Winter Driving 101: The Complete Guide To Staying Safe & Ready

Winter Driving 101: The Complete Guide To Staying Safe & Ready This winter driving guide includes: 
How to respond during an emergency.
Driving tips that will help keep you and your family safe.
A comprehensive checklist for getting your vehicle “winterized.”
Seven simple DIY maintenance items to watch during the winter.
What to place in your emergency kit, including something we all overlook.
How states are implementing new technology to help keep you safe when you travel.
Winter Driving 101: The Complete Guide To Staying Safe & Ready
Driving during the winter is a challenge. How your car behaves on dry pavement is different than snowy or icy roads. And just like us, our cars can get grumpy when it’s freezing outside. But instead of being a winter worrier, let us help you become a winter warrior with our winter driving guide.
With this guide, you can better prepare your vehicle (and yourself) to tackle snow and ice more confidently. One thing that may come as a surprise is the actual number of accidents during the snowy season. Contrary to popular belief, there are not more crashes during the winter months.
“But those we see tend to be more serious,” explained Maureen Vogel, Spokeswoman for the National Safety Council. “Often, drivers do not realize how much they need to slow down when the weather is bad. Many tend to drive too fast for the conditions, which can lead to unnecessary crashes.”
However, driving at a slower speed is not the only factor to consider when it’s snowing. This winter driving guide will give you an in-depth look on how to properly prepare for snowy weather.
Vehicle Safety Checklist: 4 Essential Points
Let’s start this winter driving guide by examining the condition of your vehicle. It’s best to do this before the snow falls, or before taking any long journey this winter.
#1. When Was Your Last Service
Breaking down is bad enough but getting stranded in the winter cold is another thing. Start by visiting your local mechanic or dealership for an inspection and any routine maintenance items you may have overlooked. This includes changing the oil and other fluids, repairing leaks, drive belts, or replacing worn out parts.
When it comes to replacing parts, always prioritize safety items first. Brakes, tires, wheel bearings, and other suspension components can have a direct impact on safety if left unchecked. When in doubt, ask your mechanic to explain how the part that needs to be replaced functions, and if it impacts your safety.
#2. Check For Existing Safety Recalls
With safety in mind, the next thing you want to do is check your vehicle for outstanding safety recalls. If it’s something serious, the problem might be more dangerous during freezing weather. In order to check if your vehicle is affected, go to the NHTSA Safety Issues & Recalls page.
Using the site is relatively easy. Enter the VIN number or the make and model of your car and go from there.
#3. Buy Your Vehicle Some New Shoes
Your tires are the only things keeping you in contact with the road, and they’re even more important during slippery conditions. It’s crucial to make sure they’re up to the task. Tread depths and designs are primarily engineered to generate traction on wet or snow-covered pavement. The more “depth” your tires have, the better the traction. As a general rule of thumb, make sure to replace your tires when the tread depth drops to 4/32”.
But what about snow tires? Are all-season tires good enough to handle winter driving? Not necessarily.
“If temperatures are generally above 15°F and there is only light to moderate snowfall, all-season tires may be adequate,” said Michael Calkins, Manager of Technical Services at the American Automobile Association or AAA. “However, if you live where temperatures are frequently below 15°F and there are regular storms that deliver several inches of snow, then snow tires will provide definite traction, handling, and safety benefits.”
Snow tires are manufactured using softer compounds that provide adequate grip in freezing temperatures. Snow tires also have aggressive tread designs with various biting edges or sipes to offer better traction. In some cases, snow tires will come with metal studs for increased traction over and through deep snow.
“If your car slips and slides on snowy or icy pavement, it is hard to accelerate and brake without spinning or locking the wheels,” Calkins said. “Or if the car doesn’t want to track smoothly through corners without losing traction at the front or rear, snow tires will be of huge benefit in this regard.”
#4. Got Air? Check Tire Pressures
Did you know tire pressures drop an average of two PSI for every 10-degree drop in ambient temperature? This means the amount of air inside the tires is just as important as the tires themselves.
However, dropping the tire pressure is not necessarily a bad thing when tackling icy roads. Having the tires a bit underinflated in low-traction conditions will actually help generate more traction. But how low can you go? Check the owner’s manual for the recommended range of tire inflation pressures. Vehicles today also have the recommended tire pressures printed in a chart-like box inside the driver’s side door jamb.
We highly advise you to check the tire pressure before traveling and during every fuel stop if you deem it necessary. With that in mind, always keep a tire pressure gauge handy. Most cars today are also equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, or TPMS for short. If a tire drops too low, you will receive a warning light on your dashboard.
A new set of tires is one of the best defenses against winter weather.
7 Simple DIY Maintenance Items For Winter Driving
Even if your car and the tires are in relatively good shape, there are still a couple of DIY maintenance items to check. We’ve included these in our winter driving guide because they are easily overlooked.
#1. Check The Battery
Batteries lose their charge faster when they’re cold, making it harder to crank the motor during the winter season. If you see cracks or damage on the battery casing, replace it immediately. You can also use a multi-meter to check the voltage of the battery. If the reading falls below 12.40 volts to 12.75 volts, it may be time for a new battery.
And while you’re at it, make sure the battery cables are tight to ensure a perfect start the first time around.
#2. Check The Coolant Reservoir
The name “coolant” is a bit misleading. In truth, coolant primarily lubricates all the metal and aluminum parts in the cooling system. This includes the radiator, water pump, and other critical internal parts. Coolant or antifreeze will also prevent the liquid from hardening or freezing inside the cooling system. If the temperature is forecasted to fall below freezing, consider flushing the cooling system and refilling the radiator with a 100 percent concentration of antifreeze.
As for how often you should do this, it’s best to consult either your local mechanic and/or the owner’s manual. The schools of thought on this vary greatly but it’s an important maintenance item nonetheless.
#3. Wiper Blades Are Important
As a general maintenance rule, you don’t need to wait for the windshield to get streaky before replacing the wiper blades. This is a low-cost solution that will help you see easier in adverse weather.
#4. So Is The Washer Fluid
You will end up using a lot of windshield wiper fluid during the winter. Make sure to fill up the reservoir with winter-formulated fluid before setting off. It is a good idea to check the reservoir every time you stop for gas. Keep a reserve jug of fluid (or two) in your trunk.
#5. Check All Exterior Lights
This includes the headlights, taillights, signal markers, and hazard lights. If one or more of the bulbs are defective, replace them before driving off.
#6. Fill Up Often
We generally recommend keeping your gas tank at least a third full when driving in the winter. If the weather is really bad, the tank should be at least half full. If you find yourself stranded, a full tank means the engine can run and you can stay warm. Of course, this is also insurance against running out of gas on an icy and frozen road.
#7. Change The Floor Mats
Rubberized floor mats are ideal for winter driving. They can trap dirt, snow, and slush without staining or wetting the carpets underneath. Rubber floor mats are also much easier to clean. However, only buy the correct shape and size mats for your vehicle, and make sure to install them correctly. Improper installation will interfere with the gas and brake pedal as you drive.

