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Drew Dowdell

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Everything posted by Drew Dowdell

  1. I thought so too for what is barely even enough extra chrome to be a Denali edition.
  2. Acura has unveiled their Type S concept ahead of the Monterey Car Week kicking off in two days. This concept strongly previews the upcoming TLX and a Type S performance version. This time, Acura is promising greater acceleration to go with the Type S and not just better braking and handling. The dash to axle ratio tells us that this concept is still front-wheel drive, as to be expected. But, adding to that better handling is almost certainly a version of Acura's SH-AWD. The short rear deck is there as is with most new sedan designs these days. The check-mark like tail lamps are a departure from the current Acura design theme while the headlight array is consistent with the current TLX. While this concept looks pretty close to production, we'll probably see a more production ready version of the TLX in the coming months, perhaps at the LA Auto Show. View full article
  3. Acura has unveiled their Type S concept ahead of the Monterey Car Week kicking off in two days. This concept strongly previews the upcoming TLX and a Type S performance version. This time, Acura is promising greater acceleration to go with the Type S and not just better braking and handling. The dash to axle ratio tells us that this concept is still front-wheel drive, as to be expected. But, adding to that better handling is almost certainly a version of Acura's SH-AWD. The short rear deck is there as is with most new sedan designs these days. The check-mark like tail lamps are a departure from the current Acura design theme while the headlight array is consistent with the current TLX. While this concept looks pretty close to production, we'll probably see a more production ready version of the TLX in the coming months, perhaps at the LA Auto Show.
  4. I didn't think it was particularly subtle @regfootball
  5. Some Jeep Wrangler drivers have been experiencing a frightening phenomenon commonly known as the Jeep "Death Wobble". While the term is dramatic, FCA says they know of no injuries or deaths caused by this experience. After the vehicle hits a bump at highway speed, the steering wheel can vibrate back and forth by up to five degrees. Drivers claim that the only way to correct the wobble is to speed up or slow down. FCA says that the cause of this is a resonance in the front axle and dampers containing air bubbles. Cold weather makes the oil in the dampers less viscous and air bubbles won't dissipate quickly enough. Jeep will remedy the issue by installing a new damper free of charge to any customer who wants one, but it is not recalling the vehicle. All new Wranglers come with the new damper. There is currently a class action lawsuit pending that hopes to force FCA to recall the vehicle and calls the addition of a damper a band-aid. View full article
  6. Some Jeep Wrangler drivers have been experiencing a frightening phenomenon commonly known as the Jeep "Death Wobble". While the term is dramatic, FCA says they know of no injuries or deaths caused by this experience. After the vehicle hits a bump at highway speed, the steering wheel can vibrate back and forth by up to five degrees. Drivers claim that the only way to correct the wobble is to speed up or slow down. FCA says that the cause of this is a resonance in the front axle and dampers containing air bubbles. Cold weather makes the oil in the dampers less viscous and air bubbles won't dissipate quickly enough. Jeep will remedy the issue by installing a new damper free of charge to any customer who wants one, but it is not recalling the vehicle. All new Wranglers come with the new damper. There is currently a class action lawsuit pending that hopes to force FCA to recall the vehicle and calls the addition of a damper a band-aid.
  7. The minivan is not quite dead yet and the Honda Odyssey, one of the five remaining minivans still in production, is entering its 25th year on the market. Since its launch in 1995, the Odyssey has sold more than 2.7 million units. Honda is quick to point out that most of these are retail sales and not fleet. The Odyssey has been the number one retail seller in the segment for 9 years running. For 2020, all Odysseys will be upgraded to a new 10-speed automatic transmission. This is mated to the existing 280 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 driving the front wheels. Also for 2020, Honda is offering a $1500 25th Anniversary package that includes a chrome roof rack, body side moldings, chrome rear bumper protector, extra 25th Anniversary badges, illuminated sill plates, and for an additional $1,300, special 19-inch wheels. The Honda Odyssey is built in Honda's Lincoln Alabama manufacturing plant alongside the Pilot, Passport, and Ridgeline. View full article
  8. The minivan is not quite dead yet and the Honda Odyssey, one of the five remaining minivans still in production, is entering its 25th year on the market. Since its launch in 1995, the Odyssey has sold more than 2.7 million units. Honda is quick to point out that most of these are retail sales and not fleet. The Odyssey has been the number one retail seller in the segment for 9 years running. For 2020, all Odysseys will be upgraded to a new 10-speed automatic transmission. This is mated to the existing 280 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 driving the front wheels. Also for 2020, Honda is offering a $1500 25th Anniversary package that includes a chrome roof rack, body side moldings, chrome rear bumper protector, extra 25th Anniversary badges, illuminated sill plates, and for an additional $1,300, special 19-inch wheels. The Honda Odyssey is built in Honda's Lincoln Alabama manufacturing plant alongside the Pilot, Passport, and Ridgeline.
  9. Been there, done that.
  10. 1000 hp doesn't help you in turns.
  11. All wheel drive, but the fronts are driven solely by electric. It's sort of a Lexus RX hybrid flipped in reverse.
  12. Finally! https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/812-Westbury-Rd_North-Versailles_PA_15137_M48187-74081
  13. Maybe that's why they're still close.
  14. You're an armchair engineer now?
  15. If you read the suit, it's about a potentially faulty fuel pump... not anything to do with committing fraud like Benz and VW did to meet emissions regulations.
