William Maley

Street-oriented performance trucks like the Ford Lightning, Dodge Ram SRT-10, and Toyota X-Runner don't exist. Instead, we have off-road performance models like the Ford F-150 Raptor and Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. But Chevrolet has imagined what a modern performance truck could look like at the SEMA Show. The Chevrolet Silverado Performance Concept certainly looks the part with a lowered suspension, Satin Steel Gray paint, a new hood, air ducts, and a set of 22-inch wheels. Under the hood is a 5.3L V8 that uses the intercooled supercharger from the Camaro ZL1 and Corvette Z06. The supercharger is said to add 100+ horsepower which means the 5.3 is producing at least 455 horsepower. We do find ourselves wondering why Chevrolet didn't do this with the 6.2L V8. Other mechanical changes include a cold-air induction system, cat-back exhaust, and Brembo front brakes. Chevrolet officials at a press conference revealing their SEMA showings hinted that if this concept gets a positive reaction, they could put this into production. Source: Chevrolet Press Release is on Page 2 2018 CHEVROLET SILVERADO PERFORMANCE CONCEPT CONCEPT SUPERCHARGER SYSTEM TAKES PERFORMANCE TO THE NEXT LEVEL For as long as there have been trucks, they’ve been used for hauling more than just cargo. The 2018 Silverado Performance Concept explores the performance capability of Chevy’s light-duty pickup with a concept supercharger system that figuratively and literally blows more life into its 5.3L V-8 engine. It’s based on the supercharger of the LT4 engine offered in the Corvette Z06 and Camaro ZL1. The Silverado Performance Concept also features Chevrolet Performance and Chevrolet Accessories parts that complement the supercharged engine, including a performance exhaust system and a performance brake kit. Custom exterior enhancements round out the Silverado concept’s high-performance aesthetic. CONCEPT FEATURES Chevrolet Performance LT4-style intercooled supercharger system adds 100+ horsepower 22-inch performance tires Enhanced Satin Steel Gray exterior color Unique hood, air ducts and lower front fascia Body-color grille surrounds and bumpers Dark Android window moldings Custom exterior graphics Smoked headlamp and taillamp lenses Black suede-wrapped steering wheel with red stripe and black bowtie emblem Carbon-fiber Z71 gauges LCD competition-style dash logger app CHEVROLET PERFORMANCE PARTS Front six-piston Brembo® brake upgrade kit in red 5.3L cat-back exhaust system with polished tip Performance cold-air induction system CHEVROLET ACCESSORIES 22-inch aluminum wheels (custom color for concept vehicle) and center caps Black bowtie emblems Tri-fold tonneau cover All-weather floor liners Rear underseat storage organizer The Silverado Performance concept joins approximately 20 additional Chevrolet models this week at the SEMA Show, Oct. 31-Nov. 3. Follow the action at ChevySEMA.com, #CHEVYSEMA, @ChevroletPerformance on Instagram and Chevrolet Performance on Facebook. View full article

A number of companies that are working on autonomous driving systems are implementing features that require a driver to take control in hairy situations. But Waymo, the self-driving unit of Alphabet (Google's parent company) recently revealed they have stopped developing these features. The reason is simple, drivers lacked the awareness to take over driving. Waymo's CEO John Krafcik told reporters yesterday the decision to scrap this technology comes down to experiments done back in 2013 with Google employees that were filmed. The videos shown for the first time outside of Google showed people messing on their phones, putting on makeup, and even someone deciding to take a nap. “What we found was pretty scary. It’s hard to take over because they have lost contextual awareness,” said Krafcik. After the napping incident, plans for a driver to intervene were scrapped. Since then, Waymo has been working on technologies that didn't require human interaction. As such, Waymo's Chrysler Pacificas running in Phoenix, AZ only have two 'drive' buttons: one to start a drive and the other to tell the vehicle to pull over at its earliest convenience. Source: Reuters View full article

