Automotive

2015 Aston Martin Vantage GT Texas Direct Auto 2015 GT Used 4.7L V8 32V Automatic RWD Convertible Premium

$73,610.00
End Date: Thursday Jun-20-2019 10:04:00 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $73,610.00
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2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure Review: Just Functional Enough

2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure Review: Just Functional Enough 93solid2019 Toyota RAV4 AdventureOverall ImpressionGood daily driver.Easy-to-use controls.Plenty of tech features.ProsComfortable Ride QualityCargo & Passenger SpaceConsLackluster Power (At Times)Cost Jumps Fast w/ Options The 2019 Toyota RAV4 gets a redesign and the Adventure trim is the coolest looking in the small SUV’s lineup. It comes with extra exterior cladding plus an upgraded all-wheel-drive system that includes torque-vectoring technology for off-pavement use. This model is for those who want to get away from the city on the weekends and do some exploring in the wilderness. It’s not an extreme off-road animal, but functional enough for fun activities like camping and kayaking.
This week, we’ve been driving the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure with all-wheel drive.
What’s New For 2019
The RAV4 is completely redesigned for the new model year, riding on Toyota’s TNGA-K platform for a lower center of gravity versus the previous RAV4. Now in its fifth-generation, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 comes in both gas and hybrid variants. Toyota’s comprehensive Safety Sense 2.0 package joins a host of connectivity features like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri Eyes Free, and Apple CarPlay. Trim levels for gasoline models include LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, and Limited.
Features & Options: Comfort & Safety
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure AWD ($32,900) comes standard with a power liftgate, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable driver’s seat, simulated leather upholstery (SofTex), and an upgraded interior. It also features automatic LED headlights, foglights, heated mirrors, push-button start, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and additional USB ports.
Related: The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is just the right size for our tastes.
The 2019 RAV4 is standard with the aforementioned Safety Sense 2.0 package, which includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection; Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist; Automatic High Beam, and Lane Tracing and Road Sign Assist. Our tester was also equipped with blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert.
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure is ideal for weekend trips.
What Is The Toyota RAV4 Adventure Trim?
The Adventure trim adds some special styling features: 19-inch alloy wheels, fender flares, and taller roof rails, for example. There’s an enhanced rearview camera, embossed seating details, and an upgraded driver information display with an eight-inch touchscreen. The all-weather floor mats and satellite radio were two extras we enjoyed having. Performance-wise, the Adventure trim has a few extra tools when it’s time to get away from the city.
For example, it comes with 8.6 inches of ground clearance (standard model has 8.4 inches) and the TRD Off-Road suspension. It features a Multi-Terrain Select system with Mud & Sand modes for beach driving, or a Rock & Dirt mode for trails. The Snow mode is for wintry conditions, something we would use here in Colorado. The Adventure trim is also dressed up with 18×7-inch matte black TRD alloy wheels with Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail all-terrain tires.
This Adventure tester also came with the optional weather package ($1,185), navigation ($1,620), Technology package ($1,265), and a power/tilt moonroof ($850). Total MSRP including destination: $39,948. By comparison, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 starts at $25,650, with the Adventure trim beginning at $33,050.
2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure interior layout.
Interior Highlights: Orange Highlights & Plenty of Room
