Automotive

I.D. Buzz Cargo: VW’s New Mystery Machine For The New Age

I.D. Buzz Cargo: VW’s New Mystery Machine For The New Age The I.D. Buzz Cargo has a range of more than 340 miles according to Volkswagen.
The 230V socket provides power for tools and other equipment without an additional generator.
When is VW going to release it? They didn’t exactly say . . .
Volkswagen has this on again, off again thing in going with the reboot of their bus. You know, the Type 2, the hippie bus. They’ve gone through several iterations with this guy. All of them would be produced. But none of them ever were. However, VW says this one is for real.
It’s called I.D. Buzz Cargo. What is this? A cartoon character?
Building A Mystery
Well, it is kind of cartoon-ish looking, what with that snub nose and permanent smile on its face. And those huge expanses of bodywork on the sides are just begging for a Mystery Machine paint job. But if you put all that aside, you can see VW is serious with this thing. As they flatly state, the I.D. Buzz Cargo “has the potential to write history as one of the most advanced light commercial vehicles.”
That’s a big claim, but does VW have the specs to back it up?
The Buzz Cargo, like other vehicles in VW’s I.D. line, is entirely electric. The Buzz Cargo aims to be the urban delivery vehicle in the coming years – at least for smaller stuff, like packages from Amazon. Think of it as the “last mile” delivery vehicle from Tesla, if Tesla were one of the largest automakers on the planet.
VW I.D. Buzz Cargo. Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Payload & Storage
This concept (yes, it’s just a concept for now, but VW says they’re going to make it, honest, cross their hearts, pinky swear!) shows the path the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles division will take. Clocking in at 198.7 inches long, 77.8 inches wide, and 77.3 inches tall, the Buzz Cargo aims to be small on the outside – perfect for urban environments – while being big on the inside – perfect for hauling.
The rear overhang extends about four inches over the vehicle. Maximum payload is 1,760 lbs., or about the all up weight of a Lotus Elise.
The interior cargo space includes a shelving system, so there’s no sliding door on the driver’s side. The front doors and sliding door open electrically, via a sensor, which will come in handy. Essentially, the I.D. Buzz Cargo recognizes authorized persons via a digital key sent to the van by smartphone.
The I.D. Buzz debuted at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. “The Volkswagen brand’s big electric offensive begins in the year 2020 with a completely new vehicle architecture,” explained Dr. Herbert Diess at the time, Chairman of the Board of Management for Volkswagen. “That is when we will be launching an entirely new generation of fully connected, all-electric vehicles to the market.” Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Autonomous Capability
Instead of two single seats up front, there’s a driver’s seat and a double bench-seat on the front passenger side. The middle section of the bench folds down, serving as a work space with an integrated laptop. If the driver is using the automated “I.D. Pilot” mode, work can even be done on the move, since the I.D. Buzz Cargo aims to be fully autonomous. The driver can activate the Level 4 autonomous mode by pushing on the steering wheel for a few seconds. The steering wheel then retracts into the instrument panel.
Once in autonomous mode, the driver’s seat turns 15 degrees to the right in order to work better with that laptop. While on the move, they can handle bills of lading and paperwork, and all that other stuff delivery people have to sort through.
Think of it as the last mile delivery vehicle from Tesla, if Tesla were one of the largest automakers on the planet.Click To TweetAugmented Reality
Important information projects onto the road in 3D via an Augmented Reality heads-up display. The information remains in the driver’s line-of-sight, allowing them to concentrate on road conditions. An integrated tablet controls the infotainment and climate functions. The main driving controls are located on the steering wheel.
The rear view mirrors are gone, replaced by cameras projecting images onto small screens in the cab of the I.D. Buzz Cargo.
VW I.D. Buzz Concept interior layout. Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Does The I.D. Buzz Cargo Deliver?
Other nifty distinguishing features include the new solar roof. This photovoltaic system generates enough power to extend range by up to 9.3 miles per day. The longer this thing is in the daylight, the further it can drive, which should make fleet managers happy.
Add all this up and combine it with the I.D. Buzz Cargo’s 340 mile range, and you have a very usable option for urban delivery services. Of curse, the question, yet again, is will VW be serious this time. I bet they are. After the diesel-gate scandal, VW has invested in EVs big time. And they’re smart enough to realize there is plenty of money in the commercial sector.
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: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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2019 BMW X2 M35i: It’s A Bird! It’s A Plane! It’s A…We Don’t Know!

