Automotive

2018 GMC Terrain Denali Review

2018 GMC Terrain Denali Review The 2018 GMC Terrain is all-new and like the Chevy Equinox, has the same footprint, but it gets new exterior styling that makes this SUV a lot tamer for consumers. The new 2.0-liter turbo should give families enough power and some fuel mileage gains as well.
This week, we’ve been driving the top-of-the-line, 2018 GMC Terrain Denali with all-wheel drive.
What’s New For 2018
The 2018 GMC Terrain is entirely new, from the downsized chassis and body, to the 2.0-liter turbo engine and nine-speed automatic transmission.
Features & Options
The 2018 GMC Terrain Denali ($39,270) comes with leather seats, an eight-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, blind-spot monitors, a 110-volt power outlet, remote start, power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Denali adds a handsfree tailgate, a power passenger front seat, HD radio, seven-speaker audio, navigation, 19-inch wheels, and LED headlamps.
Extra safety equipment includes forward-collision warnings, surround-view camera, and automatic park assist. Additional extras included the ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and wireless charging. Total MSRP including destination: $44,370.

Interior Highlights
Stepping inside reveals leather seats with plenty of bolstering, lots of soft-touch materials, brushed aluminum trim, and plenty of power adjustments to help find the perfect driving position. The first thing we noticed was the unique push/pull space-saving gear shifter in front of the console. It took us awhile to get used to it, but it does add extra storage space in the console and room for the smartphone charger.
The seating position in the Denali’s cabin seems lower than before, which makes the Terrain feel less SUV-like. The infotainment system is straight-forward and simple, with a eight-inch screen and big icons. The display is clear, bright, responsive, and fast, all without too many features or too much information.
The backseat has plenty of room for adults, and rear passengers will appreciate the tall doors, so there’s less ducking to climb in, but the flat seat bottoms won’t be comfortable for long trips. The seats fold mostly flat to provide 63.3 cubic feet of cargo space, less than the competition. Behind the rear seats there is 29.6 cubic feet available.
There’s a handy storage compartment underneath the rear cargo deck. The front passenger seat folds flat to accommodate longer items like 2x4s and kayaks.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2018 GMC Terrain Denali is powered by a new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder, making 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque. Mated to a nine-speed automatic with all-wheel drive, it offers peppy acceleration and gets an EPA-estimated 21/26 city/highway and 23 combined mpg.
Driving Dynamics
The transmission pairs nicely with the new 252 horsepower turbo engine, and it felt strong during our quick runs up I-70 west of Denver. The turbo offers steady power and a cool whistling sound as it climbs through the gears. We found ourselves wanting steering wheel paddle shifters which aren’t offered on the Terrain.
The Terrain’s ride is designed more toward comfort than cornering ability. We took it through the tight mountain curves and there was enough body lean to remind us we weren’t in a sports sedan. The suspension offers poised and predictable handling in all situations; the ride overall is comfortable on the highway and you hardly feel the bumps on rough pavement.
The Denali has a higher state of suspension tune and 19-inch wheels with better all-season tires. It tracks true and smooth, but doesn’t offer much feedback. Still, it helped us avoid a deer in the mountains west of Denver during our seat time.
The optional all-wheel drive on our Denali tester is a part-time system, activated by a knob on the console with different traction modes. It’s easier than other all-wheel drive units without the ability to self-activate.
Conclusion
The fully redesigned 2018 GMC Terrain addresses the problems the aging generation had, and now represents a more compelling choice in the smaller, five-passenger crossover segment. GMC pulled off making the Terrain smaller in size without sacrificing too much leg and headroom.
The new four-cylinder improves performance and fuel mileage is reasonable if you keep your foot out of the turbo. It’s comfortable, easy to drive, and comes standard with one of the best infotainment interfaces in the class.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 GMC Terrain Gallery

2018 GMC Terrain Official Site.
Photos: GMC (SLT & Denali models shown).

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2018-gmc-terrain-denali-review/