Despite announcing and getting ready to launch their SkyActivX compression ignition engines, along with an electric vehicle, Mazda will still be working on diesel engines for the coming future. “There is a benefit to keep developing the diesel engine. Because when we put the engine on a big vehicle, the big vehicle needs big torque as well and if you look at the diesel engine it can produce the large torque, so we still believe the diesel engine has advantages,” said Ichiro Hirose, Mazda's managing executive officer of powertrain and vehicle development to CarAdvice. “There is actually huge room for further improvement in diesel engines. [Such as] refining of the combustion, of course, the efficiency will be better, also emission will be reduced as well. As far as the diesel engine is concerned there are still many things we can do in terms of evenly mix the air-fuel and burn. Many things we can do.” A recent patent filed by Mazda shows a twin-turbo diesel engine that also features a supercharger, most likely to help minimize turbo lag. Source: CarAdvice View full article

If you wanted to drop FCA's monstrous Hellcat supercharged V8 into a project vehicle of yours, you needed to go down to your local salvage yard to rip one out of a Charger or Challenger Hellcat that met a premature end. But that will be changing this week at the SEMA Show. Mopar has announced that it will be seeling a crate version of the Hellcat engine. There will also be a Mopar “Hellcrate” HEMI Engine Kit that includes the necessary items to make for an easier swap such as a wiring harness, powertrain control module. oxygen sensors, fuel pump control module, and other bits. An optional Front End Accessory Drive kit brings an alternator, power steering pump, belts, pulleys, and other key parts. Before you start planning a Hellcat transplant into a Fiat 500L, Mopar says the kit is "intended for pre-1976 street and off-road vehicles." That doesn't mean you can't do this with a modern vehicle, it will only mean a bit more work to pull it off. “Never before has a supercharged, factory-direct 707-horsepower crate engine kit been offered, and we are proud to be the first to deliver a solution enthusiasts have demanded. This ultimate powertrain option fits the needs of owners and fans who demand iconic performance,” said Pietro Gorlier, Head of Parts and Service (Mopar), FCA. The Hellcrate will set you back $19,530, while the engine kit will cost $2,195. Source: Mopar Press Release is on Page 2 Mopar Unleashes ‘Hellcrate’ 6.2-liter Supercharged Crate HEMI® Engine Kit at SEMA Additional Product News on Tap at Brand’s Tuesday Evening SEMA Product Presentation New Mopar 6.2-liter supercharged Crate HEMI® Engine Kit — dubbed the “Hellcrate” — will debut at 2017 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show Mopar introduces its first-ever supercharged, 707-horsepower factory-backed crate engine kit Mopar “Hellcrate” HEMI Engine Kit “plugs and plays” with 6.2-liter supercharged Crate HEMI Engine, delivering 707 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque Graveyard Carz star Mark Worman will join Mopar again at SEMA, debut 1970 Superbird Tribute build with new Mopar “Hellcrate” HEMI Engine Kit Mopar “Hellcrate” HEMI Engine Kit and 6.2-liter supercharged Crate HEMI Engine available for ordering at www.moparhemicrate.com October 30, 2017 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Enthusiasts demanded it, and now the Mopar brand is unleashing a new Mopar 6.2-liter supercharged Crate HEMI® Engine Kit — nicknamed the “Hellcrate” — that injects 707 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque under the hood. The Mopar “Hellcrate” HEMI Engine Kit, the first-ever supercharged, 707-horsepower factory-backed crate engine kit, will debut in the brand’s 15,345-square-foot exhibit at the 2017 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, scheduled for Oct. 31 to Nov. 3. The release of the new Mopar “Hellcrate” HEMI Engine Kit will be followed by the unveiling of additional high-profile news during the brand’s Mopar SEMA product presentation, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 31 at 7:26 p.m. ET/4:26 p.m. PT. The product presentation can be viewed live at https://livestream.com/FCALive/MoparSEMA2017. “Never before has a supercharged, factory-direct 707-horsepower crate engine kit been offered, and we are proud to be the first to deliver a solution enthusiasts have demanded,” said Pietro Gorlier, Head of Parts and Service (Mopar), FCA. “This ultimate powertrain option fits the needs of owners and fans who demand iconic performance.” The new Mopar “Hellcrate” HEMI Engine kit provides relatively simple “plug and play” with the 6.2-liter supercharged Crate HEMI Engine assembly — also available from Mopar. The Mopar “Hellcrate” HEMI Engine Kit marries modern 707 horsepower with authentic, factory-backed quality. The kit includes a powertrain control module (PCM), power distribution center, engine wiring harness, chassis harness, accelerator pedal, ground jumper, oxygen sensors, charge air temperature sensors and fuel pump control module for the 6.2-liter supercharged Crate HEMI Engine. The PCM is unlocked and set to the factory 707- horsepower calibration. The Mopar “Hellcrate” HEMI Engine Kit is optimized for use with manual transmissions, such as the Tremec Magnum transmission kit. An essential Front End Accessory Drive (FEAD) Kit, which includes an alternator, power steering pump, belts, pulleys and more, is among additional engine accessory hardware components available to assist in installing the Mopar “Hellcrate” HEMI Engine Kit. The kit, intended for pre-1976 street and off-road vehicles, ships in unique packaging featuring the “Hellcrate” logo and includes in-depth information sheets with helpful installation tips and requirements. The Mopar “Hellcrate” 6.2-liter supercharged Crate HEMI Engine assembly (Part Number 68303089AA) is available for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $19,530. The Mopar “Hellcrate” 6.2-liter supercharged Crate HEMI Engine Kit (Part Number 177072452) is available at an MSRP of $2,195. The Mopar “Hellcrate” HEMI Engine Kit and Mopar “Hellcrate” 6.2-liter supercharged Crate HEMI Engine assembly feature a Mopar three-year/unlimited mileage warranty when purchased together. For more information or to order, visit www.moparhemicrate.com. View full article

