Automotive

Ultima RS: The Most Incredible Car You’ve Probably Never Heard About

Ultima RS: The Most Incredible Car You’ve Probably Never Heard About It all started out innocently enough. I noticed something on one of the racing sites, and that lead to a group email with me summarizing, “Yes, yes, great car, wonderful specs and all that. Now, could you please give it to an Italian so it will look less ugly?” The great car in question is the new Ultima RS. Indeed, it is a very great car, if also being frighteningly homely.

The company says the Ultima RS is the crowning glory of their 35 years and the finest expression of their core DNA.

What Is The Story Behind The Ultima RS?

Ultima, as a car company, has been kicking around for a while. In 1983, automotive engineer and designer Lee Noble established Noble Motorsport Ltd, and launched the Ultima Mk1. The Ultima Mk1 had a square-tube, space-frame chassis, along with the front brakes and steering of the Ford Cortina and Renault rear brakes. The V6 engine and transmission were from a Renault 30. If you had a subscription to Kitcars and Specials magazine back then, you would have seen the Ultima Mk1 in its pages.
By 1998, the forthcoming Ultima GTR is undergoing tests at the Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA). By 2014, the company is producing the GTR’s replacement, the Ultima Can-Am. However, by 2015 the Ultima Evolution replaces them both with the company’s most advanced technology yet. A year later, sales would stretch to include 65 countries.
In addition, they are in the Forza Motorsport games and they were instrumental in the development of the McLaren F1.
The Ultima RS is the company’s most thorough and comprehensive revision of the road legal Ultima supercar. Photo: Damian Hock.
Related: A story over three decades in the making: the history of Ultima Sports Ltd.
For The Track & Street
The cars that Ultima makes are, more or less, track-only cars. However, the Ultima RS is as street legal as a Honda Civic. That explains the optional Alpine entertainment system with satellite navigation and Bluetooth, and the air conditioning option too.
“We have gone to great lengths to design the new Ultima RS in a manner for it to be deemed road legal in many countries, which is a hugely time-consuming and skilled task compared to simply manufacturing a track-only car,” reads the company’s website. “The beauty and ethos of the Ultima is that it can be enjoyed immensely on the public roads at sensible road speeds as well as on a race circuit where it can deliver devastatingly quick lap times.”
But Land-o-Goshen do these things look like they fell out of the ugly tree and hit a bunch of branches on the way down. But let’s put those concerns aside for the time being, because the view from inside the new Ultima RS must be sublimely terrifying.
Ultima RS interior layout. Photo: Damian Hock.
Sit Down & Strap In
The inside, while we’re on the subject, is about the size of a phone booth knocked on it’s back. You’re fully cosseted by a beefy roll cage and purposeful dials and a custom seat and all that, but really you are just crammed into a small, noisy, glorious space that is about 0.2 seconds away from the afterlife. I am not – and let me be clear about this – saying this car is going to kill you. Oh no, quite the contrary. I am saying your skill as a driver will not be enough to save you. There is quite the difference.
What makes me say that? The powerplant, for one.
Rocket Ship On Wheels
In the case of the Ultima RS, that would be the latest Chevrolet V8 LT1 direct-injected engine, putting out 480 bhp. Which, given how the RS is only 13.5 feet long, around six feet wide, and literally waist high (3.6 feet); and the entire thing tips the scales at a featherweight 2,050 lbs., means the performance is staggering. Zero to 60 in three seconds flat, quarter-mile times as quick as a superbike (11.2 seconds at 131 mph, top speed of 180 plus; praise Shiva this thing doesn’t get any cra- . . . oh, wait, I am so very sorry.
Those performance figures for the LT1-powered Ultima RS are for the bottom of the line; the entry level model, the starter pack, if you will. It goes up from there. Way, way up to performance figures just the other side of full-on race cars and just this side of hearing harp music.
The top-of-the-line engine choice is a Chevy supercharged LT5 mill that puts out a staggering 1,200 bhp. Yes, that is more than a current Indy car and more than a current F1 car. Yes, that is more than a current Nascar. Ultima Sports Ltd. has seemingly no problem with making, selling, and handing these over to anyone with the cash. Here’s a car that is capable of . . . (checks figures) . . . oh . . . oh my . . .
Look at this!
Zero to 60 mph: 2.3 seconds; zero to 100 mph: 4.8 seconds; standing quarter mile: 9.2 seconds at 156 mph. And finally, the top speed: 250 plus mph (gearing limited).
The Ultima RS is available with an “interchangeable silencer delete X Pipe” for those who want a “truly thunderous” V8 soundtrack. Photo: Damian Hock.
To Put That Into Perspective . . .
An Indy car does zero to 60 in around 2.2 seconds. A Suzuki Hayabusa does the quarter in 9.3 and it’s a friggin’ motorcycle! The Ultima RS is . . . is faster than most anything else out there and it’s only limitation is gearing? Seriously, no joke, spec-wise this thing is as fast as an Indy car and it has a license plate on it. I decided to build one of these up in Forza. I couldn’t get it all the way up to 1,200 bhp (only into the mid 900s), and I could barely keep the thing on the road.
Just imagine what it must be like in real life.
Perfect For That Midlife Crisis
I changed my mind. This might just be the most beautiful car on the planet. Shoot, you’re going to be moving too fast for people to get a good look at you anyway. I swear, this thing probably generates it’s own red-shift at this point. Now all I have is questions. Dirty, ugly questions. Like, can I fit in the thing? Can my bank account handle it? Is my last Will and Testament in order?
A few of the car’s specs are below, with the complete list here under the FAQ section. I’ve got to go lie down and think now. And I should call my therapist. And my priest. Also my minister and a Rabbi I know. Shoot, better call up that mortician too, just in case.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
Ultima RS Technical Specifications:
Chassis
Powder coated in satin black.
Fully-welded roll cage in 45mm CDS with welded rear braces.
Updated space-frame using mainly 38mm x 1.5mm diameter tube.
Body
Roof scoop option is a Le Mans-style design to provide more efficient engine cooling.
Unpainted GRP, finished in a gel coat utilizing the latest advances in pigment technology.
Carbon fiber elements include the front and side splitters, dive planes, brake ducts, and wheel arch vents.
Carbon Fiber Wing
Nine different angle of attack adjustment positions.
Swan neck mounts transfer downforce directly to the chassis.
Steering & Suspension
Front ride height hydraulic lift kit option.
Quick ratio steering rack – 2.1 turns lock to lock.
Fully-adjustable, custom-made coil spring dampers.
TIG welded, double unequal length wishbones with extended front wishbones.
Braking
Adjustable brake bias front to rear. All stainless steel TUV hoses.
Standard: AP 322 mm curved vane vented discs all round with 4-pot calipers.
Optional: Larger fitment of 362 mm x 32 mm curved vane discs all round with 6-pot calipers.
Tires
Michelin 19″ Pilot Sport Cup 2 and Pilot Sport 4S options.
Interior
Air conditioning.
Ultima RS branded luggage bag set.
Steering wheel mounted wireless switch gear.
Carpet for the floor and rear bulkhead with color-coded piping option.
Leather Alcantara seats with new grommets to accommodate 75 mm seat belts.
Ultima RS Gallery

