2013 Buick Regal Taillight Change Video and Other YouTube Videos

Note: We no longer have this car. It was traded on my 2022 Kia K5 AWD.

I have uploaded several new videos on YouTube: a video of a walkaround of the Cadillac Lyriq and a Lyriq short, a short doing winter snow drifts and backroad driving in my Oldsmobile Bravada, and also a video explaining how to change the rear taillights on a 2011-2017 Buick Regal Turbo. The process to change the taillight was easy, as you only have to pull back some sound deadening materials in the trunk behind the light and unscrew a clamp. This process is also similar for the 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne as well - another car which both my mother and grandparents also had.

As for the winter powerslides and drifts, just remember when you do them to avoid being in high traffic areas so you don't hurt anybody else and also that you come off the gas in enough tine in your drift to regain control and slide into your next turn.

Below are the links to the videos. Remember to like, comment and subscribe! Thanks as always!

Buick Regal Taillight Change Video: https://youtu.be/GgBBIfDTvGU

Cadillac Lyriq Walkaround Video: https://youtu.be/ueTJodLn7Ps

Adam's Autos on YouTube general link: https://www.youtube.com/@AdamRichardsonAdamsAutosBlog/videos 

Adam's Autos YouTube Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@AdamRichardsonAdamsAutosBlog/shorts

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

2023/2024 Cadillac Lyriq Overview and Walkaround

The Lyriq is an important model for GM and Cadillac, as its one of the first to ride on the Ultium platform, which will underpin all future GM EVs. I recently had a chance to view the Lyriq up close at my local Cadillac dealer.

Love these rims!

General Motors and Cadillac have announced they are going all-electric and the Lyriq is one of the first vehicles in that process! Riding on the modular Ultium platform, the Lyriq comes standard with RWD and a 102-kWh battery making 340 HP with an estimated driving range of 312 miles. AWD models will come in early 2023 and according to Cadillac, these models will make more than 500 HP. In fact – don’t get your hopes up about getting your hands on a 2023 model. They are all sold out! So, if you want a Lyriq, you will have to order a 2024 model. Lyriq has a 19.2-kW on-board charger that will add 52 miles of range on Level 2 home charger. That’s pretty powerful – for comparison’s sake, the Tesla Model Y has an 11.5-kW on-board charger. On a public DC fast charger, the Lyriq can charge at up to 190-kW and add 76 miles of range in 10 minutes. Standard safety features include blind-spot warning, rear-cross traffic alert, automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. If you’re curious – it appears that the upcoming Chevrolet Blazer EV and Honda Prologue EV will be more mainstream-branded sibling vehicles to the Cadillac Lyriq.

Lyriq's interior is very luxurious!

Some innovative features you will find on the Lyriq include Super Cruise, which is GM’s semi-autonomous Level 2 hands-free driving assistance feature (coming soon), over-the-air (OTA) updates for the infotainment system, a heads-up display (coming in 2024), 33-inches of total display screens on the dashboard, and a 19-speaker AKG sound system. I’ve had a couple of opportunities to get inside of the Lyriq – once at the 2022 Detroit Auto Show and again recently at my local McDonald Cadillac dealer which was holding a Lyriq social event. Overall, I find the Lyriq to be VERY impressive and to feel like a true Cadillac. All the interior materials feel solid, and the seats are very comfortable. I also find the exterior styling to be very attractive, I’m interested in seeing the Lyriq in other colors. If you’re interested in awards and accolades – the Lyriq is one of five finalist for Green Car Reports “Best Car to Buy 2023”, as the publication cites it is ringing in a new electric era for General Motors.

I uploaded a YouTube short and video of me doing a walkaround at the dealer of the Lyriq, a product analysis video, and I have also uploaded pictures of the Ultium battery stacks from the 2021 Motor Bella auto show and of the Lyriq from the 2022 Detroit Auto Show. If you are interested in seeing these, the link to the Adam’s Autos YouTube page is below. And don’t forget – Cadillac has also recently shown their flagship Rolls-Royce sedan EV competitor, the Celestiq, as well. It will have a base price of $300,000 and will be hand-built! The Lyriq, however, starts at $62,990 and under new guidelines from the Inflation Reduction Act, it should qualify for at least a portion of federal EV incentives since its built in Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Lyriq YouTube video: https://youtu.be/ueTJodLn7Ps

The cell packs in the Ultium platform are arranged differently for various configurations of vehicles. Large vehicles, such as the GMC HUMMER EV, are double stacked (second picture). In the Lyriq, there will be a single stack of Ultium cells. Ultium Cells LLC is a joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solutions.