Prepare An Emergency Kit & Get An Atlas
In a recent study conducted by Siegfried & Jensen, 62 percent said they feel prepared in the event of a breakdown. However, that same study found people carry just four of the eight emergency items recommended by DMV.org.
“This research goes to show how gravely underprepared drivers are for accidents on the road,” said Ned Siegfried, President of Siegfried & Jensen. “This misplaced confidence suggests there isn’t enough being done to educate drivers about how to get their vehicles ready.”
Siegfried & Jensen also found that less than a quarter of Americans keep paper maps in the glovebox, and only 11 percent have a sat nav, suggesting drivers rely overwhelmingly on smartphones for directions. But as signals can disappear in remote areas and batteries can die after several hours in the cold, having a traditional road atlas handy like our grandparents always did is good advice for the winter months.
“Although getting lost without access to a map or being stuck on the side of the road for a couple of hours can be a minor annoyance, it’s crucial to prepare for more serious accidents for the safety of all road users,” Siegfried said.
As for your emergency kit, it should include: a flashlight, jumper cables, salt or kitty litter, a small shovel, scraper, flares or glow sticks, matches or pocket lighter, candles, food and water, medication, an extra set of clothing, spare blankets, and an extra cell phone. Include anything else you think will best serve you in the event you are stranded.
Less than a quarter of Americans keep paper maps in the glovebox. In remote areas, this could be problematic as smartphones can lose signal.
Driving In Snow & Ice: 5 Critical Things To Consider
Now that your vehicle is in tip-top shape and your emergency kit and atlas are packed, here are five tips to help you safely arrive at your destination.
#1. Obey The Speed Limit
We cannot stress this enough. Driving at high speeds, especially on slippery roads is dangerous.
“The majority of traffic crashes in the winter can be attributed to driving too fast for the conditions of the roadway,” said Jim Flegel, Special First Lieutenant, Michigan State Police. “Drivers must obey the basic speed laws and must operate their vehicle at a careful and prudent speed taking into account the road and weather conditions at all times.”
And always keep a safe distance from the other vehicle in front of you.
“By adhering to the basic speed law, the driver will be able to properly maintain control of their vehicle and will be able to stop within the assured clear distance ahead,” Flegel added. “The only compensation that will work when driving on slippery roads, is to slow down and increase your following distance.”
#2. Avoid Distracted Driving
Driving over slippery or icy surfaces is bad enough, and doing it while distracted will severely increase your chances of an accident. Make no mistake about it. Distracted driving kills and it’s a worldwide problem. Never text, call, or operate a smartphone or mobile device as you drive. Even just a half-second of distraction can mean the difference between life and death.
#3. Always Drive Sober
Alcohol and other drugs will significantly impair your motor skills, reaction time, and judgement. Your brain needs these things in order to get you home safe during the cold winter months. Know your limit and always designate a sober driver before heading out.
#4. Electronic Traction Control
Keep the stability and traction control (ESC and ETC) on at all times. These safety features will assist you if you find yourself skidding, sliding, or spinning.
#5. Plan Ahead
Even if the weather conditions are generally calm from where you are, it might not be the same upon reaching your destination. In Michigan, travelers can see the location of plow trucks in real-time across the state. The trucks even have on-board cameras so you can see what the plow operator sees.
Pennsylvania’s Where’s My Plow? and North Dakota’s Track-A-Plow are similar programs. North Dakota Department of Transportation Director Tom Sorel believes we should use the advancements in technology to our advantage.
“This is one more piece of information that travelers can use to see what is happening on the highways and make more informed decisions when making travel plans,” he said.
Check your home state’s department of transportation website to see if a similar program exists in your area.
States like Michigan, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Virginia offer residents a free plow tracking service through their respective transportation departments. The programs can help residents better prepare for winter driving.
What To Do During An Emergency
If something bad happens, do NOT panic. Check if you or your passengers are injured, then follow the Steer It, Clear It rule.
“If you are not injured and the vehicle is drivable, immediately move the vehicle from the traveled portion of the roadway to the shoulder or other safe location,” Flegel said.
The next thing is to call 911 or roadside assistance.
“Take good note of your location, including the mile marker if you’re on the highway, to ensure they can easily find you,” Vogel advised.
Here are other important things to remember if you end up in the middle of the road after an accident:
Stay inside the vehicle with your seat belt securely fastened.
Activate your four-way emergency flashers to warn other drivers.
If you must leave your vehicle, be extremely aware of passing traffic.
Walk directly to a safe location away from the traveled portion of the roadway.
Call 911 and report the crash, giving the dispatcher specific details about the location.
In the event of an emergency, do not panic. Try to remain calm.
Putting It All Together
Colder months can be safer and easier if you follow the advice in this winter driving guide. You may never predict what another driver will do at any given moment; you may not be able to predict the weather, but it helps to remain alert so you can anticipate any curve balls along the way.
“Be a good defensive driver so you can continuously scan for other motorists losing control and crossing the centerline,” Flegel concluded. “Check the weather report, leave early if necessary, and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time.”
“Winter presents all kinds of challenges. As a general rule, stay inside if it’s bad outside,” Vogel added. “Our roads are risky even when conditions are clear – add inclement weather to the mix and you increase your risk of a crash.”
Additional Resources
NHTSA: Tips for Traveling Safely.
AAA Exchange: Winter Driving Tips.
OHSA: Prepare, Protect, Prevent: Safe Winter Driving.
Michigan.gov/FEMA: How To Prepare For a Winter Storm (PDF Packet).



