Automotive

Seven Tips From Chevrolet For Surviving Pothole Season

Seven Tips From Chevrolet For Surviving Pothole Season

Maybe it’s because I’ve never lived in a section of the world with what you would call a “real winter,” but this whole idea of a pothole “season” strikes me as rather odd. Yes, I do understand the semi-geologic concepts here; frost heaves, water-to-ice expansion through fissures and all that, but it still is odd for me to consider them as having a season, like daffodils or something.
Well, they do, and Chevy, of all people, is here to help us out so we don’t gronk our suspensions any more than we have to.
Gronk Nation
I can get behind this 100% actually. Since I usually drive around in lightweight sports cars, I’m already used to violently swerving around big divots, chuck holes, sinkholes, small-to-medium-sized impact craters, and the like – can’t go driving around with a less than optimal chassis setup now can we? Anyway, these seven tips – let us call them “The Seven Pillars of Pothole Wisdom & Avoidance” – do indeed come from Chevy in a presser slugged “Detroit” in the header information. My first thought was, “Detroit? Pothole problems? Quelle surprise!”
I have two good friends from Detroit, both named Carl, coincidentally, and they both have tales to tell about Detroit-grade potholes that could swallow an Abrams tank whole. You know, this entire “Detroit Vs. Everybody” thing ain’t just a slogan, it’s a verifiable mindset. So if anybody on this planet is going to know about how to survive potholes, it’s going to be a car company based in Detroit.
Chevy starts out with this kind of old-folksy intro: “While rough road conditions seem unavoidable this time of year, Chevrolet engineers have developed the following tips and tricks to help you and your car survive pothole season.”
Gee willikers mister! Could ya teach me more about potholes and how to avoid them?
You bet ya champ!
Look Ahead & Slow Down
Now, this should kind of go without saying, but since this advice is aimed at Americans, the same people who need warning labels on Claymore mines, it’s best to start with the basics. The whole point of pillar #1 is to look ahead and scrutinize for potential potholes in your path. Further, if you can avoid them, do so. If you cannot, slow down you slack-jawed yokel.
Do you honestly think your left front taking a wallop akin to a punch from Drax The Destroyer is good for your car? If you do, stop reading (I know, assuming you can read might be a bit too generous) and hand over your keys to the proper authorities. You don’t show the mental capacity for the task at hand.
According to pothole.info, areas with poor drainage are most susceptible to developing potholes. This includes where roads dip and where traffic, especially heavy vehicle traffic, is high. Photo: Chevrolet.
Avoid Water
Now, think about this for a second: if you come up on a puddle, do you really know how deep it is? It could just be a puddle, or it could be a pothole the size of a kiddie pool that will now demonstrate just how solid those fillings in your molars are. Besides, if you can, you should avoid puddles anyway since they can differentially cool your brakes and get moisture on your tires further compromising performance.
Check Tire Pressures
The fact that Chevy (or myself) even have to mention this makes me deeply cheerless. The fact that you, dear readers of a car oriented site, might be running around out there with your tires not properly inflated for optimal handling qualities is just . . . sigh . . . sorry, just make sure your tires are up to pressure. Please. You’ll enjoy your car more, for one thing, and it can make an important difference in avoiding pothole damage. If your tire is underinflated a pothole can cause a rupture. If it’s overinflated, tires are even more vulnerable to pothole damage.
Check For Damage
If for some reason you do drill over a pothole at speed, check your car directly for any possible damage. Evaluating damage now prevents further damage to your car later on, like when that weakened tie-rod finally does give way and you go careening into a lawyer’s Bentley in the oncoming lane.
Potholes are formed over time by water, freeze-thaw cycles, excessive heat, and wear and tear on the road. Photo: Chevrolet.