We jumped inside our Adventure RAV4 to find a stylish cabin with orange stitching that really popped against the black seats. The orange theme continues around the cupholder, cellphone charging pad, and above the glove box. We found the interior to be well-built with some nicely-layered and soft-touch materials. The hard plastics on the door panels and around the dash are not without their purpose, as they are easy to clean. The rubberized grip surfaces on the interior door pulls and the radio and climate knobs are a nice touch for this trim.
The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and we think the synthetic leather feels like the real thing. The power driver’s seat and tilt/telescoping steering wheel allowed us to find the perfect driving position. We also like the radio and climate controls which are easy to find and use. Technology abounds in the 2019 RAV4, with a laundry list that starts with Toyota’s Entune 3.0 Audio system and expands to Verizon Wi-Fi.
In the back, your passengers will be comfortable and there’s enough room for taller people, even behind a taller driver. There’s also enough headroom in back even with the raked roof, plus a seat recline feature if you want to get more comfy on a long trip.
The RAV4’s cargo carrying-ability is among the biggest in the class, and that’s true whether the seats are up or down. There’s 37 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and 57 cubes behind the front. It’s also low and easy to load as we had some extra big boxes to carry this week. The power liftgate made it more convenient too.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-liter engine producing 203 horsepower (up 27 horsepower from last year). It’s more powerful and efficient, thanks to a higher compression ratio (13:1 on gas models) and Toyota’s D4-S fuel injection system, which combines direct and secondary port injectors.
The four-cylinder engine pairs with a new eight-speed automatic, both of which benefit from the RAV4’s lighter curb weight compared to last year. The improvements help the newly-redesigned RAV4 achieve an EPA-estimated 25/33 city/highway and 28 combined. Overall, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is one of the most fuel-efficient compact SUVs available.
The RAV4 Adventure tows up to 3,500 lbs., while all other trim levels can only pull 1,500 lbs. The Adventure trim also comes with active grille shutters to increase efficiency.
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure has enough power for most driving situations, but can be lackluster at times.
Driving Dynamics: Some Noise But Solid Overall
We powered the RAV4 Adventure in and around the mountains west of Denver, the perfect environment for this compact trail runner. It has enough power for most driving situations, but could leave you wanting more ‘oomph’ if you have a full load of people and cargo, especially pulling mountain passes or long hills.
Around town it goes just fine, and merges onto the highway with ease. Once on the open road, the RAV4 provides a confident feeling at higher speeds. We did notice the engine noise inside the cabin when we pushed the SUV hard going up I-70 at altitude.
The eight-speed is smooth, and there’s no reluctance to downshift if you need power for passing. We left the transmission in Normal mode most of the week. Dialing it over to Sport, however, sharpens responsiveness and shift timing for more spirited driving.
The special TRD suspension and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system help the RAV4 Adventure negotiate wet or snowy conditions easily. It can be taken off-road for light-duty work and will get you a little farther back into the high country than the standard model. In the twisty corners, there isn’t too much lean in spite of the taller ride height.
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 features an eight-speed automatic. The shifts are smooth and there’s no reluctance to downshift.
Related: On the road with the perfect weekend warrior, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma.
Conclusion: For Good Reason
With a completely new exterior look, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure stands out among most other compact SUVs. In general, the RAV4 is still one of the most popular SUVs for sale, and with good reason. It’s versatile, holds up to five passengers, and comes with Toyota’s reputation for durability.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his firsthand reviews are archived on our test drives page. Follow Denis on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure Gallery

Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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2020 Subaru Ascent Release Date and Price

The latest model 2020 Subaru Ascent will soon release and will get a place among the cars that will be very much in wait by many people. equipped with modern technology this car will be very safe for you to drive. with a turbo-4 we strongly believe this car will get a very good effort. release date and price estimates also we discuss on the article this time.

2020 Subaru Ascent Interior and Exterior

Talking about the interior in the 2020 Subaru Ascent will be the true fascination with three-row chairs. The first and 2nd row are offered with reclinable and cellular pilot chairs. Nonetheless, the third row incorporates a frequent chair with 3 headrests. The new chairs are magnificent and relaxed as well as receive a single is aware of the magnificent sky standpoint together with the support of moonroof perform. The storage room with the back in the third row is extremely massive. The gates and inner are deftly created with all specifics for fantastic comfort amount and comfort. The cabin is very well prepared. You’ll find all new specifications and technicians to get an untroubled however secure make at any and all landscape. The infotainment show can be produced wholly digitalized with the highest doable functions accessible in getting hold of the method and some complete essential like functions.

Engine Performance

No indications that Subaru will include the brand new engine selection for your 2020 Subaru Ascent. The new SUV will have a 2.4-liter and turbo-4 engine beneath the hood coupled using the continuously variable transmission. The energy output will stay at 265 hp and torque at 275 pound-feet. New Subaru Ascent may be the drive by default. The model can tow up to 5,000 pounds and Subaru claims 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. The model will return about 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

2020 Subaru Ascent Release Date and Price

About the release date and price of this car also will announce soon at by Subaru, we predict 2020 Subaru Ascent would come earlier in the year 2019 and will probably start on sale in the summer. And for the price. Our predictions about his sense of $30,000 will be very worth the price in the offer Subaru to Subaru 2020 Ascent, this car will compete with the Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback.

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2020-subaru-ascent-release-date-and-price/

Forthcoming 2018 Chevy Equinox Diesel May Lead Segment In Fuel Economy

Forthcoming 2018 Chevy Equinox Diesel May Lead Segment In Fuel Economy

Car shoppers looking for a few extra miles in the tank may be inclined to consider the 2018 Chevy Equinox. New figures from the EPA indicate the crossover’s front-wheel drive variant achieves 39 mpg on the highway with the available 1.6L diesel engine. In this configuration, the 2018 Equinox is expected to deliver stronger highway mileage than the 2017 Toyota RAV4 hybrid and Nissan Rogue hybrid.
Range & Performance
The FWD 2018 Chevy Equinox diesel boasts a 577-mile cruising range, ideal for longer trips and jaunts. For example, the Equinox in this configuration could handle a trip between Chicago, Illinois and Memphis, Tennessee, or from Boston, Massachusetts to Richmond, Virginia. If we left to see friends in Omaha, Nebraska from our offices in Detroit, Michigan, a 577-mile cruising capacity would cover nearly 80 percent of the drive.
The 1.6L is a clean-sheet redesign, developed entirely by General Motors with particular attention given to the engine’s control system. Development was facilitated by GM’s diesel product center in Torino, Italy, and involved more than 24,000 hours of computational analysis. Simulated and real-world testing totaled more than 4.35 million miles.
“It is very fun to drive, with torque on demand at all speeds – in fact, the engine delivers 90 percent of peak torque between 1,500 and 3,250 rpm,” explained Dan Nicholson, Vice President of Global Propulsion Systems, General Motors. “The strong torque provides the feeling of a larger engine, with exceptional smoothness and quietness.”
2018 Chevy Equinox. Photo: Chevrolet.
Power & Efficiency
The forthcoming diesel utilizes a variable-geometry turbo for better torque response (240 lb-ft.) at a lower rpm. The new diesel features stop/start technology to increase efficiency in heavy traffic; it’s also compatible with B20 biodiesel fuel. Chevy’s new diesel is part of a trio of all-turbocharged propulsion systems for the Equinox.
The vehicle also has a host of active safety features including Teen Driver, Safety Alert Seat, Surround Vision, and Forward Collison Alert with Following Distance Indicator, among others.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Chevy Equinox is available now, starting at $24,475. Pricing for the diesel model, when it hits dealerships this fall, starts at $31,435.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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Jaguar XE SV Project 8 North American Debut Expected During Monterey Car Week

