Automotive

2019 Toyota Yaris Review: Small & Steady Wins The Race

2019 Toyota Yaris Review: Small & Steady Wins The Race 90Solid2019 Toyota Yaris Overall ImpressionDon't judge a book by the cover!It's small but more fun than it looks!Great option for a first-time buyer.ProsHandlingFuel Economy Standard Features ConsRear Passenger RoomThere’s more choices in the compact sedan market than ever with affordable and fuel-efficient models across the segment. But what if you are searching for one that’s also packed with lots of safety features and still enjoyable to drive? The 2019 Toyota Yaris is a car you should have on your shopping list, especially if you have a younger person in your home heading to college.
This week, we’ve been driving the 2019 Toyota Yaris XLE.
What’s New For 2019
Last year’s Yaris iA has been renamed to just Yaris. The compact car comes as a sedan only, although there’s new front and rear styling treatments. Three trim levels are now available: L, LE, and XLE.
Features & Options: Nicely Balanced
The top-trim 2019 Toyota Yaris XLE comes standard with forward collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, a rearview camera, and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. Infotainment features include the center console controller, a seven-inch display, voice recognition, Bluetooth, two USB ports, an auxiliary audio jack, HD and satellite radio, and a six-speaker sound system.
The XLE gets upgrades over the standard model with 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, a rear spoiler, heated outside mirrors, LED turn signals, and keyless ignition and entry. The XLE loses the option of the manual transmission but gains automatic LED headlights, automatic wipers and climate control, simulated leather upholstery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Two drive settings (Normal and Sport) complete the list of features for the 2019 Toyota Yaris XLE.
Total MSRP including destination: $19,470. By comparison, the 2019 Toyota Yaris starts at $15,450.
2019 Toyota Yaris interior layout.
Interior Highlights: Softer Yet High-Tech
Despite the lower price point, the cabin impressed us from the moment we jumped inside. 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 $20,000. There’s plenty of soft-touch materials throughout, and the infotainment system features the kind of connectivity a high-tech generation wants.
The seven-inch touchscreen kept our attention with its easy-to-read display. Room up front is typical for a subcompact but rear passengers will feel a bit cramped on longer jaunts around town. The rear seats fold flat and open up to the sedan’s trunk to accommodate extra cargo. For a young college student, there is enough room for books, groceries, and laundry.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2019 Toyota Yaris is powered by a 1.5-liter engine producing an ample 106 horsepower and 103 lb-ft. of torque. Although small, the engine uses direct injection and variable valve timing with a 12:1 compression ratio to increase performance and efficiency. EPA fuel economy figures are 32/40 city/highway and 35 combined with the six-speed automatic gearbox.
In terms of fuel economy, the 2019 Toyota Yaris leads the pack when compared to other small cars.

Related: Another detailed look at the 2019 Toyota Yaris.
Driving Dynamics: More Fun Than It Looks
There’s a lot to like about the Yaris with its sporty driving dynamics. It’s a driver’s car from the start and offers plenty of fun for urban-dwellers. We drove the compact sedan through the streets of Denver, and mountains west of the city to give it a thorough testing. When we hit snow this week, the front-wheel drive Yaris had no problem on the roads.
The Yaris hugged the mountain curves with ease and has little body lean. The automatic gearbox is a nice change from CVT transmissions which are common in smaller cars today. The six-speed automatic never hunted for the right gear and it doesn’t have the annoying whine normally associated with a CVT.
On the open road, the power could be more, but it’s just fine for urban commuters and students traveling home for the weekend. As we motored through the city, the Yaris is the ideal size. Visibility is good and the handling is tight with MacPherson struts in front and the torsion beam in the rear.
Conclusion: An Affordable Option
For fuel mileage and city commuting, the 2019 Toyota Yaris is the way to go. It’s affordable and offers a more engaging driving experience than other small cars on the market.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Toyota Yaris Gallery

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

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Letter From The UK: Mini At Sixty: A Personal View

