Leaderboard

Background Many cars now come equipped with Start/Stop. Many consumers hate having their engines turn off automatically at a stop light and coming back on when they release the brake pedal. They hate it because it reduces the life of the starter, degrades the battery, may increase wear on the engine and REDUCES REFINEMENT of their vehicles -- having the motor shudder to a stop and shuddering to life repeatedly is decidedly less refined than a smooth imperceptible idle. They hate it because it saves an imperceptible amount of fuel in most driving conditions. Most manufacturers equip cars with a Start/Stop disable button (except in atrocious cases like the 2017 Terrain which doesn't even have one). But, in order to have very slightly better EPA MPG numbers, they usually make the buttons "non-latching". That is, you can manually turn Start/Stop OFF but every time you start the car it reverts to ON. They do this so that the vehicle's MPG and CAFE numbers are calculated with Start/Stop ON. Had the button been "latching", it'll be calculated as the average between when it is OFF and when it is ON. Myopically, manufacturers almost universally choose very marginally better EPA fuel economy ratings (~0.1 mpg), and kissing up to environmental extremists in government, over customer satisfaction. Solution There are several commercial aftermarket solutions to defeat Start/Stop. But, for people who want to do it yourself, here's a solution which turns start stop off every time you start the car. This solution works with ANY car with a start/stop button, and it fully retains the functionality of the start stop button. (1) First, you need to go buy yourself a timer relay. It'll cost you about $17 and you can get one here (not affiliated to me but it's a product that works):- https://www.amazon.com/Timer-Delay-Relay-Hours-Cycling/dp/B00PD65UGA (2) Secondly, you need to find the wires that go to the START/STOP button. It'll be the wires that shows a closed circuit when you push the switch (and only when you push the switch). (3) Find your fuse box. There should be a terminal which is ON (only) when the car is running and OFF when the car is not running. Find it, and use that to power your Timer Relay so that it gets power (only) when the car has been started; it doesn't get power when the car is off. (4) Read the instruction manual and program your Timer Relay. Mode#7 -- Delayed Interval (Single Cycle) -- if you are using the relay I linked to DELAY (t1) 3 sec INTERVAL (t2) 1 sec (5) Wire your Timer Relay to where your Start/Stop Switch harness plugs into the vehicle's electrical system or splice into the switch's wires -- it makes no difference functionally. Once you have done the above the following will happen every time you start the car:- Timer Relay receives power Timer Relay waits 3 secs (t1) Timer Relay presses the Start/Stop Button for you and holds it for 1 sec(t2) Timer Relay releases the Start/Stop button Timer Relay does nothing for the remainder of the duration the car is running. Basically, the Start/Stop Button is getting pressed and released automatically 3 secs after you start the car, turning start/stop off. If you want to use start/stop, you can hit the button to turn it back on. The button continues to work to turn start/stop off or on as much as you like; the relay simply presses it once every time you start the car so you don't have to. Viola!

This x 10000000000

The 5.0L does not have a duty cycle that involves pushing a truck that itself probably weighs in dually form supercrew cab twice as much as the F150 5.0L. It is not a work engine. And they did modify a version of the Coyote-Voodoo lineage for the GT500. That is meant for a sports car. Not a heavy duty.

I think the lift, if any, is minimal. It's more overall suspension travel, different spring rates, and yes some skid plates.

Z71 is considered an off-road suspension yes. It's not particularly fancy, no.

Only if they make a CX-10 Grand Crossover coupe with 3 rows of seats, RX-8 style suicide doors and luxurious appointments. ?

The Chinese CX-4 looks nice, kind of crossover coupeish...

I forgot to mention in the original article.... 6-speed manual transmission is standard!

That's kind of a disappointing update for a company who released a teaser pic.

Blah Blah Blah Mercedes 7.7L is weaker than the much smaller displacement Diesels. Shouldn't it be like 600hp/1200lb-ft of torque? They should get with the times already. With the more compact pushrod design, I doubt its much or any physically larger than the DOHC Coyote.