2019 Ford Ranger: Radar Love

2019 Ford Ranger: Radar Love The 2019 Ford Ranger will employ the latest safety technology to make towing easier for drivers, according to the automaker. Ford’s Blind Spot Information System, standard on Ranger XLT and Lariat, can monitor either the truck by itself or with a trailer attached. Radar housed in the Ranger’s taillights monitors any potential blind spots all the way to the back of the trailer.
The system then alerts drivers as other vehicles cross into those blind zones.
Trailer Profiles
The 2019 Ford Ranger can store up to three trailer profiles, including a trailer’s length, which lets the radar system know how far back to provide warnings when another vehicle is traveling next to the trailer. Ford says such a system is class-exclusive and not available on any other midsize pickup.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Power & Performance
When it was revealed at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, Ford promised the latest in EcoBoost technology for the 2019 Ranger. A 2.3-liter EcoBoost with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection will power the new Ranger. The engine also features a forged-steel crankshaft and con rods and chain-driven dual overhead cams.
Trims include the entry-level XL, mid-level XLT, and high-level Lariat, with available Chrome and Sport appearance and FX Off-Road packages. The 2019 Ford Ranger will come in a SuperCab or SuperCrew configuration.
Market Potential
In the last few years, newly redesigned midsize trucks have surged onto the market, evidenced by the return of GM’s Colorado and Canyon, Toyota’s Tacoma, and Honda’s Ridgeline. In May, Ford revealed the intense and rigorous testing the 2019 Ranger was enduring on its way to dealers later this year.
Below is a short video that showcases how the blind spot technology works on the 2019 Ford Ranger.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.

Photos, Video & Source: Ford Motor Company.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2019-ford-ranger-radar-love/

Ferrari: Race to Immortality Faces Danger & Tragedy With Style & Grace

Ferrari: Race to Immortality Faces Danger & Tragedy With Style & Grace I have a theory that 99.9 percent of all car movies are terrible; barely watchable dreck that only offers brief glimpses of something cool and car-related, let alone offering true insight into the automotive world, let alone the human condition. This movie, however, Ferrari: Race to Immortality, is most definitely not one of those movies.
Studios & Garages
I should preface this with the fact that I worked in movie and TV production for decades. Seeing a movie with me (and any of my production team friends) is usually bogged down with post-viewing conversations about bad edits, bad directing decisions, commenting on lens choices and stuff like that before we get into the meat of the movie; i.e. the plot, the narrative, and the acting.
On top of that, there’s the gearhead side of me that has to be seen to. We, the gearhead movie-goers, all seem to have this nagging trait. We know cars intimately, and when something is technically wrong, it grates on us, and usually to a disproportional level. Tire squeals on gravel, seven upshifts in a five-speed car, driving off a cliff = explosion. It bugs us, I get it. Shoot, it bugs me all the time.
That said, I can unequivocally say that Ferrari: Race to Immortality is one of the best documentaries I’ve seen. Not racing documentaries, mind you; one of the best documentaries period.
At The Limit & Over The Edge
Essentially, Ferrari: Race to Immortality is a film version of Mon Ami Mate by author Chris Nixon. The movie revolves around the lives, racing and otherwise, of Mike Hawthorn and Peter Collins, two British racers from the 1950s. The 1950s were a particularly violent and reckless time for auto racing. Spread across the decade, top line drivers from all disciplines (Grand Prix, Indy, sports cars etc.) were dying at the rate of one every other week.
Around 28 per year, every year, for a decade.
The movie starts with the infamous Le Mans crash of 1955 that saw the Mercedes 300 SLR of Pierre Levegh catapult into the main grandstands, on fire, and take more than 80 people with him. That, more or less, sets the tone for the entire movie to follow. “I keep death in my hip pocket,” Enzo Ferrari once said, and this movie shows you the meaning of those words.
Mike Hawthorn. Photo: The Cahier Archive.
Human Conditions
Hawthorn was involved in that crash (some alleged was the cause of the crash) but won Le Mans that year. Indeed, he became the first Englishman to win the World Driving Championship. In a lot of ways, Hawthorn was right out of central casting: tall, good looking, butter-colored wavy hair, always raced wearing a bow tie, just the sort of thing the British fans and press would eat up.
Peter Collins, on the other hand, was more ruggedly featured, and say what you want about the two of them, looks-wise, but they sure had a string of girlfriends. The movie just doesn’t point this out, it actually has interviews with the various ladies involved with these racers.
All of the interviews and sound bites, with fellow racers, the aforementioned lady-friends, journalists, Enzo himself, and historians are all delivered via voice over and it works fantastically. No talking heads to distract with boring visuals. And what is said is just dynamite stuff. Not just from a gearhead perspective, but, very importantly, from a human perspective.
Hawthorn was interviewed extensively back in the day, and his stuff is rather “right off the rack” in what is said, and some of it I had heard before. Collins is friendly, joking; seems like a real good bloke. Enzo is Enzo: political, cunning, measured, Machiavellian. The real meat here is what is said by the girlfriends and the historians. There’s none of this “I’m just the steady backing on the home-front” BS that we have sadly come to expect.
At one point, Louise King, Collins’ wife said, in response to a question about the danger involved, “One time, Peter did try to bring it up, and I stopped him. ‘Don’t’, I said, ‘Just don’t.’ And we never spoke of it again.”
Sweet Jesus.