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2018 BMW M3 CS: The Bavarian Powerhouse

2018 BMW M3 CS: The Bavarian Powerhouse

BMW’s M3 has sort of been the benchmark performance sedan since its inception. And BMW continues to bang that drum, even though their 3 Series has grown over the years, and their original hot rod, something that’s light and tossable and small and agile, has grown sizably over the years. And I mean that literally. In comparison to where it started, the current BMW 3 Series is about where the 5 Series was decades ago. Ever thus is that trend for auto manufacturers; slightly bigger, an inch here, ten pounds there, year over year. And what was once small and logical is now bigger and fatter.
To make this even weirder, here we have the new BMW M3 CS, a special edition model that delivers a “fine blend of high performance and complete everyday practicality.” Wait, I thought that’s what the M3 already was? What gives?
Abundantly Speaking
What gives is, essentially, marketing speak. Oh sure, the M3 CS has more. More power, more torque, more gee-gaws and such, but essentially it’s “just” this year’s M3, only more so. Why the Bavarians didn’t take all the CS stuff and simply call it the “2018 M3” is beyond me, but BMW gets funny sometimes. So that weirdness aside, the BMW M3 CS is everything we’ve come to expect from an M3. It’s quick, it’s fast, it’s powerful (and I mean really powerful), it has tons of tech, but not so much tech that it gets in the way of the overall driving experience (hopefully). And it is screwed together by members of a society that have a real fetish designing and screwing things together “right.”
Weight Loss
The CS has lots of carbon fiber, even more than you’d normally find on an M3. The widespread use of carbon fiber, carbon fiber-reinforced plastic to be accurate about it, keeps this first-ever BMW M3 CS much lighter than the “normal” M3. Around 110 lbs. less than a normal M3, so that’s worth paying attention to. Large portions of the body are also made from carbon fiber, like the hood, which drops 25 percent of its weight in comparison to the regular M3. The roof panel is made of carbon fiber and that alone is more than 13 lbs. lighter than a conventional steel version. Plus, that weight savings comes from way up high on the body, so the center of gravity will drop, handling will improve and such. The front splitter? Carbon fiber. Even the “Gurney Flap” hanging out back is done up in exposed carbon fiber.
According to BMW, the engine’s crankcase has a “closed-deck” design to make it more rigid, thus allowing for higher cylinder pressures. The sleeveless cylinder walls have a twin-wire, arc-sprayed coating to reduce weight. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Power & Performance
And all this lightness is a good thing. Regular readers know I’ve got a fixation for lightweight cars, but what the M3 CS is really about is power. Lots of it. Bags of it. For BMWs, it all seems to come down to what that “M” stands for, which is motor. And boy does the 2018 M3 CS pack a whopper of a mill. To wit, it’s an M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder that cranks out 453 horsepower at 6,250 rpm (28 more than the “normal” M3), with 443 lb-ft. of peak torque, available from 4,000 to 5,380 rpm (37 lb-ft. more). Great googly-moogly, that’s a lot of power!
Some would say that’s too much power and, let’s be frank here, those people are morons. 453 + 443 sounds like f-u-n fun to me. And I mean mathematically verifiable fun. 60 mph comes up in a scant 3.7 seconds and the top speed has increased to 174 mph. See? F-u-n fun. All of that power and torque is put to the bahn through the 7-speed M Double-Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic.
Naturally, the suspension is tweaked to deal with the higher engine output. The M3 CS comes standard with BMW’s Adaptive M Suspension that offers a choice of three modes: Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ with different damper settings in each of the three modes. Three different settings for the precisely tuned M Servotronic electromechanical steering can also be selected at the touch of a button.
The BMW M3 CS is outfitted with an Active M Differential, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential to enhance traction and stability. The control unit communicates with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system, and factors in the accelerator position, rotational wheel speeds, and yaw rate to deliver the maximum torque to the rear wheels while still maintaining traction. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.


Noteworthy Points
Also adding to the fun is a nice, throaty sounding M sport exhaust system. It’s specially tuned for the CS with a quartet of stainless steel tailpipes blending perfectly into the carbon fiber diffuser. Point of parliamentary procedure: BMW uses the term “rear diffuser.” Most car companies do. Rear diffuser? That’s idiotic and redundant. Of course it’s a rear diffuser. Have you ever seen a diffuser at the front end of something? No. No you have not.
That’s like saying, “the new rear feathers of this arrow . . . ” Duh! You don’t put feathers on the front of an arrow no more than you’d put a diffuser anywhere but on the rear of a car. So knock it off, it’s starting to bother me.
Interior Treatments
The inside is drenched in Alcantara and two-tone full Merino leather in Silverstone/Black. There’s a new red start/stop button and the passenger compartment is pared down to the essentials for significant weight savings, but still graced by the presence of lightweight M sport seats. There is, however, such niceties as automatic climate control and a Harman Kardon surround sound system.
Pricing & Availability
You like? Of course you do. And if you really like, you better get to your local BMW dealer. Production of the M3 CS is limited to approximately 1,200 units worldwide, with only 550 of them coming to the United States. Pricing has not been announced but BMW will start taking orders in May.
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.
2018 BMW M3 CS Gallery














Photos & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.