Know What To Find
This one is kind of obvious, but, duh, potholes can cause more than just tire damage. You can also seriously gronk rims, sproing off exhaust systems, knock your alignment into the next county, and such. So if you bradawl a pothole and the next thing you know your ride is making noises or pulling in one direction or swerving all over the place in a barely controllable manner, “be sure to take it into a professional to be assessed.” NOW! Don’t wait. Don’t screw around with this.
Take care of it now, or you might find your self in the aforementioned lawyer/Bentley scenario. NOW!
Help Your Fellow Drivers
Now, I do realize this entire concept of “helping” your fellow road users is complete anathema to, well, everyone East of the Mississippi and North of the Ohio River – seriously, when was the last time you saw a Boston driver (to pick just one at random) be altruistic to another motorist? Have you ever driven around Pittsburgh or Philly or the entire upper half of Jersey? It’s like a Mad Max novelization written by Ayn Rand out there. But this point (although hard for you to initially follow and perhaps, just perhaps, going against how you were raised and the environment you were brought up in) is pretty simple: Report any potholes to your city, county, and state transportation authorities.
Remember, we are the government, and we have to make it work for us. So call up whoever deals with this and make them take care of it.
Be Prepared
Our final pillar in “The Seven Pillars of Pothole Wisdom & Avoidance” is the old Boy Scout adage: simply be prepared. If you’re a gearhead, I shouldn’t have to remind you to make sure there’s a jack and a lug wrench in your trunk. And I shouldn’t have to make sure the spare tire is properly inflated to its correct pressure in case you need to change a flat. This is simple, so just do it.
For more resources on potholes and their lasting effects on society, visit pothole.info. Good luck out there.
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.
Photo: Chevrolet.
Photos & Source: Chevrolet, pothole.info.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/seven-tips-from-chevrolet-for-surviving-pothole-season/

2017 Fiat 500 Arriving With Fun New Appearance Packages

2017 Fiat 500 Arriving With Fun New Appearance Packages

Soon to be even more cute, the Fiat 500 is getting a handful of new optional appearance packages. Sport Black Trim, Two-Tone, and Abarth Roof, Mirror Cap, and Body Stripe will give new 500 models a distinct flare, which Fiat says is all about individuality.
“With its iconic, timeless, head-turning Italian design, the Fiat 500 continues to offer the ultimate in individual expression,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands, Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT – FCA North America.
Living Big
Fiat continues to build on two cornerstones: passion and self-expression. The Fiat 500 or Cinquecento is sold in more than 100 countries but remains Italian at heart. With its longstanding heritage, the car is a simple, stylish, and functional machine with the right blend of performance and technology. The new appearance packages for the 500 will provide customers with more flavors for this little-bodied, big-at-heart cruiser.
“With new custom appearance packages and a full menu of options, customers can get exactly what they want while creating their own fun-to-drive personal statement,” Kuniskis said.
Jet Black
The Sport Black Trim Package, available on the 2017 Fiat 500 Pop, features a body-color sport fascia, fog lamps, and 16-inch Hyper Black aluminum wheels. Other blacked-out elements include the headlamps, roof, side sill ground effects, side-view mirror caps, spoiler, and tail lamps. Sport cloth bucket seats on the inside feature silver accent stitching which contrast nicely with the black instrument panel.
The MSRP for the Sport Black Trim Package is $1,295.
2017 Fiat 500 Pop with Two-Tone Appearance Package. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Two-Tone Styling
The Two-Tone Appearance Package, also available on the 2017 Fiat 500 Pop, features a Nero (black), Rosso (red) or Bianco (white) accent roof and matching mirror caps. MSRP for the package is a mere $295; the offset colors between the body and roof look pretty cool when contrasting against each other.
Abarth Treatments
The Abarth Roof, Mirror Cap, and Body Stripe Appearance Package provides the above roof color choices (Nero, Rosso, Bianco) but adds Rhino (gray) as an additional color. The same colors may be chosen to further accent the mirror caps, body-side stripe, roof, and spoiler from the rest of the car. MSRP for the Abarth Roof, Mirror Cap, and Body Stripe Appearance Package is $495.
2017 Fiat 500 Abarth with Roof, Mirror Cap, and Stripe Appearance Package. Photo: FCA US LLC.