Do you think that the Lyriq will be the XT5's replacement? This SUV has been around for 7 model years now.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

2024 Ford Mustang Power Figures and Changes

The 2024 Mustang is a tribute to both tech and old school power at the same time.

We still don’t know pricing, but power figures for the 2024 Mustang have been released. The EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine will make 315 HP and 350 lb.-ft. of torque paired exclusively to a 10-speed automatic transmission – it features a new fuel delivery system and an updated turbocharger. The Coyote 5.0L V8 will produce between 480 HP and 500 HP – the 500 HP rating is reserved for the Dark Horse model, which is more performance-oriented than other Mustang offerings. The updated 5.0L V8 features dual throttle bodies and dual air intakes among other enhancements. On the GT trim, a six-speed manual transmission is standard, and the 10-speed automatic will be optional. Both engines make more power than previous versions (5 more horsepower for the EcoBoost, and between 30 and 50 more horsepower for the GT, depending on how your Mustang is configured).

First unveiled at the 2022 Detroit Auto Show, other changes for the seventh generation Mustang include more aggressive, yet aerodynamic body work on the outside with shorter overhangs, a more driver-focused interior with digital displays and a 13.2-inch touchscreen with over-the-air (OTA) updates, and a new feature called “Remote Rev” on models with the active exhaust system. Remote Rev allows the owner to remotely rev up the Mustang using their key fob. The steering system has also been revised and the new Mustang has updated spring rates and shocks for performance driving scenarios. 

Overall, the 2024 Mustang is sounding like a real stallion! Do you like it? Get your horses ready for some more pony power from Ford.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Goodbye to the BMW Alpina B7

The 2022 BMW Alpina B7

An all-new BMW 7-Series has been released for the 2023 model year. But the Alpina B7 won’t come back for this generation. Its worth noting, however, that BMW is planning its own high performance 7-Series. The plug-in hybrid 7-Series and i7 M70 EV both have impressive power numbers – 563 HP and 600+ HP respectively. 

Will you miss the B7? I would love to have a B8 personally. I’ve always loved the performance and luxury of the Alpina lines. The first Alpina B7 was released in 2001. Future Alpinas will be built in BMW factories.

This is the new electric 2023 BMW i7, and its reported that there will be an M-performance version of this - essentially making a new Alpina B7 a little obsolete. At least the Alpina B8 still exists.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

YouTube Metrics - Thanks for the Continued Support! #Growth

I wanted to take a moment to share some 2022 viewer data metrics gathered from my YouTube this year. I appreciate the support and comments! Stay tuned for more posts both on the Adam's Autos website and YouTube pages - its onward an upward from here.

Like, comment and subscribe! Roll on!

 Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Happy Holidays 2022

From my heart and family to yours, enjoy this holiday season!

-Adam

Know a Good Deal vs. a Bad One!

Below, we have an example of what is a not a good deal on a nice old car. There is no way this 1998 Chevy Malibu with 87,000 miles, as clean as it looks (and I LOVE a well maintained older car) should cost $6,500! We had a 2005 Malibu Classic and it was a very "meh" vehicle at best. I always recommend researching prices and interest rates before you go to purchase ANY vehicle so you don't get ripped off. 

For comparison sake: I paid less than this for my 2004 Bravada a few years back, and it had similar mileage on it at the time.

Scroll down to see more of my thoughts I wrote on this.

My Olds Bravada for $3,700 when it only had 88,000 miles on it was a far better deal. Research Kelley Blue Book (KBB) values before you purchase a vehicle as well so you know if you're buying it for far more than its worth, as well as a glimpse at what average prices and resale values are. And remember: in today’s increasingly virtual world, nothing is a full replacement for a test drive and getting an in-person understanding for the vehicle yourself!

Do also note that if you plan to keep and fix up the car for a longer period of time, like I tend to do, then its less of a big deal what the resale value is. Especially if its a significantly older car.

KBB Website: https://www.kbb.com/ 

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

2022 Is the Final Model Year for the Toyota C-HR in the U.S.

The funky Toyota C-HR will be discontinued in North America after the 2022 model year. However, there will be a next generation in Europe, as previewed by a recent concept car released by Toyota (bottom picture).

