Automotive

Letter From The UK: End of Days?

Letter From The UK: End of Days? Are We Witnessing The Automotive End Of Days?
As someone whose youth, fancy-free love life, musical taste, and motoring education is steeped in the bygone days of the 20th Century, I feel totally confident in my assertion, made not for the first time, that the Golden Age of Motoring is long gone. We shall not see its like again. It has also made me rethink my vehicle road-testing for the future.
Rules & Exceptions
It is not one single thing that has brought me to this pass, no; it is my recent experience of the latest cars and automotive advertising that I have had to endure. Most of the cars I have driven of late here in the blighted, benighted British Isles, have been perfectly fine in terms of build quality and the like but otherwise just so dull, dull, dull. To be balanced, I am currently driving the Peugeot 5008 which is attractive, versatile, and a decent drive (sorry, you can’t have it. The French brand is not returning to American shores for some time yet, if at all) and I like it a lot, but it is the exception that proves the rule.
Cars have become boring. Fact.
Peugeot 5008. Photo: DriveWrite Automotive.
Autonomous Cars. Not.
Like a lusty salmon determined to spawn up-river, I realise I am hardly going with the flow here but, as yet, there are no such things as autonomous cars. The general media always get a bit carried away in a sort of “The future is now!!” manner, but the plain fact is that the current technology is simply super-glorified cruise control. Ask the British public if they are looking forward to ‘driverless’ cars and they will tell you “meh.”
Ask the European motor industry or the government however, for whom any bandwagon is the ideal way to hide all the bad news, and anyone would think that these do-it-all cars are just around the corner; they are not. Certainly all the technologies will work side by side for now but the real deal is many years away. Yet such is the furore being whipped up that it is my contention that car makers have misread the public’s collective mind.
A recent study from CARiD uncovered some confusion as to what an autonomous car actually is. Less than half of the respondents correctly identified it as something controlled entirely by automated technology. A recent AAA study found that 73 percent of American drivers say they would be too afraid to ride in a self-driving vehicle, up from 63 percent in late 2017. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Youth of Today
With millennials and younger generations more interested in the latest technology rather than transportation, the future of the car industry, to me, looks to be built on shifting sands. As someone who has driven spectacular cars on open roads and race circuits, I find the latest trend for cosying up to the youth of today is not thought through. The latest crop of TV advertising is looking increasingly silly and juvenile and tells viewers absolutely nothing at all about the cars.
Of course, car bosses aren’t stupid. Those brands that are quick thinking and not afraid to reinvent themselves will survive but I contend that many will not. Start-ups like Tesla are exploiting buyers’ imaginations. Clever companies like Uber and ride-sharing operators like Lyft and HyreCar are demonstrating that car ownership is no longer a necessity if a ride is just an app click away.
Uber passengers share a ride in India. Photo: Uber
Somber & Gray
The reason so many cars are boring now is because they are about the lifestyle technology stuffed into them and not about engineering. Essentially they’re all the same under the skin. For grizzled old veteran curmudgeons like me it is the dawn of the beginning of the demise of motor cars as we know them. Thus I feel I will be testing fewer and fewer cars in the coming short term. I’m going to be picky and choose only those vehicles I believe have that extra something but I won’t be holding my breath.
Automotive end of days indeed.
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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2019 Ford F-150 Raptor Gets New Suspension & Upgraded Tech

