Automotive

2019 Honda HR-V: New Look, New Features, Old Volume Knobs

2019 Honda HR-V: New Look, New Features, Old Volume Knobs 2019 Honda HR-V has landed at dealerships with a host of updates and tweaks.
The six-speed manual goes the way of the dodo but a new CVT enters the picture.
Pricing is reasonable and affordable – a nicely loaded 2019 HRV goes for under $30,000.
New Faces
Honda has given their best-selling HR-V a refresh in the looks department and slathered on the tech goodies. It was time for all of those things, yes, but Honda also has to be careful here. They sell a ton of these little guys, and if they mess with the HR-V too much, it might hurt the bottom line.
Essentially, there’s four main areas where the 2019 Honda HR-V has been tweaked. There’s a new Sport trim with unique styling cues and 18-inch wheels. There’s another new trim level, Touring, that adds multi-element LED headlights, leather-trimmed seats, and a power driver’s seat.
Across the line there’s a new Display Audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus the Honda Sensing suite of active safety features now available on EX and higher.
The styling makeover includes the bumpers, headlights, grille, and taillights. However, the new HR-V Sport and Touring get a unique look all their own: blackout trim and 18-inch wheels distinguish the HR-V Sport, and the all-wheel-drive-only Touring gets multi-element LED headlights, dark chrome trim, and LED fog lights.
2019 Honda HR-V Sport. Photo: Honda North America.
Sport & Touring
Sport trims also get a unique interior treatment, with a black headliner, gloss-black trim, and sport pedals. This new-for-2019 Sport trim fits between the LX and EX, and Honda says it gives the HR-V a “youthful vibe.” That description ought to make the kidz run for Chevy dealers in droves when they read that.
The HR-V Sport also features unique lower body trim, rocker panels, wheel arches, and exterior mirrors painted gloss black. The HR-V Sport also receives a honeycomb pattern grille, exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels and tires, and a chrome exhaust finisher. By comparison, the Touring borders its honeycomb grille with multi-element LED headlights unique in the HR-V lineup, along with five-element LED fog lights. The Touring rides on 17-inch machined alloy wheels.
The nav system, available exclusively for Touring, has sharper graphics and 3D landmarks. All models feature a redesigned driver’s gauge cluster with a large analog speedometer and digital tachometer. Although, if you opt for an EX or above, you receive a 4.2-inch Thin-Film Transistor Driver Interface with additional information including turn-by-turn directions.
The 2019 Honda HR-V will shift to higher revs under deceleration acting as a temporary engine brake. Photo: Honda North America.
Performance & Pricing
All of this newness is motivated down the road by a 141 horsepower, 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC four-banger. All HR-V models now use a Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission with the six-speed manual being discontinued.
And all HR-Vs benefit from a new Display Audio system with a simplified interface and “volume knob.” Honda does not go into detail on this mysterious “volume knob,” but all I can figure is that it’s something far too high-tech for my febrile little mind to grok.
How much, you ask? Not all that bad. The front-wheel drive LX starts off the range at around $22,000. It goes all the way to the top of the heap, all-wheel drive Touring for around $30,000. Before all the taxes and stuff that is.
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
2019 Honda HR-V Gallery

Photos & Source: Honda North America.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2019-honda-hr-v-new-look-new-features-old-volume-knobs/

