Automotive

Honda Debuts Tech That Can See Around Buildings. Here Is How It Works.

Honda Debuts Tech That Can See Around Buildings. Here Is How It Works. Honda rolls out new vehicle communication tech in Ohio to reduce intersection collisions.
Research shows intersection collisions are increasingly common and dangerous.
Smart Intersection technology and subsequent systems play a role in the success of autonomous cars.
Honda is taking their next steps towards a driverless portfolio with the introduction of Smart Intersection technology. Honda says it enhances vehicle-to-everything (or V2X) communication, and can reduce deadly intersection collisions. According to the United States Department of Transportation, 51 percent of all injury crashes and 28 percent of all fatal crashes occur at either an intersection or T-junction.
Recent data from the National Safety Council suggests roadway deaths this year may climb as high as 40,000.
Essential Communication
V2X communication, like Honda’s Smart Intersection technology, uses proprietary object recognition software via intersection-mounted cameras and other communication devices. This allows cars to “see” around and through buildings, walls, traffic, and even bad weather. Drivers then receive an alert to notify them of otherwise hidden hazards.
“Honda believes that V2X technology is an essential component of a smarter and safer transportation ecosystem and can play a role in our dream for a zero-collision society,” explained Ted Klaus, Vice President of Strategic Research, Honda R&D Americas, Inc.
Photo: Honda North America.
Smart Intersection technology represents a joint venture between Honda and the City of Marysville, Ohio as part of the 33 Smart Mobility Corridor project.Click To TweetPilot Program Debuts “Where The Grass Is Greener”
Smart Intersection technology is a joint venture between Honda and Marysville, Ohio as part of the 33 Smart Mobility Corridor project. The pilot program will address the limitations of current on-board vehicle sensors with regard to preventing intersection collisions.
“Research underway in Marysville and along the U.S. 33 Smart Mobility Corridor holds great promise in advancing world-changing transportation technologies, and is the 21st century version of Huffman Prairie where the Wright Brothers made their early aviation discoveries,” said Ohio Governor John R. Kasich. “With the help of strong public- and private-sector partners, and our unmatched Transportation Research Center, Ohio is aggressively working to maintain its leadership role for developing vehicles and smart technologies of the future.”
“The City of Marysville is appreciative of our rich history with Honda of America and we are committed to our partnership with them to support their development and testing of autonomous and connected vehicles,” added Marysville Mayor J.R. Rausch. “We are proud they chose Marysville to deploy Smart Intersection technology here.”
Honda’s Smart Intersection technology detects an oncoming vehicle running a red light. Photo: Honda North America.
How Smart Intersection Technology Works
Four cameras above the traffic lights at each corner of a given intersection provide a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding area. Honda says the cameras have a range of 300 feet to detect vehicles and pedestrians from farther away. The image processing software creates a 360-degree image of the intersection that classifies vehicles and other moving objects. That information is then broadcast to surrounding vehicles via a dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) signal.
Each connected vehicle’s on-board computer decodes the information and, when necessary, provides visible and audible alerts to the driver. With this information, the driver has the ability to take corrective action to avoid or mitigate a collision. Thus far, Honda has committed 200 vehicles for Smart Intersection testing.
“We believe this research will give us a better understanding of how V2X technologies can be further advanced and most effectively deployed for the benefit of all road users,” Klaus said.
Graphic: Honda North America.
Until cars chauffeur us entirely, law enforcement officials recommend all motorists practice defensive driving. Click To TweetAuto Industry Pushing Towards V2X
V2X is a viable solution when it comes to safety and autonomous cars, something consumers are wrestling with. Honda is showcasing Smart Intersection technology not a moment too soon; Hyundai and Autotalks announced a V2X-centered partnership in July, while back in June, Cadillac said their Super Cruise system would serve as a springboard for future V2X features. Consumers could see such features as early as 2023.
Continental, a Tier 1 Supplier, unveiled a similar technology last year.
While promising, nothing is here just yet. And until cars chauffeur us entirely, law enforcement officials recommend all motorists practice defensive driving.
“It only takes being distracted for a brief moment and a tragedy can occur,” said Special First Lieutenant and Traffic Safety Specialist Jim Flegel of the Michigan State Police. “As drivers, we still have to maintain control of our vehicle at all times.”
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report.
Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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These Chevy Silverado Concepts Are Headed To SEMA