2019 BMW X2 M35i: It’s A Bird! It’s A Plane! It’s A…We Don’t Know! The 2019 BMW X2 M35i is the newest member of the brand’s Sports Activity Coupe family.
But what does that mean exactly?
The engine is pretty cool – we know at least that much.
Drum roll please because here it is, the all-new 2019 BMW X2 M35i. The latest in a growing lineup of those sort-of-SUV/sort-of-a-coupe things that are real popular in Europe, and only mildly popular here in The States. What BMW is after here is people who want everything: a car and a sports car and something swoopy and something practical and something sort of off-roady.
Oh, and the X2 M35i is small too.
So Many Rugrats
The 2019 BMW X2 M35i is, as with all things BMW, pretty capable. But, as with much of what’s rolling out of the Bavarian’s factories, it’s one of a bunch of half-way between this and that and another thing model. I swear to Kurt Tank that BMW has so many M variants and X models rolling around, it’s like keeping track of the members of the chorale at a Wagner opera.
It’s tiring and I’m not sure why they do this.
2019 BMW X2 M35i. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
BMW has so many M variants and X models rolling around, it's like keeping track of the members of the chorale at a Wagner opera.Click To TweetPower & Performance
What we have here is the newest member of BMW’s X2 Sports Activity Coupe family. The new X2 has an “extroverted” design. The 2.0L TwinPower turbocharged 4-cylinder puts out 302 horsepower and 332 lb-ft. of torque. No major engine component went untouched either. The crank has larger main bearings for better reinforcement. The pistons are new with a slightly dropped compression ratio (down to 9.5:1 vs. the previous 10.2:1). The intake has a higher flow tract and the cooling system has been upgraded.
The turbo is larger and boost increases.
All that energy goes to the ground via BMW’s xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system. The eight-speed sport automatic with Launch Control also helps. The X2 wears an M Sport Differential on the front axle for the first time ever, and features a Torsen limited slip with a 39 percent lock-up. The transmission has steering wheel shift paddles, M Performance specific tuning, and updated gear ratios.
The 2019 BMW X2 M35i hits 60 in just 4.9 seconds. Not bad.
Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Suspension & Braking
On top of the boss engine is the M Sport suspension, with stiffer spring and damper rates, and a 10 mm lower ride height. The rear axle carrier and lateral control arms improve driving dynamics, according to BMW. An optional adaptive damper suspension with two different manually selectable modes is also available for the 2019 BMW X2 M35i.
The braking system has these fancy Dark Blue M metallic calipers for consistently short braking distances.
Interior Treatments
Complimenting the exterior design is the M Sport Package, with a standard M Sport leather steering wheel, shift paddles, and sport seats. The optional front M sport seats (buy these) have integrated headrests and aggressive lateral support for both driver and passenger.
The M sport seats are available upholstered in Magma Red Dakota Leather with perforations and black accents, or Black Dakota Leather with perforations. The standard sport seats come in Black or Oyster SensaTec.
The latest generation of BMW’s ConnectedDrive and Apple CarPlay are also along for the ride.
Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Pricing & Availability
How much? BMW doesn’t say, but then again, how cheap are BMWs? Not very. Production for the U.S. market begins in November.
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 BMW X2 M35i Gallery

Photos & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.

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Displate Metal Prints Review: Cars, Movies, 80s Retro & More.

Displate Metal Prints Review: Cars, Movies, 80s Retro & More. Every so often, we at Automoblog get asked to review something. Sometimes those things land on my desk (literally) and I get to level my opinion at it. Such was the case with Displate, a company that makes a variety of graphic design pieces printed onto metal. (Go to the end of this review for a discount code).
I think the name is a portmanteau (look it up) on the words display and plate.
Out of The Ordinary
For one thing, I don’t know what to call this. It’s different than art in a traditional sense. What Displate makes are like metal posters. The company describes them as “magnet-mounted metal prints.” These prints cover a bunch of different subjects – everything from basic graphics and movies, to famous people and cars. But instead of them being a paper poster, they’re printed on metal!
It’s not a revolutionary idea, but it’s not a bad one either, especially if you are an artist. Displate products are designed by talented artists who earn money for their contributions.
Endless Selection
I was asked to pick a “poster” to review and, as expected, I picked a car-themed one. In the largest size available. I have a tendency to like large works of art. It came from seeing Gericault’s Raft of The Medusa at an impressionable age. Displate products come in three sizes, including 35.4″ x 25.2.”
They had a nice selection of blue print-esque versions of various cars, so I went with one of those. Specifically, a Ferrari 166 MM. A personal favorite. People like my mechanic friend Carl would go for one of Displate’s cool Audi blueprints (he’s got a real thing going for Audis these days).

