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: Jumpin’, Jumpin’ -Destiny’s Child, 1999

Album: The Writing’s On the Wall

OG Destiny’s Child had summer ‘99 LIT. And given how much "jumpin" around I’ve been doing this week, this throwback is appropriate haha. 

This song makes me recall riding around in my grandfather’s pinkish-purplish Mercury Cougar, looking at cars at dealers. That’s a big reason why I have my automotive passion now. What do certain old songs make you remember?

Song Link: https://youtu.be/hDqhXMQuSHg

Show Me the Car Fact #FactFridays

#DidYouKnow 95% of the cars sold in the U.S. have automatic transmissions. But in Europe and Japan, 80% of cars sold have manual transmissions.

Carpocalypse - Ford Edition

Pictured: 2019 Ford Focus Active

CONFIRMED, 4/25/18: Ford will discontinue ALL OF THEIR 4 DOOR CARS in North America (Fiesta, Focus sedan, Fusion, Taurus, C-Max). Only two will remain, the Mustang and the “Focus Active” crossover, which will compete with cars like the Subaru Crosstrek. Ford will focus (no pun intended) on trucks, crossovers/SUVs and electric vehicles moving forward.

The Lincoln MKZ and Continental are BOTH based on the Fusion’s platform, so it’s highly likely that they will be discontinued as well. I saw a 2019 Fusion facelift on the road for the first time today. Lincoln has plans to introduce several more SUVs in the coming years from my understanding.

Imagine: Taurus was once one of the best-selling sedan nameplates in America...

This is big. And bold. But I felt it coming, and talked about the Fusion’s demise previously on Adam’s Autos. For good reference, Mitsubishi currently has a lineup of predominantly crossovers, but let’s be real... Who cares about Mitsubishi in 2018??? This is FORD, one of the Big 3, making this move. And honestly, I think they’ll be fine in the end barring a gas price spike (knock on wood). America is obsessed with SUVs, trucks and “bigger is better”, and has been for years.

The company claims market conditions are no longer viable for cars, and that light trucks could make up half of the retail market by 2020.

Anyone having early withdrawals over their favorite Ford car going away?

Link for more info: https://techcrunch.com/2018/04/25/ford-to-stop-selling-every-car-in-north-america-but-the-mustang-and-focus-active/amp/

Copyright © 2018 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Show Me the Car Fact #FactFridays

#DidYouKnow The “new car smell” that accompanies a new ride is made up of over 50 volatile organic compounds.

...And it’s still the best smell in the world, take it all in.

Throwback Thursday - Traffic JAMS

Released: 1992

(New song every other Thursday)

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: Right Here (Human Nature Radio Mix) -SWV, 1992
Album: It's About Time

-Fun fact: If it's not already obvious, this song samples the King of Pop Michael Jackson's "Human Nature". SWV's "Right Here" was their debut single.

Link: https://youtu.be/3udQPe1G5Fc

Show Me the Car Fact #FactFridays

How about a 2-for-1 facts Friday?

#DidYouKnow If you could drive straight up to the moon, it would take roughly a month to get there. You would need to drive at least 60 MPH all the way, which given how fast most people appear to drive now, shouldn't be an issue.

Also, #DidYouKnow - At last count, the highest mileage ever clocked on a vehicle is 2,900,000 - enough miles to drive around the Earth 100 times! The vehicle that racked up the miles is a 1966 Volvo 1800 S Coupe.

Both of these interesting facts quasi redefine the saying "shoot for the moon, and if you miss, you'll land among the stars."

Copyright © 2018 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

The 2018 New York Auto Show

While crossovers were present, sedans had a large showing as well at this year's New York Auto Show. From top left to right: 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Altima, Maserati Levante Trofeo, Audi RS5 Sportback, Cadillac XT4, Lincoln Aviator Concept, Genesis G70, and Honda Insight

It's been a busy, busy week at the New York Auto Show, with several reveals that hold major implications for each respective brand. What's perhaps most different from the past two recent auto shows (Detroit and Chicago), is that booth displays weren't dominated by crossovers, SUVs and trucks. We actually got to see some new four-door cars that will be available soon, even in the middle of the "sedan apocalypse".

