2018 Toyota Camry XSE V6 Sedan Review

2018 Toyota Camry XSE V6 Sedan Review
The Toyota Camry was getting long in the tooth and the Japanese automaker just gave the popular sedan a complete makeover. Camry fans will love what Toyota has done both outside and inside by giving Camry a redo. It’s worth your time to take a look. It gets impressive new exterior styling and suspension upgrades, with enough of each to leave behind Camry’s ho-hum past. It’s more fuel efficient than before with a premium feel inside.
This week, we drove the upper-trim 2018 Toyota Camry XSE V6.
What’s New For 2018?
The 2018 Toyota Camry has been fully redesigned with upgrades that include a longer wheelbase, sleeker styling, revised rear suspension geometry, and two distinct styling themes depending on the trim level. The sportier XSE gets a special nose and rear bumper, along with a small spoiler on the rear deck and shaped sills along the sides. On its new chassis, the 2018 Camry is one inch lower, and a bit longer and wider for a sleeker, more firm stance.
Features & Options
The 2018 Toyota Camry XSE V6 ($34,950) gets a personality shift toward keener driving dynamics, courtesy of a sport-tuned suspension and revised steering calibration. The XSE variant also receives larger 18-inch wheels, and steering wheel paddle shifters for a sportier look and feel.
Other standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heads-up display, blind-spot monitoring, keyless ignition, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, extra USB ports, a bigger 8-inch touchscreen, a premium JBL sound system, and Qi wireless smartphone charging.
This 2018 Camry tester came with the optional Driver Assist Package ($1,050), plus Bird’s Eye Camera view and Navigation ($940). Total MSRP including destination: $38,220.





Interior Highlights
Like the exterior, the interior of the 2018 Camry feels more stylish and premium, especially on this upper-trim XSE model. It gets more soft-touch materials and new colors that give it a more luxurious feel. The front seat bottoms have been redesigned and offer up extra comfort for longer trips in the sedan. We went to my daughter’s house for Christmas and felt rested even after the long drive. 
The Camry XSE gets a new 8-inch touchscreen that’s easier to see, and the dashboard is bigger with contemporary lines. The new sleek look sets it apart from the outgoing model.
The XSE gets comfortable, heated leather-trimmed seats with 8-way power adjustments, so any size driver can find the perfect position. The cabin feels light and airy, and there’s lots of head, shoulder, and elbow room for drivers to get comfortable. Front and rear passengers have ample space around them, and rear passengers won’t feel encroached on if the front seat is all the way back. 
The only complaint we have is with Toyota’s Entune infotainment and smartphone integration. It’s just not that user-friendly or as easy to use as rival systems. It’s the most noticeable shortcoming of this otherwise fully-redesigned family sedan.





Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2018 Toyota Camry XSE is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft. of torque. The V6, now equipped with direct injection, comes paired to a new eight-speed automatic transmission to further improve fuel economy. EPA estimates are 22/32 city/highway and 26 combined mpg.
Driving Dynamics
After getting behind the wheel of the 2018 Camry, the first thing we noticed was the heads-up display. It comes standard on the XSE trim and it’s a nice addition, allowing the driver to keep their eyes on the road. We didn’t know why the display also had a compass showing the direction we were going. Toyota could leave that off and we wouldn’t be disappointed.
The Camry has a newly-updated 3.5-liter V6 and we took advantage of the extra power. We pushed the new sedan hard up the I-70 corridor into the mountains and could feel the available 301 horsepower when we needed it. The V6 delivers smooth power at any time and the eight-speed transmission works perfectly without the need to downshift and hunt for the right gear. We used the steering wheel paddle shifters all week and found the driving experience enjoyable. Not something we could say before this model year.
The new sport-tuned suspension offers up a more engaging driving experience versus the outgoing model. We took the mountain curves in full stride with minimal body lean. The XSE does come with a plethora of safety aids, but they can be overly sensitive at times, especially if you like to hug the outside lines.
Conclusion
The 2018 Toyota Camry XSE has a luxurious interior, comfortable ride, and comes with plenty of safety features. Overall, it looks more stylish and feels more premium, especially on this upper-trim XSE model.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Toyota Camry XSE Gallery























2018 Toyota Camry Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.



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2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon: The Miles Davis & Bob Marley Kind of Cool