Photos & Source: Ultima Sports Ltd.

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2019 Kia Niro EV: Like A Bank Vault That Makes Cool Noises

2019 Kia Niro EV: Like A Bank Vault That Makes Cool Noises The 2019 Kia Niro EV debuts at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Expect quicker charging times and an abundance of safety features.
It even makes a futuristic noise that resembles a spaceship. No. Seriously.
Electric vehicles are coming, and they’re coming for every price point and customer out there. What was once the province of rich people with a point to make, is now, or soon will be, within reach of even those of humble means. What Tesla is to guilt-ridden project managers, the Kia Niro EV will be to, uh, people who buy Kias.
Look, I have nothing against Tesla. They are very well made and very usable. The only thing I don’t like about Tesla is they’re expensive. Sure, in my Lotto-winning Mind Palace Garage Mahal, I’d have a couple of them, but now? No can do. Automotive writers don’t make much crust.
Not Just For The Super Rich
The Kia Niro EV, like the Nissan Leaf and other “budget-minded” EVs, want to rectify that. No firm pricing yet but c’mon, it’s a Kia. How much can they possibly charge? And even though it will not be Rolls-Royce priced, it is, like everything Kia makes, loaded with features of all sorts. Tech, comfort, convenience, the lot.
What will differentiate it from its ICE-powered brethren is the powertrain, which is anything but cheap.
Related: Will Kia’s wireless EV charging system change the world?
Charge Up Over Lunch
The 2019 Kia Niro EV is powered by a state-of-the-art, liquid-cooled 64kWh lithium ion polymer battery that lives under the floor. Nice because there’s minimal passenger intrusion and a lower center of gravity. Charging rates are said to be brief. The prime mover is a 201 horsepower electric motor with an impressive 291 lb-ft. of torque.
Kia says the Combined Charging System (CCS) handlea a 100kW load, with the DC fast-charge equipment being standard. That means you can get around 100-miles of recharge in 30 minutes, or “fill up” 80 percent of the battery in 75 minutes (a long lunch).
If you’re pulling from a Level 2, 240v line (i.e. like the one your washer/dryer is hooked to) at 7.2 kWh, then you’re all charged up in 9.5 hours. So, park it for the night, plug it in, and you’ll be good to go for the following day.
2019 Kia Niro EV. Photo: Kia Motors America.
Eco-Focused Driving
Yes, with 291 lb-ft. of torque, the driving can be fun. There are four drive modes you can choose from: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Eco+. These allow you to tailor stuff like the regenerative braking level, air and heat settings, and even speed for better efficiency.
For example, the regenerative braking system has four levels depending on how aggressive you want the regen effort. The Brake and Hold System brings the Niro to a full stop, adding energy to the battery otherwise lost under normal braking. Smart Regen creates smoother “coast-down driving,” especially on steep roads. The Smart Eco Pedal Guide is a nanny on the instrument cluster, keeping you aware of real-time power distribution based on accelerator pedal input.
Did You Hear That?
Kia even threw in a “techy whirring noise” when moving to evoke a speedy sci-fi spacecraft. No, seriously. One early tester confessed to driving in parking garages with the windows down just so they could hear the sound. The sound, however, is actually the Pedestrian Warning System, a speaker and controller assembly behind the front bumper.
Without it, the Niro EV would be silent and a potential hazard to pedestrians.
Photo: Kia Motors America.
Tech & Connectivity: Plenty To Go Around
Besides the EV parts, this Niro is what you’d expect out of any modern car: tons of tech and tons of safety stuff. There’s a seven-inch color touchscreen with a rearview camera and parking guidance. Tunes come from an eight-speaker Harman/Kardon premium audio system.
There’s a USB input along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless smart phone charging and Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, all standard.
Other bits of flash include the “high-tech” rotary shifter dial, customizable “mood” lighting, a multi-functional center console with many (many) storage options, cup holders, compartments, and three USB ports. A deluxe scuff plate finishes off the blingee.
Related: Solid handling and good fuel mileage – our full review of the 2018 Kia Niro.
Photo: Kia Motors America.
Safety? Like A Bank Vault!
Antilock braking, traction control, electronic stability control, hill-start assist control, and a tire pressure monitoring system for starters. There’s the “Kia Drive Wise” suite with with forward collision warning, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind spot collision warning, driver attention warning, smart cruise control with stop & go, rear cross-traffic collision warning, and parking distance warning.
Finally, the 2019 Kia Niro EV has a revamped telematics system so you can monitor and control a long list of vehicle operations. This includes things like battery and charging status, scheduled charging, and real-time charging station updates.
If Kia didn’t tell you this is an EV, you’d never notice. Apart from that spaceship sound thingo, which is kinda goofy.
Pricing & Availability
The 2019 Kia Niro EV will be available in two trims, EX and EX Premium, and will go on sale early next year. Pricing information is forthcoming.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
Photos & Source: Kia Motors America.