Letter From The UK: Mini At Sixty: A Personal View Geoff Maxted, founder of DriveWrite Automotive, examines how one tiny car changed the course of history.
After World War II, it became apparent that the cars of Britain were dated in both technology and design at a time when petrol was still rationed and people were recovering from the horror of conflict. As a nation we needed cheering up. The big, black behemoths of the automotive pre-war years were starting to look their age and consumed scarce fuel at an alarming rate.
Meanwhile, across the pond, the American car industry was burgeoning with fantastic, chrome-bright and modern vehicles rolling off the production lines. Something needed to be done.
Early Days: Instant Allure
One day, a man said, “Hang on a minute lads, I’ve got a great idea.” Unfortunately for my story, that man was Michael Caine in The Italian Job movie. It is not known what the engineer Alec Issigonis said when he came up with the great idea of the transverse engine in a very small and economical car, but the outcome was a vehicle that in 1959 transformed an industry.
The British Motor Corporation Mini was born.
Although front-wheel drive was not a new idea, the genius of turning the diminutive 850cc BMC ‘A’ Series four-cylinder engine sideways to allow 80 percent of the floorpan of this small car to be given over to passengers and luggage was. The Mini, with its funky round centre console and 18-inch long stick shift, went on to become the iconic car of the 1960’s and was the true star of The Italian Job. The Mini continued to be popular for the next two decades, over which time it evolved, becoming perhaps less attractive but certainly more advanced.
Despite the instant allure, the fact is the build quality, especially by today’s standards, was terrible. It was a cheap car and made no apologies for that. The Mini was a ‘people’s car,’ a four-seat runaround for the sweaty masses and the masses bought into it in droves. It handled well, sipped fuel, and offered the average driver that ‘in-crowd’ vibe.
Photo: BMW Group PressClub UK.
Related: Looking back to a time when tiny cars ruled the Earth.
The Mini Was My First Car
It came courtesy of my father, who was a policeman and therefore knew people who knew people and was thus able to source things through, let’s say, alternative channels. My car was stripped out inside, although there wasn’t much in there in the first place. It had spent its early years as a modest race car, seen regularly in local events at the famous Brands Hatch circuit.
The race car engine was stripped out (Boo!) and replaced by the standard unit but it didn’t take long to replace the cylinder head with a tuned job, and add a few other unwise modifications to give it a little bit more go. To be honest, I didn’t give much thought to improved braking and the like but, you know, I was young.
In due course, the car was replaced with a nice red Mini Cooper which brought down the vital zero to 60 time to a breathtaking 17.2 seconds. My friends even bought me a drilled-out, wood-rimmed steering wheel for my birthday. Yes folks, it was a babe magnet all right; it’s just that when they saw the driver . . .
Photo: BMW Group PressClub.
Latter Years: The Bell Tolls
From inception, the Mini proved immensely popular in Motorsport as people found ways to tune or replace the original puny power plant. By 1964, the car was sweeping the board on the international rally scene. The company jumped on this and quickly introduced the more powerful Cooper and Cooper S versions, the latter even making an appearance as a police car. Later variants lost that early magic as designers struggled to stretch out the useful life of the model and sales slumped as the car became superseded by other designs.
Eventually the bell tolled in 2000. The Mini was no more.
Of course, time moves on for us all and the desire for bigger, faster cars took over. Even my Cooper was passed on to the new kid on the block as I was dragged, kicking and screaming, into the world of grown-up motoring.
The Lovable Rascal Returns
When BMW absorbed what was left of the moribund UK company, now called the British Leyland Group, it stripped out the assets but retained the Mini name. This was a smart move as it turned out because, although the car was no longer being built, it remained popular as enthusiasts, to this day, continued to keep fifty-year-old cars on the road, thus maintaining the legend.
The German brand was quick to see the opening of a niche and began producing the Mini as we know it in the 21st Century. As a clever marketing ploy, they retained the round centre dash but now packed it with the latest technology. Although purists may grumble, BMW have somehow managed to incorporate at least some of the historic sense of the original car into a modern product, even if the lovable rascal has grown up and gained weight and a big city suit.
Photo: BMW Group PressClub UK.
Rose-Tinted Glasses
The hard truth is that in so many ways, the latest version is far better than the original from 60 years ago. Although, anyone who loves cars would give almost anything to own a 1959 original. I know I would.
After the war years, Britain yearned for a fresh start and, for young people at least, that fresh start began in 1959 with Ricky Nelson and Elvis Presley and Marty Wilde (UK rocker. You had to be there.) And of course the BMC Mini. The 1960’s blossomed into an era of new music, new fashions led by the likes of Mary Quant and Carnaby Street, free love and better prospects and free love (so uninhibited I mentioned it twice!).
It was time of peace and rejuvenation and the Mini ruled. It was more than just transport; a whole generation suddenly had the freedom of the road and we made the most of it. At least I think that’s how I remember it. It’s all a bit hazy, man.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite
International Mini Meeting 2017 (Westport House, Ireland) Gallery

Gallery & Cover Photos: BMW Group PressClub.

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Infiniti QX Inspiration: The Potential of Empty Spaces & The Art of Origami

Infiniti QX Inspiration: The Potential of Empty Spaces & The Art of Origami The QX Inspiration is Infiniti’s foray into the EV market.
It has a pair of electric motors and an electric all-wheel drive system.
The coach doors, cab-forward design, and other styling elements are inspired by Japanese culture.
It’s hard to describe the Infiniti QX Inspiration Concept. After all, we’re talking about a concept car here. From the looks of it, the QX is a small and compact SUV on steroids. However, it does give the Lamborghini Urus and Maserati Levante a serious run for cash in terms of design. Despite this, I will reserve my final judgment until the production model is seen in the flesh. As we all know, concept cars are merely a stretch of the imagination.
You can even call them pipe dreams if you want.
But the biggest problem with concept cars is they are merely concepts, and the end result is usually a watered-down version of the original design. The Subaru WRX Concept in 2013, or the Pontiac Sunfire Concept in back 1990 suddenly come to mind.
And since the Infiniti QX Inspiration is a preview of what’s to come as the brand’s first fully-electric vehicle, I’m betting the production version will look pretty similar to the concept. It has to be. How else will it steal the thunder from the Audi e-tron and Jaguar I-PACE? Of course, it also has the Mercedes EQ C and Tesla Model S in its sights, so it better be more than just a looker.
Electrified Powertrain: An Inflection Point
Infiniti has yet to divulge any real crucial performance info about the QX Inspiration. Things like battery capacity, range, and torque ratings are forthcoming but it seems as if Infiniti wants us to think beyond horsepower ratings and top speed. For example, during the 2019 North American International Auto Show, the QX Inspiration won Best Future Concept in The Detroit News Readers’ Choice Awards.
We do know, however, there are two electric motors (one on each axle) and an e-AWD system. The latter is Infiniti-speak for electric all-wheel drive, similar to the electric Quattro drivetrain in the Audi e-tron SUV. The QX Inspiration is based on an entirely new platform, allowing the battery pack to live below the vehicle floor. Infiniti says this will help lower the center of gravity for more precise handling.
“The decision to electrify the Infiniti range was an inflection point for our brand,” explained Alfonso Albaisa, Senior Vice President for Global Design, Nissan Motor Company. “We started to understand the potential of new architectures and technologies and how they could influence a change in how we design our cars.”
Infiniti QX Inspiration Concept. Photo: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.
Related: The best states for EV ownership.
Turning Japanese: Artistry & Imagination
Infiniti wants us mostly to focus on the origami-inspired styling and minimalist exterior design. With finely-balanced organic shapes and a mixture of straight lines, sharp creases, and smooth surfaces, the Japanese DNA is very much evident in the Infiniti QX Inspiration. The front has thin headlamps and an illuminated Infiniti logo. On the other hand, there is no grille or air intake on the front.
But the designers wisely retained the silhouette of an actual grille to give the QX Inspiration a very distinct look. This meant adopting an approach which focused on the open space between the concept’s lines. In particular, Infiniti’s designers were drawn to the character of paper and the art of origami.
“With the QX Inspiration concept, we were inspired by the Japanese concept of Ma, a focus on the lines and the empty space in between,” said Karim Habib, Infiniti Executive Design Director. “What is happening in that space between the lines – the free, natural flow of surfaces – is truly expressive. It’s the empty space between the edges that often carries the loudest message.”

