Automotive

Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan: Pursuit-Rated, Fuel Efficient

Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan: Pursuit-Rated, Fuel Efficient

Attention gearheads! Pictured here is Ford’s new hybrid police cruiser. It’s also pursuit-rated. If you are a gearhead of the big right foot variety, be on the lookout for this car. Maintain situational awareness at all times and know your enemy.
In all seriousness, it’s actually no big deal for lead-footed gearheads out there. So Ford made a hybrid cop car. Functionally, it means nothing to getting a ticket. It still looks like a cop car and, as far as I’m concerned, if you can’t spot a cop in time to slow down, you should get a ticket anyway. Pay attention, dingus!
Hot Pursuit
What is cool, however, is that Ford is very serious about its hybrid technology; serious enough to deploy it across a broad spectrum of uses. Ford is dropping $4.5 billion and rolling out 13 new electric vehicles world-wide over the next five years, including an F-150 and Mustang hybrid, Transit Custom plug-in hybrid, and a supposed “self- driving hybrid.” An all electric small SUV with a projected range of at least 300 miles is also planned. Finally, we have the industry’s first pursuit-rated hybrid police car, the all-new Police Responder Hybrid Sedan.
They continually hit on that “pursuit-rated” bit. Pursuit cop cars are different from your run of the mill cruisers and prowlers. Cruisers and prowlers are what you see tooling around your city and can, in a pinch, be counted upon to chase after bad guys for a mile or two. Pursuit cop cars, on the other hand, are designed from the get-go to chase after and maintain contact with a suspect vehicle at high speeds for extended distances. State Patrol cars are almost always pursuit-rated. They are the hot rods of the cop car motor pool, featuring such goodies as uprated shocks, struts, sway-bars, and brakes as well as beefed up transmissions and differentials, along with heavy duty oil and transmission coolers. Pursuit cop cars are built to go flat out from Butte to Billings and back without breaking a sweat.
The Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan was certified by police agencies to operate for longer periods at varying rates of speed. Similarly, it was certified to handle obstacles like curbs and flooded intersections. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Double Duty
FoMoCo rolled out the all-new Police Responder Hybrid Sedan in Los Angeles and New York recently. An admittedly odd choice for a hot rod, but it plays to the other; some would say the real strength of the Police Responder Hybrid Sedan: it gets great gas mileage. Cop cars are usually big fat sedans to begin with. On top of that, you need a back seat large enough to stuff perps into, plus you need a trunk for all your ancillary gear, plus a front seat with room for all the radios, cameras, computers, SCMODS links, that big, bad, vertically mounted pump-action shotgun and two coffee swilling, doughnut absorbing peace officers sworn to serve and protect.
Or to be more succinct, cop cars are already heavy and inefficient to begin with.
The Police Responder Hybrid Sedan will help cities lower emissions and offer potential fuel savings, both while driving and idling. A city’s fleet can drink fuel like it were free, so the cost savings could be very great indeed, and cutting down on the emissions from all those cop cars, idling or otherwise, could be just the cherry on top. Ford says their patented hybrid technology is forecasted to deliver a combined figure of 38 miles per gallon, which is more than double that of today’s Police Interceptor. It could mean a police force’s fuel budget/savings just effectively got doubled.
“Our mission to create safe and healthy communities in Los Angeles is achieved through sustainable approaches in community policing, and that includes embracing new technologies,” said Charlie Beck, Los Angeles Police Department Chief. “Patrol vehicles are a police officer’s office, and we expect them to not only be economically and environmentally efficient, but also an effective tool for fighting crime in major metropolitan areas.” Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Performance Tech
While the Police Responder Hybrid Sedan is idling, its lithium-ion battery helps power the high electrical loads of a police vehicle, reducing engine run time and saving an estimated 0.27 gallons of fuel per hour. Cities that buy Police Responder Hybrid Sedans could see nearly $3,900 a year in fuel savings per vehicle relative to the (possibly outgoing) Police Interceptor. Ford also provides an online fuel calculator that allows customers to determine how much they may potentially save. Handy, no?
The Police Responder Hybrid Sedan uses one of those weird but cool Atkinson-cycle, 2.0-liter engines, mated to an electric motor fed by the lithium-ion battery pack. The hybrid system itself is tuned for law enforcement’s unique duty cycle and can run in battery-only mode up to 60 mph. Ford makes no mention of what the 0 to 60 times are, but using just electrics alone, this thing could detonate to that speed very promptly. Ford does say the Police Responder Hybrid Sedan automatically switches to maximum performance with the engine and battery working at peak acceleration levels when needed.
The Police Responder Hybrid Sedan can be ordered this spring and will be delivered to police departments nationwide next summer. Keep your eyes peeled!
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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Jaguar teases new XF Sportbrake in Wimbledon, but we probably won't get it w/ video

