Automotive

Bentley Continental GT Number 9 Edition: The ‘Blower’ Reimagined

Bentley Continental GT Number 9 Edition: The ‘Blower’ Reimagined The Continental GT Number 9 Edition pays homage to Bentley’s racing heritage.
Bespoke elements include a popular race car and aviation finish from the 1920s and ‘30s.
Mulliner will handcraft only 100 of the Number 9 Edition cars, making them a rare collector’s item.
Here’s a limited edition I can get behind: the Bentley Continental GT Number 9 Edition by Mulliner. That’s a bit long-winded, so I’ll go with the Number 9 Edition. True, it’s more of a grand tourer than an outright sports car, but it’s still plenty cool.
And plenty fast. And plenty comfortable.
Did I mention fast?
Love Potion #9
You don’t really think of Bentley as being a performance brand these days. Oh sure, they’ve got enough power to dust a bunch of cars on the road, but the public perception is one of luxury first, then performance. It was not always that way. Back in the 1920s and 30s, Bentley made serious sports cars. Sports cars you could drive to Le Mans, race, and win with. Sure, they were large and heavy and rather agricultural in their chassis design, but with a big enough engine and, more to the point, an even bigger blower bolted to that big engine, you can outrun the competition.
The Bentley Continental GT Number 9 Edition is a version of their Conti GT, which celebrates the company’s racing heritage. The big “9” on that lovely mesh grille harkens back to their victorious Le Mans racer, and is such a cool touch that it’s worth buying the car for that alone. While there is no denying the rich history, the Conti Number 9 is more than just a number spray-panted on the grille. A lot more.
The No.9 was the supercharged Bentley ‘Blower’ Sir Henry Ralph Stanley ‘Tim’ Birkin raced at the 1930 Le Mans 24 Hours. He commissioned the production of a series of 4 ½ Litre Bentleys, powered by a supercharger developed with independent engineer Amherst Villiers. Power increased from around 110 bhp to 175 bhp with the supercharger installation. Photo: Bentley Motors.
Related: The quest for more power: the story of the ‘Blower’ Bentley.
Bespoke Body Work
For starters, this guy features a Mulliner body. Mulliner is one of those olde-school companies that used to build the bodies for cars back when you bought everything separate. They are very, very good at what they do and are also very, very British. For Bentley and Bentley buyers, nothing less than Mulliner would ever do my dear boy. Their roots date back to the 1500s and the creation of luxurious horse-drawn carriages. Mulliner showcased work on a Bentley chassis for the first time in 1923, exhibiting a two-seater Bentley at the Olympia Show in London, four years after Bentley Motors was founded.
Today, Bentley’s Mulliner team helps customers personalize their Bentley with bespoke themes, some of which are really elaborate.
The Number 9 Edition is also noticeable by No. 9 badge work throughout the car. The exterior colors are up to the customer: Viridian green or Beluga black. Now, the Beluga black is very nice and shows the lines ever so well, but England expects you to go with the Viridian green option. And if that’s not enough, W.O. expects it as well (and if I have to explain to you who W.O. is, then I will have to most strongly question your upbringing sir, most strongly!).
Bentley Continental GT Number 9 Edition. Photo: Bentley Motors.
Related: “To build a fast car, a good car, the best in its class.” The story of W.O. Bentley.
Turned Aluminum & Jaeger Clocks
On the inside you have the choice of Cumbrian Green or Beluga heritage hides, each with higher gloss levels applied to the seats, inner door panels, and other areas. There’s debossed ‘B’ logos on the headrests and door panels, just like they did on the original ‘Blower’ back in the day. The dashboard is uniquely crafted and features “Engine Spin” on the center console. Often known as “Turned Aluminium,” Engine Spin was a popular race car and aviation finish in the 1920s and ‘30s as it limited light reflection.
In yet another classy move referring back to the good old days, there’s an exclusive British Jaeger clock face in the center console. It’s inspired by the original ‘Blower’s’ dials and uses the same traditional manufacturing methods of race car dials from the vintage era.
Photo: Bentley Motors.
Slivers of History
Also – and this is one of the coolest moves I’ve seen a car company pull off in a very long time – the Continental GT’s Rotating Display features a wood insert from the seat of Sir Tim Birkin’s No. 9 Le Mans race car. This backlit piece is set in resin and situated in the middle of the center dial of the rotating display, and I am floored by the gracefulness and classiness of this move. You get a car and you get a piece of racing memorabilia. Bentley is only making 100 of these bad boys, and each will feature 18K gold-plated organ stops like those found in the original.
Power & Performance
As with the other Continentals in the line, the Bentley Continental GT Number 9 Edition is lighter, faster, and even more refined. Powered by the company’s W12 TSI engine, it hits 60 mph from a standstill in 3.6 seconds, topping out at 207 mph. No, you’re not going to confuse it with a Lotus Elise, but Land o’Goshen this guy hauls the mail!
All I can say is you better buy yours in Viridian green or you will deserve the slap The Queen of England will lay on you.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
Photos & Source: Bentley Motors.

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2019 Ram Heavy Duty: Drugstore Cowboys Need Not Apply