Signature Styling Elements
The sharply-angled D-pillar contains a vermilion signature line to further define the cab-forward profile. Where other Infiniti SUVs have a long hood and a cab-rearward profile, the QX Inspiration is doing the opposite. To prove this point, the concept has shorter front and rear overhangs along with a shorter hood since there’s no need to house a burly gasoline motor.
“Where a V8 engine might move the interior rearward, electrification has allowed us to the move the interior forward and provides for a balanced profile,” Albaisa said.
The Infiniti QX Inspiration Concept rides on a 112.2-inch wheelbase and is about 64 inches in height. Overall length is 183.2 inches. It has the same exterior dimensions as the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3. In fact, the proportions are pretty similar to the Infiniti QX50 as well.
In the rear, the QX Inspiration literally shines. There’s a thin light bar that stretches across the tailgate. In addition, there’s an illuminated Infiniti script below the light bar to further add class and refinement. Everything looks crisp and neatly organized, with none of the cartoonist flare common to Japanese concept cars. Lastly, the QX Inspiration sits on louver-inspired 22-inch alloy wheels to complete the look.
The design team was inspired by the Japanese spatial concept of Ma – or the mastery of empty space. Photo: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.
Hospitable Interior: When Empty Spaces Talk
The Japanese are known for their bountiful hospitality, and the same can be said for the omotenashi-inspired interior of the Infiniti QX Inspiration. Thus, the hand-crafted interior is peppered with unique touches, including a Bianco Carrara marble center console, pillar-to-pillar widescreen display, soft ambient lighting, and sofa-like rear seats. The roof panel is even finished in full-grain Japanese red cedar wood.
In fact, there’s so much going on with the interior that it’s hard to keep count.
“We have taken advantage of the EV architecture to develop a lounge-like interior, enabled by the flat floor and the empty space below the dashboard and center console. So really, we’re not just designing the objects inside the car, we’re designing the empty space between objects,” Habib said. “We’re trying to use that space to accentuate the design – you let the empty space talk as much, if not even more, than the forms and objects that are there.”
“Imagine someone clapping. The empty sound between claps is full of anticipation,” Albaisa added. “In this way, the electrification of Infiniti will bring a new simplicity and excitement to the brand.”
What really stands out are the rear coach doors with complimentary, carpet-style entrance lighting. If both features end up in production, it will surely make the Infiniti QX Inspiration stand out from the Tesla Model X and Audi e-tron SUV. Photo: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.
Putting It All Together
Infiniti is keen on joining the electric SUV bandwagon with the QX Inspiration Concept. From the looks of it alone, they have a winner here.
“QX Inspiration is the beginning of a new era for Infiniti, and an illustration of where we want to go with the brand,” Habib said. “New technology has given us the opportunity to evolve our design philosophy – and this new vehicle communicates the serene strength at our core.”
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.
Infiniti QX Inspiration Gallery

Photos & Source: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.

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A Roundup of the 2018 North American International Auto Show