Perhaps, but M-B has been building trucks pretty much uninterrupted for over a century, so it's not like they are a newcomer to trucks like some are asserting. Maybe not US style light and heavy duty pickups, but commercial trucks in general have long been one of their major product lines. Yes...don't know if it would fit without major mods... a Power Stroke diesel Mustang would be interesting also (I think some of those have been swapped into modern Mustangs).

I'd LOVE to see a swap into the mustang with this! I don't care what the power numbers are stock, it would just be really cool.

Without actually saying that.. Ford said that. They said they know the requirements of medium duty trucks and all that. I believe it is in the below video. I don't know how to embed them so you can just click "play". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FtNlfAbc2w&feature=youtu.be

I for one value your content.

Mercedes Trucks do have a 155,000 mile powertrain warranty, a bit longer than what you get a Chevy or Ford, and Unimog has to hit the Euro VI emissions standards too, which probably play a role in engine tuning. But we are comparing commercial truck to retail/personal use truck here. The Merceds Actros has 3,000 lb-ft of torque, granted it is a 15.6 liter engine, but Mercedes has no problem making torque out of their engines. Daimler is also the #1 commercial truck seller on this side of the pond too, they know trucks better than anyone. Daimler invented the truck after all:

30 years ago at the Chicago Auto Show, Mazda pulled the sheet off a small roadster called the MX-5 Miata. Little did anyone know how much of an impact this little car would make in the world. Today, Mazda honored this anniversary by introducing the 2019 MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary Edition. Available both as the soft-top and RF hard-top, it comes in a new Racing Orange paint color that Mazda says evokes "the breaking dawn of an exciting new day." A set of 17-inch Rays ZE40 forged aluminum wheels are based on the wheels used on the MX-5 Cup race car. All versions of the 30th Anniversary get Recaro seats, Brembo brakes, Bose sound system and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Opt for the manual and it includes limited-slip differential, Bilstein shocks, and a front shock tower brace. Mazda is planning on building 3,000 MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary Editions, with 500 coming to the U.S. Pricing ranges from $34,995 for the manual soft-top to $39,995 for the RF automatic. But you have missed your chance to order one. Car and Driver notes that Mazda has sold out of the allotment for the U.S. within four hours of opening the order books. Gallery: 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary Source: Mazda Mazda Announces 2019 MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary Celebrating 30 years, MX-5 Miata isn't just a car, it's a cultural movement 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary will be available for pre-order with a starting MSRP* of $34,995 This special edition MX-5 Miata is equipped with a SKYACTIV-G 2.0L engine rated to deliver 181 horsepower Exclusive features include Racing Orange exterior paint and interior accents, special serial number badging, RAYS 17-inch forged alloy wheels and RECARO sports seats with Alcantara seating surface CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2019 -- In 1989 the Chicago Auto Show played host to one of Mazda's biggest milestones, the debut of the MX-5 Miata. Now, 30 years later, Mazda is proud to share another milestone at the Chicago Auto Show with the world premiere of the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary. Continuing to embrace the philosophy of the original 1989 MX-5 Miata, this special edition represents three decades of history. A history that has been filled with so many people, from the passionate Mazda engineers who created the first-generation MX-5 as a homage to early lightweight European sportscars, to the succeeding development engineers who took up the challenge to build on the high ambitions of their predecessors. Collectively, they all helped the MX-5 reach amazing heights, from being the first car to win both World Car of the Year and World Design of the Year in the same year with the current generation MX-5 Miata in 2016, to achieving production of the one millionth unit in April 2016. In total, the MX-5 has won over 280 awards, as of January 2019, with many of those accolades thanks to the unshakable support of Mazda owners and fans all over the world. This special edition is meant to commemorate all these milestones and the important people that have been part of this special journey, especially Mazda's enthusiastic fans. The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary, offered in both soft top and RF models, builds upon the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Grand Touring, which added many new features including a newly refined powertrain rated to deliver 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque; a 17 percent increase over the previous model year. The first noticeable new feature is the exclusive Racing Orange exterior paint color. This strikingly vivid color pays homage to the yellow MX-5 Miata Club Racer that also debuted at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show. Racing Orange is meant to represent sunrise and anticipation, while staying true to the characteristics of a pure sports car. The roof on RF is painted Racing Orange, while the soft top will feature a black cloth top. The theme continues to the interior with orange interior louvers and orange piping on the heated RECARO sports seats. The seats in this special edition are wrapped in Alcantara, which is also found in the door inserts and lower instrument panel. All of these features help to further enhance the customer's sense of exclusivity and pride of ownership. To contrast the brilliant color, the new RAYS ZE40 17-inch Dark Gunmetal forged alloy wheels play up the MX-5's driving legacy. Customers may notice these wheels are based on the Global MX-5 Cup Car, further connecting the iconic roadster's anniversary edition to its racing roots. Standard in all 2019 Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary models are Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM infotainment technologies. Also standard is SiriusXM with three-month subscription and new SiriusXM three-year Traffic Plus and Travel Link® subscription. No special edition would be complete without the appropriate badging. Each 2019 Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary model will be affixed with a special "30th Anniversary" serialized badging on the driver's side rear quarter panel to help commemorate 30 years of endless gratitude and unbending determination to keep evolving. Production of 2019 Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary model will be limited to a total of just 3,000 units worldwide. In the U.S., there will be a total of 500 non-sequentially badged units available through a custom build to order website at www.mazdausa.com/30th-anniversary. Owners can order their 2019 Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary model as either a soft top or RF with either a manual or automatic transmission. Orders can be placed starting on 2/7 at 12 p.m. CST. View full article