500 Trims & Variants
The 2017 Fiat 500 has three trim levels: Pop, Lounge, and Abarth. Available options for all three include an automatic transmission ($995) and a sunroof ($795). Any Fiat 500 model may be ordered as a Cabrio for an additional $1,495. Fiat’s 500 variants include the 500c (Cabrio), the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio, the fully electric 500e, the five-passenger Fiat 500L, and the 500X crossover. The latter is avaialbe with all-wheel drive.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2017-fiat-500-arriving-with-fun-new-appearance-packages/

Ford Attracting Younger, More Affluent Buyers With Sporty Cars

Ford Attracting Younger, More Affluent Buyers With Sporty Cars

Recently, Ford Motor Company shed some light on their SUV strategy, and highlighted their promising future sales projections in that segment. While American automakers have traditionally cornered the truck and SUV markets, it appears Ford now has a leg up on cars.
According to the New Vehicle Customer Study by MaritzCX, Ford’s sporty car customers are now younger and more affluent on average. Generally speaking, younger customers are drawn to Ford’s more athletic and sporty car variants.
Vehicle Metrics
The Ford Fiesta ST is a perfect example. The average Fiesta buyer is 45, but the average age of a Fiesta ST customer is about 35. A similar pattern emerges with the Ford Focus; 46 is the average age of a Focus buyer but the Focus RS and ST are 41 and 36, respectively. Even the larger Fusion follows the metrics with Fusion Sport buyers being an average of three years younger than a traditional Fusion buyer at 48.
Ford is concentrating on younger, repeat buyers here, citing a special interest in Millennials. The generational cohort accounted for a 45 percent increase during the first three months of 2017 in Ford’s more sport oriented car models.
“With repeat customers making up around half of industry sales, capturing younger buyers while they still have many vehicle purchases remaining in their lives is good for business,” said Corey Holter, Ford Car Group Marketing Manager.
2017 Ford Fiesta ST. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Purchasing Prowess
According to Ford’s metrics, Millennial customers have some buying power when it comes to this segment. The average Fiesta buyer has a household income of $59,000, but for the Fiesta ST, that figure jumps to $102,000. The average Focus buyer brings home $63,000, while Focus ST and Focus RS customers show much higher household incomes at $108,000 and $169,000, respectively.
Ford also credits their EcoBoost line of engines and the “hot hatchback” movement for the sales increase. Hatchbacks are generally thought to be more stylish and versatile, whereas EcoBoost engines are designed to deliver more power and greater fuel economy.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/ford-attracting-younger-more-affluent-buyers-with-sporty-cars/

Volvo Cars CEO Håkan Samuelsson Urging Change, Sustainability

Volvo Cars CEO Håkan Samuelsson Urging Change, Sustainability

Volvo Cars addressed what they describe as a “changing world” today at the UN Global Compact Nordic Network in Gothenburg, Sweden. Over 190 delegates from 100 companies are meeting at Volvo’s headquarters over the next two days to discuss how businesses can support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The automaker is a founding member of the UN Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.
Volvo Cars President and Chief Executive Officer, Håkan Samuelsson is the host of the event.
“Our customers want safer, more sustainable and convenient cars,” he said during the opening remarks. “We can meet that demand, be a force for change, and grow our business at the same time.”
Business Critical
Volvo is advocating the entire automotive industry responsibly adapt to the unique demands of today’s customer. As car ownership evolves and buying preferences shift, Samuelsson believes companies committed to sustainability will be successful. Samuelsson is using the two day event to highlight Volvo’s commitment to sustainable business as an integral part of the company’s mission. The timing is excellent too – a 2015 Nielsen global online study found almost three-out-of-four Millennials are willing to pay extra for sustainable products.
“Brands that establish a reputation for environmental stewardship among today’s youngest consumers have an opportunity to not only grow market share but build loyalty among the power-spending Millennials of tomorrow,” said Grace Farraj, Nielsen Senior Vice President, Public Development & Sustainability, at the time of the study.
Samuelsson echoed similar sentiments.
“Sustainability is no longer a simple box-ticking exercise, but business-critical as well as a significant business opportunity for those companies that get it right,” he said.
Volvo Cars’ T8 Twin Engine Range. Photo: Volvo Car Group.

