Automotive

Cadillac Super Cruise: The Next Gen Cruise Control System

Cadillac Super Cruise: The Next Gen Cruise Control System

The short story here is that Cadillac has a new “smart” cruise control system called Super Cruise. The long story is that, although that’s a pretty cool name, it’s actually the name of something aerospace engineers have been chasing for a long while now.
In the aerospace world, supercruise (in the aero parlance) is a specific set of engine performance standards that, in short, allow a plane to fly at supersonic speeds without engaging the afterburners.
This is, unsurprisingly, a very tough thing to do, and despite some very bright people working at Rolls Royce and Pratt & Whitney and Tumansky, they (and by “they” I mean Pratt & Whitney working on the F-22 program) only got it figured out around a decade ago. Cadillac’s Super Cruise (two words) is, sadly, not a thing that will help your huge American luxo-barge cruise down the interstate at roughly 700 miles an hour. Give or take.
Precise Network
Super Cruise is Cadillac’s hands-free driving technology for the highway. Caddy says that Super Cruise, unlike other driver assistance systems, will utilize two different approaches: A driver attention system and precision LiDAR map data. Super Cruise will first roll out in the 2018 Cadillac CT6 this fall. Obviously this is in response to the growing inevitability of both self driving cars, and the fact that Tesla, a direct competitor to Cadillac in many ways, has a near-self driving car of their own already on the market.
The Super Cruise system is added on to the network of cameras and radar sensors already in place on the CT6. The system aims to bring comfort and convenience for both long distance drives as well as daily commutes. It also adds automatic lane-centering to the CT6’s set of driver assistance/active safety gizmos to enable automatic control of both speed and steering during highway driving.
The most forward facing half of the Super Cruise scheme is the Driver Attention System. This portion of the system uses an inconspicuous infrared camera located on the top of the steering column, focused on the driver to monitor head position and track where the driver is looking while using Super Cruise. Cadillac points out how they are the only manufacturer to monitor driver attention to the road while their smart cruise control system is employed.
“Super Cruise is a more technologically advanced hands-free driving solution, which in terms of capability, integration, and validation is uniquely focused on customer convenience and safety,” said Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac President. Photo: Cadillac.

Ready & Alert
For example, the Driver Attention System senses if the driver has turned away from the road ahead for too long. If so, it will “prompt” the driver to pay attention. Curiously, if those first prompts do not get you to immediately refocus on the road, the Super Cruise system will continue to do the “safely steer” thing until a further escalation of alerts prompts you to resume supervision of the car.
Sadly, this is not a collection of ah-oogah horns and warning claxons sourced from WW II destroyers, which personally I would find kind of fun. No, in the case of Caddy’s Super Cruise, a steering wheel light bar guides the driver to look at the road or take back control of the wheel. Escalating levels of alerts include visual indicators in the instrument cluster, tactile alerts in Cadillac’s Safety Alert Seat, and audible alerts, if necessary. Sadly, the “tactile alerts in Cadillac’s Safety Alert Seat” do not involve direct application of high voltage shocks to your tuchus.
Oh, and here’s a fun little bit from Caddy: “In the limited event of an unresponsive driver, the Cadillac CT6 utilizes the full capability of onboard driver assistance technologies to bring the car to a controlled stop and contact OnStar to alert first responders, if necessary.” Okay, first, thank you, second, I hope it never comes to that, and third, how fun would it be to get out on a lonely road late at night and “test” this portion of the system?
2017 Cadillac CT6. Photo: Cadillac.
Cameras & Sensors
The other half of the Super Cruise system, the LiDAR map data, is pretty technically sweet.
LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging, and is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (i.e. variable distances) to anything that it’s aimed at. In the case of Caddy’s Super Cruise, that means anything in front of the car, but in the case of the American military (which is where LiDAR comes from, natch) it means anything that is down range from that missile/gun/attack helicopter/etc. that is about to get blown to Mars.
Cadillac says this is the first assisted driving technology that will use precision LiDAR map data and real-time cameras, sensors, and GPS. Basically it works like this: Data from on-board cameras, GPS, and radar sensors is used to govern steering, braking, and acceleration. On top of that, the Super Cruise system inserts more information using a LiDAR-scanned map database.
Pinpoint Accuracy
All of this combined enables it to function, but only in areas where appropriate road conditions are detected. In other words, the system is “smart” enough to know that even if the map says the road is clear and four lanes wide, it will default to what its sensor suite definitively says is out there. So no more of this “GPS says take a left and drive over the bridge” only the bridge ain’t there no more and splash-gurgle-gurgle-gurgle you drown.
Cadillac went so far as to make their own precision LiDAR maps for every mile of limited-access highway in the United States and Canada. This, combined with improved GPS accuracy, means the system is four to eight times more precise than traditional GPS alone. Super Cruise will allow hands-free driving – it is not fully autonomous, but Cadillac feels it’s the next best thing.
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.
Photo: Cadillac.
Photos & Source: Cadillac