The 5 Most Expensive Cars Sold During The 2018 Monterey Car Week

The 5 Most Expensive Cars Sold During The 2018 Monterey Car Week The 2018 Monterey Car Week and Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance ended on a high note. There were two record sales that dominated this year’s event. It commemorated the most expensive American car ever sold at an auction. Total sales amounted to a staggering $368 million. This is a 12 percent increase over 2017, which managed a cumulative total of $323 million by comparison.
Here are the five most expensive cars sold during the 2018 Monterey Car Week.
1. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO – $48.4M
The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO earns the distinction of being the most expensive car sold at auction in history. It exchanged hands for a staggering $48,405,000 at RM Sotheby’s. It eclipsed the old record established by a similar Ferrari 250 GTO back in 2014.
Why the exorbitant price tag? The car competed in twenty official races and was never involved in a crash. It also happens to be the original test car of Phil Hill, who happens to be the only American driver to win the Formula One World Driver’s Championship.
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO. Photo: RM Sotheby’s.
2. 1935 Duesenberg SSJ Roadster – $22M
This 1935 Duesenberg SSJ Roadster sold for an eye-watering $22,000,000 by Gooding & Company, the most expensive American-made car ever sold at auction. Equipped with a massive supercharged 7.0-liter inline eight-cylinder motor that produces 400 horsepower, it’s no wonder why this Duesy was able to surpass the previous sales record set by the 1962 Shelby “CSX 2000” 260 Cobra in 2016 for an American car.
If you need to ask, that car sold for a measly $13,750,000.
3. 1963 Aston Martin DP215 Competition Prototype – $21.4M
RM Sotheby’s was on a roll when they sold this magnificent 1965 Aston Martin DP215 for $21,455,000. This car saw action at the 1963 24 Hours of Le Mans. Coincidentally, it was also piloted by racing driver Phil Hill along with Lucien Bianchi. This car is reportedly quicker than the Ferrari 250 GTO but had to retire early due to transmission issues.
The DP215 also happens to be one of the rarest Aston Martin vehicles in existence.
1963 Aston Martin DP215 Competition Prototype. Photo: RM Sotheby’s.
4. 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II Coupe – $9.795M
The 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II Coupe is regarded as the “Ferrari killer.” This particular GT40 is one of the original race cars that completed Ford’s 1-2-3 finish at Le Mans in 1966. All three Ford racers crossed the finish line at almost the same time, but this particular example came in third, which is enough to make it one of the most desirable race cars from that era.
RM Sotheby’s sold this GT40 Mk II for $9,795,000.
5. 1958 Ferrari 250 GT TdF Coupe – $6.6M
You might be wondering why this 1958 Ferrari 250 GT sold for $6,600,000 by Gooding & Company. Well, this Ferrari consecutively won the Tour de France from 1956 to 1959, hence the TdF moniker. It doesn’t just come with a proper racing pedigree, but a tuned 3.0-liter Colombo V12 motor and luscious alloy coachwork designed by Pininfarina and hand-built by Scaglietti.
1966 Ford GT40 Mk II Coupe. Photo: RM Sotheby’s.
Crunching The Numbers
Hagerty’s sales forecast wasn’t far off. The publisher of the Hagerty Price Guide released an official prediction of $342M total sales for the 2018 Monterey Car Week. We understand why old race cars are fetching astronomical price tags. It’s not just the bragging rights or the racing pedigree, rather the level of detail and craftsmanship.
“The Hagerty Price Guide team is constantly monitoring the market, looking at traditional land-based auctions, online auctions, public asking prices, private sales information that is provided by our million-plus members, and our network of dealer partners,” said Jesse Pilarski, Valuation Information Analyst at Hagerty. “We inspect thousands of cars each year to put sale prices in the context of condition, provenance, and spec, which can all greatly impact value.”
Based on the auction results, we were wondering why exotic race cars are in such high demand, while modern hypercars like the new Bugatti Chiron and 2010 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport failed to sell at the auctions. Even though Gooding & Company and RM Sotheby’s were able to sell two Ferrari LaFerrari’s for over $3M, the sales amounts were below the current valuation indicated by the Hagerty Price Guide.
“Several different reasons can cause values for a particular vehicle to increase or decrease. It could be something like new first-time buyers entering the market,” Pilarski explained. “Another reason the value goes up is the substitution effect. If you were shopping for a Mercedes-Benz 190SL, but those became too expensive what do you shift your sights to? Most buyers jump to the next SL Mercedes in line, the 280SL, which drives up values for the 280SL.”
Changing Trends
Ferrari, Aston Martin, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and Mercedes-Benz often see higher values than other vehicles because of their names. Like fine wine extracted from heirloom grapes, there is something about exotic brands that stirs the interest of affluent car buyers.
“Cars at the top of the market work a little differently than Corvettes and Mustangs. Outside economic factors play a larger role for these cars. If traditional investments like stocks and real estate are providing poor returns, tangible assets like fine art and collectible cars become attractive,” Pilarski said.
Changes in the tax code can also play a role in the values of Blue-Chip collectible cars. As a result, collectors can capitalize.
“Up until recently, collectors were able to take advantage of the 1031 exchange which allowed them to defer paying taxes on sold vehicles if they rolled that money into a different vehicle,” Pilarski said.
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.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/the-5-most-expensive-cars-sold-during-the-2018-monterey-car-week/

