Uber ignores California's grounding of self-driving Volvo XC90s tests
Uber hasn’t even completed a week of live testing of its fleet of completely-autonomous Volvo XC90s and they’re already in deep doo-doo.
What’s going on?
Uber has been hitting the headlines with the launch of its first wave of self-driving, completely autonomous Volvo XC90s in San Francisco for a series of real-world tests. It hasn’t been a full week since the cars began testing and already they’re causing trouble.
It all started when a video surfaced on the web of a self-driving Uber XC90 clearly running a redlight sometime last week. Since then, California regulators and the DMV called for a complete grounding of the XC90 fleets. However, Uber isn’t complying and thus has yet to pull the XC90s from the road.
Uh oh, that doesn’t sound good. What are California regulators saying?
Because of the clear video showing the Uber XC90s are still problematic and a safety hazard, the California Attorney General’s office threatened legal action if Uber doesn’t ground the fleet.
The letter was sent later Friday, demanding Uber to apply for the proper permits to allow for continued testing of its XC90s. The permits need to be supplied by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
However, Uber contested these demands claiming its cars feature technology that’s no different than the equipment used on other advanced driver-assistance systems. As a result, the fleet of self-driving XC90s do not need those permits to continue testing.
But Momma California says otherwise…
According to California’s Vehicle Code Section 38750, the DMV amended new legislature regulating the testing and public use of autonomous cars on California’s public roads. Because of these clear statues, the DMV issued a cease-and-desist letter to Uber on Dec. 14 under this code.
But Uber argues that code section only applies to fully-autonomous vehicles with no steering wheel, no pedals, or human driver. The XC90s are still XC90s, just with a bunch of autonomous tech on it.
The debacle is ongoing.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: USAToday
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Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2i9KUJU
The 2017 Lamborghini Aventador S is a not-so-extreme SV
Think of it as the Lamborghini Aventador S without the V.
What’s going on?
Lamborghinis are pretty rambunctious and it’s hard to imagine how much more ridiculous they could get. How does more power, more aerodynamics, and more performances sound?
With the 2017 Lamborghini Aventador S, that’s exactly what you get. But you don’t get as much performances as the SuperVeloce. That’s not necessarily a bad thing if the the Aventador SV is just a little too much Aventador for you. Instead, the Aventador S is basically like a SuperVeloce without the Veloce.
Ok. So how much more power are we talking?
The 6.5L naturally-aspirated V12 already offers a whopping 690hp and 508 lb-ft of torque for a 0-60 time of just 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 220 mph. Because the Aventador S essentially gets the SV’s revised V12, that means power jumps up to 740hp with torque remaining the same as the regular car. The SV’s mill however gets a higher redline as well. But interestingly, the zip to 62 mph still takes around 2.8-2.9 seconds.
All that extra power but not that much more performance…what else is new with the Aventador S?
To match the extra power, the body gets slightly reworked to serve up more downforce at speed for better stability and handling. Additionally, “overall efficiency” is claimed to increase by 50 percent. Downforce at the front increases by 130 percent and a stunning 400 percent at the rear.
Also new is an active four-wheel steering system, which is new for the Aventador. During low speed maneuvers, the rear wheels can steer in the opposite direction as the front for a better turning radius. When traveling at faster speeds, the system reverses its actions to improve high-speed handling.
How much will this Aventador S cost?
A lot of money, as you can imagine. Prices for the 2017 Lamborghini Aventador S start at $421,350. Check enough boxes on the options list and you’ll pass $500,000 very easily.
Deliveries are scheduled to commence in spring of 2017.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: Lamborghini
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Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2iepC9Y
2017 NAIAS Teaser: The new 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, this is almost it
The next-gen Chevrolet Traverse should predictably be a more value-oriented version of the GMC Acadia, like the outgoing model.
What’s going on?
The Chevrolet Traverse has been with us for a very long time. In fact, it’s been with us for so long (since 2009), people seemed to have forgotten about it since it’s so stale. But now, Chevrolet is finally getting around to revealing the second gen model.
And they just released a teaser to confirm its pending arrival.
Oooo…so Chevy’s replacing it’s rental-destined Traverse. Will it be all-new?
Yes! It will be all-new and like the current Traverse, it should essentially be a Chevrolet version of the GMC Acadia since they’re basically cousins. They come from the same platform.
The outgoing model rides on the GM Lambda platform, an enlarged and heavily modified version of the GM Epsilon platform, which is also shared with previous versions of the Chevrolet Malibu. Now, GM has an all-new Epsilon platform out and it currently underpins the latest Cadillac XT5 and the all-new GMC Acadia.
What will power it?
So far, as with every teaser, all the details are currently being withheld. That is, until Chevrolet reveals the new car at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: Chevrolet
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Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2h95316
GM halts production for cars from heavy crossover SUV demand
Like you’ve never heard us tout how popular crossovers are before…
What’s going on?
Crossovers! “Oh jeeze…” Yea. I know what you’re thinking. We get it. They’re popular. I get it too.
But this is how crazy it can get. Car demand is so slow for General Motors, multiple reports indicate the Big Three’s General had to put a stop on various assembly lines. The reason: the demand for crossovers is just too damn high!