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2020 Jeep Gladiator: The Warrior Emerges

2020 Jeep Gladiator: The Warrior Emerges The 2020 Jeep Gladiator sends a clear message to the competition.
However, this is not the first time we have seen the Gladiator namesake.
Join us for a brief walk through history, then an in-depth look at the 2020 Jeep Gladiator.
The debut of Miracle on 34th Street. Christian Dior’s “New Look” for women. The Doomsday Clock. Chuck Yeager flies faster than sound and David Bowie is born. 1947 was a year of firsts. On the automotive front, Army veteran John C. Hennessy Jr. brings the first Volkswagen Beetle to the United States after purchasing it from the U.S. Army Post Exchange in Frankfurt, Germany. That same year, the Ferrari 125 S, with its V12 engine, becomes the first car to bear Enzo’s name.
And Willys Overland introduced a one-ton truck with four-wheel drive based on the CJ-2A.
They say history repeats itself. They say the more things change, the more they stay the same. That’s true if we consider the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. In fact, this isn’t the first time the Gladiator has stepped in the arena.
The Warrior Emerges
In his book, Jeep: The History of America’s Greatest Vehicle, Patrick R. Foster details how, by the fourth quarter of 1962, Jeep’s new line of wagons and pickups were selling like hotcakes. The Wagoneer and the Gladiator were firsts for the automotive world, with the Gladiator becoming, in Foster’s words, a “handsome brute of a pickup truck that would bring Jeep into direct competition with the Big Three makers.”
Consider the current Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon; the Honda Ridgeline and Toyota Tacoma, and the return of the Ford Ranger. With the Gladiator, Jeep is again putting the competition in their crosshairs. As they say, the more things change, the more they stay the same.
1963 Jeep Gladiator J-200 Thriftside. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Jeep of All Trades
The Wagoneer’s styling, conceived by then Willys Styling head Jim Angers, made it appear larger than it really was. Arguably, the Wagoneer was a percursor to today’s modern crossover. The Gladiator shared the same engineering DNA and options were plentiful. Buyers could select from 1/2, 3/4, or one-ton configurations in either two or four-wheel drive. Body styles included Thriftside, Townside, Platform Stake, or cab and chassis; there were two wheelbases (120 and 126-inch) and a bed length of either seven or eight feet.
Power steering, power brakes, and a GVWR up to 8,600 lbs. – indeed, the Gladiator of the 1960s was an impressive machine. And by all accounts the 2020 Jeep Gladiator is an impressive machine too. But to what degree? Let’s break it down with an in-depth look.
Styling & Design: History Meets Performance
The design team sought to balance a storied history with modern performance. For example, the Gladiator has Jeep’s distinctive seven-slot grille, each “slot” representing one of the world’s seven continents. Every Jeep of every type has this grille, paying homage to Jeep’s capability on all seven continents.
However, as far as the 2020 Gladiator is concerned, the slots become wider to increase air intake, while the top is swept back slightly in the interest of aerodynamics.
2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Body & Chassis: Longer & Lighter
Body-on-frame design here, and probably not surprising considering what we are looking at. In general, the body and chassis play a major role in a vehicle’s safety, fuel economy, ride and handling and, in this case, off-road ability. Jeep enthusiasts want a solid foundation under them – why else drive a Jeep? So the 2020 Gladiator needs to ace this test, but how?
Out of the gate, engineers went for a light and rigid high-strength steel frame. Keep in mind, trucks are trucks and Jeeps are Jeeps, but this is a Jeep truck. Thus, some modification was necessary.
Take the Jeep Wrangler 4-door, for example. By comparison, Gladiator’s frame is 31 inches longer while the wheelbase is 19.4 inches longer. Yet, the longer wheelbase and the bed’s positioning relative to the rear axle make for better weight distribution. This also facilitates a more comfortable ride when towing or hauling cargo, according to Jeep. Furthermore, the prop shaft, brake and fuel lines, and the exhaust system were lengthened to accommodate the new architecture.
Elsewhere, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator employs high-strength aluminum for the doors, door hinges, hood, fender flares, windshield frame, tailgate, and engine mounts.
Keep in mind, trucks are trucks and Jeeps are Jeeps, but this is a Jeep truck. Thus, some modification was necessary.Click To TweetPhoto: FCA US LLC.
Body & Chassis: Protection Is Key, Convenience Too
Even a Jeep truck will do Jeep things, meaning underbody protection is paramount. Slide under on the mechanic’s creeper and notice Gladiator’s four robust skid plates and bars to protect the fuel tank, transfer case, and transmission oil pan. Rubicon models go further, employing heavy gauge tubular steel rock rails.
Moving then to the five-foot bed, there are four steel cross-members to reinforce the load floor.
In-bed tie-downs and lighting, and an optional external power source help with cargo hauling. Spray-in bed liners, bed dividers, and tonneau covers are also available. Finally, the power-locking tailgate can stop in three different positions.
Suspension Setup: It’s A Jeep Thing