Lions & Tigers & The 80s!
In case you’re wondering, Displate makes more than just car posters. They actually have a ton of stuff on offer. They have blueprints of radial airplane engines (one I would have gladly taken), maps of famous cities, trippy space art (no word on any black light versions), and groovy creatures like foxes and tigers and such. There is even an 80s retro category.
So in a lot of ways, they should have most hobbies and tastes covered.
The only real areas Displate seems to be missing is older stuff of a nostalgic bent. It’d be great to see some Margaret Bourke White or Wee Gee photos from the 1930s. Perhaps the audience is not wide enough?
My Displate Ferrari print is awesome. Can you guess the one behind it?
Shipping & Packaging
Much to my surprise, days after running my request up the chain, a bloody great package appeared on my doorstep. It was wrapped in some sort of bi-colored, bi-faced rubberized plastic. There were two flat boxes taped together. At first I was puzzled. It weighed a ton. I only ordered a single metal wall hanging. I un-taped them and sliced the bags off the boxes to reveal identical Displate shipping boxes. These were cheerfully colored, childishly decorated, custom die-cut affairs.
According to the company, expected delivery time is three to five business days, depending on the shipping destination. Full refunds are granted if the product is returned within 100 days of delivery.
Apart from the decorative failings, the packaging was magnificent. In some cases, I’m a real sucker for good packaging. I’ve worked with companies that handle these sorts of things, so well-designed packaging gets my attention. I open the lid (it’s pretty obvious which way is up) and find cut stacks of corrugated cardboard (miter cut at the corners, no less).
It was topped with a single layer of corrugated cardboard as a buffer.

Getting The Goods
The buffer layer has a complicated and garish logo die cut right in the center, but there are two relief arches for your fingers to grab and easily remove. While this is a nice touch, it also seemed like a waste of time and money. Or at least that die cut logo did.
Beneath that was – taDAH – my line drawing of a Ferrari 166 MM. It’s wrapped in a clear plastic envelope with some high-tech adhesive closure. Even the bag is more than it needs to be. But beneath the line drawing of the Ferrari, there’s another die-cut buffer layer . . . and through the overdone cut out logo I see another Displate poster.
What the . . .
Displate sent me not one, not two, but five of their fine products. In addition to the 166 MM, they also sent drawings of a Ferrari 275 GTB, a Porsche Speedster and, somewhat inexplicably, a print of The Stig.
Even more inexplicable, a print tribute to the movie Baby Driver.

An Extra Treat
The Stig looks like something a 14-year-old would put on his bedroom wall right next to the poster of a scantily clad, distressingly pneumatic woman holding a Brand Beer. The Baby Driver one . . . well, it’s about as tastelessly executed and badly done as the movie it is trying to celebrate. Baby Driver is horrible, not just as a car movie (and it is that) but as a movie movie.
While browsing through Displate’s online catalog, I saw the Baby Driver poster and literally chuckled out loud and said, “well I won’t be getting that, I can assure you.” And now a jealous and vengeful deity of sorts has allegorically slapped me in the face with around two square feet of sheet metal.
Displate will probably sell a million of them.

High-Quality, Easy To Hang
What I was going for was something I thought was a blueprint (I have a certain fetish for blueprints) but it’s actually more like a chalk line-drawing on a blackboard. Not exactly a bad look and it can work in a bunch of different locations. My location for the Ferraris and Porsche will be in the large shed/small barn I am slowly clearing and making into a garage. They should fit right in with my old framed racing posters, swoopy hubcaps, bits of crashed race cars, and the like.
The fit and finish on everything Displate sent me was top notch. The edges are rolled and mitered around the back, so there’s no sharp edges or anything. The surface is not overly glossy either. It’s almost a satin-like finish so it won’t glare (even if my photography doesn’t show that).
The fit and finish on everything @Displate sent me was top notch. The edges are rolled and mitered around the back, so there's no sharp edges. Click To TweetObviously these things are not meant to go in barns (even though mine will, and my barn is going to be a super-cool garage when I get done).
Given the breadth of what Displate has on offer, they could work well almost anywhere. Offices, depending on your business, beauty salons, restaurants; any business really. If your home has a full on media room, Displate has tons of movie and TV-themed stuff that would work like a charm. And if that media room is where your game console resides, you could mix it up with game-themed Displate posters too.
Hanging them is fairly straight forward.

