Automotive

2020 Lincoln Corsair: The Skull & Bones Clubhouse On Wheels

2020 Lincoln Corsair: The Skull & Bones Clubhouse On Wheels The 2020 Lincoln Corsair looks quite promising, with strong levels of performance and luxury.
As the market shifts away from sedans, Lincoln is looking to capitalize on new consumer tastes.
“Lincoln now has a full family of SUVs to exceed the needs of our clients,” says the brand’s president.
Lincoln rolled out a new SUV, the Corsair, at the 2019 New International York Auto Show. And this just might be the one that saves Lincoln. Lord knows it won’t be another cool sedan, which is all Lincoln used to make. And the sad fact of the matter is that no one is buying sedans today, even if they’re as cool as can be. In fact, Ford remains confident their decision to shift away from sedans in their product line was the right move. Hence, we will see more SUVs from Dearborn, the latest being the 2020 Lincoln Corsair.
“P” Is For Presence
Look, I’m a sports car guy. I make no bones about that and I make no apologies for it. But there is something to be said for big, imposing sedans. Something with capital “P” Presence to burn. Something like a 1962 Lincoln Continental, for instance. You pull up to the curb in one of those, and buddy, you know you’ve arrived. But, like I said, people aren’t into sedans any more. People are into SUVs. I get that. Practicality, blah-blah-blah. Usability yadda-yadda-yadda. Whatever. It’s your dollars making the payments and it’s your butt in the seat, so it’s your choice.
However, Lincoln found themselves in a bit of a conundrum. If all they had to do was make sedans with more than enough power and comfort (and capital “P” Presence), easy-peasy, job done. But, try as they might, they couldn’t make that work. And so Lincoln teeters on the brink of doom (for decades now) trying to convince people to buy sedans. Well, they finally cottoned to what was what, and voila, we now have the 2020 Lincoln Corsair to consider.
And it is very worth considering.
2020 Lincoln Corsair. Photo: Lincoln Motor Company.
Related: Automakers are trying to win over Generation Z with smaller SUVs.
Defender of the Skies
For starters: Great name. Corsair. It’s either taken from sort-of-bad-guy pirates or (my belief) one of the nastiest fighter planes of the Second World War. Next, it’s got capital “P” Presence. It doesn’t have the hulking mass of its bigger brother, the Navigator, but it’s hard to miss and ignore. Also, that roll out color? Perfect! A darkened blue that looks like an used gun barrel. That’ll make ’em pay attention!
“Entering the fastest-growing luxury segment, the all-new Corsair is artistically crafted, expertly designed and infused with our unwavering attention and commitment to detail; it’s unapologetically Lincoln,” said Joy Falotico, Lincoln Motor Company President.
Lincoln calls the Corsair a luxury SUV, which is exactly what it is. You will never, ever see a Corsair at the end of 12 miles of bad road picking up a bunch of muddy, greasy lumberjacks done with another long day of work. The Corsair is an SUV, but it’s not that kind of SUV. There’s a bit in the Lincoln press materials about the Corsair titled “sanctuary for the senses” and that pretty much defines what it’s like on the inside. Imagine if the Skull & Bones clubhouse was on wheels, and you pretty much got it.
The seats are 24-way adjustable, have massage capability, and additional lumbar support for drivers and front passengers. The second-row passengers get tons of legroom, thanks to the sliding seats that offer up to six inches of travel; and a 60/40 fold-flat or split-bench option. Lincoln says the Corsair offers more legroom in the second row than larger SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and Tesla Model X.
2020 Lincoln Corsair interior layout. Photo: Lincoln Motor Company.
Pin Drop
“Quietness is paramount for Corsair,” Lincoln says. And they get there by the most elaborate means imaginable. The dashboard is a dual-wall design, isolating you from the engine compartment and its troublesome noise. That’s not enough though. Rather than normal buzzers, there are six unique symphonic chimes that inform you of everything from an open fuel door to an unbuckled seat belt. The chimes were recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. No. Really. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
The stereo is a specially-tuned Revel system specific to each individual Corsair. In other words, the placement, tuning, calibration, and number of speakers is unique to each vehicle. Wireless charging for your mobile devices? Of course! (no unsightly wires). There are multiple power outlets throughout and Wi-Fi comes standard. Integrated SYNC 3 technology of course (this is a Ford product, after all) with AppLink. Drivers can access their apps from an available eight-inch touchscreen. Nice!
Keys? Not with the Corsair. Now your smartphone is your key. You can remotely start and unlock your Corsair; open the rear liftgate, and trigger a personal profile that automatically adjusts up to 80 features to your preferences.
Photo: Lincoln Motor Company.
Related: An inside look at the new Lincoln Aviator.
Safety & Security
Standard driver-assist features include Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking and Pedestrian Detection; Blind Spot Information System, Lane-Keeping System, rear backup camera, and and auto high-beams. If you’d like, there’s also adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist. Evasive steer assist offers assistance to the driver to help avoid a collision with a slower or stopped vehicle. Reverse brake assist can help you stop if the rear sensors detect an obstacle behind you. Active Park Assist Plus even parks the beast for you.
Power & Performance
Power, oh, it’ll have enough of that. The 2020 Lincoln Corsair comes with your choice of two turbo four-cylinder engines. The standard 2.0-liter plant puts out 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft. of torque, while the 2.3-liter mill packs 280 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. of torque. Both are hooked up to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel drive system switches between front- and all-wheel drive, depending on road and weather conditions.
Powertrain performance can be further customized by using one of five drive modes: Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Conserve.
Photo: Lincoln Motor Company.
Serious Contender
But the real bottom line here is how the new Corsair is a serious choice for people with serious money to spend. And that means Lincoln just might make it back from that brink. Which is fine with me. Expect the 2020 Lincoln Corsair in dealerships this fall.
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. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
2020 Lincoln Corsair Gallery

Photos & Source: Lincoln Motor Company.

