Automotive

2018 Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE Tops Forthcoming Lineup

2018 Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE Tops Forthcoming Lineup

The Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE, the Camaro for the hardcore track enthusiast, is configured accordingly from the factory and with unique options at the dealership. The Extreme Track Performance Package, for example, is expected to build upon the car’s already impressive performance attributes, including racing-inspired suspension, advanced aerodynamics, and Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tires.
“In the long, storied history of Camaro performance, there’s never been another model that matches the capability of the ZL1 1LE,” said Steve Majoros, Chevrolet cars and crossovers Marketing Director.
Aerodynamics & Suspension
The 2018 Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE is a treasure chest full of aerodynamic and suspension technology. To the aerodynamic points, a carbon fiber rear wing, air deflectors, and strategically placed dive planes on the front fascia produce downforce. The suspension is track-focused with Multimatic DSSV (Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve) dampers (front and rear) to provide control and stability. The front ride height is adjustable, along with the caster geometry; the rear stabilizer bar can be adjusted three different ways.
Both the aerodynamic and suspension setup serve to keep the ZL1 1LE planted and poised on the track. In fact, even Jeff Gordon entertained the thought of how it would handle and how fast it would go on a track.
Photo: Chevrolet.

Wheels & Weight
Chevy’s track machine rides on special lightweight forged aluminum wheels, which are an inch wider but an inch smaller in diameter, front and rear, than standard ZL1 wheels. The new Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tires deliver a max lateral grip of 1.10g, while the overall footprint increases 10 percent over the ZL1.
The wheel-and-tire package now weighs about 3.3 pounds less per corner. The dampers, thinner rear glass, and a fixed-back seat contribute to an approximately 60-pound lower curb weight than a standard ZL1 Coupe.
Power & Performance
A GM supercharged LT4 engine powers the 2018 Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE. The 650 horsepower engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission featuring Active Rev Match; stopping comes courtesy of Brembo performance brakes.
Packages & Trim Levels
The 2018 Chevy Camaro lineup consists of LS, LT, SS, and ZL1, which are available in coupe or convertible. The performance-oriented 1LE package is offered on coupes only. The new ZL1 1LE Extreme Track Performance Package (order code A1Z) runs $7,500. The Redline Edition package, available on LS, LT, and SS, includes black front and rear bowtie emblems, red-accented grille, a decklid blackout graphic, dark-finish taillamps, black outside mirrors, and 20-inch black aluminum wheels with red accents, among other things.
SS models can add the 1LE package with the 2SS trim (late availability). Other niceties for 2018 include dual-zone automatic climate control, Bose premium stereo, heated/ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Expect to see the 2018 Camaro lineup at Chevy dealerships this summer.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: Chevrolet.
Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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Detroit Event Aims To Connect Engineers Working On Vehicle Perception Technology