2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon: The Miles Davis & Bob Marley Kind of Cool You remember that guy in high school that somehow ended up with his grandparent’s station wagon? And how he would swear up and down that it was “cool.” And people would point and laugh, or perhaps his friends would try and point out that “wagons just aren’t cool, man.” There is no way a Chevy Impala wagon or Ford Country Squire, with those genuine plastic fake wood grain walnut veneer side panels, is Right or Cool. I mean, you could have Miles Davis driving one with Bob Marley sitting in the passenger seat rolling up spliffs the size of a dachshund puppy with Coltrane jamming on the megawatt stereo, and even that wouldn’t make a wagon cool.
Try as you might to fix it up – mags and tires, a loud exhaust, fiddling with the engine – Chevy Impala wagons or Ford Country Squires are never going to be as cool as the JV quarterback’s El Camino or the prom king’s Z28. But suppose they were? Suppose someone like, oh, Mercedes-Benz let their skunkworks crew at AMG loose on an E-Class wagon that a well-to-do Dortmund hausfrau would drive? Would that be cool? Let me just put it this way: It would be so cool, you could keep a side of beef in it for a week.
Hot V Power
The 2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon is as practical as a wagon can be. Tons of modern connectivity and high-tech goodies, 35 cubic feet of trunk space in the way back, a 40:20:40 split rear seat, and a price tag of $106,950 (gasp!). But this thing could haul you and the fam on a Griswold-style vacation, so who cares? This thing can haul your butt from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and max out at 180 mph. The 2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon can even lap the Nürburgring in 7:45.19
So bear with me as we put aside all that practicality, connectivity, comfort, convenience and such to dwell ‘neath the hood for a nice long while, and gaze lovingly at that monster of an engine. It’s a handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 bi-turbo plant, with twin-scroll turbos nestled inside the V, known in Mercedes-Benz speak as “hot inside V.” Said mill puts out 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft. of torque. They say the “AMG V8 sound might not be family-friendly,” and all I could think was “in your family maybe.”
And the rest of the drivetrain is just as impressive.
Photo: MBUSA.
Traction Jackson
The engine is coupled to a AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission, using a wet clutch in place of a torque converter; from there it’s the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system that puts power to der Bahn through all four tires. The 4MATIC+ system has fully-variable torque distribution between the front and rear axles. And, given the digital nannies between your right foot and the pavement, all you have to do is mash the loud pedal and this thing Goes with a capital “G” under all road conditions: dry, wet, or snow-covered. Mercedes-Benz says the transition from rear-wheel to all-wheel drive and back again is seamless. The front to rear split is controlled by an electromechanically regulated coupling, connecting the permanently-driven rear axle variably to the front axle, so you can go from traction-oriented all-wheel drive to pure rear-wheel drive.
Mercedes-Benz says without a hint of irony: “It is still possible to drift thanks to fully variable torque distribution.” Mercedes-Benz, the most buttoned-down and conservative of the automakers, from a country not exactly known for producing people like Flavor-Flav, makes a car that can drift on purpose. Indeed there is a Drift mode waiting for you at the touch of (several) buttons.
Photo: MBUSA.
Braking & Suspension Tech
The ride is governed by an all-new AMG multi-chamber air suspension, set up with continuously variable damping for remarkably high levels of camber stability and steering precision. The air spring stiffness can be adjusted over a wide range to improve comfort and handling, while reducing roll and pitching. Adaptive damping comes in three selectable modes: Comfort, Sport, and Sport+.
The rear differential is an electronically controlled limited-slip deal for more bite out of curves. You can also select from five AMG programs: Comfort, Sport, Sport +, RACE, and Individual to monkey with essential parameters like engine response, transmission, suspension, steering, stability control, and various all-wheel-drive settings.
Wanna stop? The 2018 Mercedes AMG E63 S Wagon whoas up with internally ventilated and perforated 15.4-inch compound front brake discs, with six-piston fixed calipers. The rear uses 14.2-inch discs and single-piston floating calipers. The AMG Carbon Ceramic Composite Braking System is optional and expensive, but it will stop you hard enough to detach a retina. In other words, it’s worth every penny.
Cool Factor
So is the Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 S Wagon cool? You bet it’s cool, and no Miles Davis or Bob Marley with dachshund-puppy-sized spliffs needed. Plus, the interior looks like a Bond villain’s lair. I’ll still keep the Coltrane though.
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. 
Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 S Wagon Gallery

















Photos & Source: MBUSA.



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Memory Lane: Life Behind The Gasoline Pump