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2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk: 707 Horsepower Kid Hauler

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk: 707 Horsepower Kid Hauler

Okay, so this should be the final installment of Dodge’s nutzoid Hellcat drivetrain we’ve previously seen installed on the Challenger and Charger. In a way, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has all the bases covered: They got your two-door coupe with the Hellcat Challenger, the practical sedan with the four-door Hellcat Charger (I know, Chargers should have two doors, and it pains me to write that), and now the ultra practical SUV with the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
Impressive Power
In a lot of ways, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is just like a top of the line Grand Cherokee, only with a monster mill shoehorned under the hood. So trivial details like infotainment systems, the number of ways you can adjust the front seats, how many coolers you can fit in the way-back, and all that should still be the same or at least remarkably similar. Besides, that stuff is so boring to begin with – and me, like any other gearhead, will want to focus on the juicy, fast bits.
First, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is the most powerful SUV ever made. The supercharged 6.2-liter V8 plant delivers 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft. of torque, capable of moving the 2018 Trackhawk to very high speeds. Which, indeed, it does. 60 mph comes up in a meager in 3.5 seconds, you’re doing the quarter mile in 11.6 seconds, and topping out at 180 mph. Impressive numbers to be sure, but did I mention you’re doing this in a friggin’ Jeep?!
The supercharger has a drive ratio of 2.36:1, boasts a maximum speed of 14,600 rpm, and is sealed with a premium synthetic oil. The supercharger is fed in part by a cold-air scoop in the lower front fascia, replacing the driver’s side fog lamp. Finally, a new low-temperature cooling system, consisting of a pump, reservoir, heat exchanger, and lines keep the charge air cool during more agressive driving. Intake air temperature is kept below 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) while allowing up to 30,000 liters of air flow per minute.
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk’s supercharged engine was manufactured with a specific focus on material composition. Only the most durable components were utilized. For example, its cast iron block features water jackets between the cylinders for optimal cooling. A forged-steel crankshaft with induction-hardened bearing surfaces was made to withstand firing pressures of nearly 1,600 psi (110 bar) – the equivalent of five family sedans standing on each piston, every two revolutions. The unique, specially tuned crankshaft damper has been burst tested to 13,000 rpm. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Transmission & Braking
Jeep says the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission and driveline components have been re-engineered to handle additional torque output with upgrades all around. And all that is good, cause that’s a lot of power, and snapping a driveline like a twig makes an awful sound. The TorqueFlite’s software takes into account variables like engine torque gradients, kick-down events, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, grade changes, friction detection, and downshift detection to determine the appropriate shift map.
But, okay, so you say you want to stop? Easy. The 60 to 0 mph braking performance happens in a scant 114 feet. There’s an all new Brembo braking system that includes the largest-ever front brakes on a Jeep. To which I say: No kidding Sherlock! The largest-ever? They’d have to be, since this thing weighs more than a half-loaded boxcar. A complete stop in only 114 feet from freeway speed? That’s a minor miracle. Brembo must have designed them with St. Peter.
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is equipped with a specialized Jeep Quadra-Trac four-wheel-drive system, which includes an electronic limited-slip rear differential and a single-speed active transfer case. The new, full-time active transfer case uses forged steel chain sprockets and a wider chain for increased durability. The differential features a revised housing design, revised ring-and-pinion tooth geometry, and a new four-point axle mounting scheme for better load distribution, additional torque capacity, and overall durability. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Driving Dynamics
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk features the Selec-Track system, with Auto, Sport, Track, Snow, and Tow modes. Depending on a driver’s needs and the terrain ahead, the individual modes alter the four-wheel-drive system, transmission, paddle shifters, electric power steering, and suspension.
Jeep says their new baby has “world-class on-road driving dynamics” and honestly, even though I’m not clear as to what that means exactly – that phrase is subjective on so many levels – I’m willing to go with it. Functionally, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is a big truck-like thing, so I’m sure any upgrade from solid beam axles to leaf springs will count as “world-class on-road driving dynamics.”
The vehicle also has a 7,200 lbs. towing capacity.
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk featuers a short- and long-arm (SLA) independent front suspension with coil springs, Bilstein adaptive damping suspension (ADS), upper- and aluminum lower-control arms (“A” arms), aluminum knuckle, aluminum clevis, and hollow stabilizer bar. The rear suspension is a multi-link design with coil spring, Bilstein ADS, aluminum lower control arm, independent upper links (tension and camber), plus a separate toe link, and a hollow stabilizer bar. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Functional Design
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is not a total sleeper though. For starters, the fascia has been redesigned and optimized for better airflow and cooling while there’s a new, unique quad-tip exhaust system. Also new are standard 20 x 10-inch titanium wheels that show off the distinctive yellow aforementioned Brembo brake calipers.
Jeep says the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk has more than 70 safety and security features. A lot of those are what you’d already expect (seatbelts, crumple zones etc.) and a bunch are also what you would expect today (Adaptive Cruise Control, Advanced Brake Assist, Blind-spot Monitoring, and the like).
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk was designed with a “driver-focused” interior in mind. Premium and soft-touch materials decorate the cabin, from the unique Light Black Chrome finishes to the carbon fiber spears. The 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen houses the Trackhawk’s exclusive Performance Pages. They show an array of timers and gauge readouts, including a new dynamometer screen to measure horsepower, torque, and gear changes. A new snapshot function allows owners to save their dynamometer data to a USB. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Top Priorities
The 7-inch instrument cluster with a centered tachometer, a 200-mph speedometer, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Trackhawk Performance Pages are all nice touches. But really, who cares about all that stuff? You don’t. I don’t. None of us do. What we really care about, what would draw us to the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk in the first place, is that big ol’ whompin’ stompin’ ‘Murican V8 engine.
Everything else is number two or lower.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Gallery