2019 GMC Sierra Denali: Tech & Performance By The Bundle

2019 GMC Sierra Denali: Tech & Performance By The Bundle 2019 GMC Sierra Denali has new tech and performance tools.
6.2 V8 returns while the 10-speed automatic borrows a feature GM’s diesel trucks.
The new Denali trucks are arriving at dealerships but are not sticking around very long.
Packed House
The 2019 GMC Sierra Denali is well aware of its competition. As Ford and Ram dial down with their own luxury and limited editions, it’s clear the Sierra Denali is not the only sheriff in town. Such ultra-luxury trucks find favor with a select group of buyers. And GMC is lacing up their boots for 2019, preparing to go toe-to-toe with their Michigan rivals.
While it likely boils down to personal taste as to which luxury truck prevails in the hearts of consumers, the 2019 GMC Sierra Denali is not easily ignored.
The Denali is the flagship of the expanding Sierra lineup, which now includes the robust AT4 and Elevation models. The latter are for off-pavement adventures, but for the Denali, it’s about softening the concrete with things like Adaptive Ride Control. It’s about adding another three inches of rear legroom, trimming the inside with fancier materials, and pouring on the connectivity tech. Don’t forget the heated and cooled seats and heated steering wheel either.
The 2019 GMC Sierra Denali is on it’s way to dealers as you read this. Before you visit the showroom, here are some specs on the truck worth knowing.
Adaptive Ride Control monitors the road and various driver inputs: things like accelerating, cornering, braking, and trailering for example. The active dampers adjust every 2 milliseconds, based on sensor feedback. GMC says this provides a greater sense of comfort and control. Photo: GMC.
Trucking Tools
When you gotta tow, you gotta tow! Expect to see GMC’s new ProGrade Trailering feature with a compatible smartphone app on offer. The system includes a pre-departure checklist, trailer light test, tire pressure monitoring for the trailer, and maintenance reminders among others.
Hitch Guidance, Hitch View, and a birds-eye camera should minimize the amount of swear words uttered while backing up to a trailer. The available side view cameras and a trailer-mounted HD camera can provide additional assistance when traveling down the road, or while operating in reverse. Also cool is the Trailer Theft Detection feature, which provides a mobile alert via OnStar should the trailer ever be detached from the truck.
The available Rear Camera Mirror is something most truck buyers will find useful too. It acts like a dual-function interior mirror, in the sense that it helps drivers see around potential obstructions, be it occupants or cargo. It expands the field of vision with a higher resolution display and the ability to tilt or zoom the view.
A bright, multidimensional grille, chrome exterior accents, and body-color bumpers are among the Denali’s styling signatures. 20-inch aluminum wheels are standard, with 22-inch wheels available. Photo: GMC.
Bed Time
The MultiPro Tailgate includes six different functions and positions. There are second-tier loading and load-stop solutions, a standing workstation, and integrated hand grips and bumper steps – the MultiPro Tailgate is standard on Denali and SLT trucks. Although cool and definitely useful, the MultiPro Tailgate underscores a new approach for the 2019 Sierra in a fundamental area.
The bed.
The 2019 GMC Sierra maintains its roll-formed, high-strength steel bed, although a revised alloy offers 50 percent more strength. What is new is “CarbonPro,” or essentially the industry’s first carbon fiber truck box. CarbonPro replaces the steel inner panels and floor with a lighter carbon fiber composite that cuts 62 lbs. from the truck. According to GMC, it offers better dent, scratch, and corrosion resistance.
Carbon Pro is on offer for the 2019 Denali later in the model year.
The 2019 GMC Sierra Denali is 360 lbs. lighter than the current model. Photo: GMC.
Traction Jackson
GMC’s Traction Select System morphs the transmission’s shift points, throttle mapping, and traction control to optimize performance. After all, a boss truck must have a slick way to disperse all that horsepower.
Tour Mode is for everyday use, while Sport creates quicker downshifts so the engine stays in peak powerbands for longer. In Sport Mode, power steering assist is dialed back so inputs feel more direct and sporty, according to GMC. Off-Road Mode allows for more wheelslip and is useful for higher-speed driving on gravel or muddy roads. Two-wheel drive Sierras even get a snow mode.
The Autotrac 2-Speed Transfer Case, standard on Sierra Denali, is among the other fun (and useful) tools. With a mechanical low range to boost torque at lower speeds, the transfer case helps in limited-traction situations.
The Sierra Denali includes an eight-inch HD color touchscreen, navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Also standard is a seven-speaker Bose Premium Sound System with a Richbass Woofer in the center console. Photo: GMC.
Power & Performance
The 2019 Sierra Denali pours the gravy with the available 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. of torque. A new Dynamic Fuel Management system utilizes 17 different patterns of cylinder deactivation to balance power and efficiency.
The 10-speed automatic takes a page out of the Duramax Colorado and Canyon’s book, incorporating a centrifugal pendulum absorber torque converter to reduce vibration.
Pricing & Availability
Cox Automotive says the average transaction price for the Sierra 1500 to date is $51,794 and $58,738 for the Denali. According to the Detroit Free Press, 2019 GM trucks that have arrived at dealerships are already spoken for.
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 GMC Sierra Denali Gallery

Photos & Source: GMC.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2019-gmc-sierra-denali-tech-performance-by-the-bundle/