Detroit Event Aims To Connect Engineers Working On Vehicle Perception Technology

Next Monday in Detroit, Michigan, AutoSens will kick off a 4-day event dedicated to autonomous driving and vehicle perception technology. The occasion will serve as a meeting point for engineers, connecting them to one another in a setting that showcases the latest academic research, industrial R&D, and OEM insights.
AutoSens is not about marketing a certain product, but rather about getting to the core of the challenges facing autonomous technology. The idea is that engineers must first be connected before cars can be.
“What we want to create is a community catered to the engineers who are working on advanced driver assistance systems, and other solutions to autonomous vehicles that will be integrated over the coming years,” explained Robert Stead, Sense Media’s Managing Director, when we spoke with him in March.
Hands-On Experience
AutoSens is taking place at the M1 Concourse, an ideal location with its 1.5-mile racetrack and showroom facilities. On Tuesday, May 23rd, attendees can actually demo a fully autonomous vehicle, and speak to the engineers who designed and implemented the technology. It’s an opportunity to see how an autonomous car works and reacts, and better understand the practical applications of such technology.
Dataspeed has converted a Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ with a full array of sensor technology to run laps around the track. Paul Fleck, Dataspeed’s President, is on the distinguished panel of speakers, and will host a session on building an autonomous car on Thursday, May 25th.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Vital Resources
The panel of speakers is something worth its weight in gold for attendees. Each speaker is diverse in their experience with extensive backgrounds relating to autonomous driving, advanced driver assistance systems, and vehicle perception technology.
Speakers include Cary Bryczek, Principal Solutions Architect for Jama Software. Bryczek will share over 15 years of experience as an engineer in a workshop called Collaborative Approaches to Improving Traceability and Compliance, which will focus on how to improve product quality, decrease defects, and shorten delivery cycles. Phil Magney, Founder of Vision Systems Intelligence, will host a session on key component technology trends in the autonomous space; Thomas Wilson, Product Line Manager, NXP Semiconductors, will explain the role of and recent advancements with radar; and Joel Gibson, Vice President, Product Line and Program Management, Magna Electronics, will cover the technical challenges related to imagining technology.
“For engineers who are working in this space, it’s an opportunity to come and hear about some of the things that are happening,” Stead said. “AutoSens is meant to help them to understand what is going on in the wider industry.”
AutoSens roundtable discussion in Brussels, Belgium. Photo: Sense Media.

Info & Registration
AutoSens begins Monday, May 22nd at the M1 Concourse in Detroit and runs through May 25th. The event will feature 23 keynote-style presentations, multiple panel discussions, and extensive networking sessions. During the week, AutoSens will host 330 delegates, 45 speakers, 20 advisors, and 4 keynotes, with nearly 12 hours worth of networking opportunities.
A technology exhibition will have 30 displays; classic, sport, and exotic rides will also be displayed. On May 24th, attendees will be treated to the Vintage Evening Reception with food and drinks at the Henry Ford Museum. The evening consists of guided tours around Greenfield Village in Ford Model T cars.
For more information on AutoSens and to register, visit their website.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: Sense Media.
Photos & Source: Sense Media.

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Letter From The UK: Drive Of Our Life

Letter From The UK: Drive Of Our Life

Great Britain is very much a place of mixed fortunes; much like America I imagine. Some privileged people live in trendy places like Islington in London, holidaying comfortably in their organic yurts with their organic children, Jocasta and Tristram. They eat organic foreign-sounding foods and drive an eco-conscious Prius because they believe what they are told, and want to help save the planet.
Sometimes they are right.
Other people in other places like powerful, brutish cars. They like to eat McJunk foods and generally couldn’t give a monkey’s pink butt about the environment because they think everything they are told by anyone official is a lie. Curiously, they are sometimes right too.
Silent Majority
The rest of us, the great silent majority or “plebs” as we are officially called here, can swing either way regarding the environment and much else. We want to help because it makes us feel less guilty, but we can’t be sure how much of the issues surrounding climate change are true and how much of it is whipped up by frenzied anti-car monomaniacs and vested interests. It is we, the huddled masses, the plebeians, who buy the everyday bread-and-butter cars that keep the automotive industry afloat.
Giving It Some Thought
I’ve been thinking about this, because at the time of writing, I am driving the latest version of the inoffensive Peugeot 2008 crossover, which is every bit an every-man motor. Also, I have just watched an old Top Gear (UK version) DVD where two aging fellows (who seem increasingly to be resembling a bickering old married couple) are seen roaring about the exquisitely beautiful Italian countryside in a selection of cars few people can actually afford.
I have been fortunate enough to have driven three of the cars featured and owned another, yet such delights are routinely out of sight for the average driver as we plunge on through the rain and murk of Britain; as the storm clouds gather for yet another governmental General Election this coming June. Meet the new boss; same as the old boss.
If you think about it, without the mainstream cars we routinely drive, there would be no supercars and no Top Gear or Grand Tour as we know them today. No motoring life at all. There would be no exotic car posters on the walls of small boys’ bedrooms (alongside Cheryl Tiegs in my case); no automotive dreaming, no wishful thinking. Cars, if they existed in any recognizable form at all, would be dull and uniform.
Peugeot 2008. Photo: DriveWrite Automotive.