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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Volvo Showcases 2018 XC60, Announces New S90 Features

Volvo Showcases 2018 XC60, Announces New S90 Features

Volvo Cars gave us a double shot at this year’s New York International Auto Show when it debuted the all-new 2018 XC60 and rolled out the 2018 S90 with new features and pricing details. The all-new XC60 is Volvo’s mid-sized version of the award winning XC90 SUV; the 2018 S90 arrives with a longer wheelbase and a 400 horsepower T8 Twin-Engine Plug-In Electric Hybrid variant.
Million Seller
The 2018 XC60 replaces the current version which has been a big seller for the Swedish automaker. The outgoing model had a nine year production run and sold over 1 million globally, 30 percent of Volvo’s total sales. So, replacing a sales winner is always a tricky thing, but Volvo thinks it has the answer with the all-new 2018 XC60.
Hammer Time
The XC60 brings the current elements of Volvo’s new design language, including Thor’s Hammer LED headlamps, soft Nappa Leather, and a 9-inch center touch screen to the mid-sized SUV market. Yeah, I’m not joking, “Thor’s Hammer LED headlamps.” That is literally what Volvo calls them, and in the Swedes case, they are not referring to the Marvel hero, but to the literal god they used to worship that Stan Lee cribbed into a comic book character.
Photo: Volvo Car Corporation.
Power & Performance
The T8 Twin Engine Plug-In Electric Hybrid XC60 will offer up 400 horsepower. I’m figuring that’s 400 ponies in total (gas engine + hybrid drive), but it’s still nothing to sneeze at. There is also a gas-powered T6 turbo-and-super charged engine, cranking out 316 horsepower and a T5 turbo engine that will deliver 250 horsepower. All of them seem like good choices.
Safety & Security
There are the standard and now expected safety geegaws loaded onto the XC60. Volvo’s signature City Safety system is in place and Steer Assist has been added. A new feature called Oncoming Lane Mitigation employs the new Steer Assist to lessen the chances of a head-on collision. Steer Assist is also incorporated into Volvo’s Blind Spot Indication System (BLIS (ugh!)) to reduce the risk of lane-changing collisions.
Another “assist” thingo is Pilot Assist. This is Volvo’s advanced, semi-autonomous driver assistance system, which takes care of steering, acceleration, and braking on well-marked roads up to 80 mph. Pilot Assist is available in the new XC60 as an option.
Photo: Volvo Car Corporation.

