Long-term Review: Starting a life with the Mazda Miata

Long-term Review: Starting a life with the Mazda Miata This Mazda MX-5 Miata is my only car, but it’s not that simple.

I woke up yesterday and wafted my Volvo C30 150 miles south to trade it for a 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club in Soul Red with the Brembo/BBS package. In English, I traded a car for what a lot of people think of as a tent for people with no kids.
By grabbing a Miata instead of a Toyota Camry, or even a hot hatch, I’m voting with my wallet—to breath life back into the small car market. Apart from the Miata/’Fiata, the world is my oyster if I only want to pick two of the following: Small, light, rear-drive, new, inexpensive, convertible, non-pretentious, three pedals. So what happened?
 
First, let’s bench race the Mazda Miata.
Mazda is a fairly young company in some ways. After being sold off from Ford, Mazda is left in a place that is a touch like BMW was in the late 1960s: not much cash, something slightly less than a bomb-proof reputation, and a handful of relatively affordable cars that offer the driver more than whatever the segment leader might be. Mazda’s styling has been on the awesome side of experimental.
On paper, the Club trim level comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox, Bilstein shocks, and a limited slip differential. 60 miles per hour happens in just under six seconds and the top speed is less than most station wagons. Mazda was obsessive about weight savings, and that’s part of what makes this car so special in today’s market of safety, and emissions regulations and anticipated levels of equipment. 2,300 lbs is a virtually unobtainable statistic for new cars available in the US today.

I’m making this sacrifice for science.
When I’m not shooting and writing about cars, I work in an office. I live in a sparsely populated area; my 20-mile commute includes an elevation change with many low-speed S-curves. The small-car culture here thrives and hosts the largest British car event on the continent. The state agency of transportation maintains publicly available interactive maps that track the quality of the pavement, the last time it was swept for debris, and if there’s even a drop of snow, where each state plow is.

All of the above is true, but there’s a snag: I’m living the same place I’ve lived and driven daily for over a decade: Vermont.
By the way, I’m an avid backcountry skier, hiker, and photographer. Now, every box has been ticked—landing me in crossover territory. Over the next year, I’ll wear this car, collect data on the joys, the monetary costs, and the sacrifices to advise you, the reader, of the slurry of brilliance and idiocy that befalls a year-round Miata driver in the rustbelt.

One day in, what’s it like?
This is a momentum car, that, like the ‘Subota is not set up out of the box to rip your face off in the corners—it’s meant to put a smile on your face instead. Which it does. Given the wind noise, 50 mph feels like a million, and the exhaust note and intake noise are genuinely satisfying in a number of ways. The car feels quite a bit faster than it really is—something many modern enthusiast-level road cars fail at. I’m thinking and feeling a bit more through corners that my C30 would have me snoring through at the same speed. I no longer feel like a passenger.
Yesterday brought endless sunshine and and 85 degrees, and today, the roads are flooding—still, I’m pretty compelled by this experiment. I’ll let you know how it goes.












-By: Sawyer Sutton
© All images copyright Sawyer Sutton/egmCarTech
The post Long-term Review: Starting a life with the Mazda Miata appeared first on egmCarTech.



Check out these Automotive tips

Powered by WPeMatico

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/long-term-review-starting-a-life-with-the-mazda-miata/

