The 2018 North American Car of the Year

Each year at the NAIAS, a panel decides the Car of the Year based on a variety of factors.

It’s the new year, which means it’s time for a new car of the year. Three finalists were announced: The 2018 Honda Accord, Kia Stinger and Toyota Camry, and one emerged victorious. Ladies and gentleman... Your 2018 North American Car of the Year is none other than: The Geo Metro. Whoooo hooo! Excited?

"Are you feeling it Mr. Krabs?"

Honda's Accord remains a strong,
well-rounded option in a
shrinking (but still popular) segment.

No, but in actuality it’s the 2018 Honda Accord. A competent contender all around, I’ve been very impressed with examples of the new model I’ve had a brief chance to spend a moment in as well. Acceleration is smooth from both the 1.5 and 2.0 turbo engines, although of course you should grab the 2.0T, and fit and finish and ride quality are excellent. I’m not surprised it won, taking nothing away from just how excellent the Stinger and Camry are.

Among other awarded vehicles include the redesigned Lincoln Navigator for 2018 Truck of the Year and the all-new Volvo XC60 for 2018 Utility of the Year. Which of these winners are you likely to consider?

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

Auto Show Season: LA + Detroit

Auto shows are some of my favorite events to attend, because of the people you meet and the new technology and products
you get to hear about!

Auto Show season is upon us, which means there’s plenty of reveals and new models to look forward to. Let’s look back at a few interesting models from the LA Auto Show and also look ahead to the Detroit Auto Show.

Los Angeles

From left to right: 2018 Chevy Corvette ZR1, 2018 Mazda 6,
2019 Subaru Ascent; The Mazda honestly is my favorite here.

The LA Auto Show took place last month, and we showed us a decent mix of new products. One such product is the Chevy Corvette ZR1 with a supercharged V8 making 755 HP. Pricing starts at $119,995, making it one of the most expensive and surely fastest Corvettes ever. 

Another iconic model up for redesign is the Jeep Wrangler, and it’ll offer more modern tech, diesel and mild-hybrid versions, and of course multiple off-roaring variants. The most interesting engine in this lineup is FCA’s new 2.0 twin-scroll turbo with 268 HP and eAssist technology.

Other notable models from the LA Auto Show include the 2019 Subaru Ascent, which marks Subaru’s first foray into the modern 7-passenger crossover market. It looks solid, although slightly bland I feel just like many of Subaru’s other models. Also, Infiniti’s all-new QX50 will use the first production variable-compression ratio engine, and Mazda’s 6 sedan sees a 2018 refresh that FINALLY brings a turbocharged engine with 250 HP, a more upscale interior, and revised tech and semi-autonomous safety features. I’ve been saying that if Mazda ever began to offer a turbo luxurious version of the 6, they’d be a serious threat. And here it is. I’m quite impressed, and the competition should be too.

Detroit

Although not taking place until mid-January, we already have details on some of what we can expect to see. It’s going to be a big year, with heated segments getting even hotter.

As noted in a previous posting, we can expect GM to highlight their renewed full-sized pickups. The 2019 Silverado has already been unveiled, so now we need to see what the GMC Sierra will look like. 

Kia's Stinger continues to make waves, and the new Veloster from Hyundai

wants to follow suit. A new Insight from Honda seems appropriate given the push for more "green" cars, but a new Avalon given how 4-door car sales are falling I question somewhat...

Additionally, there’s big new coming out of Hyundai Motor Group. The 2019 Veloster will be officially unveiled in Detroit, coming hot off of the reveal of the new Kona subcompact crossover in LA. Additionally, Kia’s Stinger sportback is nominated for the North American Car of the Year award, a first for the brand! It’s up against steep competition, the other finalists being the 2018 Camry and Accord sedans. We’ll see what the final results are soon.

Other debuts include a new Honda Insight, this one being a sedan, a face lifted 2019 Jeep Cherokee (long overdue, thank you FCA), the new RAM 1500, and an all-new Toyota Avalon. Are there any other models you’re hoping to see? Holly jolly, ‘tis the season: Auto show season!