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Lamborghini Terzo Millennio: When Crazed Italians Hang With Hyper-Geeks

Lamborghini Terzo Millennio: When Crazed Italians Hang With Hyper-Geeks

The Lamborghini Terzo Millennio is, to me, a prime example of what has been Lambo’s Achilles’ Heel for decades: Styling. Ever since the Countach, Lamborghini basically gave up on giving their cars any sense of grace or elegance and have gone for brute presence and hard edges and gaudiness with all the subtly of a 25 minute heavy metal guitar solo. Automobili Lamborghini got together with not one, but two laboratories at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (aka MIT) and asked, in so many words, “hey, what would a possible future Lamborghini electric super sports car be like?”
The answer is this: The Lamborghini Terzo Millennio. A car that looks like something a 13-year-old would draw on the back of his notebook.
Central Command
MIT, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is arguably the best engineering school in the known universe (that’s right Vulcan Science Academy, you heard me). You know the MIRV, the Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle for atomic warheads? That was dreamed up and invented at MIT. By graduate students. Stroboscopic photography? That was invented, single-handedly, by Harold “Doc” Edgerton, an MIT professor who taught freshman chemistry. The people that roam the halls and wander the MIT campus sit at the top of the Everest of geekdom. You ask MIT for “help” on your transportation project, and a byproduct might turn out to be a mass-driver that can sling ore from the asteroid belt back to planet Earth.
And Lamborghini, bless their hearts, decided to ask, and the result is the Terzo Millennio which, styling aside, packs about as much performance as a cruise missile on final approach. Bear witness.
Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.
Breaking Down The Beast
At its heart, this is a moon-shot of a car. If it happens at all in anything close to what we see here, it will happen many years (decades) down the road. Lamborghini flat-out states: “The concept physically imagines design and technology theories of tomorrow.” Theories? Wow, equivocate much? Lamborghini has chosen to focus on five different dimensions: energy storage systems, innovative materials, propulsion, visionary design, and emotion. Or, to put it in layman’s terms so you don’t have to be Florence LaRue: where the fuel goes, what it’s built from, how that fuel is dispensed to the tarmac, what it looks like, and . . . er, emotion? Really, they went with emotion? What does that even mean?
Energy Storage Systems
THUS SPAKE LAMBO!!: “The strategy of creating super sports cars with uncompromising performance generates Lamborghini’s motivation to revolutionize the approach to . . . SAVE ME!!! SAVE ME!!! Please don’t make me read this stuff. No need to get lost in all that MarComm drivel. The Energy Storage System, effectively the gas tank is a, in one word, supercapacitor. Which is (I hear some of you asking) just like yer run of the mill capacitor, only super. Essentially, a battery that is quick to discharge, quick to charge, and holds “enough” stored energy to “practically” use. Think of a much larger electric go-kart with a bodyshell and a license plate.
Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.


Innovative Materials
What is it built from? Answer: cloth and glue (aka carbon fiber). Cloth and glue that are used all over the place in structures and parts and the bodyshell, and also in interesting ways: like that same bodyshell acting as an accumulator for energy storage. Swift, eh? Lambo and MIT closely monitor the bodyshell to look for and predict cracks and structural failures, and self-fix them via micro-channels filled with “healing chemistries.”
To which I say, that’s cool and all, but couldn’t you just make the skin a little thicker and a little tougher and not even worry about “monitoring” it?
Propulsion System
Works like this: each wheel gets its own engine/generator, a pretty standard layout for an EV drivetrain. It’s so much easier to do this with electric motors, because even very powerful versions are also relatively small. And since all of these motors are controlled by enough computing power to make Seymour Cray tear up, that means you can automatically build in (and tweak on the fly) things like differential anti-lock braking based on accelerator data and steering wheel angles to optimize traction through mid-corner out to corner exit. To name just one of the simpler sub-routines anyway.
It’s not just that the car, with tons of electrical power delivered to the pavement near-instantaneously, can go and turn and stop, it can potentially do two or even three of those simultaneously.
Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.
Design
Let us just be Gorn-like, quick and merciful, and say this thing’s styling – regardless of how much aerodynamic sense it makes – looks like 13-and-a-half axe heads randomly attached to a big magnet. This car, the Terzo Millennio, does not look graceful or animated or lithe or agile. No, it looks stocky and apathetic and rigid and clumsy. Seriously. I’ve seen more aesthetic doorstops in Leningrad.
Emotion
Yeah. Yeah . . . no. Just, no.
Chances are the Lamborghini Terzo Millennio will hit the streets right about the time the mid-engine, quad rotor Wankel-powered Corvette is arriving (i.e. right around the time Gloria Steinem marries Harvey Weinstein). It’s a neat idea though.
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.
Lamborghini Terzo Millennio Gallery











Photos & Source: Automobili Lamborghini.