2018 Ford F-150: Bad Ideas, Big Bets And Beer Can Jokes

2018 Ford F-150: Bad Ideas, Big Bets And Beer Can Jokes

Ford Motor Company has, in recent times, put a strong emphasis on material composition. When I was selling Ford trucks seven, eight years ago, the high-strength steel frames were always a focal point. As sales consultants, we would often explain the frame’s benefits, touching on things like towing capability, payload capacity, and overall durability. At the time, Ford was not modest about their steel frame technology (they aren’t today either), so talking about it was a good way to win a customer over on an F-150.
In late 2014, I was part of a group that traveled the country to educate Ford dealers on the forthcoming 2015 F-150. The training was absolutely essential for Ford’s dealership body. The 2015 F-150 was a bold move for the blue oval yet again, as they announced an even smaller EcoBoost in the 2.7 after unveiling the 3.5 version in 2011. It wasn’t just the engine, however. The entire body of the truck was now something called “military-grade aluminum.”
This brought up a whirlwind of reservations, concerns, and even jokes.
Sound Science
Yet Ford is no dummy and the reasoning behind their decisions regarding the F-150 are very sound. Look, Ford ain’t going to bet the farm on their best-selling vehicle. So if Ford decides to drop a smaller, turbocharged plant into their trucks, or go with an aluminum intensive body, there is every reason to believe the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed.
Not that I want to spark a huge debate here over naturally aspirated engines versus turbocharged ones – both have advantages – but the EcoBoost is a torque monster. And not that I want to strike up a similar parley on aluminum versus steel – again, both have advantages – but aluminum allowed the F-150 to shed vital pounds, thereby creating a more optimum power-to-weight ratio, which only amplifies the already roid rage nature of the EcoBoost engines.
The point is, Ford is becoming a master of less weight, lower displacement, but higher capacity. They effectively say, “we have the stability and rigidity of steel underneath in the frame, the lightweight, yet durable nature of aluminum on the outside, and a more efficient, more powerful plant under the hood.” Ford is in combination mode at all times, pulling out the benefits of various materials and engine technologies to provide, in the F-150, a single invincible (nearly) vehicle.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Family Tree
The F-150’s older brother, the Super Duty, reflects this too. The forthcoming 2018 Expedition, the latest in the family to receive an aluminum body and a steel frame makeover, also reflects it. Not exactly a direct comparison, but remember when the 5.0 Mustang debuted in 2011 and dusted stock Camaros and Challengers on a quarter mile? Smallest displacement engine of the three, so on paper it may not have initially computed, until the Mustang’s weight entered the equation.
Ford is working this concept deeper into their DNA, and it’s seen once again with their flagship F-150. The truck for 2018 continues its usage of a high-strength steel frame and military-grade aluminum body, but with more efficient, more powerful engines. The first is the 3.3-liter V6 for the entry level F-150s. The plant adds dual port and direct injection to create more torque and provide better fuel economy. With the aluminum body factored in, the standard 3.3-liter V6 offers a 5 percent power-to-weight ratio improvement versus the steel-bodied 2014 F-150 with the 3.7-liter V6.
The 2.7 EcoBoost, entering its second-generation, jumps from 375 lb-ft. of torque to 400 lb-ft., with the increase happening at lower engine speeds. The 2.7 is now paired to a segment-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission to increase performance and efficiency. Next spring, a 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 diesel arrives for the F-150, a mill designed, engineered, and tested in-house by the blue oval. With Ram’s EcoDiesel, the Titan’s Cummins, and the Colorado’s Duramax (with rumors Silverado will get similar treatment), it was only a matter of time before Ford introduced something like this.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.


V6 King, V8 Kingdom
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost remains unchanged in power from 2017 to 2018, standing tall at 370 horsepower and 470 lb-ft. of torque. Horsepower nutzos can go for the Raptor, where the high-output 3.5 EcoBoost wraps up 450 ponies and 510 lb-ft. of torque in a nice little package. Yes, a V6 boasting these numbers in a truck was, at one time, a little odd, and goodness knows those early days of moving EcoBoost F-150s took some salesmanship.
A hardcore truck buyer at the time was often resistant to the idea that a V6 could do the job (and a better one) of their V8. I was lucky my underwear didn’t end up flying high on one of the light poles over the lot, as if it were some dealership rendition of the Nickelodeon series, Salute Your Shorts.
“Hey look, that’s Carl’s underwear up there over the used minivans!”
Today, however, Ford’s customers are not out of sorts with the array of V6 engines, and Ford sales consultants need not be in fear for their drawers. If anything, customers have readily embraced Ford as the V6 king: 75 percent of new Ford trucks this year have rolled off the showfloor with V6 engines.
And Ford still offers an impressive 5.0-liter plant. Significant upgrades were made for 2018 to the dual port and direct injection systems to increase performance. The 2018 F-150 engine received the same spray-on bore liner treatment as the Mustang GT350 in an effort to remove additional weight from the aluminum block. Expect this engine to be paired with the aforementioned 10-speed automatic for 2018.
The F-150’s 5.0-liter V8 at the 2017 North American International Auto Show. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.
Terrible Ideas, Remarkable Outcomes
It’s important to note the 3.5 EcoBoost was hanging around Ford’s camp for a moment before being dropped into the F-150 in 2011. The Taurus SHO and Flex had it, as did the Lincoln MKS and MKT. It wasn’t until it hit the F-150 that Ford became bonkers. And aluminum, alas aluminum. It’s fine for airplanes, high-speed rail trains, skyscrapers, electrical wires, supercars, and the iPhone, but in a truck it’s just plain stupid? No foreseeable benefits whatsoever, just a beer can on wheels. Notice how aluminum, just like V6 engines in a truck, didn’t become a terrible, half-baked idea until Ford started landing segment-leading figures in towing, payload, and fuel economy with their stupidity.
Ford’s massive truck mistakes will arrive this fall, built by hardworking men and women at the Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, and the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. Photos, Source & Graphic: Ford Motor Company.



