Automotive

2020 BMW X7 Release Date and Price

Great SUV from BMW will again be present for all of us. Rumors circulating 2020 BMW X7 will be released by the middle of next year. But this is still news rumor. What’s new in 2020 BMW X7 we discuss in this article. The redesign, the approximate release date and also the price of the car will be our discussion on an article this time.

2020 BMW X7 Interior and Exterior

BMW has actually taken space-age guidelines in generating these suvs outdoors. Its front fascia has some striking functions. The new generation BMW X7 includes a set of radiator grille parts resting suitable while in the center. They prolong through the hood to the center of its bumper. In addition, it’s striking, upright air-intake scoops on each side of your front fascia. They expand upwards in the base on the bumper to its fronts lights.

Showcasing a mixture of LED as well as neon innovations, the fronts lights are sophisticated. There is no noticeable disjoint in amongst the front fascia and in addition the hood place. This benefits inside a liquid shape in the hood absolutely to its front bumper. The car has a good-looking shoulder line that prolongs from its front fenders correct to its back. As well as that, its body is formed to enhance the cumbersome nonetheless sports creating your car. A chrome enhancement streams in the region behind its front wheels at the same time as leaves the vehicles and truck’s lowered beltline completely to its back.

Engine Performance

How about engine 2020 BMW X7, but two are optional. To start with one particular is 3.0-liter single turbo I6 whilst another one particular is 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, the two paired with the 8-speed automatic transmission. You can find rumors that other markets outdoors of US could get a diesel 6-cylinder engine, but those are certainly not confirmed nonetheless. Drivers who experimented with six-cylinder and V8 model and compared them explained that 6-cylinder is smoother and quiet in driving, fantastic in rough terrain but steady on road and nicely handled in each and every circumstance. V8 model, then again, is usually a sportier model, using the powerful and noisy machine and wonderful speeds. There are presented Sporty and Comfort edition, the two accessible in 1 vehicle by activating the button from the cabin.

Release Date and Price

Expect this car will release date come to mid-2020. But we strongly believe this car will be present at the beginning of the year 2020. For the price, until the moment we do not have information that is so true. SUV car competition for the current very tight indeed. For model SUV BMW X 7 as its going to get resistance from the Audi Q7, the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator and the Infiniti QX80.

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2019 BMW 3 Series: Luxury Car, Sports Sedan Or Both?