Journey to Sedan Land

Audi's RS5 Sportback was possibly my favorite sedan shown (SHHH!.... Don't you DARE call them a hatchback...), with its unique yet practical liftback design, twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 with 444 HP, and quirky yet eye-catching green paint. A5 in general will be an interesting competitor to other entry-level luxury liftbacks, i.e. the Kia Stinger, Buick Regal, and Volkswagen Arteon. Genesis also unveiled its highly anticipated G70 sports sedan that will be a 3-Series fighter. Annnnd, what's more... It will be available with a 6-speed manual transmission (2.0T models only)! We also saw a new Honda Insight appear, production ready and heavily Accord/Civic inspired, and we'd be remiss to forget the 2019 Nissan Altima, which will now offer AWD (base engine only) and a new variable compression 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, borrowed from the new Infiniti QX50. So yes, sedans are still putting up a solid fight.

SUVs Are Still the Wheels of Choice

While sedans showed up and showed out in the city that never sleeps, SUVs are what really have people wide awake right now. With good reasons that I can understand. Fuel economy is higher than ever in most models, and in the case of some crossover models, you can get more practicality for similar or possibly even less money. If you're not one who cares about having a "cool image" or carving corners everyday going to and from work, what's the disadvantage, right?

Given this argument, it makes sense that Toyota would introduce an all-new RAV4 then, with many styling cues taking from its recent FT-AC concept crossover. For 2019, RAV4 moves to Toyota's New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, and comes with more advanced technology than ever, such as standard Toyota Safety Sense with automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control that works up to 110 MPH. Will you EVER need to go that fast in a compact crossover? Not sure, but the design appears to remain functional and is improved in my eyes. To give you more perspective - Toyota sold 400,000 of these last year, pre-redesign and technology enhancements... It's likely only up from here. Other manufacturers I believe should start taking notes.

Other SUV/crossover reveals include a more performance-oriented Maserati Levante Trofeo with a Ferrari-assembled 3.8 twin-turbo V6 pumping out 590 HP and 538-lb.-ft. of torque, and the Cadillac XT4, which is a new model the brand desperately needed. XT5 might be seen as too big for those interested in the rapidly expanding compact luxury crossover segment, so XT4 comes in with an improved CUE infotainment system, a Cadillac specific 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 237 HP, and enough leather and technology to make even the pickiest of millennials feel right at home. I've already seen two XT4s on the highway, likely undergoing final testing, in Michigan. If Cadillac feels their sedans aren't doing numbers, the XT4 should be a good start in turning that around.

The most interesting SUV reveal award has to go to Lincoln this year, however, with their new Aviator concept. Just like the Navigator and Continental before it (SN: the later may be getting classic rear suicide doors soon, rumor has it), this Aviator appears to be very near production-ready, which is how I predicted it'd appear in a prior posting. It also hold true to its "mini Navigator" styling theme, just as the original Aviator did back from 2003-2005. Three rows of seats and rear-wheel drive (RWD) will be offered, and it's safe to assume that this platform it rides on will underpin the upcoming redesigned Explorer. I really like that Lincoln is using REAL NAMES again for some models, and this is a handsome design, inside and out. Ford's got some interesting things planned if you're in the market for an SUV or truck.

Other News

In other news and recent reveals, Cadillac announced a long-rumored, brand-exclusive twin-turbo V8 version of its CT6 sedan with 550 HP, Hyundai announced official EV range for the Kona Electric (~250 miles) and showed off the 2019 Santa Fe, Ford updated the Fusion again and will now include it's Co-Pilot360 driver assistance features as standard (expect it to trickle into other new products as well), Toyota officially cut all ties with their Scion past by introducing a restyled Corolla hatchback and Yaris sedan (I like both, especially the hatch), VW showed off its Atlas Tanoak pickup and Atlas Cross Sport five-passenger concepts to be possibly built in Tennessee, Kia updated several of its models for 2019 (Sedona, Optima, all-new K900), and Lexus' compact UX crossover made a debut. WHEW! Yes, a lot of big news for a big show. 

What was your favorite reveal, and what new cars are you looking forward to? Are you headed to New York this year for the show? For more of what you can see at the 2018 New York Auto Show, check out the official website vehicle gallery: https://www.autoshowny.com/gallery/

Leave a comment, and be sure to check back and subscribe for more news and reviews to come! Until later, ROLL ON!

Copyright © 2018 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Show Me the Car Fact #FactFridays

#DidYouKnow: Cruise control was invented by Ralph Teetor, who claimed his lawyer's unsteady driving habits inspired him. Sounds straightforward - Until you learn that he was BLIND.

Personally, I can't live without cruise control on long trips, so big shout-out to Mr. Ralph. Wonder what his thoughts would be on adaptive cruise control, Tesla's recent Autopilot crashes and autonomous vehicles? Share your opinions.