2019 Audi A6: The Digital Age Has Arrived

2019 Audi A6: The Digital Age Has Arrived The 2019 Audi A6 marks the eighth generation of the automaker’s midsize sedan.
New twin-turbo V6 features a higher compression ratio for greater torque.
Audi’s Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology is an integral part of the A6.
However, Audi is pushing what they call “Digitalization” more so than anything else.
Digital What?
Audi just rolled out their latest A6 and it seems to be a worthy successor to the previous seven generations of the Ingolstadt company’s midsize sedan. It’s got all the engine and drivetrain goodies you expect, but the latest A6 is all about Digitalization. Yup, you heard me: Digitalization.
We’ll get to what on Earth the marketing guys are up to with this whole “Digitalization” thing, but for now, let’s examine all the good gearhead stuff: the engine and chassis.
Power & Performance
The latest A6 features a new 3.0-liter TFSI V6 that cranks out more power and weighs 30 lbs. less. Said plant puts out 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque. Bottom line: zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Not bad for a big-ish sedan. There’s a twin-scroll turbocharger nestled inside the V of the engine to improve responsiveness and performance. The Audi valvelift system changes the duration of the valve opening depending on the throttle and engine speed. The high compression ratio of 11.2:1 means greater torque, of course, and also means you’ll most likely have to run premium gas.
The seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic now transfers power to a quattro with “ultra” technology. No, seriously, they said that. “Ultra” technology, it would seem, is optimized for performance and efficiency and allows for intelligent, proactive control of the all-wheel drive system to help “predictively modify the torque application as the driver demands or the road conditions require.” Sure. Whatever.
The 2019 Audi A6 will come standard with Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology. This 48-volt system, stored under the rear cargo floor, takes power from the 10Ah battery to a belt alternator starter to enhance the start/stop system. Strangely a conventional starter is used for cold starting.
The A6’s powertrain is remarkably similar to the new A7.
The 2019 Audi A6 uses lightweight aluminum and high-strength steel for better torsional rigidity. Heavier materials, crucial to vehicle rigidity, are closer to the center for better handling and chassis response, according to Audi. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Digital Magic
Now, about that “Digitalization” thing. Digitalization (which doesn’t come up as a spelling error, interestingly enough) is Audi’s catchphrase for tying a whole bunch of tech together through their MMI interface. The MMI touch response replaces the old rotary dial and conventional buttons and controls with large, high-resolution touch displays: an upper 10.1-inch display controls the infotainment and a lower, 8.6-inch display for climate control, comfort, and convenience functions.
MMI search functions are based on free text input and natural voice control. So you can literally say things like “I’m cold,” and the A6 will respond with, “What temperature would you like to set the cabin to?” or, “My Orange Mocha Frappuccino is cold, I want a new one!!” and the A6 will respond with, “Settle down princess. There’s a Starbucks two blocks ahead.”
It gets even more goofy from there, unfortunately. The lower display has “natural handwriting input with whole-word recognition.” Audi says that users can write a word left to right, or in one spot, and the MMI is designed to identify each letter. They make no mention on the efficacy of doing this while in motion.
If that’s not enough, there’s a full QWERTY keyboard for input. The upper display works more or less like an iPad, with drag-and-drop features and up to 32 shortcuts for different functions.
2019 Audi A6 interior layout. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Virtual Cockpits & Big Stereos
And all this is just the start of the tech goodies along for the ride. Other features include the Audi virtual cockpit’s 12.3-inch display with HD resolution and two viewing modes: classic and infotainment (ugh). There’s an available Audi phone box to connect smartphones with the vehicle’s antenna to charge them inductively. Prestige trim levels get a standard, full-color heads-up display.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is standard.
Standard on Premium Plus and Prestige is a Bang & Olufsen Premium 3D Sound System. On Prestige models you get a Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System, which delivers the tunes through 19 speakers, powered by a 19-channel BeoCore amplifier and ICE power amplifiers with an output of 1,820 watts.
Pricing
Not all that bad, considering. The 2019 Audi A6 starts at around $59,000 for the Premium package and goes all the way up to a little over $67,000 for the full-zoot Prestige package.
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
Photos & Source: Audi of America, Inc.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2019-audi-a6-the-digital-age-has-arrived/

