Ranger Leak & Tesla Tweets

Trucks and electric cars are two opposite ends of the spectrum it seems. But they both have been in the news for varied reasons lately...

ICYMI - You recently could build a 2019 Ranger on Ford’s website. A link went live temporarily. Base price was $24,000, XL regular cab 4x2 (but according to Ford, there isn’t supposed to be a regular cab). Official version goes live this coming week.

   

Ford’s CoPilot360 (includes auto high beams, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring) is optional for $735 on base XL trims, standard on XLT and Lariat. But beware - things get expensive from the XLT trim up.

  

In other news - Elon Musk wants to take Tesla private for $420 a share. So look out for that.

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

Show Me the Car Fact #FactFridays

While the Corolla sedan recently received a facelift, the Corolla Hatchback is all new for 2019 and replaces the Corolla iM (previously known as the Scion iM).

Here’s one you may be aware of - Did you know: The Toyota Corolla is one of the best selling cars in the world. With multiple variants of the car being offered globally, one is sold every 15 seconds.

Will this record hold up under the growing onslaught of crossovers and trucks? Time will tell. #ShowMeTheCarFact #FactFridays

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

Show Me the Car Fact #FactFridays

Did you know: Norway is SERIOUS about their electric vehicle usage and infrastructure development. In fact - their EV fleet is one of the largest in the world, and the upcoming Hyundai Kona Electric is already SOLD OUT there! Roughly 20,000 reservations were placed, but only 2,500 will be delivered to Norway.

More info:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/25/norway-leads-way-electric-cars-green-taxation-shift

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plug-in_electric_vehicles_in_Norway

Copyright © 2018 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: Throw Some D’s -Rich Boy feat. Polow Da Don, 2006

Album: Rich Boy

You just bought a Cadillac? You know what to do.

Link: https://youtu.be/s7gj_DjmqYE

Show Me the Car Fact #FactFridays

Did you know: The name Jeep possibly comes from multiple sources. One possible combination comes from the words “General Purpose” (GP - JEEP). Also, the name could've come from popular culture, such as cartoons like Popeye.

R.I.P. to Mr. Sergio Marchionne, former CEO of Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles.

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

SPOTTED! The New 2019 Nissan Altima!

SPOTTED! 2019 Nissan Altima - Take off all the badges if you want, you can rarely fool me....Plus, that V-Motion grille is just a dead giveaway, man.

The 2019 Altima will launch this Fall and have a standard CVT, optional AWD (2.5L engine ONLY), and Nissan’s new 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-T) engine.

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

Anyone Still Like Station Wagons? Asking for For... I Mean a Friend

2019 Ford Fusion facelift; Could this name somehow live on?

If you were sad that Ford was potentially dropping the Fusion name with no intention to replace it, fear not! As rumors recently surfaced that the Fusion name may live on as a Subaru Outback crossover/station wagon-fighter kind of vehicle! Yay? Nay?

This new vehicle will be built on the same mechanicals as the Fusion sedan from what I understand, which if true, would (in my opinion) make it a dated platform from the get-go. The current Fusion went on sale back in 2013. You can only refresh and rework a platform so many times before a full model redesign is needed, but FCA seems to be making this strategy work well with the Charger/Challenger/300.

Honorable Mentions

The Ford Mondeo wagon and the Taurus X are two different sides of the wagon coin...

It’s also worth noting that: 1. Ford sells a version of the Mondeo (European Fusion name) as a wagon. And 2. Ford tried a similar strategy of turning a once-popular car name (Taurus) into a crossover by rebadging the Freestyle as the Taurus X in 2008. That didn’t work out well, for a variety of reasons we could go on about... We’ll see if things go any better this time around. I’m hoping they do, given the uncertainty of today’s political and economic climates.

As shown above, the Fusion gets another refresh for 2019. And if you’re late to the party - Ford announced in the last couple of months that they will cease production of all sedans in America, focusing on trucks and crossovers.

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

Show Me the Car Fact #FactFridays

Did you know: About 165,000 cars are produced each day - the equivalent of 60 million cars per year.

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

Show Me the Car Fact #FactFridays

Did you know: Highway traffic jams cost drivers over $160 billion a year in vehicle wear and tear and gas. Additionally, over $60 billion worth of car maintenance goes unchecked every year.