Visual Treasures
All the interviews come across like a rich vein of gold willingly mined. There are extensive interviews with Alfonso de Portago, the brilliantly talented yet doomed Spaniard. Until last night, I had never heard him speak. Other drivers, writers, girlfriends, and such all chime in, but none of the interviews are fluff, none of it is filler. Every word adds to and enriches what is being shown on screen.
And oh what they show on screen.
The visual end of things is nearly flawless. All of the archive materials used are flat out fantastic. Yes, I had seen much of this footage before, but a remarkable amount of it was unknown to me. All of the older footage was re-graded and level-matched, most of the grain and such taken out. None of it was colorized.
There is tons of footage from back in the day of these guys hanging out, waiting to drive, smoking cigarettes, goofing off at hotel pools, getting out of cars covered in grease and dirt and grime, levering themselves out looking as physically spent as a human can, but beaming; beaming bright satisfied smiles.
Time Machines
And mixed in with all this are drop-dead-gorgeous shots of various vintage Ferraris (246s, 555 Squalos and such) shot in the present day. It would seem the producers got ahold of some far too lucky rich guys that own these old beasts, dressed them up, and turned them lose on old race tracks to get more footage. And the new stuff is seamlessly integrated with the old stuff. And I do mean seamlessly.
A lot of the work I did was as an editor, and more than once I was caught off guard, only noticing two or three cuts later that they had dropped in modern footage with the old. The last time I failed to notice editing like that was watching Schindler’s List.
Yeah, this movie is that well done.
Ferrari: Race to Immortality at Brands Hatch.
Ideal Balance
Ferrari: Race to Immortality seemingly covers it all, but never gets bogged down in technical details or soap opera subplots, neither becoming too maudlin over the constant drum-beat of fatalities nor exulting in the sacrifice. The rivalry between Eugenio Castellotti and Luigi Musso. Collins’ ultimate sporting gesture with Juan Manuel Fangio. Enzo’s belief that more pressure equaled more wins. Meditations on the nature of danger and mortality by Stirling Moss. The sublime joy of sliding your race car just so through and out an entire turn.
But more than anything else, what is made abundantly clear, moment after moment, frame after frame, is that everyone involved loved this life.
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
Ferrari: Race to Immortality
Synopsis: The 1950s saw the rise of Scuderia Ferrari in the Formula One World Championship in the deadliest decade in motor racing history. Ferrari: Race to Immortality tells the story of the loves and losses, triumphs and tragedy of Ferrari‘s most decorated drivers in an era where it was la dolce vita during the week and a coin toss of whether they lived or died on the weekend.
Director: Daryl Goodrich
Starring: Peter Collins, Mike Hawthorn, Enzo Ferrari
Run Time: 1hr 31m
Availability: Via Amazon Prime, official trailer here.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/ferrari-race-to-immortality-faces-danger-tragedy-with-style-grace/