2019 BMW 3 Series: Luxury Car, Sports Sedan Or Both? The complete redesign of the 2019 BMW 3 Series looks promising.
New engine technologies and suspension designs increase overall performance.
The 2019 3 Series faces stiff competition from Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, and Genesis.
The BMW 3 Series began its life in the United States in 1976 as a successor to the 2002.
As with all things in life, change is inevitable. It wasn’t too long ago that a certain Elon Musk had the idea of mass-producing an electric car. It was nothing short of ludicrous, but look how it turned out, for better or worse. The Tesla Model 3 is now the best-selling luxury car in the USA as of August.
The Model 3 also outsold the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class in the entry-level luxury segment.
BMW disputes this . . . in general.
“The BMW 3 Series has ranked as the world’s biggest-selling premium car, led the way for high-performance powertrain and chassis technology and earned a reputation as a pioneer of technological innovations in its segment,” reads a statement from the automaker.
Luxury Car or Sports Sedan?
Thus the reason why I’m shocked at what people think about the 2019 BMW 3 Series. The car made its debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. Since then, all we’ve been hearing from critics are expletive adjectives coupled with nuisance rants. I wonder what the fuss is all about.
The 2019 BMW 3 Series is bigger than the outgoing model. It represents the seventh generation of a beloved sports sedan – but that’s what the critics are pointing out. They say the new 3-Series is a proper luxury car now instead of a laser-focused sports sedan.
But is there something wrong with that?
By The Numbers
Sure, the new 3 Series is 0.5-inches taller, 2.9-inches longer, and 0.6-inches wider than the previous model. In fact, the front and rear track are wider by 43 and 21 millimeters respectively. The result is a more aggressive stance.
But despite the added bulk, the new 3 Series is 121 lbs. lighter than the outgoing model, thanks to the extensive use of aluminum in the engine sub-frame, front fenders, and hood. BMW claims overall rigidity is up 25 percent with as much as 50 percent improvements in certain areas of the body. It seems BMW hasn’t forgotten how to make a sharp-handling sedan, right?
BMW is so obsessed with improving the driving dynamics, even the center of gravity is 10 millimeters lower than the old model. In order for the car to slice the wind, BMW designers utilized every trick in the book to reduce the drag coefficient to 0.26 Cd.
So yeah, the 2019 BMW 3 Series is bigger, taller, and wider than the old car. But it also happens to be stiffer, lighter, and more slippery. Nobody complained when Honda and Toyota supersized the Civic and Corolla. Based on the above specs, the new BMW 3 Series is probably the return of the ultimate driving machine.
BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system includes an electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case, which links up with the Dynamic Stability Control system. From here, power output is adjusted – within a fraction of a second – according to the driving conditions. BMW says the technology reduces oversteer and understeer, while providing an increase in traction and stability. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
They say the new 3-Series is now a proper luxury car instead of being a laser-focused sports sedan. But is there something wrong with that?Click To TweetTurbocharged Power
Of course, what ultimate driving machine is complete without a stonking motor? The base 330i is motivated by a new 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. This engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic, features a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection, and variable camshaft timing.
The 2019 BMW 330i can sprint to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The 330i xDrive with all-wheel drive can perform the same feat in 5.3 seconds.
But if the idea of a four-cylinder engine is a tough pill to swallow, then consider the M340i instead. It comes with a turbocharged straight-six motor with 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque. The sprint to 60 mph takes just 4.2-seconds, courtesy of the eight-speed auto and standard rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available; BMW’s M Sport rear differential is standard.
If you were pining for a manual in the 2019 BMW 3 Series, you’re out of luck. Only diesels with rear-wheel drive receive a manual gearbox.
Aluminum swivel bearings and control arms for the front axle, plus aluminum wheel mounts and new wheel bearings for the rear axle reduce unsprung mass. At the rear axle, more rigid control arms and axle sub-frames, along with thrust arms for the body mounting, ensure “very precise wheel location,” according to BMW. As a result, steering dynamics improve. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Begging To Be Driven
The 2019 BMW 3 Series is the antithesis of what critics were hoping for. With a classy interior and gorgeous exterior (with available adaptive LED headlights even), the new car has clearly veered more towards the luxury end of the spectrum. But by reducing weight and increasing the stiffness of the chassis, along with new suspension and steering tech, there’s no doubt the 2019 BMW 3 Series is begging to be driven. Hard. Presumably on twisty and/or mountainous roads.
The issue starts with the packaging. Sure, the new 3 Series is longer, taller, and wider, although it’s not as roomy as before. And I can’t wrap my head around it. There is 1.5-inches less headroom in the front while leg and shoulder room is virtually unchanged. However, there is now more cargo room in the new 3 Series, which grew from 13 to 17 cubic-feet.
I can live with that.
2019 BMW 3 Series. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
There’s no doubt the 2019 BMW 3 Series is begging to be driven. Hard. Presumably on twisty and/or mountainous roads.Click To TweetBut There’s A Problem . . .
Two, in fact: the Genesis G70 and Tesla Model 3. I have no idea how the Genesis G70 feels so adoringly good on the open road despite the sub-$35k base price. I won’t go as far as saying the Genesis G70 is the BMW 3 Series for a new generation, but it does feel like it.
And then the Tesla Model 3. The Model 3 is bigger in all aspects than the sixth-gen 3 Series, which BMW addressed by increasing the dimensions on this new, seventh-gen 3 Series. But the Tesla Model 3 starts at only $35,000 (before tax credits) in standard range trim, while the 2019 BMW 3 Series starts around $41,200.
Also, the Tesla is faster and has a more alluring design in my eyes.
But if BMW is in your blood, then expect the 330i in March. The M340i will follow shortly after, with a starting MSRP of $43,245.
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.
2019 BMW 3 Series Gallery

Photos & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.

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2018 Ford Mustang GT Review: One Quick Pony!