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2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS: Inside The S-Class of SUVs

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS: Inside The S-Class of SUVs The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS is the brand’s most luxurious SUV.
It’s bigger inside for 2020 to give passengers more comfort and space.
An available powertrain combination produces over 500 lb-ft. of torque.
SUVs are, or at least started out, as barely civilized work trucks designed to haul people and their stuff from point A to B no matter the road conditions. Over time, people wanted a less truck-like demeanor and more car-like comfort. Which leads us directly to this, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS.
The title just about says it all, doesn’t it? The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS is big, safe, and loaded with everything a driver or passenger could want. Sounds like an S-Class, no? It’s like an S-Class, only shaped like a big friggin’ box with all the subtly and styling of a half-track.
For me, that’s a good thing. I like my SUVs devoid of pretense.
Space & Comfort
Mercedes-Benz goes in a different direction with the GLS, stating right up front how it’s the “largest and most luxurious SUV” in their lineup. Further, the Germans say the new GLS is about offering more: more space, more comfort, and more luxury. For 2020, the GLS is 2.4-inches (60 mm) longer, wheelbase-wise, so the interior is more spacious, especially for second-row passengers. For example, legroom here is increased by 3.4 inches when the seats are in their rearmost position, which also makes it easier to jump in.
There are three, fully-electric and adjustable seat rows so all passengers get a generous amount of space and comfort. The third-row seats can lower into the floor to increase the trunk space, while the second-row seats fold flat. In other words, you’ve got tons of space for stuff if you need it, and when you don’t need it, you’ve got lots of space for people.
Speaking of space for people, there is a six-seater variant of the GLS that has two luxurious captain’s chairs for the second row, a first for 2020.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS interior layout. Photo: MBUSA.
Executive Treatments
There’s an Executive Rear Seat Package with a separate seven-inch Android tablet for controlling the comfort and entertainment functions from the rear. It is even possible to order a lumbar massage function for the rear seats. HVAC? Shut up and get out! Five-zone automatic climate control for the rear seats, each set by the tablet. Also standard is the Easy-Entry function for getting into and out of the third-row seats (meaning all of the rear seats simply move forward and/or fold down via a button).
The center console also offers a wireless charging compartment for smartphones and additional USB ports.
But that’s just the start of everything the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS packs.
Photo: MBUSA.
Between Gas & Hybrid
Also hitting the road for the first time in 2020 is the GLS 580 4MATIC. This big-block V8 variant has Mercedes’ EQ Boost system, a 48-volt on-board electrical setup with an integrated starter generator. Running the higher 48-volt setup allows for, in this instance, what would be a normal starter as a generator; and as a continually-available power source. This EQ Boost system sort of halves the way between hybrids and gas engines. It’s pretty clever.
By comparison, the GLS 450 4MATIC comes with a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, also with EQ Boost. But c’mon, you’re going to go for the 580!
The V8 gasoline engine with the 48-volt, on-board electrical system and starter generator creates 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque; with a further 184 lb-ft. of torque and 21 horsepower available via the EQ Boost over short periods. By comparison, the six-cylinder with the same 48-volt technology produces 362 horsepower and and 369 lb-ft. of torque; with a further 184 lb-ft. of torque and an extra 21 horsepower available via the EQ Boost over short periods.
All variants of the new GLS feature a nine-speed automatic. The electronically-controlled, multi-plate clutch transfer case allows for a “variable transfer of drive torque” from zero to 100 percent (torque on demand) between the axles.
The transfer case features a reduction gear for off-road driving. Photo: MBUSA.
Handling & Aerodynamics
The new GLS also features Mercedes’ sophisticated E-Active Body Control, an active suspension system paired with the aforementioned 48-volt technology. The result is a more comfortable ride and agile handling, and a higher degree of off-road capability. For example, the off-road functions on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS include a “rocking mode.” Say your new GLS has become bogged down in the sand because you were out catching the waves. Well, the suspension level will automatically raise and lower several times, changing the ground pressure of the tires to improve traction. This, according to Mercedes-Benz, helps the GLS “rock itself free.”
Furthermore, Mercedes says the GLS has impressive aerodynamics with a Cd of 0.32. They’re right, that is impressive, for something that’s shaped like the crate it’s shipped in. With regard to aerodynamics, special attention was paid to the underbody and the air flowing through the engine compartment because of the vehicle’s shape. With the GLS, engineers had to address the more upright front end and higher ground clearance when it came to air flow. Ultimately, the new GLS was subjected numerous computation loops, CAE simulations, and wind tunnel measurements in Sindelfingen, Germany.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS. Photo: MBUSA.
At The Car Wash
Oh, and get this: there’s a new Carwash function. Push a button and “woosh,” the mirrors retract, the side windows and sunroof close; the climate control goes to air-recirculation mode, and the 360 camera shows what’s directly ahead so you have an easier time getting into the wash. All that stuff you would normally do with several steps is now done with a single button. Ain’t life grand?
Manufacturing & Availability
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS will go on sale in the U.S. by the end of the year, with production taking place in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Look, I’m not usually one to advocate for this sort of thing but if (and this is a big if); you’re rich and have a large family, it sure sounds like the new GLS is the ride for you.
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. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS Gallery

Photos & Source: MBUSA.