2019 Ram Heavy Duty: Drugstore Cowboys Need Not Apply Hey Cool! I get to write about a truck for once. Normally this is Carl Anthony’s end of things, but this time the truck news finally ended up on my desk. I like trucks. They’re no BS, no screwing around kind of deals. They’re tools that exist to get the job done, and everything else; the bells and whistles, the frills and things like that, just don’t really matter. In this case, we’re talking about the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty.
Posers Need Not Apply
Before we get into how good of a tool the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty is, we should deal with the growing trend of (shudder) trucks heading upmarket. The very top of the line trucks these days are getting as fancy as Buck Owens’ stage get up. Near as I can tell, the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty is not aimed at the drugstore cowboys of this world. No, thankfully, even with its luxurious treatments, the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty is aimed at those who need to haul stuff to and from a work site.
Powerful Tools
In that respect, the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty fits the bill. The standard 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with cylinder deactivation and variable cam timing provides 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft. of torque. Remember, this is the base model engine. The specs just get better and better from there.
For example, the all-new 6.7-liter Cummins I-6 High Output Turbo Diesel cranks out 1,000 lb-ft. of torque at 1,800 rpm. Yes, that is a lot. But it’s also not overkill either. If you have to tow something really heavy, or have the bed weighed down with a bunch of stuff and you’re starting out on a slope . . . in the rain . . . in the mud and sand . . . you get the idea. Speaking of that stuff, the new Ram HD can tow 35,100 lbs. and carry 7,680-lb. of payload when properly equipped.
If you’re a numbers kind of guy, that’ll pretty much settle the argument for you.
The front-suspension cross-member adds a longer welded interface for greater frame strength, while the three-link front suspension ensures roll stiffness. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Related: An in-depth look at the 2019 Ram 1500.
By The Numbers
The new 6.7-liter Cummins High Output Turbo Diesel features a compacted graphite iron block, cast-iron cylinder heads, stronger pistons with low-friction rings, and new exhaust valves, springs, and rocker arms. A new exhaust manifold serves as the mounting point for the variable-geometry turbocharger, delivering boost pressures up to 33 psi. The standard Cummins Turbo Diesel improves to 370 horsepower (2,800 rpm) and 850 lb-ft. of torque (1,700 rpm).
Attached to the High Output Cummins is an Aisin AS69RC electronically-controlled six-speed automatic. The standard Cummins runs an upgraded version of the 68RFE six-speed automatic; and the 6.4-liter Hemi receives the TorqueFlite 8HP75 eight-speed automatic with more than 40 shift maps to optimize performance and fuel economy.
These powertrains aim to make your job easier, whatever that might be.
A trailer tire pressure monitoring system accommodates up to six pickup tires and 12 trailer tires, and includes up to four trailer profiles. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Essential Foundations
Ram’s engineers placed an even greater emphasis on strength, reworking the frame to yield the highest levels of torsional rigidity yet. The new frame is over 98 percent high-strength steel with six separate cross-members, hydro-formed main rails, and fully boxed rear rails; all meant to increase durability and efficiency. Furthermore, new lightweight materials in the frame and powertrain, along with an aluminum hood, cut the overall weight by 143 pounds.
You’ll also notice the redesigned Ram HD is the best riding and handling truck they’ve ever made. For example, two “Active-Tuned Mass Modules” mounted on the frame rails search out unfavorable vibrations and apply countermeasures to eliminate them. Active-Level rear air suspension (meaning air bags replace coil springs) is available, and includes a new bed-lowering feature to help when hooking up trailers. Ram says the supplemental air bags help soften the feel of a heavily-loaded truck.
They also upped the ride quality with Frequency Response Damping shocks, more progressive springs, and re-engineered bushings. The braking system receives upgraded calipers and booster and master cylinders to help shorten stopping distances and improve brake-pedal feel.
The front bumper is cut with larger openings for the truck’s intercooler. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Related: From work to family, do trucks make our lives better?
Interior & Technology Treatments
But hey, this is a 2019 truck we’re talking about here, so it’s not all Spartan minimalism. That refinement is enhanced by active noise cancellation, various anti-vibration devices, and acoustic glass; each contributing to the quietest cabin yet for a Ram HD truck. The interior receives new materials, colors, and textures, including hand-wrapped leather instrument panels. The Uconnect 4C NAV, with its 12-inch configurable screen, is complimented by SiriusXM and a 750-watt, 17-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. In the center console, there are 12 different storage configurations with dedicated and assignable switches, a wireless charging dock, and five USB ports.
Finally, the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty has more than 100 safety and security features, including adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning.
2019 Ram Heavy Duty Laramie Longhorn interior layout. Diesel models have in-duct electric heating elements to speed cabin warm-up on cold days. Further, larger system controls and new larger panel ducts work better when wearing gloves. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Pricing & Manufacturing
Add all this up and the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty is a tool you can use and trust; around home and to and from the job site. Or, in my case, towing a race car to and from the local track. Starting MSRP varies greatly: between $35,000 and $90,000 depending on trim level and preferred options.
The 2019 Ram Heavy Duty is built at the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Coahuila, Mexico.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
2019 Ram Heavy Duty Exterior Gallery

Interior Gallery

Mechanical Components Gallery

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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2020 Acura TLX: Letting Those Colors Fly!