Necessary Strides
Volvo is linking their electrification and autonomous initiatives to their sustainability efforts. Currently, Volvo has committed to 1 million electrified vehicles by 2025 with climate-neutral manufacturing operations arriving by that time. Many of the automaker’s active safety technologies are arguably precursors for full on autonomous driving. Volvo acknowledges their ambitious plans here, but insist such plans are necessary when considering future environmental and safety impacts.
“We recognize the limitations of the internal combustion engine and the appetite for change in society,” Samuelsson said. “I am confident that our next generation of fully autonomous, electrified, and connected vehicles will help make the cities of the future cleaner, safer, and smarter.”
Visionary Commitments
Volvo’s progress so far includes a 70 percent reduction in C02 emissions from their European manufacturing plants between 2004 and 2016. The automaker’s work with the Belgian government resulted in a 40 percent reduction in CO2 emissions at their Ghent manufacturing facility. Volvo has six plug-in hybrids and plans to offer an electric variant for each vehicle in the lineup. They believe strides like this in sustainability will foster profitability.
Within Volvo’s sustainability vision comes their longstanding safety commitment, both in the vehicle and on the job. Vision 2020 states no person should be seriously injured or killed in a Volvo by that time. Internally, the automaker is working to ensure there are no fatalities or serious injuries to any of their employees or contractors. They are going so far as to offer better filters and materials in the workplace, while developing a more diverse corporate culture.
This year’s annual meeting of the UN Global Compact Nordic Network is taking place at the Volvohallen conference center, part of Volvo Cars’ global headquarters in Sweden, on May 8th and 9th.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/volvo-cars-ceo-hakan-samuelsson-urging-change-sustainability/

2018 Toyota Yaris Hatchback: Sporty, Convenient, Affordable

2018 Toyota Yaris Hatchback: Sporty, Convenient, Affordable

The Yaris still plugs along as Toyota’s North American entry level/sometimes sporty hatchback. It is aimed directly at recent graduates (both college and high school) or the rest of those newly out on their own. It is small, cheap to buy, cheap to run, and since it’s a Toyota, reliable as an anvil.
The 2018 Yaris hatchback will soon be here, and Toyota just announced retail prices and features for the entry level car. Let’s get the bottom line out of the way first, and then we can talk about the comfort and convenience features along with all the other techno-goodies.
Basically, the Yaris comes in three-door and five-door body styles in two grades, L and LE, and there is also the five-door SE, which is said to be more “sporty.” Manual boxes are only available on the three-door L and the five-door SE.
Affordable Ranges
Cost wise, the 2018 Toyota Yaris hatchback starts with the L grade and will run you from $15,635 for the three-door with a manual transmission, up to $16,760 for the five-door with an automatic. In the middle there’s the LE grade Yaris, starting at $17,285 for the three-door with the slush-box transmission and $17,660 for the five-door version thereof. And at the top of the range is the “sporty” (Toyota’s words, not mine) Yaris SE. The SE starts at $18,260 for the five-door with a manual transmission and rises up to $19,060 for the five-door automatic.
So the whole Yaris model range fits between a 15-and-a-half to 20k bandwidth that should ensure Toyota can sell these things as fast as they can make them. And although the Yaris is touted as “a great value for buyers on a budget” it is not a stripper devoid of things like heaters and glove boxes. The Yaris actually has pretty close to a full suite of techno and safety goodies that all buyers have come to expect these days.
Safety & Security
The 2018 Yaris features Toyota Safety Sense, which is a triple shot of driver assist gizmos including Toyota’s Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and Automatic High Beams. Yes, to me these are all poor excuses for having your former Drill Sergeant dad yell “PAY ATTENTION!!!” at you in your formative driving years, but that’s a conversation better left between me and my team of court appointed therapists.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Hipster Tech
Since Toyota barely veils that the Yaris is aimed at Millennials, and since any guy in the marketing department with a handful of brylcreem in his hair and a Pall Mall dangling from his lip can tell you the kids these days “dig” their music, the 2018 Yaris is crammed with lots of music tech.
Both the L and LE now come standard with the same Entune Audio system available on other Toyota models. For those of you not “with it” or “hip,” Entune consists of a 6.1-inch touchscreen display, CD player, MP3/WMA playback capability, an auxiliary audio jack input, and a USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control. There is also advanced voice recognition, hands-free phone capability, phone book access, music streaming via Bluetooth, and Siri Eyes Free. All this gets blasted into your ears from six speakers mounted throughout the cabin.
The range topping SE model heaps on even more tubes and wires and ones and zeros and Mr. Spock tech. Naturally the SE comes standard with Entune Audio Plus with the Connected Navigation App. It’s pretty much like the Entune package in the L and LE models, but on this go-round, you get a 7.0-inch high resolution touchscreen display along with all the other alphabet soup yadda-yadda of AM/FM, MP3/WMA, USB, iPod, and all that. Added to the package for the SEs is SiriusXM Satellite Radio with three-month complimentary SiriusXM All Access Trial and Gracenote album cover art (“KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD!!!”), HD Radio, and traffic and weather updates in major metro areas, which sounds nice. All this gets pumped out through the same six speakers, however, so that might be a bit of a hitch.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Interior Touches
On the inside, the 2018 Yaris receives a standard tilt, three-spoke steering wheel with audio controls, and both the L and LE models get the same sport analog instrumentation currently found in the SE. The “sporty” instrument cluster includes a speedo, tach, fuel gauge LCD display with odometer, tripmeters, clock, outside temp, current/average fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and shift position. There is also an ECO-driving indicator and warning messages for automatic transmission Yarises (Yari?).
Exterior Finishes
Colors? You want colors? The Yaris comes in eight exterior colors including two new shades: Blue Eclipse and two-tone Blue Eclipse with a Black Sand Pearl Roof, which sounds both attractive and fancy-schmancy all at the same time. Other colors are Super White, Classic Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Black Sand Pearl, Ruby Flare Pearl, and the two-tone Ruby Flare Pearl with Black Sand Pearl Roof. On the inside buyers get fabric choices of combined Black and Gray on L and LE models, and all-Black on the SE.
Did you know the Yaris is designed and assembled in France? I didn’t, but it does explain why it sort of looks like a cross between some weird little French heap and a 300 horsepower rally car. The 2018 Yaris will be in Toyota dealerships this summer.
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.
Photos & Source: Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2018-toyota-yaris-hatchback-sporty-convenient-affordable/