Check out these Automotive tips

Powered by WPeMatico

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2018-ford-f-150-bad-ideas-big-bets-and-beer-can-jokes/

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan: Pricing & Trim Level Overview

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan: Pricing & Trim Level Overview

Volkswagen of America, Inc. has announced the pricing, equipment options, and trim levels for the 2018 Tiguan. VW designers focused on a modern look with the vehicle’s body lines and wider stance. The automaker’s MBQ architecture, which the new Tiguan is built from, is important to note. The vehicle gains 10.6 inches in length over the prior model for a whopping 58 percent more cargo space.
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan comes with a four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-liter TSI engine, creating 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft. of torque.
The engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Tiguan S
Front-wheel drive models start at $25,345 while the all-wheel drive versions are slightly higher at $26,645. The all-wheel drive Tiguan will have an advantage in bad weather with its four different drive modes to enhance grip and stability.
17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED Daytime Running Lights, LED taillights, and black roof rails decorate the exterior. Inside the S features a classy Rhombus pattern on the seats, 6.5-inch Composition Color touchscreen with Bluetooth capability, a USB port, six speakers, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
There is even a trailer hitch and reverse camera to make light hauling a breeze.
Tiguan SE
The SE bumps Tiguan owners up to a host of active safety features, including Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert. A Composition Media infotainment system now features a larger, 8-inch screen with three USB ports.
The reverse camera from the S stays put but features what VW calls “dynamic guidelines” to help assist with maneuvering in reverse. The multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather gear shift knob, and leatherette seating surfaces all make for nice touches. The SE is well priced at $29,080 for the front-wheel drive version; $30,380 for all-wheel drive.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Tiguan SEL
This is our favorite in the Tiguan lineup given its dollar to value comparison. Essentially, there is more “stuff” than the SE for not a lot more coin. In our minds, the SEL has everything one would need, with a few extras, but nothing over the top as to cause a bump in price. The aforementioned driver assistance systems remain in the SEL but the design elements reflect a more premium feel. For example, the SEL rides on 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and driver’s can enjoy the view with a panoramic sunroof, or easily find their destination with the on-board navigation.
At night, the interior is brought to life with the ambient lighting.
The SEL front-wheel drive starts at $32,550 with the all-wheel drive landing at $33,850. Our suggestion (regardless of trim level) is the all-wheel drive, but we are used to a Michigan climate. Those living in areas without snow will do fine with front-wheel drive.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Tiguan SEL Premium
While we would be satisfied with the SEL, those wanting a bit more can opt for the SEL Premium with its stylish 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Convenience features include rain-sensing wipers, power-folding door mirrors with puddle lights, and a hands-free open/close power liftgate.
Safety is again a priority for VW as they equip the SEL Premium with Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), automatic High Beam Control (Light Assist), front and rear Park Distance Control (ParkPilot), and an Overhead View Camera. A Fender stereo, 12.3 inch Digital Cockpit display, and heated steering wheel are also included in the SEL Premium.
Front-wheel drive models start at $36,250 while all-wheel drive versions begin at $37,550.
Additional Packages & Availability
Third-row seating comes standard on front-wheel drive models but is optional on all-wheel drive variants for $500.00. The Driver Assistance package includes a handful of advanced safety features for $850.00; the panoramic sunroof runs $1,200. Our personal favorite is the R-Line package with more sporty design elements both inside and out. Expect to see the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan in dealerships this summer.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 
Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.



Check out these Automotive tips

Powered by WPeMatico

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2018-volkswagen-tiguan-pricing-trim-level-overview/

What’s The Best Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty?

What’s The Best Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty? A bumper-to-bumper warranty is the highest level of protection, but what does it cover or exclude?
What automakers provide the longest lasting coverage?
Your manufacturer’s warranty will eventually expire.
See how you can extend bumper-to-bumper protection through a third-party provider.
Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.
Sales forecasts from April 2019 ranked GM, Ford, Honda, Nissan, and Hyundai – in that order – as the most popular car brands in the U.S. You may have your own preference for Ford over Nissan, or Honda over Hyundai, but in the event of a mechanical breakdown, does this ranking hold true for their bumper-to-bumper warranties?
A bumper-to-bumper warranty covers repair and labor for almost all parts of the vehicle. It is normally included in a manufacturer’s warranty or is a coverage level option for an extended warranty. There are exceptions such as tires, air filters, brake drums, or wipers, which should be stated in your contract.
We’ll explain what you need to know about bumper-to-bumper warranties and which manufacturer offers the best bumper-to-bumper coverage. You’ll also learn how to continue this comprehensive coverage after your manufacturer’s warranty expires with an extended warranty from top third-party provider, CARCHEX.
CARCHEX offers several options for extensive coverage, including bumper-to-bumper extended warranties. To learn more about their plans and get a free quote, call 866-254-0205 or fill out the form online.
What Is A Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty?
A bumper-to-bumper warranty covers the majority of the car’s components, such as:
Braking
Steering
Suspension
Vehicle body
Heating/cooling
Fuel delivery system
Electronics and electrical systems
Keep in mind coverage from the manufacturer only includes repairs or replacements for defective or faulty parts or workmanship – not repairs from normal use. Check your specific warranty to see if labor and parts is included.
Bumper-to-bumper warranties rarely cover tires, wiper blades, or brake pads. They also do not cover routine maintenance, wear and tear, accident damage, or neglect.
Terms are often three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, but some last longer. If that limited warranty has expired, you can still purchase bumper-to-bumper coverage. People get these warranties for peace of mind, especially if they accrue miles quickly or want to keep the car for a long time.
Bumper-to-bumper warranties are sometimes called “exclusionary” warranties, because a few exclusions are listed in the contract rather than a full list of covered items. There are two types of bumper-to-bumper warranties you can get from a manufacturer:
Exclusionary coverage under the manufacturer’s new limited warranty normally guarantees repair and labor coverage for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Pricing is included in the car’s financing.
Exclusionary coverage under an extended warranty offers protection after the new limited warranty expires. These contracts can have terms for several years, sometimes as long as 10 years. Since these plans are vehicle service contracts and not true warranties, you purchase them separately from your vehicle.
What’s A Powertrain Warranty?
Powertrain coverage normally lasts longer than a bumper-to-bumper warranty – usually five years or 60,000 miles as a minimum. A Powertrain warranty covers components of a car’s engine, transmission, and drive axle. The protected components will be listed in your contract.

