Automotive

Automoblog Book Garage: The Complete Book of Camaro

Automoblog Book Garage: The Complete Book of Camaro

Every so often (daily), Danielle and I talk (have long conversations) about the “dream cars” we will one day own. While there are a few (many) on the list, living in Detroit gives us an inherent affinity for American muscle. Which is why the Chevrolet Camaro, especially the first generation, always appears on our list.
Given Danielle grew up in the shop of her family’s Michigan-based trucking company, it’s probably not at all surprising.
Family & Future
Her family built an honorable legacy in a rural Michigan community that may well have disappeared without them. This was seen recently at her grandmother’s funeral as memories were recalled and stories were shared. For Danielle and many others who gravitate towards the Camaro, it’s about what the car represents; it’s about what that slice of American Iron truly means. For some, it’s honest work. For others, family and faith. And for others, it’s just simply the thrill of hearing the engine rev. But whatever the reasons, becasue the legacy of such cars live forever, as long as we are attached to them in some way, we can too.

Lasting Legacy
The Complete Book of Camaro: Every Model Since 1967 chronicles the Camaro’s journey, beginning with the original “Panther” concept. Literally every model since 1967 is featured, complete with beautiful photos and detailed technical specifications. The Complete Book of Camaro shows the early pony car wars with Ford and how the second generation became instantly recognizable with unique styling. The book dives into the muscle car renaissance of the 1980s and how the Camaro continued into the 90s, then uncharted waters.
No matter how many times I think I’ve seen the Camaro, I’ve never quite seen it like this.
Author
David Newhardt is one of the top automotive writers and photographers today. He has provided photography for best-selling Motorbooks titles like Muscle: America’s Legendary Performance Cars, Corvette: Fifty Years, Mustang: Forty Years, Mopar Muscle: Fifty Years, and Shelby Mustang: Racer for the Street.
The Complete Book of Camaro: Every Model Since 1967 is available through Amazon and Motorbooks.
The Complete Book of Camaro Gallery

Another excellent book is Camaro: Fifty Years of Chevy Performance, which we featured recently in our Book Garage series.

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2017 Honda Civic Si: Product & Performance Overview

2017 Honda Civic Si: Product & Performance Overview

The 2017 Honda Civic Si Coupe and Sedan are available now and quite affordable with a starting MSRP of $23,900. This Civic Si duo was revealed only a month ago and represent, according to Honda, the most ambitious remake in the Civic’s 44-year history. Both cars, be it coupe or sedan, have solid performance attributes, connectivity options, and safety features, despite the relatively lower price point.
Power & Performance
Right out of the gate, the Civic Si makes things fun with a short-throw, 6-speed manual transmission. A 1.5-liter, direct-injected and turbocharged DOHC in-line 4-cylinder, with dual variable cam timing resides under the hood. The powertrain, according to Honda, provides “a dynamic driving experience with a much broader power band and significantly increased torque output compared to the previous Si.”
And they are not kidding. Peak output (205 horsepower) appears lower in the rev range – 5,700 vs. 7,000 rpm – while peak torque (192 lb-ft.) comes in at 2,100 versus 4,400 rpm. Peak torque is also sustained over 70 percent of the engine’s rev range.
Drivers have access to two different modes (Normal and Sport) depending on their tastes. Normal Mode is more comfort based and good for the daily commute and running errands. Those wanting to experiment will enjoy Sport mode which adjusts suspension characteristics, steering feel, and throttle response.
Chassis, Suspension, Steering
With the engine making the power more accessible, the architecture now steps up to accentuate the car’s dynamics. The 2017 Civic Si Coupe and Sedan are lighter than the models they replace: Civic Si Sedan’s curb weight is 2,906 pounds, down 96 pounds from before. The Si Coupe tips the scales at 2,889 pounds, down 113 pounds from prior models. Both cars have a more rigid body, which will provide safety benefits, better fuel economy, and a good, solid planted feel while driving.
The suspension is really something too, with a two-mode adaptive damper system, stiffer spring rates, and more rigid stabilizer bars (+30 percent front, +60 percent rear). There are solid front and rear compliance bushings and beefed up front upper control arms, which actually come from the record setting Civic Type R. All of these upgrades make the Civic Si very nimble, an indispensable benefit when moving through traffic or around tighter corners.
Keeping with that same train of through, a dual-pinion adaptive electric power steering system with variable ratios will ensure nice, crisp handling, be it traversing the city or on the open highway.
Photo: Honda North America.
Exterior Styling
The Honda Civic Si is marked by its unique front fascia, gloss black wing, and large lower air intakes. The 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels have a model-exclusive finish with low-profile tires. The Si Coupe has a full-width light bar with a raised wing spoiler; the Si Sedan features an exclusive rear fascia, decklid, and spoiler with an LED brake light.
Interior Treatments
While driver’s are taking advantage of the nimble architecture and more powerful engine, the bolstered front seats will keep them in place. The seats feature an Si logo and red accent stitching that flows through the rest of the interior. Red is really the central theme here, especially on the driver’s display – it contrasts nicely with the carbon-tinted instrument panel.
Interior treatments for comfort and convenience include dual-zone automatic climate control with air filtration, heated front seats, white ambient LED lighting, functional center console storage, and a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat. The 2017 Honda Civic Si is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and includes app-based navigation, streaming audio, and voice activated commands.
The Driver Information Interface (DII) is new and displays a multitude of real-time information. Driver’s will enjoy thumbing through data that shows throttle and brake applications in a graphic percentage, turbocharger (psi), and even lap times. In fact, the DII has a G-meter for a more accurate representation of acceleration, braking, and cornering forces when on the track.
Photo: Honda North America.