Memory Lane: Life Behind The Gasoline Pump
Selling is an art, but I never mastered it. Yet, in the late seventies, I worked as a sales rep for a major oil company. I had a territory of about 40 gas and service stations, gas bars, and a relatively small number of convenience stores. At that time, convenience stores offering self-serve gasoline and basic groceries were few and far between. Now, they have become the norm, and a lot of garage owners do not sell gasoline, preferring to concentrate on mechanical repairs. The markup is so small that it’s just not worth it to stop whatever job they are doing to pump a few dollars worth of gas.
Regions of Interest
From the northernmost to the southernmost gas stations in my territory, I had to drive some 200 miles to get to them. Of course, I didn’t visit those in the same day. I planned my weeks accordingly, trying to visit each station once a month. Apart from a city of about 100,000 inhabitants where I had about five or six stations, most of my customers were out in the sticks. So, I drove a lot of miles and experienced white line fever, or is it yellow these days?
In addition to covering my territory, I had to go to the district office once in a while for sales meetings with other reps, the sales manager, and the manager. The sales manager would have all the data on how much gasoline each station purchased, as well as oil, washer fluid, and so on. Since they were under contract with the oil company, they had to purchase their supplies from us. I never saw competitors’ products in any of the gas stations in my territory. The contracts were normally for ten years. Before the end of the contract, we would renegotiate with the retailer, and if he wasn’t happy, he could sign with another company, usually for a higher margin on gasoline profit. The company owned a few gas stations that were leased. Most were independently owned stations that sported the colors of the oil company and offered their products.
Big Promotions & Busted Transmissions
In the spring and fall, we usually had promotions. For the fall promotion, I had rented a trailer to house all the signs, leaflets, posters, and other promotional material. I was the one responsible for fastening the large plastic posters to lamp posts and informing each retailer about the new promotion. I visited my customers in record time. Unfortunately, the end result was a damaged transmission toward the end of the trip, forcing me to drive strictly in second gear. I managed to finish my work, return the rented trailer, and make it home. I was told to drive the car to the refinery about 80 miles away, which I did (in second gear) using country roads. At the refinery, I took possession of a new company car, a Chevrolet Malibu station wagon, black. I always had a thing for black cars, even though dirt stands out just looking at them. It had a 305cid engine. With a station wagon, I could load up promotional material without having to rent a trailer.
Super Trooper
One time, I got a ticket for driving with summer tires in winter. There was a police school in my territory and the recent graduates would exercise their “skills” at handing out tickets. There I was, driving at the speed limit, for a change, when a kid stopped me. He checked the car over, especially the rear tires and asked me for my papers. Handing him my driver’s license, registration, and insurance, I told him I was not speeding. He didn’t say a word and went back to his cruiser where an older, more experienced policeman was sitting in the front passenger seat. After a while, the kid came back and handed me a ticket. I said “what for?” He replied that I was driving in December with summer tires. I told him that it wasn’t against the law. But he retorted there was snow on the ground and that constituted dangerous driving, that’s why I got the ticket. It was BS and I was livid. What could I do? He had the badge and the gun.
Fair Enough
Although I wasn’t the best salesman, I wanted to earn my salary and did my best. The company also had sub-brands of motor oil and other oil-based products they wanted us to sell to independent gas stations that were not affiliated with any of the large oil companies, “jobbers” they were called. I put my best foot forward and sold more than my quota, which won me a weekend trip to see a National League baseball game, all expenses paid.
Summertime was when the brass would show up and tour each territory. I had gone to all my stations the month before the big visit to make sure the lots and buildings would be clean, the gasoline islands freshly painted, and so on. I carried the paint with me in the station wagon and would give it to the owners. The paint was that of the company colors for uniformity and also as part of their contract. Of course, one or two didn’t get with the program and the old paint was still there on the island, cracked and peeling after a winter of wear and tear. I must admit, however, they did repaint after I pointed it out again.
Regardless, the big boss was impressed enough with my efforts that he picked me to spend a week at a National Fair to represent the company. They would reimburse my hotel and meals, just like they did when I travelled in my territory. I had to dress up as a gasoline pump attendant from the 1920s. The uniform looked like a policeman’s uniform of that era. The shirt and pants were green, similar to the company’s colors. I wore a cap and made sure the visor was polished, like my shoes. The uniform was replete with a bow tie, Sam Browne belt and gaiters. Check your oil, sir? Actually, they didn’t ask back then. They just did it, and also washed the windshield.

The Wonderful Whippet
The area where I was stationed, as it were, was out in the open and cordoned off. Luckily, it never rained while I was there. In my little corner, there was an old gasoline pump with the glass container on top. I don’t remember if it was a single or double pump. The attendant would pump gasoline in the glass container, which was graduated, then fill the customer’s tank. They knew exactly how much gas had been put into the car. They didn’t have meters back then.
And as part of my display, I parked a 1928 Whippet next to the pump. After my shift, I would drive it inside a building where I kept it overnight. The Whippet was manufactured by Willys-Overland between 1927 and 1931. Like car manufacturers still do today, companies boasted improvements to their automobiles each year: more cargo space, larger wheelbase, more powerful engines, and so on. The major improvement on the 1928 over the 1927 model was the addition of two more brakes. On the 1927 car, they only had brakes on one axle. In 1928, they had brakes on all four wheels. They didn’t have hydraulic brakes on those cars, they were mechanical. This meant if the brakes were not perfectly adjusted, the wheels would not all stop at the same time, which made it a bit tricky to drive, or at least stop.
The Whippet sold well and you could purchase one for about $700 and change. It had a Knight six-cylinder engine and the car was built to high standards. The competition was fierce, in that segment as they would say today, from such manufacturers as Chevrolet, Ford, Essex, De Soto, Plymouth, and Pontiac. Henry Ford’s Model A became a formidable rival due to the fact it cost much less at $500, yet its 4-cylinder engine developing 40 horsepower to the Whippet’s 50 horsepower proved to be powerful enough. Because of the depression, competition, manufacturing costs, and licensing fees, Willys stopped production of the Whippet in 1931.
People, especially older folks who remembered that era, would stop by and have their picture taken with me. Sometimes, the sales director of the oil company, who had selected me to be there, would drag me away to hand out certificates at a meeting or other event. And for photo ops and promotions.
1926 Willys Whippet on display at the 2010 Autotron Classic in Rosmalen, Netherlands. Photo: Alf van Beem.
Life Goes On
After the fair ended, I returned to my territory. In the summer, we also organized promotions with tire companies, during a big opening for example. I was fortunate to be able to visit a tire manufacturing company. And I visited one of the company’s oil refineries. An engineer accompanied us and explained the process as we toured the facility. It was also on a dedicated lot at the refinery that I had to undergo a defensive driving course and skid control training as part of my employment. Every day, I continue to use the skills I learned there and I am very grateful for it.
At the end of the day, being a salesman was just not me. Although I didn’t deal with the public, only the retailers, I found the work humdrum. I’m not knocking it. Some guys and gals have made successful and happy careers as sales reps. But in my mind, there was a limit to what the retailers could order. If their garage was in a two-horse town, how much motor oil could they push? Working as a sales representative for a major oil company did allow me to discover another world beyond a plain old gasoline pump, however.
I eventually quit the oil business to become a helicopter pilot. And at one time, I was in the dairy business too. I miss driving that Whippet, though; starter button on the floor that you pressed with your foot, or crank started it. Sweet!
Michael Bellamy is the author of our Memory Lane series. He enjoys driving his 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII LSC and 2003 Dodge Dakota. 