The Stig Rides Shotgun
That leaves me with The Stig and Baby Driver? I might use them as a drip pan to catch oil leaks. It also occurs to me that if The Stig poster was a little bigger, I could set him in the passenger seat and use the carpool lane. Or not. Every time I try to get clever that way, I usually end up talking with the cops and/or a judge.
That rarely turns out well for me.
You try it with The Stig and let us know. Your mileage may vary.
Want one? Displate made us a special discount code just for Automoblog readers. Use the coupon code AUTO20 for 20% off everything.
Disclosure: This article is sponsored by Displate and the products used in the review were sent to us for free for an honest review. All views and opinions expressed here are my own. Check out our advertising guidelines to see why we’d never steer you wrong.
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

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Porsche 911 GT2 RS Fastest 911 Ever With Staggering Nürburgring Lap

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Fastest 911 Ever With Staggering Nürburgring Lap

Somehow over the years, the Nürburgring has become the de facto benchmark for carmakers. What once started out as a make-work project by the Nazis (no, really) and ended up being the venue for the German Grand Prix for decades was, for a while there, seemingly consigned to being a footnote in racing history. Niki Lauda’s near-fatal crash in ’76 sounded the death knell for the track as a GP venue in favor of safer more anodyne locations like Hockenheim or the new Nürburgring GP circuit.
Local Attraction, Digital Destination
The old track, properly referred to as the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, was still there, draped around the countryside, ringing the ancient ruins of a Medieval castle, used on occasion for sports car races, and, for no sane, logical, reasonable explanation, open to the average driver as a public road. You could, and still can, for a not-unreasonable fee, take any car with a license plate for a lap around the old Nordschleife. Everything from 2CVs to big bore Ferraris were welcome and this, over the years, grew organically into a yardstick to measure yourself and your car.
Automotive manufacturers cottoned to this growing level of cachet right around the same time that Sony and Microsoft were establishing themselves in the game console market. Before you could legally drive on a public road in this country, you could lap the Nürburgring-Nordschleife just as fast as your digital car could go in a PlayStation or Xbox.
And now, setting a hot lap time around the old circuit means something, and boy, did Porsche just blast off a hot one a few days back with their 2018 911 GT2 RS. For those of you that want to cut to the chase, here’s the number: 6:47.3. That is, to use the engineering term, really &#%$^*$ fast! I mean mein Gott in Himmel fast. Seriously. Power up your PlayStation or your Xbox and give it a go. See how fast you can go. G’head. Take your time. I can wait . . . see? Not that easy, is it?
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Sunday Driver
And do keep in mind that although the 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS is a factory stripper hot rod, it is also a fully street legal sports car. This is no track day special. You could hang a license plate off your 911 GT2 RS and drive it to work if you wanted to. I know I would, but I’m funny like that.
Porsche’s best lap time of 6:47.3 minutes surpassed Zuffenhausen’s internal target by 17.7 seconds, a huge gap to say the least. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Head of Motorsport and GT Cars for Porsche, stated flatly, “this result makes it official: The GT2 RS is not only the most powerful, but also the fastest 911 model ever built.”
As if that lap record wasn’t intimidating enough, it’s also worth noting that it wasn’t a single, go for broke, banzai lap. Porsche points out that once drivers Lars Kern and Nick Tandy broke the previous record for street legal sports cars of 6:52.01, they immediately proceeded to lap the track in under 6:50 on five separate occasions. Although Kern and Tandy were each trading the quickest times back and forth, it was Kern, a Porsche test driver by trade that set the quickest mark of the day.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Power & Performance
The specs for the 911 GT2 RS are just as staggering as that lap time. It’s the fastest and most powerful road-going 911 thanks to a 3.6-liter twin turbo flat-six engine, producing 700 horsepower and 553 lb-ft. of torque. The two-seater tips the scales at 3,241 pounds and is shod with standard N-spec Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. All this adds up to a 0 to 60 launch of 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 211 mph.
The Porsche 911 GT2 RS is the cover car in Microsoft’s upcoming Forza 7. Forza 7 will be one of the main launch titles for the soon-to-be-released Xbox One X which means, given the inclusion of the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in Forza, that you could have a tilt at those lap times laid down by Messrs. Kern and Tandy. I know I’ll be trying.
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.

