and be content to sit in a car park for an hour or more just to get a battery boost.
Sales of EVs are not helped by the charging issue. They simply do not top up quickly enough even if you are lucky to find an unoccupied charger or one not broken down, and there’s a lot of those. This really is a scenario where the cart has been put before the horse and it has had a detrimental effect on sales, no matter how otherwise excellent the cars are.
Powering The Future
So that problem continues to be ongoing. It does appear there is a slow improvement although the vacillations of politicians continually hold the entrepreneurial go-getting spirit back. They want us in electric cars and then fail to aid the process. Where have we heard that before?
Fortunately, the automotive industry persists. 2018 is likely to bring many new automotive innovations to the fore along with some striking new electric and hybrid cars (thankfully, for the old school road warrior, also a couple of V8 road monsters like the new Bentley Bentayga V8. Boom! Get this dust in your batteries Mr. Electric).
At the recent global CES (Consumer Technology Association) conference, some technological advances were presented by car makers. Hyundai is introducing a fuel cell vehicle with autonomous features, for example, and Kia was featuring a new, all-electric concept that demonstrated the brand’s future. There is, however, one new development, years in the planning, that is likely to change the electric car market, and also possibly change the mind of UK car buyers, even cynics like me.
At CES 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada, Hyundai revealed the Nexo, an entirely new fuel cell EV, complete with an array of advanced driver assistance systems to expand on for automated driving. Hyundai called it the “technological flagship” of their growing eco-vehicle portfolio. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
In-Wheel Power
Electric hub motors within the wheels are really here. It’s the coming thing and it seems rightly inevitable this is the way forward for pure electric drive. It is entirely true the concept is not new, but that it is now proven to work is the point. A British-based company (Hurrah! Ain’t dead yet World!) has spent the last eight years designing and developing a unique and very versatile in-wheel electric drive system for hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric light-duty vehicles. The system can, they say, improve vehicle fuel economy, add torque, increase power, and improve the handling of both new and, crucially, existing vehicles. This indicates no absolute need to necessarily develop brand new models to fit the technology.

I’ll Let Jennifer Aniston Take Over (Joke for TV addicts)
Here’s the science bit: This fully-integrated, direct-drive solution combines in-wheel motors with an integrated inverter, control electronics, and software – no separate large, heavy, and costly inverter is required. Each motor fits easily in the unused space behind a conventional 18 to 24-inch wheel that can, cleverly, use the original equipment wheel bearing. The system, I have learned, reduces part count, complexity, and cost. There is no need to integrate traditional drivetrain components such as external gearing, transmissions, driveshafts, axles, and differentials.
The developer says each motor can produce 81kW, equivalent to 109 bhp, and thus presumably, a basic two-wheel-drive electric car could conceivably produce peak power of 218 bhp and a huge woosh of torque. Put that in your toy city car millennials!

But Does It really Work?
Yes, is the short answer. It has been tested successfully in a Volkswagen Golf although not without issues it has to be said. With the extra weight in the wheels, the vehicle’s drive dynamics change. To counter this, the suspension of the test car was tuned by an independent vehicle dynamics expert. This was shown to work and the additional unsprung weight was handled successfully. The test car was made to handle as well as a standard model. The effect on tire wear was not mentioned and I do wonder about that.
As with any automotive advance, I have doubts it will be plain sailing, but this does seem, to me, to be a worthwhile new development in the advancement of the electric car. The potential for simplified drivetrains and some real enthusiast levels of performance, with both two and four-wheel drive vehicles, is clear.
Sure, it’s expensive right now, but once rolling as it were, further development and economies of scale will solve that problem. With the much-vaunted advances from Ernst Stavro Blofeld and his henchmen at Tesla, and elsewhere in battery and charging technology, it may well mean the electric car will soon make sense for all drivers. If that’s the case you can count me in.
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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Infiniti Showcases SUVs & New Engine Tech In Houston

Infiniti Showcases SUVs & New Engine Tech In Houston Infiniti will showcase their refreshed SUV lineup at the Huston Auto Show in Houston, Texas through the end of the week. Attendees will be able to see, sit in, and receive more information on Infiniti’s entire line of SUVs and crossovers, although it’s likely the 2019 QX50 and 2018 QX80 will be the most popular. Both feature entirely new designs and technologies for their respective model years.
2019 QX50
The 2019 QX50 was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November with the first production-ready variable compression ratio engine. Named the “Infiniti VC-Turbo,” the 2.0-liter engine can adjust its compression ratio for better power and efficiency. The compression ratio is altered through an advanced multi-link system, continuously raising or lowering the reach of the pistons. Infiniti says this technology offers the power of a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, and the torque and efficiency of a four-cylinder diesel.
Infiniti spent about 20 years perfecting variable compression; expect the 2019 QX50 in showrooms later this year.
2019 Infiniti QX50. Photo: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.
2018 QX80
Those who require a larger machine can opt for the QX80, Infiniti’s flagship SUV. The vehicle made its global debut during the 2017 Dubai International Motor Show in November. Infiniti says it was built to meet the needs of today’s luxury buyers, and introduces a more modern interpretation of upscale luxury to the full-size SUV segment. Such luxury features include handcrafted interior surfaces, numerous ergonomic improvements, perforated and quilted leather for the armrests, door panels and seats, and the extensive use of soundproofing materials.
The 5.6-liter V8 creates 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft. of torque, and powers either the rear or both axles, the latter being known as “All-Mode 4WD.” Drivers can customize the four-wheel drive system via a dial on the center console. Infiniti says this provides four-wheel traction when conditions require and off-road capability when the driver demands. The 2018 QX50 is available now.
2018 Infiniti QX80. Photo: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.
In Person
The 2018 Houston Auto Show runs January 24 through the 28th at the NRG Center, One NRG Park, Houston, Texas. Or right next to the old Astrodome. The Houston Auto Show is the largest of its kind in the southern United States and spans over 800,000 square feet of the NRG Center. Over 30 different automakers are expected in the house, with some offering free test drives just outside the doors of the event.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Source: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd., Houston Auto Show.