Jaguar XE SV Project 8 North American Debut Expected During Monterey Car Week

Monterey Car Week is becoming more and more of a touchstone for the entire gearhead world. It’s not just vintage races and fans and collectors and such any longer. Automotive manufacturers have clocked into the heavy concentration of not just car fanatics, but movers and shakers within the automotive world. People who will not only sing your praises, if there are praises worth singing, but high-end influencers who can start talking up your product.
Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) will be in Monterey this week for just such an exercise with the XE SV Project 8.
Best of the Best
Unless you attended the Goodwood Festival of Speed, this will be the first chance for anyone outside the factory to see the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 in the flesh, as it were. To refresh your memory, since we have coveted . . . I mean “covered” it here at Automoblog before, it’s a limited edition sports sedan that is, more or less, aimed squarely at the big Bahn-burners from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi. The case could be made that it is also going up against various Japanese and American offerings, but I’d bet Jag would think the comparison was beneath them. As a matter of fact, although taking aim at the big Germans in implicate, Jaguar never mentions them by name either.
Jaguar states the XE SV Project 8 is the result of the Coventry concern wanting to “engineer the ultimate super sports sedan.” It’s good to have goals, but I bet there’s some very competent engineers in and around The Black Forest who might quibble with that statement. As it stands, the XE SV Project 8 builds on Jaguar’s success with the 2016 F-TYPE Project 7. The Project 7 sets the tone for the XE SV Project 8 and other examples in the brand’s second Collector’s Series of vehicles yet to come.
Jaguar XE SV Project 8. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Power & Performance
The XE SV Project 8 has a targeted power output of 592 horsepower, which is more than enough to make it the quickest road going Jaguar. I was going to write “quickest road going Jaguar sedan” but no, Jaguar insists it is the quickest road going Jaguar period. Which is odd, knowing the XJ220 was capable of going much quicker than the XE SV Project 8’s announced top speed of 200 mph.
The Jaguar XE SV Project 8 hits that speed due to other elements besides nearly 600 ponies under the bonnet. There’s lots of functional aerodynamic, suspension, and interior improvements to the XE, making it “the brand’s most powerful, agile, and extreme performance vehicle ever.” Jag will not be making a ton of these things with global production limited to 300 units. Each car will be hand-assembled at the SVO technical center in Coventry, England (natch).
Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

Around Town
Senior representatives from Jaguar’s SVO skunkworks will be on hand at a variety of events in Monterey throughout the weekend, both to answer questions and help potential buyers put down deposits and such. In addition to being at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca, the XE SV Project 8 will also be at two other rather prestigious events: The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering and the Exotics On Cannery Row.
The get together at The Quail Lodge, now gag-inducingly titled “The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering,” will have the XE SV Project 8 on display this Friday, August 18th. It will be easy to spot, sitting next to Jag SVO’s first go round, the 575 horsepower F-TYPE SVR. If you’re not into Jags per se, but find yourself at The Quail anyway, have no fear. There will be more than 200 other rare automobiles and motorcycles in the “exclusive garden-party setting” of the Quail Lodge & Golf Club. The event runs from 10:00am until 4:00pm and although I am a professional and cannot say what you should do in such a setting, I know what I would do.
The Jaguar XE SV Project 8 can also be seen at Exotics on Cannery Row. This is a free public event, meaning you can rub shoulders with the great unwashed masses. Exotics on Cannery Row showcases some of the “rarest and most exciting supercars of our time,” whatever might count as “rarest and most.” Without a sense of irony, Jag notes the Exotics on Cannery Row will happen “against the backdrop of Monterey’s historic downtown.” A previously lower socio-economic working class fishing port written about by Steinbeck before being gentrified into near-oblivion decades ago. But hey . . .
Exotics on Cannery Row runs from 3:00pm until 8:00pm, this Friday August 18th.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.

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2019 BMW X3 Release Date, Interior and Price

One more great SUV of origin Germany will come and enliven the car market SUV. 2019 BMW X3 will come at the beginning of next year with an excellent display. many rumors circulating about this car, the Interior and the exterior will also be one of the flagship cars. We also have some information about the price and also the release date of this car.

2019 BMW X3 Interior and Exterior

The new BMW X3 has somewhat grown in size in contrast to the former generation model, but absolutely nothing radically. Still, it appears incredibly properly proportioned and attributes a wagon-like shape. Better seats will be revised in the headlights. 18-inch wheels are normal when the 2019 BMW X3 can also be available with 20- and 21-inch wheels which give it far more appealing visual appeal. The other model will attribute a lot more aggressive seem normally with deeper bumpers, larger wheels and so forth.