According to AutomotiveNews and The Detroit News with info provided by Autodata, GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck, Fairfax, Lansing Grand River, Lordstown, and Bowling Green will all hit the stop button on everything for several week periods.
That’s a lot of plant locations. What cars are affected?
Here’s a quick list of what each plant builds:
- Detroit-Hamtramck Facility to shut down for three weeks, builds:
- Buick LaCrosse
- Cadillac CT6
- Chevrolet Volt
- Chevrolet Impala
- Fairfax, Kansas to shut down for three weeks, builds:
- Chevrolet Malibu
- Lansing Grand River to shut down to for two weeks, builds:
- Cadillac ATS
- Cadillac CTS
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Lordstown, Ohio to shut down for one week, builds:
- Chevrolet Cruze
- Bowling Green, Kentucky to shut down for one week, builds:
- Chevrolet Corvette
Currently, an overstock issue is a larger issue for the company with many vehicles still heavy in supply. There simply is no more room to store inventory.
On the flip side, crossover and truck supply is lower than company standards because dealers can’t keep those on the lots. The lower gas prices in recent years stimulated crossover, SUV, and truck sales over more fuel-efficient alternatives.
To try and coax more buyers into the showrooms, GM will soon begin offering more incentives and discounts.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: AutomotiveNews, The Detroit News
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Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2hO57nL
The 2018 Honda Odyssey will enter a new generation in Detroit
Actually, the real teaser of the next-gen 2018 Honda Odyssey is after the jump.
What’s going on?
Honda’s on the verge of revealing an all-new Odyssey for 2018, just as we’re all on the verge of celebrating the holiday season at its peak on top of a new year. To make sure we’re aware, the company teased the new model by having some children of the Odyssey team members draw up some sketches of what’ll most likely be their next space shuttle.
Watch out current auto designers–these kids have a bright future in auto design!
The current Odyssey minivan has been with us since 2011 and is pretty much due for a replacement. That replacement is set to be revealed at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month.
Check out the actual teaser after the jump.
So Honda’s got a new people-carrier and baby-hauler (or maker) in the works. What’s new about it?
Well, as depicted by one of the junior Odyssey team member’s vision, it will be dark purple with a light purple roof, while sitting on two eyeballs and looking like a purple elephant with a pocket protector as its butt. Or it might look like a pirate hat rolling on four donut magnets and two yellow eyes. Heck, it might even be rainbow colored!
Now, as cool as that would be…
It unfortunately won’t really be as adorable as the sketches above. But like previous generations of Honda Odyssey, the new one is to be based on the same platform as the latest Honda Pilot crossover, which takes its platform from the latest Accord.
Because it’s a family oriented vehicle, the Odyssey should come with sweet family oriented quirks. Like the outgoing generation’s optional integrated vacuum system meant to handle those little ones who like to throw things.
Thanks to its typical Accord and Pilot-based roots, the new Odyssey, like previous versions, should continue to come with happy Accord-like driving dynamics. Meaning, it shouldn’t be a total bore to drive, proving the Odyssey is the best choice for petrolheads who need to provide for their families without too much compromise.
No specific details were released with the teaser. But we imagine the new 2018 Honda Odyssey will come with a similar powertrain to the Pilot, the company’s latest beloved V6.
And here’s that actual teaser of the new Odyssey.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: Honda
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Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2hNhm1D
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe is a midsize S-Class Coupe
Why didn’t they just call it the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe in size medium?
What’s going on?
Mercedes-Benz just revealed the latest variant of the E-Class lineup: the new E-Class Coupe. Following the recipe of the outgoing model, the new E-Class Coupe is basically a more personal, two-door variant to the four-door E-Class sedan. And because of that, it closely resembles its larger S-Class brethren, but in proportions that aren’t as compact as the new C-Class Coupe.
Word. There’s a new E-Class Coupe. So what’s new about it?
Internally dubbed the C213, C for Coupe as its sedan takes the W213 chassis code, the new E-Class Coupe comes jam-packed with the latest technology. It’s all then packed into a stylish, contemporary European package that’s typically expected from the Silver Arrow. Size wise, it grows in length significantly by almost five inches with 4.4 of those going into the wheelbase. Width jumping by three, and height by 1.3 when compared to the outgoing model.
Utilizing the same 1,200 engineers to develop the 2017 E-Class in general, the coupe boasts the same optional autonomous driving technology found in the sedan. The interior sports the same widescreen display that serves as the driver’s gauge cluster and the center console’s infotainment display–like in the S-Class. The one in the E-Class Coupe measures in at 12.3-inches with a high-resolution display and Mercedes’ latest COMAND system.
What powers it?