S90 Treatments
The new Volvo S90, on the other hand, enters its second year of production featuring mainly enhancements, rather than an entirely new design. A longer wheelbase is now standard, adding 4.5 inches of legroom. In addition to more room, the back seat was completely redesigned so passengers can travel in luxury and elegance. There are also new electric rear and side shades, I’m assuming to block out any unwanted views of the masses.
The panoramic sunroof is standard.
Motivational power is provided from one of three engine choices: A T8 Twin Engine Plug-In Electric Hybrid propulsion system with 400 horsepower, a gas-powered T6 with a turbo and super charger creating 316 horsepower, and a T5 turbo engine registering 250 horsepower.
There’s now an updated Sensus Connect Touchscreen interface for the S90 that first debuted in the XC60. Safety features include Oncoming Lane Mitigation, BLIS (ugh again!) with steering assist, and an updated City Safety system. Volvo says pricing for the 2018 S90 T5 Momentum will start at $48,100, while the S90 T6 starts at $54,100. The T8 Twin Engine Plug-In Electric Hybrid starts at $63,650.
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.
Photo: Volvo Car Corporation.
Photos & Source: Volvo Car Corporation

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New Study Reveals Disconnect Between Industry & Public With Autonomous Cars

New Study Reveals Disconnect Between Industry & Public With Autonomous Cars During high school, lunchtime was really “debate incessantly about cars until sixth period begins.” Seriously. But those debates were remarkably simple: “Chevy trucks are way better than Dodge trucks,” “Yeah, like the Ram would ever lose to a junky Chevy,” and “You know what Ford stands for don’t ya?”
It was easy to participate. Pick a side (not Ford) and argue, in no scientific or educated fashion, why one vehicle was better than another. And when the bell rang, the consensus was nothing we said mattered anyway because one day, cars were either going to hover, fly, or be able to drive themselves.
What’s that saying? “If I would have known then, what I know now . . . ”
Land of Confusion
While a group of rowdy, C+ students in a rural Iowa community may have unknowingly predicted the autonomous car era after submarine sandwich day (Mondays), the rest of the world is somewhat in the dark about automated driving. That is according to a new study from CARiD, which surveyed over 1,000 people across a range of age groups, genders, income levels, and geographic regions to determine what they know and how they feel about autonomous cars.
The term “autonomous car” seems easy enough – as in a vehicle that would operate itself – but the CARiD survey indicates some misconceptions. For example, fewer than half (48 percent) correctly identified it as a vehicle controlled entirely by autonomous technology. About 40 percent believed the car could be operated by a human and/or still controlled by autonomous technology.
Around 11 percent said an autonomous vehicle was still fully controlled by a human, just with a few advanced tech features like self-park or blind spot monitors.
“I’m not sure anyone can properly define what an autonomous vehicle is yet,” explained Cliff Banks, Founder and President of The Banks Report, an automotive retail publication. “The SAE published its five levels of autonomy a while ago, and that probably helped confuse the issue as much as anything has.”
Cadillac’s Super Cruise feature can automatically steer, brake, and keep the vehicle positioned on the highway in certain, optimal conditions. Photo: Cadillac.
Not So Fast
The CARiD study highlights two areas of disconnect between the industry and the public, which may partly explain the misunderstandings about what an autonomous car actually is. The first disconnect is when autonomous cars will actually arrive. From our standpoint, most predictions set forth by proponents are rosy red. This is not to say autonomous driving cannot deliver on its promises – it likely can and will – but how soon that will happen is widely debated.
“Last year, there was all kinds of hoopla about the imminent arrival of autonomous vehicles and how the future of autonomous vehicles was coming at us fast and furious,” said Michelle Krebs, Executive Analyst, Autotrader. “I sense, especially since the fatal accident involving a pedestrian and an Uber autonomous vehicle in Arizona, that the brakes are being pumped on the exuberance.”
“Certainly, there will be niche applications in tightly controlled environments in the next year or so,” Banks added. “But mass adoption of driverless vehicles? Probably not for at least a decade.”
In CARiD’s survey, only 17 percent expect vehicles with full autonomous capability in the next five years, while 60 percent say it will take 10 to 20 years for cars to reach their autonomous peak. Almost a quarter (23 percent) think it will never happen.
“Autonomous vehicles are coming – in fact, they are here,” Krebs said. “The question is when will they be ubiquitous. I don’t think anytime soon.”
Self-driving Chevrolet Bolt EV test vehicles are assembled at GM’s Orion Township facility in early 2017. Photo: General Motors.
Perception Versus Reality
Automakers and manufacturers seem to adopt a “full steam ahead” mentality, sometimes communicating in marketing and press materials that autonomous driving is a given. The message seems to be “it’s coming, it’s going to be great, and that’s that.” Across the industry, a multitude of timelines have been thrown around as to when autonomous vehicles will arrive, from as soon as next year to as far away as 2025 (which really isn’t that far away). No matter how it’s sliced, according to the industry, we are all preparing to enjoy a piece of autonomous pie.
The benefits of autonomous driving are numerous, from a reduction in – if not outright elimination of – traffic fatalities to cleaner cities and less congested infrastructure. It’s possible these things will come to fruition, but we are wise to exercise a little discretion. The gradual arrival of autonomous vehicles in our society is unlikely to translate into immediate benefits.
“We still have numerous infrastructural, legal, and regulatory issues to work through, in addition to the huge technological challenges that are still there,” Banks said.
“There are a host of issues that still need to be considered, from ethics to insurance to infrastructure,” Krebs added. “Experts are acknowledging the technical challenges, especially related to pedestrians and bicyclists.”
The autonomous Hyundai Ioniq uses an advanced form of LiDAR to scan the road for pedestrians. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Sobering Statistics
CARiD’s survey found that 55 percent think autonomous vehicles will greatly reduce, but not entirely eliminate, collisions and injuries. About a quarter (24 percent) think those rates will remain the same. The National Safety Council noted there were 40,000 motor vehicle deaths in the United States in 2016, marking a six percent increase from 2015 and a 14 percent increase from 2014.
“The price we are paying for mobility is 40,000 lives each year,” said Deborah A.P. Hersman, National Safety Council President and CEO.
National Safety Council data shows 2016 was the deadliest year on U.S. roads since 2007, and preliminary estimates indicate motor vehicle deaths dipped only one percent in 2017.
“This is a stark reminder that our complacency is killing us,” Hersman continued. “The only acceptable number is zero; we need to mobilize a full court press to improve roadway safety.”
Autonomous driving seems like the answer but not everyone is convinced.
“We’re still so very early that we can’t know how much safer autonomous vehicles will be,” Banks said. “The human driver is pretty safe when you consider the millions of miles driven per fatality.”

