AutoSens Returning To Detroit: Conference Plays Vital Role In Autonomous Tech

AutoSens Returning To Detroit: Conference Plays Vital Role In Autonomous Tech AutoSens, a leading and influential global summit on autonomous driving, is returning to Detroit.
Technical sessions and presentations from from Microsoft, Sony, General Motors, and MIT are planned.
AutoSens takes aim at the biggest challenges facing autonomous driving by encouraging collaboration. 
Not long ago, self-driving cars were figments of science fiction; the ideal centerpiece of a quasi-Utopian yet technologically-advanced society in the far away future. For over a century, we humans have piloted our own automobiles to theaters and bookstores alike to indulge our imaginations with these stories of a distant time. Yet, the reality is different. Self-driving cars? “Not in my lifetime,” one might say.
But you’d be surprised what you might see in your lifetime.
Big Dreams & Grand Visions
Autonomous cars are no longer science fiction but science fact. They are coming to our roads; it’s only a matter of time. However, the decisions we make now as an industry beforehand are vitally important. Because once they’re here, they’re here. And consumers are already skeptical of the technology. We either get it right now or we pay a substantial price in the long run. Indeed, there are many concerns, from the supply chain and infrastructure, to the legal and financial. Yet the biggest should be this: if our autonomous cars miscalculate, someone dies.
When our goals, as an industry, include zero traffic fatalities, it’s not hard to see why right now matters. And one of the best ways to achieve such a remarkable goal? By working with and learning from each other.
Content & Collaboration
These are central themes of AutoSens, and why it remains the world’s most influential summit on autonomous driving. When AutoSens returns to Detroit on May 14th, the conference will explore the biggest challenges facing autonomous cars. By combining cutting-edge academic research, industry R&D, and OEM insights, AutoSens is an invaluable resource for the engineering community.
“Engineers can ‘take the boxing gloves off’ for three days and just be engineers and scientists working on shared challenges and pursuing high-quality technical work,” said Robert Stead, Managing Director, Sense Media, the parent company of AutoSens. “We strive for high-quality technical presentations at AutoSens every year, so all attendees will go back to their office or lab with some new solutions, food for thought, or novel information.”
Organizers say returning to Detroit is essential when it comes to facilitating those types of outcomes.
“From sensors to software; systems to simulation, hardware, testing and services; there’s plenty to see over the three days,” Stead continued. “Detroit has the dual advantage of its history and future potential; recent developments combined with the scale of the existing automotive expertise in the region makes it the perfect melting pot for discussions driving the future of automotive product development.”
Cognitive scientist Dr. Mónica López-González, Co-Founder and Scientific & Artistic Director of La Petite Noiseuse Productions, speaking at AutoSens Detroit last year. Photo: Alex Hartman for Sense Media.
Robust Agenda
The Michigan Science Center will host AutoSens Detroit for the second year with another robust agenda. Highlights include the opening plenary with presentations from the U.S. Highway Loss Data Institute on the impact of current ADAS technologies on road safety. Technical workshops include a session from Osram about infra-red sensing and a hands-on demonstration from 3M regarding material-sensor interaction systems. Microsoft will host a tutorial on the Robot Operating System, while DeepScale will present energy-efficient approaches to autonomous driving.
“The technical presentations focus on these topics, but we also cover the wider issues facing development of ADAS and autonomous vehicles in the conference plenary sessions that open and close the event,” Stead said. “This might include the regulatory, financial, or legal context for the development of vehicle perception systems.”
“I would say the biggest challenge for people is trying to understand the different technologies,” explained Phil Magney, Founder and Principal Advisor, VSI Labs, during AutoSens Detroit last year. “This conference has been good for us because we meet like-minded people that are facing similar challenges; we talk, we exchange our views, and we learn from each other.”
During a past AutoSens event in Brussels, Belgium, Senior Applications Engineer Edel Cashman (right) from SensL Technologies demonstrates how the company’s sensors can be utilized for LiDAR applications. Photo: Sense Media, © Bernal Revert/BR&U.
Going Deeper
Those curious to learn more about the inner-workings of an autonomous car will be in good company. For example, the Detroit Autonomous Vehicles Group is planning a hackathon for future engineers to learn the basics of self-driving cars. As is common at AutoSens, attendees can see how an autonomous car works, piece by piece.
“By this we mean the sensors, cables, processors, other hardware and software that give a vehicle’s computer a picture of its environment so it can make decisions,” Stead explained. “These technologies are applied in many currently available road-going models, but they are also used in R&D for more advanced systems that will hit the market in the future, including fully autonomous vehicles.”
“We wanted to talk to the sensor companies because cars are getting a larger chunk of sensors now, especially for advanced driver assistance systems, autonomous applications, and for next-generation cockpits,” said Soshun Arai, Director of ADAS and Automated Driving Platform Strategy for the company. Arai and his team attended AutoSens Detroit last year to look more specifically at the individual components that affect their overall business.
“We came to AutoSens because we wanted to understand the technology and trends of sensors,” he said.
Attendees sit in during one of the many technical presentations that took place at AutoSens Detroit last year. The conference will return to the Michigan Science Center beginning on May 14th. Photo: Alex Hartman for Sense Media.
For Engineers, By Engineers
Keynote for AutoSens Detroit this year is Ed Bernardon, VP of Strategic Automotive Initiatives at Siemens. Bernardon will examine how autonomous technology will impact the future of transportation. In preparation, he and his team interviewed experts working on 3D-printed autonomous shuttles, intelligent traffic systems, and even flying cars. In addition, technical presentations from General Motors, Changan, Aptiv, Daimler, NVIDIA, Valeo, Sony, and TomTom are planned. Academic sessions include those hosted by Wayne State University, University of South Carolina, and MIT.
“AutoSens exists simply to support and help engineers and scientists, and when we hear stories from attendees about the new people they met, the things they learned, the business connections made – that’s what keeps us motivated,” Stead said. “It’s about creating a meeting place and community that can be a catalyst for others, in their pursuit of good science.”
For conference organizers, sometimes it’s about what attendees won’t experience.
“I’ve run more conferences than I can remember during my 14-year career in this sector, and sadly I’ve seen some of them suffer from an overly protective and pushy sales approach,” Stead continued. “I can understand the individual motivations for this, but it’s counterproductive at learning and networking events like this.”
“It’s a great community and we are very happy to be part of this ecosystem; it’s an excellent event,” added Paul Fleck, Founder of Dataspeed.
Dataspeed Founder Paul Fleck (black shirt, jacket, middle) talks with AutoSens Detroit attendees in May 2018. Dataspeed showcased the company’s ADAS Kit which helps engineers maximize their development of autonomous systems in the field. Fleck, an engineer himself, lost a loved one in an auto accident. The experience led him to develop technology he believes will save lives. Photo: Alex Hartman for Sense Media.
Tickets, Location & More Information
AutoSens Detroit 2019 begins on Tuesday, May 14th at the Michigan Science Center and runs through the 16th. Organizers say they are happy to see so many returning exhibitors alongside plenty of new brands. A demonstration event is also planned for the 14th, where attendees can take laps in vehicles equipped with autonomous technology.
Tickets, including discount packages for females in the engineering community, are available now.
“AutoSens is all about nurturing the global community of bright minds who are driving forward this revolution in automotive,” Stead said. “A truly international audience will assemble in downtown Detroit to collaborate and learn from each other’s experiences, meet new people, and catch up with old friends.”
Carl Anthony 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. Before returning to school, he simultaneously held product development and experiential marketing roles in the automotive industry. 