A Roundup of the 2018 North American International Auto Show
The 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is entering its final weekend in Detroit, Michigan. As always, it was full of big reveals, new technology, and outrageous concept vehicles. After following the extensive coverage of the show and digging into the biggest news, here are several of my takeaways and predictions for the year ahead.
Doubling Down On Trucks
In previous years, the flagship models of the Big Three (GM, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) have been members of the luxury car category. This year, the major truck reveals from these companies might indicate a plan to consider trucks the new domestic flagships for these brands.
The new Ford Ranger, returning for the first time since 2011, signifies Ford’s re-entry into the mid-size pickup market. It will come standard with automatic forward braking and a backup camera.
The 2019 redesigned Chevrolet Silverado includes wireless charging capabilities. The truck uses various weight-saving technologies to drop 450 lbs.
The new fifth-generation Ram 1500 is roomier and can be equipped with a 12-inch screen for its infotainment system.
The new models are in line with a recent trend toward more tricked out trucks, with all the latest tech bells and whistles. As we begin 2018, we can expect to see truck ownership be just as much about comfort and style as it is about power and functionality.
2019 Chevy Silverado High Country on display at NAIAS, Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan. Photo: Gino D’Orazio for Automoblog.net.
Less Focus On Autonomous Driving
Self-driving vehicles have been somewhat of an elephant in the room at auto shows in recent years. With NAIAS coming right on the heels of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where autonomous vehicle technology was a main focus, many industry experts were anxious to see what the big automotive companies had to say on the subject.
Despite the continued buzz around autonomous driving, many executives at NAIAS did not have much to say about it. Aside from GM’s reveal of a no-steering-wheel, no-pedals concept vehicle just before the show, there wasn’t much talk of self-driving cars. Many industry executives are adamant that much of the discussion on this subject is still conjecture, and they would rather spend time focusing on the development of conventional vehicles. In many ways, the show this year seemed to provide a refreshing break from all this speculation, and a return to vehicles as we have always known them.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan (middle) and Cobo Center General Manager Claude Molinari (right) meet with the workers responsible for setting up for NAIAS. Photo: NAIAS.
The Push For User-Friendly Infotainment
In 2018, passengers and drivers want to be connected on-the-go and new models at this year’s show revealed that more brands are ready to meet this demand. The broad category of “infotainment” systems has been growing in recent years. Lately, it seems to refer to any way to seamlessly connect a smartphone’s features to the vehicle. This includes music, maps, photos, and communication capabilities. As I mentioned before, the new Ram 1500 is adding a large screen to make these functions possible. BMW and Volkswagen are also among the brands making big moves in the infotainment direction.
However, some automakers seem to be running into a problem. With the speed at which smartphone technology changes these days, how can the car technology that integrates with our phones keep up? If the infotainment technology cannot upgrade with the phone it connects to, it can lead to a negative user experience. To combat this challenge, we can expect to see major automakers partner with tech companies. Several are already taking a head start on this front. For example, Ford and Nissan offer Amazon’s Alexa in some models and, in addition to BMW and Volkswagen, Toyota and Lexus are expected to add Alexa and Google Assistant capabilities to their vehicles.
2019 Ram 1500 – Uconnect 4C with 12-inch screen. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Big Reveals
For enthusiasts, the biggest part of NAIAS has always been about the highly-anticipated new models. For the most part, 2018 did not disappoint on this front. Among the big releases we had:
The 2019 Mercedes Benz G-Class received a modern upgrade while still keeping true to its iconic original design from 1979. Many are referring to the new G-Class as a “factory-produced” resto-mod.
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee debuted with changes to the face of the vehicle and has an option for a new turbocharged engine.
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, the latest version of VW’s most popular U.S. model, boasts better handling with the help of VW’s MBQ modular construction platform. Also included is a rearview camera, forward collision warning system, and Apple Car Play and Android Auto.
The 2019 Forte debuted as a larger version of Kia’s compact offering, with styling similar to the Stinger performance sedan. The biggest change to the new model is its continuously variable transmission, which replaces the six-speed automatic. It’s likely this change will improve the vehicle’s fuel economy.
A modern version of the iconic Ford Mustang Bullitt was on display, originally made popular by Steve McQueen in the 1968 film Bullitt. The new version features a V8 engine, six-speed manual-only transmission, and 12-inch LCD touchscreen – something that was certainly not in McQueen’s version!
The classic Ford Mustang Bullitt rolls out during NAIAS at the Cobo Center. Photo: NAIAS.
No-Shows
Notably absent from this year’s show was any mention of Chevrolet’s mid-engine Corvette, a model which many enthusiasts expected to be revealed in Detroit. Testing for the car has been spotted so the question remains as to when we’ll witness its grand debut. Mazda does not have a display this year at NAIAS and neither does Jaguar Land Rover. Volvo has a smaller setup when compared to years past and Brembo, who was present the last two years, did not have a display this year.
In Person
It will certainly be interesting to see how these trends develop throughout the coming year, and which new models are popular among consumers when they become available. NAIAS runs through Sunday the 28th at the Cobo Center, One Washington Boulevard, downtown Detroit. Ticket information for the public show and corresponding events can be found here; a list of daily activities can be found here; for anything else, the show’s official site is pretty easy to navigate.
Richard Reina is a Product Trainer at CARiD.com and lifelong automotive enthusiast.
Cover Photo: NAIAS.

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Toyota Announces New Partnership To Advance Automated Driving

Toyota Announces New Partnership To Advance Automated Driving

The Toyota Research Institute (TRI) has signed an agreement with GoMentum Station for the further development of autonomous vehicle technology. The testing will take place on the 5,000 acre autonomous vehicle proving grounds managed by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) in Concord, California. The CCTA facilitates and encourages what they call “collaborative partnerships” between automobile and OEM manufacturers, Tier 1 suppliers, technology companies, researchers, and public agencies, among others.
Working Together
This partnership announcement from TRI and CCTA is remarkably similar to a story we reported on last week in our home state of Michigan. Our recent experience in Brussels, Belgium at AutoSens further drove home the need for collaboration in the fields of vehicle perception technology and automated driving. While these two partnerships are relatively new, it’s encouraging to see entities in the automotive arena working together, particularity when it comes to something that will change society’s entire landscape. Driverless car advocates point to a massive drop in – and possibly the elimination of – traffic accidents and fatalities. TRI’s automated programs, Guardian and Chauffeur, are designed and engineered accordingly.
“The benefits of driverless technology are many, but the most important one is increased safety,” said Randy Iwasaki, Executive Director of CCTA. “The statistics are clear: lives will be saved by reducing a vehicle’s reliance on human drivers, and we are excited to see the progress TRI will make to perfect driverless and driver-aided technology at GoMentum Station.”
Double Vision
Under TRI’s Guardian approach, the driver still maintains control of the vehicle. Guardian is exactly what it sounds like: an advanced driver assistance system, keeping an eye out for potential collisions, and activating only when needed. It’s always present but not in the forefront until absolutely necessary, similar to how many active safety systems, like forward collision mitigation, work today. Chauffeur, on the other hand, is full automation. Like Guardian, Chauffeur is also exactly what it sounds like: every person is a passenger as the vehicle operates itself.
Guardian and Chauffeur are part of TRI’s Platform 2.1 research vehicle; the video below shows how the technology responds when things like roadway debris and stalled vehicles are encountered. Both systems use the same array of sensors and cameras along with a new, high-fidelity LIDAR system provided by Luminar.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Prime Location
TRI will use GoMentum Station for further road testing of Platform 2.1. The facility will allow for the evaluation of certain extreme driving events not yet ready for testing on public roads. TRI believes GoMentum’s varied terrain and real-life infrastructure like roads, bridges, tunnels, intersections, and parking lots provide the ideal environment. TRI’s close proximity (Los Altos, California) to GoMentum Station is an added bonus.
“The addition of GoMentum Station to TRI’s arsenal of automated vehicle test locations allows us to create hazardous driving scenarios for advancing capabilities of both Guardian and Chauffeur, and further develop our technology,” said Ryan Eustice, Vice President of Autonomous Driving, TRI.
“The city of Concord is very excited to welcome Toyota Research Institute and its autonomous technology to GoMentum Station,” added Concord Mayor, Laura Hoffmeister. “The city continues to serve the region as an autonomous technology hub, and we believe this partnership will continue to support economic growth and spur excitement for high-tech jobs in our community.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Photos, Video, & Source: Toyota Research Institute, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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How Many Pumpkins Can You Stuff In A Chevy?