Great Power, Great Responsibilities
Automakers like Toyota are pushing forward, announcing plans to build an autonomous test track in Michigan. Ford and Tesla are hardly shy about their ambitions for autonomous driving, with Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz being just as vocal. BMW recently entered into a supplier partnership billed as the first of its kind for automated vehicles, while General Motors poured $100 million into two manufacturing facilities for autonomous vehicle production earlier this year. Volvo even asked Swedish families to help them develop autonomous cars.
And this is only scratching the surface. Advancements in the field are happening daily, to the point where it is nearly impossible to cover them all. For any automotive publication, there is no shortage of things to report on with regard to autonomous driving. Krebs believes the media needs to be forthcoming, something our grassroots publication agrees with immensely. Last year at AutoSens Brussels, we stated this ideology as part of our official editorial policy regarding autonomous driving.
“The automotive media’s responsibility is to be clear and accurate on what self-driving vehicles do and don’t do,” Krebs said. “The media will be key players in educating the public on autonomous driving.”
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Awareness & Understanding
While over a third (35 percent) of respondents have recently seen or read a story on autonomous cars, 43 percent have gone one to three months without seeing anything. Almost a quarter (22 percent) say they have never read or seen a single story on autonomous driving. This is the second disconnect uncovered by CARiD’s study with regard to autonomous driving. Like two ships in the night, somewhere along the way, the media and the public seem to be missing each other.
“I think we in the media need to be careful to not over-sensationalize the topic – both from a negative and a positive perspective,” Banks explained. “Headlines – even more than the stories themselves – shape much of our thinking as a society. And we need to understand that.”
Banks, a lifelong automotive journalist, admits he even gets taken in by the hype surrounding autonomous vehicles.
“Companies are investing billions of dollars to develop the first truly self-driving vehicle that can operate in all environments and settings. And that means there will be firms pushing the envelope on getting this technology onto the streets,” he said. “When I read some of these headlines, even I get caught up in thinking self-driving vehicles will be on our streets in full force tomorrow. But the reality is far different. We should be skeptical of the claims made by executives touting the technology.”
Håkan Samuelsson, Volvo Cars CEO, hosting the 2017 UN Global Compact Nordic Network in Gothenburg, Sweden. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Future Considerations
The CARiD study analyzed other factors surrounding autonomous driving, including how the economy might change and what role the U.S. Government should play. According to Krebs, the American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti, Michigan has partnered with Michigan State University, the state of Michigan, and the University of Texas to examine these ideas.
“Undoubtedly, it will impact the workforce,” she said. “For instance, drivers for ride-sharing services and delivery companies will be affected as those may be the early applications.”
“If autonomous vehicles become the norm, then truck drivers, taxi drivers, bus drivers, and Uber or Lyft drivers certainly will be impacted – and not in a good way,” Banks added. “I’ve watched Uber or Lyft drivers walk up to a house and help an elderly person down the stairs. Can an autonomous vehicle do that?”
One of the most telling findings, even if not that surprising given our American history, is the love for driving. The majority (75 percent) said, if given a choice, they would rather drive than ride autonomously. And even if everything were autonomous, 64 percent said they would still rather own “the pod” versus calling it up on their smartphone.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Winds of Change
I believe in autonomous driving and think it will achieve all it sets out to accomplish, but I am strongly contrasted by my fellow writers at this publication. I find myself an armchair champion for the cause of automated driving, but even I will admit: my beloved Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack with its massive 6.4 Hemi would lose all its flare if it were suddenly autonomous. There is something about the autonomous age that clashes with the muscle car mantra. But that’s a story for another day.
In the meantime, CARiD’s study leaves us with some tremendous insights, identifying the gaps we need to close with the car-buying public. It’s a bold new era likely only to be realized by slow and steady collaboration, with a thorough understanding of how we are about to change the world as we know it.
“The potential of self-driving is huge – as significant as Henry Ford putting Americans on wheels,” Krebs said. “We can’t even fathom some of the challenges and possibilities.”
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.

