Automotive

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Concept: A Serious Contender?

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Concept: A Serious Contender? In some ways, VW’s Atlas Cross Sport Concept is just that: A concept vehicle at an auto show loaded with gee-wiz features. In a lot of other ways, this is just VW’s latest SUV. But the real key to the Atlas Cross Sport Concept can be found in the press materials when VW says, “Atlas five-seater shows that Volkswagen has a serious SUV strategy.”
In other words, “take our SUVs seriously.” Well, should we take the Atlas Cross Sport Concept seriously?
Up To Speed
For those out of the loop, the quick sketch is that SUVs are a big deal. People want them, for a number of reasons you don’t have to be Sigmund Freud to really figure out. And car makers want to sell them, because the profit margins are higher than traditional cars. So, bottom line: Everybody wants in on the SUV game. And Volkswagen is kind of late to the party. So, their Atlas Cross Sport Concept has to hit all the right notes and make an impression.
The Atlas Cross Sport Concept sits right in the middle of the SUV world. It’s not huge, like an Escalade, and it’s not goofy and tiny, like a Nissan Juke (if the Juke even counts). The Atlas can seat five and carry a lot of their stuff, and it looks like a modern SUV: a big, two-box design resembling a station wagon on steroids.
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Concept on display at the 2018 New York International Auto Show.
Just Enough
The Atlas Cross Sport Concept is 7.5 inches shorter than the run-of-the-mill Atlas, yet it keeps the same wheelbase. The most notable loss is that third row, which knocks the seating capacity down to five. So the Atlas Cross Sport Concept is not aimed at big families, but it’s still big enough for most people and most families to use most of the time. VW goes on and on about how it looks, but to my eyes, it’s rather inoffensive and generic and, if anything, there’s not much there to even criticize. What really sets VW’s Atlas Cross Sport Concept apart is the hybrid drivetrain.
Power & Performance
Volkswagen notes the Atlas is based on the company’s modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform, and that it can be “built with all manner of drive systems, including a plug-in hybrid drivetrain.” In other words, look for a bunch of engine choices across the range.
The concept uses the same 3.6-liter V6 FSI engine as the “normal” Atlas, putting out 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft. of torque. However, that’s just the start, since output is enhanced by two electric motors “fueled” by a compact 18.0 kWh lithium-ion battery housed in the center tunnel. The front motor puts out 54 horsepower and 162 lb-ft. of torque, and the rear motor adds 114 horsepower and 199 lb-ft. of torque to the party. This means a total system power output of 355 horsepower and 1,439,294 lb-ft. of torque.
Wait, I think my figures are a little off for the torque? Let’s just say it puts out a lot of torque, okay? Anyways, you add all that up and this VW concept hits 60 in just 5.4 seconds, topping out at 130 mph.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Drive Modes
And here’s where things get interestingly geeky and gearhead-centric. The software genies that control everything do some very interesting stuff, allowing this concept to operate in any of five modes: E-Mode, Hybrid, GTE, Off-Road or Battery Hold/Battery Charge.
The vehicle always starts out in the all-electric E-Mode if the battery is sufficiently charged. The all-electric driving range is up to 26 miles. Impressive. In E-Mode, drive power is entirely supplied by the 114 horsepower electric motor at the rear axle. Further, the gasoline engine is decoupled from the drivetrain and shut off. As soon as the software decides it needs the V6, it is recoupled to the drivetrain in an almost unnoticeable process.
When working in Hybrid mode, the V6 and/or rear electric motor automatically engage. If the battery is not sufficiently charged at this point, lifting your foot off the accelerator or hitting the brakes will turn the electric motors into generators where the energy recovered from braking is pumped into the lithium-ion battery. In GTE, which is driver-activated via a button, the throttle map, gearshifts, and steering feel sportier, and the V6 and the electric motors work together to access the full system’s power output. Ya-hoo!
If the driver activates the Off-Road mode, the Atlas Cross Sport Concept goes full-on all-wheel drive. The battery’s state of charge is low, and the front electric motor is exclusively used as a generator for the electric motor on the rear axle. This is said to give this show-car Atlas very impressive off-road ability.
Finally, the dual Battery Hold/Battery Charge mode is activated from a menu in the infotainment system. Battery Hold means the energy content of the battery stays constant and Battery Charge means the battery is charged while driving; and all this sounds quite clever. For example, you might use this mode to intentionally prep for driving in the all-electric mode.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
In Person
Will this concept be built? Probably, but that’s not the point, I think. The point here is that VW could be sitting on a very flexible drivetrain that can be dropped into a large number of future vehicles. We will have to wait and see. In the meantime, the Atlas Cross Sport Concept is on display the New York International Auto Show, now through April 8th at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.
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.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Concept Gallery

Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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How Many Easter Eggs Can Your Favorite HD Truck Haul

How Many Easter Eggs Can Your Favorite HD Truck Haul If I could offer one nugget of advice for the Easter Bunny (assuming he’s reading) it would be to ditch the basket and get a truck. While the basket certinately has a novelty flare synonymous with the Easter season, hauling chocolate bunnies, jelly beans, and painted eggs is much easier with a big truck. The question is what truck would best suit the Easter Bunny, and the team at Royalty Core set out to find the answer.
Colorful Numbers
Based in Oregon, Royalty Core designs and hand-builds custom performance grilles, emblems, and headache racks. Their grilles and other unique truck parts have been featured in dozens of industry magazines, and are often part of award-winning SEMA builds. The staff came up with a math formula to get the hard boiled egg-hauling totals for the new Ford F-250, Chevy and GMC 2500 HD base models, Nissan Titan XD, and Ram 2500.
“We’re all about customizing your truck, so we thought adding something decorative to the bed would be a fun way to measure just how much these trucks can handle,” said Robb Kamp, owner of Royalty Core.
Here is Royalty Core’s brain scrambling (see what I did there) formula to determine how many eggs these trucks can haul.
One U.S. large, dyed egg weighs about 57 grams.
The egg’s density is 1.03 grams/cm3, so the egg is about 56 cm3 (3.4 cu. in.) in volume.
Round that measurement to 3.75 inches to account for the empty space around each egg.
Eat a chocolate bunny (optional).
Next, convert the volume of a truck bed from cubic feet to cubic inches, and divide by 3.75 to come up with an egg count.
Now, convert the weight of an egg in grams to pounds (57 grams = 0.126 pounds), and multiply by the egg count to get the total egg weight.
Write it all down in a table, check your work, and then brag to your friends about how much better your truck is than theirs.
“I can tell you when we started this, we weren’t sure any of the trucks could handle their max capacity of Easter eggs,” Kamp added. “That was surprising.”
The Nissan Titan XD is great for hauling hay. Easter eggs on the on the other hand? That’s a different story. Photo: Nissan North America.
And The Winners Are . . .
Weight totals mostly stayed beneath or just over each truck’s maximum payload, but one truck couldn’t haul the number of eggs that actually fit in its bed. Here’s the bed size, egg capacity, and whether or not these trucks were up to the challenge:
2018 Chevy 2500 HD – 61 cubic feet + 28,109 eggs = 8 pounds more than max payload.
2018 Ford F-250 – 65 cubic feet + 29,952 eggs = 3,774 pounds. Yes, it can haul!
2018 GMC 2500 HD – 61 cubic feet + 28,109 eggs = 8 pounds more than max payload.
2018 RAM 2500 – 58 cubic feet + 26,726 eggs = 3,368 pounds. Yes, it can haul!
2018 Nissan Titan XD – 59 cubic feet + 27,187 eggs = 516 pounds more than max payload.
So, based on this, the Easter Bunny (should) be getting either a new Ram or Ford. Chevy fans can counter by simply saying the Easter Bunny isn’t real. Nissan fans should just opt for the traditional Easter basket. It can probably haul more eggs.
Royalty Core’s graphic is below, with a version you can share on social media here. Happy Easter and sorry Nissan fans!
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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Brembo Showcases Next Gen, High Performance Caliper In New York