One complaint is how Jeeps ride like noisy lumber wagons. And the response is, appropriately enough, “duh, it’s a Jeep. It’s supposed to be rugged.” However, Jeep’s engineers worked to soften the ride and lower cabin noise for those longer road trips.
As far as brick and mortar components, they make sense for a Jeep truck. The five-link coil suspension has the front employing a lateral control arm and four longitudinal control arms. Full-width, forged steel track bars control lateral movement of the axle, with minimal angle change, during suspension travel. The rear five-link coil suspension features two upper and two lower forged steel control arms for longitudinal control. Similar to the front, the rear track bar provides lateral support.
The rear control arms are located under of the frame rails, while the rear shocks are forward facing. This provides consistent damping for ride comfort, especially when traveling with a payload. Interestingly enough, no other Jeep but the new Gladiator employs this type of rear suspension design.
Overall, Jeep says they went for an optimum balance between off-road handling in the sticks and comfort for those Sunday drives. Engineers, however, paid special attention to the shock tuning, hard points, and body mounts.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Off-Road Prowess: Duh, It’s A Jeep
Whatever does one do with a Jeep? If you said something about off-roading, a chicken dinner is in your future. As sure as Reese’s will honor peanut butter and the Yankees their pinstripes, Jeep – even a Jeep truck – will honor the off-road.
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator provides two 4×4 systems. The Command-Trac 4×4 system (Sport and Overland) has a two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio, and heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles with a 3.73 rear axle ratio. On Gladiator Rubicon, a Rock-Trac 4×4 system features Dana 44 front and rear axles with a “4LO” ratio of 4:1. The 4.10 front and rear axle ratio is bolstered by Tru-Lok locking differentials.
Both Command-Trac and Rock-Trac systems offer full-time torque management for low-traction situations. An available Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential on Sport and Overland provides extra torque and grip when driving over sand, gravel, and snow. Gladiator Rubicons go a bit farther, offering an electronic sway-bar disconnect and 33-inch tires. Crawl ratios for the Gladiator Rubicon come in at 84.2:1 with the manual transmission and 77.2:1 with the automatic.
When the trip goes way off-road, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator provides 30 inches of water fording. Gladiator’s approach angle is 43.6 degrees; breakover angle 20.3 degrees; departure angle 26 degrees, with a ground clearance in excess of 11 inches. Bring on the weekend!
As sure as Reese's will honor peanut butter and the Yankees their pinstripes, Jeep will honor the off-road.Click To TweetPhoto: FCA US LLC.
Engine & Powertrain: Big Diesel Power
FCA’s multi-platform engine, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, is standard fare for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. The Pentastar delivers a respectable 285 horsepower, 260 lb-ft. of torque, and offers a generous power band. However, the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel is a better option for those who want more low end. Available starting in 2020, the EcoDiesel cranks out 442 lb-ft. of torque and 260 horsepower.
The EcoDiesel’s power emanates from the on-board turbo and its low-friction bearings.
An eight-speed automatic is standard for the EcoDiesel and optional for the Pentastar V6. With two overdrive ratios to improve highway fuel economy and reduce NVH, the eight-speed automatic will likely be the top choice. However, a six-speed manual is available for the Pentastar V6, with gear ratios set for crawl performance.
When properly equipped, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator tows 7,650 lbs. with a payload capacity of 1,600 lbs.
2020 Jeep Gladiator Overland. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Other Cool Stuff
More than 80 active and passive safety and security features are available.
A four-bolt design at the top of the windshield’s frame allows it to fold down.
All Gladiators feature body-color sport bars with grab handles for front occupants.
The shifter, grab handles, and the infotainment screen’s frame are accented by real bolts.
The full-size spare tire and mount is located under the bed and can hold up to a 35-inch tire.
A tool kit with the necessary Torx bits to remove the doors and lower the windshield is included.
Cloth or leather-contoured seats feature accent stitching and adjustable bolster and lumbar support.
Gladiator Rubicon has a forward-facing off-road camera nestled between the front grille’s middle slot.
Availability & In Person
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator is on display at the LA Auto Show, now through December 9th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. When it arrives in the second quarter of next year, the Gladiator will come in Sport, Sport S, Overland, and Rubicon trims. In addition, Mopar will offer over 200 performance parts and accessories for the new Gladiator.
Production will commence at the Toledo Assembly Complex in Toledo, Ohio, Jeep’s manufacturing home since 1941.
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.
2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Gallery

2020 Jeep Gladiator Overland Gallery

Jeep Gladiator Interior Gallery

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.
Source: Jeep: The History of America’s Greatest Vehicle, Patrick R. Foster, 2014 Quarto Publishing Group USA.