2018 Ford Mustang GT Review: One Quick Pony! The 2018 Ford Mustang GT gets a significant refresh. The upgrades, like a re-tuned suspension, plus newly available adaptive suspension dampers, improve ride quality. And there’s more power for the coupe’s 5.0-liter V8, which will make it more enticing for performance enthusiasts.
This weekend, we drove the 2018 Ford Mustang GT Premium.
What’s New For 2018
The 2018 Ford Mustang gets revised front and rear styling and newly available adaptive suspension dampers.
Features & Options
The 2018 Ford Mustang GT Premium ($39,095) is the model for performance enthusiasts! It comes standard with the 5.0-liter V8, a six-speed manual gearbox, leather upholstery, power front seats, and a nine-speaker audio system. Additional features include dual-zone automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an eight-inch touchscreen with the Sync 3 infotainment system.
The Performance package ($3,995) includes larger brakes, 19-inch wheels and summer tires, a shorter differential ratio, bigger radiator, stiffer front springs, and a larger rear stabilizer bar. This package also allows the new-for-2018, MagneRide adaptive suspension dampers ($1,695).
Other optional but notable features include the digital gauge clusters, navigation system, Recaro front sport seats, a 12-speaker sound system, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
Total MSRP including destination: $53,160. By comparison, starting MSRP for the 2018 Ford Mustang is $25,680.
2018 Ford Mustang GT in Ruby Red with the Black Accent Package.
The center stack is attractive and there are chrome accents throughout the cabin. Click To TweetInterior Highlights
The Recaro bucket seats are a must with the 5.0-liter V8, as they keep you firmly planted in this high-performance coupe. They are comfortable around town and were extra-supportive in the tight mountain curves we powered through over the weekend. And there’s a wide range of adjustments, so even tall drivers have enough room.
The center stack is attractive and there are chrome accents throughout the cabin. The GT Premium model features sweet toggle switches with a background looking like machined aluminum. The radio and climate controls are even easy to operate. There are a fair amount of hard plastics, however, which takes away from the interior quality.
The rear seating is only useful for kids and adults who need to ride for a short trip. The Mustang is a 2+2, so rear legroom is seriously limited. At just 29 inches, it’s less than the Camaro. But the two slim seats are supportive, as occupants sink in. Climbing in and out is a challenge without hitting your head on the roofline, although it’s easier than the Camaro which has even less headroom.
The Mustang’s trunk offers up a decent 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, but the optional Shaker stereo ($895) includes a trunk-mounted subwoofer that limits the usable space.
2018 Ford Mustang GT interior layout.
When you start up the 2018 Ford Mustang GT, you hear the V8 come to life! The performance exhaust has an unmistakable throaty rumble that will wake the neighbors. Click To TweetEngine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2018 Ford Mustang GT comes powered by a sweet 5.0-liter V8, producing 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft. of torque. The power plant was revised for 2018 with the implementation of direct and port injection. The GT’s six-speed manual gearbox gets revised gearing this year too.
EPA fuel mileage estimates come in at 15/25 city/highway and 18 combined mpg. That is, if you can keep your foot out of the gas pedal.
Driving Dynamics
When you start up the 2018 Ford Mustang GT, you hear the V8 come to life! The performance exhaust has an unmistakable throaty rumble that will wake the neighbors. Ford says the GT can accelerate to 60 in less than four seconds, a stunning performance claim we can attest to. The active exhaust system made us giddy as we turned up the volume from almost silent, to the deep bass of a V8 rumble, to a menacing bellow.
If you want to do flawless burnouts (at the track of course), Ford offers an electronic line lock as standard equipment.
Our 2018 Ford Mustang GT had both the Performance Package and MagneRide Suspension, features that improve agility and driving dynamics. By switching to Sport mode, the dampers stiffen to produce handling that’s sharp and steady even on rough roads. When the dampers are set to their softest mode, and the exhaust system to its quietest tuning, the Mustang feels like a mild-mannered sedan.
But who would want to do that?
The performance exhaust has an unmistakable throaty rumble that will wake the neighbors.Click To TweetConclusion
For sportiness and driving fun, the 2018 Ford Mustang GT Premium with the 5.0-liter V8 and six-speed manual is a must for performance enthusiasts. However, the Mustang offers solid performance for the dollar in any trim level.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Ford Mustang GT Gallery

2018 Ford Mustang Official Site.
Photos: Ford Motor Company.

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2017 Toyota Yaris iA 6-Speed Manual Review