Copyright © 2018 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Throwback Thursday - Traffic JAMS

Released: 1992

(NEW postings every other Thursday)

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: Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat) - Digable Planets, 1992

-Fun fact: This song was featured on the soundtrack to the 2015 movie "Dope", about a group of teens living in LA who bond over 90s hip-hop culture and seek to start their own band. Check it out in your spare time, especially if you love throwbacks and guest appearances from stars like A$AP Rocky.

Link: https://youtu.be/qsTd10HaD5s

Show Me the Car Fact #FactFridays

#DidYouKnow: The average car contains over 30,000 unique parts.

I'm sure as vehicle complexity increases and as we advance towards a more autonomous future, that number is bound to rise even more. #FactFridays

Copyright © 2018 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Deflect: Cadillac's Sales Issue

Models such as the CTS-V are supposed to help Cadillac regain its top-tier luxury status while taking on the likes of BMW. However, recent sales numbers apparently say otherwise.

So let's cut right to the chase on this one. This original post is from Jalopnik. Link is below. Cadillac's CEO believes that no one is buying their sedans because, well, "millennials" of course. 

Oh. Well OK.

But also, infrastructure. U.S. road conditions are just too bad these days. That I believe, and truly agree with.

I'll let you read the whole thing on your own. Interesting argument, but there's some flaws:

1. Cadillac has a mixed image it's trying to reverse with cars like the CTS-V. That takes time, and they simply aren't there yet... Closer than ever, they make very nice cars. But still no cigar.

2. Many teens/millennials can't afford a Cadillac.

3. Infrastructure isn't stopping EVERYONE from buying other "sporty cars". Personally, it IS stopping me. I wouldn't want to drop a boat load on a new sports/luxury car just to need to put it in the shop for $2,000+ worth of repairs after I hit Michigan road crater... This coming from a millennial and avid car guy haha. I'll take a truck/SUV at this point. But for those who DON'T care about this, I think the issue of "brand image/perceived quality" applies again.

Your thoughts? Link: https://jalopnik.com/cadillac-ceo-no-one-will-buy-our-sedans-because-teens-1823707548

Update: Cadillac has recently unveiled a twin-turbo CT6 V-Sport V8 model for production with 550 HP and 627 lb.ft. of torque!

St. Patrick's Day & A Green Ford Future

St. Patrick's Day is here, and so is a new color for Ford's pony car, the Mustang.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! While you're enjoying your green beer, Ford has been brewing up some major plans for the future. If you're feeling lucky and like you need more green in your life, rejoice! Ford is rolling out a new color for the Mustang: "Need For Green". Yay, or nay? 

Personally, I'm a fan. My mother had a couple of green cars, and it seems to be a dying hue in a sea of white and black rides these days. Save the variety!

The Future is Big (and Green)

A Mustang Shelby GT500 is likely to pack 700+ HP I'm
guessing in this day and age... I smell competition brewing.

In case you think Ford is just making their cars look bright and shiny, you've got another think coming. Because the blue oval automaker has also unveiled plans to release an onslaught of new eco-friendly and fully revamped popular models over the next several years. One of those cars will be a new Shelby GT500! Could we have a legitimate Hellcat challenger (slight pun intended) on the horizon?

Other new vehicles will mostly be SUVs.  Among these new SUVs of course will be the announced Bronco. But wait! Another "off-road capable" SUV will be offered as well, in addition to a new Escape and Explorer around the 2020 model year. To stir interest even more, just in case you're becoming crossover jaded, Ford has confirmed plans to offer an ST version of the next Explorer, possibly on a rear-wheel drive platform. Perhaps crossovers can be fun after all. We shall see...

And there's no mention of a new Fusion from what I can tell, in case you're interested.

You've Reached Tech Support

On top of all this, Ford will continue to develop new technology for autonomous driving and will make a suite of driver assistance features (blind spot monitoring, autonomous braking, etc.) dubbed "CoPilot360" standard on nearly every car by 2020. They're a little slow on the last part, as Toyota has already beat them to the punch with "Safety Sense P" on many models... But better late than never! 

Ford also plans to trim the number of global vehicle platforms they use down even further, and as previously mentioned, hybridize ALL of their lineup, including the Bronco and Mustang. As you see, they are taking their "One Ford" strategy quite seriously... And I approve. I like what they're doing with their future products, although their current lineup is definitely aged.