Jaguar teases new XF Sportbrake in Wimbledon, but we probably won't get it w/ video Jaguar teases the latest long-roof variant of the latest XF sedan. Like many other long-roofs, don’t expect this one to come stateside.
What’s going on?
Europe has a habit of producing sweet wagon versions of cars we already like stateside. Here’s another example: the latest XF Sportbrake. The Jaguar XF received an overhaul not too long ago. So it makes sense the long-roof variant, the Sportbrake, was to spawn from the latest and greatest XF. And it was just teased at Wimbledon.
Like previous XF Sportbrake estates, this one will likely be off-limits to US shores due to low demand. Let’s also not forget, Jaguar already sells the F-Pace crossover, which doesn’t justify spending the resources to ship XF Sportbrakes here.
Either way, we’re still going to drool because we enthusiasts like hot wagons, because nobody else really does.
What’s known about the new XF Sportbrake?
Not many official details were spared. But it will obviously share a lot in common with the latest XF. This means the usual selection of Ingenium gas and diesel engines already offered on the XF sedan.
From the one teaser released, the new XF Sportbrake comes with a huge panoramic roof that takes up most of the top structure. Then, the rest is pretty self explanatory. Being a modern Jaguar, we already know it’s going to look great.
– By: Chris Chin

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The 2017 Honda Civic Type R sets Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record for fastest front-wheel drive...

The 2017 Honda Civic Type R sets Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record for fastest front-wheel drive... Honda continues to prove they know what they’re doing with front-wheel drive.
What’s going on?
Honda is no stranger to the game of front-wheel drive. While many detest the configuration, it still works very well in its own respective ways. And Honda’s one of the few brands to prove that front-wheel drive cars can perform just as well as some of their rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive counterparts. The latest example: the hot new 2017 Honda Civic Type R.
It just took the title as the world’s fastest front-wheel-drive production car to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife. A fitting record to sit next to other Honda greats, like the original Integra Type R.
How fast did the Civic Type R lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife?
It did the 12.9-mile Green Hell in just 7 minutes and 43.80 seconds, on April 3, 2017. It was almost three seconds faster than the Civic Type R before it.
This was partially due to the latest Civic Type R’s all-new and potent 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It’s then complimented by a very aggressive, but functional aerodynamic body kit, sport-tuned front control arm and rear-multilink suspension, a six-speed manual transmission as standard, and a limited-slip differential.
Honda admits the lap vehicle was a pre-production prototype, but insist that it represents a production-ready car.
When the 2018 Honda Civic Type R hits US dealers, it will be America’s first Honda Type R model, and the first US-bound Type R model since the original Acura Integra Type R.
Production commenced for the Civic Type R in Swindon, England.
– By: Chris Chin
2018 Honda Civic Type R Nürburgring Nordschleife Lap Record Gallery

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Cadillac Super Cruise: The Next Gen Cruise Control System