2017 Toyota Highlander SE V6 FWD Review

2017 Toyota Highlander SE V6 FWD Review

The Toyota Highlander looks like it could tackle some rough terrain, but it’s better suited for a family’s rough use. The SE V6 FWD model we tested is good for city commutes and family hauling. Families looking for versatility, comfort, practicality, and three-row seating need to check out the 2017 Toyota Highlander SE V6 FWD.
We recently took it for a lengthy test drive.
What’s New For 2017
The 2017 Toyota Highlander gets a number of mid-cycle changes like a new grille, redesigned LED taillights, a new V6 engine with more power and better fuel economy, along with an eight-speed transmission and an automatic stop-start system. New features include the Toyota Safety Sense technology suite, which comes standard on every trim level. When we tested the new SE trim, we found the retuned suspension made for sharper handling.
Features & Options
The 2017 Toyota Highlander SE V6 FWD ($39,690) comes standard with keyless entry and ignition, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, an upgraded instrument panel, leather seats, heated front seats, a four-way power passenger seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, captains chairs (second-row), second-row window sunshades, backup camera, and navigation.
The new SE trim also gets LED running lights, sport-themed styling elements, the aforementioned suspension tuning, 19-inch wheels, and a sporty interior theme. Our tester came with the optional Rear-Seat Entertainment system ($1,810). Total MSRP including destination: $42,440.

Interior Highlights
The interior of the SE trim is sportier than other models and the leather seats are extra comfy for long trips. The cabin of this crossover is more car/minivan-like which is perfect for growing families on the go. The navigation system features a large touchscreen, with many of the functions using real buttons which we like. It’s got plenty of creature comforts inside like second row window shades, heated front seats, and of course the DVD system to keep the kids entertained on those longer trips.
Visibility is excellent in the Highlander, thanks to a larger rear-quarter window and strategically positioned pillars. The new 2017 Toyota Highlander SE comes standard twin reclining captains chairs that can be pushed back for maximum legroom. We carried two large passengers this week who were lounging in the back on the way to the restaurant and nearly fell asleep!
As is true of most competitors, the first and second rows provide copious room for adult occupants. The third row is squishier than that of the Honda Pilot despite having three seat belts — only small kids are likely to fit three abreast back there. The third row works well for smaller kids and access is easy with the captains chairs. Cargo space totals 13.8 cubic feet behind the third row, and there’s plenty of versatility for busy families with a maximum of 83.7 cubic feet, with the seats folded flat.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Highlander’s 3.5-liter V6 engine is new, boasting more power and better fuel economy. The new power plant makes an impressive 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and features an automatic stop-start system to save fuel. Fuel economy estimates come in at 21/27 city/highway mpg and 23 combined.
Driving Dynamics
The Highlander’s engine provides impressive acceleration, and the new V6 works well in tandem with the gearbox. The new eight-speed automatic is smooth and reasonably responsive. It didn’t seem to hunt for the right gear as we pushed it hard uphill in the mountains west of Denver.
The Highlander feels bigger than some competitors when behind the wheel, so tighter parking maneuvers may feel hairy in the city. It has nice-and-easy steering for parking lots, though, and indeed this is a very easy SUV to drive in general. One of the Highlander’s best qualities is its ride comfort. This crossover is highly isolated and confident without feeling like a floating barge. Few if any road irregularities intrude.
Conclusion
The 2017 Toyota Highlander SE V6 offers a big, comfortable cabin with seating for 7 to 8. It offers a quiet ride with the performance and driving dynamics of a crossover. Yet, it also provides the versatility and fuel mileage of a wagon. The Highlander provides a sweet spot between an SUV and a crossover/wagon/minivan type vehicle. As a complete package, the Highlander is hard to beat for growing families with active lifestyles. For families looking for little bit of everything, the Highlander SE V6 is a winning ticket.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Toyota Highlander SE Gallery

We trust Edmunds.com to give us the best, up to date, and TRUE pricing of what people are really paying for their cars. Get a free dealer quote at Edmunds on this car:

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

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2017-toyota-highlander-se-v6-fwd-review/

Report: Maserati to drop sports cars for now, focus on crossovers, EVs, and hybrids

Report: Maserati to drop sports cars for now, focus on crossovers, EVs, and hybrids Sports cars might be absent from Maserati’s lineup for a couple of years as they focus on things that sell, crossovers and sedans.