2017 Toyota Yaris iA 6-Speed Manual Review

2017 Toyota Yaris iA 6-Speed Manual Review

There’s lots of choices in the compact sedan market with affordable and fuel-efficient models across the segment. But what if you are searching for one that’s also packed with features and surprisingly fun-to-drive? The new 2017 Toyota Yaris iA is a car you should have on your shopping list.
What’s New For 2017
Formerly known as the Scion iA, the 2017 Yaris iA comes under the Toyota umbrella now that Scion has been axed. It’s essentially unchanged compared to last year’s model.
Features & Options
Our 2017 Toyota Yaris iA tester came with the 6-speed manual transmission ($15,950) which is $250 more than the Scion version from last year. It comes well-equipped for a subcompact car with its abundant features. It offers up keyless entry, push-button start, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, power mirrors, a 7-inch touchscreen, and 6-speaker sound system with music streaming. It also comes with steering-wheel controls, voice recognition for audio and phone, Bluetooth, a USB port, plus compatibility with Aha, Pandora, and Stitcher.
A 60/40 fold-flat rear seat was also included. Total MSRP including destination: $16,815.
Interior Highlights
We were impressed the moment we stepped into the Yaris iA’s cabin. The upright touchscreen and circular vents come right from the page of a Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. It’s unusual to find this kind of material quality and fit and finish in a subcompact, costing less than $17,000. There’s lots of soft touch materials used throughout and the infotainment system features the kind of connectivity a high-tech generation wants.
The 7-inch touchscreen sits on the dash. It caught and kept our attention with its easy to read display. Room up front is typical for a subcompact and rear passengers will feel a bit cramped on longer jaunts around town. For cargo, the rear seats fold flat and open up to the sedan’s trunk.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2017 Toyota Yaris iA is powered by a 1.5-liter engine producing an ample 106 horsepower and 103 lb-ft. of torque. The iA engine comes from Mazda, using direct injection with a high 12:1 compression ratio. The four-cylinder powerplant is tuned for fuel efficiency and achieves an EPA-estimated 30/39 city/highway and 34 combined with the 6-speed manual gearbox.
If you don’t want to shift yourself, a 6-speed automatic is available and gets better fuel mileage at 33/42 city/highway and 37 combined.
Driving Dynamics
There’s a lot to like about the Scion iA sedan with the manual gearbox. It’s a driver’s car from the start and offers plenty of fun for enthusiasts. We had the car for the weekend and had a chance to drive it in the city and mountains west of Denver.
The Yaris iA hugged the mountain curves with ease and little body lean. The manual gearbox is a joy to shift with crisp changes up and down in the gears. The 6-speed manual is more fun-to-drive than the automatic Scion iA we drove last year by a mile!
On the open road, we had to downshift into 5th on the mountain hills as 6th gear is tall and more of an overdrive. It was easy to find the right gear, however, as we motored through the city streets and made the commute through town. Handling is sporty and the suspension is just right with MacPherson struts in front and the torsion beam in the rear.
Conclusion
If you want a more engaging driving experience, we like the Toyota Yaris iA manual over the more serene automatic. For fuel mileage and city commuting, the Yaris iA automatic is the way to go. Our personal preference would be to sacrifice one or two mpg and go with the sportier driving machine, the 6-speed manual. It’s fun-to-drive, offers a more engaging experience, and still gets excellent fuel mileage overall.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Toyota Yaris iA Gallery

We trust Edmunds.com to give us the best, up to date, and TRUE pricing of what people are really paying for their cars. Get a free dealer quote at Edmunds on this car:

2017 Toyota Yaris iA Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2017-toyota-yaris-ia-6-speed-manual-review/

Unexpected Car Shows Are Always Worth Visiting

Unexpected Car Shows Are Always Worth Visiting

For me it has turned into an immutable fact that you should always, always head to a car show, especially if you are in a strange setting or you didn’t know about the car show in advance. About a month back, I found myself in just such a time and place, when an unexpected car show appeared out of nowhere.
It turned out to be a gloriously affirming good time of car related gearheadedness.
Quintessential Community
I was recently in Port Townsend, Washington on a working vacation. Port Townsend is a cute little Victorian-era town on the banks of Puget Sound. Back when it was founded, before the Civil War, they thought Port Townsend was going to be the San Francisco of the north. And they were nearly right, since at that time, Seattle was a brine-soaked series of mud flats and Tacoma was, uh, a brine-soaked series of mud flats (it’s amazing what a lot of rain will do to a place). But Port Townsend got outpaced by both Seattle and Tacoma and now exists, mainly, as a weekend getaway spot, artist colony, ex-hippie refuge and, somehow, a place for retired Californians to live.
Port Townsend was also a place where I stumbled onto a local car show that was pretty impressive; the Port Townsend Kiwanis Classic Car Show. Sure, there were the tastefully done up hot rods (I refuse to call them street rods) more than a few immaculate antique cars that looked showroom fresh 75 years on and, surprisingly, more than a few outright sports cars, plus interesting older cars and even – gasp – something French! Here are a few of my favorites, or at least the cars that caught my eye, followed by a photo gallery of the other rides assembled.
Photo: Tony Borroz for Automoblog.net.
First up, let’s get my biases out of the way. This is a rather nice and tastefully modified Triumph TR3. It had all the period goodies like wire wheels and that factory grille bar with the driving lights, but it had also been seen-to here and there.