Cadillac Super Cruise: The Next Gen Cruise Control System

The short story here is that Cadillac has a new “smart” cruise control system called Super Cruise. The long story is that, although that’s a pretty cool name, it’s actually the name of something aerospace engineers have been chasing for a long while now.
In the aerospace world, supercruise (in the aero parlance) is a specific set of engine performance standards that, in short, allow a plane to fly at supersonic speeds without engaging the afterburners.
This is, unsurprisingly, a very tough thing to do, and despite some very bright people working at Rolls Royce and Pratt & Whitney and Tumansky, they (and by “they” I mean Pratt & Whitney working on the F-22 program) only got it figured out around a decade ago. Cadillac’s Super Cruise (two words) is, sadly, not a thing that will help your huge American luxo-barge cruise down the interstate at roughly 700 miles an hour. Give or take.
Precise Network
Super Cruise is Cadillac’s hands-free driving technology for the highway. Caddy says that Super Cruise, unlike other driver assistance systems, will utilize two different approaches: A driver attention system and precision LiDAR map data. Super Cruise will first roll out in the 2018 Cadillac CT6 this fall. Obviously this is in response to the growing inevitability of both self driving cars, and the fact that Tesla, a direct competitor to Cadillac in many ways, has a near-self driving car of their own already on the market.
The Super Cruise system is added on to the network of cameras and radar sensors already in place on the CT6. The system aims to bring comfort and convenience for both long distance drives as well as daily commutes. It also adds automatic lane-centering to the CT6’s set of driver assistance/active safety gizmos to enable automatic control of both speed and steering during highway driving.
The most forward facing half of the Super Cruise scheme is the Driver Attention System. This portion of the system uses an inconspicuous infrared camera located on the top of the steering column, focused on the driver to monitor head position and track where the driver is looking while using Super Cruise. Cadillac points out how they are the only manufacturer to monitor driver attention to the road while their smart cruise control system is employed.
“Super Cruise is a more technologically advanced hands-free driving solution, which in terms of capability, integration, and validation is uniquely focused on customer convenience and safety,” said Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac President. Photo: Cadillac.

Ready & Alert
For example, the Driver Attention System senses if the driver has turned away from the road ahead for too long. If so, it will “prompt” the driver to pay attention. Curiously, if those first prompts do not get you to immediately refocus on the road, the Super Cruise system will continue to do the “safely steer” thing until a further escalation of alerts prompts you to resume supervision of the car.
Sadly, this is not a collection of ah-oogah horns and warning claxons sourced from WW II destroyers, which personally I would find kind of fun. No, in the case of Caddy’s Super Cruise, a steering wheel light bar guides the driver to look at the road or take back control of the wheel. Escalating levels of alerts include visual indicators in the instrument cluster, tactile alerts in Cadillac’s Safety Alert Seat, and audible alerts, if necessary. Sadly, the “tactile alerts in Cadillac’s Safety Alert Seat” do not involve direct application of high voltage shocks to your tuchus.
Oh, and here’s a fun little bit from Caddy: “In the limited event of an unresponsive driver, the Cadillac CT6 utilizes the full capability of onboard driver assistance technologies to bring the car to a controlled stop and contact OnStar to alert first responders, if necessary.” Okay, first, thank you, second, I hope it never comes to that, and third, how fun would it be to get out on a lonely road late at night and “test” this portion of the system?
2017 Cadillac CT6. Photo: Cadillac.
Cameras & Sensors
The other half of the Super Cruise system, the LiDAR map data, is pretty technically sweet.
LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging, and is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (i.e. variable distances) to anything that it’s aimed at. In the case of Caddy’s Super Cruise, that means anything in front of the car, but in the case of the American military (which is where LiDAR comes from, natch) it means anything that is down range from that missile/gun/attack helicopter/etc. that is about to get blown to Mars.
Cadillac says this is the first assisted driving technology that will use precision LiDAR map data and real-time cameras, sensors, and GPS. Basically it works like this: Data from on-board cameras, GPS, and radar sensors is used to govern steering, braking, and acceleration. On top of that, the Super Cruise system inserts more information using a LiDAR-scanned map database.
Pinpoint Accuracy
All of this combined enables it to function, but only in areas where appropriate road conditions are detected. In other words, the system is “smart” enough to know that even if the map says the road is clear and four lanes wide, it will default to what its sensor suite definitively says is out there. So no more of this “GPS says take a left and drive over the bridge” only the bridge ain’t there no more and splash-gurgle-gurgle-gurgle you drown.
Cadillac went so far as to make their own precision LiDAR maps for every mile of limited-access highway in the United States and Canada. This, combined with improved GPS accuracy, means the system is four to eight times more precise than traditional GPS alone. Super Cruise will allow hands-free driving – it is not fully autonomous, but Cadillac feels it’s the next best thing.
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.
Photo: Cadillac.
Photos & Source: Cadillac

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2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk: 707 Horsepower Kid Hauler

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk: 707 Horsepower Kid Hauler