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Longest-Lasting Vehicles: New Data Reveals 14 of Them

Longest-Lasting Vehicles: New Data Reveals 14 of Them A study from iSeeCars on the longest-lasting vehicles to reach 200,000-miles is an eye-opener for potential car buyers. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, this study might be of huge help. It not only covers SUVs, sedans, and pickups, but also offers insight on the longest-lasting luxury vehicles and sports cars. The study ultimately shows that while vehicles today benefit from modern advances in technology and manufacturing, some are simply better than others.
SUVs, for example, are among the most reliable vehicles today.
“A few patterns stood out when we completed this study,” explained Julie Blackley, iSeeCars Communications Manager. “The first is the dominance of full-size SUVs with body-on-frame or truck-based platforms. Also, American vehicles have a strong showing on the overall list, with six full-size SUVs earning the distinction of the longest-lasting vehicles.”
And if you think squeezing 200,000 miles out of your car is absurd, the study also includes the highest percentage of vehicles likely to reach 300,000 miles. Yes, these cars do exist. They are out there somewhere, churning more miles than Forrest Gump on a depression-fueled running binge. Let’s take a closer look.
Combing Through The Data
The study involved over 13.8 million cars sold last year. Using that data, iSeeCars found 14 vehicles most likely to eclipse the 200,000-mile mark. The average nameplate has .8% of its vehicles achieving 200,00 miles or more, but car shoppers can increase their odds by considering one of the 14 entries on the list.
“This is a very important topic, because regardless of if you plan on keeping your car for 200,000 miles, most car shoppers want a reliable and durable vehicle,” Blackley said. “It’s important for consumers to have unbiased information to help them make an informed purchasing decision, which is why we analyzed over 13 million listings to develop this study.”
Big SUVs Stand Out
Earning the top spot is, unsurprisingly, the Toyota Sequoia full-size SUV. The study shows 7.4 percent of Sequoias have logged 200,000 or more miles on the odometer. Tied in second and third place respectively are the Chevy Suburban and Ford Expedition. Next is the GMC Yukon XL (4.0%), Toyota 4Runner (3.9%), Chevy Tahoe (3.8%), and Toyota Highlander Hybrid (3.1%).
Further down the list we see the Honda Ridgeline (3.0%), GMC Yukon (2.8%), Toyota Tacoma (2.6%), and Tundra (2.6%). Also included are the Toyota Avalon, Honda Odyssey, and Lincoln Navigator.
iSeeCars analyzed over 13.8 million vehicles sold in 2018 to find which ones are most likely to hit 200,000 miles. The top 14 have at least 2.2 percent (almost three times the overall average) of their vehicles reaching 200,000 miles. According to the data, SUVs are among the longest-lasting vehicles.
Longest-Lasting Vehicles: Pickup Trucks
According to the study, the top five trucks are the Honda Ridgeline (3.0%), Toyota Tacoma and Tundra (2.6%), Chevy Silverado 1500 (1.9%), and Ford F-150 (1.8%). The Nissan Titan, GMC Sierra 1500, Ram 1500, Chevy Colorado, and Nissan Frontier each bring up the rear. The Silverado ranks higher than the Sierra, something we find odd since both come from the same Fort Wayne, Indiana assembly line. Suffice to say, both trucks are mechanically identical, albeit targeted at different buyers.
“We were surprised by this too,” Blackley said. “The Chevrolet Silverado is more of a working truck, while the GMC Sierra markets itself as more luxurious. As such, the Silverado may log more miles since it’s more likely to be used for work purposes.”
A Steel Horse
On this particular list of tough workhorses, the Honda Ridgeline sticks out like a sore thumb. It is the only one with a unibody (unit-body in Honda speak), or a car-like platform. And yet, it manages to be the study’s top truck, besting its more rugged body-on-frame competitors.
“While we weren’t surprised to see this vehicle on the list as Honda has a strong reputation for reliability, we found it interesting that the unibody Ridgeline was the longest-lasting pickup,” Blackley said.
The Honda Ridgeline utilizes six different grades of steel, including high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel in the unit-body. An aluminum hood and front bumper-reinforcement beam combines with a cast-magnesium steering hanger beam. These materials and their placement were determined by strength, safety, and overall performance, according to Honda. Versus the prior generation, the new Ridgeline has 28 percent greater torsional rigidity, meaning it’s more rugged than it looks.
“The success of the Ridgeline has paved the way for other automakers to develop similar pickup trucks,” Blackley added. “These vehicles fill a void by attracting a consumer who wants the function of a pickup truck with the comfortable handling of a crossover.”
The Honda Ridgeline utilizes six different grades of steel, a contributing factor to its longevity. Photo: Honda North America.
Truth In Toyota’s Pudding
Six of the 14 vehicles in this longevity study carry a Toyota badge. The results mirror a similar study conducted by iSeeCars that focused on ownership; specifically cars that original owners were most likely to keep for 15 years or more. After analyzing over 750,000 vehicles sold last year, iSeeCars found that Toyota owners went the distance in terms of ownership. Although revealing, these findings are not exclusive to research conducted by iSeeCars either. Toyota vehicles remain the creme of the crop in other similar studies.
“Toyota performs well in most of our studies related to longevity and reliability,” Blackley said. “These rankings are consistent with other vehicle reliability rankings from other companies like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports.”
“Honestly, I think this is about resale value as much as it is anything else; reliable cars have a higher resale value with all things being equal,” added Tom Blackman, Parts Director at Olathe Toyota Parts Center in Olathe, Kansas. “I also think a lot of older Toyotas are on the road because people have more invested in them.”
Toyota was named for a third year as the Best Brand in Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards. Kelley Blue Book said of the award that Toyota has a reputation for building high-quality vehicles. On KBB’s list, the Tacoma received top honors for resale.
“You don’t scrap an old Tacoma that needs work. The same can’t be said for an old Ford Ranger or Chevy Colorado,” Blackman explained. “If you buy an old Ford Taurus for $1,200, and it needs a $1,000 repair, you probably just scrap the car; but if you buy an old Toyota Camry for $3,500 and it needs a $1,000 repair, you fix it.” 
2007 Toyota Camry. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Engineering Innovations & Customer Commitments
Perhaps one reason why Toyota tops this study from iSeeCars (and other similar ones) is the company’s commitment to quality and innovation. In 2017, for example, Toyota opened their $80 million, 235,000 square-foot Production Engineering and Manufacturing Center (PEMC) in Georgetown, Kentucky.
The facility serves as a home base for more than 600 Toyota production engineers with a 50/50 split between desk and collaboration space. All desks are sit-to-stand and engineers regularly meet with other teams. The goal? All 600 boffins are there to brainstorm and solve problems before a potential issue becomes a huge headache to the consumer.
“Our production engineers are at the top of their game and help shape the future of Toyota,” said Jim Lentz, Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Motor North America. “They push the limits every day on what’s possible in manufacturing to produce ever-better vehicles.”
Blackman believes Toyota “sweats the little stuff” and will always go the extra mile.
“I’ve worked in this business for 30 years, and Toyota is the only automaker I know of that sends engineers out into the field to ask questions,” he said. “If a Toyota vehicle or part has a problem, Toyota sends engineers out to see for themselves. They ask questions and listen to the response. Most of the other brands I’ve worked with are too cheap or too arrogant to send engineers out to look at something.”
“This not only speaks to the quality of Toyota vehicles, but also to the consumers who buy them,” Blackley added.
In addition to production engineering, supporting teams at PEMC include indirect purchasing, information systems, strategic business management, human resources, and talent development. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Longest-Lasting Vehicles: Sedans, Hybrids & Minivans
iSeeCars examined passenger cars, green vehicles, and minivans, where Toyota again held most of the list. The Toyota Avalon is first, then the Honda Odyssey, Accord, Toyota Sienna, and Prius. Rounding out the top ten are the Chevy Impala, Ford Taurus, Toyota Camry and Hybrid, and the Honda Civic. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Lexus RX 450h, and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid also made the list of longest-lasting vehicles.
We’re not surprised to see the Impala and Taurus here. Both are common fleet/rental cars and are more likely to pile up the miles. With regard to everyday family vehicles, Honda takes the gold.
“The Honda Odyssey represents the vehicle segment most commonly associated with family hauling,” Blackley said. “If they do choose to keep a minivan for the long haul, it is most likely to be the Odyssey.”

