Automotive

Hey Elon: Say Hello To The Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo

Hey Elon: Say Hello To The Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo When it comes to EVs, Teslas are the top-of-the-line, right? They’re the benchmark, or so goes the conventional wisdom. And that also goes a long way to explain that smile often seen on Elon Musk’s face. Well, the new Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo is here to dim that smile a little, if not wipe it off completely.
For a while now, Porsche has been talking trash at Tesla, implying, if not outright stating that Tesla doesn’t understand performance and how to combine it with efficiency. They seem to suggest Teslas are little more than toys and not real cars. ‘Just wait until you see a Porsche EV. You’ll see how off you really are.’
And now, at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show, here it is: the new Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo.
X Marks The Spot
Porsche calls it an electrically-powered “Cross-Utility Vehicle” and it effectively squares off against the Tesla Model X, and by extension, any other crossover out there. The Mission E Cross Turismo is designed for active lifestyle individuals with an all-wheel drive system that easily handles varied weather conditions. The interior offers plenty of cargo space and an exterior mounting system for larger stuff like surfboards or bicycles. The four-seater features a new display and control concept with touchscreens and eye tracking.
It uses an 800-volt fast-charging system and can also be charged via induction or a charging dock, and integrates with a Porsche home energy management system.
Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo on display at the 88th Annual Geneva International Motor Show.
Exterior Design
Yes, Porsche calls it a Cross-Utility Vehicle, but it looks sort of like a big station wagon with a slight lift kit. It has the Matrix Design LED headlights found on other Porsches, and even the four-point daytime running lights seen on their race cars. The off-road design elements are seen in the rugged wheel arches and door sills, the front spoiler and rear fascia, and the improved ground clearance. The side skirts go for an off-road look and the 20-inch wheels with big 275/40 R20 tires also help.
There’s a flow-through roof spoiler with a full-length light strip and the large panoramic glass roof extends from the windshield to the tailgate.
Interior Treatments
The interior features a fresh take on the classic Porsche design elements. The instrument panel emphasizes the width of the Mission E Cross. The dashboard has a clear horizontal arrangement with a wide display for both the driver and front passenger. The instrument cluster is curved and angled toward the driver, and is free-standing with three circular display fields shown on TFT screens.
Other interior design elements include visible lightweight structures in the dashboard and seats reminiscent of racing buckets with illuminated Porsche lettering. Anodized trim pieces in Nordic Blue around the air vents and the window switches provide a nice contrast to the black Aniline and Light Grey two-tone interior.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America.
Power & Performance
Now, about that powertrain. There are two synchronous electric motors with a total system output of over 600 horsepower (440 kW). That’s good enough to accelerate the Mission E Cross Turismo to 62 mph in less than 3.5 seconds and to 124 mph in under 12 seconds. The all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring is demand-controlled and automatically distributes torque to the individual wheels.
“This performance is in addition to a continuous power level that allows for multiple launches in succession without losing performance, which is unprecedented among electric vehicles,” reads a statement from Porsche. Although they might as well have added, “Try doing that with your one-shot ‘ludicrous mode’ Elon!” Ouch.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America.
Availability & In Person
Curiously, Porsche does not mention the weight, or the battery design and placement. I’d like to know more about that. Below is a handy chart with the specs we do know. For the time being, it’s on display at the Geneva International Motor Show until the 18th. The production-version Mission E Cross Turismo will make its world premiere next year.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo Technical Information
Propulsion
Two permanently excited synchronous motors
Electric Motor Output
600 hp / 440 kW
Drive Type
Demand-Controlled All-Wheel Drive
Acceleration (0-100 kmh)
3.5 seconds
Acceleration (0-200 kmh)
< 12 seconds
Length
194.8 inches
Width
78.3 inches
Vehicle Height
55.9 inches
Wheel size
20 inch
Tire size
274/40 R20
Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo Gallery

Photos & Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

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This Nissan Titan Is A Giant BBQ Grill On Wheels. No. Seriously.