How Many Pumpkins Can You Stuff In A Chevy?

Halloween is always a fun time for families, especially when it comes to decorating. The pumpkin is, of course, the quintessential Halloween decoration and the subject of a new graphic from GMPartsOnline.net. The McAllen, Texas outfit has measured the cargo capacity of Chevy’s SUV lineup in pumpkins. Spoiler alert: the Suburban holds the most but the smaller SUVs fit more pumpkins than one might think. When comparing cargo capacity behind the last row of seats, Chevy’s small SUVs shine at the pumpkin patch.
Pumpkin Math
Yes, pumpkin math is a thing. The GMPartsOnline.net team devised this system, rather than loading each individual pumpkin. GMPartsOnline.net is one of the largest online retailers of GM parts and accessories, so it’s unlikely the team had the proper time to toss all those pumpkins around. Instead, they created “pumpkin math” which works like so:
The average, medium-sized Jack-O-Lantern breed is typically 9 to 10 inches tall, 7 to 10 inches around, and weighs an average of 14 pounds.
According to multiple pumpkin farmers, roughly 85 medium-size Jack-O-Lantern pumpkins will fit inside a standard, 36-inch bulk produce bin.
With a volume of 40 cubic feet in that 36-inch bin, it’s estimated there are 2.1 pumpkins per cubic foot of cargo space.
Small Surprises
When the pumpkin math was applied to each member of Chevy’s SUV family, there were a few surprises. Bigger does not always mean more storage space for pumpkins, especially in the cargo area behind the last row of seats. Here are the results:
2018 Trax – 18.7 cubic feet behind the 2nd row, which equals 39 pumpkins.
2018 Equinox – 29.9 cubic feet behind the 2nd row, which equals 63 pumpkins.
2018 Traverse – 23 cubic feet behind the 3rd row, which equals 48 pumpkins.
2018 Tahoe – 15.3 cubic feet behind the 3rd row, which equals 32 pumpkins.
2018 Suburban – 39.3 cubic feet behind the 3nd row, which equals 83 pumpkins.
“We thought it would be fun to use pumpkins to compare the cargo space behind the last row of seats for each new Chevy SUV,” explained Angel Vigil, Director of GMPartsOnline.net. “Imagine our surprise when we learned that the entry-level Chevy Trax can hold more pumpkins than a Tahoe.”
The Tahoe really threw us for a loop too. If you are doing some last minute pumpkin carving and own a Tahoe, it might have to stay in the garage. However, if you own a Trax, Equinox or Traverse, you are in good shape at the pumpkin patch.
“The Tahoe doesn’t have quite as much cargo capacity as the Trax when that third row seat is up, which means it is not the best choice for pumpkin hauling duty,” Vigil said. “The Suburban is the winner, but the Equinox is the surprise.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

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Viaduct Elegy: Chapter 3: Streamlined Brutale