The full-size truck is very much an American vehicle - its big, brash, and powerful. But Nissan is considering selling their full-size Titan and Titan XD in several other markets. "We are now looking at other markets where we can introduce the full-size pickup," said Ashwani Gupta, senior vice president of the Renault-Nissan Alliance's light-commercial business unit. "That market is really growing." Those markets include Australia, China, the Middle East, and Russia. Gupta did not divulge plans for the Titan, but being the head of Renault-Nissan's LCV unit gives us a clue. As Automotive News notes, the Titan is now considered a member of the alliance's LCV lineup which includes cargo vans and the smaller Navara pickup. This tells us that Nissan could be aiming the Titan at fleets and construction crews. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

The Nissan 370Z is getting up there up in age (almost nearing a decade) and many have been wondering if there would be a replacement. Rumors abounded that Nissan would be showing a new one at the Tokyo Motor Show, but that did not happen. Speaking with the media at the show, chief planning officer for Nissan, Philippe Klein gave a non-committal answer when asked about a 370Z successor. “It’s an interesting question because there is a lot of passion people this vehicle. This vehicle is still very alive but at the same time it is in a segment that is gradually declining, so that is making the [business] case more difficult. “We have also the GT-R, with which we still believe there is some good potential from this, and we are in the same category starting to make a lot of effort on the Nismo side. Which is another way to offer excitement to our customers leveraging the more conventional side. We have no intention to quit excitement but we’re going to make it happen in different ways.” You can read this one of two ways. The first is that there will be no replacement for the 370Z and you'll need to step up to the GT-R if you want a Nissan sports car. The other is that the Z could morph into a crossover. Source: Drive.com.au View full article

