Automotive

2021 BMW 5 Series: Free Ultimate Reference Guide to This Swoon-Worthy Machine

2021 BMW 5 Series: Free Ultimate Reference Guide to This Swoon-Worthy Machine This guide provides a complete overview of the 2021 BMW 5 Series. We go through the updates and changes, take a peek under the hood, and provide a comprehensive list of the standard and available features and packages.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series has kicked down the double doors and is now standing on the tables before us. (Sorry I was listening to John Mayer earlier). Anyway, the new 5 Series is easily the belle of the ball with updated styling, enhanced aerodynamics, and a new 48-volt mild hybrid system for good measure.

Here are all the deets on the 2021 BWM 5 Series. Let’s take it from the top.

2021 BMW 5 Series Lineup

The new 5 Series lineup includes the 530i and 530i xDrive Sedans, 530e and 530e xDrive PHEV Sedans, 540i and 540i xDrive Sedans, and the M550i xDrive Sedan. If you are new to the BMW world, or just learning about the German manufacturer, xDrive means all-wheel drive (we explain more how it works farther down).

What Does The 2021 BMW 5 Series Cost?

2021 BMW 5 Series Starting MSRP
Model & Drivetrain
MSRP w/ Destination ($995)
530i Sedan
$55,195
530i xDrive Sedan
$57,495
530e Sedan
$58,195
530e xDrive Sedan
$60,495
540i Sedan
$60,445
540i xDrive Sedan
$62,745
M550i xDrive Sedan
$77,795

Fresh New Threads

Naturally, the 2021 BMW 5 Series features the brand’s now-famous kidney grille. However, the grille is taller and wider, extending down more into the front bumper’s territory. Along with resculpted headlights, the vertical grille slats are more pronounced (BMW hints at how these slats help increase airflow).

Adaptive LED headlights, with two “L–shaped” daytime running lights on each side, reside in front. At the rear, the taillights have the same L-shape with black edging.

The M Sport Package receives new front and rear bumpers, larger front air intakes with mesh inserts, and a sleeker rear diffuser panel. At the top of the range, the M550i xDrive Sedan includes a new Aerodynamic kit from the M Sport Package. As an extra touch of spice, the side mirror caps receive a Cerium Grey finish.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series is 1.2 inches longer than the 2020 model, although many of the other dimensions remain unchanged. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.It’s What On The Inside That Counts

Live Cockpit Professional with iDrive 7 takes the 5 Series from sedan to spaceship. The 12.3-inch central touchscreen houses navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional Intelligent Personal Assistant feature is a trip. Activated by a spoken prompt (like “Hey BMW”), the 5 Series can do things like roll down the windows or adjust the air conditioning when commanded.

Standard on all four-cylinder and six-cylinder models is a new Perforated SensaTec upholstery with contrast stitching. Dakota Leather is standard on the M550i xDrive and optional on the other models. Nappa Leather is optional on all 2021 BMW 5 Series cars (the Convenience Package adds heated seats).

An Anthracite Headliner is standard with an Anthracite Alcantara Headliner available for the M550i xDrive Sedan.

2021 BMW 5 Series interior layout. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.2021 BMW 5 Series: Chassis & Suspension

The new 5 Series cars employ a double-wishbone front and five-link rear suspension. BMW says the suspension works to prevent road irregularities from “disrupting the steering.” Enthusiasts will enjoy the M Sport Suspension, available as part of the optional M Sport Package. It includes specially tuned springs and shocks, plus a 10 mm (0.4 inches) drop in ride height.

The Dynamic Handling Package, optional on the 540i and 540i xDrive Sedans, is ultra-fancy. Electronically controlled shocks use adjustable valves to temper the damping force at each wheel individually, meaning the 540i probably rides like a magic carpet. Standard on the M550i xDrive is the Adaptive M Suspension, which is better tuned to handle the car at its limits.

M Sport Brakes with Blue Calipers and M logos (nice!) are available as an option on all 5 Series models and standard on the M550i xDrive Sedan. If blue ain’t your color (cue Keith Urban song), M Sport Brakes with Red calipers and M logos are also available.

2021 BMW 5 Series: Popping The Hood

BMW provides drivers with quite the buffet when it comes to engines. Four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines, each with BMW’s latest TwinPower turbocharging technology, are there for the picking. It is interesting to note how the 530i and 530e four-cylinder models, and the 540i six-cylinder use a single, twin-scroll turbocharger. By contrast, the V8 engine of the M550i xDrive Sedan uses two.

However, each engine, regardless of size, utilizes familiar BMW operating systems: High Precision fuel injection working at 350 bar (5,076 psi), VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing, and double-VANOS variable camshaft timing.

2021 BMW 530i & 530i xDrive Sedans

Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinderHorsepower: 248 Torque Output: 258 lb-ft. 0 to 60 mph: 5.9 secondsTop Speed: 130 (all-season tires) or 155 (performance tires)2021 BMW 540i and 540i xDrive Sedans

Engine: 3.0-liter inline-six Horsepower: 335Torque Output: 332 lb-ft.0 to 60 mph: 4.9 seconds (4.6 for the 540i Drive)Top Speed: 130 (all-season tires) or 155 (performance tires).M550i xDrive Sedan

Engine: 4.4-liter V8Horsepower: 523Torque Output: 553 lb-ft.0 to 60 mph: 3.6 secondsTop Speed: 130 (all-season tires) or 155 (performance tires)The 2021 BMW 530e uses an exterior speaker system to generate a sound so pedestrians can hear the car in electric-only mode at lower speeds. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.530e & 530e xDrive Sedans: How They Work

The 2021 BMW 530e and 530e xDrive Sedans combine a 2.0-liter gasoline engine (181 horsepower) and an electric drive unit (107 horsepower). The combined output of 288 horsepower is an increase of 40 versus prior 530e models. Total torque output is 310 lb-ft.

Here’s a fun tidbit: set the Driving Control switch and transmission to SPORT and it activates a new XtraBoost feature. Press the throttle and the horsepower fairy gives you another 40 ponies for up to 10 seconds. It’s like the mushroom in Mario Kart.

530e & 530e xDrive Sedans

Engine: 2.0-liter gasolineMore Engine: 107 horsepower electric drive unitEven More Engine: high-voltage 34 Ah / 12 kWh gross (9.09 kWh net) lithium-ion batteryCombined Horsepower: 288Even More Horsepower: Another 40 via XtraBoost Combined Torque Output: 310 lb-ft.0 to 60 mph: 5.7 seconds (with XtraBoost)Top Speed: 130 (all-season tires) or 146 (performance tires)Transmission Tech: Inside The Steptronic

BMW’s eight-speed Steptronic automatic receives a new hydraulic control system to increase efficiency and response. New torsion dampers reduce rotational irregularities within the powertrain for more seamless shifting. An integral twin-damper system isolates vibrations and minimizes the degree of slip at the torque converter lock-up clutch.

The Steptronic Sport transmission, standard in the M550i xDrive Sedan, includes a Launch Control function.