Viaduct Elegy: Chapter 3: Streamlined Brutale Viaduct Elegy is a four-part series from Automoblog feature columnist Tony Borroz, who broke the law in preparation for writing it. He is a Seattle native and author of The 2018 Indy 500 Notebook and Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Tony grew up in a sportscar-oriented family, but sadly, they were British cars.
Finally, finally, finally they are tearing down the Alaskan Way Viaduct, a colossal, monumentally-ugly, seismically-catastrophic piece of transportation “infrastructure” that has been a scar on the face of Seattle for the better part of a friggin’ century.
And yesterday I walked on it at sunset with an old friend, apparently breaking the law.
Viaduct Elegy: Chapter 3: Streamlined Brutale
Chapter One: “Walking With Blaine” here.
Chapter Two: “The New Colossus” here.
In a number of ways, the original builders of the viaduct were up against a no-win situation. They had to design and build an elevated roadway between a city’s downtown high-rises and its waterfront views. No matter which way you look, it’s a mess. Looking from the city, you see vast expanses of concrete and, at best, a gunner slit view of what should be an amazing vista of flooded fjords and snow-capped mountains.
Looking at Seattle, you see a cityscape with a gray scar across its face.
Into The Void
If they had tried to pull this a decade later, it would have been called brutalist, a form of architecture, not without its merits, known for stark, no-frills designs dictated by function over appearance with raw construction materials and mundane functions left exposed if not outright adored. The designers of The Viaduct were of a slightly earlier era, and tried to go for what Americans think of as art deco; speedlines here and there, rounded corners. They wanted something modern that proclaimed a fast-moving city of the near future, but what they got was like a cross between art deco/Streamlined Moderne and a Wehrmacht flak tower.
The proportions were strange from the get go. Rather than evenly spacing the road decks, both are crammed into the top third of the structure, making it look top heavy. The relatively open bottom section just floats there, a void lacking in form, asking to be filled in, but with what? The first story and a half of the outward facing buildings can see under The Viaduct, but they are perpetually in shadow – not something you want to encourage more of in Seattle in, say, February.
It’s a view attenuated and flagged off by a literal mass of concrete that’s two miles long.
The Alaskan Way Viaduct was an elevated freeway in Seattle that supported State Route 99. The double-deck freeway ran north and south, along the city’s waterfront for 2.2 miles, east of Alaskan Way and Elliott Bay, and between the West Seattle Freeway in SoDo and the Battery Street Tunnel in Belltown. Construction consisted of three phases from 1949 through 1959, with the first section opening on April 4th, 1953. Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives.
They wanted something modern that proclaimed a fast-moving city of the near future, but what they got was like a cross between art deco/Streamlined Moderne and a Wehrmacht flak tower.Click To TweetSounds of Fury
The poor people on the second, third and sometimes fourth floors of those buildings had a view right out of a Terry Gilliam movie shot in Volgograd. If you’re lucky, you’d get to stare out of your office window for, in some cases, as little as three feet and then see nothing but concrete. What once was a view of Elliott Bay was now a view commensurate with an elevator shaft. And those were the lucky ones. The unlucky ones looked directly out onto two, and then three lanes of onrushing, southbound traffic mere feet away from where they stood.
Before the advent of double and triple pane glass, the unrelenting cacophony of noise must have been maddening.
I have been in these offices on many, many occasions, and to say it’s unsettling would be an understatement. It’s like sitting in a conference room directly on the edge of the main straight at The Indianapolis Motor Speedway. You’re sitting there, mid-meeting with a bunch of suit and tie swells when wooOOOOMPH-SSSHHHHhhhhhh!! a fully-loaded semi truck blows by you doing a mile a minute, spraying road grime and muck, and rotten rainwater all over the place, adding another accretion layer of grit and dirt, the color of a soil-covered battleship, onto the window.
Aerial view of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, circa 1970s. Item 76337, Forward Thrust Photographs (Record Series 5804-04), Seattle Municipal Archives.
The poor people on the second, third and sometimes fourth floors of those buildings had a view right out of a Terry Gilliam movie shot in Volgograd.Click To TweetConcrete Jungle
Oh, you thought the lower deck would be dry?
Nice thought, champ.
The expansion joints, even when new, left too big a gap when cold, allowing sheets of rainwater on the upper deck to pour through. This made driving southbound a surreal experience of constantly swirling moisture and tire spray, punctuated by momentarily blinding waterfalls. In many ways, driving on the lower deck was worse than the upper one. The lower deck was perpetually damp, with puddles and slick spots even on sunny days. It was always gloomy and dark. There were notional lights, double florescent jobs that you’d seen in suburban garages, but they were placed once every quarter mile. And most of them were burned out when The Bay of Pigs happened.
You want an office with a view? Not if you were on the first through fourth floors of a waterfront building in Seattle you didn’t
It was supposed to be modern, and it wasn’t. It was supposed to be aesthetically pleasing, and it wasn’t. And to top it all off, it was supposed to be functional, and it wasn’t. It failed in every way it could fail. It was a disaster just waiting to happen . . .
Viaduct Elegy: Chapter Four: A Disaster Waiting To Happen will be published here on Automoblog on Friday, February 22nd, 2019. In the meantime, follow Tony Borroz on Twitter: @TonyBorroz. For more historic photos of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and the city of Seattle, visit the Seattle Municipal Archive’s Flickr page.

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2019 Lexus GS F Review: The Lion of The Lexus Den

2019 Lexus GS F Review: The Lion of The Lexus Den 96Awesome2019 Lexus GS FOverall Impression The GS F goes against the typical Lexus grain.Competes with Germany's top performance cars.ProsPowerful EngineRide & HandlingLuxurious InteriorConsRemote Touch “Mouse"Limited Rear Passenger SpaceWe pulled next to a Ford Mustang at a light. The driver looked over and smiled. When it turned green, I punched the 2019 Lexus GS F, pulling away from the pony car in an instant. We could see him in the review mirror, a look of surprise on his face. The new Lexus GS F is a lot quicker than it looks.
This sedan doesn’t just come with a random sports package and some exterior badging. It’s a true performance car from Lexus. They have infused a performance attitude into every fiber of the GS F.
The GS F borrows performance parts from the RC F coupe and they fit just fine. The sedan gets the high-performance V8 from its RC F stablemate, along with revised braking and suspension systems. The 2019 Lexus GS F competes in a tough segment too, with the BMW M5, Mercedes-AMG E 63, Cadillac CTS-V, and Audi RS 7.
What’s New For 2019
A limited-production, 10th Anniversary Edition is new for the 2019 model year.
Features & Options: Tech & Safety Driven
The 2019 Lexus GS F ($84,350) stands head and shoulders above lesser GS models because it gets infused with some extra goodies. For example, a torque-vectoring rear differential, an adaptive, performance-tuned suspension, sport steering, Brembo brakes, and special aerodynamic enhancements are each included.
Other standard features include auto-dimming mirrors, xenon headlights, automatic high beams and wipers, LED running lights, and keyless ignition and entry. Once inside, drivers are treated to power-adjustable front seats with memory functions, leather upholstery, and a power-adjustable steering wheel. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane keeping assist.
On the technology front, the standard Remote Touch infotainment interface features a 12.3-inch display. Our tester came with the Lexus Enform app suite, which offers an array of subscription-based and connected services. Other technology features include navigation, voice controls, a USB port, and a 12-speaker sound system complete with a CD player and satellite radio.
Finally, our GS F included the heads-up display ($900), and an ungraded, 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system with a six-CD changer ($1,380). Total MSRP including destination: $87,985. By comparison, the 2019 Lexus GS F starts at $84,450.

Interior Highlights: Luxurious & Comfortable
Stepping inside the GS F reveals special treatments not offered on the standard trims: aluminum pedals, carbon fiber trim, and sport seats we think offer up exceptional comfort and support. The additional Alcantara leather throughout the cabin gives it a sportier feel than other Lexus products, especially around the dash. The dash is characterized by its horizontal lines and cool ambient lighting at the perimeter. Yet, it offers the typical Lexus luxury we think beats even the best German sport sedans.
The fit and finish overall is top-notch. We thought the extra-padded leather panels in rich shades and smooth wood trim really add character to the interior. The giant, 12.3-inch high-resolution display sits ready for commands from the Remote Touch “joystick” on the console. In the back, there’s solid head room for taller passengers but knee room is lacking. Although the rear doors are big, making it easy for adults to climb in and out.