Don’t Worry: Be Happy
This is why we should be grateful for the cars we can afford. The Peugeot 2008 I am currently driving isn’t particularly exciting, but it is at least better looking than many of the SUV/Crossover vehicles we are offered today. It has a lively and economical three-cylinder (1.2 liter) turbo-petrol engine, is made up of many quality parts, and has some pleasing and thoughtful attributes. Just like, in fact, most of the cars in reach of normal household budgets today. It is reasonably good to drive and can apply itself to many things with its versatility.
That’s the point. When you watch car shows or glamorous motoring events from far-flung locations it is important to remember that it isn’t real life. That car outside your home, mundane though it may be, is your ticket to ride. It is the freedom of the open road; it is the pleasure of loading the family up at short notice and going where you want to go when you want to go. Most modern cars are decent to drive and there is pleasure in doing a good, safe job behind the wheel. That’s enough isn’t it?
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite
Peugeot 2008 interior layout. Photo: DriveWrite Automotive.
Cover Photo: Peter H.

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Letter From The UK: Quintessentially Cinquecento

Letter From The UK: Quintessentially Cinquecento Just because a car is small doesn’t mean it’s not an absolute blast to drive.
Geoff Maxted of DriveWrite Automotive Magazine examines in this latest Letter.
At the time of writing this, your friendly English correspondent is driving what on the face of it is a Fiat Cinquecento city car (aka the 500), but this is no ordinary diminutive Italian runaround. The front and rear badges proudly declare this to be an Abarth. The mainstream name of Fiat does not appear anywhere because an Abarth is something different entirely.
In 1949 an Italian-Austrian fellow named Carlo Abarth founded the eponymous racing and road car brand, its logo being a shield with a stylized scorpion on a yellow and red background hinting at the intention. Old Carlo sold out to the major Italian brand in 1971 and the Abarth name is now attached to an independent unit within the Fiat organisation. The brief: take the standard car and breathe upon it with fire and brimstone.
The 500 Becomes The 595
The version this writer is driving is the 595 Turismo, a hot hatchback that offers a whole heap of fun, all the while oozing character and that quintessentially Italian charm. It costs around $24,000 in the UK and is worth every hard-earned penny. The 595 in this case is powered by a 1.4 liter turbo-jet petrol engine developing 165 bhp. That’s plenty for a car that weights about the same as Sandra Bullock. I don’t know why I thought of Sandra Bullock at this point. Maybe it’s just me. Reese Witherspoon then; whatever: this car is light despite the addition of over-sized 17-inch Gran Turismo alloy wheels.
The base model offers a still healthy 145 bhp whilst the top edition gets 180 bhp and some performance upgrades, including a trick exhaust that makes the little car sound like an Atlas rocket. Top speed is 135 mph, but we didn’t try it because the sound of this motor at full chat is hardly shy and retiring, attracting attention even in the subtle ‘Record Grey’ as seen here. Ideally it should be red or yellow.
Feels Faster Than It Looks
The 595 as tested will attain the European benchmark of 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.3 seconds, which is in fact a bit slower than the Ford Fiesta I mention below, but it feels fast probably due to the fact it’s so small. The trunk isn’t all bad considering the car’s overall dimensions; certainly enough room for a weekend’s luggage. The down side is that the rear seat space is cramped. The 595 is a two-door vehicle which means rear seat passengers have to enter and leave in the manner of Harry Houdini. It is cramped in there; children only I guess. Anyone over say six feet tall may never emerge at all unless they clamber out of the big rear hatch like an escaping victim.