The interior was redone with new materials but retained that old style look; even the dash was redone, and just as tastefully. “But what’s this,” I asked as I walked around the front and took in the engine bay . . . that, my dear friends, is a Roots-type scroll supercharger. I never found the owner so I couldn’t tell you how much power this thing puts to the tarmac, but that’s an upgrade after my own heart.
Photo: Tony Borroz for Automoblog.net.
Just aft of that Roots blower was this, the nearly impenetrable stronghold of Lucas, The Prince of Darkness.
Photo: Tony Borroz for Automoblog.net.
Many a times have I stared, knuckles bleeding, tears welling up in my eyes, at just that fuse block. Many, many times have I looked on, feeling like an Old Testament prophet that God had decided to test. That fuse block, right there, is one of the biggest reasons why I drive a Miata.
Photo: Tony Borroz for Automoblog.net.
Next up, we have this pickup, an older Chevy; I didn’t really pay attention, but what jumped out at me was the car club plaque screwed into the front bumper.
Photo: Tony Borroz for Automoblog.net.
Badge of Honor
See, back in the 1950s, if you were in a car club, one of the things your dues got you, in addition to that totally cool Car Coat and the secret blood initiation, was some sort of identifying marker. In SoCal, they tended to be these stand-up things you put on the parcel shelf in your rear window. In other places, it was a bumper plaque like this one.
Check it out closely, it is exemplary of the art: up top, your car club; in this case The Rakers (and how cool of a club name is that?) and down at the bottom, where you hail from, in this case, Port Townsend. In other words, this guy was a Port Townsend gearhead waaaay back in the day, and he still is. Like I said, cool, no?
Photo: Tony Borroz for Automoblog.net.
Red Hot
Ah, the Shoe Box Ford. Why they got called that I never knew, but that’s what everyone knows them as now. This is a particularly fine example that also hews very close to what cruiser cars were like back then. The modifications were usually subtle. This guy sported a very nice, deep wine red paint job; it was lowered a little, and was running on what looked like Gotti wheels (an odd choice, but they worked).
Photo: Tony Borroz for Automoblog.net.
But what’s this? This would be some rather nice pinstriping flourishes up front, a la Von Dutch. And if you think, even for a second, that Von Dutch is that clothing line Justin Timberlake wears, I swear I will hunt you down with dogs and show you just how wrong you are.
Photo: Tony Borroz for Automoblog.net.
I Fought The Law
But wait, it gets even better! What’s that, you might ask? That, my young Padawan, is a “Blue Dot.” That thing, right there in the center of the taillight, is an aftermarket item you could buy back in 50s and 60s. They are these faceted pieces of dark blue plastic about the size of a nickel, surrounded by a chrome bezel. And the deal was, you’d drill a hole in your taillight and mush them in there, and when you’d hit the brakes, you’d give off this purple-ish glow. Putting Blue Dots on your car back then was like rolling up your Pall Malls in your t-shirt sleeve, and turning up the collar on your Car Coat; it showed in no uncertain terms that you were A. Bad. Boy.
I know, it doesn’t seem like much until you consider that, for some reason lost to me, the local cops hated seeing them. You’d get pulled over and ticketed for some sort of penny-ante equipment infraction. But you didn’t care! You were a gearhead! The bulls could kiss it! Hand me a match, will ya? I am still personal friends with older guys that got hassled by cops because of this. See, when you’re a gearhead, there’s always something the cops are going to dislike. You get used to it, I suppose.
Here’s the rest of the cars that were at the show. Like I said, a pretty impressive turn out; everything from fabulous Hudson Hornets to Citroen Maseratis – and what sort of masochist owns a French car powered by a 70s vintage Italian engine way out in the wilds of the Olympic Peninsula? My kind of gearhead, that’s who.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Port Townsend Kiwanis Classic Car Show Gallery

Gallery Photos: Tony Borroz.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/unexpected-car-shows-are-always-worth-visiting/

2019 Honda Insight Touring Review

2019 Honda Insight Touring Review The 2019 Honda Insight sports a hybrid powertrain and gets an estimated 51 mpg in the city. That’s not as good as a Toyota Prius, but the Insight has impressive styling and it doesn’t look like a fuel-stingy model. Honda isn’t just focusing on fuel mileage; they are instead touting it as being a quiet, comfortable, well-equipped, and affordable sedan.
This weekend, we drove the top-trim, 2019 Honda Insight Touring.
What’s New For 2019
Even though the Insight nameplate is not new, the 2019 Honda Insight is an all-new hybrid vehicle for the Japanese automaker.
Features & Options
The Insight Touring comes well-equipped with leather seats, rearview camera, heated front seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, eight-way power driver’s seat, heated outside mirrors, and a power moonroof. The Touring also comes with an eight-inch infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite and HD radio, and two USB ports. Touring models add navigation, HD digital traffic, voice recognition, and a 450-watt premium audio system with 10 speakers. HondaLink cloud-based services are also available.
Every Insight comes standard with the company’s Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver safety aids, which includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams.
Total MSRP including destination: $28,985.

Interior Highlights
Stepping into the 2019 Honda Insight reveals an upscale cabin with touchscreen infotainment, spacious accommodations front and rear, and a large trunk with plenty of cargo space. The interior reminded us of the current Accord sedan with a warm ambiance. Honda has done a good job with the material quality and overall fit and finish.
The leather-trimmed front seats are comfortable for six footers in the Touring, and the lower cushions adjust for tilt. Touring does come with a moonroof that cuts into a taller person’s headroom, however. The back seat has plenty of legroom, but headroom seems more limited than others in this segment. We thought visibility was good from the rear and sides for a small sedan.
The hybrid battery sits underneath the rear seat but we didn’t notice a sacrifice in room because of it. Insight offers a large trunk with a flat floor and low load height, making it easy for us to load cargo for our weekend trip.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The new Honda Insight is powered by an Atkinson-cycle 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder engine that makes 107 horsepower and 99 lb-ft. of torque. The engine boasts an exemplary 40.5 percent thermal efficiency. With the electric motor, Insight has a combined output of 151 horsepower and 197 lb-ft. of torque.
The engine can supply power directly to the front wheels through a clutch and fixed gear ratio. There is not a traditional or continuously variable transmission in this new hybrid. The Insight achieves an EPA-estimated 51/45 city/highway and 48 combined mpg.