These Chevy Silverado Concepts Are Headed To SEMA The SEMA Chevy Silverado Concepts will showcase the various customization options available.
Equipment upgrades include soft tonneau covers, lift kits, cold air intakes, and Brembo braking systems.
After getting a delicious taste of the new Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison, it seems they are not done yet. Not by a long shot. Chevrolet will introduce four new concepts of the 2019 Silverado 1500 at the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Chevy says these trucks will show off the brand’s full line of truck accessories and performance parts.
Here are the four new Chevy Silverado concepts debuting at the SEMA Show.
Silverado High Country Concept
The 2019 Chevy Silverado High Country is not a concept per se; more like the ultimate Silverado. It combines outdoorsy looks with the space and refinement of a luxury sedan. And the High Country looks pretty darn good whether towing a horse carriage or cruising on the freeway.
You won’t mistake the High Country for a lesser-endowed Silverado because it has jeweled headlights and a specific grille. The grille has chrome and amber accents complete with a High Country logo on the upper left side. It also has a painted front bumper with chrome recovery hooks, chrome accents, and a set of beautiful, low-profile LED fog lights.
The High Country is motivated by a burly 6.2-liter V8 motor, churning out 420 horsepower. With this engine, the High Country is the most powerful Chevy half-ton truck to ever roll out of the factory. Couple this with a two-inch suspension lift, 22-inch wheels, a cold air intake, and a genuine cat-back dual exhaust system (yes, dual freaking exhaust!) and what you have is a pretty badass truck.
Oh, and the High Country also comes with Brembo six-piston front brakes with color matching rear calipers.
Our favorite features include the automatic retractable side steps that sway towards the rear for easier access to the bed. And the push-button powered tailgate.
2019 Silverado High Country Concept. Photo: Chevrolet.
Silverado RST Off-Road
The 2019 version of the Chevy Silverado RST Off-Road shares the design DNA of the Colorado ZR2 Bison. However, the RST is bigger, taller, and meaner. It has the same Baja-inspired vibe of the Ford F-150 Raptor albeit a bit more civilized. Think Doc Martens instead of a Carolina Domestic Work Boot or Wolverine Tacoma Durashocks and you won’t be far off.
“We know every truck customer is unique, which is why the Silverado offers eight trims, each with a different combination of technology, performance, and design,” explained Hugh Milne, Silverado Marketing Manager.
The Silverado RST Off-Road comes with 18-inch wheels, chunky off-road tires, and a two-inch suspension lift. The Off Road Appearance Package includes assist steps, a soft roll-up tonneau cover, and a sport bar. It is powered by GM’s evergreen 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft. of torque.
The 2019 Silverado RST Off Road Concept features a factory-installed two-inch suspension lift. Photo: Chevrolet.
Silverado LTZ Concept
The Silverado LTZ Concept is the workhorse of the four. It starts with the aforementioned 5.3-liter V8 engine to provide the necessary pulling power. The plethora of dealer-available accessories and performance parts will make your eyes water:
Cold air intake.
Trailering camera system.
Retractable tonneau cover.
Cat-back single exhaust upgrade.
22-inch aluminum multi-spoke chrome wheels.
Brembo front brakes with six-pistons and color-matched calipers.
“With a full catalog of accessories and performance parts, we offer exponentially more ways for customers to build their ideal truck,” Milne said. “And, unlike certain aftermarket components, these are designed, engineered and validated to the same engineering standards as the Silverado itself, and backed by Chevrolet.”
2019 Silverado LTZ Concept. Photo: Chevrolet.
The plethora of dealer-available accessories and performance parts will make your eyes water.Click To TweetSilverado RST Street
Boost your street cred with this one! The RST Street comes with a lower suspension, body side graphics, faux carbon-fiber exterior accessories, and 22-inch gloss black wheels. Accessories and performance parts include the aforementioned Brembo brakes, a cold air intake, Borla cat-back exhaust with two-piece carbon-fiber exhaust tips, and a Kicker sound system with a 200-watt subwoofer.
The 5.3 is also available.
The 2019 Silverado RST Street Concept goes for a carbon fiber look. Accessories include a Borla cat-back exhaust system with carbon fiber exhaust tips and an UnderCover one-piece hard tonneau cover. Photo: Chevrolet.
Chevy says these trucks will show off the brand's full line of truck accessories and performance parts.Click To TweetIn Person
If you want to see these Chevy Silverado concepts in person, clear your schedule from October 30th to November 2nd, and book a trip to Viva Las Vegas! The SEMA Show will be in full swing then. Also, if you are happening by the State Fair of Texas (now through October 22nd) there are more Silverados on display at Chevy’s exhibit.
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.

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2019 BMW Z4 Roadster: Stand On It Stroker Ace!