Driving The 595 Versus The Fiesta ST
In the past My Lady has made it clear that she does not like small, hot cars. Previously she has spurned them; she repudiated them and thus accompanied yours truly on test drives with enormous reluctance. A few weeks ago, however, we trialled Ford’s feisty Fiesta ST (seen below in red), whipping through Summer lanes and she loved it. That’s how good Ford made the car and it is almost the same with the 595.
We drove the 595 to Nightingale Woods in deepest Wiltshire for a run out and to take the images seen here. I was badly bitten by a horsefly, not that you care. Needless to say, we completely forgot about the access road which has more potholes than the moon or, worse still, the road outside my house. Quickly, the occupants become aware that the suspension is seemingly made from iron, stripped from old decommissioned battleships. Stay on the black-top if you value your spine.
On the road it was as if we were somehow inside a well-controlled ice hockey puck, streaking forward only to suddenly change trajectory as skilled hands applied the next input. Wow.
The diminutive turbo-engine really spools up over 3000 rpm which is where you need to be to squeeze out the maximum from the motor. There’s even a little turbo gauge like a mouse’s ear atop the dashboard if that sort of thing is of interest. Personally, driving the thing is so much fun and such a handful that it’s doubtful this driver even glanced at it.

Sick With The Stick
Our test vehicle had the option of Normal and Sport modes. This can be changed on the fly so it makes sense to save a bit of fuel in traffic or on long motorway stints but otherwise the car really wants the Sport mode as default. It’s stick-shift and five gears unless the buyer opts for the ‘robotized’ sequential five-speed auto; it’s expensive though. Stick with the stick.
It’s a front-wheel drive car, but it gets around the understeer issue with a device called Torque Transfer Control as standard on all variants. It works by automatically braking the inside wheel and using it as a pivot point when accelerating through a corner, tightening the car’s line which allows the pilot to carry more speed through the curves. It works very well, giving this driver confidence to push the 595 that little bit more.

Would I Buy One?
Yes, like a shot if I had an abundance of money and thus be able to have a small stable of lively vehicles to play with. Sadly, I am but a humble scribe; that impoverished writer you see pressing his face up against the plate glass window of the expensive restaurant as nightly you dine finely. So no; I wouldn’t. The 595 is very niche and day-to-day would be wearing to drive. The Ford Fiesta would be my choice. That said, the Abarth 595 retains the charm and looks of the original Cinquecento, yet still manages to add genuine performance. Characterful and fun.
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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2018 BMW 2 Series: 3’s A Crowd

2018 BMW 2 Series: 3’s A Crowd

In 2014 there was a schism in the BMW world akin to Martin Luther and Pope Leo X: BMW introduced the new 2 Series and, without saying it, more or less plugged that into where the 3 Series was. The 3 Series was moving upmarket – getting bigger, more luxurious, fatter, in a word – and the 2 was more directly in line with where the 3 started.
This was seen by diehard fans of the Bavarian marque as a near insult. BMW 3 Series owners love the 3 Series the way William S. Burroughs loved heroin: completely and unerringly for the rest of their lives.
Three Fold
Yes, BMW still made M3 variants. Yes BMW was still capable of making 3 Series cars go down the Bahn very, very fast. But, BMW felt the initial lightness and agility of the 3 Series was slowly being lost to feature bloat. Feature bloat is what turns small cars into bigger cars in the relentless pursuit of keeping the customer happy. Look at where Honda’s Accord started out, and where it is now. The original Accord is about the size of a current Honda Civic. The same goes for VW’s Golf, which started out about the size of a VW Polo and is now the size of a Jetta, sans trunk.
So, BMW bit the bullet, cooked up a new model, and over the past few years, was able to quell the potential native uprising by both gentle explanation and by making a pretty darn good car out of the 2 Series. And really, the 2 Series is a 3 Series, only without all the burgeoning fat and size.
Refreshed Feel
The new, 2018 BMW 2 Series is a mid-cycle update, so what’s “new” here is down to that basic mid-cycle stuff: New color offerings, new wheels, updated interior design and materials, along with a “fresh look” for the LED headlamps and tail lamps. The overall exterior design hasn’t changed all that much. It still has that low-slung silhouette effect and stretched lines, but within the “compact proportions.” The new 2 Series has, however, a more striking front end.
It still has the classic BMW twin headlights along with the twin kidney grille, so even if you don’t see the badge, you know this is a BMW. Those twin headlights are now standard Bi-LED units that can throw a lot of photons down the Straße. If you want to go even further up the lighting food chain, adaptive LED headlights can also be spec’ed. On the 230i models, LED front fog lamps are standard, which is a nice touch.
The 2018 BMW 2 Series Coupe and Convertible come with an array of driver assistance systems, the latest-generation iDrive control technology, and an extensive range of connectivity features. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.