Beyond the mechanical components, the Steptronic automatic can adapt its shift strategy. BMW engineered the transmission and navigation to work in tandem while moving. The transmission uses data from the navigation system to shift according to the road conditions, thereby avoiding unnecessary shifts. Supplemental data is pulled from the Active Cruise Control system’s radar sensor.

Related: Why you should consider a BMW extended warranty. Is The 2021 BMW 5 Series All-Wheel Drive?

Yes indeed! As mentioned above, if you want an all-wheel drive 5 Series, look for one that has “xDrive.” Absent of xDrive, all 2021 BMW 5 Series cars are real-wheel drive (minus the M550i xDrive Sedan). While xDrive does have a rear-bias in power distribution, it can transfer that power around the car for more traction and stability when necessary.

In these situations, the electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case “hooks up” with the Dynamic Stability Control system. Power distribution is regulated and adjusted in a fraction of a second, so the 5 Series can respond to changing road conditions. BMW says xDrive’s inherent design prevents oversteer and understeer.

The M550i xDrive Sedan uses an exclusive rear M Sport differential. This electronically controlled rear differential lock improves traction by determining different grip levels for the left and right rear wheels. The M Sport differential will prevent any wheel with less than desirable traction from spinning.

A mild hybrid system with a 480-volt starter-generator increases the performance and efficiency of the 2021 BMW 5 Series. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.Benefits of The 48-Volt Mild Hybrid System

The 540i and 540i xDrive Sedans use a new mild-hybrid system with a 48-volt starter-generator. Among the 2021 BMW 5 Series family, only these two use the system as they have the inline-six. Under acceleration, the system serves up an extra 11 horsepower, but its functionality goes beyond speed.

The 48-volt starter-generator and a second battery help facilitate regenerative braking, which increases efficiency. When the accelerator is relaxed, the generator transforms kinetic energy into electricity for the 48-volt battery. This otherwise wasted energy can now power the lights, steering, windows, ventilation, audio system, and seats.

When Will The 2021 BMW 5 Series Arrive?

BMW dealers are accepting orders now with the first deliveries set for July. We cannot wait to see the new 5 Series in the wild!

Below the gallery of photos is an extensive list of how the 2021 BMW 5 Series is equipped. The list includes available colors, standard and optional features, and what comes in each individual package.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and the Society of Automotive Historians. He serves on the board of directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, is a past president of Detroit Working Writers, and a loyal Detroit Lions fan.

2021 BMW 5 Series Gallery

2021 BMW 5 Series Ordering & Package Guide

Exterior Colors

Bluestone MetallicCarbon Black MetallicMineral White MetallicDark Graphite MetallicBlack Sapphire MetallicAlpine White (standard)Bernina Grey Amber Effect (new color)Jet Black (standard, n/a on M550i xDrive)Glacier Silver Metallic (n/a on M550i xDrive)Phytonic Blue Metallic (new for 2021 5 Series)Individual Aventurin Red Metallic (M550i xDrive only)Individual Tanzanite II Blue Metallic (M550i xDrive only)Standard Equipment

Standard equipment on all 2021 BMW 5 Series models includes:

MoonroofAlarm systemRearview cameraAnthracite headlinerPark distance controlTire pressure monitorAutomatic high beamsAdaptive full LED lightsConnected Package ProAmbient interior lightingAutomatic climate controlChrome Line exterior trimSport leather steering wheelComfort Access keyless entryUniversal garage-door opener40/20/40 Split folding rear seatAuto-dimming rear-view mirrorSiriusXM with 1 year All Access subscriptionPower front Sport seats with lumbar supportApple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility8-speed Sport Steptronic automatic transmission Enhanced USB and Bluetooth Smartphone integrationWiFi Hotspot with complimentary 3-month or 3GB trial18-inch W-spoke reflex silver wheels with all-season run-flat tires.Live Cockpit Pro with iDrive 7 and 12.3” digital instrument and center displaysActive ProtectionPost-crash brakingFatigue and focus alertAutomatic front seat belt tensioningAutomatic closing of windows and moonroofActive Driving AssistantBlind spot detectionRear cross-traffic alertAutomatic high beamsCity collision mitigationSpeed limit informationLane Departure warningRear collision preparationFrontal collision and pedestrian warning530e and 530e xDrive PHEV Sedans add:

XtraBoost FunctionalityAcoustic Protection for pedestriansM550i xDrive Sedan adds:

Rear spoilerPower tailgateM Steering wheelM Aerodynamic kitRemote Engine StartSensaTec dashboardAdaptive M SuspensionM Sport rear differentialShadowline exterior trimM Sport brakes with blue calipersMulti-contour power front heated seatsHarman Kardon surround sound system19-inch M Y-spoke bicolor Jet Black wheels with performance run-flat tiresInterior trim in Aluminum Rhombicle Smoke Grey with Pearl Chrome highlight trimPackages & Optional Equipment

Optional Packages on all 2021 BMW 5 Series sedans include:Convenience Package: (all models except M550i xDrive)

Power tailgateHeated front seats or Heated front and rear seatsRemote engine start (not available on 530e and 530e xDrive)Driving Assistance Plus Package: (all models)

Evasion AidFront Cross-Traffic AlertActive Cruise Control with Stop & GoLane Keeping Assistant with side collision avoidanceExtended Traffic Jam Assist for limited access highways (Level 2)Dynamic Handling Package: (540i and 540i xDrive only)

Adaptive DriveActive Roll StabilizationDynamic Damper ControlDynamic Handling Package: (M550i xDrive only)

Integral Active SteeringActive Roll StabilizationAdaptive M Suspension ProfessionalShadowline Package: (all models)

Individual Shadowline lightsExtended Shadowline exterior trim including Kidney Grille.Luxury Seating Package: (except M550i xDrive)

Multi-Contour seatsFront ventilated seatsM Sport Package: (all models except M550i xDrive)

Aerodynamic kitM Steering wheelVariable sport steeringShadowline exterior trimM Sport Suspension or Dynamic Handling Package (n/a on 530e and 530e xDrive)Choice of 19-inch m Y-spoke style 845M bicolor Jet Black wheels with either all-season runflat or performance run-flat tires or 20-inch Y-spoke style 846M bicolor Jet Black wheels with performance run-flat tiresChoice of Aluminum Rhombicle Smoke Grey interior trim with Pearl Chrome finisher or Fine-wood Ash Trunkwood open-pored trim with Pearl Chrome finisher or Fineline Ridge Wood Trim or Grey Poplar Wood Trim or Fineline Cove Matte Finish Wood TrimParking Assistance Package: (all 2021 BMW 5 Series cars)

Drive RecorderParking Assistant PlusActive Park Distance ControlSurround View with 3D ViewPremium Package: (all 2021 BMW 5 Series cars except M550i xDrive)

Power tailgateGesture ControlHead-Up DisplayRemote Engine StartHarman Kardon Surround sound systemWireless charging for compatible mobile devicesHeated front seats or Heated front and rear seatsPremium Package: (M550i xDrive only)