Photos, Video & Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

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2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure Arrives With Tow Package, New Features

2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure Arrives With Tow Package, New Features

There is a new trim level for Toyota’s RAV4 called the Adventure. Perhaps that’s the subtle work of the marketing department, or maybe that’s done on purpose. Maybe it’s a more cleaver and less redundant way of saying “adventure starts with the new RAV4.” Of course the other, and much bigger question is: Starting at approximately $28,000! I thought these things were supposed to be cheap?
Bang For The Buck
Nearly $30,000 seems like a lot of scratch, to me, for an entry-level cute-ute/crossover/thingo. $30k can get you a lot of ride, even if you’re looking for something more or less off-road capable. So if you were to drop that much on Toyota’s RAV4 Adventure, what do you get for your money?
The condensed version is that the 2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure adds select exterior styling features and grade-specific interior bits and bobs. Falling between the XLE and SE versions, the Adventure gets large over-fender flares and big 18-inch five-spoke black alloy wheels, mounted with 235/55R18 tires. Toyota says this means the RAV4 Adventure is “ready to play in the dirt,” and I can hear you serious off-roaders, King of The Hammers participants, mud-boggers, and all the rest chuckling from here.
Adventurous Stance
But let’s face facts: 90% of rides like the RAV4 Adventure are bought by people who will never take them off-road. So yeah, Toyota is playing to that ego-fault and, like other crossover-thingo manufactures, Toyota is making money hand over fist. The RAV4 Adventure also comes with exclusive gray lower valance panels and rocker panel guards, black headlight bezels, black fog lamp surrounds, roof rails, and exclusive Adventure badging. You know, since it says Adventure, it better look the part. It also sits a bit higher with an overall height increase of 10-millimeters, while ground clearance is up a total of 6.5-inches from 6.1-inches.
Interior Treatments
On the inside there are exclusive interior features such as carbon-fiber-like trim panels, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and RAV4 Adventure logos on the door sill protectors. There are also all-weather floor and cargo mats with RAV4 Adventure badging and a 120V/100W power outlet in the cargo area to serve as a convenient portable charging station and/or handy power source during tailgate parties, camping trips, and the like.
Drive Options & Towing
The 2018 RAV4 Adventure (which Toyota hilariously terms as being “active lifestyle-inspired”) comes in front-wheel drive with an Automatic Limited Slip Differential. If you choose the all-wheel drive version, you get Dynamic Torque Control. Whether you choose the front driver or the more off-road suited all-wheel drive model, both versions feature a standard Tow Prep Package with an upgraded radiator and additional engine oil and transmission fluid coolers. With the available tow hitch receiver and wiring harness, the RAV4 Adventure is capable of towing 2,900 lbs. (FWD) and 3,500 lbs. with Dynamic Control equipped AWD models. Not too shabby in either case.
Safety & Security
Like all RAV4 models, the Adventure comes standard with an alphabet soup of safety, comfort, and convenience gizmos. You get Toyota Safety Sense P that includes Toyota’s Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Automatic High Beams; you also get Hill-Start Assist Control.
Colors & Availability
The RAV4 Adventure comes in five exterior colors: Black, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Silver Sky Metallic, Super White, and Ruby Flare Pearl, which is both new to the RAV4 and an additional cost. Other exclusive features include heated seats, a power driver’s seat, heated leather steering wheel, and wiper de-icer as part of a new Cold Weather Package. The 2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure is available now starting at $27,700 for the FWD model and $28,400 for the AWD variant.
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.
Photo & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Ford, Virginia Tech Help Autonomous Cars Talk To Us