Well, they do say "time is money"!

Sources: 
https://www.factretriever.com/car-facts 
http://affordableautohopkins.com/20-surprising-interesting-car-facts/

Copyright © 2018 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: Loungin’ (Who Do You Love?) -LL Cool J feat. Total, 1996

Album: Mr. Smith

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwqBr8HXhyw

Rare Rides - Take 3!

#SPOTTED! Here is a compilation of new, rare and/or uncommon rides I’ve seen on the road recently.

Some of the featured cars are the SAAB 9-4X, the Jeep Grand Commander (a Chinese 7-passenger model), 2019 Ford Edge ST, 2019 Chevy Silverado, 2019 GMC Sierra Denali, Nissan Murano Cross Cabriolet, 2019 Toyota Avalon, the Isuzu Ascender, old Chevy and Ford trucks, and many more. I’ve also seen (but couldn’t get pictures of) some Tesla Model 3s, Maserati Levante, Cadillac ATS V-Series, Jaguar F-Type, the 2019 Jeep Renegade, and the 2019 Cadillac XT4!

Have you seen any rare rides, can you guess all of these, and what’s your dream ride?

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

Allll Aboard - Ford Buys Central Station In Detroit

Detroit's Corktown will now be "Mobility Town", as Ford has purchased the old Central Station there with plans to redevelop it for EV and autonomous vehicle programs. I find this plan interesting, as well as the surrounding neighborhood features. In the center picture is a rendering of what the campus may look like when all of the work is said and done.

Roughly a week ago, I visited the Corktown Neighborhood in Detroit where Ford Motor Company purchased the abandoned Central Train Station. This site will be redeveloped as a mobility hub for autonomous and EV vehicles, creating an estimated 2,500 jobs. A separate building will also be built to further expand work space, and restaurants and penthouse additions are being considered as well. More discussion coming soon.

This is part of an effort to draw new talent to Ford and revitalize Corktown. But I feel that some of the history and spirit never left, and is captured well in the surrounding artwork, families playing in the park, and the design of the buildings. It’ll be interesting to see how Ford transforms this property and its product portfolio in the coming years.

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

Need a New Ride? Garber Automotive Has You Covered!

Looking for a new ride in the Michigan Bay Region area? Be sure to speak with Mr. Marcus Jackson at Garber Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram on Bay Road or Mr. John Wright at Garber Buick on State St. in Saginaw, MI. Mr. Jackson sold me my 2018 Jeep Compass and Mr. Wright my 2008 Saturn Aura (7 years ago!).

Garber has always been awesome in helping us get the best deal and rides possible. Highly recommend!

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

The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer - Revealed

Can a throwback name with modern charm make the new Blazer a runaway hit?

Another day, another reveal. Here’s the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer. I don’t think pictures of the red RS trim one do it full justice, but the white Premier trim one is very sharp! Lots of Camaro influence - though I think the large grille may take getting used to. The front reminds me of a modern Lexus mixed with Chevy's Traverse, Camaro, and the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe somewhat.

The 2019 Blazer will compete with the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano. Front wheel drive and two different all-wheel drive systems will be offered, along with two engines - a 2.5L four-cylinder with 193 HP and 188 lb.-ft. of torque and a 3.6L V6 with 305 HP and 269 lb.-ft. of torque. A 9-speed automatic transmission is standard. Blazer will release next year, bringing a lot of nostalgia and modern crossover flair with it.

Note: Honda is also expected to possibly revive the “Passport” name (last produced in 2002) as a new crossover to compete with the upcoming Blazer, Edge, and Murano. This midsize crossover segment  has largely been stagnant in recent years... Until now.

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

The 2019 Volvo S60 - Revealed

Production of the new S60 will begin this coming fall.

Here’s the 2019 Volvo S60 sedan - I quite like it. Do you? Pricing starts at $36,795 and it will be offered through the new “Care by Volvo” subscription program as well, which is off to a rocky start... It’ll be the first Volvo to not offer a diesel, but will instead offer two gas hybrid models. The T8 hybrid was worked on by Polestar engineers. A 250 HP 2.0L turbo will be standard. ADAS and safety features are also said to be updated and enhanced. The new S60 will be build in Charleston, South Carolina - Volvo’s first ever factory in the United States.

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