  16. You had adaptive cruise all this time but never used it? It's magical! It really reduces fatigue for me on long trips. It's sad... you're getting about the same mpg I get on a highway trip with my tiny little underpowered Encore.
  17. Apparently they're going to continue to inflict the 6-series GT on Europe and the cut is just for the US.
  18. GM's diesels were certified by the EPA before production using an actual sniff test rather than just the manufacturer's word. GM didn't have a problem fraud with its diesels.
  19. Mercedes-AMG's ambitious plan to put Formula One technology onto the streets has reportedly hit some major snags and the project is delayed by at least two years. The biggest issue appears to be the engine. The rear engined carbon fiber racer is a 1.6 liter gasoline-hybrid with over 1,000 horsepower. Four electric motors work in tandem, one for the turbocharger, one on the engine connected to the crankshaft, and two which drive the front wheels. This brings a maximum speed of over 350 km/h (217 mph). Even with all of that hybrid technology, a major stumbling block surrounds how to take an F1 engine and make it meet emissions standards. Several exhaust gas cleaning systems must be added to the car in order to drive it legally. There is also the issue of requiring to warm the entire engine oil circuit before even starting the engine. Both of these must be solved before the AMG One will be ready for production. View full article
  20. Mercedes-AMG's ambitious plan to put Formula One technology onto the streets has reportedly hit some major snags and the project is delayed by at least two years. The biggest issue appears to be the engine. The rear engined carbon fiber racer is a 1.6 liter gasoline-hybrid with over 1,000 horsepower. Four electric motors work in tandem, one for the turbocharger, one on the engine connected to the crankshaft, and two which drive the front wheels. This brings a maximum speed of over 350 km/h (217 mph). Even with all of that hybrid technology, a major stumbling block surrounds how to take an F1 engine and make it meet emissions standards. Several exhaust gas cleaning systems must be added to the car in order to drive it legally. There is also the issue of requiring to warm the entire engine oil circuit before even starting the engine. Both of these must be solved before the AMG One will be ready for production.
  21. The German motor vehicle authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt) has determined that Mercedes-Benz has delivered vehicles that used illegal cheat software to achieve lower emissions of NOx and CO2 during controlled conditions and preset speeds. This allowed the vehicles to meet emissions requirements during testing, but not during real world driving. The vehicles in question are the C220 CDI and the E220 CDI. Daimler has been ordered to recall up to 280,000 vehicles and the Stuttgart public prosecutor could slap a fine of up for €5000 per vehicle. Back in June, the motor authority also ordered the recall of 60,000 GLK diesels. Daimler also faces the authorities in the US for higher than allowed emissions from their diesel vehicles. Daimler has declined to comment while the investigation is ongoing. View full article
  22. The German motor vehicle authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt) has determined that Mercedes-Benz has delivered vehicles that used illegal cheat software to achieve lower emissions of NOx and CO2 during controlled conditions and preset speeds. This allowed the vehicles to meet emissions requirements during testing, but not during real world driving. The vehicles in question are the C220 CDI and the E220 CDI. Daimler has been ordered to recall up to 280,000 vehicles and the Stuttgart public prosecutor could slap a fine of up for €5000 per vehicle. Back in June, the motor authority also ordered the recall of 60,000 GLK diesels. Daimler also faces the authorities in the US for higher than allowed emissions from their diesel vehicles. Daimler has declined to comment while the investigation is ongoing.
  23. Jaguar Land Rover already has an agreement with BMW to use BMW sourced engines in future vehicles, but now a report from Autocar says that the company could use a BMW sourced platform for some future small vehicles as well. Jaguar wants to increase its "Pace" lineup with an "A-Pace" and "B-Pace", small crossover coupes that would use BMW's front-wheel drive FAAR platform that underpins the X1, X2, and eventually the entire Mini linup. Over at Land Rover, there is a possible revival of the Freelander based on the same FAAR platform to fill the entry level spot in the Land Rover showroom. Even the larger Evoque and Discovery Sport could move to FAAR when their current runs are up mid to late next decade. Naturally, as all new platforms are today, they are engineered to accept electrification in the form of electric assist, hybrids, or even pure electric powertrains. If all this comes to fruition, vehicles using the FAAR platform could top 1.5 million in global sales annually. View full article
  24. Jaguar Land Rover already has an agreement with BMW to use BMW sourced engines in future vehicles, but now a report from Autocar says that the company could use a BMW sourced platform for some future small vehicles as well. Jaguar wants to increase its "Pace" lineup with an "A-Pace" and "B-Pace", small crossover coupes that would use BMW's front-wheel drive FAAR platform that underpins the X1, X2, and eventually the entire Mini linup. Over at Land Rover, there is a possible revival of the Freelander based on the same FAAR platform to fill the entry level spot in the Land Rover showroom. Even the larger Evoque and Discovery Sport could move to FAAR when their current runs are up mid to late next decade. Naturally, as all new platforms are today, they are engineered to accept electrification in the form of electric assist, hybrids, or even pure electric powertrains. If all this comes to fruition, vehicles using the FAAR platform could top 1.5 million in global sales annually.
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Drew
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