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2018 Buick LaCrosse Avenir Debuts, Signals New Direction

2018 Buick LaCrosse Avenir Debuts, Signals New Direction

Buick recently unveiled the 2018 LaCrosse Avenir, a more premium option when compared to the traditional model. Avenir is Buick’s new sub-brand, meant to expand their product line into more luxurious territory. The move may well usher in a new chapter for Buick, an automaker seeking to redefine themselves. Last year, we sat down with Buick’s Marketing Director, Molly Peck to gain some insight as to where they are headed in the future. Part of that conversation included the Avenir sub-brand, which made its official debut in October with the release of the 2018 Enclave.
Avenir is, interestingly enough, the French word for future.
Above & Beyond
In short, Avenir is Buick’s way of delivering more for their customers: more styling cues, more standard features, more premium materials – and so on. The idea is to make Buick resonate with those who desire a luxury vehicle unique to their lifestyle.
“Nine out of ten LaCrosse buyers are choosing one of the top two trim levels – customers are signaling they want more from Buick,” explained Duncan Aldred, Vice President of Global Buick and GMC. “With even more content and an elegant look, Avenir adds a unique name and appearance for those who want the best of our attainable luxury.”
2018 Buick LaCrosse Avenir. Photo: Buick.
Styling & Design
The Avenir’s design was ultimately inspired by Buick’s concept cars and employs a more dramatic, three-dimensional look. This is seen especially on the LaCrosse’s upper and lower grilles and chrome wings. Avenir script badging on the front doors and exclusive 19-inch Pearl Nickel or 20-inch Midnight Silver wheels are also characteristic of the LaCrosse Avenir. Inside, driver’s will find a Chestnut interior theme, embroidered first-row headrests, and Avenir-scripted sill plates.
Buick’s intent is for the design cues to create a truly memorable automobile.
“Exterior styling is very important to LaCrosse buyers, and its sculpted beauty withstands passing trends,” said Bob Boniface, Global Director of Buick Exterior Design. “For Avenir, we focused on maintaining the timelessness of the LaCrosse, while giving these customers subtle and tasteful details that elevate this car to a new level.”
2018 Buick LaCrosse Avenir interior layout. Photo: Buick.
Power & Performance
The 2018 Buick LaCrosse Avenir has a 310 horsepower V6 engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Intelligent Twin-Clutch All-Wheel Drive and Dynamic Drive with real-time dampening control are both optional. A suite of active and passive safety features will also be available.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Buick LaCrosse Avenir will arrive at dealerships early next year. Pricing and the vehicle’s complete specifications are forthcoming.
 
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 
2018 Buick LaCrosse Avenir Gallery








Photos & Source: Buick.



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2018 Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport Revealed

2018 Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport Revealed

Today, at the San Antonio Auto and Truck Show, Ram Trucks unveiled their latest special edition, the 1500 Hydro Blue Sport. New for 2018, the Hydro Blue Sport features a black-accented performance hood, Sport grille with black billet inserts, and the brand’s signature “R-A-M” tailgate lettering. The truck’s monochromatic exterior is characterized by black bezel projector headlamps, LED taillights, and the body-colored front fascia, rear bumper, side mirrors, and door handles.
Ram believes the truck will be instantly recognizable, especially on 20-inch (4×4) or 22-inch (4×2) wheels.
“The custom look and high-impact colors have been well received in the marketplace and this new Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport will surely stand out on dealers’ lots and in customers’ driveways,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep & Ram Brands, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
Interior Treatments & Optional Equipment
Drivers are treated to blue highlight stitching on the instrument panel, center console, heated steering wheel, and door trim. Blue Sport embroidery accents line the heated seats while the Ram logo adorns the headrests. Optional equipment includes leather seating and trim, black tubular side steps, chrome wheel-to-wheel side steps, Active Level air suspension, ParkSense, and the RamBox storage system.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Power & Performance
The 2018 Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport is powered by the ever-so-famous 5.7-liter HEMI V8. The engine creates 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft. of torque while utilizing variable-valve timing to increase overall performance and efficiency. All Ram 1500 models have best-in-class aerodynamics with a coefficient drag of 0.360. Coefficient drag is likely not the first topic at hand when discussing pickups, but Ram tends to lead in some of these more unique, yet essential areas. For example, Ram 2500 and 3500 have that segment’s highest snow plow rating.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport will be a limited affair, with total production numbering just 2,000 units for the U.S. market. The truck goes on sale later this month with an MSRP of $46,060, plus $1,395 for destination. The Hydo Blue Sport is a crew cab, short-bed configuration in either a 4×2 or 4×4 layout.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 
2018 Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport Gallery





Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.



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Aston Martin CEO Swaps Business Suit For Racing Suit This Weekend

Aston Martin CEO Swaps Business Suit For Racing Suit This Weekend

Never trust a businessman who doesn’t use his own product. Or, in this case, never trust a businessman who runs a car company who doesn’t go racing. For me, in general, I don’t trust car companies that don’t go racing. It’s just a personal quirk, and I know a lot of auto manufacturers are just in this business to make money. Fine for them, but for me, if your company doesn’t race, it gives me the heebee-jeebees.
Different Cloth
It would be like if Leo Fender didn’t play guitar for some reason. Dr. Andy Palmer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aston Martin of Gaydon, England on the other hand is not like that. Got to give the boy props. He’s no dilettante. He’ll be running this year’s Hankook 24 Hours of the Circuit of the Americas (CoTA) in Austin, Texas.
His ride, naturally, will be an Aston Martin Vantage GT8, the very same car that won its class at the Nürburgring 24 Hours earlier this year, a backbreaker of a race on a track that is notoriously dangerous. He will be paired with Paul Hollywood, John Hindhaugh, and Peter Cate throughout the twice-’round-the-clock endurance race happening this weekend, November 11th and 12th.
“It is a real treat for me to take part in the race at COTA,” Dr. Palmer said. “I have a fantastic car, some great co-drivers, and a top team behind me, and we are going out there to try to win the SP3 class.”
Coaching & Instruction
The Doc. is an intense amateur racer, having competed in Aston Martin Owners Club events at Snetterton, Brands Hatch, Rockingham (England), and Silverstone this year alone. The 24 Hours of CoTA marks his return to 24-hour racing after a stretch of shorter competitions. Along the way to getting back into the driver’s chair for this long haul, he as been mentored by such highly qualified types as Darren Turner and Jonny Adam, both of whom won the 24 Hours of Le Mans for Aston Martin this past June.
“It’s a fantastic circuit with some fast sections and some tight, technical corners and I know our WEC drivers enjoy racing there,” Dr. Palmer continued. “I have no delusions of being the next Turner or Adam, but I’m grateful for all the advice I can get from the professionals.”
Dr. Andy Palmer has raced with the Aston Martin Owners Club this year in preparation in a standard Vantage GT4. Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.