2019 Ford F-150 Raptor Gets New Suspension & Upgraded Tech It is foolish to mess with a proven formula. When Ford bolted on a twin-turbocharged, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 to the second-generation Raptor, hardcore off-roaders were dismayed.
But when critics found out the motor churns out 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft. of torque, the new Raptor was welcomed with open arms. The new power plant produced 40 more horsepower and more torque than the heavier 6.2-liter V8.
Change is inevitable. In this case, the changes were for the better.
For 2019, Ford is upping the ante once again by giving the 2019 F-150 Raptor an all-new adaptive suspension along with a host of comfort features and clever tech.
Shock & Awe
Further cementing its status as the ultimate high-performance off-road truck, the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor is equipped with electronically-controlled Fox 3.0 Internal Bypass shocks with LIVE Valve Technology. The 2019 Raptor also comes with a new Trail Control System, which is cruise control designed for low-speed and rugged terrain.
“Raptor’s success is rooted in its incredible suspension, superb vehicle control, and the confidence the truck instills in its owners,” said Hermann Salenbauch, Global Director, Ford Performance Vehicle Programs. “Upgrades to the 2019 F-150 Raptor have improved all three to new levels that the competition will have to benchmark – again.”
Ford worked closely with Fox to further hone the existing internal bypass shock absorbers. The result is an electronically-controlled Live Valve Technology that continuously adjusts damping in real-time. The system utilizes sensors in the suspension and body to maximize comfort, all-terrain handling, and bottom-out resistance.
“By automatically varying compression rates, Raptor can now make the most of its suspension travel of 13 inches at the front and 13.9 inches at the rear,” Salenbauch said.
2019 Ford F-150 Raptor with Fox 3.0 Internal Bypass shocks with Live Valve technology. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Hang Time
Have you ever heard of a suspension that automatically adjusts the damper settings when the vehicle is in midair?
“The 2019 Raptor is not just more capable off-road. It’s smarter,” Salenbauch continued. “Not many trucks need sensors to detect when you are midair. Raptor sets the dampers to full stiffness to help smooth shock performance as the truck lands.”
This may sound a bit silly, but the current F-150 Raptor is one of the most refined vehicles you can buy today. The upgraded Fox Live Valve suspension enables the Raptor to achieve new heights in all-terrain versatility and performance. When paired with the Raptor’s Terrain Management System, the Live Valve Suspension Technology will confidently traverse even the most unforgiving terrain at high-speed, while still retaining a smooth on-road performance.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Off-Road Cruise Control
The 2019 F-150 Raptor is also equipped with a new Trail Control system. It can automatically adjust and send power and braking force to each individual wheel. The system can be activated at speeds from 1 mph up to 20 mph depending on the driveline position.
Trail Control can feed engine torque to the driving wheels so you can easily climb over steep obstacles. The system can also brake each wheel individually, so the Raptor comes down smoothly on the other side of whatever you are climbing. It is a fool-proof system that allows you to focus on steering over rugged terrain.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Hold Me Tight
Also new for the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor are Recaro sport seats. The seats are designed to offer aggressive support and substantial bolstering to smoothen those nasty kidney shots over rugged, uneven terrain. Available seat designs include blue Alcantara inserts and accent stitching inspired by the interior of the bonkers Ford GT supercar.
Pricing & Availability
The 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor is all yours by late 2018, and comes in three new colors: Ford Performance Blue, Velocity Blue, and Agate Black.
The upgraded 2019 F-150 Raptor will be built at the Dearborn Truck Plant. Ford has not disclosed pricing at this time.
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.
2019 Ford F-150 Raptor Gallery

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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2018 Ford Explorer: Blue Oval’s Anchor For Promising SUV Projections?