2019 BMW Z4 Roadster: Stand On It Stroker Ace! Well, the first thing I can say about the 2019 BMW Z4 Roadster is that it is much better looking then the one it replaces. Seriously, I don’t know what on Earth BMW has to do to get their design mojo back, but, A) they need to, and, B) they haven’t yet. At least not fully.
The next thing I thought was, “Boy, it looks a lot like the current Fiat 124 Spider that’s based on the Miata.” Better not say that in front of any BMW employees. Probably lead to my Arsch getreten werden.
Supra Skin
Which it shouldn’t, since both the Miata and the 124 are fantastic little sports cars. And I’m sure the latest Z4 will be fantastic as well. I mean, come on, this is a German car company we’re talking about here. The other contributing factor to the 2019 BMW Z4 Roadster’s potential greatness is that, under the skin, it’s a – gasp! – Toyota Supra.
The latest Z4 was developed in cooperation with the Japanese auto giant, the fruits of that leading to both the Z4 and the soon-to-be-released (and much anticipated) Supra. Ergo, we’ll have some commonality of parts, and the two minds are better than one philosophy leading to the summation of two very fun vehicles.
How fun? Let’s run the numbers.
Power & Performance
The 2019 BMW Z4 sDrive30i is propelled by a new TwinPower Turbocharged engine. The engine has a new High Precision Injection system, 255 horsepower, and nearly 300 lb-ft. of torque. 60 mph comes up in 5.2 seconds. Nett! Life gets even better with the Z4 M40i Roadster, thanks to a 3.0-liter in-line six-banger offering a 47 horsepower escalation over its predecessor. By comparison, the Z4 M40i makes a whomping 382 horsepower.
BMW added a water-cooled exhaust manifold that’s integrated into the cylinder head, along with a quicker-spooling turbocharger and direct injection. Yeah, I know, water cooling the manifold sounds like an expensive stress point, but we’ll let the second and third owners worry about that. And, with 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque living under the hood, you’ll hit 60 in 4.4 seconds. Super nett!
2019 BMW Z4 Roadster. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
With 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque living under the hood, you'll hit 60 in 4.4 seconds.Click To TweetTransmission & Chassis Tech
Both receive an eight-speed Steptronic Sport box with Launch Control and shift paddles on the steering wheel. There’s a wider ratio spread with shorter ratios in the lower gears for stronger acceleration.
The chassis has a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, with a double-joint spring strut suspension up front and a new five-link suspension out back. The front suspension’s sub frame and control arm mounting points are extremely rigid for more precise cornering, according to BMW. Aluminum control arms and swivel bearings further reduce weight. The rear suspension also uses a lightweight aluminum and steel design.
Added to all this are (by now usual) the computer-controlled gizmos that might turn all of us into Sebastian Vettel (as if!): Dynamic Stability Control, Anti-lock Braking System, Dynamic Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control, and Dynamic Brake Control.
Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Pricing & Availability
And sure, both of the upcoming Z4s have lots of navigation and infotainment features, and all that high-tech glop. But if you really care about stuff like that, this (probably) won’t be the car for you. Screw stuff like that! Drop the top, pull down your hat, and stand on it Stroker Ace! This is a sports car. Go out and be a sport.
How much? The Bavarians do not say, but we know the 2019 BMW Z4 Roadster will hit dealerships around March of next year.
Weit draußen, Mann!
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
2019 BMW Z4 Roadster Gallery

Photos & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.

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Letter From The UK: Technology Will Save Us All. (Or Not). Part 2

Letter From The UK: Technology Will Save Us All. (Or Not). Part 2 Words like “technology” and “revolution” are often used in tandem to describe a brighter future.
But are we actually better off? Despite modern technological advances, our roads are not any safer.
The second in two-part series, Geoff Maxted examines how our greatest technological promises face immense challenges and glaring drawbacks. Part one here.
Recently, a headline across our national newspapers trumpeted the phrase variously, “Ministers unaware of the effects of police cuts.” If you lived in this country you would have been staggered by this news. Government ministers, responsible for running the country, were “unaware” of the rise in stabbings, robbery, murders, street theft or the total loss of confidence in our law enforcers, despite it being all over the press for the last couple of years.
It would be funny if it were not so serious. Consequently it must be therefore assumed they were also unaware of the rise in drunk driving accidents and fatalities?
An Acura RDX A-Spec press photo shows the rear cargo area of the vehicle. Photo: Acura.
It would be funny if it were not so serious. Click To TweetDrinking & Driving
This is something we thought had finally gotten through to the thick-headed, boorish drunks of the UK. It seems not. There has been a seven percent rise in car accidents, “where at least one driver was under the influence of alcohol.” Remember, this is the 21st Century.
One of the primary causes of this is the reduction in the rank and file of our police service. In the last eight years the number of active serving cops has reduced by over 22,000. You would think, wouldn’t you, that someone would realise this could only have an adverse effect on society, but you would be wrong. The authorities clearly did not have a clue.
The cuts were “forced” upon the government because of financial austerity measures. That’s the excuse, and I would remind readers we are talking law and order here. Instead the politically correct police chiefs insist that more officers are needed at computers because crime has gone online. This is disingenuous.
Certainly, there is more international crime but the public also expect to see police “on the beat” as we say here. Instead they use cameras.