Safety & Security
Honda says the 2017 Civic Si provides “a high level of collision safety performance in a wide variety of collision scenarios, including offset and oblique-angle frontal collisions as well as side and rear impacts.” Both cars are equipped with four-channel anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, and Agile Handling Assist to provide additional stability during emergency or evasive maneuvers.
Both the Civic Si Coupe and Sedan have received a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Pricing & Availability
The 2017 Honda Civic Si is available now – pricing varies but is still relatively affordable with neither car topping $24,100 for a starting MSRP. The 2017 Civic Si for the United States market is assembled at Honda’s Ontario, Canada assembly. The engines are produced in Anna, Ohio, Honda’s largest automobile engine plant in the world.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2017 Honda Civic Si Coupe Gallery

2017 Honda Civic Si Sedan Gallery

Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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Ford Hot Shot: The Jimmy John’s of Parts

Ford Hot Shot: The Jimmy John’s of Parts

Right, so Ford has this new parts delivery service called Hot Shot that aims to get parts to repair shops and customers really fast. But don’t car companies and second tier parts suppliers already do this? I thought they already did, but I could be wrong.
As both my loyal readers know, I’ve got this friend Carl who runs a repair shop in Seattle. I have spent a lot of time hanging out at his shop. I mean a lot. He’s a great guy, and even though my cars don’t need that much work, I’m always up for swinging by to say hello and see how he’s doing.
Day’s Work
More often then not, he’s turning a wrench, talking things over with the two other mechanics – Brian and Jerry – on the phone keeping the schedule full, and in the front office dealing with customers (this involves everything from happily getting a bill paid to painfully explaining simple mechanical principles like, “no, just cause I changed your wiper blades last month, that has nothing to do with that grinding noise coming from your transmission” (and no, I am not making that up)).
Or, as is the case with our story today, dealing with parts deliveries.
Usually, parts, by way of a dealer’s parts department show up three to four times a day – first thing in the morning, some time around lunch or some time in the late afternoon. In addition to the constant stream of customers coming and going, tool truck guys coming and going, uniform trucks coming and going, and schmoes like me clogging up the works, there seems to always be a parts delivery person (usually very competent and very cheery and positive) dropping off everything from camshaft gasket kits that could fit in an envelope, to entire rebuilt Subaru engines.
So what’s so different about Ford’s Hot Shot parts delivery deal?
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Order Up
Essentially, Ford’s Hot Shot parts delivery works more like a pizza restaurant than a catering kitchen. Normal, non-Hot Shot parts are sent out on a schedule, the aforementioned first thing in the morning, some time around lunch, or some time in the late afternoon. Hot Shot takes a shop or customer’s specific individual order and then gets the parts winging their way fast. Fast as in Hot Shot express parts delivery orders from Ford are fulfilled within two hours. As an example, the Village Ford dealership in Dearborn, Michigan commonly receives 20 to 30 Hot Shot orders per day.
Ford is quick to point out their Hot Shot express parts delivery is not new. Growth of the program shows dealers have no problem adjusting to the changing needs of consumers; the number of dealers offering Hot Shot has grown to more than 300 in recent years.
“These deliveries are going to 40 different customers including other dealers and independent shops,” said Andrew Kochan, Parts Manager, Village Ford. “All are pleased with the service and many are amazed by our dedication to helping them better serve their customers.”
Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Upward Expansion
Increased acceptance of Hot Shot with dealers is the latest example of how Ford aims to improve customer service. Another example comes from earlier this year when Ford introduced a service kiosk program that allows customers to pick up and drop off vehicles and pay for repairs 24/7. And then Ford’s launch of the Omnicraft line, replacement parts for all makes of non-Ford vehicles.
So, could this new pizza-style parts delivery system actually work? Time will tell. It seems to be cutting real close to the bone of the ratio of satisfied customers divided by the costs of gas. If the numbers work, and Ford can keep everyone satisfied without blowing the profits on fleet costs, then expect to see others adapt this delivery model.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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2018 GMC Terrain: Some Anonymity For Not Much Coin