Gesture ControlHead-Up DisplayWireless charging for compatible mobile devicesExecutive Package: (all 2021 BMW 5 Series cars except M550i xDrive)

Power tailgateGesture ControlHead-Up DisplayCeramic ControlsRemote Engine StartHarman Kardon Surround sound systemWireless charging for compatible mobile devicesPower rear sunshade & rear side window shadesHeated front seats or Heated front and rear seatsExecutive Package: (M550i xDrive only)

Gesture ControlHead-Up DisplayCeramic ControlsWireless charging for compatible mobile devicesPower rear sunshade & rear side window shadesIndividual Options for the 2021 BMW 5 Series:

18-inch Double-spoke style 844 orbit grey wheels with all-season run-flat tiresAll models except M550i xDrive:

19-inch W-spoke style 663 bicolor wheels with all-season run-flat tiresAll models except M550i xDrive:

19-inch V-spoke style 635 orbit grey wheels with all-season run-flat tiresAll models except M550i xDrive:

19-inch W-spoke bicolor style 663 ferric grey wheels with performance run-flat tiresAll models except M550i xDrive:

19-inch V-spoke style 635 wheels with performance run-flat tiresAll models except M550i xDrive:

Grey Poplar Wood TrimFront messaging seats (all models)Heated steering wheel (all models)Fineline Cove Matte Finish Wood TrimLeather dashboard (M550i xDrive only)Front ventilated seats (M550i xDrive only)M Sport brakes with Red calipers (all models)Individual Piano Black trim (M550i xDrive only)Front and rear heated seats (M550i xDrive only)SensaTec dashboard (all models except M550i xDrive)Power rear sunshade and rear side window shades (all models)Space saver spare tire (all models except 530e and 530e xDrive)M Sport brakes with Blue calipers (all models except M550i xDrive)Fine-wood Ash Trunkwood open-pored trim with Pearl Chrome finisherBowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System (M550i xDrive only)Wheels & Tires

19″ M Y-spoke style 845M bicolor Jet Black wheels with all-season run-flat tires19″ M Y-spoke style 845M bicolor Jet Black wheels with performance run-flat tires20″ Y-spoke style 846M bicolor Jet Black with performance run-flat tires20″ M Double-spoke style 668M wheels with perf. run-flat tires (M550i xDrive only)20″ M Double-spoke style 668M wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport non run-flat tires (M550i xDrive only)Photos & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.
Original article: 2021 BMW 5 Series: Free Ultimate Reference Guide to This Swoon-Worthy Machine

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2021-bmw-5-series-free-ultimate-reference-guide-to-this-swoon-worthy-machine/

2 Millionth Duramax Rolls Off The Line In Ohio

2 Millionth Duramax Rolls Off The Line In Ohio

Moraine, Ohio is a small, Midwestern community. As of the 2010 census, the population was just over 6,000 residents. The area is known for famous eateries like the Treasure Island Supper Club and Dixie Dairy Dreem, and its commitment to family parks and recreation.
It’s also known for the Duramax engine, a now legendary name forever etched in the hearts of GM truck enthusiasts.
Family Culture
General Motors, DMAX, Ltd. and I.U.E.-CWA Local 755 employees recently celebrated the building of the 2 millionth Duramax 6.6L engine. The milestone arrives following solid growth at DMAX, Ltd. where employment has risen the last few years. DMAX, Ltd. currently houses the 554 hourly and 114 salaried employees of the I.U.E.-CWA Local 755.
“This is a testament to the dedication of our workforce to continue to produce a great product,” said Carl Kennebrew, President, IUE-CWA Local 755. “We have a culture here at DMAX that is based off of teamwork and a family environment.”
Powerful Personas
Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra HD trucks utilize the aforementioned Duramax diesel; the engine is a vital cornerstone for both trucks in terms of performance and capability. Duramax engines also power some Navistar commercial trucks, Gale Banks vehicles, and even marine applications. Recently, the redesigned Duramax hit the market with an increase in power. The next-generation 6.6L turbo-diesel boasts an SAE-certified 445 horsepower (332 kW) at 2,800 rpm and 910 lb-ft. of torque (1,234 Nm) at 1,600 rpm.
“The Duramax Diesel has powered GM’s heavy-duty pickups to numerous quality, reliability, durability, and truck of the year awards,” said Cathy Clegg, Vice Presndent, GMNA Manufacturing and Labor Relations. “These awards would not be possible without the hard work of the men and women of the IUE and DMAX.”
Groundbreaking for the DMAX, Ltd. plant began in 1998, with the first engine rolling off the line on July 17th, 2000.
“When we started this project, who would have expected we would achieve 2 million engines,” said Shinichi Suzuki, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Operating Officer, DMAX, Ltd. “The most important thing is not that the 2 million engines have been manufactured, but that they have been sold by the effort of the entire team.”
Kennebrew agreed.
“Everyone is dedicated to the vision of our company,” he said. “I’m so proud of our members and their continued drive to be successful.”
2017 GMC Sierra Denali 3500 HD. Photo: General Motors.

Giving Back
Recent investments at DMAX, Ltd. include a $60 million investment for emissions improvements in 2014. This was followed in 2015 with an $82 million investment for productivity improvements. The subsequent investments at DMAX, Ltd. have been returned to the greater community.
“We have invested both dollars and volunteerism into several local organizations, specifically the Moraine Foundation, which channels all local charitable activities and the promotion of STEM-related opportunities through the West Carrollton HS–FIRST Robotics Club,” said Pat Curtis, DMAX, Ltd. Plant Manager.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Check out these Automotive tips

https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2-millionth-duramax-rolls-off-the-line-in-ohio/