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2018 Nissan Kicks Arrives: A Brief Walk Around

2018 Nissan Kicks Arrives: A Brief Walk Around The Nissan Kicks was unveiled last year during the Los Angeles Auto Show as the sixth member of the company’s SUV and crossover lineup. Nissan’s sales in these segments are at an all-time high and the automaker hopes the Kicks will generate additional growth.
“The new Kicks is designed to fit the needs of singles or couples looking for expressive styling, personal technology, smart functionality, and advanced safety features at an affordable price starting under $18,000,” explained Michael Bunce, Vice President, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc.
Power & Performance
The 2018 Nissan Kicks will pack a little punch with its standard 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder. Complete with a Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control System, the engine generates 125 horsepower and 115 lb-ft. of torque. With an Xtronic transmission, the front-wheel drive Kicks achieves 33 mpg combined. All-wheel drive is not available.
Photo: Nissan North America.
Design Language
We’ve come to expect the V-Motion grille, a signature found on every Nissan today. The 2018 Kicks also features unique wheel arches, boomerang headlights and taillights, and a “floating” roof for a “wrap-around visor” look. There are seven different exterior colors and five two-tone schemes on offer, three of which utilize a black roof and contrasting body colors (white, orange, or red). An orange roof with a gray body, or a white roof with a blue body can also be had.
Interior Treatments
Nissan notes the “Gliding Wing” design of the dashboard, anchored by a seven-inch color display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Those who enjoy tunes while they navigate will appreciate the Bose premium stereo with UltraNearfield neodymium speakers, located inside the driver’s headrest.
Nissan says the new Kicks has one of the largest load areas in its class.
“With its good ground clearance, high eye point, electric power steering, and small turning radius, Kicks is a great vehicle for both everyday and weekend adventures,” Bunce added.

Safety & Security
The 2018 Nissan Kicks comes standard with Automatic Emergency Braking, RearView Monitor, and seven air bags. SV and SR grades add Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Nissan Kicks will be offered in three grades: S, SV, and SR. The S begins at $17,990, the SV at $19,690, and the SR at $20,290. Expect the 2018 Nissan Kicks at dealerships later this spring.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
2018 Nissan Kicks Gallery

Photos & Source: Nissan North America.

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Audi Vehicles Can “Talk” With Traffic Lights In Phoenix & Kansas City