Okay, so this should be the final installment of Dodge’s nutzoid Hellcat drivetrain we’ve previously seen installed on the Challenger and Charger. In a way, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has all the bases covered: They got your two-door coupe with the Hellcat Challenger, the practical sedan with the four-door Hellcat Charger (I know, Chargers should have two doors, and it pains me to write that), and now the ultra practical SUV with the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
Impressive Power
In a lot of ways, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is just like a top of the line Grand Cherokee, only with a monster mill shoehorned under the hood. So trivial details like infotainment systems, the number of ways you can adjust the front seats, how many coolers you can fit in the way-back, and all that should still be the same or at least remarkably similar. Besides, that stuff is so boring to begin with – and me, like any other gearhead, will want to focus on the juicy, fast bits.
First, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is the most powerful SUV ever made. The supercharged 6.2-liter V8 plant delivers 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft. of torque, capable of moving the 2018 Trackhawk to very high speeds. Which, indeed, it does. 60 mph comes up in a meager in 3.5 seconds, you’re doing the quarter mile in 11.6 seconds, and topping out at 180 mph. Impressive numbers to be sure, but did I mention you’re doing this in a friggin’ Jeep?!
The supercharger has a drive ratio of 2.36:1, boasts a maximum speed of 14,600 rpm, and is sealed with a premium synthetic oil. The supercharger is fed in part by a cold-air scoop in the lower front fascia, replacing the driver’s side fog lamp. Finally, a new low-temperature cooling system, consisting of a pump, reservoir, heat exchanger, and lines keep the charge air cool during more agressive driving. Intake air temperature is kept below 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) while allowing up to 30,000 liters of air flow per minute.
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk’s supercharged engine was manufactured with a specific focus on material composition. Only the most durable components were utilized. For example, its cast iron block features water jackets between the cylinders for optimal cooling. A forged-steel crankshaft with induction-hardened bearing surfaces was made to withstand firing pressures of nearly 1,600 psi (110 bar) – the equivalent of five family sedans standing on each piston, every two revolutions. The unique, specially tuned crankshaft damper has been burst tested to 13,000 rpm. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Transmission & Braking
Jeep says the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission and driveline components have been re-engineered to handle additional torque output with upgrades all around. And all that is good, cause that’s a lot of power, and snapping a driveline like a twig makes an awful sound. The TorqueFlite’s software takes into account variables like engine torque gradients, kick-down events, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, grade changes, friction detection, and downshift detection to determine the appropriate shift map.
But, okay, so you say you want to stop? Easy. The 60 to 0 mph braking performance happens in a scant 114 feet. There’s an all new Brembo braking system that includes the largest-ever front brakes on a Jeep. To which I say: No kidding Sherlock! The largest-ever? They’d have to be, since this thing weighs more than a half-loaded boxcar. A complete stop in only 114 feet from freeway speed? That’s a minor miracle. Brembo must have designed them with St. Peter.
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is equipped with a specialized Jeep Quadra-Trac four-wheel-drive system, which includes an electronic limited-slip rear differential and a single-speed active transfer case. The new, full-time active transfer case uses forged steel chain sprockets and a wider chain for increased durability. The differential features a revised housing design, revised ring-and-pinion tooth geometry, and a new four-point axle mounting scheme for better load distribution, additional torque capacity, and overall durability. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Driving Dynamics
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk features the Selec-Track system, with Auto, Sport, Track, Snow, and Tow modes. Depending on a driver’s needs and the terrain ahead, the individual modes alter the four-wheel-drive system, transmission, paddle shifters, electric power steering, and suspension.
Jeep says their new baby has “world-class on-road driving dynamics” and honestly, even though I’m not clear as to what that means exactly – that phrase is subjective on so many levels – I’m willing to go with it. Functionally, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is a big truck-like thing, so I’m sure any upgrade from solid beam axles to leaf springs will count as “world-class on-road driving dynamics.”
The vehicle also has a 7,200 lbs. towing capacity.
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk featuers a short- and long-arm (SLA) independent front suspension with coil springs, Bilstein adaptive damping suspension (ADS), upper- and aluminum lower-control arms (“A” arms), aluminum knuckle, aluminum clevis, and hollow stabilizer bar. The rear suspension is a multi-link design with coil spring, Bilstein ADS, aluminum lower control arm, independent upper links (tension and camber), plus a separate toe link, and a hollow stabilizer bar. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Functional Design
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is not a total sleeper though. For starters, the fascia has been redesigned and optimized for better airflow and cooling while there’s a new, unique quad-tip exhaust system. Also new are standard 20 x 10-inch titanium wheels that show off the distinctive yellow aforementioned Brembo brake calipers.
Jeep says the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk has more than 70 safety and security features. A lot of those are what you’d already expect (seatbelts, crumple zones etc.) and a bunch are also what you would expect today (Adaptive Cruise Control, Advanced Brake Assist, Blind-spot Monitoring, and the like).
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk was designed with a “driver-focused” interior in mind. Premium and soft-touch materials decorate the cabin, from the unique Light Black Chrome finishes to the carbon fiber spears. The 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen houses the Trackhawk’s exclusive Performance Pages. They show an array of timers and gauge readouts, including a new dynamometer screen to measure horsepower, torque, and gear changes. A new snapshot function allows owners to save their dynamometer data to a USB. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Top Priorities
The 7-inch instrument cluster with a centered tachometer, a 200-mph speedometer, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Trackhawk Performance Pages are all nice touches. But really, who cares about all that stuff? You don’t. I don’t. None of us do. What we really care about, what would draw us to the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk in the first place, is that big ol’ whompin’ stompin’ ‘Murican V8 engine.
Everything else is number two or lower.
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 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Gallery