2017 Toyota Yaris iA 6-Speed Manual Review

There’s lots of choices in the compact sedan market with affordable and fuel-efficient models across the segment. But what if you are searching for one that’s also packed with features and surprisingly fun-to-drive? The new 2017 Toyota Yaris iA is a car you should have on your shopping list.
What’s New For 2017
Formerly known as the Scion iA, the 2017 Yaris iA comes under the Toyota umbrella now that Scion has been axed. It’s essentially unchanged compared to last year’s model.
Features & Options
Our 2017 Toyota Yaris iA tester came with the 6-speed manual transmission ($15,950) which is $250 more than the Scion version from last year. It comes well-equipped for a subcompact car with its abundant features. It offers up keyless entry, push-button start, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, power mirrors, a 7-inch touchscreen, and 6-speaker sound system with music streaming. It also comes with steering-wheel controls, voice recognition for audio and phone, Bluetooth, a USB port, plus compatibility with Aha, Pandora, and Stitcher.
A 60/40 fold-flat rear seat was also included. Total MSRP including destination: $16,815.
Interior Highlights
We were impressed the moment we stepped into the Yaris iA’s cabin. The upright touchscreen and circular vents come right from the page of a Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. It’s unusual to find this kind of material quality and fit and finish in a subcompact, costing less than $17,000. There’s lots of soft touch materials used throughout and the infotainment system features the kind of connectivity a high-tech generation wants.
The 7-inch touchscreen sits on the dash. It caught and kept our attention with its easy to read display. Room up front is typical for a subcompact and rear passengers will feel a bit cramped on longer jaunts around town. For cargo, the rear seats fold flat and open up to the sedan’s trunk.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2017 Toyota Yaris iA is powered by a 1.5-liter engine producing an ample 106 horsepower and 103 lb-ft. of torque. The iA engine comes from Mazda, using direct injection with a high 12:1 compression ratio. The four-cylinder powerplant is tuned for fuel efficiency and achieves an EPA-estimated 30/39 city/highway and 34 combined with the 6-speed manual gearbox.
If you don’t want to shift yourself, a 6-speed automatic is available and gets better fuel mileage at 33/42 city/highway and 37 combined.
Driving Dynamics
There’s a lot to like about the Scion iA sedan with the manual gearbox. It’s a driver’s car from the start and offers plenty of fun for enthusiasts. We had the car for the weekend and had a chance to drive it in the city and mountains west of Denver.
The Yaris iA hugged the mountain curves with ease and little body lean. The manual gearbox is a joy to shift with crisp changes up and down in the gears. The 6-speed manual is more fun-to-drive than the automatic Scion iA we drove last year by a mile!
On the open road, we had to downshift into 5th on the mountain hills as 6th gear is tall and more of an overdrive. It was easy to find the right gear, however, as we motored through the city streets and made the commute through town. Handling is sporty and the suspension is just right with MacPherson struts in front and the torsion beam in the rear.
Conclusion
If you want a more engaging driving experience, we like the Toyota Yaris iA manual over the more serene automatic. For fuel mileage and city commuting, the Yaris iA automatic is the way to go. Our personal preference would be to sacrifice one or two mpg and go with the sportier driving machine, the 6-speed manual. It’s fun-to-drive, offers a more engaging experience, and still gets excellent fuel mileage overall.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Toyota Yaris iA Gallery

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2017 Toyota Yaris iA Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Unexpected Car Shows Are Always Worth Visiting

Unexpected Car Shows Are Always Worth Visiting

For me it has turned into an immutable fact that you should always, always head to a car show, especially if you are in a strange setting or you didn’t know about the car show in advance. About a month back, I found myself in just such a time and place, when an unexpected car show appeared out of nowhere.
It turned out to be a gloriously affirming good time of car related gearheadedness.
Quintessential Community
I was recently in Port Townsend, Washington on a working vacation. Port Townsend is a cute little Victorian-era town on the banks of Puget Sound. Back when it was founded, before the Civil War, they thought Port Townsend was going to be the San Francisco of the north. And they were nearly right, since at that time, Seattle was a brine-soaked series of mud flats and Tacoma was, uh, a brine-soaked series of mud flats (it’s amazing what a lot of rain will do to a place). But Port Townsend got outpaced by both Seattle and Tacoma and now exists, mainly, as a weekend getaway spot, artist colony, ex-hippie refuge and, somehow, a place for retired Californians to live.
Port Townsend was also a place where I stumbled onto a local car show that was pretty impressive; the Port Townsend Kiwanis Classic Car Show. Sure, there were the tastefully done up hot rods (I refuse to call them street rods) more than a few immaculate antique cars that looked showroom fresh 75 years on and, surprisingly, more than a few outright sports cars, plus interesting older cars and even – gasp – something French! Here are a few of my favorites, or at least the cars that caught my eye, followed by a photo gallery of the other rides assembled.
Photo: Tony Borroz for Automoblog.net.
First up, let’s get my biases out of the way. This is a rather nice and tastefully modified Triumph TR3. It had all the period goodies like wire wheels and that factory grille bar with the driving lights, but it had also been seen-to here and there.