Colors & Wheels
The three new exterior colors – a dark Mediterranean Blue Metallic, a lighter Seaside Blue Metallic, and Sunset Orange – are available for both the Coupe and Convertible. Added to the pre-existing colors, buyers now have 11 to choose from.
The range of alloy wheels has also grown. The 230i comes standard with a 17-inch Double-Spoke wheel while the M240i features an 18-inch M Double-Spoke rim as standard. If you go with the M Sport package, the 230i is equipped with either 18-inch M Light-Alloy Double-Spoke wheels, M Ferric Grey Metallic wheels, or 18- inch Double-Spoke wheels with all-season tires. Both the gearhead-centric Track Handling Package and the M Sport Package have optional 18-inch Alloy Ferric Grey wheels.
Graphic: BMW of North America, LLC.
Interior Treatments
The inside has gotten a rather nice freshening along with a completely redesigned instrument panel. The 2018 BMW 2 Series comes standard with the Sport Line interior treatment, which can be specified Black with red contrast stitching if so desired. You can also choose between SensaTec fabric, available in Black and Oyster, and all models can now be ordered with Dakota Leather seats in Cognac. The Luxury Line adds Fineline Stream Wood Trim with Pearl Chrome highlights or Fineline Pure Wood Trim with Pear Chrome highlight. There are five different leather offerings, Aluminum interior strips, and Fineline wood accents.
The redesigned instrument panel features a center stack housing the radio and climate control panels. The cup holders (everso important to the American market) are located in the center storage compartment concealed by a sliding lid. The glove compartment blends in nicely and the air conditioning vents have been redesigned for additional room.
The 2018 BMW 2 Series Coupe and Convertible have an intricate suspension design for a lower center of gravity and a near 50:50 weight distribution. The suspension is aluminum intensive and includes a double-joint spring strut front axle with anti-roll bars and a five-link rear axle. The overall suspension design is meant to increase the ride and handling capabilities of the 2 Series. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.

Power & Performance
Now, about that “M” in BMW. The 2018 BMW 2 Series Coupe and Convertible come in two models: The 230i and M240i. The 4-banger in the 230i produces 248 horsepower while the M Performance model gets a 6-cylinder plant that cranks out 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. We here at 1 Automoblog Towers highly recommend getting M240i with the big six. With the 6-speed manual, the M240i Coupe hits 60 in 4.6 seconds; 4.4 seconds with the 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.
The 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission actually splits the difference between an automatic and a manual fairly well. Still, if you want to truly choose your own cogs, the 6-speed manual gearbox is available. Also available is xDrive, BMW’s all-wheel drive system, which offers optimum power transfer and better traction. XDrive will mitigate any potential oversteer/understeer situations.
So, the real question, especially among BMW aficionados, is whether the 2 Series can replace the 3 as the light, fun, chuckable playmate of the lineup. I will leave divining that answer up to those who insist a sedan can be just as much fun as a true sports car.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2018 BMW 2 Series Gallery

Photos & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.

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Volvo Partners With Google To Introduce Android Tech For Future Models