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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Volvo Showcases 2018 XC60, Announces New S90 Features

Volvo Showcases 2018 XC60, Announces New S90 Features

Volvo Cars gave us a double shot at this year’s New York International Auto Show when it debuted the all-new 2018 XC60 and rolled out the 2018 S90 with new features and pricing details. The all-new XC60 is Volvo’s mid-sized version of the award winning XC90 SUV; the 2018 S90 arrives with a longer wheelbase and a 400 horsepower T8 Twin-Engine Plug-In Electric Hybrid variant.
Million Seller
The 2018 XC60 replaces the current version which has been a big seller for the Swedish automaker. The outgoing model had a nine year production run and sold over 1 million globally, 30 percent of Volvo’s total sales. So, replacing a sales winner is always a tricky thing, but Volvo thinks it has the answer with the all-new 2018 XC60.
Hammer Time
The XC60 brings the current elements of Volvo’s new design language, including Thor’s Hammer LED headlamps, soft Nappa Leather, and a 9-inch center touch screen to the mid-sized SUV market. Yeah, I’m not joking, “Thor’s Hammer LED headlamps.” That is literally what Volvo calls them, and in the Swedes case, they are not referring to the Marvel hero, but to the literal god they used to worship that Stan Lee cribbed into a comic book character.
Photo: Volvo Car Corporation.
Power & Performance
The T8 Twin Engine Plug-In Electric Hybrid XC60 will offer up 400 horsepower. I’m figuring that’s 400 ponies in total (gas engine + hybrid drive), but it’s still nothing to sneeze at. There is also a gas-powered T6 turbo-and-super charged engine, cranking out 316 horsepower and a T5 turbo engine that will deliver 250 horsepower. All of them seem like good choices.
Safety & Security
There are the standard and now expected safety geegaws loaded onto the XC60. Volvo’s signature City Safety system is in place and Steer Assist has been added. A new feature called Oncoming Lane Mitigation employs the new Steer Assist to lessen the chances of a head-on collision. Steer Assist is also incorporated into Volvo’s Blind Spot Indication System (BLIS (ugh!)) to reduce the risk of lane-changing collisions.
Another “assist” thingo is Pilot Assist. This is Volvo’s advanced, semi-autonomous driver assistance system, which takes care of steering, acceleration, and braking on well-marked roads up to 80 mph. Pilot Assist is available in the new XC60 as an option.
Photo: Volvo Car Corporation.