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Turf & Terrain: SUVs & Footballs Have Something In Common

Turf & Terrain: SUVs & Footballs Have Something In Common The Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots will square off in Super Bowl LII on Sunday, February 4th. At first glance, it may not seem like SUVs and game day balls have much in common, but believe it or not, there is an aerodynamic science to both. In advance of the big game, GMC and Wilson Sporting Goods gave us some insight into how SUVs and footballs are both influenced by aerodynamic design.
In The Tunnel
When it comes to the 2018 GMC Terrain, engineers spend more than 300 hours in the wind tunnel to refine the vehicle’s exterior. The process is extensive and involves balancing aerodynamics, functionality, and the brand’s specific design language. For example, the Terrain’s lifted stance exhibits the automaker’s said design language, but it also means more air will flow under the vehicle. This additional, unwanted air will pressurize the chassis components, increasing aerodynamic drag and lowering efficiency.
GMC’s engineers use testing and simulation to craft features that effectively guide air to the back of the vehicle. In the case of the 2018 GMC Terrain, aerodynamic modifications give the vehicle an EPA-estimated 26 combined mpg for AWD models, an increase of three mpg when compared to the previous generation.
“Reducing the aerodynamic drag of an SUV is always a challenge,” said Alicia Bidwell, GMC Aerodynamic Engineer. “The styling that you can see – and the mechanical components that you can’t – work together in perfect aerodynamic harmony.”
Photo: GMC.
On The Field
In a similar sense, aerodynamics are an essential part of game day footballs. Although the typical football is quite different from the average SUV, the Wilson team uses computational fluid dynamics, similar to how vehicle engineers do, when designing the perfect football.
“Many look at our NFL football and see it as a simple object, however, the amount of engineering, particularly in the area of aerodynamics, that has gone into the ball is pretty extraordinary,” said Daniel Hare, Aerodynamics Research Engineer, Advanced Innovation, Wilson Sporting Goods.
Wilson’s researchers have enhanced the shape of NFL footballs to match today’s more passing-centered game. Aerodynamic properties like velocity, direction of motion, and spin rate are analyzed and studied, meaning when your favorite quarterback let’s it loose on Sunday, the ball flies through the air in a more streamlined fashion. The leather pattern and height of the laces are designed to increase laminar airflow, otherwise known as airflow that is smooth and consistent with as little turbulence as possible.
“Every millimeter of the football has been designed to maximize the airflow around it,” Hare explained. “We can extend its flight, reduce drag, and help maintain stability as much as possible.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Photo & Source: GMC.

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Nissan NV200 Adds New Features For 2018

Nissan NV200 Adds New Features For 2018

Nissan has announced the U.S. pricing and new features for their NV200 Compact Cargo van. Upgrades for 2018 include a standard RearView Monitor, a 5-inch color audio display, USB connection interface, Bluetooth capability, and hands-free text messaging. Starting MSRP for the NV200 is $21,780 for the S trim, with the SV grade coming in at $22,780.
Nissan says the 2018 NV200 Compact Cargo van has a number of packages so owners can tailor the vehicle to their specific business needs.
Power & Performance
The NV200’s 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine creates 131 horsepower and returns an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in city, 26 on the highway, and 25 combined. The engine is paired with the next generation of Nissan’s Xtronic transmission. Nissan promises a small turning radius for easy parking and better overall maneuverability.
Versatility & Capacity
Nissan has designed a passenger seat that doubles as a work table when folded down. There are multiple mounting points to allow for the upfitting of various racks and bins.
Availability & Warranty
The 2018 Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo van is available now. The vehicle comes with a basic limited and powertrain warranty of 5 years or 100,000 miles.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Photos & Source: Nissan North America.

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Automoblog Book Garage: Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman

Automoblog Book Garage: Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman

In one of his last roles, actor Paul Newman voiced the Doctor of Internal Combustion, aka Doc Hudson. The character was fitting for the thespian, who was a successful and respected racer and team owner in his time. When I was putting myself through school working at the local Fareway, I discovered Newman’s Own salsa and never looked back. In 2002, I must have watched Road to Perdition a dozen times; of all his roles, John Rooney is my favorite, although Frank Galvin and Luke Jackson make the list too.
Special Bonds
When he was 70, Newman entered the 24 Hours of Daytona and would end up racing until he was 82. In Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman we see the beginnings of his racing career at an age when most have long retired. The book details the Newman Haas era of drivers, the actor’s love of all things motorized, from trucks to hybrids, and the back and forth shenanigans he enjoyed with Robert Redford.
Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman shares a similar resemblance to a book we featured in this series on Steve McQueen. Both McQeen and Newman had a deep love for cars, and these Motorbooks’ titles do a wonderful job illustrating that.
Authors
Matt Stone is the former Executive Editor of Motor Trend and has been a working, professional automotive journalist and photographer since 1985. He is the author and photographer of multiple Motorbooks’ titles, including My First Car, 365 Cars You Must Drive, and McQueen’s Machines, featured in the above link.
Preston Lerner, a regular contributor to Automobile Magazine, has written about Motorsports for Sports Illustrated and The New York Times among others. In addition to this book on Newman, Lerner co-authored History’s Greatest Automotive Mysteries, Myths, and Rumors Revealed with Stone, also published by Motorbooks.
Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman is available through Amazon and Motorbooks. The book was later made into a documentary of the same name and directed by Adam Carolla.
Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman Gallery

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