Tips & Advice: Keep It Simple
There’s a general consensus that – compared to older ones – newer vehicles are less prone to breaking down. But whether old or new, every vehicle has the potential to reach 200,000 miles with proper care and diligent maintenance. While the iSeeCars study points overwhelmingly to Toyota, there are things you can do to keep your vehicle running like clockwork, regardless of make and model. Basic things like regular oil, fluid, and filter changes, and checking the tire pressures and tread depths will benefit your vehicle in the long haul.
“Regardless of whether or not they appeared on this list, every vehicle made today has the potential to reach 200,000 miles with the proper maintenance and care,” Blackley said. “Routine oil changes and following the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance schedule are behaviors that can help a car last longer.”
Tips & Advice: Seasonal Factors & The Power of DIY
Varying weather conditions also affect the longevity of your vehicle. As the seasons change, certain parts in your vehicle can wear faster than others. It’s important to be aware of these top seasonal car repairs to help you cope with the unexpected. The more you know about car maintenance, the more likely your car will stay running for 200,000 miles and beyond.
“My advice is always the same: do the scheduled maintenance, drive it like you want it to last forever, and do as much work as you can yourself,” Blackman said. “It can be a hassle to change your own oil or replace your spark plugs, but it helps you stay on top of things.”
“Don’t forget regular car washes either,” Blackley added.



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Nissan IMQ Concept: The Future of Hybrid Crossovers Is In Good Hands