What’s going on?
Things are going a bit rough at Maserati as they still struggle to meet sales goals. Hopefully, the introduction and launch of the new Levante crossover changes that. Though because of this, Maserati is preparing support a lineup without any sports cars for a couple of years, focusing on crossovers and sedans.
This means replacements for the GranTurismo and GranCabrio will be on the back-burner until around 2019 or 2020. Production is slated to end in 2017.
What’s left?
While sports cars drop down on the priority list, crossovers and sedans rise, or basically, the cars that sell and turn a profit. Once production for the GranTurismo and GranCabrio end, that leaves the Levante, Ghibli, and Quattroporte.
Should you fear absolutely not. They will return, it will just be a while.
Does this mean the Alfieri is also delayed?

Ah yes, the beautiful Alfieri. Unfortunately, that’s a future sports car for Maserati so yes, that will be delayed as well. But Maserati promises it will come and it’s just in a “holding pattern,” according to CEO Reid Bigland.
We can expect some all-electric Maseratis as well. The company continues to investigate hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and 48-volt EV powertrains, accoriding to managing director of Maserati Europe, Giulio Pastore.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: CAR Magazine
The post Report: Maserati to drop sports cars for now, focus on crossovers, EVs, and hybrids appeared first on egmCarTech.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/report-maserati-to-drop-sports-cars-for-now-focus-on-crossovers-evs-and-hybrids/

Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320: Because Drag Racing

Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320: Because Drag Racing Yes, that’s the actual full name of the car: Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320. Dodge says this latest Challenger variant is a “drag-oriented, street-legal muscle car designed with the grassroots drag racer in mind.” To which I can only say: Duh! Gee, why am I supposed to think it’s a drag-oriented, street-legal muscle car designed with the grassroots drag racer in mind?
Is it the Dodge part, the Challenger part, the R/T part, the Scat Pack part or the 1320 part?
Stripped Down
Guess what (and I’m not kidding here) it’s the 1320 part. No really. Dodge mentions “1320” and what it means seemingly 147 times in their press materials about this car. For those of you that, unlike me, did not spend an inordinate amount of time hanging out at drag strips with guys with named “Big” Ed and “Smitty” and “Slo-Poke” Ron and other grease-fingered, knuckle-banging speed-freak reprobates, you will be happy to know that a drag strip is (drum roll please) 1,320 feet long.
Now, it is important to note that the Scat Pack 1320 is not like a COPO Camaro or a Drag Pack Mustang. The Scat Pack 1320 is, unlike those very fine rides, completely street legal. This, of course, warms my heart. Selling race cars to any 18-year-old kid with a big enough wallet? Why, that’s as American as apple pie and phony wars, that’s what that is. Brings a tear to my eye, it truly does.
Anyhoo, what does this R/T 1320 get you? As with all bat-guano-crazy Mopar stuff, it gets you a lot. To the base Dodge SRT, you add a bunch of drag specific components and tech to seemingly shorten that asphalt quarter by ten feet or so. Dodge calls it a “street-to-strip value package,” which is easily my favorite marketing term of the week.
Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Old School Tech Tools
For starters, you get the TorqueFlite 8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission. No ifs, ands or buts, this is the tranny you get with the Scat Pack 1320 package. The Dodge TransBrake is in there too to lock the output shaft before a standing start, like a modern version of an old school line lock. This gizmo called Torque Reserve works in combination with the TransBrake, managing fuel flow to cylinders and advancing or retracting the spark to balance engine rpm and torque for max power delivery and launch performance.
“Launch performance” is further boosted by the Nexen SUR4G Drag Spec 275/40R20 street-legal drag radials. The boss meats are all-new and were developed to deliver exceptional grip on the drag strip. Supposedly these Nexen tires give super-consistent run times with minimal burnout preparations, but what’s the fun in less burnouts guys?
The SRT three-mode Adaptive Damping Suspension has been electronically re-tuned for the Scat Pack 1320, and now includes a Drag Mode that optimizes weight transfer to the rear for optimal launch traction. The diff is a performance-tuned unit with an asymmetrical limited-slip set up and a 3.09 final drive. Thankfully, the rear axle half shafts are the extreme-duty, 41-spline pieces from the Challenger SRT Demon.
In drag strip testing compared with a Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack, the Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 shaves .3 seconds off the quarter-mile time to 11.7 seconds at 115 mph, and cuts .3 seconds off the 0 to 60 mph acceleration time to 3.8 seconds. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Launching & Braking
A Line Lock is there in addition to the TransBrake, locking the front brakes while the rear wheels are free for a burnout to heat up and clean the rear tires and look totally wicked. The Launch Assist uses wheel speed sensors to watch for any driveline damaging wheel hop when you let off all the binders. Launch Assist can, in milliseconds, modify the engine torque and regain full grip before you look like a total grommet.
Launch Control does even more of the same, controlling tire slip during that straight-line burst of acceleration.
The Brembo High-Performance Brake Package with four-piston calipers will be there for you at the end of the run, and the Low Gloss Black 20 x 9.5-inch aluminum-forged wheels with knurled bead seats minimize tire slip on the wheel and look boss while doing it.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Single Shot
And my absolute favorite option: The standard interior has just the driver’s seat only. Goodbye 114 lbs., hello lower reaction times and ETs. Okay, okay, okay, if your honey and the rugrats got to come along, front passenger and rear seats are available, individually, as $1 options.
1320. Remember that number.
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
Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 Gallery