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Ram 1500 North Edition: Over The River & Through The Woods (Literally)

Ram 1500 North Edition: Over The River & Through The Woods (Literally) The 2019 Ram 1500 North Edition takes it to Old Man Winter.
Goodies include a one-inch factory lift and locking differential. 
Ram’s special edition lineup has seen multiple new entries over the last year. 
Pick your poison Mopar fans! The Hydro Blue Sport, Lone Star Edition, Heavy Duty Night Editions; even a Kentucky Derby Edition. More recently, the 1500 Rebel 12 and 2500 Power Wagon Mojave Sand Editions come to mind. Ram is stacking the deck with special edition trucks and they are adding another to the mix.
The 1500 North Edition is arriving just as Old Man Winter sets up shop, but a note of observation first:
Trucks For Every Taste
Ram’s special edition blast (as it were) is not without sound reason or intent. Think of it like this: trucks sell in droves and that trend will continue for the foreseeable future. With so many on the road, driving one with a special edition theme says I’m part of the crowd – but – in my own individual way. Ram has plenty of that in their lineup today. And it’s especially alluring.
Related: Ram tops GM in sales for the time being.
Concerning the 1500 North Edition, it’s more than just looks – although it is that too. Based on the Big Horn, the North’s monochromatic theme includes the body-color bumpers, door handles, mirrors, and grille. But underneath the skin, the bones are solid.
“The 2019 Ram 1500 North is more than a great-looking pickup, it offers cold-weather content for truck owners who require a no-compromise 4×4 as part of their daily regimen,” explained Reid Bigland, Head of Ram Brand. “A factory lift, locking rear axle, and all-weather tires deliver confidence when your path is anything but clear.”
The 2019 Ram 1500 North Edition features a one-inch factory lift, an electric-locking rear axle, and front tow hooks. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Those Tires Though . . .
The all-weather tries are three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF), severe snow service-rated on/off-road Falken LT tires. Say that three times fast! Three is the magic number, however, for the transfer case, which has three different settings: Auto, High, and Low. Ram added an engine block heater too, for those early mornings after the truck sits facing a north wind all night.
Related: Simple but effective: Our full review of the 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman.
Interior Treatments
Plenty of warmth inside with a heated steering wheel and the heated, 12-way power driver’s seat with four-way power lumbar. SiriusXM Travel Link Weather, heated and folding mirrors, and Mopar all-weather floor mats are included.
2019 Ram 1500 North Edition interior layout. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Power & Performance
The North’s 3.6-liter Pentastar with eTorque creates 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft. of torque, and features revised variable valve timing and two-step variable valve lift systems. By comparison, the larger 5.7-liter Hemi creates 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft. of torque. Both engines have Interactive Deceleration Fuel Shut Off (iDFSO), which pauses fuel flow to the cylinders under deceleration in third gear and higher.
Every 2019 Ram 1500 – including the North Edition – is equipped with a fully-electronic TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic. The transmission features a wide spread of gear ratios to balance power and efficiency.
The engine choice is ultimately up to you.
Pricing & Availability
The 2019 Ram 1500 North Edition is available now with a starting MSRP of $47,585. The truck comes in Crew Cab 4×4 with either a short or long bed.
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 Ram 1500 North Edition Gallery





Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.



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2020 Infiniti QX60 Release Date, Redesign, Price

2020 Infiniti QX60 Release Date, Redesign, Price

With all the updates there will be on the latest generation of the 2020 Infiniti QX60 will make you think this car to enter into your plan, the quality of the vehicle will be a priority of the Infiniti and we believe this car will not disappoint you, stick family car will experience an increase in sales is evident from his numerous requests from the year 2018 and will continue on the following year.

Rumors are circulating there will be redesigned in the latest models of Infiniti QX60. And rumors about the release date of this car there is no certainty. Interior and exterior will experience many updates and what will be with the plugin hybrids we have yet to know for sure, but we believe that Infiniti will issue a plugin hybrid for Infiniti QX60.

Exterior and Interior redesign

The redesign interior cabin is unquestionably a powerful stage of Infiniti QX60 and we’re very sure that larger changes won’t come for that 2020 QX60. The spacious cabin makes a fantastic mixture with tons of normal tools. The primary point you’ll recognize can be a good element high-quality and a spacious cargo spot. In relation to equipment, there are actually two trim amounts – Pure and Luxe. The base Pure comes with convenient features like 18-inch wheels, power tailgate, xenon headlights, sunroof, LED fog lights, keyless entry, and ignition and so forth. About the inside, you are able to count on heated front seats, 9.0-inch touchscreen, tri-zone automatic climate control, USB, Bluetooth and satellite radio and simulated leather upholstery.

The Base trim consists of all over but additionally adds several exciting functions. Several of the highlights certainly is a premium audio method, remote engine get started, roof rails, rear bumper protector, driver memory settings, a heated steering wheel and so forth. Also, a whole plethora of optional packages can be found at this trim level.

In regards to base layout qualities, there’s no location for modifications at the second. With regards to mechanics, this models hasn’t altered for this five many years and unquestionably will not till the redesign. Within this element, we are speaking about a crossover that’s virtually exactly the same as the current-generation Pathfinder. The Infiniti QX60 could possibly be slightly longer, but two designs feature precisely the same wheelbase. They ride around the very same D Platform, which guarantees a spacious cabin and strong driving qualities.