2020 Acura TLX: Letting Those Colors Fly! From nano pigments to powerful engines, the 2020 Acrua TLX has a lot going for it.
Starting MSRP is fairly modest, although there are plenty of ways to upgrade the car.
The Acura/ELS premium stereo is good for all kinds of music, from Metallica to Manilow.
No Aprils Fools joke here! The 2020 Acura TLX arrives with a long list of premium features, four new exterior colors, and two performance-inspired powertrains. According to data from Urban Science, the TLX outpaced segment competition from BMW, Lexus, Audi, and Infiniti in retail sales last year. Acura is certinately aiming for that crown again with the 2020 TLX.
Let’s take a brief walk around and see what’s in store.
Let Those Colors Fly
An already sharp car, the 2020 Acura TLX receives four new premium paints: Performance Red Pearl (yes!), Majestic Black Pearl (oh baby!), Canyon Bronze Metallic (hold the phone!), and an A-Spec exclusive Apex Blue Pearl (swoon!). These coats are not just slathered on either; Acura gives them the deluxe treatment during final assembly. State-of-the-art pigmentation techniques are applied to the micas, metal flakes, and nano pigments, the latter of which Acura notes as “super-high transparency.”
Furthermore, each color benefits from additional coats to enhance intensity, depth, and luster. This means after the final swipe of the chamois cloth, the 2020 Acura TLX should shine like Spica.
2020 Acura TLX A-Spec. Photo: Acura.
Related: Quick and composed: on the road with the Acura TLX A-Spec.
Power & Performance: The Motherload
The 2020 Acura TLX offers two engines: a 2.4-liter i-VTEC with 206 horsepower, or a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 with 290 horses. The former comes with an eight-speed dual clutch transmission, versus the latter with its nine-speed auto. Both engines employ direct injection to increase overall performance and efficiency, although the V6 does feature Acura’s Variable Cylinder Management system.
Front-wheel drive configurations benefit from Acura’s Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS). The system offers better low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability by allowing precise left and right-rear-wheel toe angle control. The result should make the 2020 Acura TLX feel smooth, be it through a parking lot or over the highway.
Optional for the TLX V6 is Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). It’s not the most creative name but we give Acura props for being blunt. SH-AWD does exactly what it says: makes the handling superb. For example, SH-AWD allows up to 70 percent of the available torque to be distributed to the rear wheels; and up to 100 percent of that torque to be transferred to either the right-rear or left-rear wheel. This type of power transfer creates a stronger sense of control, balance, and agility, regardless of weather conditions.
2020 Acura TLX. Photo: Acura.
Infotainment & Technology For Days
Toss on the Barry Manilow (don’t judge) because the 2020 TLX comes with a 10-speaker Acura/ELS Studio audio system. According to Business Insider, it’s one of the best on the market. Complementing said stereo is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Pandora and Aha compatibility, SiriusXM, and an auxiliary input jack. Now, our recommendation is Barry Manilow II from 1974 but they’re all good.
Bonus points if you name your 2020 TLX “Mandy.”
Elsewhere on the tech front is the AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety gizmos. The robust package includes things like collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist among others. The available 360-degree surround view camera provides an extra set of eyes for those busy parking lots.
2020 Acura TLX interior layout. Photo: Acura.
Related: Sporty and budget-friendly: meet the 2019 Acura ILX.
A-Spec In The House
When the TLX goes A-Spec it becomes more sporty and athletic. In our minds, it’s hard to justify a TLX without an A-Spec package; it really adds a new dimension. Treatments on the front include a matte-black diamond grille with a dark chrome border, and a more aggressive lower fascia with LED fog lights. Out back, the A-Spec adds a gloss-black spoiler, “smoked” LED taillights, and four-inch round dual exhaust finishers.
The 19-inch Shark Gray wheels are wrapped with 245/40-series tires, an A-Spec exclusive.
Inside, the TLX A-Spec features aggressively bolstered front seats with high-contrast stitching and piping, and plenty of brushed aluminum trim throughout. Interior themes include a black leather array with Alcantara inserts; or if you’re feeling really fiery and feisty, full-on red leather. Red ambient lighting adds to the interior warmth.
Pricing & Availability
The 2020 Acura TLX is available now for a starting MSRP of $33,995. The premium paint colors mentioned above are an additional $400.
Carl Anthony 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. Before returning to school, he simultaneously held product development and experiential marketing roles in the automotive industry.
2020 Acura TLX: Model/Trim
Starting MSRP
2.4L 4-Cyl.
$33,995
2.4L 4-Cyl. with Technology Package
$37,695
2.4L 4-Cyl. A-Spec
$40,395
3.5L V6
$37,195
3.5L V6 with Technology Package
$41,095
3.5L V6 A-Spec
$43,795
3.5L V6 SH-AWD
$39,195
3.5L V6 SH-AWD with Technology Package
$43,065
3.5L V6 SH-AWD A-Spec
$45,795
3.5L V6 SH-AWD with Advance Package
$46,945
2020 Acura TLX Gallery

Photos & Source: Acura.

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2021 Kia Sorento: An In-Depth Walk Around This Sporty New SUV

2021 Kia Sorento: An In-Depth Walk Around This Sporty New SUV The 2021 Kia Sorento is coming to town! Kia recently revealed the new three-row SUV to members of the press and automotive media during a virtual event. Although we could not see it in person, the new Sorento does look sharp, especially in the SX trim. We will take you through everything Kia told us during the reveal. If you are thinking about a 2021 Sorento, the info below will help you.

2021 Kia Sorento: The Big Questions

Is The New Sorento All-Wheel Drive?

Yes. Although the new Sorento is standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), all-wheel drive (AWD) is available. The only Sorento model not available with all-wheel drive is the Turbo Hybrid. It’s front-wheel drive only to help boost fuel economy. Every Kia Sorento with all-wheel drive will come standard with a Snow Mode.

What Are The Trim Levels?

The 2021 Sorento will be offered in five trims: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige.

At the top of the mountain (Kia calls it their hero model) is the X-Line SX-Prestige with all-wheel drive. This Sorento king comes with a center-locking differential, hill descent control, and an increased ride height versus the standard model (to 8.3 inches, an increase of an inch). Styling treatments include the 20-inch alloy wheels and a roof rack to haul mountain bikes and kayaks.

How Many Can Fit In The 2021 Kia Sorento?

Buyers will have the option for second-row captain’s chairs. In this configuration, the new Sorento will seat six. With the second-row bench, families can squeeze in one more person.

How Much Is The 2021 Kia Sorento?

During the reveal, Kia said pricing information is still forthcoming. Expect the 2021 Kia Sorento at dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2020. The new Sorento is assembled at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia in West Point alongside the Telluride and K5.

How Long Is The Sorento’s Warranty?

Kia’s bumper-to-bumper warranty is five years/60,000 miles with a 10-year/100,000-mile coverage period on the powertrain. Our full review of Kia’s warranty will give you a better understanding of what is and isn’t covered.

2021 Kia Sorento SX. Photo: Kia Motors America.2021 Kia Sorento: Engine & Powertrain

Four different powertrain options are available for the new Kia Sorento. Three of them will hit the market right away. The Turbo Plug-In Hybrid will follow in 2021.

2.5-Liter GDI Four-Cylinder

FWD or AWDEight-speed automatic transmission191 horsepower and 182 lb-ft. of torqueAWD system uses torque-vectoring (with center-locking differential)Estimated 27 combined mpg (two mpg increase over previous Sorento)2.5-Liter GDI Four-Cylinder Turbo

FWD or AWD281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft. of torqueEight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission3,500 lbs. of towing capability when properly equippedEstimated 25 combined mpg (three mpg increase over previous V6 Sorento)Fun Fact: With this engine, the 2021 Sorento has more torque than the larger Telluride.

1.6-Liter GDI 4-Cylinder Turbo Hybrid

FWD227 horsepowerSix-speed automatic transmissionFive kWh battery with a 44 kW electric motorEstimated 655 miles of combined driving rangeEstimated 39/35 city/highway and 37 combined mpg1.6-Liter GDI 4-Cylinder Turbo Plug-In Hybrid

AWD261 horsepowerSix-speed automatic transmissionEstimated 30-mile all-electric rangeEight kWh battery with 66.9 kW electric motor Will arrive in 2021 (Kia did not specify an exact date)2021 Kia Sorento X-Line. Photo: Kia Motors America.Essential Foundations: Safety & Security

The foundation for the 2021 Sorento is Kia’s new N3 architecture. This N3 platform is lighter and more robust when compared to a 2020 Sorento. Benefits of the new platform include an increased wheelbase (1.4 inches) for more interior space, an overall weight reduction (119 lbs.) for better fuel economy, and the ability to accommodate all of the different powertrains listed above.