Candid Cameras
Cold, glassy eyes in the sky now watch our every move on the roads of Great Britain. Exceed the speed limit under their gaze and you will be fined and given “points” on your driving licence. Twelve points and you’re out. Off the road for usually one year, sometimes more. These so-called safety cameras are ostensibly there for road safety reasons but this again is specious. Not for nothing are they known as “speed cameras” by motorists because we know (and they know) this is really about revenue.
Many millions of British Pounds are taken off motorists over the course of a year and it goes straight into government coffers. It perhaps would not be so bad if this money was spent on improving the road network and making it safer yet this is not the case. Our roads generally are appalling.
Worst of all, a camera can catch speeders, even those who make a genuine error, but it cannot catch drunks. Since our highways no longer have police cars at strategic points, or police officers on foot in our towns and cities, drunk drivers pretty much have free rein.
Not for nothing are they known as speed cameras by motorists because we know (and they know) this is really about revenue.Click To TweetScreens For Everybody
In-car technology has become the latest USP for car makers. The personal opinion of this writer is that cars are becoming increasingly dull and boring as manufacturers continue to believe that we, the car buyers, want more and more high-tech gadgetry as standard. Nevermind the performance, feel the dashboard.
While all this is happening we have seen the rise of the distracted driver. Here in the UK, stupid individuals choose to break the laws of the land and use their mobile devices when driving because there is nobody around to stop them (See police above). It gets worse:
Motorists are fiddling with their touchscreens on the move. The infotainment menus in vehicles today have become more evolved and involving. As someone who drives for a living I see it all the time, everywhere. It’s called distracted driving and there are laws against it so what do car manufacturers do?
Do they install cut-offs to prevent drivers changing the selected set-ups when on the move? No. They add more screens. Yes folks, that’s the new trend; the new gimme. It’s just like having two televisions in one room. Now there are three things to look at: Screen A, Screen B, and the road ahead. Spare me.
2018 Ford Expedition interior layout. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Human Touch
So, although technology can help us clean up the atmosphere (maybe), stay safer in our cars and monitor crime online (including your Twitter feed if you live here), it is not the be all and end all. Society requires a level of human contact, and it demands such personal freedom.
That’s why, here in blighted Britain, more and more motoring colleagues are enjoying the simple pleasures of older cars; those old-stagers whose “classic” days are yet to come but still provide what we all want. A nice drive. Can’t we just have that?
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

Cover Photo: Volvo Car Group.

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Porsche 911 Speedster Concept: Should We Hold Our Breath?

Porsche 911 Speedster Concept: Should We Hold Our Breath? The Porsche 911 Speedster Concept shows a “new equipment range” from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.
Porsche says the concept’s engine revs to 9,000 rpm.
Will it come to market? We will find out soon enough.
Ah, the Porsche Speedster. It’s a name that means so much, but, by their own hand, has been sort of maligned by Porsche themselves. This latest version, which Porsche says is only a “concept” for now, looks to be the business.
But whether it is or not – or whether Porsche will even build the thing – is pretty much up in the air. To begin, there are two things at play here: a car and a wristwatch.
Designer Dog Dishes
Leave it to Porsche to make a fairly simple thing (“Hey! We’ve got this concept car you should check out!“) into something needlessly complicated (“Hey! We’ve got this concept car you should check out! Oh, and this wristwatch, which is kinda the same thing! Oh, and here’s the needless backstory!“).
For those that may not know, there’s a thing called Porsche Design. Porsche Design does all sorts of stuff. Sunglasses and watches and stereo gear and pen sets and other hideously, overpriced knick-knacks. They are a separate entity, but they occasionally collaborate. Such is the case here, but we’ll only go into the friggin’ watch portion of this stuff if space (and my patience) permits.
The car portion of this stuff, the actual Speedster itself, is well worth your time. The concept Speedster had its North American premiere at the recent Rennsport Reunion VI at Laguna Seca. And, so they say, the crowds were very impressed. Then again, Rennsport Reunions are a Porsche-only affair, and Rennsport crowds would be impressed by a Porsche dog dish.
So take all of that with a grain of salt.
Porsche 911 Speedster Concept. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Heritage Design Packages
This Porsche concept is based on the current 991 generation of the evergreen 911. Porsche says it’s a preview of a “potential new equipment range from the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.” Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur is their in-house “we can make it that way just for you (for a hefty price)” shop. Sort of the latest version of the old Porsche Sonderwunsch Programm. The Speedster also is being used as a canvas to show off the company’s Heritage Design packages. If customers go for this idea, then Porsche will consider providing a modern interpretation of their distinctive themes as far back as the 1950s.
Personally, I like this whole idea of painting new cars like they were old racers. I hope this catches on.
Flying Colors
The Porsche 911 Speedster Concept is a two-tone GT Silver Metallic and White. The white note flashes are reminiscent of the red and white schemes found on the first Porsche 917 to win at Le Mans. The whole car was a collaboration between Porsche Motorsport, Style Porsche, and Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.
It’s hard not to like the overall look, with the laid-down windshield, twin headrest fairings, retro paint job, and those gorgeous, Talbot-esque rearview mirrors (chrome, natch).
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
It’s hard not to like the overall look, with the laid-down windshield, twin headrest fairings, retro paint job, and those gorgeous, Talbot-esque rearview mirrors.Click To TweetProof In The Pudding
The Porsche 911 Speedster Concept is powered by a naturally aspirated flat-six engine (duh!) putting out “over” 500 horsepower. This plant, which Porsche seems to have the infinite capability to develop and get more and more out of, can rev to 9,000 rpm. Which is way up there. Really way up there. Like, that would be a lot of fun to hear on a regular basis. All those Pferde get to the rear wheels and only the rears via a six-speed manual transmission.
The development focus was on creating a pure and exhilarating driving experience says ze Deutschers, but at this stage there’s no real way of knowing. If you want us to be sure, oh great engineers of Zuffenhausen, then drop one by One Automoblog Towers, Detroit, Michigan, and we’ll let you know what we think. Ask for Carl.
Limber Lumber Wagons
Yes, the Porsche 911 Speedster Concept is just that: a concept. So talking about its performance potential is kind of beside the point. But it does give us the opportunity to say that if Porsche really wants to create a pure and exhilarating driving experience, they have to go against their recent trend. Porsches back in the day were essentially hot-rodded VW Beetles with swoopier bodies. They were light, tight, and handled . . . well, not right, but in a fun enough way. Until you spun it into a ditch because of the weight distribution and tractor-derived suspension.
But lately, for the past couple of decades, Porsche has gone light, tight, and handles not all that bad. Now they’ve gone bloated, feature-laden, and computer-controlled, but the handling is better (thanks to all those binary nannies).
If Porsche wants to make a new Speedster for the 2020s and beyond, it should weigh close to a Miata but still keep that “over” 500 horsepower. But no. Our customers want features. Our customers expect luxury items. We have to add 158 airbags. Yadda, yadda, yadda.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
But lately, for the past couple of decades, Porsche has gone light, tight, and handles not all that bad.Click To TweetAvailability
A decision about a production version of the Porsche 911 Speedster Concept is forthcoming. Hopefully that decision will be Nicht nur ja, aber Hölle ja!
As for the watch that compliments the car? That’s the “Porsche Design 911 Speedster Concept Chronograph.” Got it? Not a watch, a concept chronograph. People will buy anything, won’t they?
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
Photos & Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