Nissan IMQ Concept: The Future of Hybrid Crossovers Is In Good Hands The IMQ concept is Nissan’s vision for the future of transportation. 
The concept’s styling and design is inspired by Japanese kumiko woodwork.
Invisible-to-Visible (I2V) technology is one of the IMQ concept’s top safety features. 
Nissan is riding high on the success of the Nissan Leaf. We give credit when it’s due, so kudos to Nissan for being one of the EV pioneers in the industry. And while the Nissan IMx and IMS electric vehicles are still fresh in the minds of Nissan lovers alike, the Japanese car maker is singing a different tune with the IMQ concept hybrid crossover.
Yes, it’s a hybrid. And a pretty one at that.
Taking The Stage
The Nissan IMQ concept made quite an impression during the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show. Because unlike other concept vehicles with ridiculous features and polarizing designs, the IMQ concept feels – for lack of a better word – closer to reality. Now, we all know how concepts turn from good to not-so-good when the production version hits the shelves, so it’s better to calm your appetite until we get to the juicy parts.
But if by some stroke of magic Nissan infuses the design cues of the IMQ in the production model, then I’m all in. From the looks of it, it seems the future of hybrid crossovers is in good hands.
Nissan IMQ concept. Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Related: Connecting your literal brain to the Nissan IMx KURO concept.
Stealth Attack Fighter
This is where it gets interesting. Where the Nissan IMx crossover and IMS sedan carry the familiar V-motion grille, the IMQ Concept is brandishing a different face; and it’s all for the better. I find nothing wrong with the front face of the IMx and IMS, but the IMQ Concept is the most desirable among the three.
And it has to be. The IMQ Concept marks a bold new direction in Nissan’s design language. The new V-motion grille is more subtle and blends vertically into the sharper hood. It also wraps in the front bumper horizontally, creating outer edges similar to what you see in the F-117A Nighthawk stealth attack fighter. The windshield wraps around the body with ultra-thin A-pillars and no B-pillars, which necessitates the use of rear suicide doors.
On some angles, the Nissan IMQ looks like the lovechild of a Nissan GT-R and Lexus RX Hybrid. From the rear, it manages to resemble the BMW X6, but in a better way. There’s a vertical character line that drops from the “boomerang” light clusters to literally split the air as it passes down the side. This not only improves aerodynamic performance, but it gives the crossover the gait of a much sportier vehicle.
See those darkened lower sections in the body? Those are detailed layers called “lamellas” and are splattered all over the exterior. Not sure if this feature makes it to production, but it shows the traditional Japanese side of Nissan.
Three-dimensional ridges on the darkened lower sections, known as “lamellas,” signify traditional Japanese design. Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
If by some stroke of magic @Nissan infuses the design cues of the IMQ in the production model, then I’m all in. From the looks of it, it seems the future of hybrid crossovers is in good hands.Click To TweetDriven by e-POWER
The Nissan IMQ concept may be a hybrid, but it’s a different breed of hybrid. For one thing, it comes with Nissan’s next-generation e-POWER electric motor drive system. Now we can nerd on this tech all day, but I’ll make it simple: e-POWER allows you to experience the sensation of driving an EV without worrying about charging the damn thing.
The vehicle comes with four electric motors at each wheel. Nissan claims a combined output of 335 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque. It also comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline mill to charge the battery pack, although why you’ll need a turbo for this purpose is beyond me – maybe to “super-charge” or “turbo-charge” the charging, perhaps?
And since all four wheels have their respective motors, the power is channeled directly to a new multi-motor all-wheel drive system. This allows the IMQ concept to deliver precise and independent control of each wheel. This means conquering snowy, rocky, or rougher patches of tarmac; because nobody said you can’t go off-roading in a hybrid. The upcoming Jeep Renegade and Compass plug-in hybrids are proof of that.
Of course, no concept SUV is complete without a set of evocative 22-inch alloy wheels and smart tires. If the Imagine by Kia Concept came with Goodyear Intelligrip EV concept tires, the Nissan IMQ makes do with bespoke Bridgestone Connect tires. The rollers transmit data to the vehicle ECU to precisely calibrate the performance of the vehicle. Cool stuff, but I’m wondering how much it costs to fix a puncture in these tires?
Each seat is finished in a two-tone 3D technical fabric inspired by Japanese kumiko woodwork. The pattern is replicated on the instrument panel, door trim, parcel shelf, and on the seat back’s metallic finish. Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
e-POWER allows you to experience the sensation of driving an #EV without worrying about charging the damn thing.Click To TweetTechnological Showcase: A Throwback
If the exterior emanates a high-tech presence, wait until you get inside. The controls and displays are clearly oriented toward the driver. It has a humongous 33-inch digital display (take that, Tesla!) along with a secondary screen above the center console. Even the steering wheel is not spared from the modern touch. Just look at that thing. It’s like piloting the Millennium Falcon in there, which 40-year-old kids will surely appreciate.
Technological Showcase: Innovative Safety
But the biggest tech showcase in the Nissan IMQ concept is not the outrageously huge display or the funky tiller. The distinction belongs to Nissan’s Invisible-to-Visible (I2V) Technology. It merges the real world with the virtual one. It allows the driver to see through buildings, obstacles, and larger objects. This helps you see better around corners and intersections to prevent and reduce accidents. Again, we can salivate like geeks, because this is space-age tech.
Nissan’s innovative safety feature utilizes Omni-Sensing technology to collect “real-world sensing information,” both inside and outside the cabin. The vehicle also benefits from Nissan’s ProPilot Assist system via the barrage of sensors, radars, and cameras located throughout the vehicle.
Nissan’s Invisible-To-Visible (I2T) Technology detects hidden obstacles on the road ahead. Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
It's like piloting the Millennium Falcon in there, which 40-year-old kids will surely appreciate.Click To TweetNext-Generation Nissan Crossover
So far, so good. The Nissan IMQ Concept is clearly targeted at a different niche. It’s a hybrid crossover for those who aren’t ready to take the full-EV plunge. Whether all this makes it to production is the million dollar question.
We’ll just have to wait and see.
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. 
Nissan IMQ Concept Gallery











Photos & Source: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.



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Alfa Romeo Tonale: When Concepts Cars Become Social Creatures