Driving Dynamics
The new Insight is fun to drive around town and easy to maneuver in heavy traffic. The electric motor carried us without the gas engine and kept us moving forward in stop-and-go traffic in Denver this weekend. Honda says at lower speeds, the Insight will go up to a mile without the gasoline engine firing up. We averaged close to 48 mpg for the weekend, and we even pushed it hard at elevation in the mountains.
The electric motor provides smooth and easy power at low speeds, but when we pushed hard on the pedal heading up I-70 west of Denver, the gas engine noise reaches the cabin. You will hear the engine speed rising and falling in line with the accelerator pedal. The experience is similar to a car equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission which is a disappointment.
It’s not a sporty sedan, but acceleration is strong because of the torque from the electric motor. Honda’s LaneWatch system (Touring only) puts cameras on the sideview mirrors and displays their view on the entertainment screen when you activate the turn signal. It’s an excellent system for seeing someone in your blind spot.
Conclusion
The 2019 Honda Insight is an affordable sedan that doesn’t look like a traditional hybrid. It comes in an attractive package with a comfortable, upscale interior. Honda priced the Insight right – even the upper Touring trim comes in under $30,000.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Honda Insight Gallery

2019 Honda Insight Official Site.
Photos: Honda North America.

Check out these Automotive tips

https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2019-honda-insight-touring-review/

Roadway Deaths Dip Slightly; Overall Outlook Still Bleak

Roadway Deaths Dip Slightly; Overall Outlook Still Bleak New report shows U.S. roadway deaths dipped slightly this year.
However, experts believe the news isn’t so great, saying we are merely “treading water.”
Drivers can greatly reduce their risk of an accident by following a few simple safety tips.
Tapering Off
Driving carries an inherent risk, whether we do it for pleasure or necessity. The National Safety Council finds in the last two years, around 80,000 total roadway deaths have occurred in the United States. The latest statistics reflect a slow leveling off, with the number of fatalities in the first six months of 2018 dipping slightly. (Less than 0.5 percent from six-month 2017 estimates).
While the drop is hopeful, experts say it may only be a “stabilization” of the steepest two-year increase in over 50 years, which occurred between 2014 and 2016. If preliminary 2018 estimates hold, the U.S. could see its third straight year with around 40,000 roadway deaths.
“When it comes to this leading cause of accidental death, we aren’t making progress – we’re treading water,” explained Ken Kolosh, Manager of Statistics, National Safety Council. “We cannot accept more than 18,700 deaths as the price of mobility.”
Current Trend
Approximately 18,720 people died on U.S. roadways between January and June, compared to the Council’s revised estimate of 18,770 during the same period last year. Another 2.1 million are estimated to have sustained serious crash-related injuries during the first six months of 2018. This represents a one percent drop from 2017 six-month projections by comparison.
The National Safety Council collects fatality data monthly from all 50 states and leverages data from the National Center for Health Statistics.

Holidays Are Risky
Holidays are increasingly deadly, the upcoming Labor Day weekend being no exception. The National Safety Council estimates 420 people will be killed during the three-day weekend, which begins at 6 p.m. Friday, August 31st, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Monday, September 3rd.
“Americans must employ those defensive driving skills we learn in driver’s ed classes: slow down, pay attention, and be prepared for anything,” said Maureen Vogel, Senior Public Relations Manager and Spokeswoman, National Safety Council. “Do not let your desire to get to your destination override safety.”
It Can Wait
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving accounted for 3,450 roadway deaths in 2016. Distracted driving also caused the nearly 400,000 reported injuries during that same period.
“It takes on average 4.6 seconds to send a text message,” explained Special First Lieutenant and Traffic Safety Specialist Jim Flegel of the Michigan State Police. “At 55 mph, that is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded. The sad part is that 100 percent of crashes related to distracted driving are preventable.”

Safe & Sound
The National Safety Council and law enforcement officials recommend driving defensively, putting away mobile devices, and getting plenty of sleep beforehand. And remember: you can learn a lot from a dummy.
“First and foremost, seat belts save lives,” Flegel said. “If more drivers and passengers took that extra few seconds to put on their seat belts, it would drastically reduce the number of crash fatalities.”
“We hope these numbers remind drivers to slow down, buckle up, pay attention, and drive defensively so we can get on the road to zero deaths,” Kolosh added.
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.
Safety Tips From The Michigan State Police
Drive defensively.
Limit distractions inside the vehicle.
Obey all traffic laws and posted signs.
Wear your seat belt each and every time.
Be aware of your surroundings while driving.
Never operate a vehicle impaired on alcohol or drugs.
If your day involves alcohol, plan ahead and designate a sober driver.
Resources From The National Safety Council
Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained and take care of any open recalls.
Consider ways to encourage your teenage children to drive safely and responsibly.
Take a brief tutorial of your vehicle’s active safety features if it is equipped with them.