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Canine Car Seats & Rolling Refrigerators: Auto Trends Around the World

Canine Car Seats & Rolling Refrigerators: Auto Trends Around the World Some of the most significant trends in the automotive industry are also the most interesting.
Ridesharing and Artificial Intelligence rank high but consumers still want comfort and convenience.
In the United States, many worry about their pets when traveling; in Germany, electrification is key.
Beyond backup cameras, consumers around the world are asking automakers to expand their offerings and add on-the-go convenience. From enhanced entertainment options to extra comfort for our four-legged family members, consumers in leading automotive nations like Germany, the United States, and Japan are seeking unique vehicle features and driving the future of automotive development.
Here is a look at some of the most popular auto trends around the world.
United States: Pets Come First
Pet seat covers. Canine car seats. Doggy steps. In the U.S., many consumers are letting their dogs determine their next ride. In fact, U.S. drivers are 36 times more likely to purchase a car based on a pet’s needs than their German counterparts, and ten times more likely than Japanese consumers.
Equally important to pet comfort is pet safety. Earlier this year, Volvo released a report called Dogs, Cars and the People Who Love Them in conjunction with a Harris Poll that found more than a third of Millennial pet owners are concerned about driving with their pets.
“Our survey showed that pet parents want to travel with their furry friends, but worry about safety,” explained Jim Nichols, Product and Technology Communications Manager, Volvo Car USA. “Overall, there is an awareness opportunity among pet parents.”
Related: The science behind keeping your pets safe in the vehicle.

United States: Connectivity & Automation
But making the biggest splash on the U.S. automotive market is connectivity. Having already infiltrated the industry through ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft, connectivity is now influencing how automotive manufacturers are developing vehicles.
In fact, many manufacturers are trying to get the jump on the next evolution of this trend by tying self-driving and ridesharing together. General Motors is currently beta testing self-driving Chevy Bolts for ridesharing purposes in San Francisco with plans to fully launch the initiative in 2019. And, in the coming months, Google’s Waymo is expected to invade major cities with an armada of self-driving Chrysler Pacifica taxis.
By merging autonomous driving and ridesharing, it appears U.S. automakers and tech companies may be able to keep consumers connected while continuing to innovate.
Related: Six key consumers demands facing the auto industry today.
An Uber driver chats with his customer on a trip through Los Angeles. Photo: Uber Technologies.
Germany: Bluetooth & Electrification
Spurred by a 2010 initiative to convert all television and radio services to digital, German drivers have advanced Bluetooth capabilities on their minds. Interest in digital audio broadcasting (DAB) – the process of analog-to-digital audio conversion for AM or FM transmission – is increasing. In turn, automakers are highlighting DAB as a key feature, and have developed a Steering Board consisting of automakers, government officials, and media to discuss how they can amplify awareness and adoption of DAB nationwide.
The wish list for German drivers doesn’t stop at better Bluetooth, though. The country continues to invest in electric vehicles and anticipates the market to reach a whopping 40 billion euros (45.4 billion U.S. dollars) by 2020. The number of new electric passenger vehicle registrations rose by 178 percent in May 2017 alone. Cliff Banks, President and Founder of the Banks Report, refers to the electric vehicle trend as the “Elon Factor.”
“Automakers don’t want to be left behind in the push for global electrification,” he said. “The ‘Elon Factor’ shows that consumers will buy electric vehicles even without a service infrastructure in place.”
Related: Where are EVs most popular? The results of this study might surprise you.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC is the first in the automaker’s “EQ” or “Electric Intelligence” product line. The EQC has two electric motors at the front and rear axles, with a combined output of 402 horsepower. Total range is around 200 miles. Photo: MBUSA.
Japan: Comfort & Going The Extra Mile
The comforts of home in the car? In Japan, many consumers are converting cars into mobile living rooms. Some of the top search terms for Japanese consumers include “car cushion,” “car curtain,” “car humidifier,” and “car refrigerator.” Yes, a car refrigerator! Talk about a home-away-from-home experience. In developing future models, Japanese automakers are trying to cater to consumer interests and stay ahead of the competition.
Additionally, they’re hoping that a reputation for service at the dealership level will keep future sales brisk – a key shortcoming for American automakers looking to gain Japanese market share.
“Dealerships in Japan do offer a higher level of hospitality and service to their customers, although U.S. automakers haven’t invested in their dealer networks in Japan,” Banks said. “It’s a costly endeavor and coupled with the fact that Japanese citizens buy smaller vehicles, which are less profitable for U.S. automakers, it’s tough to make the case to invest significantly in the retail network.”
Japan: AI Comes Along For The Ride
Taking comfort to a whole new level through intelligent, friendly, helpful design, Toyota teased its Concept-i vehicle last year. Marketed as “Less of a machine. More of a pal,” Concept-i allows drivers to enjoy AI capabilities, known as “Yui.” The technology gets to know drivers by sensing their daily routines, driving patterns, and even emotions.
While it’s not expected to hit the market for a few years yet, it’s a sign Toyota is listening to consumers and thinking ahead.
“At Toyota, we recognize that the important question isn’t whether future vehicles will be equipped with automated or connected technologies,” said Bob Carter, Senior Vice President, Sales, Toyota Motor North America. “It is the experience of the people who engage with those vehicles. Thanks to Concept-i and the power of artificial intelligence, we think the future is a vehicle that can engage with people in return.”
Related: AI & auto safety: reality versus fantasy.
Toyota’s Concept-i debuted at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Future Considerations
It’s interesting to see what’s trending around the globe, and how cultural shifts outside the car impact what’s going on inside the car. While each country has their own trends, there’s one thing in common: consumers are driving these trends more and more. No matter the country or generation, this is something we’ll continue to see for years to come.
Scott McLaren is the Chief Marketing Officer of Fortegra Financial Corporation, a Tiptree Inc. company. He once flew the Saturn VUE Lightship and awarded a Saturn Sky to Travis Pastrana for the first double back flip in the history of the X Games.

