Smart Cars - Mercedes-Benz Vehicles Will Know Where to Park

Mercedes-Benz has a confusing infotainment system to master I feel, but one thing they're trying to make easier is finding a safe parking spot.

Ever felt as though you were parking somewhere you shouldn’t? I’m sure you have. Mercedes is developing a solution for this it seems.

Mercedes says that it’s cars will soon advise drivers on where to park to avoid high crime areas. This will be accomplished by referencing police statistics. Vehicles with navigation systems will look at areas with high vandalism and assault rates, highlight lots with a specific color (green for good, yellow for ok, red for bad), and advise drivers on other spots to park. This system looks at crime rates from the past several weeks.

Available When?

Trial runs have been taking place in various spots such as Seattle, but the production version may be limited to certain areas. A subscription will likely be required since statistics change regularly. And that’s what raises my eyebrow slightly about this feature...

While a novel innovation, this feature being limited to “certain areas” on a luxury product that’s already not accessible to everyone seems slightly questionable. I’ll be curious to see what areas are designated “high risk” by the data pulled from police departments, as this could honestly give us more insight into bigger issues.

Additionally, it’ll be interesting to see if this technology trickles its way down into more affordable vehicles, such as Nissans and Fords over time. Stay tuned in.

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

SEMA 2018

It’s almost that time of year - SEMA time! I’ve posted about this aftermarket show in years past, but every year brings something new and exciting to explore! Let’s check out some of what we might see this year.

Ford Motor Company

I suspect Ford will have their usual outdoor display and track, and according to the SEMA website, will display the following vehicles: 2019 Ranger, 2019 Edge ST, 2018 Ford Super Duty, 2018 EcoSport, 2018 Expedition, 2018 Mustang (2.3L & 5.0L GT), 2018 F-150, 2018 Raptor, and the 2018 Transit.

Based on my past experience, the Ford exhibit is one of the most dynamic at SEMA, with off-road portions, drift portions, and outdoor shopping areas. There’s also indoor exhibits, showcasing modified SUVs and trucks. With trucks and SUVs growing in popularity, I’d expect to see modified versions of the new Ranger as well as the Edge ST taking on the track.

I highly recommend checking Ford out if you’re headed to the show!

Hyundai

Hyundai will have a modified Ioniq Electric Ultimate Street Car fitted with the upcoming Kona Electric’s motor. This gives it a 70% power boost, while also having upgraded water pumps and lowering springs for the suspension. In addition to this, it looks as if a modified Veloster N Ultimate Street Car will make an appearance.

Other Exhibits

Other displays include information on aftermarket accessories, performance modifications, and technology modifications such as blind-spot indicators. SEMA is an excellent show to not only experience Las Vegas, but to also a solid place to gain ideas about what modifications you might want to make to your own car or may see in future OEM builds.

Keep your eyes peeled for more rides from SEMA 2018!

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

Show Me the Car Fact #FactFridays

Did you know: Up to 80% of the average car today is recyclable.

Hopefully that helps you feel a little better about your decision, even if you're not driving the most "green" vehicle.

Source: https://www.factslides.com/s-Cars

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: So What - Field Mob feat. Ciara, 2006

Stressed at work? Your car making noises? "Soooo whaaaat?"

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2B4byXhD7U

Stop/Start Technology - Love It/Hate It Solutions

The Stop/Start feature, as seen in my 2018 Jeep Compass here, shuts off the car at stops to save fuel. The transition is oftentimes seamless, but can cause vibrations and lag at times too. Luckily, most automakers allow you to turn it off if you aren't that concerned about fuel economy.

Personally, I don’t mind stop/start feature in my new SUV - you do notice minor improvements. I’m enjoying the 27.5 MPG I’m averaging.

Still, as a friendly reminder (since I’ve had many friends and family members complain about the feature): this can be disabled with the push of a button in most cars. Note that it will ALWAYS default to “On” each time the car is restated, due to regulations.

But wait! What if you have a car where this feature CAN’T be defeated, like in some recent GM products? One quick way to “cheat” the system is to turn on your A/C and turn up the fan, even with the heat on. Your stop/start will either not activate or activate less often when you come to a stop at a light, drive thru, etc.

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

SPOTTED - 2019 Ranger Lariat (Production Spec)

Spotted today - 2019 Ford Ranger Lariat! The official Build Your Own is now open on Ford’s website. From what I built, prices can top out in the $45-46k range. Adding 4WD tacks on $4,000 to the price tag - any trim. All Rangers will come standard with Ford’s 2.3L EcoBoost.

https://www.ford.com/trucks/ranger/2019/

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

Apple CarPlay Will Receive Google Maps and Waze Compatibility - What Is CarPlay/Android Auto?