2018 Ford Explorer: Blue Oval’s Anchor For Promising SUV Projections?

From the “Water is Wet/Pope is Catholic” file, Ford says to expect continued growth in SUV sales. They also announced what the updates for the Ford Explorer will be in 2018, but first let’s talk about these sales projections. Look, every company on the planet says the future looks great. We’re going to be making money by the train car load next fiscal year, yadda-yadda-yadda.
But in Ford’s case, they might be right.
Trending Data
For starters, check this out: According to Ford, not only will the SUV segment continue to grow, but it will actually account for more than 45 percent of the non-premium U.S. retail industry in the next five to seven years. 45 percent. That’s nearly half of the non-premium (i.e. rich folks cars) segment being populated by truck like SUV things.
It seems this trend, as 90% of the trends these days, are being driven by millennials. 35- to 44-year-olds buy more mid and large SUVs than any other given demographic, and millennials are anticipated to join this SUV-loving group even more as they age. Baby boomers (the first millenials in a way, if you care to think about it) are already buying nearly 30 percent of small SUVs as is. And boomers are projected to lean even more heavily into SUVs as they march on up the population pyramid. Even Generation X is getting in on the SUV action.
These numbers make Ford happy. They already sell a ton of trucks and SUVs, so a bigger pie means more sales for Ford. Dearborn is so psyched about what lies ahead for SUVs, they have plans to add five all-new ones to their North American lineup by 2020.
“In the 1990s, SUVs defined the unstoppable American spirit, and once again, we’re seeing a utility boom take hold with a whole new generation of customers,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford Vice President, U.S. Marketing, Sales, and Service. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Cornerstone Connectivity
Ford is planning on the upcoming 2018 Explorer to champion this segue into even more SUVs on the road. The 2018 Explorer has a freshened front, new rear styling details, and even better technology. So the transitional model year gets slathered in tech goodies and gee-gaws such as an available 4G modem with a new standard Wi-Fi hotspot for up to ten devices, plus Ford’s latest SYNC 3 infotainment system.
SYNC Connect also allows owners to “connect” with the Explorer remotely using FordPass. Drivers can start, lock, unlock, and locate their vehicle from almost anywhere. I know that sounds superfluous in a lot of ways, but consider living in up-state New York or Mobile, Alabama. Sounds like being able to fire up your Explorer and get the interior heated in February or chilled in August via your smartphone is a good idea, no? Oh, and FordPass also stores important vehicle diagnostic information which is also handy.
All of this stuff on the 2018 Explorer joins existing high tech perks such as enhanced active park assist and electric power-assisted steering. These features help drivers with parallel and perpendicular parking but there is also park-out assist, which helps drivers pull out of parallel parking spots; and intelligent all-wheel drive with a Terrain Management System that sends power where needed. And yeah, I don’t know why on Earth you’d need something to help you pull out of parallel parking spots (isn’t that just reverse gear?) but hey, the new Explorer’s got it.
Safety tidbits? Oh my yes!
Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Safety & Security
The 2018 Ford Explorer offers a newly available Safe and Smart Package that combines a whole bunch of stuff you should be able to do for yourself, but Americans seem to thrive on having these days. There is adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support that uses the onboard radar to sense any moving vehicles immediately ahead, and change cruising speed if necessary. A Blind Spot Information System also uses radar to trigger a warning when another vehicle is in your blind spot. Cross-traffic alert is almost the same thing as the blind spot deal. It also uses radar to alert you to oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space.
The lane-keeping system automatically detects left- and right-hand lane markers using the front camera system. A vibration in the steering wheel alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of their lane. The system can also provide steering torque to help guide the vehicle back into the lane if needed. I’m sorry, but isn’t that what the Bott’s dots on the highway are already there for? How many warnings do you need?
In a blast from the past, the 2018 Ford Explorer also has auto high-beams. It uses windshield-mounted cameras to automatically switch between high and low beams when oncoming traffic is detected. Which is cool and all that, but I remember my grandfather’s 1970s era Caddy having the same thing, so yay for automatically not blinding oncoming traffic, but this ain’t exactly new.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Power & Performance
You get your choice of three different engines with the 2018 Explorer: the 2.3-liter, 280 horsepower EcoBoost four-cylinder with 310 lb-ft. of torque, or the 365 horsepower 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 with 350 lb-ft of torque. The latter is for the Explorer Sport and Platinum which have new quad exhaust tips. For some reason Ford doesn’t say what the third engine choice is. I’m sincerely hoping it’s a secret quad turbo V16 plant cranking out over 2,000 horsepower at the wheels.
I also sincerely hope that Angelina Jolie left Brad Pitt because she could sense my raw masculine sexuality, but somehow I feel that isn’t true either.
Exterior Colors & Availability
And not to leave out the truly goofy options, customers have four new exterior color choices with the 2018 Ford Explorer: Burgundy Velvet Tinted Clearcoat, Cinnamon Glaze, Platinum Dune Tricoat, and Blue Metallic. What is goofy there is, of course, the “Cinnamon Glaze” option. Dunno, maybe Ford is going for the off-duty cop market or the Cinnabon manager market but Cinnamon Glaze, really?
The built at Chicago Assembly Plant 2018 Ford Explorer arrives at dealerships this fall.
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.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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2018 Volvo XC60 Production Underway