The most valuable benefits, however, will likely come in terms of safety. The N3 platform incorporates multi-load pathways to redistribute crash energy (during an accident) away from the occupants. Additionally, the new N3 platform provides the 2021 Sorento with a slightly higher tensile strength versus the 2020 model. While the higher tensile strength will transition to better ride and handling, there are benefits when it comes to protecting drivers and passengers. High-strength steel architectures are essential for vehicle safety in general, and the 2021 Sorento makes improvements here versus the 2020 model.

The N3 platform also supports the 16 different advanced safety features in the Kia Drive Wise package. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and Rear Occupant Alert are all standard. Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (Parallel Exit), Passenger Safe Exit Assist, and a Blind View Monitor are optional. Among our favorite features is the Surround View Monitor, which utilizes four cameras to provide a 360-degree look around the vehicle when parking or backing out.

2021 Kia Sorento X-Line interior layout. Photo: Kia Motors America. 2021 Kia Sorento: Interior Treatments

Depending on the trim level, the Kia Sorento is available with metal texture inlays or open-pore inlays, bright satin finishes, and a leather embossed quit pattern for the seats. The air vents, especially around the center screen, were inspired by dumbells at the gym.

The new Kia Sorento is a treasure trove of technology with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the UVO link telematics system. An eight-inch touchscreen display is standard, while a 10.25-inch screen is optional. The 10.25-inch unit adds haptic feedback buttons and the ability to pair two phones simultaneously via Bluetooth. A wireless charging pad, additional USB ports, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system are optional.

2021 Kia Sorento Gallery

Photos & Source: Kia Motors America.
Original article: 2021 Kia Sorento: An In-Depth Walk Around This Sporty New SUV

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Letter From The UK: Ford & The Farm Shop

Letter From The UK: Ford & The Farm Shop Are today’s cars nothing more than technologically-advanced covered wagons?
As our perspectives change with time, what role does the modern car play in our lives?
Geoff Maxted of DriveWrite Automotive Magazine examines in this Letter From The UK.
‘Quaint’ is an old Middle-England word that once meant wise or skillful but, since around the 18th Century, has come to mean oddly picturesque or pleasing in an old fashioned way. Why, you ask, this lesson in Olde English?
Well, that’s the kind of pedantic, semantic guy I am and because it is relevant to this Letter From The UK.
Surveying The Land
Quaint then used to describe Great Britain as it once was. Sadly, the past is a foreign country; they do things differently there*. There is, alas, not much that is quaint about the UK today. Thankfully though the seeker of calm can still discover some pockets of blissful quaintness; quiet, sleepy villages, and lush countryside of great beauty where the only distraction is birdsong.
This is the land where British traditions survive and maintain.
Among the most popular is the traditional farm shop; and they are just like they used to be in olden times, with locally-grown produce only now, of course, they’ve gone organic. With few exceptions these farms are not conveniently served by public transport. Ideally horseback is how we should do it, but these days we Brits prefer our personal iron transport of many horses: we go by car. Which finally brings me clumsily to the point: how we value cars today as a means to an end.
Automoblog’s Geoff Maxted often travels the English countryside road testing vehicles. This time around, it’s the Ford Focus Active. Photo: Geoff Maxted.
Ford Focus Active
If a car is called an Active it seems only right to do active things. This is not something that comes naturally to this writer, but Ford don’t make a car called The Sedentary. The Ford Focus Active then is a regular Focus, dressed as a crossover with hints of added SUV-style for lovers of the outdoor life. The UK TV campaign shows it in perhaps a more versatile estate car (station wagon) format, but the featured car here is the hatchback version and very good it is too; especially since this 2019 model (fourth-generation) Focus, launched in Europe and China last year, was awarded the maximum five stars for safety, thanks to a full complement of the latest safety equipment.
Sadly, America, you cannot have this car. You have to make do with the still very good but ageing third-generation model. In August 2018, Ford announced the cancellation of plans to import the new Chinese-built Focus crossover to America, citing tariff concerns. As a result, the fourth-generation model is not available in the United States after Ford decided to not manufacture the Focus domestically for the U.S. market as they did with the previous model.
Bad luck; it’s a great car. Still America made us wait for over 50 years for a right-hand drive Mustang so, hey; what goes around comes around.
During a road test, one works up an appetite, so stopping at a local farm shop in the English countryside is a must. Photo: Geoff Maxted.
Family First
It’s the latest Ford in a new family of Active crossover models inspired by sport utility vehicles. As mentioned, the Focus Active is available in spacious five-door hatchback and estate body styles with rugged exterior styling, a raised ride-height, and a bespoke chassis configuration to retain those class-leading Focus driving dynamics. Thrown into the mix we have added rough-road ability and a higher driving position for more confident urban and highway driving.
It is a car that puts the family first yet won’t disappoint the keen driver with its sharp steering and traditionally good Focus handling.
The Oily Bits: Chassis & Drive Modes
The Focus Active features, we learn, unique springs, dampers, stabiliser bars, and front and rear knuckle geometries. This along with a ride-height raised 30mm (approx one foot) at the front front, and 34mm at the rear (over the standard car) means added ground clearance and a high hip-point on the seats that makes access easy. Just step in.
With 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with sturdy, higher-profile 215/55 R17 tyres (in Europe) as standard, like all the other Focus models, this car has Normal, Sport, and Eco selectable drive modes. In addition, the Active also comes with a ‘Slippery’ mode, which adjusts the electronic stability and traction control settings for increased confidence on surfaces with reduced grip such as mud, snow, and ice. Further, there’s a ‘Trail’ mode, which helps maintain momentum on soft surfaces such as sand. This adjusts the anti-lock braking to allow for greater wheel slip and configures traction control to allow higher wheel spin that cleans sand, snow or mud from the tyres.
Blessedly, there was no opportunity to try it on snow, but on gravel farm tracks it worked a treat. Ideal if full-blown four-wheel drive seems over the top which for most users, it is.
Photo: Geoff Maxted.
The Oily Bits: Engine & Fuel Economy
The test car was powered by a 1.5L EcoBlue Start/Stop diesel engine with emissions of only 110g/km, driving through an eight-speed auto with paddle shifts. Don’t believe the negative hype, the latest crop of diesel engines are fine. Otherwise there’s another diesel option or two petrol variants of which the 1.0L three-cylinder EcoBoost is a standout unit. With 118bhp, the Active won’t leave a trail of burning tarmac behind it but the engine does deliver more than adequate power for brisk acceleration.
We saw 50 mpg on test and that’s with putting the car through its paces, on and off the road.
On The Inside
Inside the updated cabin, which is typically Ford, a leather steering wheel and bright elements on the dashboard and door panels, plus Active scuff plates on the sills, all deliver a high-quality feel. The high-bolstered seats are trimmed with distinctive Active cloth and are very, very comfortable, even over long distances and on rough terrain. There’s tons of leg room and the usual array of technology, including navigation and a reversing camera.
Maybe one day Ford USA will relent or tariffs will be reduced because overall this is a fine car.
The Ford Focus Active is the perfect car to take you off the beaten path. Photo: Geoff Maxted.
Changing Times
The Focus Active is also a prime example of this topic: the recent news that the European Union (and the UK depending upon what happens with Brexit and don’t ask) is planning to legislate that all new cars built in or for European consumption from 2022 will have speed limiters fitted to a maximum of 70 mph. Not entirely sure about either our personal privacy and freedoms or indeed what Ferrari and the like will think of that but it is probably likely to happen.
Sorry future drivers, fast cars are out. The car as lifestyle transport is in and to some extent already explains the public’s on-going love affair with the SUV. So our cars henceforth become simply a mode of transport to further our working day and our leisure time. In frontier parlance, they are the modern-day covered wagon, the Romany caravan, the omnibus of the future.
That’s what the Ford Focus Active is and what soon all cars will be. It moves people at their leisure to places that sell fresh vegetables and fruits and all manner of sturdy clothing without unduly polluting the atmosphere or upsetting the country folk. Ford did an excellent job with this car and its all-round usability is to be commended; but, sorry, you’ll have to take my word for that.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite
* Courtesy L.P. Hartley