In terms of the styling, 2020 Infiniti QX60 will are available in the brand’s acquainted method. A sleek profile in the blend with plenty of smooth lines and design components that characterize this crossover. Two many years ago, we saw a facelift which has brought new front and rear fascias, together with new headlights, bumpers and so forth. More modifications for this generation don’t appear so likely.

Engine Performance

2020 Infiniti QX60 is actually a hybrid thus it really is particular that it will eventually come with a standard engine and an electronic motor. The Infiniti QX60 hybrid edition is a 2.5 litter and 4 barrel engine working together with a 15 kW. It’ll be mated with CVT gear program. It can be indeed an incredible mixture. The engine has the skill to provide a total of 260 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque to produce it one particular in the most impressive engines during the industry. The engine is obtainable if 4 wheels drive and have an 8-velocity transmission that’s automated. Mileage has considerably greater and it ranges concerning 20 mpg, 21 mpg up to 27 mpg. As well present improved ground clearance than in advance of will obtainable by the new generation Infiniti QX60.

2020 Infiniti QX60 Release Date and Price

You may be asking when this car will be in the news release, rumor has it that this car will be released early in the year 2020. And some of his other rumor news saying that the release date of 2020 Infiniti QX60 there will be in the middle of the year 2020. We recommend that you wait for the confirmation directly from Infiniti regarding this information.

And for the price. We do not yet have information that is so right on the price of this car. Some competitors like the Acura MDX car and Audi Q7 also has yet to release information about the price. We also recommend that you wait for the official confirmation from the Infiniti on the price of this car.

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Top Automotive Trends 2018 (Driverless Cars Slip, Trucks & SUVs Surge)

Top Automotive Trends 2018 (Driverless Cars Slip, Trucks & SUVs Surge) As 2018 comes to a close, trucks and SUVs will continue to dominate.
Aftermarket sales remain strong as consumers seek to personalize their vehicles.
Despite bold promises from manufacturers, the public seems disinterested in autonomous driving. 
Here are the top automotive trends of 2018 with a look ahead to next year.
The automotive industry and aftermarket remain strong as Americans continue their love affair with personal transportation. Despite doom-and-gloom predictions to the contrary, cheap gas and a strong economy have encouraged shoppers to step into showrooms and drive out with something new. This year, aftermarket products have provided a large variety of choices to car enthusiasts, leading industry experts to believe that 2019 is primed for steady, continued growth.
Above all, trucks have supplanted import sedans to become the new status-symbol luxury vehicle.
Top Automotive Trends 2018: Trucks & SUVs Dominate
At the beginning of 2018, the auto industry watched to see which direction the trends would move. Concerns included alternate powertrains (hybrids & EVs), passenger car versus truck sales, and the impact of global events on consumer confidence.
With ten months of the year behind us, pickups, SUVs, and minivans have strengthened their dominance, jumping from 63 percent of the total market in 2017 to 68.5 percent as of October 2018.  As a result, we have seen major manufacturers like Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Ford drop some sedans due to slow sales. Additionally, luxury manufacturers began entering the light truck game. We even have SUVs from Jaguar, Maserati, Lamborghini, and Rolls-Royce – and it’s rumored Ferrari will also build one!
Related: The battle for younger buyers heats up in the SUV and crossover market.
Lamborghini Urus: Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.
Top Automotive Trends 2018: Online Retailers Benefit
As new vehicle sales go up, sales of aftermarket accessories also go up. Owners of new vehicles who want them personalized turn to their favorite aftermarket retailer. Advances in safety and technology, including lighting and cameras, trickle down to drivers of older cars who also want these features. And they get them from the aftermarket.
With trucks taking a larger slice of the pie, truck-specific wants like big wheels and lift kits sell strongly. And as consumers (including car owners) prefer to shop electronically, it’s online aftermarket retailers who are benefiting greatly from these trends.
On the flip side, hybrids and electric vehicles still account for a very small percentage of the market. Predictions that all road-going vehicles will be autonomous in five years have faded into the background. Several highly-publicized accidents and fatalities have given this technology a black eye, forcing some companies to postpone or even cancel their efforts.
The more realistic predictions are that widespread applications are at least a decade or two away.
Related: A recent AAA study finds most consumers are afraid of autonomous cars.
Earlier this year, Hyundai begun a strategic partnership with Autotalks for the manufacturing of Vehicle to Everything communication chipsets. V2X technology allows vehicles to communicate with each other, as well as road users and infrastructure. Photo: Hyundai Motor Company.
What Was Seen At SEMA 2018
Each year, thousands of car enthusiasts make their way to Las Vegas for the SEMA show. A colleague who attended shared some insights. He said that compared to previous visits, he has never seen the show so crowded, which speaks to the health of the aftermarket.
Unsurprisingly, the number one trend was trucks, trucks, and more trucks.
Horsepower was big, as always, and this year, reaching or surpassing 1,000 horsepower seemed almost par for the course. Electric cars were on display alongside the big gas-engine brutes; both a new electric Camaro concept and a ’49 Mercury converted to electric were shown. By contrast, autonomous vehicles were not a major highlight, as consumers continue to clutch their long-held desire to own their own set of wheels, preferably personalized.
Related: People still love driving despite onset of autonomous cars.
Chevy eCOPO Camaro Concept. Photo: Chevrolet.
2019 Projections: Engine Technology & Ride Sharing
New Engine Tech: Thanks to VW, the diesel engine is all but dead. New technologies like Nissan’s variable-displacement engine and Mazda’s compression-petrol engine will ensure gasoline remains a viable fuel source. Hybrids and pure EVs will slowly but surely capture a slightly larger percentage of sales.
However, as long as gas remains cheap in the U.S., trucks will sell in big numbers, especially with their high horsepower engines.
Ride-Sharing’s Next Ride: Uber, Lyft and the like may add to congestion in places like New York City, but they help convince young adults that old-school car ownership is no longer a given. Connected to this is the nascent “Vehicle Subscription” model. Vehicle subscriptions include maintenance, taxes, and insurance, all for one monthly number. Swaps into other models from the manufacturer’s lineup are usually included.
Consumers can walk away at any time. The downside? Monthly prices that run between $1,000-$3,000. They’re starting with luxury brands but, if it catches on, expect car makers to find ways to reduce that cost.
The “Mercedes-Benz Collection” allows subscribers to switch between different vehicles depending on their needs or lifestyle. The program consists of three tiers – Signature, Reserve, and Premier – with prices ranging from $1,095 to $2,995 per month after an activation fee. Subscribers can choose from all the available vehicles in that tier, sedans, coupes, cabriolets, roadsters, and wagons among them. Photo: MBUSA.
2019 Projections: Smarter Cities & Economic Impacts
Crowded Urban Areas: We are on a collision course as single-occupancy SUVs compete for space with ride-sharing drivers in already jammed urban areas. Add to that: FedEx and UPS trucks making hourly Amazon deliveries, lack of investment in public transportation, electric scooters serving as alternatives, and concerns about pollution and climate change.
Some European cities have already made plans to ban internal-combustion vehicles from their streets in the coming decade.
I predict that in 2019 some U.S. cities, recognizing that an outright ban is too extreme, will instead get serious about congestion pricing and “car-free pedestrian zones” as ways to combat the congestion.
The Elephant In The Room: The automotive industry, perhaps more than any other, depends very much on free global trade. A failure by world powers to reach a solution to trade issues could upend any or all of what we foresee for 2019.
Top Automotive Trends 2018: Boiling It Down
Overall, my predictions for 2019 are more of what we already have; pickups, Jeeps, crossovers, horsepower, customization, and individualization. The aftermarket is healthy and looking forward to continued, strong growth in 2019. Especially as SUVs keep taking a larger percentage of the new vehicle sales pie at the expense of fewer sedans.
Richard Reina is the Product Training Director at CARiD and an auto enthusiast and expert with over 30 years of experience working with cars.