Brembo Showcases Next Gen, High Performance Caliper In New York Brembo introduced a new brake caliper for the high performance road car market during the New York International Auto Show. Brembo says the new caliper comes by way of rigorous study and a dedication to create functional products with engaging shapes. The company drew on over 45 years of Motorsport experience and over 300 racing championships as they developed the new caliper.
The goal was to create something that could match the shape, color, and exclusivity of high performance cars.
New Applications
Brembo’s engineers focused on the caliper’s geometry, reducing the mass of the areas not subjected to stress during braking. To get a better understanding on how to accomplish this, topology optimization was utilized. Topology optimization is a software tool that allowed the engineers to simulate the stiffness of the caliper and locate excess material. This application is more common for racing brakes, being used now for the first time for a cast aluminum caliper intended for road cars.
Brembo has a number of similar innovations for road-going performance cars already, including a hybrid material braking system for the 2019 Corvette ZR1.
New Benchmarks
With the minimized curves and material reduction, a weight savings of 400 grams per wheel was achieved, marking the highest ratio of weight/stiffness ever for a cast aluminum caliper for road use. Brembo says the new caliper will be used in conjunction with carbon ceramic discs and can be made in a variety of colors.
In Person
Brembo’s new caliper is equipped to the 720 horsepower Pagani Huayra, located inside their display at the New York International Auto Show, now through April 8th at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.

Photos & Source: Brembo SpA.

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Autonomous Cars: Future Mobility & Market Growth

Autonomous Cars: Future Mobility & Market Growth

Perhaps we have failed to realize just how far along some technologies are. Vehicles that drive themselves are a good example, and may be on the road in large numbers by 2020. It’s unbelievable that experiments have been conducted with regard to cars and automation since at least the 1920s. Although recently, the automobile industry has seen tremendous growth in the designing of driverless cars.
The successful trials, contests, and launching of autonomous cars are proven evidence that this concept is no longer an imagination.
Types of Autonomous Vehicles
As per the global autonomous market, vehicles will be segmented according to automation level: Driver Assistance, Partial Automation, Conditional Automation, High Automation, and Full Automation. Applications include everything from passenger cars, public transport, industrial vehicles, and agricultural machines.
Benefits of Autonomous Vehicles
The benefits are numerous and include increased safety, reduced stress, easier parking, better fuel efficiency and pollution control, and a decrease in traffic jams. Furthermore, proponents believe there will be a significant reduction in traffic collisions and resulting injuries, as the majority of accidents are caused due to human errors.
Autonomous cars can even offer mobility for elderly and disabled persons.
Global Market
If we examine geographically, the first major areas that will accommodate autonomous cars will be North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, Middle East, and Africa. That means an ample amount of self-driving cars will be on the world’s roads before long and represent a tremendous growth in the autonomous vehicle market.
Leading Manufactures
The first self-sufficient cars appeared with Carnegie Mellon University’s Navlab and ALV projects in 1984, and Mercedes-Benz and Bundeswehr University’s Eureka Prometheus Project in 1987. Since then, numerous companies have developed working prototypes, including Nissan, General Motors, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford, Audi, Volvo, Google and many more.
Below is an Infographic from Get Off Road, showing the history of and relevant data relating to autonomous cars. The infographic also includes the challenges involved in engineering an autonomous car, the technology behind the vehicles, and how DARPA has been involved in testing driverless cars.
Toby Dean works on behalf of Get Off Road in content creation and marketing. Over the past 7 years, he has worked with dozens of SME’s in both an agency and freelance capacity.