2018 Chevy Equinox Employs New Aerodynamic Tools

2018 Chevy Equinox Employs New Aerodynamic Tools

Aerodynamics are, in a word, important. They are, counter intuitively, very important in things like trucks and SUVs. Trucks and SUVs are potentially so bad to begin with aerodynamically speaking, that by tweaking them here and there, many beneficial gains can be made.
The sad, baseline fact to deal with here is that trucks are pretty boxy, and boxy is not good. How many birds do you see shaped like bricks? Exactly, none. How many trucks do you see shaped thusly? Exactly. Pretty much all of them.
Efficient Directives
Now, yes, of course, aerodynamic efficiency is a problem for anything that plows through the air. And any vehicle can pretty much benefit from paying attention to it. But trucks and SUVs are often so bad that almost any gains here usually reap big rewards, especially when it comes to fuel efficiency.
And Chevy has, for decades now, a real bee in its bonnet about fuel efficiency. Getting really good over the highway fuel numbers is something the bow-tie brigade has been obsessing over for a while now. So as sales of SUVs rise, corporate average fuel economy falls, and that really sticks in Chevy’s craw. So to counter that, Chevy had a go at tweaking the upcoming 2018 Equinox to make it more slippery.
Or at least that was the brief that landed on the desk of the Design and Aerodynamic team working on the all-new 2018 Chevy Equinox. They had to make the compact SUV a balance of style, function, and efficiency.
To this end, Chevy crows that the 2018 Equinox offers “an EPA-estimated 32 mpg on the highway” for front-wheel drive models. Now, a few caveats and observations here: 1 – That’s the highway MPG figure; 2 – that’s for the front wheel drive models; 3 – a lot of that efficiency can be done via gearing alone. Look, you don’t have to be the reincarnation of Archimedes to know that if you put a high enough top gear in the box and get the timing so the engine can turn over correctly at freeway speed, you’re going to get amazing gas mileage.
But that’s not what Chevrolet did here. At least not all they did here.
“Working closely with the aerodynamics team, we were able to craft a final design that is the ultimate win-win scenario,” said Jeff Perkins, Equinox Design Manager. “Together we reached the aerodynamic goals intended to give the new Equinox an efficiency-enhancing edge on the highway with the sculpted look and cargo space we set out to achieve.” Photo: Chevrolet.
Sizes & Shapes
The Design and Aerodynamic teams undertook great care in making a refined vehicle shape that still provides the main proportions of an SUV. In other words, the 2018 Equinox still looks like a big station wagon or a small half-track, depending on your taste.
Curiously, the Equinox’s overall length was cut by 4.7 inches, which should hurt aero efficiency (longer and skinnier is better at slipping through the air versus shorter and wider). Chevrolet did this more in the interests of making the Equinox easier to park and maneuver. The Equinox team spent more than 500 hours in GM’s full-scale wind tunnel working on the exterior.
Their efforts ultimately reduced wind resistance by 10 percent over the previous model. Impressive.
Underbody panels on the front-wheel drive variants of the 2018 Chevy Equinox improve airflow beneath the vehicle. Photo: Chevrolet.

Aerodynamic Tools
They also pulled a few tricks out of the hat, such as new, electronically controlled upper and lower grille shutters to make things slicker. The shutters close in certain conditions on the highway, when less engine cooling is needed, to divert more air around the vehicle and reduce drag. There is also a larger rear spoiler that helps reduce trailing turbulence for less wind resistance.
The taillamps even incorporate a series of shrewdly integrated vortex generators for better air separation at the corners of the D-pillars. GM designers call them “air trips,” but any aerodynamicist worth their Masters Degree will recognize them as vortex generators. There are also new air deflectors by the tires that achieve the same aerodynamic benefit as a conventional air dam, but without the risk of gronking the air dam on a curb when parking. GM says the new air deflectors are there as to not compromise the Equinox’s sculpted design, but sure, whatever, not gronking it on the curb is a better idea.
The 2018 Chevy Equinox is in dealer showrooms now.
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 Chevy Equinox Gallery

Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

Check out these Automotive tips

https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2018-chevy-equinox-employs-new-aerodynamic-tools/

Just How Special Is The 2017 Toyota 860 Special Edition?

Just How Special Is The 2017 Toyota 860 Special Edition?

The 2017 Toyota 860 Special Edition is, as the name suggests, a special version of the Toyota/Scion/Subaru FR-S/BRZ sports coupe. They’re pretty wonderful cars to begin with. They’re light; nice low center of gravity thanks to that Subbie-sourced boxer-4 engine, good braking, all that stuff.
Think of them as a coupe version of a Miata, and you pretty much get the picture. So what’s up with the Toyota 860 Special Edition?
Style Over Power
Sadly, the 860 Special Edition of the corporate siblings does not feature more power. There’s no turbo (which would have been easy to grab from the Subaru parts bin) and there’s no displacement bump (ditto). Sad really, since everyone likes this car, but the main “what needs improvement” answer is usually “more power.”
No, the “special” part of the 860 Special Edition seems to come down to a stripe package and a few extra gee-gaws. Or, as Toyota puts it, “the new 860 Special Edition that adds stand-out styling, premium features, and performance technology.”
“The 86 is recognized by enthusiasts for its impressive driving performance and its value-oriented price tag,” said John Myers, Toyota National Manager, Vehicle Marketing and Communications.
And yes, he sure is right about that. These things are inexpensive and fun. Mr. Myers goes on to say the 860 Special Edition will “amplify these core elements with an added dose of premium styling mixed with performance technology.”
Colorful Origins
The exterior of the 860 Special Edition gets exclusive Supernova Orange paint along with black body stripes, black rear spoiler, heated outside mirrors, and 17-inch alloy wheels. They say it’s “Supernova Orange” but to me it looks like a dull red in the photos. Maybe it’s one of those “looks different in real life” things, but we’ll have to see. The 860 Special Edition also sports LED fog lights and a unique aerodynamic underbody panel for added style and function. In that order, I guess.
If orange ain’t your thing, the 860 Special Edition will also be available in Halo White, and only 860 units of each color will be made. See, that’s where they get the “860” in 860 Special Edition. Clever, no? No.
2017 Toyota 86 – 860 Special Edition. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Interior Treatments
The interior of the 860 Special Edition has heated front seats in black leather with orange stitching, and the same contrasting black and orange theme on the leather-trimmed steering wheel, shift boot, and parking brake lever. And there’s also a unique center console placard that signifies its exclusivity. Or, to put it another, non-self-aggrandizing way, Toyota made a run of 860 badges and bought some glue.
The 860 Special Edition also has a Smart key with push-button start and touch-activated door unlock, as well as dual-zone automatic climate control, which are all nice to have.
Driving Dynamics
“The 86 is all about driving performance,” says Toyota. And what do they mean by that, exactly? This: “Each special edition will come with a 4.2-inch multi-information display that features a G-force meter and stop watch, and displays vital information such as horsepower and torque curves, engine coolant and oil temperatures, and MPG.”
Really? Really!? No revamped suspension? No upgraded tires? No big honking brakes? No turbo plant pulled from Subaru’s WRX STi? A G-meter on the touch screen? That’s it? Argh!
Look, how hard can this be? Go to the production line where Subaru makes the WRX STi plants and pull 860 X 2 of them. Go to the Toyota parts bin and grab 860 X 2 big brakes that will fit on the uprights, and while you’re there, snatch up 860 X 2 stiffer shocks, springs, and sway-bars. Bolt all of these parts to 860 X 2 860 Special Edition models, paint half of them Primer Black and the other half Primer Gray and make sure all of them have windshield header decals that say “MOVE IT!” in reverse lettering.
Yes, yes. I know: Insurance and price points.
2017 Toyota 86 – 860 Special Edition. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Overlooked Market?
A little coupe like this cranking out around 300 horsepower would make the insurance cost prohibitive for your target market (the 25-year-old version of me). And likewise, the out the door price of a Toyota/Scion/Subaru FR-S/BRZ would also be beyond the wallet-range for your target market (again, the 25-year-old version of me). Yes, yes. I understand all of that, but in the words of Zora Arkus Duntov: “Screw that! Put in the big block!”
Sure, you may not sell many to 25-year-old gearheads, but you know who you would sell them too? People like me. Also, people like Chris Burdick and Carl Anthony here at 1 Automoblog Towers. Sure, Carl is a Detroit native, and the locals don’t take too kindly to imports, but the entire point is this: Older gearheads with more money and favorable insurance brackets would love this thing.
But, alas and alack, you won’t do that will you?
As it stands, the 2017 Toyota 860 Special Edition is available now, with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management technology. The price is a not all that out of line: $29,155 for the manual transmission and $29,875 for the automatic box.
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.
2017 Toyota 86 – 860 Special Edition. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Check out these Automotive tips

https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/just-how-special-is-the-2017-toyota-860-special-edition/

