Show Me the Car Facts #FactFridays

Did you know:

How well do you pay attention to the smaller details?

The GM "Mark of Excellence" on my 2008 Aura.
The position of this logo may change based on the
model year of your car (2007 Auras had it higher
up on the door).

From 2006 to early 2010, GM put what is known as their “Mark of Excellence” on their cars. It usually can be found in the lower front fender of cars from this era - it’s a little silver GM emblem. My 2008 Saturn Aura has it. However, I noticed a few cars from the mid-to late-2000s did not get the Mark of Excellence on the side - namely the GMT360 SUVs (Chevy Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainer, etc.), the Chevy Express/GMC Savana, and the Buick Rendezvous from what I remember.

After the disillusion of several brands due to the GM bankruptcy restructuring in 2009, the company dropped the emblem off their cars. The reason cited was that the four core remaining brands, Chevy, Buick, Cadillac and GMC, would build their own identities under the “New GM” and seek to remove themselves from the stigma of a “bankrupt parent company”.

I haven't had a chance to be up close on a 2024
GMC Sierra EV, but I'll be checking the front fender above
the wheel well next time I do for the little GM logo.
The Sierra EV will have an estimated 400 mile
driving range.

Fast forward to the present day, and the GM “Mark of Excellence” is still absent from all vehicles, except for one: the new GMC Sierra EV! So where is it placed at on the new Sierra EV? Not in a location you might expect… If you look closely on the front side marker lights, you will see the new GM logo in the corner. It requires a keen eye and I love small details like this! I remember Oldsmobile did this with their “Oldsmobile” script on some cars briefly in the 90s when they attempted to rebrand.

Just make sure you don’t break those lights on the new Sierra EV. Because if the Sierra EV is anything like the HUMMER EV, it’ll be really expensive to replace them if they’re broken (it costs $6,100 for taillights on the HUMMER EV).

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Throwback Thursday - Traffic JAMS

We've all been at a complete standstill on the road before... Or just bored at work. Never fear, the weekend will soon be here! Until then, let's switch into memory lane and rock out while we roll on!

This week's jam: Drive – Incubus (1999)

This song has long been on my playlist and reminds me of simpler times riding around in my mother’s and grandfather’s cars when this song was new, which I believe was an Oldsmobile Achieva and Mercury Cougar. I would’ve been in Kindergarten and later headed to the 1st grade, watching shows on Nickelodeon. But I also think this song’s acoustic parts, particularly on the opening, are very smooth, and the message “whatever tomorrow brings, I’ll be there”, represents that we are never alone in our journeys through life. Also, the message that we are in control of our destinies resonates: “Would you choose water over wine? Or the wheel and drive?” Similar to when we are behind the wheel of a car and we control where we are headed.

Nexteer is Winning and Innovating!

Nexteer Automotive is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

I like to highlight local and global businesses on my blog, so its time to highlight an automotive business that has its global technical center in my hometown of Saginaw, Michigan. Nexteer Automotive has been recognized by the Society of Automotive Analysts with their Mobility Innovation Award. This was given to Nexteer for their Steer-by-Wire (SbW) Stowable Steering Column. This technology, according to Nexteer, will transform the future of mobility by improving safety and the ‘behind the wheel experience’. Additionally, SbW will help address OEM challenges in the areas of autonomy, electrification, and software. SbW replaces the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and roadwheels with electronics and actuators allowing for improved functionality of features such as Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB).

In addition, Nexteer Automotive is being recognized as a CES 2023 Innovation Awards Honoree in the “Vehicle Tech & Advanced Mobility” category for their Road Surface Detection & Early Intuitive Warning Software with Tactile Mobility. In a nutshell, this technology can improve life-saving steering movements by enhancing the car’s awareness of the environment around it and alerting the driver through steering feel.

Very interesting features – good going Nexteer! I feel that ADAS and electrification technology are both advancing rapidly before our eyes. Nexteer is proving that they are striving to become a leader in this space, and it's even cooler that they operate right in my hometown.

Nexteer in Saginaw, Michigan

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Brembo at SEMA 2022 #Vegas

A display of Brembo's products at their SEMA booth. All pictures come from Brembo.

SEMA and AAPEX are currently going on in Las Vegas! This is a chance for aftermarket businesses and suppliers to show their best products that can transform your average vehicle into something extraordinary! I consider this to be one of my favorite auto shows to attend, because of the diversity of the products displayed. Brembo, a performance braking manufacturer for the auto industry, is there and displaying some of their latest innovations. I don’t often highlight suppliers, so let’s take a look at one that you may have seen on the inside wheel of a car, but not paid a ton of attention to.

Brembo took the opportunity to show off their new UPGRADE line at SEMA 2022. There are different tiers geared towards various levels of performance with the line: SPORT, GRAN TURISMO AND PISTA. You can also get your brake calipers in various colors – something that I support, as I had the brake calipers painted red on my Kia K5 and want them painted orange on my Saturn Aura. In addition to the brake caliper display, visitors at the Brembo booth could play the Gran Turismo 7 simulator. I fondly remember trying out simulators the last time I went to SEMA (in 2017), and this one allows attendees to test our the two new braking systems in a virtual manner.

Utility Vehicles Get Love, Too

All pictures taken by Brembo.

If the aforementioned displays and braking systems weren’t enough for you or your interests, Brembo has also shown a new braking system for Utility Terrain Vehicles at SEMA. Caliper choice varies between billet and two-piece cast, promising improved braking performance vs. a factory brake system via an aluminum brake caliper.

Several OEMs are also known to show up to SEMA and show off their new off-road technologies or performance upgrades to the industry. Chevrolet, Toyota, Ford, Nissan, and Kia are just a few who generally have displays. I recall going on a drift course in the Kia Stinger when it was first unveiled and I also loved watching the Ford Performance display with Mustangs taking on a drift challenge. There’s also plenty of custom trucks and builds everywhere – giving companies like Brembo a good chance to show up and show off their latest applications for builders. I’m planning to return to SEMA in the future – I highly recommend if you like customizing your own vehicles, you consider the trip to Vegas as well during the fall! SEMA 2022 runs from November 1st  thru the 4th.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.