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/dodge-challenger-r-t-scat-pack-1320-because-drag-racing/

2019 Chevy Silverado 1500: I Like Big Beds & I Cannot Lie

2019 Chevy Silverado 1500: I Like Big Beds & I Cannot Lie Chevy is showcasing a new metric in the ongoing truck wars: bed space. According to the automaker, the 2019 Chevy Silverado has best-in-class cargo volume, box depth, and box length at floor. Chevy also says the Silverado’s 12 fixed tie-downs and power up/down tailgate make it the most functional bed of any pickup.
“The bed is the heart and soul of any pickup, so we made several improvements to the bed of the all-new Silverado to give our customers an even better hauling experience,” explained Tim Herrick, Executive Chief Engineer, Full-Size Trucks, General Motors. “We’ve added so many features and benefits that it deserves its own name – Durabed.”
Bed Science
Although different than the average suburban four poster at the furniture mart, Chevy’s Durabed does share some of that space-age magic often touted by mattresses of the late-night shopping network variety. For example, Durabed uses higher grades of steel, and the overall quality of the bed floor materials has improved from 340 megapascals to 500 megapascals. Chevy points out the strength difference here, noting that Ram’s bed is still 340 megapascals while the F-150 is made from aluminum.
Earlier this year, one of Silverado’s lead engineers explained Chevy’s “mixed material strategy” at length with us.
The 12 aforementioned fixed tie-downs have doubled in strength: from 250 lbs. to 500 lbs. of force before bending. An additional nine moveable tie-down points are available, along with in-bed LED lighting and a 110/120-volt power outlet.
Photo: Chevrolet.
Tailgate Tech
In order to access the bed, the 2019 Chevy Silverado comes with one of four tailgates: a standard, manual gate, a lockable “Lift Assist” gate, an automatic release/power lockable gate, and the power up/down tailgate. The latter, available on the LTZ and standard on High Country, raises or lowers using the key fob, gate touchpad, or button in the cabin.
Bigger Is Better
Every Silverado bed size has increased significantly in volume for the 2019. The short-box’s volume is up to 20 percent more than any competitor’s short-box, according to Chevy. Most of that increase was achieved by widening the maximum width of the bed floor nearly ten percent (seven inches), which is implemented across all three bed sizes. Below are charts provided to us by Chevy that show their dimensions versus the competition.
The 2019 Chevy Silverado goes on sale 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.
By Comparison
Silverado Short Box
Silverado Standard Box
Silverado Long Box
2018 cargo box space
53 cubic feet
62 cubic feet
75 cubic feet
2019 cargo box space
63 cubic feet
72 cubic feet
89 cubic feet

