Silver Lining: 2019 Chevy Silverado

2019 Chevrolet Silverado Trailboss

Trucks are almost as popular as crossovers these days. So it should come as no surprise that Chevy has unveiled a new Silverado to stay competitive in the full-size truck segment. This almost certainly means that a new GMC Sierra is coming soon too.

Truck It Up, Truck It Up

Although similar in overall shape, the 2019 Silverado’s frame is all-new, and GM promises that the new truck is lighter and more efficient by using a mix of new materials. Quite appropriate, given more stringent fuel economy regulations that are forthcoming. A turbocharged engine is rumored also. My initial impressions are positive, although the styling of some of Chevy's recent cars takes a little longer to get use to in my opinion...

In addition to revised looks, the upcoming Silverado (and we can assume by extension the GMC Sierra) use higher strength steel in their beds for further weight savings. This is a direct response to Ford using aluminum in the F-Series, but strikes me as somewhat odd at the same time, because I recall hearing something about “carbon fiber” being considered for use at some point... And while expensive, I just don’t see steel + V8s as equaling a ton of weight savings.

Chevy vows to continue using steel on key parts for safety and durability purposes. That much does make total sense, as Chevy’s “clearly not-staged” TV commercials demonstrate that holes can be punctured into a truck bed made of weaker material if you drop boulders into it... Just in case you were ever curious, you know.

Finding New Roads Near You... Soon 

Chevy has been in the truck business awhile - 100 years in fact!
Here's the 2018 Centennial Edition Silverado and Colorado.

Expect more info on the 2019 Silverado at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. What else would you like to see GM do with their full-size truck lineup?

Copyright © 2017 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Happy Holidays 2017

Its the season of gift giving, giving thanks, and snow. Even if you wish you were somewhere warmer, are missing someone, or stuck in traffic, from me to you and all of your crew, I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Let's roll into this new year heads held high and eyes wide open to all that we've learned in 2017!

-Adam

Car Facts: Chevrolet Malibu

Car Fact: The modern Chevrolet Malibu has outlived all of its DIRECT "sibling" vehicles within GM's modern portfolio (‘97-99 Oldsmobile Cutlass, ‘05-10 Pontiac G6, and the ‘07-09 Saturn Aura). While some GM products shared their platform with the Malibu (ex. Buick LaCrosse and Regal shared the Epsilon II platform), these models are not essentially the same car as the Malibu like the others were.

In sort of a cruel irony fate: The 2007 Saturn Aura heavily influenced the Malibu's 2008 and onwards design, but was discontinued (with the entire Saturn brand) after just 3 model years. Both the Aura and Malibu won the North American Car of the Year award back to back (2007 & 2008 respectively).

Copyright © 2017 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Winter Driving Advisory

Given the snow that's already hitting parts of this state for the Christmas holiday, it's always good to remember: Ice and snow, take it SLOW!

Also remember: AWD/4WD will help you get going, but it WON'T help you stop. Basically all modern cars have 4 wheel brakes, ABS, traction and stability control, etc. Larger vehicles also tend to roll easier due to a higher center of gravity. Time is always your best ally!

Electric Records - But Not Good Ones...

Tesla's financial woes have compounded, and the situation is further complicated by reported reliability issues... What implications could this have on the company's future?

UPDATE: Tesla's head of battery engineering, Jon Wagner, recently left the company, and Tesla also unveiled its highly anticipated semi truck and a new roadster.

Tesla, steady on a mission to become the best electric car company ever, recently posted a record-breaking $671 million Q3 loss. This time last year, the company recorded a $22 million net profit. OUCH...

According to the company, ramping up production of the Model 3 caused the staggering profit setback. Tesla now says they’ll produce 5,000 Model 3’s a week by the first quarter of 2018. However, I have my doubts... And also, I feel Tesla’s financial woes can be attributed to other factors and may just be ramping up themselves. 

The Model 3 is supposed to be
affordable for the masses.
But is it truly?