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Infiniti Project Black S: Godzilla Slayer?

Infiniti Project Black S: Godzilla Slayer? The Infiniti Project Black S Prototype debuts at the Paris Motor Show, starting on October 4th.
Infiniti worked the Renault Sport Formula One Team for the Project Black S Prototype.
The car serves as a “springboard” for high-performance engineering, according to the two companies.
Will Infiniti actually produce it? That’s not entirely clear . . .
For all intents and purposes, the Infiniti Project Black S Prototype reminds me of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and its sleek profile. And similar to the Genesis, the Project Black S Prototype is a proper rear-wheel drive sports car. It also shares the same aura as Godzilla, the Nissan GT-R.
But that’s where the similarities will abruptly end.
The Infiniti Project Black S is more than just a conventional sports car. Utilizing the go-fast gimmickry of the Renault Sport Formula One Team, the Project Black S is the first of its kind to come with a dual-hybrid powertrain system.
Infiniti claims its the first time such a hi-tech system is available for a road car. But here’s the clincher: they must give the go-signal for production before making any claims.
F1-Derived Powertrain
Based on the menu, it all sounds and looks delicious. The Infiniti Project Black S is based on the Q60, specifically the Q60 Red Sport 400. But if the Red Sport is a luxury coupe masquerading as a sporty car, the Project Black S Prototype is engineered to go fast, luxury be damned.
That vast rear wing was designed by the blokes from the Renault F1 team. It is the biggest indicator that the Project Black S is a serious performance machine. The wing even shares the same profile as the team’s Monza wing for their F1 cars, so there’s genuine trickery behind the shape and intent in the carbon fiber rear spoiler.
But the main course is the engine. The Infiniti Project Black S is equipped with the VR30 3.0-liter V6 motor with twin electric turbochargers. Yes, you heard me right. This thing comes with electric turbochargers, spooling up delicious servings of power and torque. The hi-tech motor is connected to a seven-speed automatic.
The cream of the crop is the dual-hybrid technology. There are three motor generator units or MGUs in the Project Black S Prototype. There is a single MGU that harvests kinetic energy from braking (MGU-K) and a pair of MGUs to harvest heat from the twin electric turbochargers (MGU-H). Thus, the dual-hybrid system generates electrical power whether you’re accelerating or braking.
Infiniti Project Black S. Photo: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.
If the Red Sport is a luxury coupe masquerading as a sporty car, the Project Black S Prototype is engineered to go fast, luxury be damned.Click To TweetPowerOn Demand
The figures are impressive: 563 horsepower, 350 lb-ft. of torque, and zero to 60 in less than four seconds. The motor-generators spool the turbochargers with a prod of the right foot, delivering power directly to the rear wheels. This means instantaneous response and torque with virtually no turbo lag. If this doesn’t sound like a recipe for a good time, then I don’t know what does.
“The Infiniti Project Black S utilizes high power and smart energy management from advanced powertrains, a thrilling dynamic capability on road and track, and a performance-oriented aesthetic,” explained Roland Krueger, Infiniti Chairman and Global President.
Optimized Aerodynamics
No F1-inspired car is complete without the ability to effortlessly slice the wind. The Renault F1 team utilized all the tricks in the book to give the Infiniti Project Black S Prototype greater aero efficiency with higher levels of downforce. Most of this stems from the unique rear wing. Designed using digital modeling technology, the wing helps stabilize the car during high-speed driving and cornering.
As expected from a track-based road car, the Infiniti Project Black S has large and aggressive cooling ducts. The roof panels, fenders, and hood are carbon fiber to reduce weight. Infiniti claims a curb weight of 3,915 lbs, saying the power-to-weight ratio is 39 percent better than the Q60 Red Sport 400.
Photo: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.
This means instantaneous response and torque with virtually no turbo lag. If this doesn’t sound like a recipe for a good time, then I don’t know what does.Click To TweetBut Will Infiniti Make This Car?
We hope so. The Infiniti Project Black S is the basis for all future electrified vehicles from the brand.
“The Project Black S represents the very top end of electrification in the Alliance portfolio, and is another example of Infiniti’s entrepreneurial spirit on its journey to electrification from 2021 onward,” Krueger said. “A collaborative venture between Infiniti and the Renault Sport Formula One Team, the Project Black S prototype is a testbed for new ideas and technologies, demonstrating how our Alliance partnerships could make our ambitious visions a reality.”
And besides, the Nissan GT-R is no spring chicken, if you catch my drift. I can think of no other car in the alliance that can go as wildly as the Project Black S.
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.
Infiniti Project Black S Gallery