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2019 VW Arteon: Tremendous Value But Will It Actually Sell?

2019 VW Arteon: Tremendous Value But Will It Actually Sell? The 2019 VW Arteon arrives at dealerships this month.
Front-wheel drive models start at $35,845; $37,645 for all-wheel drive.
VW says the Arteon combines the space of a sedan with the design of a coupe.
So they’re really making this thing? “This thing” being the 2019 VW Arteon, a top-of-the-line, all bells and whistles halo car VW seems to think everyone wants. Every so often, VW does something like this. They made a Passat with half of a Veyron engine, a W8, 15 years ago. They made this big luxo sedan, the Phaeton, a couple of years after that. Nobody bought them. Why? A couple of good, solid reasons.
So what makes Volkswagen think it’s going to work this time around with the 2019 Arteon?
Lessons Learned?
Near as I could tell, the W8 Passat and the W12 Phaeton failed to hit sales targets for two main reasons. One, when something went wrong with either of those engines (and sooner or later, something always did), it’s like you had to suddenly write a check for a new sailboat. And two, why buy a top-of-the-line VW loaded with every possible performance and luxury feature on the planet, when, for a few dollars more, you could buy nearly the same thing from BMW or Mercedes-Benz or Audi – shoot, Audis are pretty much Volkswagens already!
But whatever, VW does not seem concerned with those questions, but they do seem concerned with people knowing about the Arteon.
2019 VW Arteon. Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Value Proposition
So here we are. The Arteon (I will not make a comment on that name, no I will not) is loaded down with every high-tech means to move you, stop you, change directions for you and, in the meantime, keep you warm and dry and safe and happy. VW says the Arteon will do this for . . . holy smokes, this thing only costs $36,000?! That’s nuts. That’s about what an Audi A4 goes for, and the Arteon has all the features of an A8 (okay, an A6 at least).
In other words, VW is going down the same road it did with the W8 Passat and W12 Phaeton; lots of bang for your buck, but nobody bought them.
Here’s what you get for that $36,000 starting price (they top out around $45,000 for the full-zoot model). There are three trim levels: the SE, SEL, and SEL Premium. Even the “base” SE has most anything a modern luxo-barge buyer would want these days.
The performance-inspired R-Line package, with its more sporty treatments, is available on every trim level. Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
2019 VW Arteon SE
The front-wheel drive Arteon SE, starting at $35,845, features a 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged TSI engine. Not very impressive in the engine department, sure, but everything else is. For an extra two grand you can get an Arteon SE with 4Motion all-wheel drive. Standard exterior goodies include 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED headlights and taillights, a chrome grille, and dual trapezoidal exhaust tips.
On the inside, the SE has leatherette seating surfaces, heated front seats with 12-way power adjust, and four-way lumbar support. Keyless access with push-button start fires the whole thing off, and there’s three-zone automatic climate control for when you’re underway. The SE also comes with a leather-wrapped and multi-function steering wheel, rearview camera, rain-sensing wipers, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The brushed metallic décor bits are all over the place, along with stainless-steel door sills and pedal caps.
There’s tons of multimedia stuff crammed into the dash: an eight-inch Composition Media infotainment system with SiriusXM, Bluetooth connectivity (of course), two USB ports, and eight speakers. Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink. Standard driver assist features include Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert.
And all that stuff is in the “entry-level” SE!
2019 VW Arteon interior layout. Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Related: An in-depth look at the 2019 VW Arteon.
2019 VW Arteon SEL & Premium
VW ups the game with the Arteon SEL, which starts at $39,995 for front-wheel drive; $41,795 for all-wheel drive, neither of which are unreasonable. The standard LED headlights now have an Adaptive Front-lighting System. There’s a panoramic sunroof, power-folding mirrors with memory, remote start, Nappa leather seating surfaces, and ambient lighting. This time, it’s an eight-inch Discover Media infotainment system with navigation and a 12.3-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit display.
There’s also Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go along for the ride.
At the top of the heap, we have the Arteon SEL Premium starting at $44,945. The SEL Premium, riding on 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, is only available with all-wheel drive. The interior receives a heated steering wheel, paddle shifters, ventilated front seats with a massaging driver’s seat, heated rear seats, and again, brushed aluminum décor all over the place. The 700-watt Dynaudio stereo with 12 speakers should be loud enough to make even Nikki Sixx want to turn it down.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
A Great Vehicle Indeed
So yes, the new Volkswagen Arteon is an amazing car, loaded down with features you’d expect in something costing twice as much. And yes, the 2019 VW Arteon would be the smart choice concerning cost versus value. But no, VW probably won’t end up selling enough of them. More’s the pity. They seem like great cars.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
2019 VW Arteon Gallery

Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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Automoblog Book Garage: Boss Mustang: 50 Years

Automoblog Book Garage: Boss Mustang: 50 Years Of all the legendary names in the history of the Ford Mustang, one stands apart: Boss.
Mustang Historian Donald Farr takes us on a pony car journey in Boss Mustang: 50 Years.
Our Book Garage series features the books every gearhead and enthusiast needs in their library.
You know, one of the things about car books, is that if they’re of a certain ilk (e.g. coffee table books – and Boss Mustang: 50 Years is nearly one of those) it’s really hard to see anything new in them. It seems, if you’ve spent years staring into car books, as I have, there’s the same pictures over and over again.
There is nothing new under the sun.
You get to feeling very Ecclesiastical.
Not Your Normal Coffee Table Affair
Boss Mustang: 50 Years, written by this fellow named Donald Farr, is nearly a coffee table book, like I said. It’s kind of largish in format (one giveaway) and it is loaded with pictures (another tell in the coffee table book game). And that is where the similarity ends. This is actually a good book, all around. Oh sure, if you’re a Mustang person or a Ford fan, then this book is pretty much a gimme for your library. But if you like racing in the 1960s, automotive history, or just like cars in general, you will probably end up buying this book.
Originally meant to homologate the new Boss 302 engine and option package for SCCA Trans-Am racing, the Mustang Boss 302 debuted in 1969, being built in limited numbers for the street through 1970. Farr, a renowned Ford historian and Ford hall-of-fame inductee, spent time interviewing the designers and engineers who were closest to the Boss in preparation for the book.
In other words, not only is there the occasional new shot here and there, the whole thing is pretty in-depth.
Boss Mustang: 50 Years, chapter 9 cover photo. Designed by Larry Shinoda, the Boss cars easily stood out from their less potent stablemates. Race-bred powerplants, a standard front spoiler, and bold graphics were all Boss signatures. Photo: Donald Farr.
Boss Mustang: 50 Years: One Fine Spread
99 percent of the single car books out there; books with titles like The Samparo Super-Squid: Making of a True Legend and a Genuine Myth, are usually short on prose poems and very long on large-format glamor shots. Boss Mustang: 50 Years, although having few prose poems within, is not some lightweight faire you buy for your nephew who’s “into cars.”
It tips the scales at 176 pages and is slightly larger than a sheet of printer paper. Hardback, of course. Speaking of, the paper they use is rather nice, as are the fonts, layout, color choices, and all that sort of technical printing stuff. There’s whitespace, but not too much; the captions are well-written and easy to figure out which one goes with which shot. (Without having to resort to using numbers or other remedial methods for the navigationally and deductively inept).
Boss Mustang: 50 Years, page 43. With its Trans-Am characteristics, the 1969 Boss 302 Mustang established a new performance image for Ford. Street and track modifications were common. This one, for example, has a lowered suspension and wider tires. Photo: Randy Ream.
Mountain King
It’s easy to tell that Farr both knows his subject and loves his subject. This is to be expected but, what over the top praise there is, is not distracting. This is a book about the development, manufacturing, and racing of Ford’s Boss Mustang. What do you expect him to say: “Yeah, good car, but overall, pretty much a wash between it and a Camaro.”
No, the Mustang is clearly a better car for this ilk, but it’s also pleasantly apparent that Farr doesn’t think the Mustang lives at the top of the mountain; just at the top of his mountain. Farr, by the by, is an editor at Mustang Monthly and has written a bunch of other Ford and pony-car related books.
In Boss Mustang: 50 Years, what Farr is really after, is a complete history of the pony car, from its late 1960s origin in Ford’s boardroom, to its Trans-Am successes, and then untimely demise in 1970.
Boss Mustang: 50 Years, chapter 6 cover photo. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Hidden Treasures
As you would expect, the book is thorough, without bogging you down with “inside baseball” stuff; like 369-page chapters on VIN codes and junk like that. Farr does give out specs, both relevant and fan-oriented. For instance, did you know that in 1969 there were 850 Boss Mustangs made? Sure, I bet some of you do. But do you know how many came in Wimbledon White? Royal Maroon?
Or how about this: do you know how many Ford made in Silver Jade? One. One! And get this: It was a factory painting mistake that was finished as a 429, then shipped to a Ford dealer in Colorado in 1970.
It is my truly fond wish that, right about now, there’s an old guy showing his grandson around a barn outside Greeley or Leadville or some place by Oak Creek and the kid asks, “why is that car a funny green color, grandpa?”
Boss Mustang: 50 Years, page 30. In 1969, the Boss 302 Mustang came in just four colors: Bright Yellow, Calypso Coral, Acapulco Blue, and Wimbledon White. Photo: Billy Jay Espich.
Big Boss Man
The book is split about 50/50 between the classic, 1960s Mustangs and the newer ones that received the Boss moniker about 40 years later. There’s a really nice development section about Ford’s refining (and refining and refining) of the reborn Boss. They didn’t just slap some stickers on it, grab a truck exhaust out of the parts bin, and call it good.
Ford doesn’t mess around and Farr shows this in detail.
Although a modern car maker today, Ford was resurrecting a beloved family name. If they went with a “good enough” approach, fans would have noticed. Ford eventually made them and sold them and raced them; and there was much rejoicing in Mustang clubs throughout the land. I rejoiced myself when I saw the heading on page 139 that read “Racing Improves The Breed,” something I have been saying for years.
That section of chapter 12 deals with the frustrations the Boss team faced on the track at the time.
Boss Mustang: 50 Years, page 158. This 2013 Boss 302 Mustang is making full use of its 444 “ponies” on the track. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
An Extra Resource
At the end there’s some nice appendices with tech specs and bibliographies and such. Better to put them there. You know where to find them (if a bench racing discussion is in full swing) because they don’t clutter up the body of the written content. All in all, this is a good book for your coffee table.
Boss Mustang: 50 Years is published by Motorbooks and, at the time of this writing, retails for $40.00.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.