For example, the Model 3 is SUPPOSED to start at $35,000. But this is for the short range battery, good for roughly 220 miles. The long range battery model (good for 310 miles) will likely be the one that’s built most often, and that automatically tacks $9,000 onto the base price, taking it to $44,000. And that’s before you factor in other available options (any paint color other than black cost $1,000) and Tesla’s “production bottlenecks” they’ve admitted to facing. All of a sudden, the Model 3 isn’t sounding quite as accessible to the masses as originally planned...

ON TOP OF ALL THAT, the Model X has been plagued with quality issues, bringing the company’s production procedures further into question. All of this combined with Tesla’s haphazard leadership, firing of 700 employees, and constant fund borrowing makes for a messy situation.

Any Way Forward?

Is there potentially a way out for Tesla? I feel it’s to early to say if this is a sign of worse things to come, such as the brand shutting down. As of now, Tesla still has plans to produce a “Model Y” small SUV in 2019 or 2020. But a good start will be getting the Model 3 produced in sufficient enough numbers, followed by focusing on improving the quality of current products like the Model X. An affordable Tesla sounds like a great idea, but only if it’s executed well. 

In the meantime, someone get Tesla an XL band-aid and a financial advisor... PLEASE.

Copyright © 2017 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Did You Know Facts - Hudson Hornet, Disney Pixar's Cars

Car Fun Fact: The Hudson Hornet classic car I shared a few weeks ago is actually one of the main characters in Disney's Cars movies - Doc Hudson!

Link to Hudson Hornet post: http://www.adamsautos.org/2017/10/on-this-edition-of-unicorn-rides-we.html?m=1

Copyright © 2017 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Consumer Reports Reliablity Rankings

Consumer Reports is a non-profit organization that compiles data on a variety of consumer products, including cars.

ICYMI: Consumer Reports recently rated the most reliable and unreliable car brands. Some data is missing for some, such as Mitsubishi, I’d assume because they don’t sell new cars in large enough numbers. 

In the top 5 are Toyota, Lexus, Kia, Audi, and BMW, with the Kia Niro hybrid being the most reliable new car rated. At the bottom is Cadillac, with the Escalade now being among the least reliable new cars you can get.

BMW and Kia in the top 5 is quite interesting I say. It's a new day! Follow the link for other brand ratings.

Link: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/car-brands-reliability-how-they-stack-up/

Oil Change Due... When Again?

So apparently my car was due for an oil change yesterday... 33 years from now haha.

But seriously, I still have another 150 miles to go before the recommended oil change mileage. And even then, I'll have over 40 something percent of my oil life left. My rule of thumb is that I generally don't change my oil until that percentage is in teens or until I'm about to extensively travel.

Given that I only average roughly 3,000-4,000 miles a year on my car right now, your conditions may vary on when you need to change your oil of course. I recommend knowing your driving patterns, your car, and consulting your owner's manual for recommended changing intervals for fluids.

Copyright © 2017 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Talent Shoutout!

Ran into this brotha at SEMA '17, and he's got skill! He's a self-employed artist and will draw your favorite car for you. Follow his Instagram and check out his work, @hitchensartwork

SEMA 2017 - Reveals & Automobiles

SEMA takes place each year in Las Vegas, Nevada. What happens in Vegas...

As we move onwards into fall, it means it’s almost time for one unique auto show: The Specialty Equipment Market Association show, or SEMA if that’s a little wordy. A bevy of aftermarket suppliers and automakers bring a variety of cars to the Las Vegas show to demonstrate new technologies and features.

Alas, the show is only open to exhibitors and those with auto industry credentials. However, like last year, I’ll take a moment to highlight a few interesting models from the show to give you an idea of what to expect.

Models Galore

Twin turbo V8? Yes please!

Yes, there’s beautiful people in Las Vegas, but we’re focusing on the cars for now. Starting with Ford, the popular American brand intends to bring seven customized 2018 Mustangs to SEMA this year. One such is the Mustang Fastback customized by Tucci Hot Rods, with a twin turbo 5.0-liter V8 paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Kia's Stinger debut's this fall and is available with two turbo engines.