Cover Photo: Ford Motor Company

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2017 Jeep Compass Aims To Satisfy All SUV Drivers

2017 Jeep Compass Aims To Satisfy All SUV Drivers

Boy is Jeep proud of its 2017 Jeep Compass. The superlatives from the press office are flying thick and fast, and really, who can blame them. Jeep, after all, did invent the entire idea of the Sport Utility Vehicle.
Still, the press release headline is hysterically over written: “An All-new Global Compact SUV Delivering Unsurpassed 4×4 Capability, World-class On-road Driving Dynamics, Advanced Fuel-efficient Powertrains, and Premium Styling.”
Yes, the Jeep Compass is solid, but don’t try and over-sell it before we even get to find out why it’s such a good little off-roader.
Road Warrior
For example, there’s the Compass’ 4×4 drive system. Jeep says it’s the “most advanced,” and why doubt them? The 2017 Compass comes with two drive modes to choose from: Jeep Active Drive and Jeep Active Drive Low. This is the proverbial high/low gearing mix that actually allows you to go off road, rather than just thinking you can go off road. A crossover looks like you can tackle a rock filled defile, a Jeep can actually drive up there – and usually with ease.
Jeep says the Compass’ “small wide 4×4 architecture” merges best-in-class abilities with exceptional on-road driving dynamics. Which is, again, a nice way of saying that even though this guy looks pretty square from above, it actually drives okay on highways and pavement in general.
The upper body structure and frame were engineered as a single unit for a stiffer and more mass-efficient design. 65 percent of the vehicle is high-strength steel, which maximizes vehicle dynamics, crash performance, and efficiency. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Styling & Design
On the outside, it still looks like the Jeeps of old. It’s one of those designs, like the Porsche 911, that worked well from the outset and became iconic seemingly overnight, so Jeep would be very foolish to mess with it. And with the 2017 Compass, Jeep didn’t mess with it much, but they did add an open-air, dual-pane sunroof.
It’s a nice touch – works on giving you that top down feeling, but helps you keep civilized on inclement days.
The inside is highlighted by what Jeep calls “sculptured forms,” which is a nice way of saying they don’t just glue gauges onto any piece of sheet metal they find handy. And speaking of, the inside is replete with high-quality materials and state-of-the-art technology. So far gone are the days of bare metal dashes and door panels, un-insulated interiors, and Spartan driving conditions.
Safety and security were paramount in the development of the all-new 2017 Jeep Compass, which offers more than 70 available active and passive safety and security features. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Powertrain & Fuel Economy
Powertrain wise, there are 17 fuel-efficient options to choose from, but that’s worldwide – some of those are not available in the home market. The North American models do get the 2.4-liter Tigershark engine, which is a rather charmingly named throwback to days when cars had features like the Firedome and Go-Devil and stuff like that. The Tigershark plant gives you over 30 miles per gallon, which is pretty impressive considering these things have the aerodynamics of the crate they’re shipped in, and weigh a lot more than you’d expect.
The Jeep Compass also has an engine stop-start (ESS) system, so that gives you increased fuel efficiency as well.
Jeep says the Compass gets best-in-class 4×4 highway fuel economy with the Tigershark Multiair Engine, paired with the six-speed manual transmission. Speaking of transmissions, the available three are pretty impressive. Probably the most remarkable is the class-exclusive nine-speed automatic transmission for 4×4 models. There is this growing trend of auto-boxes with more and more ratios, but it’s quite interesting to see them turning up in a Jeep. Other options include a six-speed automatic for 4×2 models, and a six-speed manual for 4×2 variants.
Obviously the manual gearbox will be the one chosen by serious off-roaders. It has a 6.68 ratio spread and a 4.438 final-drive ratio for fuel efficiency at faster speeds; a first-gear launch ratio of 18.4:1 means the 2017 Jeep Compass will deliver quick acceleration.
Efficiency and refinement also are hallmarks of FCA‘s 16-valve, 2.4-liter Tigershark I-4 engine with the MultiAir2 electro-hydraulic, fully variable valve-actuation system. The engine produces 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft. of torque. Photo: FCA US LLC.