WHEW!!! That's a lot of info. Are you a Ford fan and are you pumped? There's certainly a lot to look forward to, as Ford rolls toward a bright green, SUV future.

(Oh, and shoutout Michigan State's men's basketball team in the NCAA tournament today of all days, because... GO GREEN!)

Copyright © 2018 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Lexus and The Black Panther - REPRESENTATION.

Marvel's Black Panther movie is set to break records and open minds!

Happy Black History Month! I believe we are in a renaissance period of Black awakening and empowerment. And nothing showcases this more than Marvel’s upcoming “The Black Panther” movie. Too often, African Americans are portrayed in a “negative” light in media... Thus, on the contrary, Black Panther is our moment to shine (even brighter)! 

Already, this movie is on track to be one of the highest grossing Marvel films ever. And with a soundtrack fully produced by Kendrick Lamar and the whole TDE cast (SZA Schoolboy Q, etc.), let’s just say our ears are in for quite a treat as well! But what’s a movie debut without some promotional tie-ins? Lexus and Marvel have teamed up to produce some movie-themed vehicles, with very specific goals in mind.

Driving Demand

On the bottom is the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept.
Is it me, or have Lexus' cars... Evolved?
Supposedly this will be a future flagship model.

There was a time where Lexus was one of the top-selling luxury brands in the United States. It’s a new day however, and consumer tastes have changed. Thus, Lexus is on a quest to attract a younger demographic to the brand to reclaim the top spot. One action involves creating “sportier-looking” products, seen most obviously in their corporate “Spindle Grille” (or “Predator Grille”, if you’re the sarcastic type). The other plan involves product placement, and you can expect to see the new LC500 starting prominently in The Black Panther.

While it’s evident that the U.S. population is aging, Lexus’ strategy doesn’t (and can’t) just hinge on appealing to younger buyers. Minority spending is increasing as well, especially African American spending. Marketing Lexus as “hip” in the right places moving forward is one way to connect with a potential base. And with so many Black millennials surely headed to the movies in a couple of weeks for The Black Panther, placing a special LC500 before the audience is wise exposure. Yet, there’s a risk as well.

Lexus' Black Panther themed LC500 has been making rounds
at auto shows this year.

Side note: It’s worth mentioning that Lexus intended to run a Black Panther/LC500 commercial during this year’s Super Bowl. I must’ve missed it...

Old Base, New Face

While in theory targeting people for better brand awareness is not new or weird, exploitation is. And to me, it just seems that Lexus needs to monitor their motives. They don’t want to come across as though they are merely marketing to minorities when it’s convenient. Such as when a movie debuts... But before now, they appeared unconcerned with their “boring” customer base. Lexus says they want to be a part of more conversations in diverse communities.

Spindle grille or "predator grille"? You be the judge.

On top of this, while trying to appeal to new audiences, there’s a risk of alienating old buyers. This is especially true when it comes to Lexus’ current styling language. Their large open mouth grille simply hasn’t registered quite as well with their tried-and-true buyers... Lexus’ LF-1 concept that was shown at the Detroit Auto Show this year honestly showed that they have no intentions of dialing it back either. Jeff Bracken, general manager and Vice President at Lexus, says he gets calls about the brand’s designs being too “aggressive” for traditional buyers. But yet, it’s a strategic move he says, so don’t expect it to change...

In my own opinion, I feel Toyota and Lexus are going too far out with their grille designs... Let’s just keep it in perspective a little more, please. Then again, they probably shouldn’t care too much what I think, since I’m not really in the market for a Lexus right now anyways...

For The Culture

All in all, I’m so glad there is so much hype around Marvel’s Black Panther movie. I’m glad to see African Americans and Africa portrayed in a strong light (far from the “s-hole” you might have been told it is...). I’m glad to see the auto industry jumping in, acknowledging the influence of minorities. And I’m proud of the progress we’ve made socially, despite various societal setbacks, even recently. Its all about forward progress! 

The Black Panther releases in theatres on February 16th, and the Lexus LC500 is on sale now with a starting price of $92,000. The LC Hybrid starts at $96,510.

I could go on and on, but let’s remain excited and lift each other up as we continue rolling on. Are you ready!? #knowyourhistory

Update: Black Panther has officially made over $1 Billion at the box office! Wakanda forever!

Update 2: Black Panther is now officially the highest grossing superhero film in the United States of ALL TIME! Now THAT'S the power of minority spending.

A Marvel indeed.