Ford, Virginia Tech Help Autonomous Cars Talk To Us

Well this is kind of a goofy question to answer, but honestly, I’m glad someone is thinking to ask it now versus waiting for an autonomous car to plow through a Times Square crosswalk: How will autonomous cars let us know they see us? If you think about it, this is not usually an issue for pedestrians and drivers interacting on the streets today. It’s kind of pointing out the obvious, but being either a pedestrian or a driver and interacting at a crosswalk is pretty easy because there are people involved.
Communication Breakdown
What happens when you take people, flawed and distracted though they may be, out of half of that equation? How will an autonomous vehicle be working, what it be needing to do, and how will it communicate that to us? For me, it has always been rather easy to tell what a car (and therefor its driver) is going to do. I spend a lot of time around cars and racetracks and end up paying a lot of attention to what cars are doing. So it’s easy for me to tell if a car/driver “sees” me and whether it’s okay to walk into the street.
Dive, squat, roll, transitioning from one vehicle state to another is something you pick up at racetracks almost by instinct. “Yeah, he’s on the brakes early,” you can say because, over the years, you have been training yourself to notice things like weight transfer, causing the front to nose down by half an inch because the driver has gotten off the throttle. And it’s easy to transfer those traits from the racetrack to every day life.
A lot of people, however, do not think in ways that your everyday, run-of-the-mill gearhead does. Those are the people that, when waiting to cross at a crosswalk wait. They wait until they not only see the car is slowing, but until they see it is coming to a stop, and then they, sometimes, wait even further until the car comes to a complete stop and they make eye contact with the driver and the driver gives them a nod or motions them forward (or both) and then they cross the street.
For those people, who are the majority, how will the inevitable autonomous car let them know it’s okay to cross? Ford Motor Company and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute have been working on just that.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Signals & Signs
FoMoCo and Virginia Tech are conducting user experience studies to suss out a way to communicate the vehicle’s intent by soliciting real-world reactions to self-driving cars on public roads. The team thought of using text displays, but reasoned that would require all people understand the same language. I would have rejected it because it requires people to stop, read, cognate, and react and that takes too much time. They also thought of using symbols, but that was nixed because symbols historically have low recognition among consumers.
Ford and VTTI found that lighting signals are the most effective means for creating a visual communications protocol for self-driving vehicles. Think of it as being akin to turn signals and brake lights, only more so. Turn signals and brake lights are already standardized and widely understood, so they reckon the use of lighting signals is the best way to communicate. The lighting signals will communicate if a vehicle is in autonomous mode or if it’s beginning to yield or about to accelerate from a stop. Makes sense, no?
To signal the vehicle’s intent to yield, two white lights that move side to side were displayed, indicating the vehicle is about to yield and come to a full stop. Active autonomous mode was signaled by a solid white light. Start to go was conveyed by a rapidly blinking white light that indicated the vehicle would soon be accelerating from a stop.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Candid Camera
To test this out, Ford equipped a Transit Connect with a light bar on the windshield. To go even further and not tip their hand that there was an actual human driving the thing, the VTTI team developed a way to conceal the driver with a “seat suit” so it looked like the van was empty. I know, I know, that’s going a bit far, isn’t it? Then again, this is real science, and a real study, and you best be figuring out how to negate outside undue influences and such. This is why studies are double-blind and things of that nature: eliminate all variables that can skew the results.
Ford and VTTI took it a step further even. While driving the simulated autonomous Transit Connect on public roads in northern Virginia, they captured pedestrian’s reactions on video. They logged over 1,800 miles of driving and more than 150 hours of data, including encounters with pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers at intersections, in parking lots, garages, and even airport roadways. The vehicle was studded with high-definition cameras to capture the behavior of other road users and provide a 360-degree view of surrounding areas as well.

Universal Language
Ford is hoping to create an industry standard and is already working with several organizations including the International Organization for Standardization and SAE International for a common visual communications interface across all self-driving vehicles, in all locations. Ford is also working on ways to communicate with those who are blind or visually impaired as part of this project too.
Will it work? They didn’t seem to run over anyone in northern Virginia so it worked in that sense, and besides, festooning cars with more lights and signals and all that, it does seem like a plausible and workable solution. Besides, we’ll have to do something along these lines, or nobody – cars, people the whole lot – will know what to do when the traffic light turns green.
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.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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2019 Ford Edge: Now Powered By A.I. Technology