S90 Treatments
The new Volvo S90, on the other hand, enters its second year of production featuring mainly enhancements, rather than an entirely new design. A longer wheelbase is now standard, adding 4.5 inches of legroom. In addition to more room, the back seat was completely redesigned so passengers can travel in luxury and elegance. There are also new electric rear and side shades, I’m assuming to block out any unwanted views of the masses.
The panoramic sunroof is standard.
Motivational power is provided from one of three engine choices: A T8 Twin Engine Plug-In Electric Hybrid propulsion system with 400 horsepower, a gas-powered T6 with a turbo and super charger creating 316 horsepower, and a T5 turbo engine registering 250 horsepower.
There’s now an updated Sensus Connect Touchscreen interface for the S90 that first debuted in the XC60. Safety features include Oncoming Lane Mitigation, BLIS (ugh again!) with steering assist, and an updated City Safety system. Volvo says pricing for the 2018 S90 T5 Momentum will start at $48,100, while the S90 T6 starts at $54,100. The T8 Twin Engine Plug-In Electric Hybrid starts at $63,650.
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.
Photo: Volvo Car Corporation.
Photos & Source: Volvo Car Corporation

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2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE AWD Review

2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE AWD Review
If you want efficiency, the RAV4 Hybrid is a fuel-stingy model for urban commuters. Don’t think that hybrid means slow on the go either. It’s peppy and has quick acceleration. With its hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive, it’s almost in a class by itself.
This week, we drove the 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE AWD.
What’s New For 2018
The Hybrid can now be had in an LE base trim, further lowering its point of entry, while an Adventure trim is available for the first time. The SE also gains 0.4-inches of ground clearance.
Features & Options
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE AWD ($32,185) comes standard with a seven-inch touchscreen, heated outside mirrors, smartphone app integration, and satellite radio. It also comes with new safety systems like Pre-Collision, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Keeping Assist, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control.
The SE adds sportier suspension tuning, 18-inch wheels, special exterior styling, and blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems. SE trims also get automatic LED headlights, LED running lights and taillights, a height-adjustable power lift gate, an eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustments, and heated front seats.
The Advanced Technology package ($2,785) added a bird’s-eye view parking camera, Entune Premium Audio with navigation and app suite, and for the SE, the parking sensors and auto-dimming mirror. Total MSRP on this Hybrid tester, including destination: $36,085.

Interior Highlights
The RAV4 cabin offers plenty of room with some soft-touch surfaces, but there are a lot of hard plastic areas. The instrument panel holds the digital display and a seven-inch touchscreen; the climate and audio controls are easy to figure out. The driver gets a car-like seating position on a fairly comfortable SofTex faux leather seat. Visibility is good in the RAV4 even with its raked roofline.
In the rear, passengers get enough room for three adults, but they may find the rear bench a little flat and hard for extended trips. The kids won’t notice a thing. The seat backs do recline and fold forward, making it a good cargo-hauling machine.
The large rear doors make it easy for adults to slide in and to load larger items. Cargo volume is cavernous: 38.4 cubic feet with all seats up, and 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The RAV4 is an ultra-practical small SUV for families with kids and dogs.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
This RAV4 hybrid is powered by a 154 horsepower, 2.5-liter engine coupled with the latest generation of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system. The RAV4 Hybrid delivers a total combined output of 194 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard on the Hybrid, with a separate electric motor driving the rear wheels.
The new RAV4 Hybrid is more powerful than the standard models but still delivers an EPA-rated 34/33 city/highway and 32 combined mpg.

Driving Dynamics
When we “pushed” the push-button start there was just deafening quiet. We had to check to see if the RAV4 had really started! Once we got underway, the RAV4 Hybrid was responsive and had more power at takeoff than many of the gas-only competitors. The SE has firmer damping in the shock absorbers, but you can barely feel it. The ride is still good.
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid can accelerate up to 20 mph on battery power alone, if driven mildly like we did through the parking lot this week. After that, the gas engine kicks in. If you aren’t real easy on the pedal, the gas engine is likely to kick in below 10 mph. We had fun playing with it to see how far we could get on battery power alone. We then pushed it hard up I-70 into the mountains west of Denver and it had plenty of power. Although, typical of Toyota hybrids, the gasoline engine connected to the Electronic CVT produces quite a howl when accelerating hard.
We had the option of shifting the transmission into EV, ECO, and Sport modes. Around town in heavy traffic, EV works well for saving fuel, ECO otherwise for most city driving, and Sport as we got onto the highway. Each serves their specific driving style and worked well. Responses are a bit sharper in Sport mode, as the transmission makes downshifts smoother by blipping the throttle momentarily.
Conclusion
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE AWD offers ample interior space and a powerful, yet fuel-stingy drivetrain. It comes with Toyota’s reputation for reliability and has loads of standard safety features. It offers families a fuel-efficient city hauler with all-weather capability.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Gallery

2018 Toyota RAV4 Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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New Study: Pet Owners Worry About Safety, Can Automakers Respond?