2018 GMC Terrain: Some Anonymity For Not Much Coin

Have you ever noticed how many GM SUVs and vans there are on the road? It seems like the bulk of bigger SUVs are from The General, and it also seems like most municipalities buy GM when it comes to their service vehicles.
If I was one of those rich oligarch guys you see in movies driving a convoy of Ranger Rovers or something else sleek, black, tinted, and flashy, I think I’d go for a fleet of GMCs instead.
Blending In
As much fun as it is to show off what an insufferably rich jerk you are, and how much security you have, there’s another form of security these types are overlooking: Anonymity. You think the CIA and other law enforcement agencies want to stand out? Of course not. That’s why they all seem to tool around in GM SUVs and such, especially in the movies.
So, if you are an oligarch on a budget, or just getting wise to the whole concept of hiding in plain sight, then I’ve got good news for you: GMC just announced the prices for their Terrain line of midsized SUVs, and they are as inexpensive as they are anonymous. When it goes on sale this summer, pricing for the all-new 2018 Terrain will start at $25,970 and end up at a tick above $40k, which is actually pretty reasonable when you think about it.
The 2018 GMC Terrain SLT (left) and Denali (right). Photo: GMC.
Performance Tech
GMC says the all-new Terrain presents greater sophistication and flexibility to adjust to customers’ needs, and that it’s packed with more available features and advanced safety technologies than before. There are three all-new turbocharged engines for the 2018 GMC Terrain too. First off, there’s a 2.0L that will be available from the get go and, later on, customers can order a 1.5L or a 1.6L turbo-diesel. That new 170 horsepower, 1.5L turbo plant is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, meaning things should be smooth from the flats and up long grades.
The diesels of course being the go-to choice for preppers, TEOTWAWKI-types, and doomsday hopefuls.
And it’s not just engines either. There’s a host of standard premium features such as a driver-controllable Traction Select system, LED daytime running lamps as well as taillamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a flat-folding front passenger seat. The latter is handy for longer cargo and those runs to the lumber store.
Photo: GMC.

Creature Comforts
The Terrain Denali, which is the full-zoot, all the comfort and convenience features an oligarch could want model, gets a standard 252 horsepower, 2.0L turbo engine along with 19-inch “ultra-bright” machined aluminum wheels. LED headlamps, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel – which will be great in northern winters – and a hands-free power programmable liftgate are included. Yes, that’s my question too: What can you possibly program in a liftgate? Don’t those things live in only one of two states: Open and closed? Well, whatever, you can program this one.
The Terrain Denali also gets a standard 8-inch diagonal infotainment display with navigation, plus a Bose premium seven-speaker audio system for your tunage. There’s a gigantic batch of “connectivity technologies” (as GMC puts it) including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a standard in-vehicle OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Standard safety features include Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Park Assist, and Safety Alert Seat.
2018 GMC Terrain Denali interior. Photo: GMC.
Price Points
Pricing breaks down thusly, with the Terrain SL FWD at $25,970, on up to the SLE Diesel AWD ringing up at $34,315. The high end is, of course, the Terrain Denali that starts at $38,495 for the FWD model and tops out with the Denali AWD at $40,245. Between those two are the Terrain SLT models, with the SLT FWD costing you $32,295 and the SLT Diesel AWD setting you back $36,890.
So there you go, upcoming oligarchs on the move, or soccer moms on a budget: The GMC 2018 Terrain. It works, there’s dealerships all over the place, it’s pretty anonymous but stylish, and reasonably priced.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2018 GMC Terrain SLT. Photo: GMC.
Photos & Source: GMC.