I happen to be a big fan of the Kia Soul. Its daring looks, spacious interior, and overall value make it an interesting option in the compact class. It seems many others would agree as the Soul is one of Kia’s best selling models. To help keep it up there, Kia has introduced a new turbo engine for the top-line Exclaim (!) model along with minor changes for 2017. Let's see how these changes affect the Soul. Aside from the turbo engine, Kia made some design tweaks to the Exclaim to have it stand out from other Soul trims. This includes a new front bumper, red accents, 18-inch alloy wheels, a twin-tip exhaust, and exclusive colors like this copper color seen here. The little changes really make the Soul stand out even further than before. Moving on to the turbo engine, it is a 1.6L four-cylinder packing 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This is only paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. If you really want a manual with your turbo-four, Kia will gladly sell you a Forte5 SX which features the same engine. There is a brief moment of turbo lag when you step on the accelerator, but the engine comes into its own after this with power building smoothly. There are no issues with getting up to speed when merging or making a pass. The dual-clutch transmission is a bit of a mixed bag. In stop-and-go traffic, the transmission exhibits some jerkiness and lazy shifts. We also noticed the transmission was slow to respond in terms of downshifting, making us think the programming for this transmission was focused on fuel economy. At higher speeds, the transmission is better with rapid and smooth shifts. The turbo engine has the highest fuel economy fuel economy figures in the Soul lineup with an EPA rating of 26 City/31 Highway/28 Combined. We saw an average of 25.3 mpg during our week in mostly city driving, which is slightly disappointing. With the turbo engine and racy looks, you might think that this particular Soul is fun to drive. Sorry to burst your bubble, but that is not the case. Out on a winding road, the Soul is competent with minimal body roll and okay steering. This would be ok if it weren’t for the sporty image that is being portrayed by the exterior. We do wish that Kia had made some changes to the suspension to make it slightly sportier. The upside to not messing with the Soul’s suspension is it mostly retains the smooth and comfortable ride of other models. Mostly is the keyword as the 18-inch wheels do introduce some harshness to the Soul’s ride. There is a fair amount of wind and road noise, most of this due to the Soul’s boxy shape. The Soul’s interior is still as sharp looking as it first was when the current model was launched in 2013. Little touches such as the uniquely styled air vents and orange accent stitching give the Soul a bit of whimsy. The extensive use of soft-touch materials gives off an aura of quality. Driver and passenger get power seats which make finding a comfortable position very easy. Those sitting in the back will appreciate the large amount of head and legroom, due to the Soul’s boxy shape. Our test Soul came with optional Technology Package that includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Kia’s UVO infotainment system and navigation. It is beginning to show its age in terms of the graphics, but it is still one of the most intuitive systems on sale today. A simple layout and redundant physical buttons make it breeze to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is an added bonus. The Exclaim begins at $22,650 and comes well equipped. Standard features include automatic climate control, 7-inch touchscreen with UVO, Bluetooth, leather and cloth wrapped seats, push-button start with proximity key, and automatic headlights. Opt for the technology to get the 8-inch system, blind spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert, heated seats and steering wheel, and power folding mirrors. For only $26,995, you get a nicely equipped vehicle. Our test vehicle is slightly more expensive at $27,620 due to an optional panoramic sunroof which we would skip. Disclaimer: Kia Provided the Soul, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2017 Make: Kia Model: Soul Trim: ! (Exclaim) Engine: Turbocharged 1.6L GDI Four-Cylinder Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, Seven-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic Horsepower @ RPM: 201 @ 6,000 Torque @ RPM: 195 @ 1,500 - 4,500 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 26/31/28 Curb Weight: 3,232 lbs Location of Manufacture: Gwangju, South Korea Base Price: $22,650 As Tested Price: $27,620 (Includes $850.00 Destination Charge) Options: Technology Package - $3,000.00 Panoramic Sunroof - $1,000.00 Carpeted Floor Mars - $120.00 View full article

Toyota's Tj Cruiser concept is an interesting one. It takes elements of a van and SUV, and mashes them up into a capable and practical vehicle. Toyota in a press release announcing the concept hinted that it could go into production by saying it would be based on their TGNA modular platform, feature a hybrid powertrain, and have the choice of front or all-wheel drive. According to Autocar, Toyota is serious about possibly bringing the Tj Cruiser to production. Design chief Hirokazu Ikuma told the outlet that if the concept gets enough of a positive reaction from those attending the Tokyo Motor Show, it may move on to the next step of taking this vehicle to various consumer clinics to gather reactions. If the Tj Cruiser is given the green light, it would be underpinned by the next-generation TGNA platform due in 2022. Source: Autocar View full article

I'm stealing this for the twitter post on this story.