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Letter From The UK: An Autonomous Fairy Story

Letter From The UK: An Autonomous Fairy Story
Between these very virtual pages you will find dissent. Some esteemed colleagues are looking toward a bright new autonomous future, forged in the white heat of automotive technology. Others, like road knights of old, prefer the six-speed stick shift on the floor and two human eyes on the road ahead. I am firmly in the old-school group. Fortunately, in this regard at least, I am a couple of thousand miles away from the heart of Automoblog and the futurists can’t get to me.
Survey Says
Right now the autonomous lobby has the floor. With all the recent announcements – including one every five minutes from Elon Musk (who I firmly believe is actually Ernst Stavro Blofeld in disguise) about the massive investments in driverless cars, it is nice to know there is one company that, in a way, sides with me. Mazda.
This is an auto outfit that plays by its own rules. They make some good cars and they don’t seem to be swayed by trends particularly. The Japanese car giant believes that driving is an ability people want to keep. As any gearhead will tell you, it is a skill that can be fun as well as functional, and many motorists don’t want to lose it and find themselves in a convoy of conveyances all chattering away to each other and getting nowhere fast.
A survey across the European Union commissioned by Mazda has shown quite clearly a very large majority of drivers still want to drive themselves, even with self-driving technology available. In fact, a scant 29 percent actively welcome the arrival of autonomous vehicles. This flies in the face of all that we are told. I’m not paranoid (although I am pretty sure they are on my case) but it indicates to me a sense that, in order to gain total control over the roads, governments would rather like us to believe that this technology will save us from ourselves.
Photo: Mazda North American Operations.
Safety First
Many think as I do that auto technology should act, at best, as an aid to safety, available when needed to avoid accidents but with the driver in control of the driving process. This keeps the exhilaration of the act and retains the freedom of the road. Much of this technology is already here and available on our cars anyway. Subaru’s “Eyesight” for example, is brilliant. Most of us have no objection to an extension of this if it saves lives. What gets to folk is the “hands off” approach we are being encouraged to accept. I truly doubt experienced drivers will readily relinquish control to this level.
One surprising aspect of the Mazda survey is how there is no evidence of greater support for self-driving cars in any younger age demographic across Europe generally. For research purposes, the age groups were split: 18 to 24, 25 to 34, and 35 to 44. No group stood out in favor, when it is usual for youth to be more readily accepting of new technology. What does that tell you? Driving is about much more than just getting from A to B. There is danger that simply going for a drive, like Frank Zappa cruising for burgers just for the hell of it, could become a forgotten pleasure.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
What Does The Future Portend?
Of course, I am maybe getting a little ahead of events. Although there is a powerfully global and by-and-large well-meaning lobby for the drive to driverless, it seems to me the reality of it is still a long way off. Sure, there are public road tests underway but I can’t see it coming to fruition in this decade. There are just too many variables on our roads, and the one thing autonomous technology does not have that we puny humans still possess is that sixth sense; that sixth sense that all is not well. Any practised driver will tell you this.
It is even possible to envisage a scenario whereby car manufacturers will quit the research while they’re ahead on the basis that, ultimately, it simply won’t be worth their while. Mazda clearly isn’t sure. I wonder.
In the official, authoritarian world that dislikes the idea of driving for pleasure and debases the role of the car in our family lives, the question has to be asked of autonomous, or indeed any other technology: just because they can, have they stopped to think whether they should?
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

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These New Guinness World Records Set By BMW Are Pretty Cool

These New Guinness World Records Set By BMW Are Pretty Cool Here’s something you don’t see very often! On December 11th, 2017, BMW driving instructor Johan Schwartz drifted an all-new BMW M5 sedan 232.5 miles around a skid pad at the BMW Performance Center in Greer, South Carolina. The feat, not surprisingly, set a new Guinness World Records title, under the category of “greatest distance vehicle drift in 8 hours.” Schwartz surpassed the prior record by over 140 miles.
A second Guinness World Records title for the “longest twin vehicle drift (water assisted)” was also set.
Another Shot
Schwartz has been here before, setting the Guinness World Records title for the “longest continuous vehicle drift” on May 11th, 2013. That day, he drifted an unmodified 2013 BMW M5 sedan for 51.278 miles but his record was broken shortly thereafter. However, Schwartz was determined to give it another shot, but not without some serious engineering. BMW teamed with Detroit Speed to develop a unique dry break fuel system, capable of refueling the M5 mid-drift.
“We knew if we were going to recapture the world record for longest sustained drift and set the bar as high as possible, we would need to find a way to keep the M5 going without stopping to refuel,” Schwartz explained.