Comparing Manufacturer Bumper-to-Bumper Warranties
When it comes to bumper-to-bumper warranties, do Chevy and Ford still come out on top? Do Nissan and Hyundai have faster cars in the race? Below are quick comparisons of each manufacturer’s new vehicle limited warranties.
Chevrolet (GM)
3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty
2 maintenance trips within 2 years or 24,000 miles
24/7 roadside assistance
Exclusions:
Tire wear
Bedliner damage
Trip interruption costs

Ford
3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty
For defective tires: 100 percent coverage for the first 12,000 miles, 60 percent coverage during the first 24,000 miles, and 30 percent coverage within 36,000 miles
24/7 roadside assistance
Exclusions:
Tire wear
Hands-free communication and entertainment

Honda
3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty
Seat belt coverage for a 15-year/150,000-mile term
Exclusions: Tires
Additional restrictions:
6-month term for original key fob and remote batteries
6-month term for wiper blade inserts
1-year/12,000-mile term for wheel balancing and alignment (adjustments)
2-year/24,000-mile term for air conditioning refrigerant

Nissan
3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty
10-year seat belt limited warranty
Battery coverage for Nissan Leaf and Nissan Titan vehicles
24/7 roadside assistance
Exclusions:
Tires
Commercial/fleet vehicles

Additional restrictions:
12-month term for air conditioner refrigerant recharge
1-year/12,000-mile term for adjustments
6-month term for wiper blade inserts

Hyundai
5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty
24/7 roadside assistance
Exclusions:
Vehicle interior
Tires

Additional restrictions:
3-year/36,000-mile term for paint and battery repair
1-year/unlimited-mile term for air conditioner refrigerant
1-year/12,000-mile term for adjustments and wear items (brake pads, wiper blades, bulbs, etc.)

Conclusion: Best Manufacturer Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty
Hyundai’s bumper-to-bumper warranties offer the most coverage at five years or 60,000 miles. They also cover wear and tear items for the first year or 12,000 miles. Combined with their 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, they lead the industry in factory warranty protection.
However, these limited manufacturer warranties aren’t meant to last forever. Unless you’re covered with a comprehensive service contract, you’re still footing the bill for common repairs after your factory warranty expires. A protection plan from a third-party provider like CARCHEX can even cover repairs the manufacturer wouldn’t.