The interior was redone with new materials but retained that old style look; even the dash was redone, and just as tastefully. “But what’s this,” I asked as I walked around the front and took in the engine bay . . . that, my dear friends, is a Roots-type scroll supercharger. I never found the owner so I couldn’t tell you how much power this thing puts to the tarmac, but that’s an upgrade after my own heart.
Photo: Tony Borroz for Automoblog.net.
Just aft of that Roots blower was this, the nearly impenetrable stronghold of Lucas, The Prince of Darkness.
Photo: Tony Borroz for Automoblog.net.
Many a times have I stared, knuckles bleeding, tears welling up in my eyes, at just that fuse block. Many, many times have I looked on, feeling like an Old Testament prophet that God had decided to test. That fuse block, right there, is one of the biggest reasons why I drive a Miata.
Photo: Tony Borroz for Automoblog.net.
Next up, we have this pickup, an older Chevy; I didn’t really pay attention, but what jumped out at me was the car club plaque screwed into the front bumper.
Photo: Tony Borroz for Automoblog.net.
Badge of Honor
See, back in the 1950s, if you were in a car club, one of the things your dues got you, in addition to that totally cool Car Coat and the secret blood initiation, was some sort of identifying marker. In SoCal, they tended to be these stand-up things you put on the parcel shelf in your rear window. In other places, it was a bumper plaque like this one.
Check it out closely, it is exemplary of the art: up top, your car club; in this case The Rakers (and how cool of a club name is that?) and down at the bottom, where you hail from, in this case, Port Townsend. In other words, this guy was a Port Townsend gearhead waaaay back in the day, and he still is. Like I said, cool, no?
Photo: Tony Borroz for Automoblog.net.
Red Hot
Ah, the Shoe Box Ford. Why they got called that I never knew, but that’s what everyone knows them as now. This is a particularly fine example that also hews very close to what cruiser cars were like back then. The modifications were usually subtle. This guy sported a very nice, deep wine red paint job; it was lowered a little, and was running on what looked like Gotti wheels (an odd choice, but they worked).
Photo: Tony Borroz for Automoblog.net.
But what’s this? This would be some rather nice pinstriping flourishes up front, a la Von Dutch. And if you think, even for a second, that Von Dutch is that clothing line Justin Timberlake wears, I swear I will hunt you down with dogs and show you just how wrong you are.
Photo: Tony Borroz for Automoblog.net.
I Fought The Law
But wait, it gets even better! What’s that, you might ask? That, my young Padawan, is a “Blue Dot.” That thing, right there in the center of the taillight, is an aftermarket item you could buy back in 50s and 60s. They are these faceted pieces of dark blue plastic about the size of a nickel, surrounded by a chrome bezel. And the deal was, you’d drill a hole in your taillight and mush them in there, and when you’d hit the brakes, you’d give off this purple-ish glow. Putting Blue Dots on your car back then was like rolling up your Pall Malls in your t-shirt sleeve, and turning up the collar on your Car Coat; it showed in no uncertain terms that you were A. Bad. Boy.
I know, it doesn’t seem like much until you consider that, for some reason lost to me, the local cops hated seeing them. You’d get pulled over and ticketed for some sort of penny-ante equipment infraction. But you didn’t care! You were a gearhead! The bulls could kiss it! Hand me a match, will ya? I am still personal friends with older guys that got hassled by cops because of this. See, when you’re a gearhead, there’s always something the cops are going to dislike. You get used to it, I suppose.
Here’s the rest of the cars that were at the show. Like I said, a pretty impressive turn out; everything from fabulous Hudson Hornets to Citroen Maseratis – and what sort of masochist owns a French car powered by a 70s vintage Italian engine way out in the wilds of the Olympic Peninsula? My kind of gearhead, that’s who.
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.
Port Townsend Kiwanis Classic Car Show Gallery

Gallery Photos: Tony Borroz.

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Global Summit In Brussels, Belgium Examines Autonomous Driving