Copyright © 2018 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

The 2018 Chicago Auto Show

Another month, another auto show. This time, it’s the largest one in the nation - The Chicago Auto Show! We’re just coming hot off of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, so what can we expect from “The Windy City”?

Hopes High? Or Left Dry?

From top left: 2019 Ranger, Toyota TRD Pro models, VW Arteon,
and the new Ford Expedition. Honestly, Arteon sounds like a Pokemon
name to me, even though the car is cool. I wouldn't mind an Expedition either.

Well, not a ton else new will be new in Chicago... If you’re a fan of trucks and SUVs, rejoice! You’ll be seeing A LOT of those (again) throughout the Chicago Auto Show. If you recall, the 2019 Ford Ranger, Ram 1500, and Chevy Silverado debuted in Detroit. Toyota has rolled out some more aggressive editions of its TRD Pro 4Runner, Tundra, and Tacoma models in Chicago. Some autonomous driving tech as well will likely appear in places.

VW is showcasing the Artron, the CC’s replacement. It has a liftback design, similar to the new 2018 Buick Regal and Kia Stinger sedans. Ford showed off a refreshed Transit Connect coming for 2019 with updated tech, a new diesel engine and a 8-speed transmission. And Nissan is showing off the 370Zki, which based on their teaser video, may as well be a full-fledged snowmobile... Check the link for that. Honestly, an all-new 370Z or Frontier truck would be FAR more interesting.

Nissan 370Zki link: http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/channels/2018-Chicago/videos/video-nissan-370ki-teaser

Beyond that, it’s pretty ho hum for MAJOR reveals. Personally, I wouldn’t mind checking out a new Ford Expedition. I like it’s styling and interior design, especially it’s rear passenger space and new cargo shelf system.

So here’s to more trucks and crossovers! Do share your own excitement and curiosity about upcoming cars as well.

Copyright © 2018 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Rare Rides! - Take 2

In this installment of rare rides, we have four rides that are unique in their own ways and capture various moments in automotive history. You just don’t see them often. Let’s dive in shall we?

1. 2011-2016 MV-1

Manufactured by Vehicle Production Group, the MV-1 was designed to be a wheelchair accessible specialty vehicle. It featured two available Ford-supplied engines, a 3.7 V6 and 4.6 V8, and was also used as a taxi cab. I rode in a taxi cab version in Chicago (pictured), I found its powertrain responsive. Not sure if it was a V6 or V8. One also passed me on the local roads back at home.

2. 2011-2014 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon

This was spotted in a parking garage after attending the 2018 Detroit NAIAS. While this one was dirty and appeared to have winter tires and rims on it (likely to protect the factory set from road salt), it doesn’t reduce the overall exclusivity of this car! The CTS Wagon is already uncommon, and spotting a V-Series is like seeing a unicorn jumping a rainbow! The 2nd-generation CTS-V came with a 6.2-liter V8 making 556 HP. 0-60 took 3.9 seconds for the automatic transmission, 4.1 for the manual. Dream car anyone?

3. 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue

While not a super “rare” car in a traditional sense, what struck me about this ‘01 Olds was just how IMPECCABLY CLEAN it was. I only found one scratch on the body (bottom right picture)! When was the last time you saw an Oldsmobile THIS CLEAN!? Perhaps back in 2001! This vehicle was on sale at Suburban Cadillac in Plymouth, Michigan (not sure if it’s still there) and had Oldsmobile’s 3.5-liter “Shortstar” V6 good for 215 HP. The 2nd-generation Oldsmobile Aurora also used this engine. Prior to using this powertrain, the Intrigue used GM’s famed 3.8-liter V6. This particular Intrigue was on sale for $5,000 - not sure of the mileage on it. The Intrigue was produced from 1998-2002, and was the first car to die during the 2000s Oldsmobile phaseout. Admittedly, I've always had a soft spot for Oldsmobile in my heart. Its long been my favorite GM brand...

4. 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen TDI

Again, this wouldn’t necessarily be on here as a “rare” car I imagine if it weren’t for the VW “Dieselgate” scandal. Someone obviously didn’t feel compelled to turn their TDI in for a refund, or either got it fixed and kept it. I wasn’t able to get a picture of the one I actually saw, (I was driving, SAFETY FIRST) but it was blue just like this one here. Given the popularity of compact crossovers in America right now, seeing one of these wagons, let alone in diesel form, is interesting to say the least. The Golf Sportwagen was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine.

Have you seen any nice or rare rides lately? Post your findings.

Copyright © 2018 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.