Alfa Romeo Tonale: When Concepts Cars Become Social Creatures The Tonale concept is Alfa Romeo’s first plug-in hybrid and premium compact SUV.
Styling elements include throwbacks to the brand’s history but take into account future designs.     
New infotainment features allow drivers to be “fully connected” to the social communities around them.
Normally, if you try and cram too many interesting things together into one package, it ends up being a mish-mash and the end product isn’t very good. For example, if you try to combine a plug-in hybrid with a premium, compact SUV it might not work. Add to that mix Alfa Romeo, and you’d think you’d be heading down the wrong road. But check out the new Alfa Romeo Tonale concept from the recent Geneva International Motor Show.
It’s a compact SUV that’s easy on gas and even easier on the eyes.
The Showcase Car
First off, this is a show car, so don’t get your hopes up. Secondly, this isn’t a totally radical show car powered by stellar gasses filtered through rare earth substrates. The Tonale seems to be more of a showcase car than a show car, so maybe do get your hopes up. What Alfa has done here is demonstrate two things: One, you can have an SUV-like vehicle that is stylish and, two, a lot of the stuff you find within the Tonale you could easily find in other Alfas.
A lot could be said about the overall design and styling of the Tonale. And Lord knows I could say it, but I really hesitate to go into that sort of thing. Whether a car looks “good” or not is ultimately up to you and your eyes. What can be said is that Italians have a real gift for making even mundane vehicles (like SUV/crossovers) look like the hottest thing to come down the road since forever. To my eyes, this is a really well done car. The surface tension harks back to Alfa styling moves of the past  – the Brera-like headlights, big phone dial wheels and such – all show that while German and Japanese car designers struggle to make stuff work, Italians do it without breaking a sweat.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale concept seats four and is decorated inside with aluminum trim, Alcantara leather, and translucent backlit panels. Photo: Alfa Romeo.
Related: Taking a day trip to Kelmscott Manor in a beautiful blue Alfa Romeo.
At Your Fingertips
Where the Tonale gets more concrete is on the inside. Not so much the styling, but what Alfa has decided to pack in there. Where modern cars currently are with concern to dashboards is becoming well-established. Screens are ideal, if not outright required. Fancy touchscreens and multi-function displays are no longer confined to the Rolls Royces and Bentleys of the world. So, if they are everywhere now, what will our dashboards of the near future look like and how will they function?
Alfa thinks it can answer that question.
The Tonale features a 12.3-inch, full-digital cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the central head unit. The main instrument cluster does what you’d expect, measuring speed, revs, and vehicle status stuff, while the big screen in the center handles all the infotainment. That’s pretty standard. What Alfa concentrates on is, of all things, the UI and software to make a seamless and fluid interface. Thus, multitasking becomes easier, more intuitive, and natural. Alfa says the driver will have all the latest features and functionality readily available at their fingertips.
And here’s where Alfa goes over the top, saying the Tonale allows you to be fully connected to the Alfa Romeo Lifestyle and Social communities through features like “Alfista” and “Paddock.”
The Alfa Romeo Tonale concept takes its name from the Tonale Pass, not far from the Stelvio Pass in the Alps. Photo: Alfa Romeo.
Entering The World of Alfa Romeo
Alfista is an “immersive” Alfa Romeo Lifestyle experience. Which kind of makes me shudder. When Alfa tries to explain itself, it doesn’t make me feel any better. Alfista aims to connect you with select Alfa Romeo clubs and community events. You know, get togethers, gatherings, drives and such; you receive live news and updates about all that as well as the current happenings of the Alfa Romeo brand. Ugh. It’s not a completely bad idea, but I don’t see why your car has to do what your phone already does.
Paddock is the “in-vehicle garage and market.” Paddock allows for the real-time viewing and purchasing of all the latest interior and exterior performance upgrades, equipment, and Alfa Romeo merchandise and apparel. All of which can be ordered direct via the touchscreen. Again, this makes me ask why you should do this with your car and not your phone.
What Alfa is pointing to here, however, is interesting. The problem is they are trying to tie their software to their hardware. What they should be doing is providing Alfista and Paddock to customers as a software download for their phones. Watch, I bet Alfa ends up doing that anyway in a few years. Alfista and Paddock are good ideas, just delivered through the wrong medium.
Alfa Romeo Tonale concept sketch.
Power & Performance: Slim Details But Promising
Sadly, Alfa does not give many technical details on the drivetrain, other than to mention the obvious. It’s a full-on, plug-in hybrid system. You can run on electricity or gasoline or both, and you can charge the batteries by hooking up to the grid. What Alfa does say is that they’ve tweaked the software so that as you drive the Tonale – or any other future hybrid with this system – you can go from electric to gasoline without noticing where the power is coming from. No need to worry, the Tonale figures it out for you. Just aim your nose down the via and go!
They say it still drives and feels like an Alfa Romeo (i.e. a total blast) but it’s now much more eco-conscious on your behalf.
“The Tonale marks the debut of the brand in the premium compact utility vehicle segment and does so in line with the characteristics that have always identified each Alfa Romeo model,” reads a statement from the company. “The goal is to deliver the best driving dynamics in the segment and to apply electrification in perfect Alfa Romeo style.”
Strangely, this mish-mash of stuff that shouldn’t work at all sounds really good to me.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz. 
Alfa Romeo Tonale Concept Gallery


























Photos & Source: Alfa Romeo.



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2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Review: Perfect For The Weekend Warrior