2019 Ford Edge: Now Powered By A.I. Technology The 2019 Ford Edge uses artificial intelligence to improve performance and traction.
The system is complex and works faster than the human brain, according to Ford.
The biggest news about the 2019 Ford Edge is, surprisingly, not related to the hardcore ST variant. Even though the Edge ST rightfully deserves a place in the news, the base price of $42,355 is an issue for some buyers. After ticking the option box for the chassis upgrades, bigger brakes, and larger alloys, the price balloons to around $50,000.
Data-Driven
But what really commands the most attention is Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive with “AWD Disconnect.” This feature is now optional on all 2019 Ford Edge models, and standard on the ST. The new drivetrain actually utilizes A.I. technology to determine the optimal settings. The system collects information from a dizzying array of sensors located throughout the vehicle.
Depending on the incoming data, the system switches between front- and all-wheel drive.
Smart Algorithms
This all-wheel drive disconnect system is the first of its kind from the Ford factory. Ford says it’s faster than the human brain because it shifts from front- to all-wheel drive in a fraction of a second.
“The concept is pretty simple – it was the execution that was the challenge,” explained Scott Beiring, Ford Driveline Applications Supervisor. “Shifting between two- and all-wheel drive needs to be fast and seamless enough that the customer doesn’t know it is happening.”
The electronic brain is governed by A.I.-powered algorithms that detect wheel slip. It works in tandem with the traction control system and constantly monitors vehicle activity. The system automatically detects if front- or all-wheel drive is necessary in just 10 milliseconds. Furthermore, 100 percent of the available torque can be sent from front to rear, and back, depending on road conditions.
“There are similar systems out there, but none quite like this,” Beiring added. “The fact that we’re able to switch seamlessly and without any input from the driver, that’s the real magic.”
An algorithm that uses “fuzzy logic” processes incoming data to decide between all-wheel or front-wheel drive. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Unparalleled Efficiency
It is easy to imagine the reason why Ford’s all-wheel drive disconnect system is developed for the Edge SUV. However, it goes further than just improving grip, traction, and stability during challenging road conditions.
In truth, this revolutionary drivetrain was primarily conceived to improve fuel economy. When combined with the new eight-speed automatic (two overdrive gears), a 2019 Ford Edge, with intelligent all-wheel drive, achieves an EPA-estimated 22/29 city/highway rating with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-banger.
Front-wheel drive models with the same engine can muster an almost identical range of 21/28 mpg city/highway. The Ford Edge ST enjoys a 19/26 mpg city/highway rating, despite a larger 335 horsepower 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6.
You won’t need to apply for a second mortgage for the trick A.I. drivetrain either. The system runs $1,995; the base Edge SE starts at $29,995. This is not bad given the amount of standard features, including Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 and post-collision braking systems.
2019 Ford Edge Titanium Elite. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
This all-wheel drive disconnect system is the first of its kind from the Ford factory. It's faster than the human brain, shifting from front- to all-wheel drive in a fraction of a second.Click To TweetSleeker Aerodynamics
Thankfully, all 2019 Ford Edge models come with active grille shutters, under-body shields, and curtains around the outer surface of the wheels. These enable the new Edge to slice the wind like a sharp knife over a freshly grilled medium-rare steak.
Other fuel-saving measures include auto start-stop and exhaust gas re-circulation systems. The deceleration fuel shut-off feature cuts fuel to the motor when speed is reduced.
2019 Ford Edge ST. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Should You Get The Ford Edge ST?
Consider this: the Ford Edge ST has no real competition. It seems the concept of a fast, midsize SUV belongs in the realm of luxury marques with prohibitive price tags. Unless Mazda or Honda develops a tuned SKYACTIV CX-5 or a turbocharged CR-V SI, the closest things that resemble the Edge ST are the SRT versions of the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee. But both of those start at no less than $65,000.
With that in mind, the 2019 Ford Edge ST looks like a performance bargain. The vehicle is in showrooms now.
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.

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2019 VW Beetle: All Dressed Up For The Last Time