Ford Vans & Medium-Duty Trucks Increase In Versatility, Options

Ford Vans & Medium-Duty Trucks Increase In Versatility, Options

Ah, the Ford Transit. Immortal beloved of the delivery world (and also the world of English gangsters, if British films are to be believed). It’s flexible enough to come in a variety of configurations; from small enough to work in crowded urban environments to large enough to haul bulky items easily.
And recently, the Ford F-650 and F-750 were named Work Truck magazine’s 2017 Medium-Duty Truck of the Year for the second consecutive year.
Top Honors, Best Sellers
So hurrah for Ford, because they obviously deserve it. Work Truck magazine chose the Ford F-650 and F-750 as its 2017 Medium-Duty Truck of the Year by asking professionals what they thought. Professional fleet managers were asked to consider which of the nine competing trucks best fit their fleet requirements, incorporating application effectiveness, durability, quality, servicing, maintenance, and lifecycle costs.
In 2015, the Ford Transit became America’s best-selling commercial van, and in 2016, it became America’s best-selling van period. Ford sold more Transits than any other van out there, and that even includes minivans. That’s a pretty astounding statistic when you consider how many minivans you see in a single day.
Perhaps this success of the modern Transit has to do with its amazing flexibility. The Transit can be built in any one of 64 different configurations, which Ford notes makes it the best-in-class when it comes to configurations offered. The Transit also has a bunch of standard features, even in its bone stoke versions, that other companies either don’t offer, or charge extra for. A rearview camera is standard on the Transit van, for example, along with a locking glove box and rear LED cargo lamp switch.
The list of new optional equipment for 2018 is also extensive.
Options & Accessories
The cargo area flooring is now beefed up as is the rear scuff plate kit. The running boards have been extended too. The parking brake is now a push-down manual affair (not sure why that matters either way honestly) and the external mirrors are power-folding short-arm units, with heating for the mirrors and turn signals built in.
AM/FM stereo with audio input jack, microphone, and Bluetooth interface is also available, which means you can hook up tablets and smartphones with greater ease. This must be a real Godsend for delivery drivers with new routes or clients. There are new D-pillar assist handles for medium and high-roof models as well. Ford also gives you optional goodies to make your Transit look good. A forged alloy dual rear wheel package and a charcoal leather-trimmed/heated seat package, for example.
2018 Ford Transit. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Alternative Powertrains
Worried about the planet or just want to save on your fleet’s fuel bill? The 2018 Ford Transit has you covered there as well. FoMoCo has expanded the Ford Advanced Fuel QVM (qualified vehicle modifier) program to include three developers: XL Hybrids, Motiv Power Systems, and Lightning Hybrids. These companies offer hybrid solutions, either electric or hydraulic, for a range of Ford vehicles that are popular with fleet and commercial customers.
Traditional Powertrains
It’s also interesting to note that Ford is the only manufacturer to offer a gasoline engine in the medium-duty truck segment. I guess everyone else went with diesels. Ford’s plant is the 6.8-liter V10, cranking out 320 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. of torque in either the F-650 or F-750, coupled to the TorqShift HD six-speed automatic transmission. Ford does, of course, offer a diesel drivetrain package: The 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel delivers 270 horsepower and 675 lb-ft. of torque.
There’s other diesel options available with engine outputs of 300 horsepower and 700 lb-ft. of torque and 330 horsepower with 725 lb-ft. of torque. The diesel engines are backed by a standard five-year/250,000-mile limited warranty.
2018 Ford Transit. Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Parts & Service Availability
All of this fleet truck goodness is backed up by Ford’s extensive array of fleet dealers. The Ford Commercial Vehicle Center program has more than 670 dealers across the country that not only sell Ford commercial vehicles, but the service centers are particularly impressive. They use their own proprietary diagnostic software and Commercial Vehicle Tools.
To maximize road and usage time, the Commercial Vehicle Center service departments are open at least 55 hours per week, with new stocking programs to help improve parts availability. And Ford has started a new Commercial Advantage Rewards loyalty program. Customers can receive a range of factory benefits that can be redeemed at any Commercial Vehicle Center location.
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.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/ford-vans-medium-duty-trucks-increase-in-versatility-options/

YourMechanic Hosts Forum On Transforming Car Ownership

YourMechanic Hosts Forum On Transforming Car Ownership

Years ago, I remember my father taking advantage of Heartland Car Care’s Saturday hours, the local shop that serviced our minivan in our rural Iowa community. The mechanics were knowledgeable and quick; Kent who ran the place greeted everyone with a smile and was thorough when he went over repairs.
The service was friendly, the coffee was hot, and the Saturday hours were convenient.
Winds of Change
In this digital and modern age, YourMechanic is the equivalent of Heartland Car Care. Just as we had the number written down on the pad by the phone, YourMechanic is accessed through today’s smartphones. Their specialty is mobile car repair, covering over 600 maintenance and diagnostic services. YourMechanic is available in the top 50 largest cities in the United States, and are as remarkably accessible today as Heartland Care Care was in its time with Saturday hours.
Companies like YourMechanic have capitalized from an evolving need – perhaps even a longing for – a different type of car ownership experience. People want a place as inviting as Heartland Car Care, yet able to meet them on the go in today’s increasingly mobile culture.
“The whole auto industry is in a massive transformation right now so it’s just not like it used to be,” said Anthony Rodio, President & CEO, YourMechanic. “And that is the sort of thing we want to talk about and cover.”
Transform Versus Transaction
YourMechanic is facilitating such discussions on Thursday, March 30th in Sunnyvale, California, as they present a conference dedicated to the ever changing relationship we have with our vehicles. Driving the Auto Industry Forward: Transforming the Car Ownership Experience will unite automotive industry experts who are disrupting and dissecting every aspect of vehicle ownership. Together with Ally Financial, Automobility LA, eBay Motors, and Turo, YourMechanic’s forum addresses the opportunities and challenges with regard to the 200 million plus car owners today.
“From my view, the biggest benefit is that we are getting some interesting companies to take part in something that is really big and significant for the industry,” Rodio said. “Unfortunately, these things are not really being served by the traditional media.”
Rodio is joined during the evening’s panel discussion by Angie Tuglus, Executive Vice President & COO, Ally Insurance, David Stewart, Chief Business Officer, Turo, and Sree Menon, General Manager of Parts and Accessories for eBay Motors. One of the primary questions is how customer behavior has changed in the last two years and how these companies are responding accordingly.
“It is amazing to see how customers across all ages and backgrounds have converged in their expectations: everyone is demanding a digital, fast, and transparent experience,” Tuglus noted. “We want to feel in control, and get everything on demand.”
Tuglus believes successful companies in the automotive arena will be able to make critical decisions regarding how customers think and feel.
“Product and service providers in the auto space are traditionally good at studying features and prices, but poor at truly understanding where and how a customer wants to interact with a service or product,” she explained. “And that’s the paradigm shift we’ve been making.”
A YourMechanic technician meets a customer at his workplace and explains the necessary maintenance needed for his vehicle. A large part of the company’s vision revolves around personalized service and transparent pricing. Photo: YourMechanic.