World Class
And, since this is 2017, and not 1947, the Jeep Compass comes with all sorts of tech goodies. The Uconnect system is already into its fourth-generation and includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the choice of a 5.0-, 7.0- or 8.4-inch touchscreen with pinch-and-zoom capability. It’s nice to have the options, but it still strikes me as rather odd. Why choose one over the other? Why not just get the biggest one you can?
Another interesting aspect to the Jeep Compass – you can’t really call it a feature – is how it will be manufactured in four different countries, making it sort of a world vehicle, in a way. Jeep builds the things in Brazil, China, Mexico, and India, and sells them in more than 100 countries.
The 2017 Jeep Compass comes in four different trim configurations: Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk and should be in your local dealer showrooms as you read this.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2017 Jeep Compass Gallery

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC

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Ford GT Competition Shed Pounds, Adds Performance

Ford GT Competition Shed Pounds, Adds Performance

Ford has decided to up the stakes of its already high performance GT by droping weight, and tweaking some of the performance goodies here and there. And, as we all know, less weight is always a good thing. Always, always, always, always.
Always.
Look, in case you’re new to the game, or just don’t get the concept, let me ask you a question: How many fat jockeys do you see riding in the Kentucky Derby? Exactly. If you want your horse, or, in the case of the gearhead, your car to be faster, make it lighter.
To wit, Ford is heading down this path to make its GT even better.
Racing Blood
After a resounding win at this year’s Rolex 24 Hour race at Daytona, Ford decided to hang around the Florida beach town and show off the new, ultra-lightweight Ford GT Competition Series for North America. As the name implies, it’s intended for track and racing use, which is fine, but also rather a pity. My personal preference is that I like to see track cars also roaming around the streets, but that’s just me.
Ford says the GT Competition Series is the “ultimate production car” for track fans, and it does this (be ultimate) by removing weight higher up in the vehicle and, therefore, moves the center of gravity lower down, getting it closer to the track for even better road-holding. They also point out the “duh, obvious” benefit of reducing weight in maximizing the car’s 647 horsepower engine.
“The Ford GT has racing in its blood,” said Raj Nair, Ford Executive Vice President, Global Product Development, and Chief Technical Officer. “The Competition Series was developed with the most hardcore track enthusiasts in mind, providing a tailored set of lightweight features and unique livery to match.”
And really, I’m not going to argue with him on any of that.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Gravity & Glass
As an example, look no further than the rear deck lid. It now sports an innovative, lightweight, and race-inspired Perspex acrylic engine hatch cover with manual latch and carbon fiber prop rod. This reduces the weight near the roof and shifts the balance of the weight lower in the car. Perspex is the same stuff they use in fighter plane canopies, and, although it scratches easier (a down side to every day road use) it is much, much lighter than glass. Besides, it’s the same stuff they use in fighter planes, how cool is that? The manual latches do away with all the cabling and interior pulls, saving a few pounds, as does the carbon fiber prop rod.
The “glass” between the driver and the engine compartment, which is known as bulkhead glass, is now made of reduced thickness Gorilla Glass. Gorilla Glass is the same stuff that’s on the face of an iPhone/iPad and is already very light and pretty darn tough. As rolled out in the Ford GT Competition, it’s about half as thick when compared to other models.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Dressed For Success
Ford has not, thankfully, monkeyed with any of the existing performance features on the GT. The FIA-certified steel roll cage and active aerodynamic system are still there, mercifully. Items not vital to performance are eliminated. So, gone to the parts shelves are the air conditioning, the radio, the stowage bins, and the cupholders. The cupholders Martha! See what Ford is willing to sacrifice?
The Competition Series also features, as standard, previously available weight-reducing optional equipment. Carbon fiber wheels (hubba), and titanium lug nuts (hubba-hubba), and a titanium exhaust (hubba-hubba-hubba) are standard.
Carbon fiber? Oh yeah, lots of it.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Carbon Covered
The GT Competition Series gets a unique gloss carbon fiber stripe, carbon fiber mirror caps and A-pillars, and exposed carbon fiber lower body trim with a matching gloss finish. The interior matches the lightweight intentions of the car, but it keeps the same driver-oriented elements of other models, such as the F1-styled steering wheel and its functional controls. There is Ebony Alcantara suede on the seats, instrument panel, and headliner, which is pretty and lighter than leather, but also a pain to maintain.
There’s exposed carbon fiber on the console, registers, and door sills. The shift paddles are anodized red (which is pretty boss) as is the instrument panel badge. There’s a unique center console plate and steering wheel fascia in place of the deleted infotainment controls and screen. The Competition Series comes in six colors: Shadow Black, Frozen White, Ingot Silver, Liquid Blue, Liquid Grey, and Triple Yellow.
No word on price and availability, but the proverbial “a lot and not many” will most likely apply.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Ford GT Competition Gallery

