Automotive

Uber ignores California's grounding of self-driving Volvo XC90s tests

2016 - Uber launches self-driving Volvo XC90s

Uber hasn’t even completed a week of live testing of its fleet of completely-autonomous Volvo XC90s and they’re already in deep doo-doo.

What’s going on?

Uber has been hitting the headlines with the launch of its first wave of self-driving, completely autonomous Volvo XC90s in San Francisco for a series of real-world tests. It hasn’t been a full week since the cars began testing and already they’re causing trouble.

It all started when a video surfaced on the web of a self-driving Uber XC90 clearly running a redlight sometime last week. Since then, California regulators and the DMV called for a complete grounding of the XC90 fleets. However, Uber isn’t complying and thus has yet to pull the XC90s from the road.

Uh oh, that doesn’t sound good. What are California regulators saying?

Because of the clear video showing the Uber XC90s are still problematic and a safety hazard, the California Attorney General’s office threatened legal action if Uber doesn’t ground the fleet.

The letter was sent later Friday, demanding Uber to apply for the proper permits to allow for continued testing of its XC90s. The permits need to be supplied by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

However, Uber contested these demands claiming its cars feature technology that’s no different than the equipment used on other advanced driver-assistance systems. As a result, the fleet of self-driving XC90s do not need those permits to continue testing.

But Momma California says otherwise…

According to California’s Vehicle Code Section 38750, the DMV amended new legislature regulating the testing and public use of autonomous cars on California’s public roads. Because of these clear statues, the DMV issued a cease-and-desist letter to Uber on Dec. 14 under this code.

But Uber argues that code section only applies to fully-autonomous vehicles with no steering wheel, no pedals, or human driver. The XC90s are still XC90s, just with a bunch of autonomous tech on it.

The debacle is ongoing.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: USAToday

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The 2017 Lamborghini Aventador S is a not-so-extreme SV

Think of it as the Lamborghini Aventador S without the V.

What’s going on?

Lamborghinis are pretty rambunctious and it’s hard to imagine how much more ridiculous they could get. How does more power, more aerodynamics, and more performances sound?

With the 2017 Lamborghini Aventador S, that’s exactly what you get. But you don’t get as much performances as the SuperVeloce. That’s not necessarily a bad thing if the the Aventador SV is just a little too much Aventador for you. Instead, the Aventador S is basically like a SuperVeloce without the Veloce.

Ok. So how much more power are we talking?

The 6.5L naturally-aspirated V12 already offers a whopping 690hp and 508 lb-ft of torque for a 0-60 time of just 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 220 mph. Because the Aventador S essentially gets the SV’s revised V12, that means power jumps up to 740hp with torque remaining the same as the regular car. The SV’s mill however gets a higher redline as well. But interestingly, the zip to 62 mph still takes around 2.8-2.9 seconds.

All that extra power but not that much more performance…what else is new with the Aventador S?

To match the extra power, the body gets slightly reworked to serve up more downforce at speed for better stability and handling. Additionally, “overall efficiency” is claimed to increase by 50 percent. Downforce at the front increases by 130 percent and a stunning 400 percent at the rear.

Also new is an active four-wheel steering system, which is new for the Aventador. During low speed maneuvers, the rear wheels can steer in the opposite direction as the front for a better turning radius. When traveling at faster speeds, the system reverses its actions to improve high-speed handling.

How much will this Aventador S cost?

A lot of money, as you can imagine. Prices for the 2017 Lamborghini Aventador S start at $421,350. Check enough boxes on the options list and you’ll pass $500,000 very easily.

Deliveries are scheduled to commence in spring of 2017.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Lamborghini

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GM halts production for cars from heavy crossover SUV demand

Like you’ve never heard us tout how popular crossovers are before…

What’s going on?

Crossovers! “Oh jeeze…” Yea. I know what you’re thinking. We get it. They’re popular. I get it too.

But this is how crazy it can get. Car demand is so slow for General Motors, multiple reports indicate the Big Three’s General had to put a stop on various assembly lines. The reason: the demand for crossovers is just too damn high!

According to AutomotiveNews and The Detroit News with info provided by Autodata, GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck, Fairfax, Lansing Grand River, Lordstown, and Bowling Green will all hit the stop button on everything for several week periods.

That’s a lot of plant locations. What cars are affected?

Here’s a quick list of what each plant builds:

Detroit-Hamtramck Facility to shut down for three weeks, builds:
- Buick LaCrosse
- Cadillac CT6
- Chevrolet Volt
- Chevrolet Impala

Fairfax, Kansas to shut down for three weeks, builds:
- Chevrolet Malibu

Lansing Grand River to shut down to for two weeks, builds:
- Cadillac ATS
- Cadillac CTS
- Chevrolet Camaro

Lordstown, Ohio to shut down for one week, builds:
- Chevrolet Cruze

Bowling Green, Kentucky to shut down for one week, builds:
- Chevrolet Corvette

Currently, an overstock issue is a larger issue for the company with many vehicles still heavy in supply. There simply is no more room to store inventory.