Volvo Partners With Google To Introduce Android Tech For Future Models

Android technology is coming to future Volvo models; the Gothenburg, Sweden automaker has partnered with the Mountain View, California tech company for a new venture. According to Volvo, the partnership is meant to bring about the “next generation of award-winning in-car infotainment and connectivity.”
New Volvos will offer a broader selection of apps and services through the Android operating system. Expect to see it within two years.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Volvo to bring Android into their next generation connected cars,” said Patrick Brady, Vice President of Android Engineering at Google.
Meaningful Interactions
The partnership is meant to enhance how Volvo owners interact with their cars. The forthcoming connectivity system is expected to offer a catalog of apps, developed by either Google, Volvo, or other third party companies. Many of the apps will focus on connected and predictive services as it relates to the car.
“We are making an important strategic step with the Google partnership,” commented Henrik Green, Senior Vice President Research & Development, Volvo Car Group. “Google’s platform and services will enhance the user experience by enabling more personalization possibilities, while Android will offer increased flexibility from a development perspective.”
Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Changing Trends
The partnership reflects the growing desire for drivers to be connected to their vehicles, and how automotive and tech companies are working to bridge that gap. With an Android operating system, Volvo customers will see a much more responsive, flexible, and personal in-car infotainment offering. According to Volvo, partnerships such as this one with Google are a necessity for the automotive industry.
“This partnership gives us the opportunity to deliver a more seamless experience to Volvo drivers through a full-featured infotainment platform and rich ecosystem of Android applications and Google services,” Brady said.
Photo: Volvo Car Group.

Future Vision
Volvo is positioning themselves as one of the most forward-thinking, most innovative automakers – and certinately the most vocal. Volvo has petitioned world governments to embrace autonomous driving, promised an electric variant for every vehicle in their lineup, and climate-neutral manufacturing operations by 2025. Volvo Cars President and Chief Executive Officer, Håkan Samuelsson again highlighted the importance of sustainability at an event just last week.
Now this partnership with Google that promises a better ownership experience for Volvo customers. More details will be announced at Google’s annual tech show, Google I/O on Wednesday.
“With the advent of Android we will embrace a rich ecosystem while keeping our iconic Volvo user interface,” Green said. “We will offer hundreds of popular apps and the best integrated experience in this broad, connected environment.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group.

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Automoblog Book Garage: The Complete Book of Camaro

Automoblog Book Garage: The Complete Book of Camaro

Every so often (daily), Danielle and I talk (have long conversations) about the “dream cars” we will one day own. While there are a few (many) on the list, living in Detroit gives us an inherent affinity for American muscle. Which is why the Chevrolet Camaro, especially the first generation, always appears on our list.
Given Danielle grew up in the shop of her family’s Michigan-based trucking company, it’s probably not at all surprising.
Family & Future
Her family built an honorable legacy in a rural Michigan community that may well have disappeared without them. This was seen recently at her grandmother’s funeral as memories were recalled and stories were shared. For Danielle and many others who gravitate towards the Camaro, it’s about what the car represents; it’s about what that slice of American Iron truly means. For some, it’s honest work. For others, family and faith. And for others, it’s just simply the thrill of hearing the engine rev. But whatever the reasons, becasue the legacy of such cars live forever, as long as we are attached to them in some way, we can too.

Lasting Legacy
The Complete Book of Camaro: Every Model Since 1967 chronicles the Camaro’s journey, beginning with the original “Panther” concept. Literally every model since 1967 is featured, complete with beautiful photos and detailed technical specifications. The Complete Book of Camaro shows the early pony car wars with Ford and how the second generation became instantly recognizable with unique styling. The book dives into the muscle car renaissance of the 1980s and how the Camaro continued into the 90s, then uncharted waters.
No matter how many times I think I’ve seen the Camaro, I’ve never quite seen it like this.
Author
David Newhardt is one of the top automotive writers and photographers today. He has provided photography for best-selling Motorbooks titles like Muscle: America’s Legendary Performance Cars, Corvette: Fifty Years, Mustang: Forty Years, Mopar Muscle: Fifty Years, and Shelby Mustang: Racer for the Street.
The Complete Book of Camaro: Every Model Since 1967 is available through Amazon and Motorbooks.
The Complete Book of Camaro Gallery

Another excellent book is Camaro: Fifty Years of Chevy Performance, which we featured recently in our Book Garage series.