Coming soon to an infotainment screen near you...

If you’re not a fan of Apple Maps, you’re in luck. It was announced some time ago that Apple CarPlay will receive Google Maps and Waze compatibility when the iOS 12 update releases later this year. YES! And more YES!

Having recently switched fully to team iPhone (I previously just used an iPod Touch with my Android phone), I approve of this message. Personally, I find Google Maps more intuitive and my destinations have stored easier. This definitely makes things easier to use while driving, which is the whole point of having Android Auto/Apple CarPlay in your car anyways. Speaking of which...

What IS Android Auto/Apple CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are in-car interfaces for cellphones. If you plug your phone into your car’s USB outlet, its home screen and apps will be mapped onto your touchscreen. The idea is that this replaces the manufacturer’s infotainment interfaces with one that you’re familiar with, albeit simplified for driving so you can remain focused and undistracted by text messages. I’d expect wireless functionality to make its way into the mix in the future. It just seems appropriate.

I find it quite useful in my 2018 Compass, seen here (Android Auto on the top, CarPlay on the bottom). Though, I think the fact that Android Auto shows up on the full touchscreen is more convenient than Apple CarPlay, which is just a partial box. Responsiveness is pretty decent usually, though Apple CarPlay fires up slow occasionally I’ve noticed.

Do you use Android Auto/Apple CarPlay? And how ready are you for the iOS 12 update? 

Keep your tech up-to-date and rolling on!

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

Throw Some D’s On It: GM Invests $175M for Next-Gen Cadillac Sedans

Cadillac's CTS and ATS are scheduled to be replaced in the near future. That doesn't mean you shouldn't still check one out while you still can, however.

A follow up to the theme of my last TBT post - https://www.adamsautos.org/2018/08/throwback-thursday-traffic-jams.html?m=1

If you’re a fan of luxury and Cadillacs, rejoice! GM will invest $175 million over the next 3 years in their Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant. In that same timeframe, we’ll see the ATS and CTS go away, while two new cars will take their place. The names will be CT4 and CT5.

Both of these new cars will debut before 2021. My car senses are tingling and telling me to expect news at the 2019 Detroit or New York Auto Shows.

Last year, you may remember hearing about a layoff that occurred at this plant. In fact, 500 workers were laid off and a shift cut due to declining ATS, CTS and Camaro sales (all produced there).

I’m looking forward to learning more about these new models and driving them in person. Although sedan sales are down, Cadillac’s products have been good in recent years.

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

Rare Rides - Take 4!

Time for another installment of rare rides! These are just a handful of cars I’ve spotted over roughly the last month. While some may not seem “rare”, dig deeper and you’ll discover why these cars are included! Can you name them all, and have you seen any rare rides?

Some models are the Maserati Levante, 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue Final 500 Edition, 2019 Ford Focus Station Wagon (which remember, we WON’T get in America), Chevy SSR & 2009 Kia Borrego (same shot), Cadillac XLR (x2), Hellcats, Chrysler Crossfire, Saab 9-2x, Pontiac Bonneville GXP, 2009 Pontiac G3, and a few classic cars.

Bonus pics: Check out the Corvette ZR2, Cadillac Fleetwood, a Prius TOWING, and other rare rides you didn’t see on Facebook below!

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

Plymouth, MI - Car & Driver Cars & Coffee

Here are a few photos from a recent Cars & Coffee event I attended. With classics from Cadillac like the 1948 Sedanette, Bugatti and Alfa Romeo, as well as modern hits like the 2018 Dodge Demon, it was a morning to remember!

I spoke with the owner of the Dodge Demon you see in this album briefly and he said he had also owned a Hellcat previously. The power difference wasn’t noticeable to him between the two (707 -> 840 HP), but the Demon was more fun to track he said. Interesting owner perspective.

Cars and coffee events occur every couple of weeks or months throughout the summer months. See if one is taking place in your neck of the woods and share what interesting cars attend the event!

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

Incoming Hiatus Time - Keeping Up-to-Date and Rolling On

Hey there readers and viewers,

Thanks for reading as always! It’s my birth month! Big moments are still to come, and that requires  taking time to carefully plan ahead.

During times of blogging hiatus, remember that you can keep checking the Adam's Autos daily live  news feed on the non-mobile website and send me messages on Facebook as well with questions and comments.

Keep rolling on, and stay tuned for more new content in the near future!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adamsautosblog/

-Adam R. (ARich)

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

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