Creating Dialogues
Turo is the largest P2P car sharing marketplace, helping owners take otherwise depreciating cars and turn them into money making assets. This service is excellent for those who have a car just sitting most of the time. It wasn’t all that long ago, services like this were unheard of, yet the ways of our lives are evolving and companies like Turo saw an opportunity to capitalize on a growing trend.
Similar to how YourMechanic will do in Sunnyvale, Turo also facilitates dialogue on how car ownership is changing.
“In addition to reviewing customer feedback on a regular basis, we host community events in our top markets to ensure that we are meeting our Turo members and listening to their ideas and suggestions,” the company said in a recent statement.
Another topic of discussion focuses on how the process of purchasing a vehicle is changing. Will the car owner of tomorrow want to purchase said car in the traditional sense?
“There is a huge gap between customer awareness and where digital auto buying has evolved to – a large percentage of consumers across the country, and around the world, would like to buy their vehicle online,” Tuglus said. “Your average consumer either has no idea this is possible, or is not sure it is safe and legitimate, and this creates a massive opportunity for companies or car dealers who can bridge this gap.”
According to a recent report from Business Insider, 75 percent of all cars manufactured by 2020 will have the ability to establish an internet connection. The report also concluded the connected-car market is growing at a five-year compound annual growth rate of 45 percent – 10 times as fast as the overall car market. This trend presents a tremendous opportunity for various tech and automotive startups.
Startup Lane
The Sunnyvale event includes an exhibit of up-and-coming startups who are transforming car ownership. Founders of these companies will be available to demonstrate their products and solutions that ultimately change the way we view our relationships with our cars.
“There are a lot of people interested in what is going to be happening five to seven years from now,” Rodio said. “In my opinion, there is no better indicator of where markets are going than by looking at the companies that are starting and getting funded here in Silicon Valley.”
LotBlok, Prazo, Selly Automotive, SHIFTMobility, and other startups will be on hand.
“This is an interesting way to synthesize, in one place, where some areas of investment are in the car ownership ecosystem,” Rodio said.
YourMechanic’s forum will take place at the Plug and Play Technology Center in Sunnyvale, California, Thursday, March 30th. Automotive and mobility industry professionals, venture capitalists, startup founders, and OEM and aftermarket suppliers can register here for the free event. The evening gets underway at 6pm with registration, happy hour, and a photo opportunity with “Aviato” from the TV series Silicon Valley. The panel discussion begins at 7pm with social time and networking to follow at 8pm.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/yourmechanic-hosts-forum-on-transforming-car-ownership/

Volvo Expands Connected Services Including In-Car Delivery

Volvo Expands Connected Services Including In-Car Delivery

Volvo, like every other manufacturer out there, is making their lineup more and more connected to the digital world around them. As this turns from being more of a trend and into a simple fact of vehicular life, it seems that car makers, and in this case Volvo in particular, are turning into software makers as well.
One of my brothers is a computer engineer. He’s a hardware jock. He’s a deep dive kind of guy with multiple advanced degrees from very prestigious engineering colleges.
If it’s a computer that can withstand an electromagnetic pulse that could knock down a space shuttle or a machine the NSA would purchase by the train car load, that’s his style. Years ago I swung by his office in Boston, and I noticed he had a bookcase that was overflowing.
“You need a bigger bookcase,” I observed adroitly.
With a wry look of resignation on his face he smirked and said, “yeah, ever since that Gates guy, everybody’s a software engineer now, even us hardware jocks.”
Fries With That?
His point was this: With computers of all sizes becoming ubiquitous throughout our daily lives, and hardware more or less stable in design and configuration, hardware is not the issue, software is and will be the prevalent issue in the future. Whether you realize it or not, you can see this all the time. From on high come the invisible edicts. From places like Cupertino and Redmond comes a little flashing notice on your smartphone or tablet: “Software update available. Install?”
And now there’s this whole internet of things (IoT), where your toaster can talk with your fridge and digitally nag you in the middle of the day to go pick up English Muffins or, “better” yet, automatically order them from an online shopping company.
Car companies are getting hip to this. Generally falling under the heading of “connected services,” they are trying to pump more and more info down your optic chiasma via the ever-growing touchscreen in the center of your dash. It all started out innocently enough: maintenance intervals and reminders, navigation functions, stuff like that. But now the madness is starting to set in. The marketing weasels are starting to gain more and more control and some cars are starting to shove “purchasing suggestions” at you as you drive. Insinuating where to eat. Reminding you to go buy, buy, buy.
Photo: Volvo Car Group.
On Demand Services
Volvo, the Scandinavian maker of all things boxy and logical, is even getting hip to this. It goes so far that their latest memo is not about a new engine or fuel economy numbers, about sales or even a new model. No, it’s about a software upgrade to their in-car driver/passenger interface.
Volvo announced a series of updates to its global connected services program and to its Sensus in-car user interface. The updates will start with the new XC60 and the company’s existing and new 90 Series cars. This also includes Volvo’s In-car Delivery service, part of the Volvo On Call smartphone app that accepts deliveries to your car. In-car Delivery will expand to five additional countries this year. Yeah. I know. You can get stuff delivered to your car. No. No, I don’t have any idea why you would want to do that.
“This is just the start,” advised Björn Annwall, Senior Vice President, Global Consumer Experience at Volvo Car Group. “Our roll out of one of the most comprehensive and customer relevant services in the industry is now shifting up a gear, and you will see more convenient and time-saving services offered in the coming months.”
With Volvo On Call, users can send meeting destinations to their car remotely. The app works with relatively common finger functions. For example, swiping left on the calendar card in home view allows the user to plan a trip. Swiping left can also be used on other cards in home tab for quick access to things starting the parking heater. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Always On Call
Volvo On Call, the company’s connected smartphone app, has undergone a total redesign to support the addition of all the new services. The Swedish car company says that On Call is one of the most widespread connected car platforms available today, and that it will be expanding. It will be available in around 50 countries by the end of 2017 and will cover more than 90 percent of Volvo Cars’ global sales.
Volvo says this is happening because of an “increasing desire among premium car drivers to access car features and related services while not in their car,” and that “Volvo Cars’ approach with Volvo On Call is firmly based on its commitment to make life easier for its drivers.”
Sure, it could be that. But there’s also a lot of data, sweet, sweet demographic derived user data to be mined, chopped, sifted, leveraged and, if the opportunity arises, sold.
While in the map view, driver’s can find gas stations and send other preferred destinations to the car. In less familiar areas, the Volvo On Call app will even provide walking guidance to the vehicle. Photo: Volvo Car Group.