Interior Highlights: Sweet Symphony
The GS F goes against the typical Lexus luxury grain by piping engine and exhaust notes into the cabin. The 5.0-liter V8 powerplant gives out a throaty growl unlike any other model produced by Toyota’s luxury brand. We found ourselves jumping hard on the gas just to hear that sweet-sounding engine. The 10-way power seats, which we put to the test this week, are comfortable, supportive, and have more bolstering for hard cornering.
The color heads-up display helped keep our eyes on the road and it was a good thing as we pushed the GS F hard this week. We got the attention of a few local law enforcement officials who seemed to know I was coming!
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2019 Lexus GS F is the quickest sedan the brand has ever built because of the 5.0-liter V8. The engine has 467 horsepower and 389 lb-ft. of torque, backed by an eight-speed, Sport Direct-Shift automatic with steering wheel paddle shifters. The 5.0-liter V8 uses forged connecting rods and titanium valves that allow a 7,300-rpm redline.
With both direct and port injection, this V8 gets an EPA-estimated 16/24 city/highway and 19 combined mpg.
This is attainable only if you can keep your foot out of it. Good luck with that.

We got the attention of a few local law enforcement officials who seemed to know I was coming!Click To TweetDriving Dynamics: Fast As Lightning
The ride is smooth enough, considering the GS F gets a sport-tuned suspension with stiffer shocks and springs. But it’s hard to drive the GS F without stopping on the gas! The first time we pushed on the naturally-aspirated V8 and heard the engine and exhaust notes, we wanted to have that thrill over and over again. It’s heard like sweet background music through two speakers, one front, one rear, as it’s piped in.
Lexus says the GS F sprints to 60 in just 4.5 seconds. You know it’s quick when you look down and you’re going 92 mph before you even get on the highway!
On the open road, when weren’t seeing how it handled the corners (where the torque vectoring makes the sedan respond beautifully), the GS F is a comfortable cruiser. The eight-speed automatic is crisp, smooth, and responsive, although it can’t match the German competition’s dual-clutch gearboxes. The big, 19-inch staggered wheels gripped the pavement and the Brembo performance brakes (15-inch front and 13.5-inch rear) help corral all those horses under the hood.

You know it’s quick when you look down and you’re going 92 mph before you even get on the highway!Click To TweetConclusion: A Serious Contender
The 2019 Lexus GS F S offers a rear-drive platform that’s pushing the limits for the Japanese automaker. It has the character of a true performance car with the luxury you would expect from Lexus. Our experience says Lexus is serious about competing with the top performance cars around the globe.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Lexus GS F S Gallery

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

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2020 BMW 7 Series: The Big Boss Gets The Flagship Overhaul