Fighter Jet Formula
The fuel system’s design mimics how fighter jets and other airplanes refuel in the air. On five occasions during the eight hour drift, a previous generation M5, similar to the one Schwartz used to set his original record, entered the skid pad. BMW Performance Center Chief Driving Instructor Matt Mullins matched Schwartz’s drift, while Detroit Speed’s Matt Butts handled refueling. Butts, suspended with a safety tether from the second vehicle’s rear window, was able to straddle the space between both vehicles and complete the refueling.
“Although we practiced the refueling several times before the Guinness World Records title attempt, there was very little margin for error,” Butts recalled. “We’re excited to have played a part in Johan and BMW recapturing this record.”
“In the end, the refueling system worked flawlessly and the M5 performed as expected,” Schwartz added.
Once the first Guinness World Records title was secured, BMW then landed the record for the “longest twin vehicle drift (water assisted)” – that record being co-owned by Schwartz and Mullins.
“It was a big win all around,” Schwartz said.
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: BMW of North America.

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2018 Ford F-150 Power Stroke Diesel By The Numbers

2018 Ford F-150 Power Stroke Diesel By The Numbers Race tracks are interesting places. You’d think all the conversations would be about race cars, but that’s not usually the case. Normally, you’re only talking about the race cars when they’re in the paddock or the race is going on. Surprisingly, once the cars are out on track, the paddock conversation usually turns to things of a much more prosaic nature: where’s a good restaurant, so-and-so got a new RV, and the number one topic of conversation, tow vehicles.
Power & Performance
You might think dyed-in-the-wool track rats wouldn’t care about trucks all that much, but they are vitally important. So when Ford says their new F-150 with the Power Stroke diesel can haul 2,020 lbs. of payload and drag 11,400 lbs. of trailer, race car, and spares up and over a mountain pass, I know a bunch of busted-knuckle, speed-addicted, unwashed gearheads are going to be very excited. This will be the first-ever F-150 Power Stroke diesel, expected to get an EPA-estimated 30 mpg on the highway.
Ford is not even close to joking around with their new F-150, as both the above figures for payload and towing are best-in-class. And the new Power Stroke has best-in-class power figures at 250 horsepower and a stump-pulling 440 lb-ft. of torque. The F-150’s Power Stroke diesel has the same engine technology as the Super Duty’s larger 6.7-liter Power Stroke. All of that peak torque comes at a low-low 1,750 rpm, with a pretty much pool-table-flat torque curve on up through the rpm range.
The new V6 diesel has the same compacted-graphite iron block and forged-steel crank found in the 2.7-liter EcoBoost for added strength, durability, and weight reduction (Ford is on a big time weight loss kick these days). Engine response is up and turbo lag is down thanks to a high-efficiency, variable-geometry turbocharger. A common-rail fuel injection system further optimizes performance and overall efficiency, while the high-pressure (29,000 PSI!) injection system enables smoother, quieter operation with reduced emissions. Dual fuel filters were added for improved break-in, and a cast-aluminum oil pan and two-stage oil pump are utilized to reduce parasitic loss and further improve fuel efficiency.
Ford conducted testing along the Davis Dam in Arizona. The Power Stroke F-150 trucks climbed 13 miles at a 6 percent grade in temperatures in excess of 100 degrees. They were required to maintain a consistent power output during the tests. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Towing & Transmission
Now, about all that towing capacity. According to Ford, a lot of it flows from the high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body they introduced in 2015. Dropping 700 lbs. of overall weight allows the addition of cool tech that improves towing and payload capability, as well as giving you greater fuel economy. FoMoCo also tweaked such ancillary items, like adding a mechanical, engine-driven fan and dual radiator shutters for better high-temperature and high-altitude performance.
The F-150 engine control system backs off the fan load in more moderate driving and towing conditions through a viscous coupler, closing down the two radiator shutters for improved aerodynamic efficiency and reduced parasitic engine loss. Ford says owners will notice more power, even in harsh conditions, with this design.
“We know that competing diesels with electric cooling fans have to dial back on power under extreme heat and altitude, so we decided on a viscous-controlled mechanical fan that has the capacity to move much more air across the radiator and intercooler in extreme conditions,” explained David Ives, Ford Diesel Engine Technical Specialist.
Transmission-wise, the 3.0-liter Power Stroke diesel is mated to a standard SelectShift 10-speed automatic. Ford says it maximizes shift points and the gear ratios allow for optimal power, low-rpm torque, and greater overall efficiency. The transmission even allows you to non-sequentially select the right gear ratio too.