Benefits of A Third-Party Extended Warranty Company
Third-party websites are the most used resources for online car shopping at 78 percent. So, why shouldn’t it be the same for third-party extended warranty providers?
There are several cases to make for third-party, bumper-to-bumper extended warranties:
They tend to be affordable, because there are many companies competing in the market. Also, dealerships may wrap your extended warranty cost into your financing, meaning you’re paying interest.
You don’t have to repair your car at the dealership, and you’re not limited to their manufacturer parts. You can choose from a larger network of repair or parts facilities.
You can find multiple plan options from each company that fit your particular needs, rather than choosing between a powertrain or full-coverage warranty.
Companies like CARCHEX provide plans with very extensive coverage that protect new, certified pre-owned, or used cars with high mileage. And, you’ll still get many of the same additional perks, such as roadside assistance.
CARCHEX Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty Options
CARCHEX has provided extended warranties across the country for 20+ years. Their transferable plans span five levels of coverage – Titanium, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze – but we’ll look at their two most extensive plans.
CARCHEX plans are backed by trustworthy companies (American Auto Shield or Royal Administration Services) who guarantee your approved claims will be paid. Terms range from five to 10 years.
CARCHEX Titanium Plan 
The Titanium plan is the highest level of coverage offered by CARCHEX. Some plans are exclusionary, so you’ll only see the unprotected components listed. These CARCHEX plans are most similar to a manufacturer’s warranty.
CARCHEX gives you five plan options with terms lasting up to seven or 10 years. Just a few of the items covered include:
Turbo charger
Seals and gaskets
High-tech electronics
4×4 transfer unit components
Optional luxury electronics package (LCD screens, DVD players, etc.)
Exclusions include:
Accidents
Wear and tear
Regular maintenance
Damage from neglect
Environmental damage
Maintenance repairs (brake pads, spark plugs, catalytic converter, interior, seat belt, body, wiper blades, and tires)
CARCHEX Platinum Plan 
Platinum plans cover hundreds of parts, but unlike an exclusionary plan, each covered component is still stated in the contract.
According to the sample contract, the following items are covered:
Braking components
Steering components
Electrical components
Suspension components
Fuel delivery components
Heating/cooling components
Air conditioning components
Enhanced electrical components
24/7 roadside assistance and trip interruption coverage
Powertrain components (engine, transmission, drive axle)
Optional high-tech package, windshield repair, and navigation coverage
Exclusions from the Platinum level are the same as the Titanium level.
CARCHEX’s high-level coverage options have many customizable add-ons that rival a manufacturer’s warranty. For example, you may be able to add certain emissions or enhanced replacement part packages. And, you’ll always receive roadside assistance.
Why Choose CARCHEX? 
CARCHEX promises a No-Haggle, Low-Price Everyday Guarantee™ and commits to a “Customer Experience Above All” motto. Customers consistently give positive reviews regarding the company’s customer service and easy claims process.
Over the years, CARCHEX has received its fair share of awards and endorsements:
Better Business Bureau: A+ rating
Endorsements: DMV.org, Kelley Blue Book, SiriusXM, CARFAX, and more
“2017 Top Pick” and a score of 10.0 from ThoroughlyReviewed
CARCHEX makes the entire process easy. The company provides samples of its contracts online, as well as step-by-step directions for filing a claim. There are also monthly payment plans available to increase affordability, and CARCHEX will pay your authorized repair shop directly. If you decide to cancel your plan, there is a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee.
If a Chevrolet or Ford dealership is out of your way, you won’t be limited to where you can receive service. CARCHEX has a network of 30,000 licensed repair facilities. Overall, if your vehicle doesn’t have a spectacular manufacturer’s warranty, then a third-party extended warranty can give you the flexibility you need.
Compare Plans With a CARCHEX Specialist
Look at our list below, and compare your car manufacturer’s bumper-to-bumper warranty with a CARCHEX Platinum or Titanium plan. Find out how the CARCHEX plan you like competes with a Honda, Nissan, or Chevrolet warranty.
To speak to a CARCHEX agent and get a free quote customized to your vehicle and driving habits, fill out the online form or call 866-254-0205.

Comparing Bumper-to-Bumper Extended Warranties
Once the limited, new car warranty has expired, most manufacturers offer an extended service contract for an additional annual or monthly charge. How do the same manufacturers compare in this category?
Chevrolet (GM)
Platinum Protection Plan
150,000-mile limited warranty
Exclusions:
Battery, some electronic and entertainment components, and vehicle body
24/7 roadside assistance

Ford
PremiumCARE Plan
8-year/150,000-mile limited warranty
1,000+ components covered
Highlight coverage includes safety components and high-tech entertainment systems
24/7 roadside assistance
Exclusions:
Fabric, liners, carpets, wiper blades, etc.

Honda
Sentinel 3/45 Coverage Plan
3-year/45,000-mile limited warranty
Coverage highlights include oil changes and tire hazard coverage
24/7 roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage, and concierge services
Exclusions: Tires, body, and maintenance items
Nissan
Security+ Gold Preferred Plan
Up to 96-month/120,000-mile term
Covers 2,400+ parts
Coverage highlights include body/interior, entertainment, and navigation components
24/7 roadside assistance and trip interruption coverage
Exclusions:
Tires, batteries, brake pads, wiper blades, etc.
Normal maintenance items

Hyundai
Platinum Plan
10-year/100,000-mile limited warranty
1,500+ parts covered
Coverage highlights include high-tech, climate control, and navigation components
24/7 roadside assistance and trip interruption coverage
Exclusions:
Standard exclusions (neglect, accidents, etc.)

Conclusion: Best Bumper-to-Bumper Extended Warranty
The Chevrolet/GM warranty continues to disappoint with few plan options. The Ford, Hyundai, and Nissan extended warranties provide very extensive coverage with more options. However, third-party provider CARCHEX offers more coverage, with extended warranty plans lasting up to 10 years for bumper-to-bumper coverage.
If you’re ready to purchase an extended bumper-to-bumper warranty for your vehicle, answer a few questions online or call CARCHEX at 866-254-0205.