Audi Vehicles Can “Talk” With Traffic Lights In Phoenix & Kansas City Traffic Light Information is now available in two more cities – Phoenix and areas of Kansas City, Kansas, Audi of America has announced. As of March, more than 600 intersections in the District of Columbia support Audi’s “time-to-green” feature of Traffic Light Information. The system falls under the category of “vehicle-to-infrastructure” technology, sometimes abbreviated as V2I. Traffic Light Information, an Audi connect PRIME feature available on certain late models, enables the vehicle to communicate with the infrastructure in metropolitan areas.
Expanding Network
In 2016, Audi, in collaboration with Traffic Technology Services launched Traffic Light Information in Las Vegas, later expanding it to the Dallas and Houston metros, along with Palo Alto and Arcadia, California, Portland, and Denver. With the addition of Washington D.C. earlier this year and now Phoenix and Kansas City, over 2,250 intersections across the United States support Traffic Light Information.
“Audi continues to be an industry leader in connectivity and mobility solutions,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “Not only do V2I technologies like Traffic Light Information help to reduce driver stress, they are also essential infrastructure developments as we continue toward an automated future.”
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
How It Works
Vehicles equipped with the technology will receive real-time signals from connected traffic lights via the on-board 4G LTE data connection. When the light is red, the time remaining until the signal changes to green is displayed in the instrument cluster or heads-up display. The automaker says future iterations of this and other V2I technologies will be used to further enhance mobility and reduce congestion.
Audi’s Connect PRIME services are optional and may require an additional subscription with separate terms and conditions.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Audi of America, Inc.

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Most Common Road Accidents & What to Do After a Crash

Most Common Road Accidents & What to Do After a Crash Similar to death and taxes, road accidents are an unfortunate part of life, especially on today’s highly-congested roads. Our buddies at Your Legal Friend came up with a unique infographic to explain the most common road accidents in the UK, which are surprisingly similar to the crash rates in the United States.
Your Legal Friend recently conducted a study on the dynamics and circumstances surrounding road crashes. The firm leveraged their experience in personal injury law to analyze more than 25,000 incident reports. Their findings are something we should all pay attention to, regardless of where we live.
For example, from the Your Legal Friend study, we see a trend between the most common types of road accidents and the types of people most likely to be involved in a crash. We even see how some parts of the year are worse than others. Did you know road accidents are most likely to occur on a Friday in July? Here are the highlights of the study Your Legal Friend conducted.

It Doesn’t Matter Where You Live
If you previously thought our British neighbors were better and safer drivers, think again. The specific correlation between vehicular accidents in the U.S. and UK are strikingly similar.
The USA ranks as one of the busiest countries in terms of road traffic. There were approximately 6.3 million fatal injuries and property damage crashes in 2015 alone. In fact, the U.S. ranks first in crash deaths per 100,000 people and per 10,000 registered vehicles.
The U.S. also ranks second-highest in deaths involving alcohol at 31 percent, which is next to Canada.
Things aren’t as rosy in the United Kingdom, either. There were 1,792 road deaths in 2016. This is a jump of four percent compared to 2015. There were a total of 181,384 casualties of all severities in 2016, which was probably caused by the increase of motor traffic (2.2 percent) between 2015 and 2016.

The Most Common Road Accidents
According the Your Legal Friend study, 70 percent of drivers who cause road accidents are male and between the ages of 30 and 32. In fact, the study revealed you are most likely to be on the receiving end of a crash by the age of 32.
If you happen to be in Bradford or Birmingham in the UK, it is best to keep an eye on your rearview mirror. The study found the most common type of crash is being hit in the rear. This accounts for 38 percent of all collisions on the road.
Junction and roundabout collisions, and accidents while changing lanes account for 13 percent, six percent, and five percent respectively. It is reported that a startling 59 percent of victims in car accidents are also male. I guess we can all blame excess testosterone for that.

What You Drive Could Matter
I previously mentioned that road accidents are most likely to occur on all Fridays in July. It might have something to do with the freak UK weather and people rushing to the nearest pub. Also interesting is the list of top vehicles involved in causing accidents. It includes the Ford Fiesta (which is a best-selling car in the UK), the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van (which happens to be a top-seller behind the Ford Transit), the Ford Focus, and the Vauxhall Corsa.
The Ford Fiesta is also among the top vehicles most likely to fall victim to a crash, along with the Ford Focus, Audi A3 (because Audi owners reputably drive too close to the car in front?), and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van.
I guess the lesson here is safety should be a top priority. Don’t drive a Ford Fiesta and stay away from Mercedes vans on the road.
Oh, and drink your lager on a Saturday instead.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Photo: MBUSA.
Things To Remember After An Accident
Stop the vehicle. It doesn’t matter if the crash is mild or severe. Stop the car and don’t even think about leaving the scene of the accident. You could get charged with a criminal offense.
Try to remain calm. It’s not as easy as it sounds, but a calm mind will allow you to quickly assess the situation.
Take notes and take photographs. Snap some images depicting the damage and the scene of the accident. This holds true no matter who is at fault.
Call the police immediately. After making sure that you and your passengers are safe and sound, it is best to call the police for immediate assistance.
Avoid saying sorry or taking blame. Even if you happen to be at fault, it is best to analyze the situation further. It is better to simply ask how the other driver is doing and if they suffered any injuries.
Conclusion
If you were the victim of a car accident and would like to seek compensation, Your Legal Friend, who conducted this study, can advise you. In the meantime, please avoid distracted driving to keep the roads safer for each and every person.
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.