The U.S. E-Class Coupe model line-up at a glance:
| E400 Coupe | E400 4MATIC Coupe | |
| Number of cylinders/ arrangement | V6 | V6 |
| Displacement (cc) | 2,996 | 2,996 |
| Rated output (hp @ rpm) | 329 @ 5,250 – 6,000 | 329 @ 5,250 – 6,000 |
| Rated torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 354 @ 3,500 – 5,250 | 354 @ 3,500 – 5,250 |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph (sec) | 5.2 | 5.5 |
| Top speed (mph) | 130* | 130* |
At launch, Mercedes confirmed one model thus far, the E400, both in rear-wheel drive and 4MATIC form. While it’s safe to presume an AMG variant is on the way, along with a more affordable entry-level variant with a smaller engine, the E400 does well with a twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 with 329hp and 354 lb-ft of twist. With an all-new 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic, the rear-wheel drive E400 coupe sprints to 60 in just 5.2 seconds while the all-wheel drive version takes 5.5.
What else is cool about it?
The new E-Class Coupe comes with a traditional suspension setup, though it can be equipped with Merc’s latest Air Body Control or ABC–basically their version of adaptive suspension. Like other similar equipped Mercedes cars, the suspension behavior, along with the steering, transmission, and throttle can be altered thanks to Merc’s latest Dynamic Select driver profile system.
How much will it cost?
A lot, you know, because it’s a Mercedes-Benz. But it obviously won’t circumvent the price of an S-Class Coupe. The company didn’t announce pricing just yet, though we expect that information to surface during the E-Class Coupe’s reveal at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: Mercedes-Benz
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Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2gI5pZ7
Jeep's Grand Wagoneer revival and Dodge's next-gen Ram heavy duties delayed
Jeep’s hugely hyped revival of the Grand Wagoneer was thought to be cancelled but is just delayed.
What’s going on?
Jeep lovers around the world cheered after word from Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles confirmed the return of the Grand Wagoneer. The plan was for Jeep to produce an all-new flagship luxury crossover to compete with examples like the Range Rover and so-on. Earlier this year, a prototype was revealed for dealership groups in advance to prepare for future sales.
But more recently, a rumor surfaced late last month suggesting Jeep cancelled the Grand Wagoneer revival. That rumor, according to AutomotiveNews, was exactly that: a rumor.
The project instead is delayed.
So the Grand Wagoneer isn’t cancelled…
As long as that report from AutomotiveNews is accurate, then no, it isn’t. And AN has a tendency to be pretty accurate.
What’s causing the delay?
Making the Grand Wagoneer a possibility is the use of the next-gen Grand Cherokee’s platform, except elongated for a larger wheelbase. Though according to recent findings from research and development, the new platform designated for the Grand Cherokee apparently cannot accommodate the extra size demands of the Grand Wagoneer. So now, Jeep needs to find another platform that can handle the size requirements for the new flagship.
You might think, “but Dodge has the Durango, which is basically a longer Grand Cherokee. So why doesn’t the Grand Cherokee platform work with the Grand Wagoneer plan?” According to the latest reports, the platform just can’t accommodate the dimensions desired for the Wagoneer and the Durango already stretches the limits of flexibility with the Grand Cherokee platform.
So finding a new platform for the Grand Wagoneer will be challenging. Jeep isn’t exactly deep-pocketed enough to design a completely new platform from scratch, let alone just for one model. So thus, the company is looking to its corporate sibling, Dodge, for possibly utilizing a classic body-on-frame design starting with a Ram platform.
It’s possible, but far-fetched. SUVs can be made to be very refined and smooth, even with integrated body-on-frame constructions. Just look at all of the GM trucks (especially the Cadillac Escalade) and even the Ford alternatives like the latest Lincoln Navigator.
Even the latest Lexus LX570 and the Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen use classic truck constructions, but they still can’t quite compare to the exquisiteness that a Range Rover provides.
Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see what route Jeep pursues.
In addition to the details surrounding the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Dodge is also experiencing some delays with its nex-gen Ram heavy-duty pickup.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: AutomotiveNews
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Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2hgEzek
The next-gen Lexus LS will be revealed at the Cobo next month
The new Lexus LS gets its first showing at the 2017 North American International Auto Show.
Note: Picture gallery is of Lexus LF-FC Concept.
What’s going on?
Lexus’ four-door flagship, the LS, is currently in its fourth generation and the fifth is just around the corner. To make sure us car people and the rest of the world is in the know, Lexus released a teaser image of a technical fade-away that reveals a little bit of the car.
Sweet! Lexus is redoing their most iconic car. What’s going to be new about it?
Well, not much is currently known about the fifth generation car because it hasn’t been revealed yet. But, because the Lexus LS is known to be as much of a statement for full-size luxury sedans, technological prowess and incredible refinement, the next-gen car still has big shoes to fill.
While the Lexus LS has undoubtedly fulfilled its role as a more affordable alternative to the European full-size luxury sedans, it hasn’t exactly been the choice of driving enthusiasts and is sometimes criticized for being a bit bland. Lexus hopes to change this with the completely-new LS sedan.
From what we can tell, the new LS sedan utilizes a design modeled heavily after recent concepts, mainly the LF-FC Concept. Lexus did say the new LS also showcases the company’s new global rear-wheel drive architecture for its line of luxury vehicles, internally coded GA-L. From that, the LS will also come with an extended-wheelbase version, implying the availability of two versions.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: Lexus
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Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2hruol5