Toyota Land Cruiser Seizes World’s Fastest SUV Title

Toyota Land Cruiser Seizes World’s Fastest SUV Title

The Land Cruiser has been one of Toyota’s signature SUVs for over 60 years. The trusted machine is well equipped to handle the rigors of harsh climate, rugged terrain, and the family’s baseball practice, swim meet, “hurry we’re going to be late” type of schedule.
For the latter, Toyota’s Land Speed Cruiser might be the ticket. The 2,000 horsepower beast recently clocked in at over 230 mph with former Toyota NASCAR driver Carl Edwards at the wheel. The feat was enough to earn the Land Speed Cruiser the “World’s Fastest SUV” title.
Record Breaker
The Land Speed Cruiser, which debuted at the 2016 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, was originally a factory Land Cruise – that is until a team of ambitious engineers at Toyota’s Motorsports Technical Center (MTC) got their hands on it. Toyota was looking to break the previous record of 211 mph and did so handily; a GPS-verified and video-documented 230.02 mph registered before the vehicle ran out of pavement.
What’s scary is had there been more cement, the Land Speed Cruiser would have gone faster. According to MTC Manager, Chuck Wade, Toyota’s principal was to simply make an ultra-powerful Land Cruiser and see how fast they could make it go.
“This was an aspirational goal that inspired us all,” added Steve Appelbaum, National Engagement Marketing Manager, Toyota Motor Sales.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Power & Performance
The Land Cruiser’s production 5.7-liter 3UR-FE V8 engine provided an excellent baseline for the MTC team. Volley-ball sized Garrett turbochargers were added, generating up to 55 PSI of boost. To handle the additional force, a more robust piston and rod setup was employed, along with a specifically fabricated intake manifold. A custom racing transmission relayed the 2,000 horses to the ground.
Toyota says building the engine was the easy part, whereas the aerodynamics and overall stability were the challenges. To handle such high speeds, MTC lowered the Land Speed Cruiser to mitigate turbulent air under the vehicle. The frame was reworked to better accommodate the suspension geometry, and was narrowed by three inches to fit the wider Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.
Toyota’s Arizona Proving Ground (TAPG) provided the team an optimal place to develop the high-speed SUV. In order to break the record – both effectively and safely – everything needed to be perfect for Edwards.
“I wanted the Land Speed Cruiser to provide the confidence you need, as a driver, to keep pushing even when the world around you becomes a high speed blur,” said Craig Stanton, Toyota Test Driver.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Ignition & Lift Off
Edwards met the MTC team at Mojave Air and Space Port in Mojave, California. The locale features a two-and-a-half-mile runway, ideally suited for something of this magnitude. On the first run, Stanton had the go and hit 198 mph, an impressive number in its own right. Edwards jumped in and cracked 200, but found himself short on pavement stopping the beast.
“We made some setup adjustments, and it not only accelerates and shifts more smoothly, but it also enhanced stability,” Stanton said.
Edwards then pulled out all the stops (literally) and pushed the Land Speed Cruiser to its 230 mph record.
“At 225 mph, the thing was wandering a little bit,” he recalled. “All I could think was that Craig said, ‘No matter what, just keep your foot in it,’ and we got 230 mph.”
Daily Inspiration
It’s not likely this muscled-up Land Cruiser will appear at the local Toyota dealership – and if it does, I will see you down there as I am buying one. Still, impressive machines like this derive much of their uniqueness from the everyday vehicles we drive. The “normal” Toyota Land Cruiser provided the essential foundation for this super powerful one – and if you have a Land Cruiser, that’s a pretty cool thought. It would make me smile knowing that as I drove the kids to the mall, picked my wife up from her hair appointment, and loaded the groceries.
“We achieved success by employing the kind of innovative solutions and unyielding determination that have long represented the core of Toyota’s soul,” Appelbaum said.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
NASCAR Driver Carl Edwards. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/toyota-land-cruiser-seizes-worlds-fastest-suv-title/