If you want a Toyota C-HR, you better act fast. The subcompact SUV will exit the North American market and will be a European exclusive model from the 2023 model onwards. For 2023, the C-HR will be fully redesigned with styling based on the C-HR Prologue Concept. The reason for the discontinuation of this model was noted by Toyota themselves: the new Toyota Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid and the RAV4 all offer a great package at a similar price point to the C-HR. As a matter of fact, the aforementioned Toyota crossovers likely all make more sense than the C-HR, as when you start looking at the specs, the RAV4 offers more space on the interior and the Corolla Cross costs less than the C-HR. So, unless you just want a funky styled small SUV WITHOUT AWD, there’s less of a reason to pick the C-HR vs. its Toyota sibling vehicles. And over the past decade, we’ve seen these funky styled SUVs all fall by the wayside for slightly larger/more conventional options: the Nissan Juke, the Nissan Cube, Chevy’s HHR, the entire Scion brand (which I recall reading somewhere that the C-HR was supposed to be a Scion at some point – who knows) etc. etc.

Competitors for the C-HR include all of the SUVs in the subcompact category, such as the Honda HR-V, Chevy Trax, Ford EcoSport (also now discontinued), Jeep Renegade, Hyundai Kona, Kia Soul and Seltos, and more. This is a crowded and competitive segment. But while the styling of the C-HR is unique, I find most of these vehicles from my experience to be rather basic in their execution unlike a larger SUV.

Ugly duckling no more! The 2023 Prius goes
on sale next year.

For those of you in Europe, you can look forward to the next C-HR coming with a plug-in hybrid powertrain sourced from the new Prius Prime. And speaking of the new Prius – what do you think of it? I can’t believe it looks so good now! In addition to striking styling, the new Prius will offer a hands-free driving system, more power (between 194 and 220 HP), and available AWD with 0-60 times in the 6.5 to low-7 second range - much faster than the current Prius. The Prius Prime’s 220 HP will make it the “sportiest” Prius, so we can expect similar driving feel from the new C-HR I’d guess.

Will you miss the C-HR? With a very differentiated crossover lineup, I don’t think too many people will cry over the loss of one Toyota SUV.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Stellantis Will Idle the Jeep Cherokee Plant Indefinitely

The Jeep Cherokee is still pretty nice, but it appears to be on borrowed time. The plant its produced at has been idled multiple times the last few years. Partially due to the pandemic-related supply chain shortages, and partially because its an old model now and its sales are sliding.

Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), has announced that they will idle the Jeep Cherokee plant in Illinois as of February 28th, 2023. This means that 1,200 workers at the plant will be laid off indefinitely laid off as a result. The automaker says that they will focus on investments into electric vehicles. The Cherokee plant has already shut down several times and gone through layoffs throughout the pandemic from what I recall. So, it appears that ongoing supply chain issues as well as sliding Cherokee sales have finally taken their toll along with other market factors.

In my opinion, the Cherokee isn’t a bad looking SUV, but its design is very, very old now. Originally released for the 2014 model year, the Jeep Cherokee (KL) has had up and down bouts with its reliability as well, particularly with the ZF 9-speed automatic transmission proving very problematic for several model years (as well as in other Jeep products its used in, such as the Renegade and Compass). While the Cherokee did receive a facelift for the 2019 model year, in that time, most competitors have undergone full redesigns that have made them a significantly better pick that the Cherokee (Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Bronco Sport, and many more). I believe that the current Cherokee is likely near the end of its product cycle, and we’ll likely see an electrified 4xe version for the next generation – which speaking of that, Jeep claims another Cherokee is on the way from what I’ve researched.

In the meantime, being laid off is never fun, so my thoughts are with those at the Cherokee factory that will be affected by this indefinite shutdown starting next year. Would you consider a Cherokee? Or would you wait for the next generation model, upgrade to the larger, newer design Grand Cherokee (WL), OR shop the Cherokee’s competitors?

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Year ‘Round Care

Time for some TLC! Make sure you winterize your car if you haven't already (and a little rim shining never hurt either). Its about time I get brakes and a new battery on this Bravada as well - the tires are still good.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

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).