On the flip side, crossover and truck supply is lower than company standards because dealers can’t keep those on the lots. The lower gas prices in recent years stimulated crossover, SUV, and truck sales over more fuel-efficient alternatives.

To try and coax more buyers into the showrooms, GM will soon begin offering more incentives and discounts.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: AutomotiveNews, The Detroit News

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2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure Review: Just Functional Enough

2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure Review: Just Functional Enough 93solid2019 Toyota RAV4 AdventureOverall ImpressionGood daily driver.Easy-to-use controls.Plenty of tech features.ProsComfortable Ride QualityCargo & Passenger SpaceConsLackluster Power (At Times)Cost Jumps Fast w/ Options The 2019 Toyota RAV4 gets a redesign and the Adventure trim is the coolest looking in the small SUV’s lineup. It comes with extra exterior cladding plus an upgraded all-wheel-drive system that includes torque-vectoring technology for off-pavement use. This model is for those who want to get away from the city on the weekends and do some exploring in the wilderness. It’s not an extreme off-road animal, but functional enough for fun activities like camping and kayaking.
This week, we’ve been driving the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure with all-wheel drive.
What’s New For 2019
The RAV4 is completely redesigned for the new model year, riding on Toyota’s TNGA-K platform for a lower center of gravity versus the previous RAV4. Now in its fifth-generation, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 comes in both gas and hybrid variants. Toyota’s comprehensive Safety Sense 2.0 package joins a host of connectivity features like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri Eyes Free, and Apple CarPlay. Trim levels for gasoline models include LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, and Limited.
Features & Options: Comfort & Safety
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure AWD ($32,900) comes standard with a power liftgate, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable driver’s seat, simulated leather upholstery (SofTex), and an upgraded interior. It also features automatic LED headlights, foglights, heated mirrors, push-button start, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and additional USB ports.
Related: The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is just the right size for our tastes.
The 2019 RAV4 is standard with the aforementioned Safety Sense 2.0 package, which includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection; Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist; Automatic High Beam, and Lane Tracing and Road Sign Assist. Our tester was also equipped with blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert.
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure is ideal for weekend trips.
What Is The Toyota RAV4 Adventure Trim?
The Adventure trim adds some special styling features: 19-inch alloy wheels, fender flares, and taller roof rails, for example. There’s an enhanced rearview camera, embossed seating details, and an upgraded driver information display with an eight-inch touchscreen. The all-weather floor mats and satellite radio were two extras we enjoyed having. Performance-wise, the Adventure trim has a few extra tools when it’s time to get away from the city.
For example, it comes with 8.6 inches of ground clearance (standard model has 8.4 inches) and the TRD Off-Road suspension. It features a Multi-Terrain Select system with Mud & Sand modes for beach driving, or a Rock & Dirt mode for trails. The Snow mode is for wintry conditions, something we would use here in Colorado. The Adventure trim is also dressed up with 18×7-inch matte black TRD alloy wheels with Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail all-terrain tires.
This Adventure tester also came with the optional weather package ($1,185), navigation ($1,620), Technology package ($1,265), and a power/tilt moonroof ($850). Total MSRP including destination: $39,948. By comparison, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 starts at $25,650, with the Adventure trim beginning at $33,050.
2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure interior layout.
Interior Highlights: Orange Highlights & Plenty of Room
We jumped inside our Adventure RAV4 to find a stylish cabin with orange stitching that really popped against the black seats. The orange theme continues around the cupholder, cellphone charging pad, and above the glove box. We found the interior to be well-built with some nicely-layered and soft-touch materials. The hard plastics on the door panels and around the dash are not without their purpose, as they are easy to clean. The rubberized grip surfaces on the interior door pulls and the radio and climate knobs are a nice touch for this trim.
The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and we think the synthetic leather feels like the real thing. The power driver’s seat and tilt/telescoping steering wheel allowed us to find the perfect driving position. We also like the radio and climate controls which are easy to find and use. Technology abounds in the 2019 RAV4, with a laundry list that starts with Toyota’s Entune 3.0 Audio system and expands to Verizon Wi-Fi.
In the back, your passengers will be comfortable and there’s enough room for taller people, even behind a taller driver. There’s also enough headroom in back even with the raked roof, plus a seat recline feature if you want to get more comfy on a long trip.
The RAV4’s cargo carrying-ability is among the biggest in the class, and that’s true whether the seats are up or down. There’s 37 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and 57 cubes behind the front. It’s also low and easy to load as we had some extra big boxes to carry this week. The power liftgate made it more convenient too.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-liter engine producing 203 horsepower (up 27 horsepower from last year). It’s more powerful and efficient, thanks to a higher compression ratio (13:1 on gas models) and Toyota’s D4-S fuel injection system, which combines direct and secondary port injectors.
The four-cylinder engine pairs with a new eight-speed automatic, both of which benefit from the RAV4’s lighter curb weight compared to last year. The improvements help the newly-redesigned RAV4 achieve an EPA-estimated 25/33 city/highway and 28 combined. Overall, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is one of the most fuel-efficient compact SUVs available.
The RAV4 Adventure tows up to 3,500 lbs., while all other trim levels can only pull 1,500 lbs. The Adventure trim also comes with active grille shutters to increase efficiency.
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure has enough power for most driving situations, but can be lackluster at times.
Driving Dynamics: Some Noise But Solid Overall
We powered the RAV4 Adventure in and around the mountains west of Denver, the perfect environment for this compact trail runner. It has enough power for most driving situations, but could leave you wanting more ‘oomph’ if you have a full load of people and cargo, especially pulling mountain passes or long hills.
Around town it goes just fine, and merges onto the highway with ease. Once on the open road, the RAV4 provides a confident feeling at higher speeds. We did notice the engine noise inside the cabin when we pushed the SUV hard going up I-70 at altitude.
The eight-speed is smooth, and there’s no reluctance to downshift if you need power for passing. We left the transmission in Normal mode most of the week. Dialing it over to Sport, however, sharpens responsiveness and shift timing for more spirited driving.
The special TRD suspension and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system help the RAV4 Adventure negotiate wet or snowy conditions easily. It can be taken off-road for light-duty work and will get you a little farther back into the high country than the standard model. In the twisty corners, there isn’t too much lean in spite of the taller ride height.
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 features an eight-speed automatic. The shifts are smooth and there’s no reluctance to downshift.
Related: On the road with the perfect weekend warrior, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma.
Conclusion: For Good Reason
With a completely new exterior look, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure stands out among most other compact SUVs. In general, the RAV4 is still one of the most popular SUVs for sale, and with good reason. It’s versatile, holds up to five passengers, and comes with Toyota’s reputation for durability.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his firsthand reviews are archived on our test drives page. Follow Denis on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure Gallery