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company

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2019 GMC Sierra AT4: No Road, No Problem

2019 GMC Sierra AT4: No Road, No Problem GMC Sierra fans are getting a little more bite for their bark as the 2019 GMC Sierra AT4 looms on the horizon. GMC says the truck is a “unique formula” becasue it blends off-road capability with technology and refinement. The new Sierra was recently revealed amid strong sales. Earlier in March, Duncan Aldred, Global GMC Vice President, explained that SLT and Denali models account for 87 percent of the brand’s total crew cab sales.
And now a new AT4 coming is down the pipe.
Essential Equipment
This GMC special rolls out of the factory with a two-inch lift, two-speed transfer case, locking rear differential, and skid plates. The Rancho monotube shock absorbers, hill descent control, and traction select system each increase the truck’s 4×4 capability. And there’s even a suite of advanced safety features like Surround Vision, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, and Front Pedestrian Braking.
The GMC Sierra AT4 comes with three different wheel and tire combos: 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, or mud terrain-rated Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires, or the available 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. It’s your call.
Photo: GMC.
Power & Performance
Standard is the evergreen 5.3 V8 although the beastly 6.2 is available. GMC has not clarified horsepower or torque figures, but says both engines feature Dynamic Fuel Management. This replaces the current Active Fuel Management and differs in the sense it can shut off any number of cylinders, in a variety of combinations, to boost performance and efficiency. Dynamic Fuel Management enables the truck to operate on just one or all eight cylinders, depending on driving conditions.
GMC Sierra AT4 buyers can also opt for an all-new Duramax 3.0-liter inline-six turbo-diesel. The Duramax and 6.2 are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The aforementioned traction select system contains preset drive modes tailored for different terrain or weather conditions. The different modes adjust the Sierra’s transmission shift points, throttle mapping, and StabiliTrak to optimize performance.
When loading up those ATVs for the wild country, the new Sierra AT4 will give adventure seekers plenty of towing tools. GMC’s ProGrade Trailering feature with a compatible smartphone app is on offer. The system includes a pre-departure checklist, trailer light test, tire pressure monitoring for the trailer, and maintenance reminders among others. There’s also a handy bird’s-eye view that shows up on the infotainment screen.
GMC’s MultiPro Tailgate features six functions and positions, second-tier loading, a standing workstation, and integrated hand grips and bumper steps. Photo: GMC.
Styling & Design
The GMC Sierra AT4 should look pretty slick coming down the road with its darker exterior finishes, black chrome, and touches of red. The front and rear bumpers and grille surround match the truck’s body color, and the C-shaped LED lighting is a nice touch. A premium high-gloss black finish was even applied to the window trim, mirror caps, and skid plate.
On the inside, drivers are treated to a darker cabin with tinted and textured aluminum finishes on the steering wheel, center stack, and sill plates. Long trips should be a breeze thanks to the leather-trimmed seats and Jet Black/Kalahari color accents. Special AT4 badging on the headrests and floormats finish off the interior treatments.
Pricing & Availability
GMC has not reveled pricing at this time. Expect the new Sierra AT4 at dealerships this fall.
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.
2019 GMC Sierra AT4 Gallery

Photos & Source: GMC.