2020 BMW 7 Series: The Big Boss Gets The Flagship Overhaul The 2020 BMW 7 Series is the epitome of flagship styling and comfort.
An extensive offering of new technology includes a night vision system.
Expect more powerful engines and a plug-in hybrid option.
I know what you’re thinking. Isn’t the new 8 Series the BMW flagship? Not a chance. The 2020 BMW 7 Series is coming to town, and it’s here to show other BMWs who the real boss is. The new 7 Series is a far cry from being a just another traditional luxury-sport sedan. Although previous models were more oriented towards comfort than outright sportiness, the 7 Series never lost that “ultimate-driving-machine” mentality.
In fact, the 2020 BMW 7 Series is proof that luxury, elegance, and prestige is still on the agenda. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
Fresh Face For The New Year
There is no denying that massive front grille. It is 40 percent larger than the kidney grille of the previous-generation 7 Series, and it looks remarkably similar to the one found on the massive BMW X7. It even comes with self-adjusting vanes that open automatically when the engine demands more cooling.
In order to further emphasize the taller and wider front, the 2020 BMW 7 Series gets a redesigned hood that extends to the top of the new grille. The lower part in the front bumper receives large air deflectors in place of conventional air intakes. However, those air deflectors are not useless pieces of styling ornamentation. They actually guide oncoming air to the brake air ducts and air curtains. The latter are located behind the front wheels to minimize turbulence around the wheel openings.
The 2020 BMW 7 Series is also one of the first BMW models to receive optional laser headlights. Yes, there are lasers in the front of the new 7 Series. According to BMW, lasers are 1,000 times more powerful than humdrum LED lights. This explains why BMW resisted the urge to equip the new 7 Series with larger headlights. Instead, they settled for slimmer units to give the vehicle a more stern and muscular fascia.
The 2020 BMW 7 Series features a larger kidney grille. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Yes, there are lasers in the front of the new @BMW #7Series.Click To TweetMore Powerful Engines
This is one of the most interesting parts about the 2020 BMW 7 Series. Although the new 7 Series receives a familiar choice of motors, all of them produce more power and torque; definitely not a bad thing to have in a German luxury car.
The base 740i receives a free-revving, 3.0-liter inline six with twin-scroll turbocharging and direct injection. The engine is good for 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft. of torque. The latter is available from a low 1,500 to 5,200 rpm. This is enough for a sprint to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The 740i xDrive can achieve the feat in 4.8 seconds.
But if you’re one of those 7 Series owners who demand more, the 4.4-liter V8 in the 750i is ripe for the picking. The twin-scroll, turbocharged engine is good for 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft. of torque, which is 80 more horsepower than the previous model. The twin-scroll turbochargers are nestled in the 90-degree angle between the two banks of cylinders.
When equipped with xDrive, the 750i rushes to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds.
2020 BMW 7-Series. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Although the new @BMW #7Series receives a familiar choice of motors, all of them produce more power and torque; definitely not a bad thing to have in a German luxury car.Click To TweetRevised V12 & Hybrid Powertrain
Of course, what good is a new 7 Series without a new V12 motor to compliment it? The revised 6.6-liter V12 benefits from mono-scroll turbocharging and an all-aluminum construction. This enables the fire-breathing V12 to churn out an amazing 600 horsepower and 627 lb-ft. of torque. This allows the BMW 760i xDrive to sprint from zero to 60 mph in only 3.6 seconds.
The 2020 7 Series is also available as a plug-in hybrid. I have no idea why you should choose this variant, but BMW saw fit to install a six-cylinder motor instead of the previous turbocharged four-banger. Along with a new high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack and electric motor, the BMW 745e can dash to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The total combined power output for the 7 Series hybrid is 389 horsepower and 442 lb-ft. of torque. No word yet on the all-electric driving range, but I sincerely hope it’s more than 14 miles.
All engine variants are coupled with an eight-speed automatic. All-wheel drive or xDrive is standard across the range except for the base 740i.
Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Of course, what good is a new @BMW #7Series without a new V12 motor to compliment it?Click To TweetMore Flexible Suspension
The 2020 BMW 7 Series utilizes a double-wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle in concert with an adaptive suspension system. BMW says the rear suspension is unique because it employs dual elastic bearings and specially-tuned “elastokinematics” for excellent directional stability. The adaptive system comes with electronically-controlled dampers and two-axle air suspension with automatic self-leveling. The air supply of the suspension is controlled individually for each wheel, meaning the new 7 Series will remain balanced even if it’s unevenly loaded.
Further, with the Driving Experience Control switch, you can adjust the damper settings manually based on your preferences. You can opt for a more comfortable or sporty ride and even raise or lower the suspension. For example, it can be raised by 0.8 inches at the touch of a button on bumpy road surfaces or steeply-angled driveways.
Softer Steering
The optional Integral Active Steering is something worth adding to the 2020 BMW 7 Series. BMW says the system combines the electro-mechanical and variable ratio steering of the front wheels with rear axle steering. Ultimately, this means the larger 7 Series is easier to maneuver. For example, at lower speeds, only small steering inputs are necessary becasue the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels to cut the turning radius.
By contrast, at higher speeds, the rear wheels follow the same direction as the front wheels, allowing the new 7 Series to better follow the course set by the driver.
Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Bristling With Technology
I was expecting the 2020 BMW 7 Series to come with everything (including the kitchen sink) and I’m not disappointed. On the safety front, the new 7 Series is standard with the Active Driving Assistant Package. The package includes collision and pedestrian warnings, automatic city braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot detection. On the other hand, ticking the option box for BMW’s Driving Assistant Professional adds active cruise control, lane keeping assist, collision avoidance, and automatic lane changing with evasion assistance.
Extended Traffic Jam Assistant is also part of this upgraded safety package. This system handles acceleration and braking and can, with the help of navigation, adjust the speed of the 7 Series for unexpected bends, turns, junctions, and roundabouts. In addition, the camera-based traffic sign recognition system uses navigation data to determine upcoming speed limits.
The 2020 BMW 7 Series receives a heads-up display and night vision. The latter relays a real-time video image to the Control Display showing people, large animals, and other heat-emitting objects. Any objects detected are additionally illuminated using the headlights’ marker light function.
The interior is home to a bevy of soft-touch materials and coordinated design details. Premium Dakota leather is standard while Nappa leather with extended quilting is optional. The 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch control screen are standard as well. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Pricing & Availability
The 2020 BMW 7 Series goes on sale this spring with a starting MSRP of $87,445. There are a number of additional options and packages available, each of which are detailed in the table below. Stand alone options include a remote start, 19 and 20-inch wheels, front massaging seats, and a rear seat entertainment system among others.
Like I said, the new 7 Series is a far cry from being a just another traditional luxury-sport sedan.
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.
2020 BMW 7 Series: Options & Packages
Individual Package
Package Contents
M Sport Package
(740i, 740i xDrive, 750i xDrive and 745e xDrive) – includes M Sport exhaust(750i xDrive only), a choice of 19 inch or 20 inch wheels and tires, M Sport steering wheel, specific aerodynamics, Shadowline exterior trim, Anthracite headliner, M door sills and foot rest and a choice of interior trim.
Autobahn Package
(740i, 740i xDrive and 750i xDrive) – includes Integral Active steering and Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview.
Premium Package
(740i, 740i xDrive and 745e xDrive) – includes Power rear Sunshade and rear side window shades, Heads-Up display along with a choice of Nappa Leather interiors.
Executive Package
(740i, 740i xDrive, 750i xDrive and 745e xDrive) – includes Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof, Front ventilated seats, Instrument panel with Nappa leather finish and ceramic controls. Additionally on the 750i xDrive, this package includes Power rear sunshade & rear side window shades.
Cold Weather Package
(740i, 740i xDrive, 750i xDrive and 745e xDrive) – includes Remote Engine Start, Front and Rear Heated Seats and Heated Front Seat Armrests and Steering Wheel.
Interior Design Package
(740i, 740i xDrive, 750i xDrive and 745e xDrive) – includes wood grab handles, Rear Seat Belt Cover in wood trim, Rear Center armrest with wood trim, Luxury Rear Floor Mats and Alcantara Headliner in Coordinated Upholstery Color.
Luxury Rear Seating Package
(All models) – includes Rear ventilated seats, rear comfort seats, Heated steering Wheel with Front & Rear Heated seats and armrests, Rear Massaging seats and 7 inch Touch Command Tablet.
Driving Assistance Professional Package
(All models) – includes Extended Traffic Jam Assistant for limited access highways, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Active Lane Keeping Assistant with side collision avoidance, Steering and Traffic Jam Assistant, Automatic Lane Change, Evasion Assistant & Cross-traffic front alert.
Rear Executive Lounge Seating Package
(750i xDrive and M760i xDrive) – includes Electric Reclining individual rear Seats and Footrest (on passenger side), Executive Lounge Rear Center Console, rear Entertainment Professional.
2020 BMW 7 Series Gallery

Photos & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.

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