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2017 Honda Civic Type R Sets Nürburgring Lap Record

2017 Honda Civic Type R Sets Nürburgring Lap Record

Okay, three things here: 1) Honda’s latest hotrod Civic, the Type R, set a time on the Nürburgring of 7 minutes 43.80 seconds, which is a very fast time indeed; 2) That is a record time for any front-wheel drive car; 3) Nürburgring records are not to be trusted.
Okay, so maybe number 3 is a bit arch, but there is a growing opinion on racing websites and sites maintained by track-tards of one stripe or another that Nürburgring lap times, especially ones claiming to be “records” are to be considered suspect.
Ring of Fire
The reasons for this suspicion are many, but they all break down to the fact that a time on the ‘Ring is more or less done on the honor system. And in the past, various manufacturers have been rumored to be using special compound, one use tires, and monkeyed up ECUs that were far from factory stock and the like so they could set a quick time and get some free PR for a while. All that said, 7 minutes 43.80 seconds is a really quick time for a lap of the Nürburgring, especially for something with all the handling faults of a front driver.
The new Type R will be launching in two months, so this is a very well timed bit of record setting. At 7 minutes 43.80 seconds, that lap is an advance of nearly 7 seconds over the previous-gen Type R, although Honda graciously points out that was the European market Type R, which was hotter than the North American version. And overall, the new benchmark lap time beat the previous record by over 3 seconds. Naturally there’s a video of the lap, which we have included below.
The 2017 Honda Civic Type R in action on the Nürburgring. Photo: Honda North America.
Power & Performance
Honda chalks up the record, first and foremost, to the new engine in the 2017 Civic Type R. After all, they are called the Honda Motor Company for a reason. Said plant is a 2.0-liter VTEC TURBO engine turning out 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. Which, let’s face it, is a lot for such a little mill. No specs were given on the amount of boost being produced, but they’ve got to be squeezing the bejeebers out of that little four-banger. It is also worth noting this engine makes the new Civic Type R the most powerful Honda ever sold in America. Also of note, the lump is made right here in the U. S. of A. at Honda’s Anna, Ohio engine plant.
That 2.0-liter VTEC engine is hooked up to a six-speed manual transmission with new, lower gear ratios to improve acceleration, which is what this thing is going to be all about, because something tells me top speed is not going to be stratospheric. Oh, and speaking of outright speed, the new Type R’s aerodynamic package is there to deliver stability and balance.
Weight Reduction & Suspension Tech
Honda says the all-new Civic Type R is over 35 lbs. lighter than the previous-generation model, again from the European market, which are lighter than “ours” anyway. Honda does not say what the all up weight is, which is a pity, and also makes me wonder even more about that lap time.
The new Type R, has an all-new multi-link rear suspension for enhanced stability under braking and for reducing the total roll movement. This makes for further late braking into corners and helps to achieve higher cornering speeds during the lap. Again, obviously focusing on the car’s strengths – braking, cornering, and acceleration – since it’s not going to top out like a McLaren. The new Type R features a wider track and tires and a longer wheelbase, with that new multi-link suspension out back. The new R also boasts a 38 percent gain in torsional stiffness.
“The cornering speed achieved in the new Type R is higher because the car features a wider track and tires, a longer wheelbase, a new multi-link suspension in the rear, and optimized aerodynamics that improve stability,” said Ryuichi Kijima, Lead Chassis Engineer. “With improved cornering performance, we can increase the speed throughout the lap, helping the new Type R to achieve a much quicker lap time.” Photo: Honda North America.

Caveats & Quickness
And speaking of equivocating and hedging of ones bets and raising of eyebrows, check this out from Honda’s press release: “The pre-production development Civic Type R that achieved the lap time was technically representative of production specification. A full floating roll cage was installed for safety reasons, but did not provide any additional rigidity to the body frame. The extra weight of the cage was compensated for by the removal of the Display Audio system and rear seats. The car was using street legal, track-focused tires.”
Let me just break that down a little: “Pre-production development” sure, but that’s not the same as “production” is it? “Technically representative” Really? That doesn’t sound like a loophole you could drive a track record through, nope. “Full floating roll cage . . . did not provide any additional rigidity.” Horse manure! “The removal of the Display Audio system and rear seats,” which weigh how much, in total in comparison to the weight of a full roll cage? And my personal favorite: “street legal, track-focused tires.” If I have to explain why that last one is just as big of a loophole as “technically representative” . . .
Anyway, those cavernous caveats aside: 7 minutes 43.80 seconds. That’s quick. Real quick. Dial up your own Type R in Forza on your Xbox and see if you can hit those marks, because I couldn’t.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

Photos, Video & Source: Honda North America.