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2008 Aston Martin Vantage V8 Coupe 2008 Aston Martin Vantage V8 Coupe

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End Date: Wednesday Apr-24-2019 12:55:27 PDT
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2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary & GT-R NISMO: Godzilla Gets Bigger Teeth & New Clothes

2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary & GT-R NISMO: Godzilla Gets Bigger Teeth & New Clothes New for 2020 are the Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition and GT-R NISMO.
The GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition harks back to the Nissan GT-R Skyline R34.
The 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO receives carbon fiber body panels to save weight.
Nissan fans rejoice! The Japanese car maker has something good in store for the 2020 Nissan GT-R supercar. Making its debut at the New York International Auto Show is the Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition, and alongside it, the new GT-R NISMO. But for the new variants, Nissan didn’t want to tamper with the GT-R’s proven racing formula.
“The GT-R is about total balance management,” said Hiroshi Tamura, Chief Product Specialist for the GT-R. “It is not about chasing power figures, but creating a new GT-R where no aspect has been overlooked.”
The Nissan GT-R has always been the penultimate Japanese supercar. It gave the Audi R8 and Porsche 911 quite a scare when it graced the market in 2008. And even though the 2020 model is still part of the first-generation, Nissan saw it fit to equip Godzilla with bigger teeth and new clothes.
Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition
Commemorating 50 glorious years of racing heritage is the 2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition. This is purely an appearance package that pays homage to the dominance of the original R34 Skyline GT-R. The car receives a new Bayside Wangan Blue paint job with white racing stripes. If this color looks familiar, you’re right. It’s the same color of Paul Walker’s original right-hand drive R34 Skyline in the 2 Fast 2 Furious movie.
“The Nissan GT-R has been the icon of our company’s driving performance for the past half century,” explained Shinichiro Irie, GT-R Program Design Director. “While the exterior and interior changes may seem subtle at first glance, they’re still impactful, especially with the new paint schemes, keeping the car’s lines and overall presence modern and edgy.”
The paint job consists of a four-coat, double-heat treatment process to achieve a genuine old-school feel. The wheels also get blue accents on the spokes to complete the new look. But if you don’t like this color, don’t fret. The 50th Anniversary Edition GT-R is also available in pearl white with red stripes, and silver with white stripes.
In the meantime, the interior also receives numerous updates including a special gray color scheme along with exclusive trim for the steering wheel and shift knob. The dashboard and the seats are covered in hand-selected Nappa leather to exude a premium vibe. The center console houses an eight-inch touchscreen monitor with NissanConnect, an integrated navigation and communications system. This feature allows potential owners to lock and unlock the doors remotely or summon emergency services using an app. The car also gets special embossed seats, and an Alcantara-covered headliner and sun visors.
2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition in classic Bayside Wangan Blue with white stripes. Photo: Nissan North America.
Refined Performance (With A Little Growl)
Who could forget the mighty RB26DETT straight-six motor in the original R34 Skyline GT-R? Nissan outdid themselves with the VR38DETT V6 motor in the current-generation GT-R. But for 2020, Nissan’s engineers went for subtle upgrades to further improve the performance and efficiency of the raucous V6 motor.
The 2020 Nissan GT-R receives new turbochargers to improve the low rpm response of the V6 motor. New exhaust manifolds and optimized turbo flange attachment points are in the mix. The result is the same 565 horsepower and 467 lb-ft. of torque, but the 3.8-liter V6 is now more responsive and engaging. The six-speed dual-clutch automatic features a new adaptive shift control algorithm too. This means more aggressive downshifts with better gear selections on both the street and racetrack.
Rounding up the performance-enhancing mods is a retuned, electronically-controlled suspension to provide the right balance between handling prowess and ride comfort; along with new steering calibrations and a new brake booster. Also new is a titanium muffler with burnished blue titanium tips to produce the signature GT-R exhaust growl.
2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition. Photo: Nissan North America.
2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO
The 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO remains an absolute beauty among high-performance street and track machines. This hardcore version of the GT-R is nearly 44 lbs. lighter, courtesy of carbon fiber components like the hood, roof, trunk, front and rear bumpers, and the rear spoiler.
The front fenders now come with scalloped vents directly from the GT3 GT-R race car. More than just an aesthetic piece, these vents serve multiple purposes. Besides channeling hot air away from the engine bay, they also provide more downforce over the front tires for better handling and agility.
“The 2020 GT-R NISMO has evolved into a balanced, yet extreme, performance car,” Tamura said. “Pursuing driving pleasure is the most important concept behind GT-R.”
Lacing Up The New Shoes
The 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO comes with lightweight 20-inch RAYS forged aluminum wheels with a nine-spoke design. The car also receives newly-designed Dunlop tires with wider tread and fewer grooves to increase the contact patch by 11 percent. The semi-slick tires enable the GT-R NISMO to achieve higher cornering forces with better steering response.
Of course, what good is going fast if you can’t stop on a dime? Thankfully the GT-R NISMO comes with larger Brembo calipers and carbon ceramic brake rotors (16.1 inches front, 15.3 inches rear). The rotors, in particular, were crafted using a carbon and silica carbide structure. When paired with the new racing-derived brake pads, the brakes generate more friction, but also greater resistance to high temperatures; temperatures of more than 1,832 degrees Fahrenheit!
“Brembo and Nissan have a rich performance history,” said Dan Sandberg, Brembo North America President and CEO. “Our engineers worked in concert with the Nissan team to take data from the track, and combined that with lessons learned on the previous generation GT-R, to design the next evolution stopping package for this road-going supercar.”