Photos & Source: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.

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The Evolution of Automotives: Part 3: Technological Advancement

The Evolution of Automotives: Part 3: Technological Advancement Automoblog’s Katie Kapro examines how imaginative thinking and creative risks have influenced the modern automobile in this three-part miniseries.

Part 1: Creative Engineering.
Part 2: Throwbacks, Dream Machines, and Pretty Girls.
When the word “technology” comes up in conversation, a handful of images generally pop into one’s head: wired gloves with motion sensors, long-armed machines assembling soldier robots, a glowing motherboard, that sort of thing. But at its core, technology is nothing more than the practical application of knowledge. It is the future, the past, and every problem solved in between.
The automotive industry has been a leader in technological advancement since its birth. Part three of this series examines precisely how the creative thinking behind new automotive technologies impacts the way we drive, and how those advancements are changing the world.
Fundamentals of Motion
Once humans figured out that four wheels, a couple axles, and a small engine could transport us from point A to point B, our next demand was that it be fast. Speed is no simple request for a machine – it necessitates that mechanical elements work double-time, which creates excessive heat, among other things. Heat enclosed in a tight metal box with flammable liquid just around the corner? There was some pretty clever problem-solving, paired with lots of trial and error, to develop technologies for fast machines that wouldn’t explode when the driver stepped on the gas.
As cooling technologies developed, speed became possible. In most cars you’ll see on the road today, a cooling system works by circulating a mixture of water and antifreeze through special passages in the engine. A simple enough idea. In Formula One racecars, that idea has evolved into a refined balance between aerodynamics and temperature control, resulting in cars that can accelerate up to 62 mph in less than two seconds with higher g-forces than a space shuttle launch.
Of course, with increased speed comes increased safety concerns. Anti-lock braking technology is one of the most recognizable safety features developed to curb the hazards of speed. Before ABS, when skilled drivers needed to stop quickly at high speeds, they would do two things – threshold braking and cadence braking. In other words, they’d apply just the right amount of force when the wheel is just beginning to slip, and they’d pump the brakes. ABS not only does both, but it kicks in much faster than the average person could, allowing the driver to focus on controlling the vehicle.
In the 21st Century, we find ourselves in a wondrous position in terms of automotive technology. Engineers have raised the performance bar so high, the mechanical workings of a vehicle no longer define its limitations. From the road to the racetrack, modern performance limits are set not so much by the technology, but by safety regulators.
Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering or ACE design is a front frame structure that provides protection in a frontal collision. It disperses crash energy away from occupants by diverting that energy to upper and lower structural elements of the vehicle. It’s an example of how engineering has evolved to meet safety protocols.. Photo: Honda North America.