Talking about the interior. New generation BMW X3 is extremely roomy and there may be an extraordinary area for the two front and rear passengers and also the cargo too. A sizable 10-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard.

The typical equipment while in the X3 will consist of electrical power options, electrical power front seats. Bluetooth, rearview camera, AM/FM/CD audio method, synthetic leather upholstery, reclining rear seats, and automatic climate control. About the M Sports Bundle, you may also obtain LED headlamps, a keyless entry, panoramic roof, sporty steering, satellite radio, and so forth.

Engine Performance

How about the engine. New generation BMW X3 will include the identical engine because of the newest version. The BMW X3 xDrive30i will have a 2.0 liter and turbo-4 engine. The electrical power this engine offers is 240 horsepower and torque 255 pound-feet. The BMW X3 M40i will exploit a 3.0-liter and turbo-6. This choice will make improvements to more than the base edition to 350 horsepower and torque to 360 lb-ft. With this engine, New BMW X3 will hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Both versions will be found in the blend with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Release Date and Price

How the news about the release date and also the price of 2019 BMW X3. You can already get ready if you want to immediately have this car, latest news mentions this car already and you can book for a price you better look her directly in the official website of BMW.

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2019-bmw-x3-release-date-interior-and-price/

2019 Audi Q5 Changes, Interior and Release

The SUV market for the year 2019 such his will start. Germany is also the origin of brands like his not lost by his competitors. 2019 Audi Q5 SUV is wrong that will be introduced by Audi in the near future. some sources claim this car will be available in a hybrid model. Audi Q5 seems to have first settled if do not want to be left behind by his competitors. This time we will discuss the release date, price and also change the design of the 2019 Audi Q5.

2019 Audi Q5 Changes Interior and Exterior

Talking about the interior, Next generation Audi Q5 ought to present a lot more upgrades on this area the place we’ll notice far more organized and well-designed cabin. The 2019 Q5 interior cabin in a single in the most stunning and most high quality in its class. It’s going to capable of accommodating as much as 5 passengers. With a slightly enhanced interior area, it will deliver additional comfort also, in particular to the back. The seats are incredibly cozy as well as while in the base trim, are upholstered in leather. The rear ones can split and fold into a lot more cargo area which is frequently rather ample. Moreover, for much more luxurious feel, it will likely be offered with wood specifics and glossy and matte finishes too.

With regards to 2019 Audi Q5 exterior changes, 2019 Audi Q5 ought to arrive really just like the current model. At the outset glance, we may not even observe the variations since they could only be visible in small particulars. Such as, the brand new Q5 will now get standard HID lights although the LED lighting will continue to be optional. The grille should be somewhat refreshed and around the rear, we will discover new LED tail lamps. However, the SQ5 edition will receive slightly various styling and also the special style and design of the wheels. The conventional 2019 Audi Q5 will ride to the 19-inch 5-double spoke wheels with all-season tires although the greater trims will get more substantial 21-inch alloy wheels.

Engine Performance

How about the engine, there probably acquired any critical enhancements. So, it is gonna highest possible use a comparable engine supplied within the cutting-edge model. It is a 2.0 liter and 4 cylinder turbo that’s considerably a comparable unit that powers its more substantial sib Audi Q7. This engine is in the position to come up with 250 hp and 270 pound-feet of torsion. Compared to your earlier designs, this engine displays the enhancements of thirty-eight horses and fifteen pound-feet of torsion. moreover, this drivetrain can combine with a 7-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission. The all-wheel-drive system can still be customary as prior to.

Release Date and Price

For the moment there has been no clarity of information about the release date and also the price of 2019 Audi Q5. We will immediately notify you if this information is already available. This car will compete with the Porsche Macan, BMW X3 and the Volvo XC60.