Check out these Automotive tips

https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/roadway-deaths-dip-slightly-overall-outlook-still-bleak/

Global Summit In Brussels, Belgium Examines Autonomous Driving

Global Summit In Brussels, Belgium Examines Autonomous Driving

Autonomous driving is one of the headline topics today in the automotive industry. A conversation on autonomy can include everything from technology and infrastructure, to legalities and testing. Sometimes, people will even voice apprehensions about an autonomous car, expressing their fears about life in an autonomous world. Recently, a new study highlighted that safety is still the main concern among consumers.
AutoSens organizers are in tune to this, understanding that collaboration is necessary for the successful implementation of autonomy.
Challenges & Opportunities
AutoSens returns this week to Autoworld in Brussels, Belgium, their second summit this year, following a successful event in May in Detroit, Michigan. The Detroit event marked the North American debut for AutoSens, with over 350 engineers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and other automotive industry experts in attendance. AutoSens is built on the visions these professionals share on vehicle perception technology, ADAS systems, and autonomous driving. Like in Detroit, AutoSens Brussels examines OEM requirements for developing these systems, and provides arenas for engagement, idea sharing, and collaboration.
“AutoSens has a strong following, backing within the industry, and is building a community of dedicated and passionate automotive engineers and technologists,” said Robert Stead, Managing Director, Sense Media. “That same community has a powerful desire to see through the roll out of autonomous vehicle technology.”
Photo: Sense Media.
Active Participation
AutoSens Brussels will see an influx of over 400 technical experts and engineers, each with a thorough understanding of connected car systems. The biggest topics in Brussels include camera developments, functional safety testing and validations, sensor fusion, image processing, imaging standards, and benchmarking. LiDAR, radar, computer vision, in-car networking, and the challenges facing each will be prime talking points as well.
Organizers are dedicated to providing the ideal environment for industry professionals to better understand what is talking place in these key areas. The strongest aspect of AutoSens is how attendees participate in the conversations, bring ideas to the table, identify problems, and even implement solutions. In Brussels there will be ample opportunity: the 4-day program includes 6 expert workshops, vehicle demonstrations, over 60 keynote-style conference sessions, 40 plus booth exhibitions, 8 industry awards, and a gala ceremony.
“Keeping engineers at the core, AutoSens in Brussels will see an international awards program and gala dinner in Europe, extended learning through an enhanced series of workshops, continuation of the IEEE P2020 working group activities, and vehicle demos to showcase the latest technology as we develop the ADAS and autonomous vehicle technology community this year,” Stead said.
Photo: Sense Media.
Accomplished Voices
The speakers at AutoSens Brussels are as diverse as they are distinguished. Collectively, the panel has experience in everything from robotics and computer vision, to automotive electronics, digital imaging, and functional safety. Each speaker was handpicked and selected based on their contributions to functional safety, driver assistance systems, autonomous cars, and their overall passion for the topics. Speakers at AutoSens Brussels include:
Philipp Hoffmann, Research, New Technologies and Innovation, Project Leader, BMW Group.
Heiko Hirschmueller, Co-Founder, Roboception.
Erich Ramschak, Sensor Product Manager, ADAS Engineering, AVL.
Markus Heimberger, System Architect; Senior Expert, Valeo.
Chris Davies, Head of Technical Superiority, Belron.
Saskia de Craen, Senior Researcher, SWOV.
Paul Jennings, Professor, University of Warwick.
Sheldon Russell, Senior Research Associate, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.
Junmuk Lee, Senior Research Engineer, Hyundai Autron.
Erik Vinkhuyzen, Senior Researcher, Nissan Research Center.
Photo: Sense Media.

Historic Appeal
AutoSens Brussels will be held in two different venues, the first of which is the Autoworld private museum. Organizers believe Autoworld’s architecture, car collection, and history make it the ideal location. During World War l, Autoworld served as the German army’s garage, while the Mundaneum, created by Belgian lawyers Paul Otlet and Henri La Fontaine, was installed there in 1920. The AutoSens Awards will take place on September 20th at the Atomium.
AutoSens Brussels begins on Tuesday, September 19th and runs through Thursday, September 21st. Registration is currently open and the full schedule can be found here.
“We have some really exciting things in store so the team and I are looking forward to seeing how the industry responds,” Stead said.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Check out these Automotive tips

https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/global-summit-in-brussels-belgium-examines-autonomous-driving/