Efficiency & Expansion
The second branch of automotive technological advancement is not so much related to what’s going on under the hood and between the axles, but rather how those parts are assembled. From the earliest days of the automobile industry, companies who built the best cars most efficiently were kings of the trade. At the time, that meant assembly lines where people manually put together the vehicle, piece by piece.
Today, most vehicles are built by finely-tuned machines. Automated manufacturing is not so much a matter of replacing a human in the field with a machine. In fact, its greatest value is in streamlining the process of turning raw materials into vehicle components that humans can then work with. Car dashboards, for example, are now commonly built by machinery. Sheets of natural or synthetic raw material and thermoform (a plastic sheet that’s been heated to be pliable and then shaped) are routed by a by a human-operated, computer-controlled CNC milling machine to make the dashboard. The dash is then fitted to the chassis, and all the components like the steering column and speedometer can be attached later.
2010 saw a major drop in automotive manufacturing. The graph in this Business Insider article shows just how dramatic the fall in vehicle sales actually was. Even in a trillion-dollar industry like automobile manufacturing, the market is still subject to the ebb and flow of supply and demand.
Team member Tonya Board on duty at the Kentucky Truck Plant where Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks are manufactured. Ford has invested more than $1.5 billion in the commonwealth of Kentucky and the city of Louisville since 2014. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Forward-Looking
In 2017, the trends in manufacturing are noticeably similar to the technological advancements in the cars themselves. That is to say, the thing that curbs manufacturing today is not technology – we’ve gotten that pretty well figured out, with a few exceptions – but rather, manufacturing is slowing down because the industry is wary of the fact sales have been running so hot since recovering from the 2010 drop-off. They’re afraid of overheating; of having more vehicles than the public will buy. Their concern is inherently similar to a safety regulator deciding that just because we’ve developed the technology for a car to go wildly fast, perhaps it’s not the best thing to make that the norm.
The automotive industry has reached a point in its development where it’s no longer the mechanical and technological boundaries setting the limitations. For better or worse, that’s up to us now.
Katie Kapro spent her childhood handing her dad tools under his Datsun. She loves thinking about the social aspects of motoring, and dreaming about the future of automotives. Follow her work on Twitter: @kapro101

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New Study Shows When And Where Road Rage Is Most Prevalent

New Study Shows When And Where Road Rage Is Most Prevalent

The morning commute and the afternoon grind. When bumper to bumper traffic creates gridlock for miles, it can be a recipe for disaster. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, road rage comprises of following too closely, excessive speeding, and weaving through traffic among other irresponsible actions.
“The operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property,” NHTSA writes in an extensive report.
Endless Causes
NHTSA lists a multitude of reasons for road rage, including traffic delays, running late, and the unique sense of anonymity a vehicle provides. A recent study conducted by Auto Insurance Center uncovered some interesting patterns in the phenomenon of road rage. They collected over 100,000 #RoadRage Instagram posts since 2011 to analyze how this hashtag has evolved. The study examined the circumstances, situations, and locations most likely to boil our blood.
“Even though #RoadRage may produce funny posts on the internet, you want to do everything you can to protect your vehicle and the people in it from the dangerous consequences that aggressive driving can lead to,” said Justin Loera, Senior Insurance Market Analyst, Auto Insurance Center.
Changing Seasons
Auto Insurance Center found August has historically been the peak for aggressive driving. With summer being prime for travelers it’s no wonder, but the study also showed road rage happens frequently before the hotter months. Auto Insurance Center noted, for example, that of the #RoadRage posts on Instagram between 2013 and 2017, May had the heaviest activity. Even March saw an increase in #RoadRage posts this year.
And holidays don’t always mean good cheer and glad tidings either. 2016 saw a record number of travelers posting on Instagram about experiencing rude gestures, frustration, and even dangerous driving while going over the river and through the woods. Last year, the holidays saw a significant increase, peaking in December, with a nearly 21 percent increase over 2015.

Weekend Fun
Like most Americans, we love a good weekend trek away from the office. However, those Friday vibes may not be shared by our fellow motorists. In fact, those Friday vibes might be causing aggressive driving. Auto Insurance Center found that #RoadRage posts on Fridays were the highest, while Sunday and, get this, Monday saw the least amount of Instagram posts. We figure you would be more likely to tell another motorist they are “number one” on a Monday morning versus a Friday afternoon, but the study says otherwise.
Our Automoblog contributors are very dedicated, putting in time at all hours of the day and night. Our management team is known for working well into the early morning, but such commitment comes at a price. The Auto Insurance Center study cautions against this, noting that exhaustion is a major factor in road rage. The later evening hours were a hotbed for Instagram posts about anger behind the wheel.
“We were really surprised to see that road rage isn’t the worst during rush hour when you might expect,” Loera explained. “It’s actually at its highest between the hours of 9 and 10pm.”
If possible, try and keep driving at night to a minimum, esepcially after a long day.