This Nissan Titan Is A Giant BBQ Grill On Wheels. No. Seriously. The only way this could get more ‘Murican is if it was being shot out of a t-shirt cannon by a scantily clad energy drink model into the stands of a monster truck rally while Grand Funk Railroad’s We’re An American Band discharged from the PA system at ear-bleeding decibels. “This” is a full-size pickup truck that comes with its own bar-b-que. Let me break that down for you into the important parts: Full-size. pickup truck. bar-b-que.
The irony here is that it’s a Nissan.
There’s an old saying: If you want to learn something about America, ask a foreigner. It’s amazing how much we don’t know about our own country, and even more embarrassing what we choose to actively ignore about it (see: Native Americans, genocide of; slavery, role in Civil War; etc.). So, like I said, leave it to a foreigner, in this case a Japanese manufacturer, to point this out to us in the most bodacious, cool, boss, and, let’s face it, most American way possible.
Nissan is debuting the world’s first fully integrated in-truck-bed smoker and mobile kitchen – a modified 2018 Titan XD King Cab dubbed “Smokin’ TITAN.” Photo: Nissan North America.
Even The Kitchen Sink
The fact that someone hasn’t done this before (and if they have, I’d be surprised that I missed it, so deep is my addiction to bar-b-que) is beyond me. The fact that an American truck company hasn’t done it before is a national humiliation. This, this would be the perfect thing to have at a tailgate party before the big game. Family gatherings? The perfect thing. 4th of July? The perfect thing. You get the picture.
This, to finally get to the point, is the Smokin’ TITAN! Unabashedly and accurately called by Nissan: “The ultimate tailgating and barbecuing pickup truck.” It is a full-size TITAN (all caps baby!) with a custom flatbed, built-in smoker, and fully functional mobile kitchen, including the kitchen sink. Or, at least attached to the trailer hitch.
Nissan just rolled the beast out during this year’s Geneva International Motor Show-I’m sorry, they actually just showed it at the 2018 Work Truck Show in Indianapolis (the largest work truck event in North America). But man, I’d pay real money to see the reactions if they had rolled this out in Switzerland. Shoot, I bet it would have violated several Swiss laws, not to mention that I bet the American Heart Association and vegetarians everywhere are looking at the Smokin’ TITAN like it’s a bug that must be squashed.
Photo: Nissan North America.
Cooking With Crisco
It all started out with a literal, run-of-the-mill stock Titan XD King Cab right from the Canton, Mississippi factory floor. Onto the Titan XD’s broad, metal shoulders was lumped all sorts of BBQ-related gear, starting with a custom CM Truck Beds aluminum flatbed. This allowed space for three food prep stations each featuring a Partner Steel aluminum double burner prep stove, alongside a Churrasco Brazilian Wood cutting board. There’s even a custom, Teton Steel on-board 24×24 sink with a water storage system.
Or, if cold storage is more of a priority, the sink and water system can be swapped for a Yeti Cooler. Since Titans have flat load floors, and that second row of seats in the King Cab, Nissan saw fit to include an ARB 50-quart Fridge Freezer with a custom spice rack.
Attached to the hitch of the Smokin’ TITAN is a B&S Custom trailer made from another Titan XD’s factory bed. Aesthetically, it works great. Culinarily, how could this possibly go wrong? The Smokin’ TITAN bed-trailer features two truck boxes as lockable dry storage for your smoker pellets and wood chips, which sit conveniently on either side of the smoker. A B&S Customizing sliding tray was designed to easily move the smoker in and out of the bed, and to support the Lang BBQ Smoker and Char Grill. For those heartbreaking times when the smoker is not in use, the whole trailer can be locked down with a steel Diamondback SE Tonneau cover.
The Smokin’ TITAN spices things up with an IF Signs Custom Flame wrap, 20-inch ICON Alloy Alpha wheels, and Nitto Terra Grappler tires. Photo: Nissan North America.
Availability
Is Nissan actually going to make a bunch of these ‘Smokin’ TITANs? Are you crazy? The liability release forms would take weeks to fill out, not to mention the sign offs you’d have to get from your team of cardiologists. So no, you can’t just go out and buy one. You can, however, always go out and buy your own bar-b-que. Which I highly recommend.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.