Global Summit In Brussels, Belgium Examines Autonomous Driving

Autonomous driving is one of the headline topics today in the automotive industry. A conversation on autonomy can include everything from technology and infrastructure, to legalities and testing. Sometimes, people will even voice apprehensions about an autonomous car, expressing their fears about life in an autonomous world. Recently, a new study highlighted that safety is still the main concern among consumers.
AutoSens organizers are in tune to this, understanding that collaboration is necessary for the successful implementation of autonomy.
Challenges & Opportunities
AutoSens returns this week to Autoworld in Brussels, Belgium, their second summit this year, following a successful event in May in Detroit, Michigan. The Detroit event marked the North American debut for AutoSens, with over 350 engineers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and other automotive industry experts in attendance. AutoSens is built on the visions these professionals share on vehicle perception technology, ADAS systems, and autonomous driving. Like in Detroit, AutoSens Brussels examines OEM requirements for developing these systems, and provides arenas for engagement, idea sharing, and collaboration.
“AutoSens has a strong following, backing within the industry, and is building a community of dedicated and passionate automotive engineers and technologists,” said Robert Stead, Managing Director, Sense Media. “That same community has a powerful desire to see through the roll out of autonomous vehicle technology.”
Photo: Sense Media.
Active Participation
AutoSens Brussels will see an influx of over 400 technical experts and engineers, each with a thorough understanding of connected car systems. The biggest topics in Brussels include camera developments, functional safety testing and validations, sensor fusion, image processing, imaging standards, and benchmarking. LiDAR, radar, computer vision, in-car networking, and the challenges facing each will be prime talking points as well.
Organizers are dedicated to providing the ideal environment for industry professionals to better understand what is talking place in these key areas. The strongest aspect of AutoSens is how attendees participate in the conversations, bring ideas to the table, identify problems, and even implement solutions. In Brussels there will be ample opportunity: the 4-day program includes 6 expert workshops, vehicle demonstrations, over 60 keynote-style conference sessions, 40 plus booth exhibitions, 8 industry awards, and a gala ceremony.
“Keeping engineers at the core, AutoSens in Brussels will see an international awards program and gala dinner in Europe, extended learning through an enhanced series of workshops, continuation of the IEEE P2020 working group activities, and vehicle demos to showcase the latest technology as we develop the ADAS and autonomous vehicle technology community this year,” Stead said.
Photo: Sense Media.
Accomplished Voices
The speakers at AutoSens Brussels are as diverse as they are distinguished. Collectively, the panel has experience in everything from robotics and computer vision, to automotive electronics, digital imaging, and functional safety. Each speaker was handpicked and selected based on their contributions to functional safety, driver assistance systems, autonomous cars, and their overall passion for the topics. Speakers at AutoSens Brussels include:
Philipp Hoffmann, Research, New Technologies and Innovation, Project Leader, BMW Group.
Heiko Hirschmueller, Co-Founder, Roboception.
Erich Ramschak, Sensor Product Manager, ADAS Engineering, AVL.
Markus Heimberger, System Architect; Senior Expert, Valeo.
Chris Davies, Head of Technical Superiority, Belron.
Saskia de Craen, Senior Researcher, SWOV.
Paul Jennings, Professor, University of Warwick.
Sheldon Russell, Senior Research Associate, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.
Junmuk Lee, Senior Research Engineer, Hyundai Autron.
Erik Vinkhuyzen, Senior Researcher, Nissan Research Center.
Photo: Sense Media.

Historic Appeal
AutoSens Brussels will be held in two different venues, the first of which is the Autoworld private museum. Organizers believe Autoworld’s architecture, car collection, and history make it the ideal location. During World War l, Autoworld served as the German army’s garage, while the Mundaneum, created by Belgian lawyers Paul Otlet and Henri La Fontaine, was installed there in 1920. The AutoSens Awards will take place on September 20th at the Atomium.
AutoSens Brussels begins on Tuesday, September 19th and runs through Thursday, September 21st. Registration is currently open and the full schedule can be found here.
“We have some really exciting things in store so the team and I are looking forward to seeing how the industry responds,” Stead said.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

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Chevy’s 2.7L Turbo Silverado: Does It Pass Muster?