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Letter From The UK: The Audi R8 Experience

Letter From The UK: The Audi R8 Experience

Picture this: A small brown field mouse breaks cover and arrives at a junction of grass and hard surface. It is a beautiful day; there are very few people about and the countryside is quiet. Somewhere nearby a bird sings in the trees. The mouse reaches out a tentative paw but suddenly pulls back just as a howl fills the air and an Audi R18 e-tron Quattro flashes by in a fury of heat and noise.
The mouse has almost learned the first lesson of motor racing the hard way: never try to cross the Mulsanne Straight on a Le Mans practice day!
From Race To Road
It was a sad day when the German brand announced they were withdrawing from the World Endurance Championship at the end of 2016. Audi’s consistent success at the legendary Le Mans 24 Hour event is reflected by the brand’s consistent success on the road. And it is on the road that Audi produced another success story.
In June 2007, a road-going sports car that honored their racing heritage, and which was destined to garner awards and praise across the world – and from me – arrived. The Audi R8.
Based on the earlier concept designed by Frank Lamberty and Julian Honig, the R8 was introduced to the waiting world in 2006, and deliveries began the next year with immediate success. Less raucous than some other supercars, the R8 is civilized and comfortable with a subtle soundtrack, superb throttle response, and the sort of scorching performance that slots the vehicle easily into the supercar sector.
Photo: Audi AG.
Craftsmen Built
The Audi R8 is still hand-built, mostly by craftsmen whose skills are regularly monitored to ensure the high standards they achieve are maintained. The Audi R8 started life with a 4.2L V8 nestled behind the driver. It was later joined by a desirable Spyder version, both of which were subsequently offered with a stonking V10 engine for even more power. A sports suspension with a dynamically tuned spring and damper combination provided that desirable Audi driving experience.
In 2012, the Audi R8 LMS, essentially a racing version of the street car, won its class at the 24 hour race at the Nürburgring without a single mechanical problem; the only car to do so.
Fascinating Facts
The Audi R18 e-tron Quattro was the first hybrid Audi Le Mans race car with its partially electrified hybrid drive. The e-tron Quattro is a four-wheel drive car with hybrid (KERS type) technology powering the front wheels and a diesel engine driving the rear wheels.
Did you know that just one kilometer with the R8 during testing on the Nurburgring Nordschleife is the equivalent of fifteen kilometers on public roads? That’s how much demand is made on the cars.
Just 120 of the factory’s best employees qualify to work on the prestigious R8 assembly line. More than half of R8 workers are over 40. It is said the easiest way to spot them is to look for the gray hair. The factory calls them “silverliners.” Obviously, not to be confused with male mountain gorillas known as silverbacks!
In Latin, Audi means “hear” and the German word for hear is “horch.” Audi’s founder was August Horch.
In 1938, crash tests were first carried out by Audi. These tests gave the company an idea about how cars would behave in case an accident occurred. Without realizing it, the company had set a precedent for all other car manufacturers.
In 1932, Audi joined forces with three other companies to form Auto Union – a name that was to have legendary success on the racetracks of the time. The original four companies of Auto Union are represented by the overlapping rings of the Audi logo.
This Audi AG press image shows a beautifully restored 1939 Auto Union Type-D Twin Supercharger model.

R8 At The Movies
Producers of the original Iron Man cast the R8 as the ideal sports car for high-tech billionaire hero Tony Stark. The R8 space frame was so well-built it changed the ending of the film. The stunt directors originally planned to collide the R8 with Iron Man’s adversary, and flip it over. But it wouldn’t flip. The filmmakers tried a different stunt, but the Audi R8 still prevailed!
Snug behind the driver and helping to provide perfect balance and road holding sits the heart of the R8 – the engine. There’s a choice of power plants originally derived from the engines that helped Audi win Le Mans. The first generation (2007-2015) had a 4.2L V8 with 430 horsepower or a feisty 5.2L V10 delivering 532 horsepower. Today, the R8 features two V10 engines, one with 540 horsepower and a plus version with a muscular, free-revving output of 610 horsepower.
Yet each one remains reliable and refined. From beginning to end, the development of the Audi R8 is about the evolution of the look of the car and the revolution that goes on inside the car.
Photo: Audi AG.
Life In Your Car
Every once in a while, a car comes along that inspires those who see it. Some cars are just made to drive: a triumphant combination of tried and tested four-wheel drive, highly developed engineering, and the care and attention of the people who built it. The Audi R8 is just such a car and it is visiting me again this summer. Be still my beating heart – and yours be still as well as you listen to that particular sound of power.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite
Photo: DriveWrite Automotive.