Copyright © 2022 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: Drive – Incubus (1999)

This song has long been on my playlist and reminds me of simpler times riding around in my mother’s and grandfather’s cars when this song was new, which I believe was an Oldsmobile Achieva and Mercury Cougar. I would’ve been in Kindergarten and later headed to the 1st grade, watching shows on Nickelodeon. But I also think this song’s acoustic parts, particularly on the opening, are very smooth, and the message “whatever tomorrow brings, I’ll be there”, represents that we are never alone in our journeys through life. Also, the message that we are in control of our destinies resonates: “Would you choose water over wine? Or the wheel and drive?” Similar to when we are behind the wheel of a car and we control where we are headed.

Nexteer is Winning and Innovating!

Nexteer Automotive is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

I like to highlight local and global businesses on my blog, so its time to highlight an automotive business that has its global technical center in my hometown of Saginaw, Michigan. Nexteer Automotive has been recognized by the Society of Automotive Analysts with their Mobility Innovation Award. This was given to Nexteer for their Steer-by-Wire (SbW) Stowable Steering Column. This technology, according to Nexteer, will transform the future of mobility by improving safety and the ‘behind the wheel experience’. Additionally, SbW will help address OEM challenges in the areas of autonomy, electrification, and software. SbW replaces the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and roadwheels with electronics and actuators allowing for improved functionality of features such as Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB).

In addition, Nexteer Automotive is being recognized as a CES 2023 Innovation Awards Honoree in the “Vehicle Tech & Advanced Mobility” category for their Road Surface Detection & Early Intuitive Warning Software with Tactile Mobility. In a nutshell, this technology can improve life-saving steering movements by enhancing the car’s awareness of the environment around it and alerting the driver through steering feel.

Very interesting features – good going Nexteer! I feel that ADAS and electrification technology are both advancing rapidly before our eyes. Nexteer is proving that they are striving to become a leader in this space, and it's even cooler that they operate right in my hometown.

Nexteer in Saginaw, Michigan

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Brembo at SEMA 2022 #Vegas

A display of Brembo's products at their SEMA booth. All pictures come from Brembo.

SEMA and AAPEX are currently going on in Las Vegas! This is a chance for aftermarket businesses and suppliers to show their best products that can transform your average vehicle into something extraordinary! I consider this to be one of my favorite auto shows to attend, because of the diversity of the products displayed. Brembo, a performance braking manufacturer for the auto industry, is there and displaying some of their latest innovations. I don’t often highlight suppliers, so let’s take a look at one that you may have seen on the inside wheel of a car, but not paid a ton of attention to.

Brembo took the opportunity to show off their new UPGRADE line at SEMA 2022. There are different tiers geared towards various levels of performance with the line: SPORT, GRAN TURISMO AND PISTA. You can also get your brake calipers in various colors – something that I support, as I had the brake calipers painted red on my Kia K5 and want them painted orange on my Saturn Aura. In addition to the brake caliper display, visitors at the Brembo booth could play the Gran Turismo 7 simulator. I fondly remember trying out simulators the last time I went to SEMA (in 2017), and this one allows attendees to test our the two new braking systems in a virtual manner.

Utility Vehicles Get Love, Too

All pictures taken by Brembo.

If the aforementioned displays and braking systems weren’t enough for you or your interests, Brembo has also shown a new braking system for Utility Terrain Vehicles at SEMA. Caliper choice varies between billet and two-piece cast, promising improved braking performance vs. a factory brake system via an aluminum brake caliper.

Several OEMs are also known to show up to SEMA and show off their new off-road technologies or performance upgrades to the industry. Chevrolet, Toyota, Ford, Nissan, and Kia are just a few who generally have displays. I recall going on a drift course in the Kia Stinger when it was first unveiled and I also loved watching the Ford Performance display with Mustangs taking on a drift challenge. There’s also plenty of custom trucks and builds everywhere – giving companies like Brembo a good chance to show up and show off their latest applications for builders. I’m planning to return to SEMA in the future – I highly recommend if you like customizing your own vehicles, you consider the trip to Vegas as well during the fall! SEMA 2022 runs from November 1st  thru the 4th.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Coming Soon - Tesla Semi

The Tesla Semi has been delayed multiple times, but it appears to finally be headed into production. 

Tesla’s Elon Musk has said that the company’s long awaited Class 8 Semi will finally begin production and deliveries. Pepsi will be the first customer to receive the electric semis this December - back in 2017, the company reserved 100 units hoping to reduce their company fuel consumption and carbon footprint.

Keep your eye out for the Tesla Semi coming to a roadway near you soon! I’m still excited to see if we ever see the new Roadster enter production. The Semi costs $180,000 and has a government subsidy of $40,000 with a range of 500 miles.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.