Show Me the Car Facts #FactFridays

Did you know: The 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV has a slightly smaller battery pack than the Hummer EV SUT. This is because the SUV’s wheelbase 8.9-inches shorter (126.7 inches total), which also reduces cargo and packaging space – but not passenger space, interestingly. So, while the truck has 24 Ultium battery modules, the SUV has 20. As a result, we can expect that its max driving range will be slightly less than the truck and its 0-60 MPH time will also likely be a little slower – though still crazy fast at just over 3 seconds. Additionally, the Hummer EV truck can have a max of 1000 HP, but the SUV will have a max of 830 HP.

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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).

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Show Me the Car Fact #FactFriday

Did you know: A week or so ago, I discussed in a post how the Nissan Maxima was being discontinued. But we didn't really dive into some other reasons, outside of EVs and declines in sedan sales, that has led Nissan to drop its flagship sedan. Perhaps one of the most interesting reasons is that the Altima and Maxima are basically the same size. Were you aware of this? I've pasted the dimensions below for the Altima and Maxima, so you can compare headroom, legroom, wheelbase, etc. specs.

Maxima Specs:

Altima Specs:

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Show Me the Car Fact #FactFridays

2004-2007 Buick Rainier (pre-2006 facelift)

Did you know: The Buick Rainier (so far) is the only RWD-based Buick SUV to ever be released under the brand. 

I mean, let's think about it:

-Rendezvous: FWD or AWD -Terraza (not an SUV, but GM kinda wanted it to be): FWD or AWD -Enclave: FWD or AWD -Encore, Encore GX: FWD or AWD -Regal TourX (again, not really an SUV, but close enough): AWD only - but rides on a FWD platform -Envision: FWD or AWD It’s also worth noting that the Rainer was the only one of all these Buick SUVs to get an air suspension and one of only 3 vehicles in Buick’s 2000s lineup you could even get with a V8 - period (Lucerne Northstar V8, LaCrosse Super and Rainier). I think the Rainier will likely remain the ONLY V8-powered SUV since everything is going electric now. Given these facts, a V8 Rainer has a good shot at becoming at least a SLIGHT collectors item because they aren’t very common and they’re actually quite unique! Have you ever seen or taken a ride in one? Its basically a fancier Chevy Trailblazer and the successor to the Oldsmobile Bravada (Bravada never got the 5.3L V8).

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3 Different Parking Brakes

Here's an example of how technology has changed between 2000s and the present day -
the parking brakes on my vehicles.

Here’s something interesting I noticed: I have 3 different parking brakes in my vehicles. An electronic brake in my 2018 Jeep Compass, a hand brake in my 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, and a foot-pedal style brake in my 2008 Saturn Aura. The biggest adjustment switching between the cars isn’t the fact that some are bigger or smaller, but I’ve always felt that remembering that the older cars don’t have all of the modern technology of the Jeep (like push-button start and smart entry) is the biggest learning curve.

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Show Me the Car Fact – Chevy Blazer and Trailblazer #FactFridays

The "Trailblazer" name actually began as a trim level on the 2000s Blazer before becoming its own model.

Back with more car facts! Happy new year!

Did you know: In the late 1990s, the ‘Trailblazer’ name was introduced on the Chevrolet S-10-based Blazer as a more luxurious trim level (ditto the ‘Envoy’ name on GMC’s Jimmy). The S-10-based Blazer was more of a compact SUV in size than prior Blazer iterations. In 2002, the Trailblazer (and by extension the Envoy) became their own models and were midsize SUVs, riding on the GMT360 platform.

Top: new Trailblazer, a compact SUV; Bottom: new Blazer, a midsized SUV

Fast forward to 2021, the Blazer and Trailblazer are both back in Chevy’s lineup, but this time unlike the 90s, the Blazer is a midsized SUV and the Trailblazer is a compact SUV. Both are unibody crossovers now as well.

How the tables turn!

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Its Amazing that the Pontiac Aztek Looks *Almost* Normal Now

Perhaps one of the most controversial vehicles ever, the Aztek seems to have inspired some modern SUV designs.

In the age of crossovers, you often hear people complaining that “everything looks the same”. However, I’d argue that there are actually some pretty unique SUV designs out there. And all these aggressively styled, flashy, modern SUVs have one unique predecessor to thank: the Pontiac Aztek.

Throwback: The Pontiac Aztec and Buick Rendezvous were similar, but the Buick came across as more conventional.

For those of you that need a refresher: the Pontiac Aztek was an SUV produced between the 2001 and 2005 model years that was based on GM’s U-body minivans (the Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, and Oldsmobile Silhouette). It came standard with a 3.4L V6 engine and could be optioned with AWD and even a lifestyle tent that attached to the rear of the car. Its largely considered one of the ugliest vehicles of all time and holds the dual distinction to many as being the car that began Pontiac’s final decline into oblivion by 2010. A part of me feels the Aztek was ahead of its time on the crossover trend. Buick also made a version of the Aztek called the Rendezvous starting in 2002, although its styling wasn’t quite as… “controversial” let’s say. The Aztek was replaced by the Pontiac Torrent for the 2006 model year and Rendezvous was replaced by the Buick Enclave after the 2007 model year.

And that’s where we get to the meat of this post. For all the hate the Aztek got in the 2000s, there are a lot of SUVs now that emulate its once-bizarre styling. In particular, the split headlight trend that is going on now in the industry is worth noting.