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Israeli Company Utilizes Military Background For Autonomous Cars

Israeli Company Utilizes Military Background For Autonomous Cars


Some time ago, I started describing different vehicle features as “eyes.” It was the most fitting and understandable analogy for the customers I was serving at the dealership. Admittedly, I knew little about cars when I began selling them now almost a decade ago, so these quick analogies were as much for me as they were for my customers. Adaptive Cruise Control, reverse cameras, and backup sensors were just coming online at the time. “Think of them like an extra set of eyes helping you drive,” I would say to customers.
Fusion Factor
Generally speaking, what qualifies as innovative technology today becomes more advanced tomorrow. Autonomous driving represents the current pinnacle of innovation in the automotive industry, and to some, it’s as abstract as Adaptive Cruise Control was just less than a decade ago. While I am open to new ways to present the modern automobile, my “eyes” analogy remains my go-to, especially as driverless vehicles are becoming more of a reality.
In the autonomous realm, “sensor fusion” is a common term. Wikipedia offers an excellent description: “the combining of sensory data or data derived from disparate sources such that the resulting information has less uncertainty than would be possible when these sources were used individually.” In other words, the more “eyes” a given application has – in this case an autonomous car – the more effective. And the more we consider sensor fusion and the successful implementation of automated driving, the more LiDAR enters the conversation.
“The LiDAR with the camera makes the whole autonomous car system much more reliable,” explained Omer Keilaf, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Innoviz Technologies. “This is where the fusion between different sensors is very important.”
Eye In The Sky
Innoviz Technologies wants to facilitate autonomous vehicle production through solid-state LiDAR solutions. LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method used to examine a surrounding environment, which with regard to autonomous vehicles, means our everyday roads. LiDAR determines the distance to a particular point by illuminating it with a pulsed laser light; the reflected pulses are then measured to determine how far away said point is. From there, 3D representations of the point and surrounding area can be made. The uses for LiDAR are numerous: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration uses LiDAR to study the Earth’s surface while the Agricultural Research Service utilizes it to help farmers map their land.
Bats actually use a similar process with sound waves to navigate.
Photo: Innoviz Technologies.
Four-Fold Foundation
Innoviz Technologies is designing what they say is a continuously evolving LiDAR solution to better address the challenges of autonomous driving. The company’s LiDAR products, InnovizOne and InnovizPro, use a patent-pending technology with a focus in four main areas: Region of Interest, meaning enabling longer range sensing at a region or point of interest while capturing the entire field of view at full frame rate; Multi-Frame Mode, meaning a high frame rate and resolution is maintained for long range sensing while extra long range objects and obstacles at a lower frame rate are still accounted for; Object Detection and Classification, meaning the use of advanced computer vision for accurate detection and classification of different types of objects, and Simultaneous Localization and Mapping – sometimes called “SLAM” – meaning high resolution 3D mapping.
In other words, LiDAR is a tremendous set of eyes; a set of eyes Innoviz Technologies wants to mass produce for the forthcoming autonomous era in a small, efficient package.
“By challenging the conventions of LiDAR design, we were able to develop a LiDAR solution that delivers superior performance at a reasonable price and in a much smaller footprint – three factors that are required to help autonomous driving achieve mass commercialization,” Keilaf said. “We’ve spent many months exploring the right way to solve these problems.”
Cost Conscious
Innoviz designs their LiDAR units with a particular emphasis on cost. Even in the autonomous world, automakers will have financial targets to meet with regard to production. There is the end consumer who has cost in mind when purchasing a new vehicle too. Given the importance of cost when it comes to manufacturing, automakers are likely to reject an overly expensive LiDAR unit.
“We started the company with a very clear understanding and declaration of that problem,” Keilaf added. “There are some technologies that are not relevant for mass production because they are too expensive, so it’s very important that our technology can eventually go really low cost.”
Photo: Innoviz Technologies.