2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Review: Perfect For The Weekend Warrior 92Solid 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD ProOverall Impression Plenty capable off-road or in bad weather.
Perfect truck for those weekend getaways.ProsRugged Towing Capability Cargo & Storage CapacityConsDriving Position Cramped For Taller DriversFor those wanting to get off the beaten path and away from civilization, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is a truck for extreme adventures. Get the Double Cab and you can take all your friends, and have room for extra gear on the excursion. If you need to cross a river (or two), read on to see how this Tacoma will get you deep into the wilderness.
This week, we’ve been driving the 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro 4×4 Double Cab.
What’s New For 2019
The Toyota Tacoma gets an updated TRD Pro trim with more off-road-ready equipment and an available high-mounted “snorkel” air intake. All trims now have two additional USB charge ports.
Features & Options: Roads Not Required 
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro 4×4 Double Cab ($45,365) has a five-foot bed with a 400-watt power outlet, a full rear seat, and turn signals in the mirror housings. Automatic transmission-equipped trucks gain smart entry, push-button start, and navigation via the Entune premium audio system’s seven-inch touchscreen.
The off-road performance upgrades set this trim apart: knobby all-terrain tires on 16-inch alloy wheels, the deletion of the front air dam, extra skid plates, a lockable rear differential, and an advanced off-road traction control system with multiple terrain settings and crawl control.
The TRD Pro also includes a Fox Off-Road Suspension with front coilovers and remote reservoir rear shock absorbers. The TRD Pro benefits from a one-inch suspension lift, larger anti-sway bar, a 1/4-inch aluminum front skid plate, and the aforementioned 16-inch wheels that offer an inch wider track. The unique hood with a (non-functioning) scoop, “eye-black” decal, and TRD cat-back exhaust were also included.
TRD-themed trim elements include the grille, headlight and taillight bezels, badging, shift knob, and floor mats. Our tester even came with the Desert Air Intake ($725). Total MSRP including destination: $47,383. By comparison, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma starts at $25,700 (4×2 Access Cab).
The optional Desert Air Intake system, a snorkel-like device that runs up the passenger side pillar, allows the engine to take air (likely to be less dusty and dirty) from above the windshield.
Interior Highlights: Nice But Cramped 
The Tacoma’s cabin is comfortable enough for longer trips to the back country, and with the heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and premium JBL audio, it’s an enjoyable place to spend time. Although, with the high floor and low roof, you need to watch your head getting into the cab. It can feel a bit cramped for taller drivers.
Our tester came with an attractive, all-black interior and lots of soft-touch materials throughout. It featured plenty of storage plus a convenient cell phone charging pad in front of the gear shifter. The front seats could use more adjustment capabilities as they offered minimal support, but the tilt/telescoping steering wheel makes it easier to find the right driving position.
The backup camera made things simple, especially with the longer cab as we navigated around. This model features a full-size rear seat (split 70/30) and flips up to reveal convenient under seat storage for valuables. The rear seat offers adequate room for two adults but would be cramped with three.
2019 Toyota Tacoma interior layout.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Tacoma TRD Pro is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with direct injection, making 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft. of torque. Our tester came mated to a six-speed automatic with a 3.909 final drive ratio. Additional off-road capability comes via a 4WDemand Partime 4×4 system with a two-speed transmission. TRD Pro models include a locking rear differential for extra traction. With the V6 Tow Prep Package, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma can tow a maximum of 6,400 lbs.   
EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 3.5-liter V6 is 18/22 city/highway and 20 combined mpg for a 4X4 with the automatic transmission.
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma comes standard with a 2.7-liter in-line four-cylinder (159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft. of torque). However, it’s hard to justify this engine in terms of fuel economy versus the larger, more powerful V6. In a 4×4 configuration, the 2.7-liter returns an EPA-estimated 19/22 city/highway and 20 combined mpg.

Driving Dynamics: Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
We drove the new TRD Pro on an ideal trail just west of Denver near Morrison. It was a good place to test the Tacoma’s true capability. The road turns from pavement to dirt, then a trail appears. And that’s when our afternoon fun started! The Fox Off-Road Suspension handled the rough road with ease as we navigated up the mountain trail. The road turns uphill and a short, steep climb required us to slip into low range. A turn of the range-select knob on the dash to “4Lo” quickly puts the truck into low range, and an indicator lights up for confirmation.
As the Tacoma TRD Pro crawled up the steep hill, we steered it to the top without issue. We did it again going down with the same steady and effortless results. For those looking for a true off-road pickup, the Tacoma TRD Pro is an ideal candidate. It excels on primitive trails and rough terrain.
But how does it handle on the highway and in the city?

Driving Dynamics: Taking On The Bomb Cyclone
We were able to drive the TRD Pro in the “Bomb Cyclone” storm that hit Colorado. We pushed through two feet of wet, heavy snow and the truck never missed a beat. There were plenty of unplowed roads around, but this 2019 Tacoma escorted us safely to our destination. Finally, the optional Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are must-haves with this longer Double Cab pickup. They saved us a number of times from getting hit when we couldn’t see traffic and obstacles around us.
Given this Tacoma is longer, the parking sensors are a must as well. 
Conclusion: Ready For The Weekend! 
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is ideal for adventure enthusiasts who want to get off the beaten path. Toyota’s reputation for durability and strong resale value put it at the top of the list in the mid-size truck segment. If you are transporting dirt bikes, four-wheelers, and snow machines; if you’re heading up the mountain to go skiing, or pulling a small camping trailer, this truck will meet your needs.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his firsthand reviews are archived on our test drives page. Follow Denis on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Toyota Tacoma Gallery























Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (Additional Tacoma models shown).



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2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe: Now With “Broader Shoulders”

2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe: Now With “Broader Shoulders” The 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe has a lower profile than the normal Cayenne. 
Two engines are available, including a more powerful and turbocharged V8.
Porsche says to expect the new Cayenne Coupe in the U.S. later this fall. 
Porsche is extending the Cayenne model line with a new Coupe body style. Highlights include sharper lines, an adaptive rear spoiler, individual rear seats, and either a standard panoramic fixed-glass roof, or an optional carbon fiber roof. The 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe also has a Turbo variant for those wanting a few more ponies.
“The Coupe includes all the technical highlights of the current Cayenne, but has an even more dynamic design and new technical details that position it as more progressive, athletic, and emotional,” said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG.
Broad Shoulders & Sport Seats
Porsche’s designers went for an athletic and dynamic look. For example, the front windshield and A-pillar are shallower versus the Cayenne; the roof edge is roughly 0.78 inches lower than the standard design. The rear doors and quarter panels also receive a makeover in an effort to “broaden the shoulders.” Even the licence plate bracket gets special treatment. It’s now part of the bumper, making it look as if the Cayenne Coupe sits lower to the ground.
Cayenne Coupe drivers will enjoy the eight-way Sport Seats that offer generous lateral support, according to Porsche. In the rear, the Coupe receives a bench but with characteristics of individual seats. Rear passengers sit 1.18 inches lower than in the Cayenne, meaning headroom is unaffected despite the lower profile. Cargo volume is 22 cubic feet and increases to 54.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
By comparison, the Cayenne Turbo Coupe has 21.2 feet with the rear seats standing; 53.3 cubic feet folded.
2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Power & Performance
The Cayenne Coupe features the same 3.0-liter mono-turbo V6 as the standard Cayenne, generating 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft. of torque. The standard Coupe hits 60 in 5.7 seconds; 5.6 seconds with Porsche’s optional lightweight-sport packages. By comparison, the Cayenne Turbo Coupe employs a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 with 541 horsepower and 567 lb-ft. of torque. The Turbo Coupe hits 60 in 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 178 mph.
All Cayenne Coupe models come with the Sport Chrono Package standard. For the Cayenne Turbo Coupe, Porsche’s Sport Exhaust System is available.
The current Cayenne Turbo was the first Porsche to feature an adaptive roof spoiler, something the new Cayenne Coupe adopts. Every Cayenne Coupe receives both the roof spoiler and an adaptive rear spoiler as part of the Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA) package. The spoiler extends by 5.3 inches to increase downforce to the rear axle at speeds above 56 mph.
2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Pricing & Availability
The 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe will arrive this fall with a starting price of $75,300. The Cayenne Turbo Coupe will start at $130,100. Add an additional $1,250 for delivery, processing, and handling.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report.
Photos & Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.