2019 VW Beetle: All Dressed Up For The Last Time The VW Beetle has stood the test of time but all good things must come to an end.
The 2019 VW Beetle receives a few tweaks before the entire model line heads for retirement.
Is this really the end? VW says yes . . . but also maybe not.
The original Volkswagen Beetle needs no introduction. It became a symbol of peace, love, and hope. Designed by no less than Ferdinand Porsche, the Beetle was literally bulletproof. It was cheap, reliable, and easy to fix. It had all the makings of a mass-produced car that could survive in every nook and cranny on the planet.
In other words, it created a nameplate that hinted at classic nostalgia.
The Beetle Is Dead! Long Live The Beetle!
The 2019 VW Beetle is the last of the breed. Production of this enduring model will end next year, but it’s not going away without a last hurrah!
“The loss of the Beetle after three generations, over nearly seven decades, will evoke a host of emotions from the Beetle’s many devoted fans,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
The Final Edition Beetle is still available in the familiar coupe and convertible styles fans have grown to love. But to commemorate a proper send off, VW saw fit to equip the Beetle Final Edition with different options, unique paint colors, and a newfound attitude.
2019 VW Beetle. Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Is this really the last time we’re seeing the @VW Beetle in all its nostalgic glory? Click To TweetThe Last Goodbye
There are two Final Edition models of the 2019 Beetle: SE and SEL. The SE gets 17-inch alloys with a 15-spoke wheel design, cloth seats with leatherette trim, and a 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control.
The SEL receives larger 18-inch alloys with a retro-classic disc design similar to the chrome-hubcap wheels of the classic Beetle. You also get Bi-Xenon headlights, front fog lights, LED running lights, LED taillights, a Fender premium audio system, and standard navigation.
Both models also feature body-color side-mirrors, heated washer nozzles, and a sunroof.
In order to ease the pain of saying goodbye, all Final Edition models have keyless access with push-button start, a leather steering wheel, stainless steel pedals, automatic climate control, and a gloss black center console. Also new is a three-color ambient lighting system to further brighten up the interior.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Adequate Motivation & First-Class Safety
All models of the final-production, 2019 VW Beetle receive a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-banger, good for 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque. The engine offers modest power to achieve a zero to 60 mph sprint in 7.5 seconds. It’s not as fast as a proper sporty compact, but it can surprisingly zip from point A to point B while still achieving 29 mpg in combined driving.
But if it all gets awry, the Beetle Final Edition also comes with driver-assistance technology. The SE has blind spot monitoring and rear traffic alert. The SEL adds front and rear park distance control.
Color My World
Besides the usual white, black pearl, and platinum gray paint jobs, the Final Edition Beetle adds two unique colors: Stonewashed Blue (which resembles denim jeans) and Safari Uni (which pays homage to the harvest moon beige paint seen in the second-gen New Beetle).
Convertible SEL models can also come with a brown soft top (except for the new Safari Uni paint scheme).
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Farewell, Dear Bug
The third-gen Beetle is a fun-to-drive car that offers decent power and practicality. If not for the high base price and unwarranted reputation for unreliability, it would have been a best-seller. With the underpinnings of the previous-generation Golf, it steers and handles with alacrity as well.
Which is why we’re discussing the 2019 VW Beetle with a heavy heart. Is this really the last time we’re seeing the Beetle in all its nostalgic glory? There’s still a slight glimmer of hope.
“As we move to being a full-line, family-focused automaker in the U.S. and ramp up our electrification strategy with the MEB platform, there are no immediate plans to replace the current Beetle,” Woebcken said. “But as we have seen with the I.D. BUZZ – which is the modern and practical interpretation of the legendary Bus – I would also say ‘never say never.’”
The 2019 VW Beetle Final Edition Coupe SE starts at $23,045 and the SEL at $25,995. If you prefer the wind tussling your ‘do, the SE convertible can be yours starting at $27,295 while the SEL starts at $29,995.
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.
Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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2020 Mazda CX-9 Changes

What’s new from 2020 Mazda CX-9 we discuss in this article. SKYACTIV technologies included in this car to improve performance the engine of this car. Car competitors include the Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Chevy Traverse, the Toyota Highlander. changes to the design of this car we discuss in this article, and the redesign of what will be available at the 2020 Mazda CX-9.

2020 Mazda CX-9 Changes

2020 Mazda CX-9 : Interior and Exterior

The redesigned exterior with the 2020 Mazda CX-9 will seem extraordinarily desirable and modern, is anticipated for being an enormous entrance fender and could function LED fog lighting fixtures and air ingestion. The top grille is likewise newly made and more amazing. The front lights will feature new LED light bulbs also rear lighting fixtures are planning to be supplied with Light emitting diodes. This model is going to be built with three distinct packages of alloy wheels, that may be for being the measurements of 17 “, 18 ” and 20 ins, according to the box. New Mazda CX-9 is often vast and chic, is anticipated to become the seat of this model is very comfy due to the pure leather of that can be created. Also, the controls are going to be engrossed in leather material and could drive this model will be an actual fulfillment. This model will attribute quite a few present-day systems these sorts of as 8-inch touchscreen which has a contemporary plan, grip handle, menu, modern air conditioner, lane leaving alert, cruise trip manage. 2020 Mazda CX-9 parking products, sightless- place tracking, present-day Bose mp3 person with 12 speaker techniques using a variety of relationships.

Engine Performance

Changes the engine on this car what is different from the model before him, 2020 Mazda CX-9 will be the just lately introduced 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. This reliable engine cranks out 227 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque. The sole serious out there transmission includes a 6-speed automated. Customers can select from a normal front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. 2020 Mazda CX-9 towing capability is rated at 3,500 pounds.

Release Date and Price

For the official news about the release date and price for 2020 also Mazda CX-9 does not have certainty. For the price of any identical. We will soon update the information on the price and also the release date of this car.

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