New Study: Pet Owners Worry About Safety, Can Automakers Respond? Here at this publication, we love animals as much as we love cars. However, a new study from Volvo found some pet owners are hesitant to take a road trip with their best friend. Volvo Reports: Dogs, Cars and the People Who Love Them was recently conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of Volvo among 2,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and above, including 1,342 pet owners.
“Our survey showed that pet parents want to travel with their furry friends, but worry about safety,” explained Jim Nichols, Product and Technology Communications Manager, Volvo Car USA.
Survey Says
The study found that more than a third (38 percent) of millennial pet owners worry about driving with their dog. Among all demographics, nearly a quarter (24 percent) say they keep their dog at home because of safety concerns. Not surprisingly, a majority of Americans (69 percent) view their pets as family members, with millennials being the most pet-conscious generation. Over 50 percent of millennial respondents said they buy better food for their dog than themselves. Nearly 50 percent said they would decline a night out if it meant leaving their dog at home.
“Overall, there is an awareness opportunity among pet parents,” Nichols said. “I was most surprised that nearly one in four would leave their dog home on long trips for fear about their safety.”
Addressing The Hype
In 2011, the Center for Pet Safety began crash testing pet safety products and launched a certification program for harnesses, crates, and carriers. The certification and crash testing programs, carried out by MGA Research Corporation, are voluntary and a rating is assigned accordingly. Passing products are given a designated seal for packaging.
We did a special report on the science of pet safety last year and were amazed at how easily consumers can be mislead. Often times, pet safety products hardly live up to their claims. In fact, during crash testing with a “dummy dog,” some of the products outright failed, leading to injury and certain death for the animal. The Center for Pet Safety published the results of their controlled testing, complete with videos and an analysis of the data. The videos are hard to stomach if you’re a pet lover.
“The pet products industry is a 70 billion dollar, highly unregulated industry,” explained Lindsey Wolko, Founder of the Center for Pet Safety. “When it comes to marketing it’s the Wild West.”
In a controlled crash test conducted by the Center for Pet Safety, a commonly sold dog restraint fails and launches the test puppy from the seat. Photo: Center for Pet Safety.
Essential Insights
Wolko advises consumers be mindful, even if pet safety products say “crash tested” or advocate to be in the pet’s best interest.
“The idea that properly secured pets are uncomfortable if restrained is a dangerous marketing tactic,” she said. “We have scientifically proven that extension tethers and ziplines increase the risk of injury to both the human passengers and their pets. This is a very real danger for pet owners who buy into the marketing hype behind a product.”
“Not only is the safety for your pets important but also the safety of everyone in the car,” explained Lauren Witt, a Detroit-based Automotive Product Specialist who works with major manufacturers. “If your dogs are not properly secured and have the ability to roam around, they could be a huge distraction for the driver.”
In Volvo’s survey, 97 percent admit to unsafe driving habits with their pets, including 48 percent who do not own any pet-specific safety gear. Another 41 percent let their dog ride in the front seat while only a mere five percent have a built-in pet safety system for their vehicle.
“Some pet owners seem to think their pets are immune to danger,” Wolko said. “Not that we wish this on anyone, but if they experienced what the people who have contacted us to report injuries and deaths of pets in car crashes have, we would have a much higher percentage who protect their pets while traveling.”