2018 Volvo XC60 Production Underway

It won’t be long before the 2018 Volvo XC60 arrives in the showroom. Production of the vehicle is underway at Volvo’s Torslanda plant in Sweden. The first customer-bound XC60 that rolled off the line was a T5 Inscription AWD in Crystal White. The new XC60 replaces a prior model that held its own for nine years, becoming the top premium mid-sized SUV in Europe with nearly a million units sold globally.
The XC60 today represents around 30 percent of Volvo’s total global sales.
Solid Foundations
The XC60 is the fourth Volvo based on the automaker’s patented SPA vehicle architecture. Volvo developed it in-house and introduced it with the 2016 XC90. SPA allows Vovlo’s engineers to seamlessly integrate a wide range of vehicle systems and technology, be it performance or safety related. The latter is a huge part of Volvo’s reputation and SPA utilizes its high-strength steel construction accordingly.
Furthermore, SPA-related investments in Sweden have provided thousands of new jobs in production and research and development.
The first new XC60 rolls off the production line in Torslanda, Sweden. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Performance Tech
Building on their safety legacy, Volvo added Steer Assist to the 2018 XC60’s City Safety system. Steer Assist literally “assists” the other vehicle safety systems. Oncoming Lane Mitigation, for example, uses Steer Assist to help prevent head-on collisions. The Blind Spot Indication system also uses Steer Assist to help prevent lane-changing collisions. Other available safety features include Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous program that handles steering, acceleration, and braking on well-marked roads up to 80 mph.
A T8 Twin Engine petrol plug-in hybrid tops the new XC60’s powertrain range, delivering 407 horsepower and hitting 62 mph in a mere 5.3 seconds. Inside, the new CleanZone four-zone climate system removes pollutants, dust, and particles – a necessity if you are like me and have allergies. Expect the latest infotainment and connectivity too, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
Pricing & Availability
No word on pricing yet for the 2018 Volvo XC60, although the vehicle is gradually becoming available for order as production increases.
“This is a proud day for everyone at the plant,” said Magnus Nilsson, Vice President of the Torslanda plant. “We have worked hard in recent weeks and months to prepare Torslanda for this latest new Volvo model, and now we are ready to start delivering new XC60s to customers.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2018 Volvo XC60 Gallery

Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group

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Waymo Expands Self-Driving Program With FCA, Seeking Applicants

Waymo Expands Self-Driving Program With FCA, Seeking Applicants

FCA US LLC is delivering 500 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans to Waymo to boost the tech company’s autonomous driving program. The announcement follows the already 100 Pacifica minivans sent to Waymo in the second half of last year. Production for these additional 500 will begin next month and upon delivery, Waymo will install their self-driving technology.
Proponents say autonomous driving can prevent many of the 1.2 million traffic-related deaths recorded yearly worldwide. 94 percent of these are caused by human error.
Powerful Partnership
As autonomous vehicles loom on the horizon with some concern and scrutiny, the relationship between FCA and Waymo has proven beneficial.
“The collaboration between FCA and Waymo has been advantageous for both companies as we continue to work together to fully understand the steps needed to bring self-driving vehicles to market,” said Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.
John Krafcik, Waymo’s Chief Executive Officer, commented specifically on the vehicle of choice.
“The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan is a versatile vehicle for our early rider program, which will give people access to our self-driving fleet to use every day, at any time,” he said.
Through the early rider program, Waymo is expanding on the software and sensor technology originally developed by Google in 2009. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Community Efforts
Waymo’s early rider program in Phoenix, Arizona gives area residents a chance to experience a self-driving vehicle on their daily commutes. Waymo plans on using the feedback to enhance how they design future self-driving technology.
“This collaboration is helping both companies learn how to bring self-driving cars to market, and realize the safety and mobility benefits of this technology,” Krafcik said.
The Pacifica’s electrical, powertrain, chassis, and structural components were modified to accommodate Waymo’s self-driving technology. The programs Waymo uses were refined through nearly 3 million miles of on-road testing and billions of miles in simulation. Waymo and FCA co-located a select group of engineers at a facility in southeastern Michigan to oversee development. Extensive testing was carried out at FCA’s Chelsea Proving Grounds in Chelsea, Michigan, and Arizona Proving Grounds in Yucca, Arizona, as well as Waymo test sites in California.
“The addition of 500 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans is a further acknowledgement of the hard work put forth by both engineering teams,” Marchionne said.
The early rider application window is open now for those in the Phoenix metropolitan area, including Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, and Gilbert. There is no cost to apply.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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Automoblog Book Garage: The Complete Book of Classic Ford & Mercury Muscle Cars