Chevy’s 2.7L Turbo Silverado: Does It Pass Muster? Chevy’s turbo Silverado will hit the market before the end of the year.
The new 2.7L Turbo, according to Chevy, tops comparable Ram and Ford engines.
How will the new turbo hold up in a product line long dominated by 5.3 and 6.2 V8 engines?
While the 6.2 V8 is the biggest and baddest rooster in the Silverado barnyard, Chevy is showcasing a new spring chicken for their 2019 1500 lineup. It’s hard to imagine General Motors – with the mighty 6.2 and evergreen 5.3 – going smaller. And turbo. But alas, as Garfield once observed, the times are always changing.
Meet the new 2.7L Turbo four-cylinder for the 2019 Chevy Silverado.
By The Numbers
When the 2019 Silverado debuted, new engine technologies, advanced manufacturing, and “mixed material strategies” were the core of the discussion. Earlier this year, we received further insight into how the new Silverado came together, after sitting down with Scott Damman, Lead Development Engineer for the 2019 Silverado.
“The engineering team was actually tasked with going and looking at every single part for weight savings,” he explained. “To do that we actually went to our suppliers and our supply base to begin pulling on new technology, which included new processes for building things.”
A 2019 Chevy Silverado with the 2.7L Turbo is 380 lbs. lighter than a current model with the 4.3L V6. As a bonus, the turbo Silverado is still lighter, despite increased interior and cargo space. Standard on LT and RST, the new turbo offers a 14 percent torque increase and a 13 percent bump in city fuel economy versus the 4.3 V6. It’s also a full second quicker when sprinting to 60 mph (6.8 seconds).
EPA fuel economy ratings come in at 20/23 city/highway for rear-wheel drive models. Max towing is 7,200 lbs. with a 2,280 lbs. max payload when properly equipped.
“With up to 23 mpg on the highway, the truck is efficient while still offering plenty of capability to tackle weekend projects and trips to the lake,” said Tim Asoklis, Silverado Chief Engineer.
Chevy’s 2.7L Turbo endured 475,000 validation tests and a million miles of real-world testing. Photo: Chevrolet.
While the 6.2 V8 is the biggest and baddest rooster in the Silverado barnyard, Chevy is showcasing a new spring chicken for their 2019 1500 lineup.Click To TweetBarnyard Brawl
On the nitty-gritty end, Chevy is swinging heat at their fellow Detroit rivals. The bowtie brand says the turbo Silverado delivers 310 horsepower and 348 lb-ft. of torque, topping Ford’s 3.3L V6 and Ram’s 3.6L V6 mild hybrid by 31 and 29 percent respectively. With the 2.7L Turbo, peak torque runs between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm; the engine reaches said peak quicker than the aforementioned Ram and Ford mills, according to Chevy.
Chevy’s 2.7L Turbo should not be confused with Ford’s 2.7L EcoBoost, which is a V6. Same displacement yes, but different class. That engine generates 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft. of torque by comparison. Ford’s 3.3 V6, which is naturally-aspirated, creates 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft. of torque.
Still, with Chevy having such an extensive history with the 5.3 and 6.2, how will – or how can – the 2.7L Turbo Silverado find its place? Granted, Ford’s EcoBoost engines are in a different class, but does GM now look like Johnny Come Lately? Is turbocharging half-ton trucks best left to Ford, considering the EcoBoost F-150 launched in 2011?
Hard to say.
Given the extensive number of options and price ranges, it may ultimately boil down to personal preference. One thing for certain though, trucks today are pulling their weight. And not just in payload but in efficiency. As manufacturers stack their truck lines with more advanced powertrains and lighter materials, the long-term benefits are likely more than we realize, according to this recent Detroit Free Press report.

Chevy’s 2.7L Turbo is paired with an eight-speed automatic. Photo: Chevrolet.
With Chevy having such an extensive history with the 5.3 and 6.2, how can the 2.7L Turbo Silverado find its place?Click To TweetPhysical Chemistry
The 2.7L Turbo’s genetic makeup includes a dual overhead cam valvetrain system. This enables high- and low-lift valve profiles, continuously variable valve timing, and Active Fuel Management – or cylinder deactivation. The combination helps strike an optimum balance between performance and efficiency.
The 2.7L Turbo is also Chevy’s first application of Active Thermal Management, which uses heating and cooling advantageously across the entire powertrain system.
Translation: this helps with fuel economy, recovering otherwise wasted exhaust heat so the engine and transmission warm up quicker. Finally a dual-volute turbocharger housing improves response and cuts lag.
“The new Silverado 2.7L Turbo delivers impressive performance and fuel efficiency,” Asoklis added. “It’s fun to drive every day – quick from the start, and pulling hard under acceleration.”
When the 2019 Silverado debuted, new engine technologies, advanced manufacturing, and mixed material strategies were the core of the discussion.Click To TweetAvailability
The 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 features eight trims and six engine/transmission combinations including the new turbo. Expect the 2.7L Turbo at dealers before the end of the year.
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 & Source: Chevrolet.