Meaningful Solutions
71 percent of respondents felt automakers should proactively include more pet-friendly safety features into their vehicles, especially for dogs. Another 46 percent believe vehicle manufacturers that do not offer these features do not care enough about pet safety.
“I wouldn’t say they don’t care – I think it’s just something that was never emphasized in the industry,” Witt said. “The automotive industry is always evolving and manufacturers are always trying to stay up-to-date and ahead of the game when it comes to safety.”
“We have to ensure the solutions are real and meaningful,” Wolko added. “I’ve seen several vehicle manufacturers offer travel ‘solutions’ for pets that were a joke – simply a marketing tactic. That’s not what we need.”
Volvo has pioneered a number of safety innovations – the iconic three-point seat belt, for example – and is examining what the survey’s results ultimately mean. Volvo already has pet safety accessories that directly tie into the vehicle, including a dog harness and gate, load compartment divider, and protective steel grill. The automaker says their safety systems work in unison to ensure occupants, furry or otherwise, are protected as much as possible.
“All accessories must past strict quality and testing requirements set by the company; the dog gate, divider, and rear grill are made of high-strength steel,” Nichols explained. “Volvo is the only manufacturer that has been developing protective steel grills and dog gates for over 20 years to keep pets in place in the event of an accident.”
Volvo’s pet safety products are available through the company’s retailers in the U.S. and Canada. Photo: Volvo Car USA.
Ongoing Work
Wolko notes that Volvo’s survey is revealing, but not necessarily surprising and believes more needs to be done. The Center for Pet Safety continues to team with vehicle brands in the interest of creating truly safe products for pet parents. She is optimistic that automakers can rise to the challenge, but has some reservations.
“The work we do at the Center for Pet Safety focuses on the aftermarket products for a reason, and I honestly feel the aftermarket brands that have achieved CPS Certification are far ahead of the vehicle manufacturers,” Wolko explained. “There are so many challenges for a vehicle manufacturer – their primary responsibility is to the safety of the human passenger – and that’s where the regulations around safety stop. The reality is that pet safety is not likely to be regulated.”
“Hopefully this survey will make manufacturers more aware of the importance of pet safety to their consumers,” Witt added. “It is worrisome there are not a lot of safe options for pet travel.”
How pet safety products are engineered and designed ultimately determines if they will be effective in protecting our furry family members. However, Wolko stresses the importance of communication and goes back to the marketing angles that ultimately influence buying decisions. She believes in this area automakers can truly set an example.
“Ideally, I’d like to tweak a few things in vehicles, but until we build consensus across the automotive industry it is unlikely to be a universal change,” Wolko said. “It’s important to focus on indirect messages of safety when pets are featured in vehicle commercials – they need to be properly secured while featured in those commercials. It doesn’t mean you lose the humor and charm of the commercial, but instead it becomes a familiar visual and an emotional element: it’s an ‘I protect you because I love you’ story in these commercials.”
“As shown in this survey, pets are part of the American family and we seek to protect what is important to those that drive a Volvo car,” Nichols added.

Future Considerations
The pet survey is the first in a series of Volvo Reports from the automaker and Harris Poll meant to examine the American opinion across four central automotive themes: design, safety, technology, and environment. While universal change with regard to pet safety and the automotive industry may seem a slow process, Volvo’s survey is promising. It shows how automakers need to remember our pets when designing future vehicles, and it shows an increasing awareness for the lovable creatures in our life.
“It makes me happy that a lot of people do take pet safety into consideration,” Witt said. “The best advice I could give is to make sure you think about your pets first.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.

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Polestar 1 Heading To China After Intense Testing

Polestar 1 Heading To China After Intense Testing Test drivers and engineers recently spent two weeks in the freezing temperatures north of the Artctic Circle. The job? Put a Polestar 1 prototype through strict endurance testing in temperatures as low as -18 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite the frigid temperatures and harsh conditions, the Prototype exceeded expectations.
“Our test drivers have given us some enthusiastic feedback on the handling and dynamics especially,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Chief Executive Officer, Polestar.
Testing & Analysis
The team analyzed how the car’s various components responded while in cold weather, from the chassis and suspension, to the drivetrain and batteries. Test drivers focused specifically on the Polestar 1’s torque vectoring system, enabled by two rear electric motors with individual planetary gear sets.
“Besides being very happy with the balance of the chassis, they are particularly excited about the torque vectoring,” Ingenlath continued. “We are now very confident about how this enhances the Polestar 1’s cornering responsiveness and accuracy.”
The location was also selected for the ability to test on ice, which gave the team a perspective on the handling dynamics.
“This is a driver’s car,” Ingenlath added.
A Polestar 1 prototype is subjected to rigorous testing in northern Sweden. Photo: Polestar.
In Person
The Polestar 1 is now heading to Beijing for Auto China 2018 although prototype testing will continue throughout this year. After making its global media debut in Shanghai last October, this is the first opportunity for the Chinese public to see the new performance hybrid. Auto China 2018 begins on April 25th and runs through May 4th. According to Ingenlath, Polestar’s presence at the show is crucial.
“We look forward to introducing the car to the Chinese public for the first time, a key market for Polestar,” he said.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Polestar.

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