Look at Hyundai’s entire SUV lineup for example:

The 2014-2018 Jeep Cherokee:

The face on the new Chevy Blazer and Trailblazer, also GM products:

Somewhat the Genesis GV80:

BMW X7:

2021 Nissan Rogue:

Lynk & Co:

And the new Mazda CX-30, which actually is a good looking crossover, BUT - it has a ridiculous amount of black lower body cladding like the Aztek had:

Bonus - Let’s not forget the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, which ripped its rear styling directly from the Aztek:

And there are/will be others I’m sure. But to me, this just shows us two things. For one, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Because this whole split headlight and large grille trend is DEFINITELY NOT my cup of tea… But hey, it’s a look that sells! So, there must be something the masses like about it – maybe because it looks more aggressive/rugged. And two, society really does move in “waves” as I call it, or trends. This might be a trendy look now, but 10 years from now, who knows? Maybe we’ll all love sedans and coupes again.

Until then, thank your lucky Azteks for your high-style inspired SUV. Walter White would be proud.

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Show Me the Car Facts #FactFridays

Time for an expanded edition of "car facts" on a few car models.

Its been awhile since I've posted any car facts, so here's three car facts just for the heck of it. Stay safe and well out there.

Fact 1

Jaguar E-Pace (top), Jaguar F-Pace (bottom)

Did you know: The Jaguar E-Pace is a compact crossover SUV from Jaguar (not to be confused with I-Pace, the all-electric Jaguar crossover). However, what’s interesting is that the E-Pace is actually heavier than the midsized F-Pace crossover (4,035 lbs. E-Pace vs. 3,913 F-Pace) despite it being a smaller vehicle. See the photo below.

Jaguar E-Pace Weight (top), Jaguar F-Pace Weight (bottom)

Fact 2

2020 Toyota Camry TRD

Did you know: Now that the Subaru Legacy has lost it’s 6-cylinder boxer engine for its 2020 redesign, the Toyota Camry is officially the LAST mainstream midsized sedan to offer an available V6 engine in America (excluding the Buick Regal GS Sportback, which I consider one class above - and its going away after the 2020 model year anyways).

All other midsize sedans now offer exclusively 4-cylinder engine lineups. Hyundai and Kia started this trend back in 2011 with the redesigned Sonata and Optima, respectively. Both were available with a 2.4L four-cylinder and a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder.

Prior to the 2020 Legacy dropping it’s 6-cylinder engine, Nissan’s Altima lost its optional 3.5L V6 when it was redesigned in 2019. This is all a sign of the times in my eyes, as sedans continue to decline in popularity vs. SUVs/crossovers and trucks and as automakers strive to comply with tougher fuel economy and emissions requirements. Guess I’ll be holding onto my ‘08 Saturn Aura 3.5L V6 a little tighter and a little longer...

The 2020 Toyota Camry’s 3.5L V6 makes 301 HP paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission only. New for 2020 is the Camry TRD, which is more “performance focused” than past Camrys and comes with an upgraded suspension, black exterior trim, red interior trim, and the aforementioned V6 - albeit with no increase in actual horsepower output. We’ll see how long the Camry’s V6 hangs on.

Fact 3

Did you know: Toyota has roughly a 20% stake in Subaru. They collaborate on various vehicles and technology, such as the BRZ/86 (Scion FR-S). They will work on AWD and electrified vehicle tech moving forward, as well as a 2nd generation of the BRZ/86.

Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 (previously the Scion FR-S)

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Show Me the Car Fact #FactFridays

"Its been a long time, shouldn't have left you..." I'm back with more vital information for your everyday life and also updated the mobile site layout. Don't blame me, blame grad school for my absence.

Now that we've gotten those couple 90s references out of the way, let's jump right in.

Did you know: The 2019 Genesis G70 and Buick Regal Sportback are two of the only new cars I’ve noticed that give you a standard heated steering wheel BEFORE you get standard heated seats…

I like it when I don't have to jump to higher trims for comfort features I want...

A heated steering wheel is standard on the base trim of the Genesis G70. But you must jump up to the Elite Package for an extra $5,000 to get heated/cooled front seats among other features (such as real leather seats, navigation and rain-sensing wipers). On the other end, the Regal Sportback’s Preferred II trim will give you a heated steering wheel. But you must jump up to the Regal’s Essence trim for an extra $2,000 to get real leather seats and heated seats…

This seems backwards to me… Personally, I’d want to have heated seats before a heated steering wheel. Although now that I’ve had both in my Jeep, I won’t go without either. Regardless, these are both stylish rides.

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Show Me the Car Fact #FactFridays

Did You Know: With the introduction of the Model Y next week on the 14th, Tesla’s vehicle lineup will officially be “Semi S3XY”.

Tesla (Semi)

Model (S)

Model (3)

Model (X)

Model (Y)

Elon Musk wanted to used “Model E” for the Model 3 initially, but that name is trademarked by Ford already.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Show Me the Car Fact #FactFridays

Ford's Panther platform underpinned the Crown Vic and Grand Marquis. It was first introduced in 1978 and used all the way until 2011 when these cars ended production!

Did you know: The Ford Crown Victoria, and by extension the Mercury Grand Marquis, were the last cars to have cassette players... in 2011. From what I remember, you could also get a CD player and premium audio as well, but that single feature alone I think really dates these cars and the platform they ride on! But still a classic! My grandfather had a couple of Grand Marquis.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Show Me the Car Fact #FactFridays

The first installment of Fact Fridays for 2019! I'm in grad school AND working full-time now, so new posts will be less frequent, but quality and relevancy will not be compromised! Now let's roll!

Did you know: Roughly 65% of the world’s population drives on the right side of the road. A short list of countries that are left-hand drive include India, Japan, Australia, South Africa, and Thailand. Have you been to any of these places and driven there? I'd personally like to go to South Africa in the future.

More car facts here: https://thefactfile.org/car-facts/

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