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Ford Is Pounding The Daylights Out of The New Ranger (Video)

Ford Is Pounding The Daylights Out of The New Ranger (Video) Ford is pounding the tar out of the new Ranger, set to arrive early next year. In the last few years, midsize trucks have made quite the comeback, evidenced by the return of the Colorado and Canyon, and a redesigned Tacoma and Ridgeline. So naturally, the Blue Oval decided it was time to get back in the game, and even gave us a glimpse of the new Ranger at the North American International Auto Show in January.
In a new video, we see just what Ford is up to with the Ranger. As you watch it, you almost feel sorry for the truck. It really takes a beating.
Torture Test Theme
This is not the first time Ford has thrown knock out punches at their trucks. In 2011, the company filmed a series of “Torture Tests” to promote the 3.5 Ecoboost engine for the newly-redesigned F-150. The series, hosted by Mike Rowe, saw the trucks tackle a number of outrageous challenges, from hauling logs in the Pacific Northwest, to hauling you know what around Homestead-Miami Speedway with a loaded trailer.
Now the Ranger is receiving the same treatment as its older brother, and some of the tests are so intense, robotics are utilized because it’s simply too harsh for humans to endure!
“We torture every component – from its high-strength steel frame to its EcoBoost engine, to its cloth and leather-trimmed seats – to ensure Ranger is ready for any season and nearly any terrain,” said Rick Bolt, Chief Engineer, Ford Ranger.
2019 Ford Ranger on display at the North American International Auto Show, Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan.
Aggressive Approach
Ford’s rigorous, perhaps even nontraditional, approach to ensuring the Ranger’s capability starts in the lab, where the truck is subjected to a four-post shaker table. This contraption does exactly what it sounds like and is used, for days on end, to weed out any squeaks and rattles in the chassis. Testing then progresses to more intense, real-world challenges. The Ranger has been as far away as the Australian Outback and as close to home as the company’s Michigan Proving Grounds for various tests.
Davis Dam in Arizona is a prime location for testing, and Ford made an appearance there with the 2011 F-150 in the aforementioned videos. Similar to the F-150, the new Ranger is subjected to the high temperatures and steep grades of Davis Dam while towing trailer.
The video is below. While we are excited to see the truck when it’s finally released, we do have one question in the meantime? How do you get a job at Ford driving the Ranger for these tests?!
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.

Photos, Video, & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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Subaru Ascent Production Begins In Indiana

Subaru Ascent Production Begins In Indiana The Subaru Ascent, the company’s new three-row SUV, is one step closer to the showroom as production is now underway. Subaru’s Lafayette, Indiana plant has the honors where the SUV’s production will provide approximately 200 new jobs and $140 million in equipment and expansion investments. The plant already produces the Outback, Legacy, and Impreza.
Charitable Giving
To mark the occasion, members of the famous Subaru canine family, The Barkleys, visited the facility. Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. also presented $8,000 in grants to four local nonprofit organizations focused on animal welfare: Almost Home Humane Society, Loving Heart Animal Shelter, Natalie’s Second Chance No-Kill Dog Shelter, and North Central Indiana Spay & Neuter.
Subaru has worked with the Center for Pet Safety in the past.
Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.
Continued Growth
Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. has grown considerably in the last five years, adding more than 2,000 team members. With the Ascent, the facility is expected produce about 400,000 vehicles annually, having already assembled over five million since opening in 1989.
“The Subaru Ascent is a great addition to our production line-up,” said Tom Easterday, Senior Executive Vice President of Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. “Production of this outstanding new family vehicle allowed us to create hundreds of new jobs at SIA, and also at our suppliers in Indiana and across the country.”
2019 Subaru Ascent. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.

Specifications & Availability
The Ascent is the largest Subaru ever built, riding on a 113.8-inch wheelbase with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and seating for eight. Family-oriented features include rear doors that open 75 degrees, making access to the third-row seats easier. The vehicle is powered by a 2.4-liter Boxer engine that creates 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft. of torque. All-wheel drive is standard.
The 2019 Subaru Ascent arrives this summer and will be offered in four trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Subaru of America, Inc.

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