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Most Common Road Accidents & What to Do After a Crash

Most Common Road Accidents & What to Do After a Crash Similar to death and taxes, road accidents are an unfortunate part of life, especially on today’s highly-congested roads. Our buddies at Your Legal Friend came up with a unique infographic to explain the most common road accidents in the UK, which are surprisingly similar to the crash rates in the United States.
Your Legal Friend recently conducted a study on the dynamics and circumstances surrounding road crashes. The firm leveraged their experience in personal injury law to analyze more than 25,000 incident reports. Their findings are something we should all pay attention to, regardless of where we live.
For example, from the Your Legal Friend study, we see a trend between the most common types of road accidents and the types of people most likely to be involved in a crash. We even see how some parts of the year are worse than others. Did you know road accidents are most likely to occur on a Friday in July? Here are the highlights of the study Your Legal Friend conducted.

It Doesn’t Matter Where You Live
If you previously thought our British neighbors were better and safer drivers, think again. The specific correlation between vehicular accidents in the U.S. and UK are strikingly similar.
The USA ranks as one of the busiest countries in terms of road traffic. There were approximately 6.3 million fatal injuries and property damage crashes in 2015 alone. In fact, the U.S. ranks first in crash deaths per 100,000 people and per 10,000 registered vehicles.
The U.S. also ranks second-highest in deaths involving alcohol at 31 percent, which is next to Canada.
Things aren’t as rosy in the United Kingdom, either. There were 1,792 road deaths in 2016. This is a jump of four percent compared to 2015. There were a total of 181,384 casualties of all severities in 2016, which was probably caused by the increase of motor traffic (2.2 percent) between 2015 and 2016.

The Most Common Road Accidents
According the Your Legal Friend study, 70 percent of drivers who cause road accidents are male and between the ages of 30 and 32. In fact, the study revealed you are most likely to be on the receiving end of a crash by the age of 32.
If you happen to be in Bradford or Birmingham in the UK, it is best to keep an eye on your rearview mirror. The study found the most common type of crash is being hit in the rear. This accounts for 38 percent of all collisions on the road.
Junction and roundabout collisions, and accidents while changing lanes account for 13 percent, six percent, and five percent respectively. It is reported that a startling 59 percent of victims in car accidents are also male. I guess we can all blame excess testosterone for that.

What You Drive Could Matter
I previously mentioned that road accidents are most likely to occur on all Fridays in July. It might have something to do with the freak UK weather and people rushing to the nearest pub. Also interesting is the list of top vehicles involved in causing accidents. It includes the Ford Fiesta (which is a best-selling car in the UK), the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van (which happens to be a top-seller behind the Ford Transit), the Ford Focus, and the Vauxhall Corsa.
The Ford Fiesta is also among the top vehicles most likely to fall victim to a crash, along with the Ford Focus, Audi A3 (because Audi owners reputably drive too close to the car in front?), and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van.
I guess the lesson here is safety should be a top priority. Don’t drive a Ford Fiesta and stay away from Mercedes vans on the road.
Oh, and drink your lager on a Saturday instead.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Photo: MBUSA.
Things To Remember After An Accident
Stop the vehicle. It doesn’t matter if the crash is mild or severe. Stop the car and don’t even think about leaving the scene of the accident. You could get charged with a criminal offense.
Try to remain calm. It’s not as easy as it sounds, but a calm mind will allow you to quickly assess the situation.
Take notes and take photographs. Snap some images depicting the damage and the scene of the accident. This holds true no matter who is at fault.
Call the police immediately. After making sure that you and your passengers are safe and sound, it is best to call the police for immediate assistance.
Avoid saying sorry or taking blame. Even if you happen to be at fault, it is best to analyze the situation further. It is better to simply ask how the other driver is doing and if they suffered any injuries.
Conclusion
If you were the victim of a car accident and would like to seek compensation, Your Legal Friend, who conducted this study, can advise you. In the meantime, please avoid distracted driving to keep the roads safer for each and every person.
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.