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New Volvo Tech Could Intervene During Distracted & Intoxicated Driving

New Volvo Tech Could Intervene During Distracted & Intoxicated Driving Volvo’s new monitoring system aims to reduce the impacts of distracted and impaired driving.
The technology allows the vehicle to automatically intervene if a driver fails to respond to warnings.
As part of a larger conversation, Volvo asks if automakers have an obligation to produce such technology. 
Volvo is showcasing new technology that may prevent fatal accidents involving impairment, speeding, and distraction. The automaker is doubling down on their vision of a future with zero traffic fatalities, saying it’s necessary to address these three main “gaps.” This news follows Volvo’s more recent announcement about limiting the top speed on all their cars to 111 mph starting in 2021.
Volvo says they want to start a conversation about whether automakers have the right, or maybe even the obligation to install technology that can change a drivers’ behavior.
“When it comes to safety, our aim is to avoid accidents altogether rather than limit the impact when an accident is imminent and unavoidable,” explained Henrik Green, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Cars. “In this case, cameras will monitor for behavior that may lead to serious injury or death.”
What The Data Shows
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 30 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2017 involved intoxicated driving. Further data from the National Safety Council determined around 80,000 total roadway deaths occurred in the United States through 2017 and 2018. The latest statistics reflect a slow leveling off, with the number of fatalities in the first six months of 2018 dipping slightly. (Less than 0.5 percent from six-month 2017 estimates).
However, experts believe it may only be a “stabilization” of the largest two-year increase in over 50 years; between 2014 and 2016.
“When it comes to this leading cause of accidental death, we aren’t making progress – we’re treading water,” said Ken Kolosh, Manager of Statistics, National Safety Council. “We cannot accept more than 18,700 deaths as the price of mobility.”
Volvo’s new camera monitoring system aims to reduce the impacts of distracted and impaired driving. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Proactive Approach
Volvo believes fatal accidents involving intoxication and distraction can be addressed via cameras and sensors that monitor the driver. If an impaired driver does not respond to warning signals, and is risking an accident, the vehicle can automatically intervene. Intervention measures include automatically limiting the car’s speed, alerting the Volvo on Call service and, as a final course of action, actively slowing down and safely parking the car.
“There are many accidents that occur as a result of intoxicated drivers,” said Trent Victor, Professor of Driver Behavior at Volvo Cars. “Some people still believe that they can drive after having had a drink, and that this will not affect their capabilities. We want to ensure that people are not put in danger as a result of intoxication.”
Graph: Volvo Car Group.
Related: Distracted driving kills and it’s a worldwide problem.
Recognizing Patters
Volvo’s driver monitoring system looks for certain telltale signs involving distracted and intoxicated driving. For example, a lack of steering inputs for extended periods of time, extreme weaving across lanes, and slow reaction times. The system even detects if a driver closes or takes their eyes off the road for too long. Volvo’s technology could intervene if say a driver is texting behind the wheel.
“It takes on average 4.6 seconds to send a text message,” said Special First Lieutenant and Traffic Safety Specialist Jim Flegel of the Michigan State Police. “At 55 mph, that is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded.”
According to NHTSA, distracted driving accounted for 3,450 deaths in 2016. The Traffic Safety Facts Research Note on Distracted Driving, also conducted by NHTSA, found drivers under the age of 20 had the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes in 2015.
Implementation & Future Considerations
Volvo plans to introduce the cameras starting in 2020. The camera’s position, location, and number thereof is still being determined. In the meantime, experts say driving defensively is the best way to stay safe on the road. Always buckle up, ignore text messages, obey all posted signs, and designate a sober driver.
“The sad part is that 100 percent of crashes related to distracted and intoxicated driving are preventable,” Flegel said.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report. 
Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group, NHTSA, NSC.



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Letter From The UK: What Happens To Our Car Industry Now?