Kia’s new Stinger fastback is geared up for SEMA too, sporting custom gear from West Coast Customs (yes, the same people from Pimp My Ride on MTV years ago). A carbon fiber aero kit and interior revisions are among a few changes, but mechanical changes haven’t been mentioned. Although the Stinger’s 365 HP twin turbo V6 engine should suffice as is. Expect the Stinger to go on sale in December 2017 year with a starting price of just under $33,000 (including destination) for a 2.0T model.

Black Panther LC500

Lastly, Lexus will be showing off two LC500s - one that promotes the upcoming Black Panther movie and the other is the LC Inspiration Series. The movie-inspired car has a wider track that that the other production-ready LC models won’t get. But the blue paint on the LC Inspiration Series model is inspired by a particular kind of butterfly from what I understand.

Inspiration Series LC500

What do you think of these cars, and will you be following SEMA this year? The show runs from October 30th to November 3rd. Until later, ROLL ON!

Link to SEMA 2016 article: http://www.adamsautos.org/2016/11/3-cool-cars-from-sema-2016.html?m=1

Copyright © 2017 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

2 Years Strong!

Hey world!

This fall (in November to be specific) marks 2 years since I started my automotive blog, Adam's Autos! Time flies! And in that time together, we've covered a variety of automotive topics that even extend beyond the auto industry itself. I appreciate those who have been here since the start and those who will continue to stick around moving forward! Here's to the future. Things are just starting to get interesting.

-Adam (ARich)

Cloudy Skies & Scams - It's Hurricane Season

Hurricanes are one of the strongest weather occurrences we must endure. And yet, there are
some individuals out there who simply lack empathy and will use the event to exploit unsuspecting
shoppers and those who have lost everything.

A natural disaster is generally unexpected, and the effects of the event are felt long after things have subsided. We’re seeing that now in the aftermath of hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, which devastated Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico and left many with nothing... It’s unfortunately too easy to take advantage of individuals in these situations, and even people outside of the battered areas. One of the most common ways people exploit others is through the reselling of flooded cars.

Scrap Traps

Abandoned flood vehicles in Texas,
in a photo captured by local media.

For example: Many vehicles were pulled out of flooded areas in Texas and scrappers were charging owners $4,000-$5,000 to recover their own vehicle! Can you imagine the added feeling of injustice!? Well open your mind, because it gets deeper. Dried out flood vehicles are also sometimes resold, and can prove to be huge headaches for new owners. Insured vehicles that are declared a loss will likely be retitled and have their undamaged parts pulled out for use elsewhere.

Because of this, I strongly recommend checking a car’s history report (Carfax) before buying it to ensure you’re getting something quality. Also, checking its VIN number is an extra layer of security. Most importantly, drive the car yourself! If something looks or smells out of place... Trust your gut! Don’t get anything you feel you’ll regret later.

Note: I am NOT affiliated with ANY organization such as the Red Cross.
However, I do feel that in times of need, we need to uplift each other for
the greater good. Thus, I encourage you to find a reputable
organization that is accepting hurricane relief effort donations.

On another note: I don’t get political/motivational very often in my blogging, but I’ve been rather unimpressed with how many leaders have handled the recent natural disasters that have devastated so many families... With another major hurricane brewing (Nate) and on track to hit many southern states, I encourage you to be a leader YOURSELF and donate to a legitimate, charitable organization that’s providing relief to the affected areas individuals. I’ve learned in my short time so far on this Earth that sometimes the best support you can be to those around you is a good example.

Keep everyone in the path of these storms around the world in your thoughts and prayers.

ROLL ON.

Copyright © 2017 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Unicorn Cars - Part 2

On this edition of "unicorn rides", we have a... Cool, but unidentified classic vehicle, as it had no badges on it lol. But yet, this is another example of a unique engineering era gone by. It's always interesting to note how designs change and inspire new concepts.

Update: This is a 1950s Hudson Hornet! Thanks to Demitri Santos Mendez on Facebook for identifying this gem!

Link- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudson_Hornet

Copyright © 2017 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Unicorn Cars

Let's take a look at a few "unicorn cars" I saw while out and about recently. While a couple stand out from the crowd, sometimes some cars are what I call "incognito unicorns" and are actually far more uncommon than they appear, such as the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid.