2019 Ford F-150 Raptor Gets New Suspension & Upgraded Tech

2019 Ford F-150 Raptor Gets New Suspension & Upgraded Tech It is foolish to mess with a proven formula. When Ford bolted on a twin-turbocharged, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 to the second-generation Raptor, hardcore off-roaders were dismayed.
But when critics found out the motor churns out 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft. of torque, the new Raptor was welcomed with open arms. The new power plant produced 40 more horsepower and more torque than the heavier 6.2-liter V8.
Change is inevitable. In this case, the changes were for the better.
For 2019, Ford is upping the ante once again by giving the 2019 F-150 Raptor an all-new adaptive suspension along with a host of comfort features and clever tech.
Shock & Awe
Further cementing its status as the ultimate high-performance off-road truck, the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor is equipped with electronically-controlled Fox 3.0 Internal Bypass shocks with LIVE Valve Technology. The 2019 Raptor also comes with a new Trail Control System, which is cruise control designed for low-speed and rugged terrain.
“Raptor’s success is rooted in its incredible suspension, superb vehicle control, and the confidence the truck instills in its owners,” said Hermann Salenbauch, Global Director, Ford Performance Vehicle Programs. “Upgrades to the 2019 F-150 Raptor have improved all three to new levels that the competition will have to benchmark – again.”
Ford worked closely with Fox to further hone the existing internal bypass shock absorbers. The result is an electronically-controlled Live Valve Technology that continuously adjusts damping in real-time. The system utilizes sensors in the suspension and body to maximize comfort, all-terrain handling, and bottom-out resistance.
“By automatically varying compression rates, Raptor can now make the most of its suspension travel of 13 inches at the front and 13.9 inches at the rear,” Salenbauch said.
2019 Ford F-150 Raptor with Fox 3.0 Internal Bypass shocks with Live Valve technology. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Hang Time
Have you ever heard of a suspension that automatically adjusts the damper settings when the vehicle is in midair?
“The 2019 Raptor is not just more capable off-road. It’s smarter,” Salenbauch continued. “Not many trucks need sensors to detect when you are midair. Raptor sets the dampers to full stiffness to help smooth shock performance as the truck lands.”
This may sound a bit silly, but the current F-150 Raptor is one of the most refined vehicles you can buy today. The upgraded Fox Live Valve suspension enables the Raptor to achieve new heights in all-terrain versatility and performance. When paired with the Raptor’s Terrain Management System, the Live Valve Suspension Technology will confidently traverse even the most unforgiving terrain at high-speed, while still retaining a smooth on-road performance.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Off-Road Cruise Control
The 2019 F-150 Raptor is also equipped with a new Trail Control system. It can automatically adjust and send power and braking force to each individual wheel. The system can be activated at speeds from 1 mph up to 20 mph depending on the driveline position.
Trail Control can feed engine torque to the driving wheels so you can easily climb over steep obstacles. The system can also brake each wheel individually, so the Raptor comes down smoothly on the other side of whatever you are climbing. It is a fool-proof system that allows you to focus on steering over rugged terrain.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Hold Me Tight
Also new for the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor are Recaro sport seats. The seats are designed to offer aggressive support and substantial bolstering to smoothen those nasty kidney shots over rugged, uneven terrain. Available seat designs include blue Alcantara inserts and accent stitching inspired by the interior of the bonkers Ford GT supercar.
Pricing & Availability
The 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor is all yours by late 2018, and comes in three new colors: Ford Performance Blue, Velocity Blue, and Agate Black.
The upgraded 2019 F-150 Raptor will be built at the Dearborn Truck Plant. Ford has not disclosed pricing at this time.
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.
2019 Ford F-150 Raptor Gallery