Photos & Source: Nissan North America.

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2019 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van: One Size Fits Most

2019 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van: One Size Fits Most The new Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van just hit the public eye at The Work Truck Show in Indianapolis. It comes with new driver-assist technologies, two new drivetrains, and aims to keep up the Transit Connect’s reputation as being the best-selling compact cargo van in America.
Safety & Convenience Technology
The 2019 Transit Connect is covered with driver-assist technologies – it actually has the most in the segment, according to Ford. There’s Automatic Emergency Braking, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Side Wind Stabilization, and a Rearview Camera all standard. The optional safety features are just as impressive: Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping System, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
And, since everybody today is connected and has a smartphone, there’s a standard embedded 4G LTE modem that provides Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices, and an available 6.5-inch floating touchscreen running SYNC 3 to help you while taking customer calls or navigating hands-free to job sites.
Wireless phone charging is available for the 2019 Transit Connect Van. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Management Tools
FordPass is on board to help monitor small fleets, including such data points as driver location, fuel level, and tire pressure. The MyKey programmable ignition is standard on Transit Connect XLT, so owners and fleet administrators can preset warnings and limits for vehicle speed, but also restrict the entertainment system’s audio to 45 percent of the maximum volume.
Power & Performance
Ford likes to say that there are powertrains to fit every need when it comes to the 2019 Transit Connect Cargo Van. In fact, there are three different engines capable of running on five different types of fuels, so businesses have many choices when it comes to finding the right engine.
There’s a standard and new 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with Auto Start-Stop and direct-injection. This plant is paired with a new eight-speed automatic for responsive around-town performance and low-rpm cruising on the highway. The 2.0-liter inline four is also E85 compatible and comes with a standard heavy-duty battery, and an available heavy-duty alternator if your job requires it.
There is also a new 1.5-liter EcoBlue diesel engine sporting an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of at least 30 mpg on the highway. This new diesel engine combines the latest in Ford’s fuel injection, turbocharging, and emission control tech, and is fitted with the eight-speed automatic transmission. If you’re a heavy fleet user, there is also a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic and CNG/propane package available.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Cargo Capacity
But what about your stuff? This is a van after all, so it better be functional and capable when it comes to handling loads. Ford says the Transit Connect is a modern-day workhorse, and I am not about to doubt them. Although Ford did not provide us with exact capacity specs, they do say you can load a 48-inch pallet via forklift with ease thanks to the 180-degree, swing-out rear doors. And the doors can be locked in the open position, which is great news if you have to load and unload on a hill, for instance.
With a 38.3-foot turning diameter and shorter wheelbase, the 2019 Transit Connect should be able to handle tight city streets with ease. The Transit Connect will also tow 2,000 lbs. when you get the available tow package, so that’s handy too. Finally, there are dual sliding side doors (ideal for tight urban environments) and near-vertical walls inside with integrated tie-downs.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Add-Ons & Modifications
And since this is a work van aimed at the fleet market, the Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van is as customizable as they come. There is already substantial support from aftermarket upfitters and suppliers for interior cargo management solutions as well as adding stuff like ladders and roof racks. Ford says it doesn’t matter what your business is, from mobile dog grooming to pipefitting, the Transit Connect Cargo Van can be kitted out to meet your needs with ease.
Availability
So what you’ll end up with is a smaller van that delivers great competence and a compact footprint with city-friendly maneuverability. The new Transit Connect is great for small businesses and fleet administrators trying to “right-size” their vehicles. The 2019 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van goes on sale this fall at more than 3,000 Ford dealers nationwide, including more than 650 dedicated Commercial Vehicle Center dealers.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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2017 Ford F-150 Raptor China Bound

Shipments of the all-new 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor are headed across the ocean to China. It’s the first time an F-Series truck built in the United States has been officially exported to China. Each model exported is a four-door SuperCrew configuration, with a high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine and Ford-built 10-speed automatic transmission.

“Export to China enables us to bring a new group of enthusiasts into the Ford family,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford President, The Americas.