Check out these Automotive tips

Powered by WPeMatico

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/whats-the-best-bumper-to-bumper-warranty/

Toyota Research Institute Joins Study On How Autonomous Cars Will Impact Workforce

Toyota Research Institute Joins Study On How Autonomous Cars Will Impact Workforce The Toyota Research Institute (TRI) is contributing $75,000 to the American Center for Mobility (ACM) for an analysis on how autonomous cars will impact driving-related jobs. ACM’s study, Preparing the Workforce for Automated Vehicles, is being conducted by Michigan State University in collaboration with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute.
“TRI is committed to advancing automated vehicle technology in ways that improve society and individual well-being, and we need to better understand the impact this may have on future jobs and employment,” said Dr. Gill Pratt, TRI CEO and Toyota Motor Corporation Fellow. “Our participation in this study can help address the societal effects in a meaningful way.”
Careful Examination
Officials say the research will provide key insight into the types of jobs that will be affected and to what degree. The study will also identify the skills and education needed for a more automated future. One of the study’s main objectives is to consider a “training template” for commercial drivers, especially in the areas of freight and package delivery, and taxi and ride-hailing.
“If autonomous vehicles become the norm, then truck drivers, taxi drivers, bus drivers, and Uber or Lyft drivers certainly will be impacted – and not in a good way,” Cliff Banks, President of The Banks Report, an automotive retail publication, told us in a special feature on autonomous cars in May. “I’ve watched Uber or Lyft drivers walk up to a house and help an elderly person down the stairs. Can an autonomous vehicle do that?”
Forward Looking
Toyota Motor North America was recently announced as a founding member of the Partnership for Transportation Innovation and Opportunity, a collaboration committed to exploring how autonomous vehicles will impact American workers as well as identifying opportunities to address future challenges. TRI is also in the process of constructing an autonomous vehicle test track in Michigan.
Preparing the Workforce for Automated Vehicles is expected to be published later this year.
“Industry involvement is paramount as we undergo this study, especially when we consider the implications on talent and how the potential needs of employers will shift,” said Soraya Kim, ACM’s Chief Innovation Officer and the study’s leader. “We thank TRI for their continued commitment and for being a partner to get this important work done.”
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Source: Toyota Research Institute, American Center for Mobility.



Check out these Automotive tips

Powered by WPeMatico

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/toyota-research-institute-joins-study-on-how-autonomous-cars-will-impact-workforce/

2019 Honda Insight: The 55 MPG Beast

2019 Honda Insight: The 55 MPG Beast The 2019 Honda Insight hybrid is here, and it offers a whole lot of practicality and reliability with a familiar Honda face – none of that goofy, “look at me driving my car from Mars styling” (cough, Prius, cough) – and it gets you 55 MPG in the city.
Fifty-Five? Holy Sh-
Features & Trim Levels
It is, indeed, a relatively normal looking car. I’m not sure why the first gen hybrids, Priuseseseses and such, had to go with such goofy styling, but all I can assume is that now the car buying public is used to what a hybrid is, and Honda figures they’ll be more comfortable buying them regardless of the wrapper.
Honda says the 2019 Insight has an EPA rating of up to 55 mpg in the city, lots of premium features, and starts at $22,830. Which strikes me as very inexpensive for what you get in the three different trim levels: LX, EX, and Touring. All trim levels come standard with multi-element LED headlights, push-button start (racy!), and the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assist technologies.
Other Insight EX goodies include the eight-inch display/audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Insight Touring adds leather seating surfaces, an eight-way power driver’s seat, Honda’s Satellite-Linked Navigation System, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
But let’s face it, Honda figured out how to make near-perfect automotive interiors back in the 80s. All the cool, discussion worthy stuff here lies under the hood, or unseen altogether.
2019 Honda Insight: Photo: Honda North America.
Power & Performance
The 2019 Insight is motivated by a third-gen Honda two-motor hybrid drivetrain. A 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC Atkinson-cycle inline-4 engine does the heavy lifting, and features a 40.5-percent thermal efficiency rating. That ICE is mated to an electric propulsion motor, cranking out 197 lb-ft. of torque. The whole shootin’ match adds up to a total system output of 151 horsepower.
Honda points out how this two-motor design allows the Insight to run without the need for a conventional automatic transmission. Hmmm, I bet tearing the drivetrain apart on one of these guys would be interesting and fun.
Honda further tweaks the energy regeneration system through the use of steering wheel-mounted Deceleration Selectors. These work similar to transmission paddle shifters, and allow you to toggle between three different levels of regenerative braking performance. Grab the left selector to increase regenerative braking, and the right to reduce it. Honda says the system not only increases battery charging via regeneration, but also helps reduce strain on the brakes themselves, letting the driver tailor their regenerative braking level for different conditions.
And yeah, that’s cool and all that, but why don’t you people make an Si variant where the paddles allow you to tailor performance? Just a thought.
Photo: Honda North America.
Drive Modes & Battery Placement
The full hybrid powertrain on the Insight uses power from all systems – the gasoline engine and electric motors –  to accommodate the driving conditions you might find yourself in, moment to moment, and can seamlessly shift through three distinct drive schemes.
In EV Drive, the Insight is powered completely by its electric drive motor, drawing power from the battery. In Hybrid Drive, the gasoline engine drives a generator that supplies electrical power to the drive motor and, in certain circumstances, Engine Drive operation connects the gasoline engine directly to the drive wheels, the way Gottlieb Daimler intended.
The battery for the 2019 Insight lives under the rear seats, housed in something called a “compact intelligent power unit.” The clever packaging solution allows the Insight to offer an impressive 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space. You can fold the rear seatback for long loads (with a 60/40 split in EX and Touring trims), and there’s a grand total of up to 97.6 cubic feet of interior space.