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2019-ford-f-150-raptor-gets-new-suspension-upgraded-tech/

2019 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Sedan: Fast Saloon Gets Mild Hybrid Technology

2019 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Sedan: Fast Saloon Gets Mild Hybrid Technology The mere mention of the word “hybrid” is enough to ruin the day of a true-blue petrol head. But the 2019 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Sedan begs to differ. Yes, this fast German saloon is equipped with an electrified, AMG-enhanced motor called EQ Boost. If this sounds like the cushioning technology of a popular sneaker brand, you’re not very far off.
But instead of protecting your feet, the EQ Boost starter-alternator-generator is designed to create power for the 48-volt on-board electrical system. It all sounds very complex, but the result is 429 horsepower (6,100 rpm) and 384 lb-ft. of torque (1,800-5,800 rpm).
This is the same 48-volt hybrid assist system that powers the coupe and convertible versions of the E 53, including the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53, which both debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show.
2019 Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet. Photo: MBUSA.
Luxurious Performance
Unless you’re living under a rock somewhere in New Mexico, you are probably familiar with the acceleration and performance characteristics of electric cars. Adding the EQ Boost system to an AMG-tuned and turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six sounds like a recipe for a good time, don’t you agree?
The Mercedes E-class is the epitome of a midsize luxury sedan. But the performance wizards at AMG were able to transform the 2019 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Sedan into an electrified performance monster without penalizing ride quality and comfort.
I hope you don’t mind me asking, but when was the last time Mercedes fitted an inline-six into the E-class? The magic starts with a proper 3.0-liter inline-six fitted with a conventional exhaust-driven turbocharger, which is pointing head-on into BMW territory. But apparently, this wasn’t enough.
Intelligent Electrification
Mercedes-AMG developed the EQ Boost starter-generator to provide “intelligent electrification.” The EQ Boost combines a starter and alternator in a powerful electric motor. The system is fitted between the engine and transmission.
I guess we’ve seen this before, in the former Honda Insight hybrid vehicle, but EQ Boost can do so much more than basic hybrid functions: energy recovery, gliding mode, shifting of the load point – it can even restart the gasoline motor with the start/stop function.
The system can supply an immediate burst of power to turn an electric auxiliary compressor. What this means is an instant rush of torque similar to a diesel motor, along with the famed smoothness and refinement of an inline-six.
48-Volt Electrical System
The EQ Boost system in the 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan generates power for the 48-volt on-board electrical system. It also supplies 12-volt juice courtesy of a DC/DC converter. The 12-volt system will still supply power to the cockpit, infotainment system, and lights. On the other hand, the 48-volt system can supply power to the electric compressor to boost horsepower and torque.
The system can immediately provide 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque with a drop of your right foot. When added to the existing power output, the result is a seamless and mesmerizing driving experience.
2019 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Sedan. Photo: MBUSA.
Transmission & Traction
Harnessing the power of the turbocharged inline-six and EQ Boost electric compressor is the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G Transmission. This unit provides short shift times, multiple downshifts, and a double-declutching function. It also delivers faster responses to shift paddle commands so you can drive like Lewis Hamilton.
Power is routed to the 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system that can transition from rear-wheel to all-wheel drive and vice versa. The result is better handling and optimal traction on dry, wet, or snowy roads.
Drive Modes
The 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 comes with five Dynamic Select drive modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual. The latter allows you to tailor the characteristics of the Mercedes-AMG E53. Want firmer steering with a more compliant ride? Done. You can basically go from mild to extra spicy with a press of a button.
Ride & Handling
The damping forces at each wheel are adjusted accordingly to suit any type of driving situation. The 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan is fitted with an AMG-tuned, multi-chamber air suspension with ADS+ (the automakers “Adaptive Damping System”). The system is based on the Air Body Control technology developed in Affalterbach, Southern Germany. The result is neutral cornering with less body roll, better traction, and greater levels of ride comfort.
2019 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Sedan interior. Photo: MBUSA.
Modern Interior
The new AMG E 53 Sedan is equipped with a standard widescreen cockpit with virtual instrument panels. The 12.3-inch display is located above the central console so you can fiddle with the infotainment system, which can also be operated via the touchpad controller or by voice control. The voice command feature has been recalibrated so you can control things like the air conditioning, seat heating and cooling, and even the interior lights.
The AMG performance steering wheel in black Nappa leather, with red 12 o’clock markings, is standard.
Pricing & Availability
With an electronically-limited top speed of 130 mph and a zero to 60 time of 4.4 seconds, the 2019 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Sedan is more than a valid replacement for the previous AMG E 43 Sedan. You can expect the E 53 Sedan in the United States by late 2018. Pricing has not been disclosed yet.
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.
Photos & Source: MBUSA.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2019-mercedes-amg-e-53-sedan-fast-saloon-gets-mild-hybrid-technology/