Connected Compass
If you’re a Volvo owner, you can now send navigation destinations based on your calendar directly to your car. You can find nearby gas stations and even get help finding your car in parking lots or on unfamiliar city streets using this smartphone app. Volvo completed an update of the GUI for the Sensus system in the new XC60 as well as in the 90 Series cars to improve usability – they also refreshed the overall design.
These new Volvo On Call updates will apply to all new models, natch, but they are also available for Volvo On Call equipped cars back to the 2012 model year. The Sensus user interface design in the new XC60 will come already installed in new 90 Series cars. Existing 90 Series cars will be updated at the next service.
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.
Volvo XC60. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/volvo-expands-connected-services-including-in-car-delivery/

CarShield Reviews: Is A CarShield Extended Warranty Worth It?

CarShield Reviews: Is A CarShield Extended Warranty Worth It? Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.

CarShield offers six extended auto warranty plans, with covering ranging from basic powertrain protection to exclusionary coverage.Some CarShield plans cover vehicles up to 200,000 miles.The company has covered over one million vehicles and has paid out over $1 billion in claims.Every new vehicle comes with a factory warranty that covers breakdowns for at least the first few years of the car’s life. But what happens when that coverage runs out?

A CarShield extended auto warranty can give you peace of mind through your vehicle’s golden years, when the most severe – and most expensive – repairs are typically needed.

In its 15 years of business, CarShield has covered more than one million vehicles and has paid out over $1 billion in claims. That’s why, in our review of the best extended auto warranty companies, we named CarShield the Most Popular provider.

Below, we explain factors like coverage options, costs, and customer reviews to help you determine whether a CarShield extended warranty may be a good choice for your vehicle. To see how much a CarShield plan will cost, get a free quote.

Most Popular

Get Quote
(800) 563-2761
Our research found this provider to be the most affordable. Plus, it offers monthly plans.

CarShield Warranty Highlights

CarShield offers drivers flexible plans and payment options, including month-to-month contracts and a range of deductibles.

The provider is technically a vehicle service contract broker, meaning it offers plans administered by other companies, called obligators. This setup gives drivers a wider variety of coverage options and price points.

CarShield Pros
CarShield Cons
Six extended warranty plans to choose from, including motorcycle and ATV coverage
Low rating and warning of complaints from the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Coverage for vehicles up to 200,000 miles
Not all contracts transferable to subsequent owners
Over 4-star ratings with thousands of customer reviews on Google and Trustpilot
Rental car reimbursement only included in some plans
Direct payments to repair shops

Repairs can be made at any dealership or ASE-Certified® facility

Contracts can be canceled at any time

Emergency roadside assistance and courtesy towing included with most plans

CarShield Extended Warranty Coverage Overview

CarShield offers six different coverage plans:

Plan Name
Details
New Car Diamond
Comparable to a new car manufacturer’s warranty, CarShield Diamond coverage is an exclusionary plan. This means all systems and components of your vehicle are included, except for a short list of non-covered parts.
Platinum
Good for high-mileage vehicles, this plan covers certain parts of your vehicle’s engine, transmission, cooling system, air conditioning, steering, brakes, electrical components, fuel pump, and more. CarShield Platinum is stated-component coverage, meaning each specific covered part of these systems is listed in the vehicle service contract.
Gold
As CarShield’s enhanced powertrain coverage, the Gold plan focuses on common powertrain components like your engine, transmission, and drivetrain, but also includes parts like the alternator, power window motors, and starter.
Silver
The Silver plan is CarShield’s most basic (and most affordable) powertrain coverage option. It covers only the most important parts of your vehicle, including your engine, transmission, water pump, and drive axle.
Aluminum
This plan covers most computer-related and electrical components, including power seat control, sensors, cruise control, electronic gauges, and LCD screens.
Motorcycle & ATV
If you have a motorcycle or all-terrain vehicle that needs coverage, CarShield offers distinct plans for each vehicle.

Exclusions

Even the most comprehensive extended auto warranties have their limits. CarShield plan exclusions are common among almost every extended warranty provider on the market.

CarShield does not cover:

Parts that have been modified or alteredWear-and-tear components like brake pads and air filtersDamage caused by acts of nature, collision, vandalism, or lack of proper maintenanceRepairs that have been made without pre-authorization from a CarShield claims representativeAdded Benefits

With CarShield contracts, drivers also receive:

24-hour roadside assistanceCourtesy towing any time you break downRental car reimbursement (included in only some plans)CarShield includes 24-hour roadside assistance in each of its vehicle service contracts.CarShield Reviews & Customer Complaints

CarShield has been featured on ESPN, CNN, HGTV, and TBS, and has a number of celebrity endorsements. Additionally, it has received thousands of online customer reviews. The company currently holds a 4.2-star rating on Google with more than 2,800 reviews. It also received 4.2 stars on Trustpilot with over 9,500 customer ratings.

Despite these positive CarShield reviews, the BBB gives the company an F rating and indicates a pattern of complaints involving pushy or misleading sales and advertising, difficulty canceling policies, and rude customer service representatives.

Another complaint we saw repeatedly was that CarShield denied claims for what customers thought were covered repairs. However, this is common among top extended warranty companies and can often be attributed to consumers not thoroughly reading vehicle service contracts or not understanding contract terms before signing them.

There are more than 500 CarShield customer reviews on BBB, averaging a 1.5-star rating. CarShield customer service responds to many comments, and about half of the complaints have been closed in the last year.

Here’s what a few customers had to say in CarShield reviews:

“I bought CarShield because of the awesome commercials. On the phone, the salesperson said that ‘anything that is not a wear item is covered, so no brake pads, no tires, etc…’ Turns out that a lot of things are not covered. There are 10 pages of fine print.” – Marco Borrillo, Google

“We bought a car warranty for our 2007 Impala. We were in California when the transmission went out. CarShield stepped in, got the claim approved quickly, and we were back on the road. Don’t know what we would have done without them.” – Marion Roth, Google

“Paid $121 per month, and when my car broke down, they didn’t pay a cent.” – Lee, BBB

CarShield Extended Warranty Costs

The cost of an extended car warranty can vary widely from vehicle to vehicle, depending on factors such as:

Your deductibleThe coverage plan you chooseYour vehicle’s make and modelThe age and mileage of your carIn our research, we found:

A New Car Diamond plan for a late-2010s SUV with less than 50,000 miles costs between $100 and $130 per month with a $100 deductible. Gold coverage for a 2013 sedan with just under 100,000 miles would set you back $130 per month with a $100 deductible. A Platinum plan for a sedan a year older but with only 75,000 miles on the odometer would cost the same.With CarShield, drivers can choose from a range of deductibles starting from $0. The company also offers month-to-month contracts, so you don’t have to worry about being locked into a long-term plan.