Manufacturing & Pricing
The 2019 Insight will join Honda’s lineup of electrified vehicles, alongside the Clarity series – Clarity Fuel Cell, Clarity Electric, and Clarity Plug-In Hybrid – and the new Accord Hybrid. The 2019 Insight is manufactured at Honda’s Greensburg, Indiana plant, while the 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle two-motor system, intelligent power unit, and hybrid battery pack is produced in Ohio.
Below is a handy chart that shows you the breakdown for the 2019 Honda Insight.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz
Trim
MSRP
MSRP Including $895 Destination
EPA Fuel Economy Ratings(city / highway / combined)
Insight LX
$22,830
$23,725
55/49/52
Insight EX
$24,060
$24,995
55/49/52
Insight Touring
$28,090
$28,985
51/45/48
Photos & Source: Honda North America.



Check out these Automotive tips

Powered by WPeMatico

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2019-honda-insight-the-55-mpg-beast/

Letter From The UK: Brexit & Car Industry Repercussions

Letter From The UK: Brexit & Car Industry Repercussions The Saturday just past, June 23rd, was a significant milestone for the United Kingdom. It was on that very date two years ago that the British public – or at least those who could be bothered to get up off the couch and go vote – elected to leave the bloated political arena that is the European Union.
Since then we have endured 24 months of increasingly nasty and often false promises and threats and the automotive industry is at the heart of it. The appalling division this nightmare has engendered can be compared to that which has taken place in the USA since President Trump was sworn in.
The difference is that, in America’s case, the divisive issue is a person, in the case of the UK it is an ideal.
Brave New World
In the shining light of a new dawn in American politics, the election of Donald Trump could be seen as a stunning repudiation of the establishment. How successful he has been will depend upon who you ask; there is no middle ground it seems.
Similarly, over 40 years ago the British people were sold a new economic deal that made total sense, although there was no mention of political union. Depending upon who you ask, the EU is either a great success or it is an ideological empty bucket with a hole in it through which tax payer money pours. The envisioned brave new world of mutual respect has, since that fateful day two years ago, crumbled into the sort of bickering you expect in a school playground.
On the one side a weak and vacillating British government, on the other a bunch of un-elected arrogant stuffed shirts. It’s a disaster and one of the biggest headaches is what to do about the car industry.

Abandon Ship
In the halls of power it is all about who is in control and wearing the biggest hat, which is of no help whatsoever to importers and exporters. We are due to leave the Union in March 2019. With so much to decide you would think it would be in the interests of all involved nations to get it sorted out, but no. Is it any wonder that car makers and all the ancillary manufacturers and producers involved in the building of cars have not a clue about which way to jump.
It does not help when companies like BMW threaten to leave the UK entirely. Well, they are a German company so they would say that, wouldn’t they? The fact is that Great Britain is a strong market for BMW cars and their other badges, Mini and the prestigious Rolls Royce. Why is it reasonable they would do something like that?
It gets worse. Instead of looking ahead and arriving at positive decisions you get this: The very pro-Europe Dutch government have chosen to make threats. They have issued advice to all businesses in The Netherlands warning their exporters that they may lose free trade access under existing deals “if a large part of your product consists of parts from the UK.”

Rules of Engagement
You see, after Brexit, component parts made in the UK will no longer count towards the ‘rules of origin’ and ‘local content’ under international trade rules. To qualify for EU free trade deals, normally at least 55 percent of a product’s parts must come from an EU country. In the case of automobiles this could count against them. Ford, for example, makes a huge number of engines here, some of which are exported for the production of their products in Europe.
Not only does Britain make whole cars for export, we also provide car parts in huge quantities. If we are not in the EU our exported goods could attract trade tariffs of the type the American President is currently threatening.
Of course there are ways around these issues. Norway for example has a different deal with the EU that works for them; it wouldn’t work for the UK but it demonstrates that it is possible to get a deal.  Reasonable people can see this but, of course, politicians are rarely reasonable.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite




Check out these Automotive tips

Powered by WPeMatico

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/letter-from-the-uk-brexit-car-industry-repercussions/

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet priced between rival offerings

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet priced between rival offerings 25th Anniversary Edition E-Class Cabriolet introduced for a $13,400 premium; pricing is available for Mercedes-AMG SLC models

Mercedes announced a starting price of $62,600 for the E-Class Cabriolet as well as a special 25th Anniversary Edition for about $75,000. Since Audi doesn’t offer an A6-badged convertible and BMW doesn’t strictly offer a 5-er convertible either, the E falls in line between these. Offering a bit more speed and kit, BMW’s 6er convertible starts at $86,700, and Audi leaves a ‘yuuuuuge gap between the A5 (at $49,600) and the R8 Spyder (at $175.100). Pricing for the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 high-performance mid-sized SUV starts $92,608.