Teamwork & Dreamwork
Palmer’s teammates have strong links to Aston Martin. For example, Paul Hollywood (that’s his real name) gets his kicks racing an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 with the Beechdean AMR team in British GT races. He’s also known for something called the Great British Bake Off which is a TV show of some sort that, based on the title alone, has zero interest for me. There is no mention of Peter Cate’s baking chops, but he has raced for Aston Martin many times, notably taking a class win in the GT8 at the Nürburgring 24 Hours this year.
Then there is John Hindhaugh, a fellow who normally watches races rather than competing in them. Turns out he’s the main commentary guy for Radio Le Mans, but this weekend he’ll be going all George Plimpton (look it up) and getting behind the wheel. Given the team’s, uh, varied levels of experience and abilities, this will probably make for an interesting spectator experience.
Dr. Andy Palmer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aston Martin. Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Racing Rundown
The action starts with a practice session on Friday (November 10th) around lunchtime before the hour-long qualifying run that afternoon. Not that qualifying counts for all that much in a race this long. Second practice is on Friday night to give the drivers the opportunity to acclimatize to racing at night. Curiously, the race is run in a split format. The race itself takes place on Saturday between 9:00 in the morning and 11:00 that night, then takes up again on Sunday from 8:00 in the morning to 6:00 in the evening. Yes, the cars do remain in Parc Ferme conditions overnight, and yes, this does allow the racers to grab some hard-earned rest, but it’s also kind of a weenie deal, and they should just run it in one long continuous go. In my opinion.
“Our plan is to emulate the motto of another Aston Martin racer, Nicki Thiim: ‘Go hard or go home,’” Dr. Palmer added.
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 & Source: Aston Martin The Americas.



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Ford Introduces World’s First Electronic Handbrake

Ford Introduces World’s First Electronic Handbrake

I know what you’re thinking, I was thinking the same thing too: Don’t we already have those (sort of stupid) push-button parking brakes already? That’s not much of an innovation. Au contraire mon frere. What Ford now offers is not a pushbutton electronic parking brake. No, this is an electronic version of the same sort of handbrake Sebastien Loeb used to slither up the Sisteron like an electric eel up a drainpipe.
Or, to put it more plainly: This is totally cool!
The all-new Ford Performance Drift Stick is a first-ever from a major car manufacturer. Basically, it is a rally-inspired electronic handbrake that can, if you’re good enough and coordinated enough, momentarily (momentarily is the key here) lock the rear wheels so you can either slide the car through corners and/or position the car for better corner exit. I raced rallies for a couple of seasons, and it’s not a particularly easy trick to master, but like a lot of tricks, when you get it juuust right, it’s a total gas.
Big Name Or No Name?
The Ford Performance Drift Stick was developed and designed for the Focus RS (a pretty good candidate for you and your navigator to run in the next Friday-Nighter Rally). Ford also mentions the Performance Drift Stick was approved by “rally and stunt star” Ken Block, for what that’s worth (not very much t’me). Block’s one of these half-talented narcissistic knuckleheads that seems to be all too common these days. I’m not saying he can’t goof around with a car in spectacular fashion, but what I am saying is doing it on film is not even close to doing it for real on a rally stage. When he does rally, he’s a make-up-the-numbers kind of guy that scrapes into the top ten with a current career best placing of ninth. So for me and my various rally friends, adding his name to a product doesn’t really help matters much. You might feel different, but so be it.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Inner Workings
The Drift Stick stems from the Focus RS’s Drift Mode and was developed by the same team. The Drift Stick itself is a trick looking aluminum lever between the driver’s seat and manual transmission’s gear selector. It is not, however, just a lever connected to the rear brakes, oh no. This is 2017, so even the most mundane of cars, let alone a Ford Focus RS, comes chock full of stuff and systems and computers and such that must be accounted for. The Drift Stick interfaces with the Ford Performance all-wheel drive system in conjunction with the anti-lock braking system. It opens up the rear-drive unit clutches and applies hydraulic pressure to lock the rear wheels; to kick the car into a slide essentially, but you’re not necessarily aware of all that. All you do is simply pull that trick looking lever.
Ford says the results are “clutch-free drift turns very similar to the experience of a real rally car.” Personally, I’d love to get my hands on one and see if this is true.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.


Plug & Play
The traditional route, a hydraulic handbrake, would have been a real pain to put in a production car. For starters, it would have required considerable alterations to the car, so Ford went entirely electronic. Turns out, going fully electronic opened up a number of interesting benefits. In fact, the electronic Drift Stick has many similarities with the professional calibration tool Ford already sells. So integrating the Drift Stick with this existing technology was literally as easy as plugging in a USB cable.
This allows you to recall diagnostic data and upload powertrain calibrations for the Focus RS. Slick!
There’s a bunch of other nifty advantages by going with this digital design. You get instantaneous engagement and release of the rear brakes. The Ford Performance Drift Stick is also light, requiring just five to six pounds of pressure to operate, significantly less than a hydraulic handbrake. Installation and removal is easy, if you go with this after you’ve bought your Focus RS. There’s no welding, hole drilling, or calipers needed like you’d do with a hydraulic kit. The Drift Stick connects to the on-board diagnostics port on the car, so it can function as a calibration tool. Pretty nifty, eh?
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Pricing & Availability
The kit comes with the Drift Stick lever, all the mounts, circuit board, and professional calibration functionality. And, get this, the car’s warranty is not voided by its installation. The Ford Performance Drift Stick will be available starting December 1st at any authorized Ford Performance Parts distributor for $999. Ford also, rightly, points out how the Drift Stick is intended for track use only (my emphasis added).
And if I have to point out why Ford is right in saying this, and why you should not go screwing around with stuff like this on everyday streets with traffic and pedestrians and such, then I have only four words for you: Hand. Me. The. Keys. Seriously you slack-jawed chucklehead. You shouldn’t even be driving if you’re out there taking dumb risks like that. Take the bus. Take a taxi. Leave stuff like this on the track where it belongs.
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 & Source: Ford Motor Company.