Letter From The UK: What Happens To Our Car Industry Now? The Brexit debate continues with more questions than answers.
Threats of tariffs loom for an industry already experiencing a slowdown. 
Geoff Maxted of DriveWrite Automotive Magazine examines in this Letter From The UK.
Over the last few days, the British public has watched open-mouthed at the antics of their elected representatives in the UK parliament. With just a couple of weeks to go before our nation leaves BY LAW (unless the government passes new legislation or comes to some form of agreement in the meantime), the unseemly meleé over Brexit among both government and opposition political parties makes you wonder about the future of democracy itself in Great Britain. The weak vacillation, the posturing and, yes, the lying has had a devastating effect on industry; generally and specifically on our car manufacturers who simply have no idea which way to turn.
Right now, thanks to European free trade, cars and component parts move freely in both directions, but what happens if borders start to impose tariffs which could be the case in the event of ‘no deal’ Brexit departure. Our motor industry has been consistent and united in the view that a ‘no deal’ Brexit would have a devastating impact on the sector, and the hundreds of thousands of jobs it supports.
Some commentators argue that it will be all right in the end, but it probably won’t.
The Hard Truths
Some say the car industry shouldn’t worry about leaving the EU with ‘no deal,’ yet the reality is that leaving without a deal with our European partners would trigger the most seismic shift in trading conditions UK car manufacturing has ever experienced. As the situation stands right now, literally overnight, it would be hit by an immediate end to free and frictionless trade with its biggest market, an end to being partners in preferential negotiated EU trade with a further 70 countries worldwide, the imposition of billions of pounds of tariffs and severe disruption to supply chains and production.
That’s the Ground Zero prediction.
Already, the past two years have seen a significant drop in investment, car sales, and manufacturing; each driving the industry off course to meet its production target of two million cars by 2020. This is a cyclical sector and other issues are also undermining global growth; falling sales of diesel engine vehicles and the shaky Chinese car market for example, but companies surveyed over time have said that Brexit was costing jobs and competitiveness.
It’s their industry; they should know.
A technician works the line at the Jaguar Land Rover Solihull plant in Lode Lane, Solihull, England. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Related: It’s crunch time across the pond. How will the motor industry respond?
Looming Threats
Only twelve percent of cars sold here in the UK are built here. We export more than 80 percent of the cars we produce, with two-thirds of these sold in the EU and markets such as Canada, Japan, South Korea, and Turkey with which the EU has those preferential trade agreements. Tariffs would disadvantage UK car manufacturers in all of these markets.
It is widely believed that as our car industry would no longer be governed by euro-rules, a ‘no deal’ Brexit will help reduce car prices and increase choice for the consumer. Conceivably, this might be possible but, like walking into a dark and foreboding forest, you never know what might be behind the trees. Unless the UK reaches agreement with the EU, tariffs may very well increase. After all, consumer choice depends on profitability and importers to the UK already have to engineer cars for right-hand drive, which is a significant added cost in itself. If prices rise, the market will contract, further squeezing margins and causing consumer choice to shrink.
The German car industry for example sells 750,000 cars in the UK; clearly it will want to protect its own interests. Both the Germans and the rest of the car manufacturing countries have been clear: the single market matters more to them than a deal with the UK.
Last year, the Nissan Juke became the fourth Sunderland-built model to hit one million units. On average, a Juke is built at Nissan’s UK plant every 105 seconds. Photo: Nissan Motor Company Ltd.
Related: Is the UK car industry about to fall off the cliff?
The Immediate Future
Of course, as is often the way with politicians, it is quite possible that an amicable agreement will miraculously appear, like a genie out of a lamp. It might be that exceptions and accommodations can be made which override the issues. Why would anyone in their right mind jeopardise the future of the car industry across Europe and the UK?
It seems unconscionable, but then of course we are dealing with political ideology and their dodgy proponents in which case it is usually the population that suffers the consequences.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite




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Night Vision For The Masses: NightRide Helps Keep Drivers Safe

Night Vision For The Masses: NightRide Helps Keep Drivers Safe Sometimes even with the best of headlights, it’s impossible to see everything at night. 
A new product called NightRide uses advanced infrared technology to help drivers see after dark.  
The NightRide unit comes with two different displays, including a “fighter pilot” style heads-up display. 
There’s no doubt about it. Driving at night is risky business. Throw in visually-impaired drivers, fatigue from the long work day, and rush hour traffic and the odds are further against you. In fact, the National Safety Council finds that 50 percent of traffic deaths happen at night. The developers of NightRide considered statistics like these when they went to work on the innovative plug-and-play device that utilizes far-wave military-grade infrared technology.
Beyond Headlights
NightRide is essentially a thermal camera that allows drivers to see well beyond the range of standard headlights, providing additional visibility in darkness and during severe weather. The unit is designed to detect things like deer, pedestrians, and black ice at night, and during rainy, foggy, and snowy conditions.
“The driving force behind NightRide is our desire to empower people to drive at night with total peace of mind,” said Shawn Groce, Founder of Wesa, the company behind NightRide. “Collisions with animals are costing Americans $1 billion each year.”
NightRide is a thermal camera that detects hard-to-see objects in the dark. Photo: Wesa Inc.
Infrared-Based Night Vision System
Unlike conventional night vision systems that magnify small amounts of ambient light, NightRide can operate in total darkness by using thermal infrared technology. Infrared measures the amount of heat emitted by people or objects to create a visual image of the objects ahead. Groce believes this gives drivers an advantage during the night.
“According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, regular headlights can only help drivers see up to a maximum of 160 feet ahead. Most of the time, this is insufficient to see the road and to make decisions to avoid accidents that lead to injury or death,” he explained. “But since NightRide helps drivers see up to four times further than headlights, and can see beyond rain, snow, and fog, the risk of hitting someone or having an accident is significantly reduced.”
NightRide captures people and objects much farther away than ordinary headlights. Photo: Wesa Inc.
Long-Range Durability & Visibility
The thermal camera within the NightRide unit can withstand changing temperatures and harsh weather, a hallmark of its design. The actual camera housing is hermetically-sealed and rated at IP69 for environmental protection. And in order to operate flawlessly in both hot and cold conditions, the camera sensor is temperature-controlled.
The company says the unit is meant for use in inclement weather and was designed accordingly.
NightRide extends the visibility of common nighttime hazards up to 600 feet. In terms of driving in snow or fog, every inch of visibility makes a huge difference. To sum it up, NightRide’s technology is about providing an added buffer in order to reduce a nighttime collision.
NightRide capturing a deer in the dark. Photo: Wesa Inc.
How It Works
Night vision for cars is nothing new. In fact, high-end BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Cadillac vehicles are currently offering their own versions of night vision as an option. Ticking the box for the Mercedes Night View Assist PLUS in an S-Class sedan will cost upwards of $2,200. It’s basically the same deal with a BMW or Cadillac. However, the brains behind NightRide were looking for a more cost-effective solution; one that fits every type of car on the road.
“The most daunting challenge in developing NightRide was to make it affordable and easy to install,” Groce said. “NightRide is plug-and-play and self-installable in a matter of minutes.”
The NightRide unit mounts cleanly on the hood, near the base of the windshield, using an anti-theft mounting bracket. The unit grabs power directly via a wired connection to the car’s battery.
“And it is cheaper than most smartphones on the market today,” Groce added.
The NightRide unit is easy to install. Photo: Wesa Inc.
Fighter Pilot Display
Drivers can choose between two different displays, depending on their preferences. The first is an engaging, fighter-pilot-style heads-up display. This allows you to view the night vision images from the console display on the windshield itself. The next option is to affix the display console on the windshield using a suction mount. Equipment for both options of the display are ready to go, right out of the box.
Pricing & Availability
NightRide is available for a limited time at the discounted price of $795 with a $50 pre-order deposit. Initial shipments begin in June. For more information about NightRide, see their comprehensive FAQ page.
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. 
NightRide Gallery








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