Believe it or not, here we have one of the most uncommon, modern-day car unicorns out there: The 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid. While likely not a collectible, spotting one (or an equally rare Durango Hybrid) is quite... Well, rare...

The Aspen/Durango hybrids used a 2 mode hybrid system that was jointly developed by GM, Chrysler, Daimler and BMW paired to a HEMI V8 and electric motors for a combined 385 HP. MPGs were rated at 19 city/20 highway - a marked improvement, believe it or not, over regular HEMI Aspens and Durangos (13/18).

About 400 (of both models) total rolled off the assembly line before the factory where the SUVs were produced was shut down.

This here... I'm not quite sure what the owner was going for... But it looks like this is an old school Beetle modded for off road use. Your impressions? Anyone up for some high-speed dune jumps?

To tell you the truth, I'm at a loss here haha. Not sure what this is, plus, it being nighttime didn't help... Any ideas? Gotta love those restored classic and historic cars however!

Have you seen any unicorn cars lately? Comment if so. ROLL ON!

Copyright © 2017 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Automatic Reactions: Autonomous Driving Uncertainties

Autonomous driving vehicles are another major step in the auto industry expanding its reach while making effective use of cutting edge technology.

Autonomous driving vehicles are coming. There’s no way around it, and we can already observe how rapidly this technology is advancing around us today. Yet, there’s still many obstacles that need to be worked around, such as how some systems don’t function properly in poor weather. Another factor that’s proving to be a sticking point is driver uncertainty. Some people tend to be skeptical to new technology anyways (for various reasons), but the thought of totally letting a car control itself seems to bother some individuals more than others.

Everyone's a Skeptic

The Gartner Consumer Trends in Automotive recently surveyed roughly 1,500 individuals about autonomous driving vehicles. Results of the survey found that roughly 55% of respondents didn't want anything to do with a fully autonomous vehicle. However, 70% of participants stated they would ride in a partially autonomous vehicle, or a vehicle that allows the driver to take control if need be. Personally, I would feel more comfortable in a partially autonomous car too, since I feel being able to control your car is key to not only having a safe drive, but an enjoyable one as well.

Perhaps the main reason individuals are so hesitant to adopt this technology is due to the fickleness of technology in general. Personally, I don't trust my electronics, since they're prone to some sort of "glitch" every now and then. Some may argue that if autonomous driving technology is fully integrated into new cars, crashes will become a thing of the past. However, who's to say these systems won't be prone to malfunctions? I'm honestly a little surprised we haven't heard more about crashes related to glitchy, beta autonomous driving systems! Let's hope it stays that way.

From My Experience

I've had a chance to go to dealers and test some vehicles with adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, lane keep assist, and other driving assistant features. While I think such features are pretty cool and may aid in tight traffic situations, it's important to remember that this technology is still incredibly fresh to the market. I noticed its easy to get complacent when using the adaptive cruise, but it's KEY that the driver remain alert at ALL times. Expect the unexpected.

Adaptive cruise control allows you
set a following distance and speed
relative to the car ahead of you.

I recommend that if you have a vehicle with these autonomous features, you read your owner's manual to become familiar with such technology on your car and how to disable them if you so choose. Also, I find it helpful when using the adaptive cruise control in a car to set the following distance to "Far", as this gives both the car AND YOU sufficient time to react to an emergency should the situation arise. You can generally find the adaptive cruise following distance button on your steering wheel near your normal cruise control buttons. Speaking of steering wheel... Keep your hands on it - AT ALL TIMES!

How do you feel about autonomous driving? Do you own a vehicle with autonomous driving features, or is it something you want? This is easily one of the most interesting, growing segments of the auto industry, and it'll be intriguing to see how companies leverage consumer skepticism while striving to become an autonomous driving leader.

For more on the survey mentioned and autonomous driving opinions, follow this link: https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/24/consumers-still-anxious-about-autonomous-cars-says-gartner.html

Until the next time, ROLL ON - Autonomously!

Copyright © 2017 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.