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Work, Relationships & Family: Do Trucks Make Them Better?

Work, Relationships & Family: Do Trucks Make Them Better? A survey conducted by Chevrolet and Harris Poll sheds light on why we love trucks.
The data shows a link between truck ownership and serving the local community.
Trucks owners even name their pickups and consider them part of the family.  
Although the poll was conduced by Chevrolet, it is not brand specific. 
Sometimes, it’s the young working class who reflect why trucks are the greatest aspirational vehicles in the United States. Many don’t have their dream truck yet, but when they tell you about it, their eyes light up and their voice and tone changes. It doesn’t matter what type of truck, or what badge it carries, either.
What matters is how they believe that day of beloved ownership is getting closer. And when it arrives, a portion of their lives will be complete.
Prodigal Son
On the 2016 Luke Bryan Farm Tour, one man in his mid-thirties explained why the day he buys a new truck will be the day he’s “made it.” This now humble farmer recalls his prior days, caught up in a whirlwind of vice and vixens; in a life devoid of a future. He returned later to his family’s cattle operation broken and exhausted; a significant humbling when the ground finally dropped out from under his empty pursuits.
“Yeah, but you couldn’t tell me nothing then anyway; swore I’d never come back, swore it,” he said. “I did what I wanted, what I pleased, and low and behold, didn’t get nothing.”
His vision today involves seeing the family business he long rejected to a successful future. A new truck, in his mind, represents that future come true.
“I know it’s only a truck, but it’s something; like I might be the kinda man people respect in something like that,” he reasoned. “These days, you can fit your tools and your kids in a pickup- there’s enough room – so maybe, I don’t know.”
Trucks handle some of the most important jobs, including our interpersonal relationships.
What Is It About Trucks?
Sure, there are those typical dream cars, all of which are fast and lavish, but trucks capture our hearts like no other vehicle can. In the auto industry, there is an expression that goes to the effect of “everyone (secretly) wants a truck.” And it’s true. They are alluring in so many ways, far beyond the towing and payload specs. Trucks are alluring because they are the mechanical extension of who we are and what we value.
“Here in Montana where I’m from, trucks are mandatory because a lot of people need them for their ranch or their job,” explained Jeremy Pulse, Founder of Throttle Down Kustoms. “If you hunt, fish, or camp, a truck is the best way to get to where you’re going and haul your gear.”
“Roofers, painters, electricians, farmers, carpet and flooring folks, landscapers – they all have them,” added Matt Mylan, Director at GMPartsCenter.net. “Can’t really do those jobs without a truck or, at least, a truck makes it easier.”
How Americans view truck ownership, according to a Chevrolet survey conducted by Harris Poll.
#Trucks are alluring because they are the mechanical extension of who we are and what we value.Click To TweetThe Good Life
Chevrolet recently worked with Harris Poll to gather more insight into why trucks hold a special place in our hearts. Although Chevy conducted the poll, it is not brand specific. Ford, Ram, Toyota, and Nissan owners can just as easily relate, as can those who own both bigger and smaller trucks. Over a thousand pickup owners across the United States weighed in, and the responses offer a wealth of explanation.
One of the biggest insights is how people name their truck, with “Betsy” and “Big Red” among the most popular. And Betsy and Big Red are instrumental in making us better friends and citizens, according to the data. Turns out, trucks are great for performing good deeds.
For example, over thirty percent say they often use their truck to help a friend or family member with a task. Another thirty percent say they regularly use their pickup to support a local school or a charitable cause. Overall, Chevy’s survey finds 89 percent use their truck to help others, be it moving a stalled car or hauling a new couch. Truck owners know this more commonly as “hey, I’m moving next weekend, can I borrow your pickup?” 
According to a Chevrolet survey conducted by Harris Poll, truck owners often help friends and family with tasks that require a pickup.
Family Matters
Now 18 years ago, my Father went home to The Lord. That summer of 2000, I often drove his old Silverado down the rural highways of Northwest Iowa. Such emotions are best described by Lee Brice in his 2012 song, I Drive Your Truck. In a similar way, 45 percent say they plan on passing their pickup down to a child or loved one. Further, nearly 60 percent say they consider their pickup a part of the family, while another 60 percent say they “cannot live” without theirs.
“People keep trucks a long time. Most of the owners I know have owned one for 10 plus years,” Mylan explained. “When you keep something around that long, it’s easy to think about all the ‘stuff’ that’s happened with your truck and your family.”
“A lot of people use them for vacation and travel; maybe they tow a trailer, or use it for getting the kids around in the winter,” Pulse added. “So trucks are definitely important to the family.”
Red Dirt Rich & Flint River Paid
Fans of Cheers may recall how Diane Chambers explains why she took the job (one certainly beneath her) at the bar. In her mind, she wanted to experience that slice of Americana. The slice of Americana that sees Norm in contest with his job, Cliff with his encyclopedia brain, and Coach being . . . well Coach being Coach. Between repressed feelings for Mayday Malone and feuds with Carla, she experiences Americana alright.
If Diane attended a Midwestern State Fair, or NASCAR race; visited any number of hunting and fishing expos or Sunday morning tailgates; if she visited the NFR in Las Vegas in December, she would see the slice of Americana that is trucks. What Chevy’s survey really reflects is how these vehicles are inexplicably woven into the fabric of our lives, and how they remain universal insignias for our best memories.
“All the trips you’ve taken, that time your son-in-law borrowed the truck and ran out of gas, the time you got it stuck on a trail . . . stuff like that,” Mylan continued.
According to the survey, 26 percent learned how to drive in a truck. Another 10 percent say they have brought their newborn children home from the hospital in a pickup. This likely explains why 38 percent said say they love their pickup more than any other object they own.
According to a Chevrolet survey conducted by Harris Poll, nearly 10 percent say they had their first kiss in a pickup.
More Right Swipes?
Single folks should consider adding a truck photo to their online dating profile. According to the survey, nearly 40 percent believe driving one makes them more attractive and popular. Is this true ladies? Does it really make us guys more attractive?
“That’s kind of funny to me because it sounds like a country song or something,” Mylan said. “I’ll bet most Toyota owners don’t think it makes them more attractive because Toyota trucks are kind of ugly.”
Fair enough.
“The polling people should look into that,” Mylan added.
What do you love about your truck? Share with us on Twitter. 
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.