Cargo Box Space
2019 Chevrolet Silverado
2019 Ford F-Series
2019 Ram 1500
Short box
63 cubic feet
53 cubic feet
54 cubic feet
Standard box
72 cubic feet
62 cubic feet
62 cubic feet
Long box
89 cubic feet
77 cubic feet
–

Cargo Box Depth
2019 Chevrolet Silverado
2019 Ford F-Series
2019 Ram 1500
Short box
22 in.
21 in.
21 in.
Standard box
22 in.
21 in.
22 in.
Long box
22 in.
21 in.
–

Cargo Box Length At Floor
2019 Chevrolet Silverado
2019 Ford F-Series
2019 Ram 1500
Short box
70 in.
67 in.
67 in.
Standard box
79 in.
79 in.
76 in.
Long box
98 in.
98 in.
–

Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2019-chevy-silverado-1500-i-like-big-beds-i-cannot-lie/

2019 Lexus ES: A Brief Walk Around

2019 Lexus ES: A Brief Walk Around The 2019 Lexus ES enters its seventh generation with a number of improvements. Lexus says the ES resides in one of the industry’s most competitive segments and, as a result, the 2019 model gets a bump in luxury, performance, and fuel efficiency. An F SPORT variant is available for those who want a little extra spice.
Here is a brief walk around the 2019 Lexus ES.
Essential Foundations
The new ES rides on the Lexus Global Architecture – K (GA-K) platform, a rigid front-wheel drive chassis. The platform employs various grades of high-strength steel to reduce weight while a new multi-link rear suspension facilitates better handling. The rack-mounted electric power steering and a V-brace mounted behind the rear seat provided engineers the flexibility to further tune the 2019 ES.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Power & Performance
The 2019 Lexus ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that includes an updated D-4S fuel injection system. The engine, which creates 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft. of torque, is paired to a new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic. Lexus says the transmission was configured with a wider spread of ratios for an optimum combination of low-end acceleration and high-end efficiency.
EPA fuel mileage estimates are 22/33 city/highway with a combined of 26 mpg. Lexus says this is a two mile-per-gallon improvement in combined driving, despite an extra 34 horsepower and 19 lb-ft. of torque for the new model year.
The new ES 300h runs Lexus’ fourth-generation Hybrid Drive System, paired with an Atkinson cycle, 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine. With lighter, more compact designs for the electric motor and self-charging hybrid system, the new ES 300h returns an EPA rating of 43/45 city/highway and 44 combined mpg.
Total system output is 215 horsepower.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Safety & Technology
The Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 is now standard equipment, which includes daytime bicyclist detection and low light pedestrian detection. The tech treatments are numerous, from Apple CarPlay compatibility and Siri Eyes Free voice control, to Amazon Alexa functionality.
Interior Layout
Designers wanted the driver to have a more focused view of the road. For example, the layout of the center display screen, instrument panel, and available heads-up display are meant to keep the driver engaged. On the other hand, designers wanted to give passengers a feeling of openness, spaciousness, and comfort.
The F SPORT model includes a new metallic theme inspired by Japanese swords. The Hadori aluminum trim contains fluctuating wave patterns for a three-dimensional appearance that varies depending on the viewing angle.
Lexus ES 350 F SPORT interior layout with Hadori aluminum trim. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Pricing & Availability
The 2019 Lexus ES will arrive in September with a base price of $39,500, a $550 increase over the outgoing model. The ES 300h starts at $41,310, a $510 decrease compared to its predecessor.
The ES 350 F SPORT, starting at $44,035, includes a re-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels and tires. F SPORT models also offer the Adaptive Variable Suspension system borrowed from the LC coupe and LS sedan with 650 levels of damping force.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2019-lexus-es-a-brief-walk-around/