Automoblog Book Garage: The Complete Book of Classic Ford & Mercury Muscle Cars The 2018 Mustang GT has the whole nine: a redesigned 5.0-liter V8, quicker response times for the 10-speed SelectShift transmission, and even custom-designed Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires in the Performance Pack. The new 5.0 registers 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft. of torque, and hits 60 in less than four seconds in Drag Strip mode.
If there ever was an American performance car, this is it. And modern technology has taken nicely to the great pony car. However, the glory days stand tall, thanks to the work of author Donald Farr, who penned this recently-released wonderful gem we are featuring this weekend.
The new Mustang might be hot but these old Fords sure could stoke the fire.
Total Performance
The Complete Book of Classic Ford and Mercury Muscle Cars spans the Blue Oval’s catalog of classic machines from the early 1960s to 1973. Farr takes us through this prolific time, from the Fairlanes and Galaxies with their 390 bigblock V8s to the iconic Shelby and Boss Mustangs. We are able to dive deep into what was known as Ford’s Total Performance program, which subjected these cars to the rigors of drag strips, oval circuits, European rally events, road courses, and everything in-between.
Later we see the Mercury Cougar, Cyclone GT, and Spoiler. And the Cobra Jet looks as good as ever.
This beautiful 428 Cobra Jet is found on page 116. It continued as an option for the 1970 Mach 1, including a handful of Twister Specials built as a special Kansas promotion. They came with side decals in addition to the 1970 Mach 1’s aluminum rocker panel covers. Photo: Eric English.
Horsepower & Nostalgia
Car enthusiasts – and especially Ford fans – will enjoy thumbing through this one. In my early years as a Ford sales consultant, I would have displayed this book on my desk at the dealership. We sold Mustangs, yes, but most of the cars we moved daily were the Focus and Fusion. Great cars for sure, but there’s something refreshing about a little extra horsepower and nostalgia, which The Complete Book of Classic Ford and Mercury Muscle Cars easily provides.
Author
Farr has been with Mustang Monthly Magazine for 30 years. In addition to his magazine work, he authored Mustang Boss 302: Ford’s Trans-Am Ponycar and owns the 1966 Mustang GT his grandfather purchased new. He was inducted into the Mustang Hall of Fame in 2012, an honor well-deserved.
The Complete Book of Classic Ford and Mercury Muscle Cars: 1961-1973 is available though Amazon and Motorbooks.
The Complete Book of Classic Ford and Mercury Muscle Cars Gallery

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2018 Indy 500 Notebook: Part 4: By This Time Tomorrow