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2019 Toyota Highlander SE Review: Ideal For Active Families

2019 Toyota Highlander SE Review: Ideal For Active Families 93Good2019 Toyota Highlander SEOverall ImpressionEasy to maneuver overall.All-wheel drive option is nice.Good choice for a growing family.ProsFamily FriendlyTech-Focused Interior Cons3rd Row Passenger RoomThe Toyota Highlander looks like it could tackle some rough terrain, but it’s better suited for a family’s rough use. The SE V6 all-wheel drive model we tested is good for city commutes and the occasional trip to the back country. Families looking for versatility, comfort, practicality, and three-row seating need to check out the 2019 Toyota Highlander.
We have spent the long New Year’s weekend driving the 2019 Toyota Highlander SE. 
What’s New For 2019
The Toyota Highlander gets minor styling revisions for 2019.
Features & Options: Suspension Tuning & DVD Players 
The 2019 Toyota Highlander SE V6 AWD ($41,900) comes standard with keyless entry and ignition, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, an upgraded instrument panel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and leather seats with the front ones being heated. There is a four-way power passenger seat, second-row captain’s chairs, second-row window sunshades, a backup camera, and navigation.
The new SE trim also gets LED running lights, sport-themed styling elements, special suspension tuning, 19-inch wheels, and a sporty interior theme. Our tester came with the optional Rear-Seat Entertainment system ($1,810) as well.
Total MSRP including destination: $45,019. By comparison, the 2019 Toyota Highlander starts at $31,330.
Related: Right size fits all. An in-depth look at the 2019 Toyota RAV 4.

Interior Highlights: Tech-Focused & Comfortable
The interior of the SE is sportier than other models, and the leather seats are extra comfy for long trips. The cabin of this crossover is more car/minivan-like, perfect for growing families. The navigation system features a large touchscreen, with many of the functions using real buttons which we like. There are plenty of creature comforts inside like second row window shades, heated front seats, and of course the DVD system to keep the kids entertained on those longer trips.
Visibility is excellent in the 2019 Toyota Highlander, thanks to a larger rear-quarter window and strategically positioned pillars. The Highlander comes with twin reclining captain’s chairs that can be pushed back for maximum legroom and comfort. We took two friends of ours over the weekend out to dinner. As they were lounging in the back after leaving the restaurant, they nearly fell asleep!
Interior Highlights: A Little Crammed Sometimes
As is true of most competitors, the first and second rows provide copious room for adult occupants. The third row is squishier than that of the Honda Pilot despite having three seat belts — only small kids are likely to fit three across in the Highlander. The third row works well for smaller kids and access is easy with the captain’s chairs.
Cargo space totals 13.8 cubic feet behind the third row, and there’s plenty of versatility for busy families with a maximum of 83.7 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Highlander’s 3.5-liter V6 engine produces an impressive 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to an eight-speed automatic with an automatic stop-start system to save fuel. EPA fuel economy estimates come in at 20/26 city/highway and 22 combined with all-wheel drive.
When compared to the competition, the 2019 Toyota Highlander holds its own in terms of fuel economy.
Driving Dynamics: Responsive & Capable
The Highlander’s engine provides impressive acceleration, and the V6 powerplant works well in tandem with the gearbox. The eight-speed automatic is smooth and reasonably responsive. It didn’t seem to hunt for the right gear as we pushed it hard uphill in the mountains west of Denver.
The Highlander feels bigger than some, so tighter parking maneuvers may prove difficult in the city. It has crisp steering for parking lots, though, and it’s an easy SUV to drive in general. One of the Highlander’s best qualities is its ride comfort and few, if any, road irregularities intrude. Despite the size, the Highlander does not feel like a floating barge on the open road. 
We used the all-wheel drive system as snow fell in the mountains west of Denver, and felt safe on the slicker roads. The all-wheel drive option is ideal for families in cold climates, or for those who take weekend adventures to the north forty.
The 2019 Toyota Highlander also has a max towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped. This is an added bonus if you regularly pull a smaller trailer. 

As a complete package, the 2019 @Toyota Highlander is hard to beat for active and growing families. Click To TweetConclusion: Ideal For Active Families 
The 2019 Toyota Highlander SE offers a big, comfortable cabin with seating for seven, and up to eight depending on the configuration. The Highlander provides a sweet spot between an SUV and a wagon/minivan. As a complete package, the 2019 Toyota Highlander is hard to beat for active and growing families. 
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Toyota Highlander SE Gallery

















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



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