Availability & Configurations
Ford dealers are taking orders now with deliveries beginning this spring. Final fuel economy estimates will also come this spring. Retail customers can choose the Power Stroke engine option on Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum edition SuperCrew trucks, with either a 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot bed, or in a SuperCab truck with a 6.5-foot bed. The engine is available in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations as well.
So look at that, you can haul the entire team – crew, (long suffering) significant others, fans – and take your cars and all your spares to the track in one nice, comfy package.
Interested? Of course you’re interested. How else are you going to tow your Formula Vee from Schenectady to Heartland Park?
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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Volkswagen, NVIDIA Showcase Deep Learning Vehicle Platform At CES

Volkswagen, NVIDIA Showcase Deep Learning Vehicle Platform At CES
It looks like Volkswagen is serious about all the stuff they’ve been saying. Yes, there will be a new minibus. Yes, they are going EV in a big way. Yes, they are very serious about technology integration. After the disaster – financial, reputation-wise and such – that was dieselgate, VW knows they have to turn things around, and from this year’s CES show in Las Vegas, they fired the first shot.
The brief sketch here is that Volkswagen and NVIDIA (the company that makes really hot graphics cards for your gaming rig) have teamed up to work lots of AI into VW’s future vehicle lineup. Specifically, VW and NVIDIA are using AI tech for “co-pilot capabilities.”
Creating A Buzz
The companies shared their vision for how AI will form a new generation of “intelligent” Volkswagen vehicles at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. Further, for those diehard gearheads that don’t really care about hgh-tech stuff (you know who you are, the ones with grease permanently under your fingernails), VW decided to push this future vision by showing how it will integrate into the new I.D. BUZZ, the re-do of the iconic MicroBus. The I.D. BUZZ, which is aimed straight at hipsters, eco-focused moms, Trustafarians and the like, will be a full-on electric vehicle, permeated with AI technology. It will also be self-driving.
VW calls their AI system for the I.D. BUZZ (I so hope they lose that name before it rolls out) the Intelligent Co-Pilot. The Intelligent Co-Pilot will include convenience and driver assistance systems, and process sensor data from both inside and outside the vehicle. Intelligent Co-Pilot can also be enhanced throughout the life of the vehicle via software updates, just like your smartphone. VW and NVIDIA say deep learning will enable the I.D. BUZZ to accurately assess situations and analyze the behavior of others on the road, so it can “make the right decisions.” This sounds like a nice, preemptive way of saying “it won’t crash all that much.”
Volkswagen I.D. Buzz Concept. Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Fully Electric, Zero Emissions
It turns out that NVIDIA has already worked on systems like this, meaning this is not just some random corporate cross-promotion or activation to ruin our lives further. NVIDIA is building on their NVIDIA DRIVE IX Intelligent Experience platform. That’s an AI-enabled system with goodies like facial recognition for unlocking the vehicle, driver alerts for bicycles, gesture recognition, natural language understanding for voice control, and “gaze tracking” for driver distraction alerts.
And of course, everybody is talking about autonomous driving and VW and NVIDIA are in on the party. Not only will the I.D. BUZZ launch VW’s electric car operations, it is also the platform they will use to gradually introduce autonomous driving, starting in 2020. VW, seeing the writing on the wall (i.e. diesel is all-but-dead, efficiency must go up, and emissions must drop to zero before 25 percent of the world drowns etc.) is planning on more than 20 fully electric vehicles by 2025.
Solid Foundations
These new VW models are based on the MEB architecture and focused on zero emissions and digital mobility. The MEB architecture will also be beneficial for packaging the different components so they don’t compromise interior room. For example, by using a battery that is integrated flat in the chassis floor, and a compact drive system, the VW vehicles are expected to offer a spacious and flexible interior.
VW is so in love with the MEB system they say it will also be used for vehicles with conventional drive layouts. All of the VWs based on the MEB architecture are expected to offer the latest driver assistance systems as a way to pave the way for autonomous driving, naturally.
“Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the car,” said Dr. Herbert Diess, Chief Executive Officer, Volkswagen. “Autonomous driving, zero tailpipe emission mobility, and digital networking are virtually impossible without advances in AI and deep learning.”
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format.
Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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Chevy To Reveal Silverado Class 4 & 5 Trucks In March

Chevy To Reveal Silverado Class 4 & 5 Trucks In March Chevrolet will reveal the new Silverado Class 4 and 5 chassis cab trucks at The Work Truck Show 2018, set for March in Indianapolis, Indiana. The event, produced by The Association for the Work Truck Industry, is the largest of its kind in North America, and a fitting venue for Chevrolet to make their announcement. This year, more than 11,000 truck fleet operators, dealers, and equipment distributors are expected at the Indiana Convention Center for the show.
Configurations
The forthcoming Silverado medium-duty trucks will be available in regular or crew cab, and in either a two-wheel or four-wheel drive layout. There are different GVWR capacities and wheelbases to accommodate the wide range of use scenarios the trucks are likely to see. Perhaps not surprising is the appearance of the Duramax engine and Allison transmission, a combination Chevrolet has used for going on 20 years. Although power figures have not been released for the medium-duty Silverado, the current L5P Duramax puts out 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft. of torque.
The medium-duty Silverado will come with OnStar and built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi. Fleet managers can take advantage of additional tools, including a number of telematic solutions. Ed Peper, U.S. Vice President, General Motors Fleet, explained how the Silverado 4500 and 5500 will be the top models in GM’s commercial truck portfolio.
“We’ve designed them to be among the best in the industry in maneuverability, serviceability, visibility, quietness and comfort, diesel fuel economy, and more,” he said.
In Person
The Work Truck Show runs March 6th through the 9th and full product specs will be given during that time. The medium-duty Silverado will enter production near 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.

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