Disciplined & Directed
Innoviz also leverages a unique background, one not every entity in the autonomous driving space can claim. The company was founded by former members of the elite technological unit of the Israeli Defense Forces. Collectively, the founders have expertise in electro-optics, computer vision, MEMS design, and signal processing. Keilaf believes the technical, yet diverse backgrounds of his team members are among the strongest aspects of Innoviz.
“I come from a small unit but we’re developing very unique hardware and technology – it’s like if MIT had an army,” he said.
Keilaf and his partners are accustomed to tight deadlines, a hallmark of the automotive industry. In the military, his team would often get assigned difficult projects with very narrow, non-negotiable deadlines. A particular technology would need to be developed from scratch, in about eight to ten months, be incredibly reliable, and need to work effectively for many years thereafter. It’s an experience the Innoviz team is bringing to the table in their vision for not only LiDAR, but automated driving as a whole.
“You had to manage risk all the time because in the end there is a date you can’t miss; you had to manage sometimes hundreds of people working on a certain project, and all of them needed to see something at the end that works perfectly,” Keilaf explained. “I think this is the way we work in Innoviz. Although we have so many moving parts and many people working with different technologies, every one of us is synchronized and integrated into a very disciplined and reliable system.”
Photo: Innoviz Technologies.
Bright Future
Recently, Innoviz raised $65 million in Series B funding with strategic partners Delphi Automotive PLC and Magna International participating in the round. The latest investors included 360 Capital Partners, Glory Ventures, Naver, and others. All Series A investors, including Zohar Zisapel, Vertex Venture Capital, Magma Venture Partners, Amiti Ventures, and Delek Motors participated as well. A second closing of this round is expected soon with additional investors.
“Innoviz has delivered the industry’s first high-performance LiDAR solution that perfectly meets all of the requirements necessary to take fully autonomous vehicles mainstream,” said Nicolas Autret, Partner at 360 Capital Partners. “Based on the impressive adoption Innoviz has generated to date and the extremely talented team they’ve put together, it’s evident that the market has made its decision on who is going to win the LiDAR race and unlock the market’s vast potential.”
The company’s trajectory is significant and its direction both purposeful and promising. In December 2016, Innoviz announced its first partnership with leading automotive supplier, Magna International Inc., enabling them to collaborate on various OEM programs. In May 2017, Innoviz announced a partnership with manufacturing company Jabil Optics to mass produce InnovizPro. In August 2017, Innoviz signed a commercial partnership agreement with Delphi, a leader in autonomous driving software and sensors, to integrate its LiDAR into Delphi’s systems and create an industry standard for LiDAR integration into autonomous cars.
And now the most recent news of $65 million in Series B funding.
“While other LiDAR companies remain in the research and development stage, Innoviz is moving into mass production with LiDAR technology that delivers superior performance and affordability in a compact and reliable design,” said Zohar Zisapel, Investor, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board at Innoviz.

Innoviz Technologies demonstrating their LiDAR solution at AutoSens Detroit, May 2017. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.



Homeward Bound

I first met Keilaf at AutoSens Detroit back in May. I took a liking to him and Innoviz right away. It’s the type of company – the type of people – you want to see be successful. In my work in the automotive industry, I travel quite often and I am fortunate enough to meet many interesting people, Keilaf among them. He travels often too and that warm May day in Michigan, he was away from his family as he presented Innoviz at AutoSens.
“They are very supportive,” he said. “It’s a lot of effort and sweat but it’s fun and they understand.”
When I am describing ADAS features to a consumer, I still use my “eyes” analogy. Yet, after seeing what Innoviz can do, I have a new appreciation for my trusty description. I remain confident, before long, I will be presenting an autonomous car to a consumer equipped with an Innoviz system. I will likely smile and remember Keilaf and his team when I first met them.
“Israel is a very unique place and you should come visit,” he told me in Detroit. “In just five days you will be able to discover many things.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 




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2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD Review

2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD Review


Mazda’s ad slogan “Driving Matters” is meant to define what their cars are about, and it fits the newly-redesigned CX-5 crossover. The CX-5 is a driver-focused vehicle meant to deliver a different experience than your average small SUV. We think it offers a more satisfying experience than its chief rivals, the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
And if looks have anything to do with it, we think it wins in exterior styling too.
What’s New For 2017
The Mazda CX-5 crossover has been completely redesigned for 2017, with a quieter, better looking cabin, and a more stylish exterior. Though it hasn’t grown in size, it offers a smoother, quieter ride. If you want a manual gearbox, you will be disappointed, as that was dropped in favor of a six-speed automatic. Mazda says the 2.5-liter engine has been tweaked and retuned for 2017.
Features & Options
The 2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD ($30,695) comes with acoustic front windows, power driver’s seat, heated front seats, a better six-speaker sound system, rear USB ports, and blind-spot monitors. It also features keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The vehicle also receives additional driver assistance features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and mitigation, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams.
Grand Touring models add leather and 19-inch wheels to the above. The Premium Package ($1,830) adds a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a heads-up display, power front passenger seat, and windshield wiper de-icer. Total MSRP including destination: $34,380.