The 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO features carbon fiber bumpers and body panels to cut weight. Photo: Nissan North America.
Blistering Performance
The 2020 GT-R NISMO recevies a 600 horsepower version of the 3.8-liter V6. The hike in power is courtesy of a turbocharger inspired by no less than the GT3 race car. The turbo comes with fewer blades and a modified turbine shape to optimize the flow rate. With 481 lb-ft. of torque available from 3,600 to 5,600 rpm, the new turbocharger improves acceleration response by 20 percent without compromising horsepower.
Pricing & Availability
Sadly, we have no word from Nissan on the exact pricing or availability of the updated 2020 Nissan GT-R, GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition, and GT-R NISMO. Some reports are saying the new GT-R will be available as early as this summer. We imagine prices starting upwards of $100,000 for the 2020 GT-R and $180,000 for the GT-R NISMO. Nissan is also offering a new Track Edition with a carbon fiber roof and the 600 horsepower V6.
A 2019 Nissan GT-R goes for about $100,000.
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.
2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition Gallery

2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO Gallery

Photos & Source: Nissan North America.

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Acura TLX PMC Edition: A Brief Walk Around

Acura TLX PMC Edition: A Brief Walk Around The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition is hand-built at the company’s Performance Manufacturing Center.
A special exterior color using nano pigment technology was developed for the limited edition TLX.
The TLX is the first Acura model to receive “PMC Edition” treatments; MDX will follow shortly.
Another surprise for this year’s New York International Auto Show was Acura’s roll out of the 2020 TLX PMC Edition. The PMC, which stands for Performance Manufacturing Center, is sort of like Acura’s version of BMW’s M division or Mercedes-AMG, only if it actually went faster. The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition gets some nice finishing touches here and there, and is assembled with greater care, but that’s about it.
Wishing For Slightly More
The TLX PMC Edition is a limited edition car, although Acura does not say what the actual production numbers will be. At this point, my guess it will be a special edition until they run out of the little glue-on serial plaques that say “Special Edition.”
Sad, really, given what Honda is capable of in the performance arena, but they have always been a conservative car company. Their vaunted NSX came out powered by a V6 when everyone else was going for much higher cylinder counts. Branding something as “PMC” and building it alongside the NSX at the actual Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio; but not giving us a hot-rod version seems like kind of a waste.
The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition is hand-built at the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio. Photo: Acura.
Power & Performance
The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition sits atop the TLX lineup, powered by an i-VTEC V6 engine with direct-injection. The 3.5-liter V6 makes 290 horsepower and is paired to a nine-speed automatic. Acura’s torque-vectoring system, Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive, is on-board and a godsend in slippery conditions. When the hand-assembly process is complete, each TLX PMC Edition will undergo the same quality controls as the NSX; including dyno checks, final paint inspection, rough-road simulation, and water leak tests.
It is not, however, a factory stripper; it is still loaded with the full-zoot of premium features from the TLX Advance Package. The exterior is anything but run-of-the-mill, featuring PMC Edition exterior treatments and interior design elements from Acura’s A-Spec line.
Photo: Acura.
Shiny & New
The easiest way to spot the 2020 TLX PMC Edition is by the Valencia Red Pearl pain, which Acura says is “deeply lustrous and grade-exclusive.” It’s made using something called nano-pigment technology that can only be applied in the bespoke factory’s advanced paint facility. (It was previously reserved for the NSX only). Acura goes into excruciating detail about the hows and whys of their ever-so-cool paint, but it’s basically candy apple red and seems, to my eyes, not all that dissimilar to what hot-rodders and low riders have been doing since 1959.
Only Acura takes five days to paint this TLX. I guess it’s worth it.
Other goodies include lots of gloss black stuff. There’s gloss black 19-inch, split-five-spoke wheels with black lug nuts; a gloss black roof panel, door handles, and grille with body-colored surround. There are shiny bits too, like the dual four-inch black chrome exhaust tips. The heated seats feature black Milano leather with Alcantara inserts, black piping and red stitching; those look quite nice. There’s a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching and paddle shifters, and there’s red stitching on the door panels, center console, and armrest as well.
Photo: Acura.
A-Spec Treatments
Even the floor mats are special, with metal A-Spec badging. Speaking of A-Spec, the PMC gets a trainload of that stuff too: A-Spec exterior and interior appearance packages, along with jewel-eye LED headlights, LED foglights, and GPS-linked navigation with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The stereo is this great big whompin’ thing, an Acura ELS Studio premium audio system with 10 speakers and enough power to make you go deaf.
Tech & Safety
Wireless charging for phones? Check. Surround view camera system? Check. Power-folding door mirrors with auto-dimming? Of course! Front and rear parking sensors, blind spot information system, rear cross traffic monitor? Duh! And of course, there’s the full suite of AcuraWatch safety technologies to keep you from doing anything egregiously stupid.
Pricing & Availability
Like I said, this is a limited-run TLX, but final numbers are so far absent. Deliveries of the 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition will begin this summer with pricing around $50,000.
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. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition Gallery

Photos & Source: Acura.