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Ford Is Pounding The Daylights Out of The New Ranger (Video)

Ford Is Pounding The Daylights Out of The New Ranger (Video) Ford is pounding the tar out of the new Ranger, set to arrive early next year. In the last few years, midsize trucks have made quite the comeback, evidenced by the return of the Colorado and Canyon, and a redesigned Tacoma and Ridgeline. So naturally, the Blue Oval decided it was time to get back in the game, and even gave us a glimpse of the new Ranger at the North American International Auto Show in January.
In a new video, we see just what Ford is up to with the Ranger. As you watch it, you almost feel sorry for the truck. It really takes a beating.
Torture Test Theme
This is not the first time Ford has thrown knock out punches at their trucks. In 2011, the company filmed a series of “Torture Tests” to promote the 3.5 Ecoboost engine for the newly-redesigned F-150. The series, hosted by Mike Rowe, saw the trucks tackle a number of outrageous challenges, from hauling logs in the Pacific Northwest, to hauling you know what around Homestead-Miami Speedway with a loaded trailer.
Now the Ranger is receiving the same treatment as its older brother, and some of the tests are so intense, robotics are utilized because it’s simply too harsh for humans to endure!
“We torture every component – from its high-strength steel frame to its EcoBoost engine, to its cloth and leather-trimmed seats – to ensure Ranger is ready for any season and nearly any terrain,” said Rick Bolt, Chief Engineer, Ford Ranger.
2019 Ford Ranger on display at the North American International Auto Show, Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan.
Aggressive Approach
Ford’s rigorous, perhaps even nontraditional, approach to ensuring the Ranger’s capability starts in the lab, where the truck is subjected to a four-post shaker table. This contraption does exactly what it sounds like and is used, for days on end, to weed out any squeaks and rattles in the chassis. Testing then progresses to more intense, real-world challenges. The Ranger has been as far away as the Australian Outback and as close to home as the company’s Michigan Proving Grounds for various tests.
Davis Dam in Arizona is a prime location for testing, and Ford made an appearance there with the 2011 F-150 in the aforementioned videos. Similar to the F-150, the new Ranger is subjected to the high temperatures and steep grades of Davis Dam while towing trailer.
The video is below. While we are excited to see the truck when it’s finally released, we do have one question in the meantime? How do you get a job at Ford driving the Ranger for these tests?!
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.

Photos, Video, & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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Subaru Ascent Production Begins In Indiana

Subaru Ascent Production Begins In Indiana The Subaru Ascent, the company’s new three-row SUV, is one step closer to the showroom as production is now underway. Subaru’s Lafayette, Indiana plant has the honors where the SUV’s production will provide approximately 200 new jobs and $140 million in equipment and expansion investments. The plant already produces the Outback, Legacy, and Impreza.
Charitable Giving
To mark the occasion, members of the famous Subaru canine family, The Barkleys, visited the facility. Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. also presented $8,000 in grants to four local nonprofit organizations focused on animal welfare: Almost Home Humane Society, Loving Heart Animal Shelter, Natalie’s Second Chance No-Kill Dog Shelter, and North Central Indiana Spay & Neuter.
Subaru has worked with the Center for Pet Safety in the past.
Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.
Continued Growth
Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. has grown considerably in the last five years, adding more than 2,000 team members. With the Ascent, the facility is expected produce about 400,000 vehicles annually, having already assembled over five million since opening in 1989.
“The Subaru Ascent is a great addition to our production line-up,” said Tom Easterday, Senior Executive Vice President of Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. “Production of this outstanding new family vehicle allowed us to create hundreds of new jobs at SIA, and also at our suppliers in Indiana and across the country.”
2019 Subaru Ascent. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.

Specifications & Availability
The Ascent is the largest Subaru ever built, riding on a 113.8-inch wheelbase with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and seating for eight. Family-oriented features include rear doors that open 75 degrees, making access to the third-row seats easier. The vehicle is powered by a 2.4-liter Boxer engine that creates 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft. of torque. All-wheel drive is standard.
The 2019 Subaru Ascent arrives this summer and will be offered in four trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Subaru of America, Inc.

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