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Cadillac To Expand Super Cruise & Other Vehicle-To-Vehicle Communications Systems

Cadillac To Expand Super Cruise & Other Vehicle-To-Vehicle Communications Systems Cadillac is planning to make Super Cruise available on all models beginning in 2020, with other GM brands to follow after that time. Cadillac’s Super Cruise feature can automatically steer, brake, and keep the vehicle positioned on the highway in certain, optimal conditions. The automaker is also planning to offer V2X communications in a high-volume crossover by 2023, and eventually expand that technology across the product range.
Market Position
With the broader implementation of these technologies, GM believes they can better serve consumers in the future.
“The expansion of Super Cruise and V2X communications technology demonstrates Cadillac’s commitment to innovation, and to making customers’ lives better,” explained Mark Reuss, GM Executive Vice President of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “GM is just as committed to ushering in a new era of personal transportation, and technologies like these will enable it.”
“Cadillac is proud to be the leader for the company’s innovation,” added Steve Carlisle, Cadillac President.
Photo: Cadillac.
Super Cruise Features
Super Cruise uses high precision LiDAR map and GPS data, an advanced driver attention system, and a network of camera and radar sensors. Cadillac says customers can drive hands-free on more than 130,000 miles of limited-access freeways in the United States and Canada, provided they have an active OnStar plan with emergency services.
“The driver attention system helps to keep drivers engaged and detects when drivers need to pay more attention to the road,” reads a statement from the automaker. “Even while using Super Cruise, drivers must always pay attention and not use a handheld device.”
Expanding Technology
Cadillac introduced vehicle-to-vehicle communications on the CTS sedan last year, which uses Dedicated Short-Range Communications technology. With a range of nearly 1,000 feet, drivers can be alerted to possible threats in time to avoid a collision. V2X compatible vehicles can decipher hazardous road conditions, traffic light statuses, and upcoming work zones among other things.
V2X technology can also be expanded to help protect roadway users including cyclists and pedestrians.
“Groundbreaking technologies like these continue to provide unparalleled comfort and convenience for our customers,” Carlisle said.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Cadillac.

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2019 Audi Q8: A Brief Walk Around

2019 Audi Q8: A Brief Walk Around The 2019 Audi Q8 recently made its debut at the Audi Brand Summit in Shenzhen, China. The automaker says the five-passenger SUV will offer advanced connectivity, infotainment and driver assistance systems, and solid on-road capability. The Q8 will serve as the flagship SUV for Audi, who delivered nearly two million vehicles globally last year.
Technology & Connectivity
The MMI operating system utilizes haptic and acoustic feedback that should be fairly easy to acclimate to. Similar to a smartphone, drivers will hear and feel a “click” when they activate a particular function. The MMI system can be personalized with configurable and movable “favorites” buttons.
A natural-language feature means drivers can speak various requests: “I’m hungry,” for example, will prompt the Q8 to search for and suggest nearby eateries.
Those commuting on a daily basis will appreciate the 2019 Audi Q8’s wireless phone charging and Bang & Olufsen stereo.
Styling & Design
The 2019 Audi Q8 represents a new direction for the automaker with regard to SUV design. Exterior highlights include the Singleframe, octagon grille, contoured air inlets, sloping roofline, and “gently inclined” D-pillars.
On the inside, Audi promises plenty of cargo and passenger room as the Q8 is wider and lower than the Q7.
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Driving Dynamics
Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel drive technology (no surprise) will be a mainstay of the new Q8. With a mechanical center differential, the Q8 runs a normal power split of 40:60, but when necessary, can divert a substantial amount of power to the axle with the most traction.
An adaptive damping suspension is standard but an air suspension with different drive modes is available.
A range of engines is likely but Audi did not confirm anything specific in their press materials.
Pricing & Availability
Some reports say the 2019 Audi Q8 will be available in Europe toward the end of this year, with the United States market to follow early next year. Other reports say the vehicle will arrive in the U.S. as soon as this fall.
Audi did not officially disclose the release dates or pricing on the 2019 Audi Q8.
They did, however, provide us with this short and informative video on what inspired the new Q8’s design.
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 Audi Q8 Gallery

Photos, Video & Source: Audi of America, Inc.

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