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A Brief History of The High-Tech Safety Features In Your Car

A Brief History of The High-Tech Safety Features In Your Car Advanced driver assistance systems are among the biggest selling points for vehicles today.
Some safety features we likely take for granted, like seat belts and anti-lock braking systems.
Here is a look at the most common high-tech safety features on the market and how they work.
Over the last few decades, the technology available in our cars has advanced by leaps and bounds. While Bluetooth phone call capabilities; and the seamless integration with mobile devices to allow for music streaming, and navigation are each very cool features in any vehicle, I think most would agree: some of the most important advancements are related to driver and passenger safety. Safety features are nearly as old as driving itself, with the most basic ones entering the scene shortly after driving became widespread.
For instance, the four-wheel hydraulic brake system introduced by Duesenberg in 1922 replaced mechanical brakes and can be considered one of the first major car safety innovations.
The Dawn of ADAS Technology
Let’s fast forward almost 100 years – today’s cars are equipped with a slew of safety features. While some of us have vivid memories of a time before seatbelts and airbags were required in new vehicles, those features are old news compared to what’s being rolled out in today’s models. The newest safety introductions rely heavily on advanced electronics, computerized controls, radar, and cameras. We’ve seen such an uptick in the presence of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in the past decade that AAA recently recommended standardized names for these systems, as manufacturers currently use different terms for features which perform the same functions.
So, how did we get here? To understand how some of these advanced safety features became standard, let’s explore the history of some of the most popular.
In 1970, the first-generation anti-lock braking system was developed by Mercedes-Benz and TELDIX. In August of 1978, Mercedes-Benz presented a next-generation ABS system, developed with Bosch, to the press in Untertürkheim. On the circuit, the test car with ABS remains on course through the corners when the brakes are applied. Test cars without ABS were prone to sliding off course, especially if braking was too sudden. Photo: Daimler AG.
Forward Collision Warning & Automatic Emergency Braking
According to our friends at AAA, this is the most prevalent of the ADAS technologies currently offered, coming standard in about 30 percent of 2018 model-year vehicles. This is not hard to believe, as these features star in many modern car commercials: saving the distracted teen driver from a fender-bender or taking over when a truck unexpectedly pulls out in front of the mom driving her kids to soccer practice.
These safety features rely on the use of radar to either alert a driver of an impending collision or take action to autonomously brake the vehicle. Cadillac attempted a very primitive version of a collision warning system in the late 1950s, but it was ultimately scrapped due to high manufacturing costs. We didn’t see these systems again until 1995, when a group of engineers in California introduced radar-based technology that was showcased at the North American International Auto Show the following year.
However, it still took almost 20 years for this technology to become mainstream but some early-adopters of automatic braking systems were Honda (on the Japanese-market Inspire) in 2003 with its CMBS (Collision Mitigation Brake System), and Mercedes-Benz also in 2003, with the “Pre-Safe” brake assist sensors on their S-Class model.
While we hope to never need it, this feature isn’t going anywhere. In 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced that 99 percent of all new U.S. automobiles will include emergency braking as a standard feature by 2022.
Infiniti’s Predictive Forward Collision Warning monitors the vehicle directly ahead and the one beyond it; meaning the system can effectively see two vehicles ahead. Audible and visual cues are given if any sudden or unexpected movements by the other cars are detected. Photo: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.
Related: Despite an onset of autonomous technology, people still love to drive.
Blind Spot Warnings
Mirrors could be considered the original blind spot monitors, having been around for more than 100 years. Originally, the first rearview mirrors in cars were inside, which provided a rather clear view out the back, but did little or nothing to help see along the sides or within adjacent lanes. Outside rearview mirrors (sometimes simply called “side mirrors”) became more in-demand as the U.S. highway system expanded in the 1950s and ‘60s. But side-view mirrors still allowed for a dangerous “blind spot,” a particular problem when changing lanes on an interstate.
This eventually led to the creation of blind spot monitoring and warning systems. More technical solutions have become common in recent years and are available in a variety of functionalities. While not an excuse to stop observing your surroundings before changing lanes, these systems rely on sonar or cameras to provide an alert when an object or another car enters a blind spot. This can be done with a warning light, noise or vibration, depending on the vehicle. Some more advanced systems even include “cross traffic alerts” which provide warnings when a vehicle or person approaches from beyond a driver’s line of sight; for example, while he or she is backing up.
Blind spot monitoring first appeared in the Volvo S80 in 2005 and a variation of it is included on many vehicles today, with some being more advanced than others. For instance, Infiniti introduced a “blind spot intervention” system which actually applies the brakes to guide your car away from switching lanes if someone is in your blind spot.
Volvo’s City Safety technology detects other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals like moose and deer, and can engage auto-braking to mitigate oncoming collisions. City Safety will also avoid or mitigate collisions with oncoming vehicles at intersections. Photo: Volvo Car USA, LLC.
Related: Artificial intelligence and auto safety: separating reality from fantasy.
Adaptive Cruise Control
This one can be viewed as a companion feature to the forward collision warning system, and modern cars are likely to be found with both offerings. Using the same radar or laser sensor technology in the front of the vehicle, ACC goes a step beyond traditional cruise control by controlling the throttle and brakes to maintain a set distance between your car and the one in front of it.