2018 Indy 500 Notebook: Part 4: By This Time Tomorrow Tony Borroz opens up what has been dubbed “The 2018 Indy 500 Notebook” for an unedited look at The Greatest Spectacle In Racing. This new series will span the days leading up to and after the 102nd Indianapolis 500, set for Sunday, May 27th. The 2018 Indy 500 Notebook is not exactly live coverage, more like raw coverage. It’s an unfiltered look and what makes the Indy 500 so alluring in the first place.
The prologue can be found here.
Part 2: “Hey Hinchcliffe, Wanna Race? Then Go Faster!” here.
Part 3: “Carb Day” here.
Part five is forthcoming as the action in Indianapolis continues.
By This Time Tomorrow, this should all be over. We shall know, who Won and who Lost. At this point, flip a coin. Sure, sure, the Penskes look strong as always and Carpenter is the hometown hero to pick, but one thing is immutable: None of these people have raced this aero package at these speeds.
Let me say that again:
None of these people have raced this aero package at these speeds.
This is the first time that Indycar teams will be going this fast with the new speedway aero kit. No one has run in traffic – let’s say, for the sake of discussion, that “traffic” means three-wide heading into Turn 3 at 230 mph – and no one has done it for 500 friggin’ miles.
Tony Kanaan was the fastest (227.791 mph) in the No. 14 ABC Supply AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet during final practice on Miller Lite Carb Day. Kanaan won the 2013 Indianapolis 500. Photo: IMS LLC.
Easy Peasy
I mean, say what you want about the driving precision needed to “work” at Monaco – and I could, but we’re not covering Grand Prix racing (SPONSOR US) so I’ll have to connive a way to do that later – but screwing up tomorrow, in Speedway, Indiana is going to have Serious Consequences.
So don’t screw up. And don’t overreact to any near screw ups that anyone makes around you. And if someone does screw up, don’t get caught up in it . . . and take advantage of the yellow flag it’ll cause . . . and the next (inevitable) yellow . . . nail the pit stops . . . bring it into Victory Circle . . . drink your milk.
Simple.
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. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.

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2018 Indy 500 Notebook: Part 3: Carb Day

2018 Indy 500 Notebook: Part 3: Carb Day Tony Borroz opens up what has been dubbed “The 2018 Indy 500 Notebook” for an unedited look at The Greatest Spectacle In Racing. This new series will span the days leading up to and after the 102nd Indianapolis 500, set for Sunday, May 27th. The 2018 Indy 500 Notebook is not exactly live coverage, more like raw coverage. It’s an unfiltered look and what makes the Indy 500 so alluring in the first place.
The prologue can be found here.
Part 2: “Hey Hinchcliffe, Wanna Race? Then Go Faster!” here.
Part four is forthcoming as the action in Indianapolis continues.
Ah, Carb Day. Yet another vestige of the past that still exists into the present day during the month of May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Carb Day used to be held on the Thursday before the race. It was the last opportunity to practice. To tune up your car and, as the name implies for you old-timers out there, adjust the carbs for the atmospheric conditions. That was a huge deal, half a century ago. You’d set up your car for qualifying – that took place weeks before the race itself – but by carb day, the air could be thicker or thinner, higher or lower on humidity; a whole bunch of stuff that could really screw up your race day performance.
Woodstock of the (Mid) West
But now, in 2018 (and for a long while), there are no more carburetors. The art and science and sorcery of finessing float levels and needle and jet sizes is as obscure as A.J. Watson’s shaping hammers. So what do you do on Carb Day at Indy in 2018? Party baby!!
Well, some people are there to party. There’s some sort of stage area that’s turning into a fixture over in the Turn 3 area. There’s a whole bunch of people, tens of thousands, that turn up to Indy, buy a ticket, and never see the race. They’re all over in Turn 3, listening to one horrid mediocre band after another (Blues Traveler(!) is about to take the stage), drunker than 18th century sailors, oblivious to 99 percent of the world.
As a side historical note, this all used to happen over in the infield of Turn 1. It was known as “The Snake Pit” and was, legend has it, something like a cross between The Bog at Watkins Glen and Altamont, just before Meredith Hunter got his. Alcohol! Drugs! Nudity! Sex! Debauchery! You know, a good ol’party for a wide swath of America.
But that’s not the whole thing. Other stuff, stuff that’s actually important to racing, still happens on Carb Day, far and away from the “Snake Pit” of today.
For the 100th Running of the Indy 500 in 2016, the Snake Pit featured performances by Skrillex, Martin Garrix, Zeds Dead, DJ Mustard, and B.O.A.T. Photo: IMS LLC.
Beer Run
For one thing, there’s the pit stop competition. It has no bearing on the race, but this pit stop competition is important to the teams, as far as bragging rights are concerned. There’s some money involved, sure (there’s always money involved in racing) but the teams refer to it as “beer money.” Essentially two cars line up, side by side, ready-set-go, drive forward for about ten yards, stop, all four tires are changed, drive forward for another ten yards, and the fastest crew wins. Everybody seems to have a good time, the fans enjoy watching it, and it gives you something to do on what used to be Carb Day.
Anticipation & Anxiety
And that – having something to do – can be a real Godsend. The waiting, waiting, waiting for the green flag to fall can be interminable for drivers and teams. Shoot, it’s interminable for me. I’ve been ready for this race to start for months now, and I bet 99.9 percent of the drivers and crew members feel the same way.
This waiting can be a real killer on the nerves.
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. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.