Conclusion: Is CarShield Worth The Money?

Our research on CarShield’s coverage options, costs, and customer service shows that CarShield could be a great choice to protect your vehicle in the long run, especially if you’re on a tight budget.

Although the company has received a number of complaints, CarShield reviews are predominantly positive, and the company has a good name in the industry. Taking into consideration that the company has covered over one million vehicles in 15 years, a few hundred negative comments barely make a dent in the company’s reputation.

Overall, we think it’s worth getting a quote from CarShield.

Most Popular

Get Quote
(800) 563-2761
Our research found this provider to be the most affordable. Plus, it offers monthly plans.

It’s always smart to shop around for extended warranty coverage to make sure you’re getting the best deal for the coverage you need. We recommend taking a look at the top extended auto warranty companies and comparing quotes from CarShield to other industry-leading providers, such as Endurance and CARCHEX. We compared CarShield with these two providers head-to-head:

Original article: CarShield Reviews: Is A CarShield Extended Warranty Worth It?

Check out these Automotive tips

https://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/carshield-reviews-is-a-carshield-extended-warranty-worth-it/

Memory Lane: Bumbershoot Festivals & Defensive Driving

Memory Lane: Bumbershoot Festivals & Defensive Driving

Part one of this series here.
It’s been a few weeks since the anger over losing my beloved F-150 has faded, as if losing my truck was more important than the fact that I was not seriously injured. According to the United States Department of Transportation, male drivers aged 16 to 29 are the most dangerous people on the road.
The guy who hit me and totaled both vehicles in the process was 28.
As much as I want to be in denial about it, I was a young driver and fitted that category perfectly. My angst towards the guy subsided when I remembered the accidents I had caused, and how I became more respectful of the machines I drove over time.
Forty Dollar Folly
When I was 18, or so, I borrowed a co-worker’s 1965 Plymouth Valiant with a push button transmission. It was black with red interior. I lived up north and was driving on a clear road, except it was covered with black ice. Due to my inexperience, I failed to recognize it and lost control of the car. I ended up down an eight-foot embankment, the car smashing dead on a boulder. The rock didn’t move, but the front of the car was pushed back quite a ways and it was totaled.
I only suffered a scratched knee when it busted the 8-track tape.
Of course, there was a cost to my poor driving and I had to reimburse my co-worker for what the car was worth to the tune of $40.00 per paycheck, a lot back then. I felt bad about the whole thing, but at least there was no one else involved in the crash. After that, I was a little less careless. I would have the occasional distraction, like hitting the rear bumper of a car waiting at a yield sign when I was too preoccupied to see if the road was clearing up so I could get on the freeway.
But I still drove too fast, especially in wintertime, and would lose control of my car once in a while and hit a curb.
According to Safety Insurance, at least 77 percent of traffic accidents are the result of driver error. Photo: Pexels.

Proactive Position
I became much more responsible when I had the good fortune of taking a defensive driving and skid control course. It is one of the best courses I have ever taken, still putting into practice what I learned so many years ago. The main thing I realized is I was following too close, and I can see to this day how many people tailgate. The other thing I realized was an overconfidence in the braking ability of cars. Aside from driving too closely and having little time to react, braking also takes time.
From the moment your brain tells your foot to switch to the brake pedal, it may already be too late. So, I’ve learned to keep my distance, at least three seconds behind, not two, and to know the limits of the car, and not just in terms of braking. Speeding was the last thing to be stricken off my list of do’s and don’ts. I even lost my driver’s license because of too many speeding tickets.
Wintertime Woes
The defensive driving course helped me countless times. There was a particular trip in winter when the sun was shining. I was driving a 1989 Thunderbird LX, climbing a hill next to a large body of water. The combination of moisture from the lake, sun, and cold air had turned the road into an ice rink. On the other side of the hill, I came upon a surreal sight. At least a dozen vehicles had skidded off the highway. There was a Greyhound bus way out in the field, the driver outside waiting.
None of the cars had overturned and no one was injured. They were waiting for the police and tow trucks to come along.
There was no one else on the actual road except me. I decided not to stop and made the conscious effort to stay away from the brake pedal. Had I stopped, I would likely have ended up off the road, or been an obstacle for future traffic since there was not enough space on the shoulder. Besides, there was nothing I could do and there were enough people around to help one another. I glided safely past this particular spiderweb of winter and eventually to the ice free pavement up ahead.
According to AAA Exchange, applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids during wintertime driving. Photo: fancycrave1.
Weekend Outing
Another time, I was driving my friend’s Chevy Lumina on the I-5. We were off to Seattle to attend Bumbershoot over Labor Day weekend. My friend was up front in the passenger seat and his two sons were in the back seat. The traffic was heavy, but we were making good time by staying in the left lane. All of a sudden, a Honda Accord positioned in the center lane loses a wheel. The Accord does a 180 but stays in its lane coming to a stop. The driver, still wondering what had happened, was now fearful of being hit head-on by the cars following behind.
I drive past the Accord, still in the left lane, but the wheel was bouncing ahead. It’s all happening at 60 mph too. We don’t know where the wheel is going to end up and a guy driving a Grumman van in the slow lane doesn’t know either. He is afraid of getting hit by the wheel and as he tries to avoid it, makes his way through the center lane and into our lane. We are gradually being squeezed between the van and the median barrier. I apply the brakes slowly and manage to avoid the barrier and the van. Thank you, defensive driving course.
We made it okay to our hotel near Seattle Center. I particularly enjoyed the Brazilian Girls, the New York Dolls, and the icing on the cake, Iggy Pop and the Stooges. “I want to be your dog.” Yeah, man! If you’ve never been to Bumbershoot, it’s worth putting on your bucket list.
Seattle Skyline. Photo: Unsplash.

Mindful Considerations
I cannot count the number of times the skills I learned during that course helped me out of jams. It seems too easy to obtain a driver’s license. At least it was when I started driving. I’m not judging. I was an overconfident and irresponsible driver in my youth. When young, we think of ourselves as invincible and oftentimes, we carry that to our senior years, especially when we sit behind the wheel.
In fact, a refresher course should be mandatory for all seniors of a certain age. I know so many “old guys” who should not be driving, but won’t give it up. They will lose their freedom, maybe their identity if they stop driving. For the young, defensive driving should be greatly emphasized as it teaches respect for a vehicle, something we all should have the moment we grab onto those handlebars or that steering wheel. This is challenging to inculcate since today’s cars are much safer and reliable, which only adds to the false sense of security.
Michael Bellamy is the author of our Memory Lane series. He enjoys driving his 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII LSC and until an untimely collision claimed it, his 2001 Ford F-150 7700.
Cover Photo: Pexels.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/memory-lane-bumbershoot-festivals-defensive-driving/