Some early versions of adaptive cruise control were introduced in Japan during the 1990s by Mitsubishi and relied on laser technology to assess distance and manage the vehicle’s speed through gas pedal application and transmission downshifts, rather than applying the brakes. Radar-assisted systems took off in 1999, when Mercedes-Benz introduced the feature on the S-Class and CL-Class. The technology matured from there and began to integrate with collision avoidance systems as well. If you’re a fan of cruise control (and I am!), you can appreciate how ACC lets you drive on the highway and simply not touch the brake or the accelerator as traffic ebbs and flows.
Of course, you still need to remain alert, but it can add to the driver’s overall comfort.
These safety features, while not fully autonomous, are a key component of intelligent cars. In fact, a vehicle with ACC can be considered “Level 1 Autonomous,” as it provides help to the driver but isn’t capable of driving itself or assessing other road factors such as traffic lights. Today, most manufacturers have offerings in their lineup that include some variation of ACC. Some, like BMW, are even capable of coming to a full stop and then continuing motion, if you are in stop-and-go traffic, for instance.
Cadillac’s Super Cruise feature, seen here in the CT6, utilizes a driver attention system and LiDAR map data. These systems are added to the network of cameras and radar sensors already in the CT6. Super Cruise can automatically steer, brake, and keep the vehicle positioned on the highway in certain, optimal conditions. Photo: Cadillac.
Related: Enter the land of confusion: are we really ready for autonomous cars?
Backup & Surround View Cameras
Most drivers are familiar with backup cameras by now. They are a standard offering on many different vehicles, and are also a popular aftermarket add-on. They are made possible by the presence of a small video camera on the rear of the vehicle which is wired to transmit live footage of what’s behind the car when in reverse. The footage is either projected on an existing dashboard screen or in the rear-view mirror, giving the driver a more complete view of any possible obstructions behind their vehicle. Most are also paired with a radar proximity sensor that will issue a warning sound when the vehicle gets too close to anything.
The first time backup cameras were introduced in production vehicles was in 1991, on the Toyota Soarer Limited. These offerings were only available in Japan and were discontinued in 1997. They made a comeback in 2000 when Infiniti unveiled the RearView Monitor as an available feature on the Q45 sedan at the New York Intentional Auto Show. Infiniti also pioneered an even more comprehensive camera system in 2007 with the “Around View Monitor,” a system that provided the driver with a bird’s eye view of their vehicle using four cameras.
The market domination of SUVs with their wide D-pillars and high haunches has made backing up a visual challenge. Backup collisions in any vehicle can be particularly dangerous so it’s not surprising the safety benefits of these cameras have led to widespread adoption by most manufacturers. Following an aggressive consumer safety campaign, NHTSA announced in 2014 a plan to require backup cameras in all automobiles sold in the U.S. built after May 2018.
Trailer Reverse Guidance, a new feature for the 2020 Ford Super Duty, shows trailer angle and direction, and provides steering suggestions to assist the driver with backing. The system accommodates all trailer styles, including fifth-wheel and gooseneck applications. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Related: Pet owners are concerned about safety but can automakers respond?
Lane-Departure Warning & Lane-Keep Assistance
The purpose of these systems, as the name suggests, is to keep a driver from veering unintentionally into another lane. They are designed for freeways and other high-capacity roads that have clear lane markings. Cameras installed on the front of the vehicle record the road in real time, and edge-detection software determines whether or not the car is within the lines.
Similar to the forward collision warning/prevention systems, different manufacturers offer varying levels of active or passive alerts. A departure warning system will issue a sound or vibration to alert the driver they might be drifting out of their lane; while an assistance system is capable of reacting and turning the vehicle back into the proper lane if the driver doesn’t take action. The latter is frequently paired with adaptive cruise control and can be considered a semi-autonomous feature.
Lane departure warning systems first debuted on commercial trucks in Europe in 2000. In 2001 and 2002, they began to appear on passenger cars in Japan including the Nissan Cima and Toyota Caldina. These warning systems didn’t make their way to North America until 2004, when they appeared on two Infiniti models: the FX and M. Toyota quickly followed that year, adding lane-keeping assistance to its Crown Majesta. Over the course of the next decade, these features became more mainstream. However, they haven’t been free from controversy. In 2017, the IIHS expressed concern that, by relying on these systems and other similar safety features (including forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control), drivers will become less vigilant behind the wheel.
Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin demonstrating the three-point safety belt in 1959. Since then, it’s estimated that over one million lives have been saved as a result of Volvo Cars waiving its patent rights. Photo: Volvo Car Corporation.
Future Considerations
You might say the automotive industry got its jump-start into safety with the passage of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act in 1966. At first, much of the focus was on preventing injuries in the event of an accident (seat belts, padded dashes, collapsible steering columns, air bags etc.). As these passive safety systems reached saturation, and as technology developed, car makers, government agencies, and safety advocates redirected their focus toward active safety; that is, avoiding the accident in the first place.
The most recent decade has proven how the automotive industry is undergoing a transformation when it comes to safety technology. Based on consumer demand and widespread adoption, it’s safe to say that driver assistance systems are here to stay. As today’s youngest drivers don’t remember a time before seatbelts, will the next generation express the same sentiment when it comes to forward collision warning systems?
Like most of the industry, I’ll be waiting to see.
Richard Reina is the Product Training Director for CARiD.com. He enjoys restoring and driving old cars with a special love for anything Italian. Richard is also passionate about music and is a huge Beatles fan.