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Italian Exotics Owned By The Late J. Geils Seeking New Homes

Italian Exotics Owned By The Late J. Geils Seeking New Homes

Lots of people know who J. Giles is. He was the guitar player and namesake for the Boston outfit who, after years of trying, but not really caring, suddenly had a string of top 40 hits. What a lot people don’t know about Jerome (his real name was John, but his singer, Peter Wolf, always called him Jerome) was that he was a no-doubt-about-it gearhead. He ran one of the nicest Lotus, Ferrari, and Maserati shops in the greater Boston area and, from what I’ve always read, everyone said he was a good guy.
Sadly, Mr. Giles turned off his Gibson Tweed amplifier this past April. And although we will never have the pleasure of seeing him play again, we are now invited to bid on eight vehicles: five cars and three motorcycles from his personal collection. Starting on Wednesday, August 16th, they are to be auctioned off at the 2017 Mecum Daytime Auction in Monterey, California
Angel In Blue
As you would expect, with this being the Monterey Vintage Week, Mecum’s Daytime Auction will be replete with some heavy-hitter exotics. Their auction catalog features such plebian rides as, oh, let’s see here, a LaFerrari, a Bugatti Veyron, a 2010 Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita and a “Knobbly” bodied 1958 Lister-Jaguar. For the car auction world, this is the big time. Maybe (maybe) only the Monte Carlo auction has more outright cache’ but you’d be hard put to convince me of that.
Crossing the block on Saturday, August 19th will be eight impressive rides from the late Mr. Geils’ collection, starting with a 1961 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2. This what Enzo drove as his work car for many years. They are “practical” in a certain way, with more comfort and convenience than most Ferraris of the era with the +2 back seat. They also had Ferraris evergreen 250 V12 engine that brought home the hardware when installed in the GTOs, SWB Berlinettas, and Testa Rossas. When it comes to Giles’ 1961 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2, this would be the original 3.0-liter V12 engine with the 5-speed transmission. The car is said to have a very “attractive blue and gray exterior color combination.”
This is Lot S44, in case you want to place bids and buy it for yourself.
1961 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 (Lot S44). Photo: Mecum Auctions.

Motoring Centerfolds
Lot S45 is a 1967 Lancia Flaminia 2.8 3C. These iterations of the Flaminias are big, elegant GT cars motivated by a multi-carb V6. They are sophisticated and stylish to this day. The sort of car, when you pull up to the valet’s stand at the restaurant, they say, “oh no sir, you can just leave your car parked right out front.” Like you’d hand the keys over to a 1967 Lancia Flaminia 2.8 3C in the first place.
Geils’ 1967 Fiat Dino Spyder will also be crossing the block. For the uniformed, this is the car that Fiat made in conjunction with Ferrari shortly after the two companies merged. It says Fiat on the outside, but under the engine cover lies a small displacement Ferrari V6. The same engine found in Ferrari’s very own Dino and the space age Lancia Stratos rally car. These engines flat out rip. Even better, this is a drop-top (the most desirable of the range) and well worth your respect. Lot S46, if you are interested.
The three motorbikes all are Italian iron as well. There’s a 1983 Benelli 900 SEI (Lot S49), a mean little sport bike with a, get this, straight-six engine. A 1976 MV Agusta 125 SS is Lot S50. It looks like it’s ready for the Isle of Man TT. Lot S51 is a 1970 Ducati 350 Desmo, a fine example of what a Euro sport bike from that era was. Oh, and if you’re a memorabilia collector, five of J. Geils’ personal racing suits are also being auctioned off (Lot S52).
And the cherry on top? All of his stuff is being auctioned off without reserves.
1967 Fiat Dino Spyder, 2.0L, 5-Speed (Lot S46). Photo: Mecum Auctions.
Registration & Tickets
The auction is open to buyers, sellers, and spectators. Bidder registration is available in advance for $100, $200 after the auction starts. This includes admission for two for each auction day. General admission tickets are available in advance for $20 per person, per day, and for $30 at the door once the auction begins; children 12 and younger receive complimentary admission. Portions of the auction will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network with a live stream of the entire auction on Mecum’s website.
So, if you’re looking for reasons or excuses to head to Monterey this year, we just gave you eight more. Now go! And crank the J. Geils on the way!
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.
Photos & Source: Mecum Auctions.