The new E-Class Cabriolet (A238) comes with expected and unexpected options.
Throughout the the 1980s, if you wanted a convertible Mercedes-Benz your options were the R107 SL and, you guessed it, the R107 SL. No mass-market droptop version of the ubiquitous W123 was produced. That all changed when Merc released the 300CE-24 Cabriolet as a 1992 model in Europe. Mercedes is celebrating with two new paint colors, rubellite red or iridium silver in English, metallic red and a gratuitous shade of beige. The E400 Cabriolet comes with a twin-turbo 329-hp 3-liter V6 that moves the 4,100-lb 4-seater to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The E550 Cabriolet is fitted with a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8 chucking out 402 horsepower; hooked into the same 7-speed slushbox as the E400, the ‘8 gets the car to 60 in 5 seconds flat.


It’s hard not to be cynical about two extra-cost options available that separate convertible owners from the open-air experience and not be impressed at the attention to detail and R&D that makes the following work: The first is a perfume ionizer. Dubbed the “Air-Balance” option, the system includes additional cabin filters and, introduced for the 25th Anniversary Edition E Cabriolet, a bespoke fragrance described as “Daybreak Mood”; other fragrances are also available. It’s an unusual feature, though BMW has a similar system available in their 7-series sedan, which allows the owner to install a range of scents concurrently. This includes the ability to select different scents at the touch of a button. The Merc’s second option is the “AirCap” system. Designed to mitigate drafts, a motorized aerofoil deploys from the top of the A-pillar and stores flush with the windscreen when not in use.












-By: Sawyer Sutton
The post Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet priced between rivals appeared first on egmCarTech.



Check out these Automotive tips

Powered by WPeMatico

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/mercedes-benz-e-class-cabriolet-priced-between-rival-offerings/

General Motors Proposes New Supplier Park In Texas

General Motors Proposes New Supplier Park In Texas

General Motors continues to invest in their American facilities, committing most recently to a new supplier park at the Arlington Assembly Plant in Arlington, Texas. The new supplier park will have two industrial manufacturing and warehouse buildings comprising more than 1.2 million square feet. The forthcoming park will support future vehicle production, house over 1,200 employees, and bring in more than 850 new jobs to the community. GM estimates nearly 600 of the new manufacturing and professional jobs created will replace work previously done outside the United States.
Nationwide Initiatives
This most recent move by GM comes on the heels of the already 7,000 jobs and $1 billion in U.S. investments the automaker committed to earlier this year. So far, GM has committed $14 million to Cruise Automation for a new research and development facility in San Francisco, California. The investment will allow Cruise Automation to further develop a range of automated technologies while providing an additional 1,100 jobs. In March, the automaker announced a further commitment to their Michigan facilities – Romulus Powertrain Plant, Flint Assembly Plant, and Lansing Delta Township – by adding or retaining approximately 900 jobs at these locations during the next 12 months.
Like California and Michigan, Texas is now expected to see the benefits.
“General Motors has been a part of the American Dream in Arlington from the beginning,” said Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams. “In fact, the opening of the assembly plant in Arlington in 1954 was one of the key ignitors of our city’s incredible population and economic growth.”
GM currently employs over 4,000 people at Arlington Assembly where the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade are manufactured.
“And now, more than 60 years later, GM continues to be a critical foundation of Arlington’s economy,” Mayor Williams explained. “I am pleased the City Council has once again successfully worked with General Motors, this time to revitalize and redevelop an area that was a deteriorating shopping center and turn it into a vibrant manufacturing site.”
Arlington Automotive Logistics Center. Photo: General Motors.

New Beginnings
International Automotive Components (IAC) Group, a multi-year GM Supplier of the Year recipient, is one of the first to move in. The company intends on setting up shop in the forthcoming Arlington Automotive Logistics Center.
“We are excited to establish this new Arlington location as one of our flagship manufacturing operations among IAC’s 22 other U.S. plants,” said Steve Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer, IAC. “IAC’s role as a supplier of vehicle interiors to GM extends back almost a century and this impressive new center marks a great beginning to our next century in partnership with this customer.”
Effective Strategies
GM’s notion behind supplier parks is that it makes everyday business run more effectively. With suppliers located near manufacturing facilities, transportation costs drop, communication is stronger, and more opportunities for quality control can be accessed. Currently, supplier parks for Northpoint exist at GM’s Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas, Wentzville Assembly Plant in Missouri, Bowling Green Assembly in Kentucky, and Fort Wayne Assembly Plant in Indiana.
“Through strong supplier and community relations, we’re able create new supplier parks to generate significant benefits to our manufacturing operations and the communities in which we operate,” said Steve Kiefer, GM Senior Vice President of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain. “This new supplier park will create improved logistics efficiency and coordination, while also bringing significant employment opportunities to Arlington.”
“This action will have an impact on our community for generations to come and further solidify the partnership between Arlington and General Motors,” added Mayor Williams.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 
Photos & Source: General Motors.



Check out these Automotive tips

Powered by WPeMatico

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/general-motors-proposes-new-supplier-park-in-texas/