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You Can Win This Tesla-Powered 1968 Porsche 911 & $20,000 Cash

You Can Win This Tesla-Powered 1968 Porsche 911 & $20,000 Cash If your mom ever told you it’s what’s on the inside that counts, she was right. This Tesla-powered 1968 Porsche 911 is a good example. You don’t know from the outside, but this classic Porsche has a modern Tesla powertrain that cranks out over 500 horsepower. It doesn’t currently have an owner, but Omaze is running a benefit campaign where you can enter to win it, plus $20,000 cash!

Disclosure: This article is sponsored by Omaze. Their model democratizes traditional auction-giving by offering everyone the chance to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Consumers purchase entries into these experiences with the money going to a charity the experience is associated with. The views and opinions expressed here are strictly my own and do not necessarily reflect those of Automoblog. For more information, please review our advertising guidelines.

Who You Will Benefit

This Omaze campaign benefits the K-12 school tours hosted by the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. These special field trips energize students through hands-on experiences that turn abstract concepts into practical, real-world applications.

The program shows kids how transportation technology impacts society; it encourages them to explore history and mechanical intuition, and it sharpens their skills in visual arts, engineering, and communications. The museum’s goal is to educate more than 25,000 children this year.

One of those kids may grow up to build an incredible machine like this Tesla-Powered 1968 Porsche 911. Here is the full story behind Omaze, their campaigns (which feature a lot of cool cars you can win), and this one-of-a-kind Porsche.

In one of their latest campaigns, Omaze is giving away this Tesla-Powered 1968 Porsche 911. The winner will also walk away with $20,000 cash! When you enter this campaign, you are benefiting the K-12 tours hosted by the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. The museum has a goal of educating more than 25,000 kids each year. Photo: Omaze.How & Why Omaze Started

Two friends started Omaze after attending a charity benefit hosted by their boyhood hero, Magic Johnson. While excited to be there, the pair soon realized the evening’s grand prize was well out of their reach as broke college students. The winner of the auction, scheduled for later that night, would be able to have dinner with Magic Johnson and join him courtside with the Lakers.

On the drive home, they pondered how to create a different organization, one that would reframe how non-profit organizations and charity groups connect with potential donors. They refined and honed what would become the Omaze model, one that democratizes traditional auction-giving by offering everyone the chance to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether that’s a chance to meet a favorite celebrity or win a dream car, everybody has an equal opportunity while supporting a cause they care about.

What Are The Current Campaigns?

Every Omaze campaign coincides with a similar non-profit foundation or charity. There is a wide array to choose from, based on which causes mean the most to you and which vehicle you would like to win. Current campaigns include a giveaway for a 2020 McLaren GT, with participants benefiting NEXT for AUTISM.

The campaign for the International Medical Corps has a 1963 Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Wagon as the top prize, while those who enter to win the 2020 Cadillac Escalade will benefit PATH, an organization serving the homeless population of California during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This Tesla-powered 1968 Porsche 911 features a factory 1974 911S suspension.Tesla-Powered 1968 Porsche 911: Building The Green Machine

When it was hauled into Zelectric in San Diego for its powertrain retrofit, the gasoline engine was frozen and the transmission was shot. At that point, it had been sitting for 20 years. The new owner wanted to retain the original styling, but have the gasoline engine swapped for an electric powertrain of epic proportions. This restored car was to race, so plans for a heavy-duty suspension and roll bar were devised. Polycarbonate windows and a fiberglass hood were employed to drop the weight. All badges were stripped.

With Zelectric retrofits, it’s not about jamming a battery under the back seat and calling it good. These are fully-custom builds, where the electrified powertrain conversion is done with consideration for the whole of the vehicle’s architecture. The process is so delicate and exact that, as of right now, Zelectric only works on classic air-cooled VWs and Porsches.

This green machine was a perfect fit. It was the right year and the right model. Everyone in the San Diego shop loved it, but it was nothing more than a roller at this point.

Although the overhaul was extensive, nothing of the original car was cut or modified to accommodate the Tesla powertrain. In fact, it can be converted back to factory components even now. Along with matte custom trim and Magnus Walker Outlaw wheels, it was repainted in the period-correct Porsche Irish Green.Tesla Transplant

At that time (2018), only a few “Tesla transplants” had been successfully completed anywhere in the world. The process is far beyond a typical engine swap, given the nature of a Tesla powertrain in general. EV West, one of Zelectric’s partners, had been working to “unlock” the Tesla plant so it would function reliably outside of a factory Tesla. The end goal was to fit a Model S powertrain into the architecture of the classic Porsche, but it required some creative engineering.

It would take another year for the full transplant, as the team spent countless hours building a custom motor support and new axles for the chassis. Robust battery boxes were designed, and a more efficient battery management system was put in place. Unique wiring and cooling systems were engineered.

An Unexpected Surprise

Just as Zelectric was heading into the home stretch, the client found he couldn’t commit to finishing the rebuild. With so much time and energy invested into the car over several years, Zelectric bought the Tesla-Powered 1968 Porsche 911 and later made it available to Omaze for this campaign.