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2019 Volvo V60 Review: Quick, Versatile & Safe

2019 Volvo V60 Review: Quick, Versatile & Safe 93Solid 2019 Volvo V60 T6Overall Impression More fun than it looks.Good safety ratings/features.ProsVersatile Sleek DesignComfortable CabinConsSensus Interface Rear Passenger RoomVolvo has a range of family-friendly vehicles that are stylish, safe, and technologically-advanced. Offerings like the 2019 Volvo V60 are much different than the old boxy wagons of the past. However, the Swedish automaker is still one of the best if safety is your number one concern. Volvo remains one of the industry leaders in this area, and has loaded the new V60 with plenty of safety features.
This week, we drove the 2019 Volvo V60 T6 Momentum with all-wheel drive.
What’s New For 2019
The Volvo V60 is fully redesigned for the 2019 model year. The new V60 is built on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture, which underpins 90 and 60 Series models. The more sporty R-Design and the more luxurious Inscription trims are available for 2019.
Features & Options: Convenience & Safety
Standard features for the base Momentum T6 ($43,400) include 18-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights, automatic high beams, heated and rain-sensing wipers, roof rails, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. On the inside, drivers receive dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated 10-way power-adjustable front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Among the convenience features: keyless ignition, a hands-free liftgate, rearview camera, power-folding rear headrests, and power-split-folding rear seats with a center pass-through.
Tech features include the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. Bluetooth connectivity, streaming audio, satellite radio, and two USB ports each pair well with the 10-speaker audio system.
Volvo’s standard City Safety technology detects other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals like moose and deer, and can engage auto-braking to mitigate oncoming collisions. City Safety will also avoid or mitigate collisions with oncoming vehicles at intersections. Other safety features include steering support, oncoming lane mitigation, lane keeping aid, and run-off road protection. The Pilot Assist system, which supports drivers with steering, acceleration, and braking on well-marked roads up to 80 mph, also receives an update.
This tester came with the optional FOUR-C active chassis ($1,000) and 19-inch alloy wheels ($800). Total MSRP including destination: $46,195. By comparison, the 2019 Volvo V60 starts at $38,900 for the T5 front-wheel drive; $43,400 for the T6 all-wheel drive.

Related: An in-depth look at Volvo’s safety technology.
Interior Highlights: More Connectivity, But Less Intuitive
The Momentum may be the base trim, but it still features a stylish interior with premium materials. The overall ambiance is one of understated luxury, accompanied by some Swedish flair. Interior standouts include the heated leather seats and steering wheel, the panoramic sunroof, and automatic climate control. We especially liked the Art Deco aluminum inlays that give the cabin a more upscale feel.
Volvo improved the Sensus infotainment system for 2019. The quicker response times are necessary if you’re going to make use of the many entertainment applications like Spotify, Pandora, Baidu, and TuneIn. While the updates and increase in connectivity are welcome, we thought the tablet-style Sensus system wasn’t as intuitive as other vehicles we’ve tested.
The front seats are very comfortable in the 2019 Volvo V60. However, the middle seat in the rear has a high floor, which means passengers sitting there will have limited foot room. Volvo did increase overall cargo space; the V60 now has 23.2 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are upright; 50.9 cubic feet with the back row folded. The 40/20/40-split design makes the best use of the space available and offers some flexibility for carrying additional cargo.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The new V60 comes with a 2.0-liter, in-line four Drive-E engine paired to an eight-speed automatic. With its traverse all-wheel drive layout, the V60 T6 creates 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque via bi-charging. The supercharger on top of the turbo makes this a quick family hauler! In fact, with this engine, the V60 hits 60 mph in under six seconds. EPA fuel-mileage estimates come in at 21/31 city/highway and 25 combined mpg.
The T5 variant features an in-line four with a turbo only. With front-wheel drive, fuel economy improves to 24/36 city/highway and 28 combined mpg, although horsepower drops to 250.
Regardless of the weather, the 2019 Volvo V60 provides a feeling confidence and security, as the wagon is solid and quiet on the road.
Driving Dynamics: More Enjoyable Than It Looks
The 2019 Volvo V60 provides the convenience and utility of a hatchback, but the dynamics of a sedan. The V60 is fun to drive, and if we didn’t know it was a wagon, it would have fooled us into thinking it was a sports car. The 2.0-liter bi-charged engine has plenty of power, making it fun for the daily commute. The selectable drive modes add to the enjoyment.
Furthermore, the all-wheel drive T6 is a good choice for those who live on rough or unpaved roads, and in cold and snowy climates. It handled well in the snow and ice we encountered this week in the Denver area.
Perhaps most importantly for families, the Volvo V60 was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Throughout the city and around the steeper mountain curves, the big disc brakes on all four corners brought us to a quick stop when needed. But knowing Volvo’s City Safe system can detect larger animals, we had extra peace of mind traveling through the less populated areas outside of Denver.

The 2019 #Volvo V60 provides the convenience and utility of a hatchback, but the dynamics of a sedan.Click To TweetConclusion: Good Choice Overall
For young, active families who don’t need a ton of cargo space, the 2019 Volvo V60 is a good choice. You can take this wagon through the snow and the cabin is comfortable and quiet. Overall, despite it being a wagon, we would rate the driving experience on the high side, an added bonus if you’re an enthusiast.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his firsthand reviews are archived on our test drives page. Follow Denis on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Volvo V60 Gallery

Photos: Volvo Car USA, LLC. (Additional models and trim levels shown).

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AutoSens Returning To Detroit: Conference Plays Vital Role In Autonomous Tech