The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor was engineered for the most extreme off-road situations, and is uniquely at home in rocky, rough, or otherwise desolate terrain. The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor features a military-grade, high-strength, aluminum-alloy cab and composite body. An advanced six-mode Terrain Management System helps the truck climb over the most brutal spots on the map, like the Baja and Gobi Desert.

A Ford Performance-engineered high-strength steel frame with custom Fox Racing shocks allow for better ground clearance. BFGoodrich off-road tires and a dual-performance exhaust add to the Raptor’s presence. For customers in China, the truck’s reputation has proceeded itself.

“Ford is one of America’s top exporters, and F-150 Raptor’s appeal and unmatched off-road performance has earned the truck a loyal following around the globe,” Hinrichs said.

David Schoch, Ford Group Vice President and President, Ford Asia Pacific, noted the blue oval’s commitment to offer a wide range of vehicles for customers in China.

“Raptor’s unique looks and capability have generated amazing buzz at every auto show we’ve brought it to around China,” he said.

The 2017 F-150 Raptor, built at the Dearborn Truck Plant, is one of more than twelve new Ford Performance vehicles coming by 2020. The Ford Performance line up includes the Focus RS, Shelby GT350, Shelby GT350R, and the fastest Ford on record, the new GT.

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

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company

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Honda Serving Up Food For Super Bowl Weekend

To my mind, there are two kinds of Super Bowl ads. There are the kind that define your product and make a lasting impact (e.g. Apple’s 1984 Macintosh ad), and then there are the ads that are so bizarre you lose 87% of the viewers and no one even knows what your product is (e.g. that puppy/monkey/baby nightmare).

Honda, for some reason, went with option #2.

Right off the bat, Honda says this in their press release: “Upgraded,” exclusive Tasty recipes served up by Amazon Prime Now, courtesy of the all-new Honda CR-V.”

That’s not a sentence, is it? No. That’s got to be some Dadaist poetry recently uncovered in Kurt Schwitters old papers, right? Seriously, you can rearrange the words and it still doesn’t make much sense. What, did the Honda ad agency guys smoke a huge amount of kif and say, “you know whose ads I like? The ones with Matthew McConaughey just kinda driving around and mumbling. Let’s do something like that. It’d be far out.”

Food & Football

This is a cross-marketing thing between Honda, Amazon, and BuzzFeed; a synergistic tie-in between all three companies where, if it all works out, everyone gets ad time, starts conversations, and makes more money.

Honda points out how the completely redesigned and reengineered 2017 Honda CR-V will make its television debut during this weekend’s big game. So, to help sear the car into the memories of potential buyers, Honda came up with “The Upgrade Presented by Honda.” It’s always in quotes like that, because it’s the title of this whole co-promotion thing between Honda, Amazon, and BuzzFeed.

You know, like “Darby O’Gill and The Little People,” a Disney/David Lynch co-production.

Wait, it gets even more surreal. “The Upgrade Presented by Honda” aspires to make extraordinary memories even more unforgettable by “giving fans access to unique versions of their favorite football recipes, delivered to their doorstep, all compliments of the Honda CR-V.”

No. I’m not kidding.

“Super Bowl Sunday is one of the most celebrated events of the year, and Honda wants to make game day food part of the memorable experiences for family and friends,” said Susie Rossick, Assistant Vice President, Honda Auto Marketing.

BuzzFeed has a global food network called Tasty, so that’s their contribution to all this marketing speak/ad pitch. So, you, as either a football fan, a Honda CR-V fan, an Amazon fan, or a fan of food can watch the Tasty videos at an Amazon-based website. If you like what you’re seeing, you can click through to order the ingredients for the recipe from Amazon Prime Now and they will provide free, one-hour delivery of said ingredients, compliments the Honda CR-V.

“For the first time ever, thanks to Honda, the ingredients for the exclusive Tasty recipes can be delivered to consumers via Amazon Prime,” said Lee Brown, Chief Revenue Officer, BuzzFeed.

Tailgating Pleasures

But what are the recipes? “The Upgrade Presented by Honda” mentions only two: Guacamole Cannoli and Cookies & Cream Empanada. And really nothing says “All American Game of Violence and Ground Acquisition Punctuated by Committee Meetings” like Guacamole Cannoli and Cookies & Cream Empanada.