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Nissan’s Rube Goldberg Idea Caused Us To Facepalm Ourselves

Nissan’s Rube Goldberg Idea Caused Us To Facepalm Ourselves

Nissan, for no real reason I can discern, has called their latest tech gizmo the “Rear Door Alert” when what it really is – or what it should be called – is “The Rear Seat Checker.” Beyond that confusing misnomer, what Nissan is attempting to do here, and always with the best of intentions (you know what they say about good intentions), is to help you remember the stuff in your back seat after you’ve parked.
You know, stuff like your children.
Destination: Litigation
The funny thing is, Nissan does not explicitly say the Rear Door Alert (RDA) is there to help keep your kids alive on a sweltering summer day. No, they only, sort of, imply it: “With summer heat on the rise, potential issues posed by interior car temperatures are even more real, but Nissan hopes its new Rear Door Alert may help reduce concerns.”
I have an informed guess as to why Nissan doesn’t come right out and say, “hey, are you a forgetful and harried parent? Worried about baking your kid (or pets) like a muffin while you’re at Twin Pines Mall shopping for lip gloss? Worry no more, thanks to Nissan’s new Rear Door Alert!” They can’t say that because I bet the legal team warned them along the lines of, “if you say we can keep kids safe and something still ends up happening, we’re going to get litigated back to the stone age.”
Cheese Alert
Nissan makes things clearer with this little tid-bit: “Elsa Foley, an industrial engineer and mother of two young children, and Marlene Mendoza, a mechanical engineer and mother of three, decided to work on an idea to help remind drivers to check their back seats before walking away.”
“We pushed each other along and knew we were on the right track one morning when Marlene discovered she had left a pan of lasagna in the back seat of her car one night after coming home after a long day at the office,” Foley said. “The worst thing was the car smelled for days, but it made me ask myself, ‘what if that had been something else back there?’”
Desiccated lasagna aside, it does sound like a helpful bit of tech, but the real flaw, if anything, is the execution.
The Rear Door Alert was developed at the Nissan Technical Center North America (NTCNA) in Farmington Hills, Michigan. The new feature will debut as standard equipment on the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder coming in September. Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Comical Creation
The Rear Door Alert works in a clever but rather overly complex way. The RDA monitors the rear door switches to detect whether they have been opened or closed just before and after a trip. If the RDA system senses that a rear door was opened and closed prior to a trip, but then was not re-opened after the trip, (i.e. the vehicle was put in park and the ignition cycled off) the RDA system responds by displaying notifications on the instrument panel. If that’s not enough to get your attention, things escalate to “subtle but distinctive chirps of the horn.”
And this is where the RDA lurches into real Rube Goldberg/Larry Lightbulb territory: “Because there are so many scenarios in which a driver might open a rear door – everything from throwing in a gym bag to cleaning the car – the RDA system is easily configurable and can be turned off temporarily or permanently through prompts in the cluster display,” according to Nissan. In other words, this thing will keep nagging and badgering you until you either see to the problem, or jump through a bunch of techno-hoops and “reconfigure” your car. Gee, thanks.
Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Medicated Motoring
Rear Door Alert is part of the ever-growing, ever-expanding list of “for your own good/you’re too stupid to do it yourself” safety contraptions found on most new cars these days. Nissan points out that most/all of these gadgets will be available on most of their more popular models except for those with manual transmissions and all NISMO versions. Gee, I wonder why that is? Maybe it’s because whoever goes out and buys your King Kong-inspired, Porsche-slaying GT-R is a gearhead capable of looking in the back seat.
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.
Photos & Source: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

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