Because the Omaze platform is designed how it is, you have a chance to win this Tesla-powered 1968 Porsche 911 outside the typical auction setting. Make sure you enter this campaign, as you will be benefiting a great cause.

Tesla-Powered 1968 Porsche 911

Drivetrain: RWDTransmission: AutomaticExterior Color: Irish GreenMaximum Seating: 2 seatsEngine: Tesla Model S P85 MotorCharge Range: 120+ miles at highway speeds.Interior Color: Custom black with carbon fiber accents.Maximum Horsepower: 500+ HP (the original 912 engine was 90 HP!).Special features: Level 2 charge port; rear decklid solar panel; upgraded sport suspension; drilled disc brakes; LED lighting; Bluetooth sound system with Alpine speakers and subwoofer.Original article: You Can Win This Tesla-Powered 1968 Porsche 911 & $20,000 Cash

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This New Suite Package At The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills Is Just Too Cool

This New Suite Package At The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills Is Just Too Cool Perhaps you and your sweetheart were busy for Valentine’s Day but still want to celebrate your love? Or, perhaps, you need a break from all the snow? Well, it might be fitting to look into the “Live Aston Martin” suite package at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. Through this unique booking, guests receive exclusive access to an Aston Martin to cruise through Beverly Hills with.
“This is the perfect venue for current and prospective clients to indulge in the spirit of LA’s car culture by driving one of the world’s most beautiful cars amid a luxurious backdrop,” said Laura Schwab, President of Aston Martin the Americas.
Zoom Service
The Aston Martins on offer for hotel guests include the DB11 grand-tourer, the most powerful model of the DB lineage. The DB11’s new 4.0-liter twin turbocharged V8 cranks out 503 horsepower and 513 lb-ft. of torque. It hits 62 in just 4 seconds, with a top speed of 187 mph. Not too bad huh? Guests can also opt for the Vanquish S, which originates from Aston Martin’s historic Works in Newport Pagnell.
“Inviting travelers to create unforgettable memories through one-of-a-kind offerings, like access to exclusive Aston Martin sports cars, speaks to our team’s dedication to providing legendary service,” explained Vanessa Williams, Director of Sales and Marketing, Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills.
“It’ll certainly add an unforgettable dose of adrenaline to the hotel stay,” Schwab said.
Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Apparel & Merchandise
Near the lobby is the Aston Martin pop-up store, which features an extensive collection of clothing, accessories, gifts, and other collectibles. Among the Aston Martin-themed items are sunglasses, model cars, posters, keyrings, hats, backpacks, suitcases, and mugs. There is plenty of racing gear and some of the items are even handmade.
Booking & Rewards
The Live Aston Martin package is available until March 31st and can be booked through the Waldorf Astoria’s website. Guests can also take advantage of any additional benefits as Hilton Honors members. The rewards program offers a number of perks, including a Personal Concierge service and complimentary Wi-Fi.
“At Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, we look forward to offering our guests the best in hospitality,” Williams said.
If you do this, please let us know on Twitter so we can retweet any photos you take.
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.
Live Aston Martin Package Gallery

Photos & Source: Aston Martin The Americas.

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Automoblog Book Garage: Amazing Barn Finds & Roadside Relics

This weekend, I have been running around like crazy, or so I feel like it. The North American International Auto Show here in Detroit is about to begin and for the entire automotive industry, it’s simply a busy time. Throughout the event, thousands of people will enter the doors of Cobo Center to view the displays, many of which will have shiny new cars and trucks.

There are auto shows and then there is NAIAS. Everything seems to be made of gold; the lights are spectacular, the cars are immaculate, and even the wonder of events like Charity Preview are something to behold.

Dusty Tales

Imagine then how my curiosity is aroused when this weekend in our Book Garage series we examine a far less glamorous world; one where there are no photographers capturing pristine metal and no handsome folks on stage to present the world’s next great automobile. Quite the opposite; these cars are collecting dust and left to rust. Their stories have already been told and their time on an auto show stage has long past.

Welcome to Amazing Barn Finds and Roadside Relics: Musty Mustangs, Hidden Hudsons, Forgotten Fords, and other Lost Automotive Gems.

To many, these cars may look like a pile of junk, but to an automotive artist, they are a blank canvas. These cars merely need tender love and care and once they receive it, look as wonderful as when they first appeared at an auto show the magnitude of NAIAS.

Amazing Barn Finds and Roadside Relics takes us on the hunt for the perfect restoration project. We ride shotgun with author Ryan Brutt in a journey of automotive archaeology that documents and preserves these otherwise lost treasures.

Author

Brutt is considered an “automotive archaeologist” and travels the United States documenting lost and abandoned automotive gems. He is a Contributing Editor for Hot Rod, Muscle Car Review, and Mopar Collectors Guide. Burtt also organizes the barn finds class for the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals. He lives in Skokie, Illinois.

Amazing Barn Finds and Roadside Relics is available through Amazon and Motorbooks.

Like many automotive enthusiasts, I can appreciate the grandeur of an event like NAIAS. It’s just refreshing, every once in awhile, to move away from the shiny and new, to the often deeper, sometimes forgotten history of our favorite cars.

And this book is exactly that.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Amazing Barn Finds & Roadside Relics Gallery

Enjoy barn find adventures? Here is one of our other favorites from Motorbooks.

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