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Scare Everyone With This Free Nissan Leaf Pumpkin Carving

Scare Everyone With This Free Nissan Leaf Pumpkin Carving Nothing more terrifying than poor gas mileage . . .
It’s Halloween! A time of sweet treats, costume parties, and repeated spins of Jim Stafford’s Spiders and Snakes and Warren Zevon’s Werewolves of London on local radio. The trick-or-treaters will soon dress up and seek out their respective trove of candy treasures. Some of those trick-or-treaters will even be kids.
College students in Detroit. You know who you are.
Scream For Green
Revving up a big muscle car to rattle the bolts of lesser machinery certinately has its allure. However, equally as terrifying is the bill to keep such a muscle car: fuel, tires, washes, fuel, accessories, performance parts, fuel, insurance, tires, fuel, tires, storage, and the list goes on. Did we mention insurance?
Instead of painting black marks onto the pavement, might we suggest a little more green for Halloween? Like Nissan Leaf green. Instead of doing the same old Jack-o-Lantern patterns – dark castle, scary kitty, freaky spider, flying bats, funky trolls etc. – why not transform this year’s gourd into a green machine?
NissanPartsPlus.com and StoneyKins have created a free, first-generation Nissan Leaf pumpkin carving pattern.
“Sure, you might be able to scare some kids with carving big, jagged teeth or whatever, but what if you make this sensible electric vehicle look really cool to a 10 year-old,” said Steve Ferreira, Director at NissanPartsPlus.com. “This Halloween decoration holds up to tradition while giving a nod to the future.”
The Nissan Leaf. Leafs? Leaves? Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Battery Packs & Raisin Boxes
The 2019 Nissan Leaf has an estimated 150 miles of range with its lithium-ion battery pack. Total output stands at 147 horsepower and 236 lb-ft. of torque, an increase of 37 and 26 percent respectively. Among the top features: ProPILOT Assist, which includes safety tech like automatic braking, and the e-Pedal system to bolster more efficient driving.
According to Nissan, the individual structures of the laminated lithium-ion battery cells have improved, representing a 67 percent increase in energy density versus the original 2010 model. Incidentally, the new Leaf was named “2018 World Green Car” by the World Car Awards in March.
“Beyond this being a cool decoration, it is a way to celebrate your environmental side,” Ferreira said. “I’d like to encourage everyone’s love of nature, but please don’t be the house that gives away raisins.”
Well said. And the part about the environment was good too.
Where To Find The Leaf Pattern
You can grab the free Nissan Leaf carving pattern here.
And if you just can’t shake that performance car vibe, here are two others for you. Both free. Happy Halloween!
2018 Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE pattern.
2018 Subaru WRX STI pattern.

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Famed Automotive Artist Draws Beautiful Acura NSX Cutaway

Famed Automotive Artist Draws Beautiful Acura NSX Cutaway Acura is showcasing a new cutaway sketch of the NSX, hand-drawn by famed automotive illustrator Shin Yoshikawa. Yoshikawa’s cutaways represent, in fine detail, the powertrain, chassis, and mechanical components of a given automobile. This Acura NSX cutaway sketch took months of perpetration and research, but it was drawn mostly from notes and memory.
Which, given the depth of the NSX, is incredible!
Details Are Everything
For reasons like this, Yoshikawa is among the greatest living automotive artists. However, creating this Acura NSX cutaway sketch was hardly a walk in the park.
“The NSX’s innovative power unit was extremely challenging to draw, making the second-generation NSX the most difficult vehicle I have sketched,” Yoshikawa explained.
The 2019 Acura NSX produces a total system output of 500 horsepower and 406 lb-ft. of torque. The 24 valve, twin-turbo V6 features forged steel connecting rods, a dry sump system, and cast aluminum pistons with integrated cooling channels. Acura measures the turbo boost at 15.23 psi. With a compression ratio of 10.0:1, the NSX cranks out more than 140 horsepower per liter of engine displacement.
“Everything comes down to the details,” Yoshikawa continued. “If you don’t understand the technology that goes into building vehicles, you won’t be able to build them, and you certainly can’t draw them.”
2019 Acura NSX. Photo: Acura.
New & Improved
The 2019 Acura NSX made its global debut during Monterey Car Week. Updates include a new body-color front grille garnish and high gloss treatment for the front and rear fascia mesh. A Thermal Orange Pearl paint, an Indigo blue leather interior, and two new brake caliper colors complete the styling treatments.
Performance enhancements include stiffer stabilizer bars and new software tuning. Acura says the NSX now has a time nearly two seconds faster around the Suzuka Circuit.
Below is a clip of Yoshikawa on Jay Leno’s Garage, along with a full-scale image of his NSX sketch. Yoshikawa has been an automotive artist for the last 50 years.

Acura NSX cutaway sketch by Shin Yoshikawa.
Source: Acura.

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