Interior Highlights
This CX-5 Grand Touring interior takes a step forward and the changes are evident with the leather seating and stitching on the dash, console, and door panels. The quality of materials is excellent for this price point. The cabin is driver-focused with a new steering wheel, while the shift lever is moved back two inches, making for a more natural position for the driver’s hand.
The 7-inch touchscreen resolution is sharper in 2017. It sits high atop the stylish dash, but it’s a bit too far away for our liking. There’s also an infotainment controller in the center console with a radio volume control knob that’s easy to find without taking your eyes off the road. The seats are comfortable and offer plenty of adjustments and support for long-distance driving. The steering wheel also offers a nice range of tilt-and-telescoping positions.
This week we took a couple of six-foot gentlemen to lunch, and they commented on how there seems to be more shoulder room in the rear, likely due to the CX-5’s slightly wider track. The rear doors open wide, so they had no trouble entering and exiting the crossover. And thanks to scalloping in the back of the front seats, there was plenty of legroom for our riders.
If you need to carry cargo, the 40/20/40-split folding backseat reclines, another new feature for 2017. Behind the rear seat, there’s 31 cubic feet of cargo storage, and 60 with the rear folded flat. It’s a bit less than competitors, including the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester.







Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The revised 2.5-liter engine is tweaked a bit and produces 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission. Our tester came with Mazda’s all-wheel drive system for all-weather capability. EPA fuel mileage estimates are 23/29 city/highway and 26 combined with all-wheel drive.
Driving Dynamics
We think the CX-5 is higher on the fun-to-drive meter than any other crossover out there. We drove this week in the mountains west of Denver where this journalist lives, and the CX-5 delivered a most satisfying experience. We tossed the CX-5 around the tight curves and it responded like a sports sedan.
The steering is precise, and the suspension is tuned for sporty driving over comfort. Be aware, the CX-5 is not going to win any races. The crossover has enough power for most driving situations, but was fairly tame when we pushed it hard up I-70. The naturally aspirated engine could use a turbo for those traveling up into the high country or hauling extra cargo over a high mountain pass. For normal commuting, you won’t have an issue.
One big difference we noticed for 2017 is the new-found quiet in the cabin when we got underway. It’s not as quiet as a Lexus, but it’s much improved when we pushed the pedal, especially at highway speeds. Overall, it’s the most fun we’ve ever had in a compact crossover, having tested the competition. If you live where there’s lots of twisty roads, this is the vehicle for you.
Conclusion
The redesigned 2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD nails it in driving dynamics, a comfortable, driver-focused interior, and exterior styling. The cabin is quieter than the outgoing model, which was the biggest complaint with the CX-5. If you like to drive, this crossover delivers a different, more pleasurable experience than your average small SUV.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Mazda CX-5 Gallery























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2017 Mazda CX-5 Official Site.
Photos: Mazda North American Operations.



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Mercedes-Benz Shows Glimpse of Future Sprinter

Mercedes-Benz Shows Glimpse of Future Sprinter

During the North American Commercial Vehicle Show in Atlanta, Georgia this week, Mercedes-Benz released a design sketch showing the dimensions, proportions, and overall styling of the new Sprinter. The automaker says the new Sprinter “once again shifts the boundaries of its segment” and that it represents the “acclaimed design language of Mercedes-Benz.”
Perhaps the new Sprinter’s most notable features are found right up front? The hood and grille look smoother and more sculpted when compared to current Sprinter models.
Tech Focused
The new Sprinter will have an array of driver assistance packages and connectivity features. A new Telematics system promises a number of benefits for fleet managers. Mercedes-Benz also notes the “considerably extended range of variants” will be better poised to meet the needs and demands of the van market.
“We want to offer the most suitable mobility solution for every sector and for every transport assignment,” explained Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. “And that is precisely our focus with the upcoming Sprinter generation as an overall system solution.”
Budding Market
The United States is now the second-largest market for Sprinters just behind Germany. To meet rising demand in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz is building a new Sprinter plant in North Charleston, South Carolina and says the facility will reduce delivery times for North American customers. Mercedes-Benz will also assemble the next-generation Sprinter in Dusseldorf and Ludwigsfelde in Germany.
The Sprinter was born in 1995 and is now one of the most commercially successful vans. To date, there have been more than 3.3 million units delivered to over 130 countries. During the first half of 2017, Sprinter set a new record in total sales, increasing to about 96,200 units versus 95,100 for the same period a year ago. The new Sprinter will arrive in Europe during the first half of 2018 with other markets to follow.
“It also goes without saying that the new edition of our iconic van possesses the classical attributes of reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness,” Mornhinweg said.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 
Sketch & Source: MBUSA.



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