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2019 Nissan Altima Gets Special Edition, Includes Free Goodies

2019 Nissan Altima Gets Special Edition, Includes Free Goodies Reservations will open mid-June for the 2019 Nissan Altima Edition ONE, a limited launch version of the all-new sedan. The Edition ONE, based on the top-level Platinum VC-Turbo, will feature a number of luxury amenities and styling flares, although it will only come in three colors: Scarlet Ember, Pearl White, and Super Black.
“The new Altima Edition ONE is designed for customers who want the best-of-the-best and value exclusivity,” explained Billy Hayes, Division Vice President, Nissan Regional Operations, Nissan North America, Inc. “They are often early adopters, so this reservation program is ideal for them.”
Fashions & Treatments
The Edition ONE is adorned with 19-inch dark gray aluminum-alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, external ground lighting, illuminated kick plates, and signature badging. Inside, drivers are treated to a moonroof, leather seats, and a Bose premium audio system. A special “Concierge” package provides 24/7 live access to things like dinner reservations or ticket purchases. The service is free for the first three years for Edition ONE owners.
So if you want to hit that prime seafood spot before heading out to that hot jazz show, Nissan has you covered.
“Plus, the super-premium gifts should appeal to their love of the latest technologies – in their cars and their homes,” Hayes added.
Gift selections, redeemable a week after purchase, include an Amazon Echo Show and Amazon Prime membership, a Bose Soundlink Revolve+ with an Amazon Echo Dot and Amazon Prime membership, or a Series 3 Apple Watch.
Nissan Altima Edition ONE. Photo: Nissan North America.
2019 Altima: At A Glance
The new Nissan Altima is powered by one of two engines: the standard 2.5-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder, complete with direct injection or an industry first, production-ready variable compression inline four-cylinder turbo. Nissan says the latter, available on the SR and Platinum, delivers “V6 attitude with four-cylinder fuel economy.” All-wheel drive is available.
ProPILOT Assist, a single-lane “hands-on” assistance technology, is standard on the SV, SL, Platinum, and Edition ONE. If that description seems like a lot (and it does), Nissan has provided this quick instructional video on ProPILOT Assist. Also available is Rear Automatic Braking, which helps warn of unforeseen stationary objects when backing up, and can apply the brakes to help avoid a collision if necessary.
The Nissan Safety Shield package includes a number of other advanced safety features.
Photo: Nissan North America.
Trim Levels & Availability
When it arrives this fall, expect the 2019 Altima in five trim levels: S, SR, SV, SL, and Platinum – plus the Edition ONE which reservations open for on June 15th. Those who reserve a “normal” Altima on that day will still be granted a special gift selection as well.
The Nissan Altima first appeared in 1992 and has sold 5.6 million units to date.
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 Nissan Altima Edition ONE Gallery

Photos & Source: Nissan North America.

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