AutoSens Returning To Detroit: Conference Plays Vital Role In Autonomous Tech AutoSens, a leading and influential global summit on autonomous driving, is returning to Detroit.
Technical sessions and presentations from from Microsoft, Sony, General Motors, and MIT are planned.
AutoSens takes aim at the biggest challenges facing autonomous driving by encouraging collaboration.
Not long ago, self-driving cars were figments of science fiction; the ideal centerpiece of a quasi-Utopian yet technologically-advanced society in the far away future. For over a century, we humans have piloted our own automobiles to theaters and bookstores alike to indulge our imaginations with these stories of a distant time. Yet, the reality is different. Self-driving cars? “Not in my lifetime,” one might say.
But you’d be surprised what you might see in your lifetime.
Big Dreams & Grand Visions
Autonomous cars are no longer science fiction but science fact. They are coming to our roads; it’s only a matter of time. However, the decisions we make now as an industry beforehand are vitally important. Because once they’re here, they’re here. And consumers are already skeptical of the technology. We either get it right now or we pay a substantial price in the long run. Indeed, there are many concerns, from the supply chain and infrastructure, to the legal and financial. Yet the biggest should be this: if our autonomous cars miscalculate, someone dies.
When our goals, as an industry, include zero traffic fatalities, it’s not hard to see why right now matters. And one of the best ways to achieve such a remarkable goal? By working with and learning from each other.
Content & Collaboration
These are central themes of AutoSens, and why it remains the world’s most influential summit on autonomous driving. When AutoSens returns to Detroit on May 14th, the conference will explore the biggest challenges facing autonomous cars. By combining cutting-edge academic research, industry R&D, and OEM insights, AutoSens is an invaluable resource for the engineering community.
“Engineers can ‘take the boxing gloves off’ for three days and just be engineers and scientists working on shared challenges and pursuing high-quality technical work,” said Robert Stead, Managing Director, Sense Media, the parent company of AutoSens. “We strive for high-quality technical presentations at AutoSens every year, so all attendees will go back to their office or lab with some new solutions, food for thought, or novel information.”
Organizers say returning to Detroit is essential when it comes to facilitating those types of outcomes.
“From sensors to software; systems to simulation, hardware, testing and services; there’s plenty to see over the three days,” Stead continued. “Detroit has the dual advantage of its history and future potential; recent developments combined with the scale of the existing automotive expertise in the region makes it the perfect melting pot for discussions driving the future of automotive product development.”
Cognitive scientist Dr. Mónica López-González, Co-Founder and Scientific & Artistic Director of La Petite Noiseuse Productions, speaking at AutoSens Detroit last year. Photo: Alex Hartman for Sense Media.
Robust Agenda
The Michigan Science Center will host AutoSens Detroit for the second year with another robust agenda. Highlights include the opening plenary with presentations from the U.S. Highway Loss Data Institute on the impact of current ADAS technologies on road safety. Technical workshops include a session from Osram about infra-red sensing and a hands-on demonstration from 3M regarding material-sensor interaction systems. Microsoft will host a tutorial on the Robot Operating System, while DeepScale will present energy-efficient approaches to autonomous driving.
“The technical presentations focus on these topics, but we also cover the wider issues facing development of ADAS and autonomous vehicles in the conference plenary sessions that open and close the event,” Stead said. “This might include the regulatory, financial, or legal context for the development of vehicle perception systems.”
“I would say the biggest challenge for people is trying to understand the different technologies,” explained Phil Magney, Founder and Principal Advisor, VSI Labs, during AutoSens Detroit last year. “This conference has been good for us because we meet like-minded people that are facing similar challenges; we talk, we exchange our views, and we learn from each other.”
During a past AutoSens event in Brussels, Belgium, Senior Applications Engineer Edel Cashman (right) from SensL Technologies demonstrates how the company’s sensors can be utilized for LiDAR applications. Photo: Sense Media, © Bernal Revert/BR&U.
Going Deeper
Those curious to learn more about the inner-workings of an autonomous car will be in good company. For example, the Detroit Autonomous Vehicles Group is planning a hackathon for future engineers to learn the basics of self-driving cars. As is common at AutoSens, attendees can see how an autonomous car works, piece by piece.
“By this we mean the sensors, cables, processors, other hardware and software that give a vehicle’s computer a picture of its environment so it can make decisions,” Stead explained. “These technologies are applied in many currently available road-going models, but they are also used in R&D for more advanced systems that will hit the market in the future, including fully autonomous vehicles.”
“We wanted to talk to the sensor companies because cars are getting a larger chunk of sensors now, especially for advanced driver assistance systems, autonomous applications, and for next-generation cockpits,” said Soshun Arai, Director of ADAS and Automated Driving Platform Strategy for the company. Arai and his team attended AutoSens Detroit last year to look more specifically at the individual components that affect their overall business.
“We came to AutoSens because we wanted to understand the technology and trends of sensors,” he said.
Attendees sit in during one of the many technical presentations that took place at AutoSens Detroit last year. The conference will return to the Michigan Science Center beginning on May 14th. Photo: Alex Hartman for Sense Media.
For Engineers, By Engineers
Keynote for AutoSens Detroit this year is Ed Bernardon, VP of Strategic Automotive Initiatives at Siemens. Bernardon will examine how autonomous technology will impact the future of transportation. In preparation, he and his team interviewed experts working on 3D-printed autonomous shuttles, intelligent traffic systems, and even flying cars. In addition, technical presentations from General Motors, Changan, Aptiv, Daimler, NVIDIA, Valeo, Sony, and TomTom are planned. Academic sessions include those hosted by Wayne State University, University of South Carolina, and MIT.
“AutoSens exists simply to support and help engineers and scientists, and when we hear stories from attendees about the new people they met, the things they learned, the business connections made – that’s what keeps us motivated,” Stead said. “It’s about creating a meeting place and community that can be a catalyst for others, in their pursuit of good science.”
For conference organizers, sometimes it’s about what attendees won’t experience.
“I’ve run more conferences than I can remember during my 14-year career in this sector, and sadly I’ve seen some of them suffer from an overly protective and pushy sales approach,” Stead continued. “I can understand the individual motivations for this, but it’s counterproductive at learning and networking events like this.”
“It’s a great community and we are very happy to be part of this ecosystem; it’s an excellent event,” added Paul Fleck, Founder of Dataspeed.
Dataspeed Founder Paul Fleck (black shirt, jacket, middle) talks with AutoSens Detroit attendees in May 2018. Dataspeed showcased the company’s ADAS Kit which helps engineers maximize their development of autonomous systems in the field. Fleck, an engineer himself, lost a loved one in an auto accident. The experience led him to develop technology he believes will save lives. Photo: Alex Hartman for Sense Media.
Tickets, Location & More Information
AutoSens Detroit 2019 begins on Tuesday, May 14th at the Michigan Science Center and runs through the 16th. Organizers say they are happy to see so many returning exhibitors alongside plenty of new brands. A demonstration event is also planned for the 14th, where attendees can take laps in vehicles equipped with autonomous technology.
Tickets, including discount packages for females in the engineering community, are available now.
“AutoSens is all about nurturing the global community of bright minds who are driving forward this revolution in automotive,” Stead said. “A truly international audience will assemble in downtown Detroit to collaborate and learn from each other’s experiences, meet new people, and catch up with old friends.”
Carl Anthony 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. Before returning to school, he simultaneously held product development and experiential marketing roles in the automotive industry.

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