Location, Location, Location
Brooklyn, New York overtook Atlanta, Georgia last year as the second most common city for #RoadRage posts and retains that title in 2017 – so far. Miami, San Francisco, Orlando, and San Diego all ranked among the top 10 for the highest use of the #RoadRage hashtag since 2013. Number one was New York City, which might not surprise anyone. However, don’t go judging the big cities just yet. It’s not like Midwest hospitality is exactly on the rise. The leading state for aggravated driving this year is Nebraska.
Insert Cornhuskers joke here.
Sensible Solutions
WedMD provides insight on how to avoid road rage, namely by recognizing heated motorists and driving sensibly yourself. The State of Delaware recommends not taking traffic problems personally and to never challenge an erratic driver. This study from Auto Insurance Center underscores just how unpredictable road rage is. With the implementation of autonomous cars, perhaps road rage will decline significantly? Until then, the data of this and similar studies should serve as a stern reminder.
“We know that road rage can happen anywhere at any time but by analyzing social media posts the way we did, we’re able to show where it’s at its worst and what drivers can do to avoid it,” Loera said.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
The full #RoadRage study from Auto Insurance Center can be found here.

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2018 Nissan Armada: Why Spend A Little When You Can Spend A Lot?

2018 Nissan Armada: Why Spend A Little When You Can Spend A Lot?

Look, the only way I’ve ever been able to wrap my head around the Nissan Armada is by chalking it up to me-too-ism. Everyone or most everyone who makes SUVs also has some range-topping, road-behemoth just this side of a Canyonero, so I guess Nissan had to respond. I was willing to accept that, and then I read the upcoming 2018 Armada sells for in excess of 60-thousand and it just sent me reeling again.
North of Fargo
Okay, that 60 grand plus was for the top-of-the-range Armada. The entire range runs from $45,600 for the base level SV in two-wheel drive, all the way up to a mind-boggling $61,590 for the top o’the line, full-zoot Armada Platinum with four-wheel drive. But that’s just the list price, so by the time it’s in your driveway and you’ve accounted for tax and title and dealer prep and the Jerry Lundegaard TruCoat, let’s just ball park it from around $50K to $65K.
So what does the 2018 Nissan Armada actually offer? The list includes such goodies as: smells like a steak, seats thirty-five, 12 yards long, 2 lanes wide, weighs 65 tons, squashes and/or smacks squirrels and/or deer . . . oh wait, that’s the Canyonero again. In all fairness, the Armada is soaking in tech, safety, comfort, and convenience features.
Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Equipment & Engine
The 2018 Armada comes standard with NissanConnect Services, powered by SiriusXM. You get an 8-inch, multi-touch control display, HD Radio, SiriusXM Travel Link, Enhanced Voice Recognition, Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant, and additional USB ports across all three of the Armada’s grade levels: SV, SL, and Platinum. The Platinum has a standard Intelligent Rear View Mirror that uses a high-resolution, rear mounted camera to project an image onto the LCD monitor built into the rearview mirror. Which, honestly, sounds pretty trick.
As one would expect, when you’re trying to haul around enough mass, weight, and size to equal an ocean-going tug, you better have a big lump of an engine. In the Armada’s case, that would be a 390 horsepower, 5.6-liter Endurance V8 mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. That combo is what you get in every model and in whatever driveline you choose, 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive.
Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Trim Levels
Of course the Armada has seating for eight but other details are slim. Nissan says the Armada SV has many “standard features” but doesn’t bother to tell you what those are. The Armada SL adds a remote start, power 60/40 3rd row seat, Intelligent Around View Monitor, power liftgate, and 20-inch wheels and tires. Yes, you read that right (I had to read it three times to make sure) the 3rd row seat has power folding ability because you are lazy, lazy Americans.
The Armada Platinum, the top-of-the-line, the creme de la creme, gets all that SV and SL stuff but throws even more glop onto the cake frosting: power-sliding moonroof, front climate controlled seats (I guess so your butt can be at a different temperature, if you so choose), a Family Entertainment System, Nissan Safety Shield, and that new Intelligent Rear View Mirror. On top of that, the Armada has four other options on offer: the Driver’s Package, Premium Package, Pearl White Paint, and 2nd row Captain’s Chairs Package. However, much like the SV’s “standard features” Nissan doesn’t bother to mention what is in the Driver’s or Premium Package.
Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
In Comparison
So yeah, it’s big, it’s comfy, it’s got enough features to count as nine ton iPhone on wheels, but still . . . 65 large?
I checked in a major metropolitan area (because I don’t think they’re going to be selling many of these in Tupelo) and for that amount of money, you could buy stuff like an Audi Q7, BMW X5, a Mercedes GLE (and that’s the AMG model!) or Porsche Cayenne. Yeah, it’s cheaper than a Range Rover, but so’s an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. And I didn’t even look at what Caddy SUVs and such you could buy for $65K. So answer me this: You want a big, fat SUV (for reasons that are beyond my comprehension at this point in time) and you’ve got the budget of a new sports car to blow, and you’re going to seriously say to yourself, “nah, what would I want with a heap like a Porsche? I want a Nissan that’s named after a third-rate metal band that plays down at the local casino?”
The new Armada is on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. Below is a quick reference chart.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Armada SV 2WD
$45,600
Armada SL 2WD
$50,350
Armada Platinum 2WD
$58,690
Armada SV 4WD
$48,500
Armada SL 4WD
$53,250
Armada Platinum 4WD
$61,590

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