Until our next trip, ROLL ON!

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

Blown Fuse & Midsize Mayhem: Ford’s Fusion on Death Row?

The Fusion has become one of the most recognizable names in Ford's lineup and the midsize sedan segment since its introduction in the mid-2000s timeframe. But is its future in jeopardy now?

UPDATE AS OF JAN. 3RD 2018: Fusion's 2020 redesign has officially been cancelled by Ford, casting further doubt on the model's future...

Since 2006, the Ford Fusion has been a key model for Ford and a big player in the midsize car segment. Not only did it help carry the company through the late-2000s economic recession, but it also was initially introduced to replace the aging Taurus within Ford’s lineup and gave the brand a midsize car that was finally competitive enough with the likes of the Toyota Camry. You get the point, it’s been an important model.

But fast forward a little over a decade later, and it’s a different picture... With sales down into double digit territory, Ford is apparently considering killing off the Fusion by 2020. Word is production will move to China from Mexico, with no models imported to America or Europe afterwards... WOW. What could’ve led to such a drastic turn of events???

Culprit: Crossovers

From left to right: 2018 Ford EcoSport, Edge, Escape and Explorer;
These vehicles are populating roadways more and more, making sedans
less viable for consumers due to their practicality.

Ford claims that they’re figuring out the key to making CUVs more fuel efficient. And it’s not just the blue oval accomplishing this I’ve noticed: EVERY automaker seems to be cracking that code these days. Thus, since crossovers already allow for a more practical design (now coupled with better efficiency), consumers are flocking to those vehicles in droves over 4-door cars now.

If Ford does go thru with this move and eventually drops the Taurus as well, the largest 4-door car they will offer in the United States after 2020 is the redesigned Focus.

Extra! Extra! Market Trends Tell All!

We could talk for days about this honestly, because this is HUGE news if you don’t realize it. Let’s break it down a little more.

What really gets me about this is how instrumental Fusion was to Ford during the recession, but now it has simply been deemed no longer viable. This makes Ford the 2nd American automaker in the last two years to announce they’re exiting the midsize market, after Chrysler dropping the 200 this year. So essentially, this American midsize car battle was just handed to the Malibu in the long run, which I feel is a very “ok” car. Not bad, but it doesn’t deserve the clear cut ‘W’ over the Fusion.

Ford's Taurus could also be in trouble... I've always viewed it as more
"dead weight" than the Fusion, because you see so few new ones where I am.

Another big picture concept to consider about this is market trends. Generally, a major move such as this pre-stages a larger trend seems like. Back in 2011, Hyundai/Kia were among the first automakers to switch to using all 4-cylinder powertrains in the Sonata and Optima, the company’s midsize sedans. Since then, it’s basically standard that all manufacturers have an “all-4 cylinder” engine lineup for their midsize cars, with the exception of a couple. Even the 2018 Accord (finally) made the switch. My point being that if automakers now start killing off these style of cars, it could pre-stage a larger trend of these “once popular” nameplates dying off. Buick LaCrosse, Ford Taurus, Hyundai Sonata, Cadillac XTS... All cars that have declined sharply in popularity and relevance due to the growing truck and crossover obsession.

As with almost any trend, we ought to be able to follow its trajectory somewhat. Ford believes this consumer shift is permanent. And signs of this trend of midsize cars declining were becoming evident earlier this decade, as Mitsubishi discontinued the Galant back in 2012 and didn’t replace it. While the Fusion has never personally been my favorite in its segment (Kia Optima and Mazda 6 share that honor), it’s clear it’s been an impactful model in several ways.

Many Questions, Few Answers

Perhaps one of the biggest looming questions is what is the fate of the Fusion's
uptown twin, the Lincoln MKZ?

As you can probably guess, there are many questions we could ask about this decision. Why totally abandon the Fusion and this market? Will it ever be replaced? What about MKZ production? I feel that even though this market is shrinking, abandoning it could be a mistake, as not everybody is warming up to the crossover craze. Share your thoughts as well.

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

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.