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

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The 2018 Honda Odyssey will enter a new generation in Detroit

Actually, the real teaser of the next-gen 2018 Honda Odyssey is after the jump.

What’s going on?

Honda’s on the verge of revealing an all-new Odyssey for 2018, just as we’re all on the verge of celebrating the holiday season at its peak on top of a new year. To make sure we’re aware, the company teased the new model by having some children of the Odyssey team members draw up some sketches of what’ll most likely be their next space shuttle.

Watch out current auto designers–these kids have a bright future in auto design!

The current Odyssey minivan has been with us since 2011 and is pretty much due for a replacement. That replacement is set to be revealed at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month.

Check out the actual teaser after the jump.

So Honda’s got a new people-carrier and baby-hauler (or maker) in the works. What’s new about it?

2018 Honda Odyssey Teaser Scribble

Well, as depicted by one of the junior Odyssey team member’s vision, it will be dark purple with a light purple roof, while sitting on two eyeballs and looking like a purple elephant with a pocket protector as its butt. Or it might look like a pirate hat rolling on four donut magnets and two yellow eyes. Heck, it might even be rainbow colored!

Now, as cool as that would be…

It unfortunately won’t really be as adorable as the sketches above. But like previous generations of Honda Odyssey, the new one is to be based on the same platform as the latest Honda Pilot crossover, which takes its platform from the latest Accord.

Because it’s a family oriented vehicle, the Odyssey should come with sweet family oriented quirks. Like the outgoing generation’s optional integrated vacuum system meant to handle those little ones who like to throw things.

Thanks to its typical Accord and Pilot-based roots, the new Odyssey, like previous versions, should continue to come with happy Accord-like driving dynamics. Meaning, it shouldn’t be a total bore to drive, proving the Odyssey is the best choice for petrolheads who need to provide for their families without too much compromise.

No specific details were released with the teaser. But we imagine the new 2018 Honda Odyssey will come with a similar powertrain to the Pilot, the company’s latest beloved V6.

And here’s that actual teaser of the new Odyssey.

2018 Honda Odyssey Teaser Sketch

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Honda

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2017 NAIAS Teaser: The new 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, this is almost it

The next-gen Chevrolet Traverse should predictably be a more value-oriented version of the GMC Acadia, like the outgoing model.

What’s going on?

The Chevrolet Traverse has been with us for a very long time. In fact, it’s been with us for so long (since 2009), people seemed to have forgotten about it since it’s so stale. But now, Chevrolet is finally getting around to revealing the second gen model.

And they just released a teaser to confirm its pending arrival.

Oooo…so Chevy’s replacing it’s rental-destined Traverse. Will it be all-new?

Yes! It will be all-new and like the current Traverse, it should essentially be a Chevrolet version of the GMC Acadia since they’re basically cousins. They come from the same platform.

The outgoing model rides on the GM Lambda platform, an enlarged and heavily modified version of the GM Epsilon platform, which is also shared with previous versions of the Chevrolet Malibu. Now, GM has an all-new Epsilon platform out and it currently underpins the latest Cadillac XT5 and the all-new GMC Acadia.

What will power it?

So far, as with every teaser, all the details are currently being withheld. That is, until Chevrolet reveals the new car at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Chevrolet

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