And you’d think that would be it. One bad trip, and then you’d never have to deal with it again. But no. Honda advises “The Upgrade” will return for Valentine’s Day with exclusive “romantic-inspired” Tasty recipes like No Bake Chocolate Raspberry Tarts and Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken. But I’ll deal with that when Marlow and I get back from our boat trip up the Congo River to have lunch with Mr. Kurtz.

Waiter! Check please!

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.

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2017 Ford Escape SE 4WD 2.0L Review

Small SUVs and crossovers are the hottest segment in America and here’s one families will want to check out. Ford gave the popular Escape crossover some updates for 2017, and we saw why families should take a look. It offers refreshed styling, sporty handling, and upgraded power.

Recently, we drove the 2017 Ford Escape SE 4WD, with the newly-modified 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.

What’s New For 2017

The 2017 Ford Escape gets freshened with revised front styling, some minor interior improvements, and a newly available 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The modified 2.0-liter engine makes a bit more power. There are also new available infotainment and safety features for 2017.

Features & Options

We drove the 2017 Ford Escape SE 4WD 2.0L ($26,850) that came with a new engine, nicer wheels, and a ten-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. It also came standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a keyless entry keypad, rear privacy glass, dual-zone automatic climate control, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, rear air vents, a rear center armrest, and satellite radio.

Optional Packages

The SE Technology package ($1,395) added LED daytime running lights, roof rails, rear parking sensors, a 110-volt household-style power outlet, the upgraded Sync 3 technology interface (including an 8-inch touchscreen), a nine-speaker sound system with dual USB ports, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The SE Leather Comfort package ($1,595) added leather upholstery and heated front seats.

The EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbo engine added $1,295. Also available is a hands-free power lift gate ($495).

Total MSRP of our tester, including destination: $33,020.

Interior Highlights

The upgraded leather seats may seem like a luxury, but we can’t speak highly enough of this optional feature. The front seats are so comfy, you will think you are in your family room recliner, they are that soft. The rest of the interior is stylish and modern with a two-tone color scheme. There’s lots of soft-touch materials throughout and the quality is first rate for a non-luxury crossover.

The Escape features Ford’s Sync Connect, enabling remote access to the car’s functions via smartphone. The sound system, climate control, and other vehicle systems are easy to understand and use, unlike many new vehicle technologies.

There’s a generous amount of space inside, considering the raked roofline that can limit headroom. Rear headroom is surprisingly good, and even though Ford says the Escape is a five-seater, there’s realistically just enough space for two adults to fit comfortably. When you need extra cargo room, the seats fold flat easily with a convenient handle located on the side of the rear seat. Folded flat, there is 68 cubic feet of cargo space.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs

This Escape tester came with the optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, developing 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels.

With all-wheel-drive, it gets an EPA estimated 20/27 city/highway and 23 combined.

Driving Dynamics

The Escape’s new EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbo is the engine to get in our opinion. It does cost an additional $1,295, but it’s worth it if you want a little extra performance. We drove through Colorado’s high-country, and the turbo makes quick work of the thin air. It had plenty of power as we continued up I-70 into the mountains west of Denver.

The Ford EcoBoost engine comes mated to a very capable 6-speed automatic transmission that is a fine match for the turbo’s extra power range. It has smooth shifts and is programmed for a good mix of acceleration and fuel mileage. We also had paddle shifters, making it more engaging for driving enthusiasts in the family.

We thought the Escape had engaging driving dynamics and was sportier than most small crossovers on the market, except for the Mazda3. The Escape offers up crisp steering, responsive handling, and good body control in the tight mountain corners. It delivered a smooth ride on the open road and soaked up the bumps easily. The available AWD is worth it if you live in cold climates too. It sends power from the front to rear wheels, up to 100 percent in either direction, where ever the traction is needed.

Conclusion

The 2017 Ford Escape is a capable family hauler and has the power needed for those weekend trips into the mountains. It offers a comfortable cabin and if you get the upgraded leather, it’s an especially comfortable ride. If you want a little extra power, get the 2.0-liter EcoBoost. You won’t be sorry.

Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy

2017 Ford Escape Gallery

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2017 Ford Escape Official Site

Photos: Ford Motor Company

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Mazda & Toyota Establish Joint-Manufacturing Venture

Mazda & Toyota Establish Joint-Manufacturing Venture Mazda Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Corporation have established a new joint-venture called Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, U.S.A., Inc., or “MTMUS.” The new company will produce vehicles in Huntsville, Alabama starting in 2021 with the goal of increasing production for both automakers. More specifically, the new plant will have the capacity to produce 150,000 units of a forthcoming Mazda crossover and 150,000 units of the Toyota Corolla.
The facility is expected to create up to 4,000 new jobs.
“We hope to make MTMUS a plant that will hold a special place in the heart of the local community for many, many years,” explained Masashi Aihara, Mazda’s Executive Officer who will serve as President of MTMUS. “By combining the best of our technologies and corporate cultures, Mazda and Toyota will not only produce high-quality cars but also create a plant employees will be proud to work at and contribute to the further development of the local economy and the automotive industry.”
Toyota and Mazda are investing $1.6 billion toward the venture with equal funding contributions. In collaboration with the state of Alabama and the city of Huntsville, MTMUS will soon begin land preparation for the new plant, with full-scale construction slated to begin next year.
“The new plant, which will be Toyota’s 11th manufacturing facility in the U.S., not only represents our continuous commitment in this country, but also is a key factor in improving our competitiveness of manufacturing in the U.S.,” said Hironori Kagohashi, Executive General Manager of Toyota and MTMUS’s Executive Vice President. “We are committed to realizing a highly competitive plant and producing vehicles with the best quality for customers by combining Toyota and Mazda’s manufacturing expertise and leveraging the joint venture’s synergies. Based on this competitiveness, we will make every effort to becoming a best-in-town plant that will be loved by our hometown.”
“We hope that cars made at the new plant will enrich the lives of their owners and become much more than just a means of transportation,” Aihara added.
Source: Mazda North American Operations, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Pirelli Showcases “Cyber Car” In Geneva

Pirelli Showcases “Cyber Car” In Geneva Pirelli unveiled something interesting at the 88th Geneva International Motor Show. This is a product with a pretty irritating name that is actually on the verge of being totally cool. The “Cyber Car” and what it does, and is potentially capable of doing, could be monumental in terms of applied data analytics. Essentially what Cyber Car does is apply big data to your tires, thereby allowing you to use that data to optimize performance.
“Hang on a sec,” you ask, “don’t we do this already?”
Data Linguistics
Why yes, car manufacturers do this already, using sensors placed throughout the vehicle and all the internal computers – throttle position sensors, slip angles, amounts of slip in the electronically-controlled diff, wheel spin indicators – to get a holistic picture of what you are asking the car versus what the car is actually doing moment to moment, and then, doing its best to make the driver’s wish come true.
So what’s new here? To answer that, answer this: What’s missing in all the current data acquisition systems? Tires. Tire information is what is missing. Sure, most modern cars have TPMS systems (tire pressure monitor), but what Pirelli has gone and done is put a number of sensors inside the tires themselves. And then they’ve come up with a common data language for the information the tires are generating, moment to moment, while on the move. From there, they seamlessly integrate that data with all the car’s other streams of data into a single, functioning whole.
So what? So there’s sensors inside the tire. What’s the big deal?
Photo: Pirelli.
Information Critical
A tire-embedded sensor can now be fully integrated into existing driver aids to improve performance and efficiency. If you can scoop up tons and tons of data concerning what your tires are going through – and remember, it all comes down to your tires eventually – then transmit that key data to the vehicle, your car can activate systems such as ABS and stability control. The vehicle can alter its setup on the fly for a safer, more comfortable drive, or, if you are at the track, alter the setup to maintain performance.
By accurately mapping the car’s weight, the vehicle’s central control unit can calculate precisely how many miles can be driven before recharging in an EV, for example. Monitoring temperatures from one tire to the next can more fully inform the traction control computer about possible road conditions, corner to corner (e.g. one corner could be colder and therefore prone to breaking traction).
Cyber Car informs the car’s computers about the tire’s vertical load, temperature, and pressure through the automaker’s factory interface, allowing timely intervention if the pressures go all skewwhiff. Tire maintenance becomes easier, thanks to feedback on tread wear and how tires should be seasonally rotated. Pirelli says the Cyber Car can even go so far as to offer bespoke services, such as valet and roadside assistance.
Photo: Pirelli.
(Not) Running On Empty
Think of it this way: What if you could analyze the blood gasses of a long distance runner in the middle of an Olympic event? Further, what if you could grab that data, say blood/oxygen levels, and provide that data through a Fit Bit wearable thing and also a Bluetooth earpiece? What if a runner could know, at a glance, that she’s got a lot of oxygen capacity left, so now’s the time to push that final lap kick a few hundred meters early. Get it?
The primary focus for various digital companies is gathering and manipulating and analyzing data. Amazon suggests products to you, and they’re right 95 percent of the time. Google can search for you and get the correct results at the top of the list. Car companies have been doing this already in certain, almost traditional ways.
Look at Ferrari’s E-Diff differential system. First developed in their Grand Prix cars, the E-Diff uses computers and incoming data streams for differential torque deployment to help the car turn more. And things like this can also be found in traction control systems, all-wheel drive architectures, ABS-as-supplementary-traction-control, and such. Cyber Car just takes that digitalization into a new era.
Future Applications
And the fact that Pirelli has made the data scheme a standard platform, it can be a literal plug-and-play situation, like getting a car with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It won’t matter if you don’t own an iPhone. When you do, the car’s infotainment system will be ready for it. The new Pirelli Cyber Car system will be on the market by the end of the year. What you do with it will be up to you, your lap times at the track, and your insurance agent.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
Photos & Source: Pirelli.