Automoblog Book Garage: The Complete Book of Classic Ford & Mercury Muscle Cars

Automoblog Book Garage: The Complete Book of Classic Ford & Mercury Muscle Cars The 2018 Mustang GT has the whole nine: a redesigned 5.0-liter V8, quicker response times for the 10-speed SelectShift transmission, and even custom-designed Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires in the Performance Pack. The new 5.0 registers 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft. of torque, and hits 60 in less than four seconds in Drag Strip mode.
If there ever was an American performance car, this is it. And modern technology has taken nicely to the great pony car. However, the glory days stand tall, thanks to the work of author Donald Farr, who penned this recently-released wonderful gem we are featuring this weekend.
The new Mustang might be hot but these old Fords sure could stoke the fire.
Total Performance
The Complete Book of Classic Ford and Mercury Muscle Cars spans the Blue Oval’s catalog of classic machines from the early 1960s to 1973. Farr takes us through this prolific time, from the Fairlanes and Galaxies with their 390 bigblock V8s to the iconic Shelby and Boss Mustangs. We are able to dive deep into what was known as Ford’s Total Performance program, which subjected these cars to the rigors of drag strips, oval circuits, European rally events, road courses, and everything in-between.
Later we see the Mercury Cougar, Cyclone GT, and Spoiler. And the Cobra Jet looks as good as ever.
This beautiful 428 Cobra Jet is found on page 116. It continued as an option for the 1970 Mach 1, including a handful of Twister Specials built as a special Kansas promotion. They came with side decals in addition to the 1970 Mach 1’s aluminum rocker panel covers. Photo: Eric English.
Horsepower & Nostalgia
Car enthusiasts – and especially Ford fans – will enjoy thumbing through this one. In my early years as a Ford sales consultant, I would have displayed this book on my desk at the dealership. We sold Mustangs, yes, but most of the cars we moved daily were the Focus and Fusion. Great cars for sure, but there’s something refreshing about a little extra horsepower and nostalgia, which The Complete Book of Classic Ford and Mercury Muscle Cars easily provides.
Author
Farr has been with Mustang Monthly Magazine for 30 years. In addition to his magazine work, he authored Mustang Boss 302: Ford’s Trans-Am Ponycar and owns the 1966 Mustang GT his grandfather purchased new. He was inducted into the Mustang Hall of Fame in 2012, an honor well-deserved.
The Complete Book of Classic Ford and Mercury Muscle Cars: 1961-1973 is available though Amazon and Motorbooks.
The Complete Book of Classic Ford and Mercury Muscle Cars Gallery

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/automoblog-book-garage-the-complete-book-of-classic-ford-mercury-muscle-cars/