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Waymo & Jaguar Land Rover To Create Self-Driving Fleet

Waymo & Jaguar Land Rover To Create Self-Driving Fleet Jaguar Land Rover and Waymo announced a strategic partnership to develop self-driving I-PACE electric vehicles for Waymo’s autonomous transportation service. The companies say the collaboration will strengthen their shared goals of making safe cars and increasing mobility for all populations. Testing will begin later this year.
“While we’ve been focused at Waymo on building the world’s most experienced driver, the team at Jaguar Land Rover has developed an all-new battery-electric platform that looks to set a new standard in safety, design, and capability,” said John Krafcik, Chief Executive Officer, Waymo.
Engineers from both Waymo and Jaguar Land Rover will use the testing data to refine the technology. The companies say the partnership focuses on safety and reliability, two things that have come into question recently after an Arizona woman was struck and killed by a self-driving vehicle.
Once testing is complete, up to 20,000 I-PACE vehicles will be built during the first two years, and be available for riders of Waymo’s driverless service. In the meantime, the Waymo Jaguar I-PACE will be shown at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public on Friday, March 30th.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Waymo Jaguar I-PACE Gallery

Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.

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55 MPG Expected For 2019 Honda Insight

55 MPG Expected For 2019 Honda Insight The 2019 Honda Insight can finally be seen at this year’s upcoming New York International Auto Show. Honda says the 2019 Insight has robust acceleration and competitive fuel efficiency thanks to its new hybrid drivetrain. Joining the Clarity series and the 2018 Accord Hybrid, the new Insight is the fifth Honda electrified vehicle introduced over the past year. The all-new Insight will provide a fresh look for Honda’s expanding lineup of electrified vehicles.
Premium Treatments
The Insight, a compact sedan, is positioned and priced between the Civic and Accord in Honda’s lineup, and aims to offer a unique level of packaging, refinement, and efficiency. The design aims to be sleek with a low and wide stance, bold front fascia, low-profile LED headlights and taillights, sharp character lines, and a sweeping, coupe-like, roofline. On the inside, drivers will find premium cabin appointments such as a soft-touch instrument panel, ergonomically sculpted seats, a large-ish seven-inch TFT color “digital driver’s meter,” and heated, leather-trimmed seats. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also built-in.
Photo: Honda North America.
Chassis & Suspension
The new Insight rides on a comparatively long wheelbase of 106.3 inches. That means you get both a nice ride and excellent packaging for a spacious 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space. Honda accomplished this – a tricky feat to pull off in a hybrid – by placing the lithium-ion hybrid battery pack beneath the rear seats. Not only do you get a normal-sized trunk, but the Insight also comes with a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat to maximize cargo – and people – hauling flexibility.
The Insight shares the same basic platform as the tenth-gen Civic, which helps explain why the Insight has that premium compact sedan feel. The body features an aluminum hood to cut weight, while additional sound insulation in the engine bay, front fenders, front firewall, and front and rear floors help create a tranquil cabin. The new Insight also features Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure.
The chassis is designed for a refined, confident, and composed driving experience according to Honda. There’s a fully-independent suspension system with a Macpherson strut front end, and a multi-link rear setup; the high-trim Touring models have liquid-sealing compliance bushings at both ends. The electric power steering is a variable-ratio dual-pinion deal and there’s an electro-servo brake system, which combines regenerative braking with the normal mechanical brake system for better stopping performance.

Power & Performance
Speaking of that hybrid system, it all starts with an efficient 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle engine that is coupled to a powerful electric propulsion motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. Total output is 151 horsepower and 197 lb-ft. of torque with up to 55 mpg in the city, according to Honda’s internal certification testing.
Under most conditions, the Insight operates as a series hybrid, like a railroad locomotive: The gasoline engine, connected to the generator motor, produces electricity that is supplied to the electric propulsion motor or to the 60-cell lithium-ion battery pack. There are three drive modes for the new Insight: NORMAL, ECON, and SPORT. You can pick and choose which one suits you, your mood, or the conditions. All Insights have steering wheel-mounted deceleration selectors so you can choose from three levels of regenerative braking performance as well.
Photo: Honda North America.
Availability & In Person
The 2019 Honda Insight comes in three trim levels: LX, EX, and the top-of-the-line Touring; the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance tech comes standard. It will arrive at Honda dealers later this year, but will be on display for the duration for the 2018 New York International Auto Show which opens to the public on Friday, March 30th.
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.
2019 Honda Insight Gallery

Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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