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Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro: The Best Car In The World (Theoretically)

Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro: The Best Car In The World (Theoretically) Theoretically, racing improves the breed. Theoretically, win on Sunday, sell on Monday. Theoretically, Grand Prix is the pinnacle of all motorsports. Theoretically, aerodynamics is of paramount importance for all out performance. Theoretically, Adrian Newey is better at aerodynamics than Kelly Johnson.
If you make a Venn diagram of those above theories, theoretically they all overlap over the same point. This: The Aston Martin Valkyrie.
Theoretically, this is the best car in the world.
Theoretically.
Theoretically.
Jack Brabham, the great Australian triple-world champion has a personal motto (of sorts): “When the green flag drops, the bullshit stops.” In fact, that was the title of his autobiography (which is a pretty fun read, by the by). It is also one other thing: True.
Yeah, I know. “Truth” can be hard to know, especially in today’s world, what with all the hired manure slung out there. But in this case, we do know that Brabham’s axiom is, in fact, true. No matter what you say about your car, it only matters what it does on the road and on the track.
And what the facts, that is, the current tech specs, say about the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro, is that when it hits the track, nothing will be able to catch it. Nothing. Nothing that Porsche can put up against it. Nothing that Corvette can put up against it. Nothing that Mercedes can put up against it. Nothing that Ferrari can put up against it. Nothing.
That’s what they say . . .
I say bring it out. Back it off the hauler and run it at, oh, Le Mans is coming up, how about there? Bring it out for a little drive in the French countryside about three months from now on June 16th.
It’s a date, right?
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
For what it’s worth, here are the specs:
Engine: 6.5-liter naturally-aspirated V12 Hybrid.
Power Output: “in excess of 1100bhp.”
Downforce: “more than 1000kg.”
Weight: 1000kg.
Top Speed: 225mph.
Lateral Acceleration: “in excess of 3G” [yes, you read that right].
Production Run: 25.
Sales Status: All cars are sold.
Deliveries: Start in 2020.
In Person: Stand #2229, Hall 2 of the Palexpo Exhibition Centre, 88th Geneva International Motor Show.
Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro Gallery

Photos & Source: Aston Martin The Americas.

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http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/aston-martin-valkyrie-amr-pro-the-best-car-in-the-world-theoretically/