The classic - *Buys off road model* *Never takes it off road* *Yeah it can do that but...kids...wife...husband...ALIENS* And @frogger that cognitive dissonance. Are you sure you weren't visited by...

I absolutely love it.

Yes I know I DO NOT fit in them, yet as part of the auto industry I really want to like this car but I just do not. The look etc. is just ugly to me. I would rather have a Honda S2000 over this.The Honda had better over all lines.

RIP

Amazing footage of the Bismark...

He is the amazing "Blu....you can't get any better than that! If it came down to picking loyalty to C and G or Loyalty to 'blu...I would choose Loyalty to blu. And the thing is...I don't want to live in an echo chamber. I want to be around people who disagree with me. Because I want to know when I am wrong (which is frequent). I love being wrong...because then I can change my mind and have a better understanding.

I like the styling...maybe the next 4Runner will look like a larger version..the current 4Runner is so ugly..

I want to like these, but they drive just so poorly.

Those engines and transmission are ooooold. How about an update Toyota, like using the 2 liter turbo from Lexus or the 310 hp V6 you already make.

+1 for me as I value it even when we Bitch like Highschool Girls over certain topics! ?

I think the Ridgeline achieves the same basic functionality advantage while skipping the added complexity of a split design.

yep. I thought Toyota was going to skip Android Auto all together, but they seem to have reversed their position on that.

Well, doesn't need to be high revving... these would make good compact power units for generators in PHEVs.

Maybe they're bringing it global, or they're going the CX6 route and doing a crossover coupe version of the CX5. That would make @smk4565 happy

CX4, or 6, or 7. They've had a CX7 before. My guess is more on the CX4 side of things.

Yup... and then there were none.

I like the interior...esp. the two tones..

I REALLY like the interior on the new Jettas and a GLI version would be a pretty sweet daily.

That would be cool....but think bigger....how about an AMG Actros?

Hmmmm and does Mercedes put its AMG motors in its commercial vehicles. Actually I'm all for an Mercedes-AMG Metris 63. Should be pretty good.. ????????

The original illustration was removed for some reason. Here it is again.

Right...and in 1895 a major Buggy works in Columbus was building the types of carriages actually pulled by horses. they had another good decade in them. Building the first in 1895, if that actually was the first, has zero bearing on their ability to build trucks today.

Correct. Though maybe the 7.3 will eventually find it's way into a Mustang 4WD Super Duty edition. According to the Book of Knowledge, it was in 1895. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truck

So they lifted a tailgate design from that noted work truck icon of the past, the Lincoln Blackwood, I am sure it will be durable as all get-out. I see it has a composite liner built in, like the new Silverado/Sierra, so no need to have it spray-lined at least.

Pishposh. In the heavy duty truck world, the goal is not speed, but LONGEVITY.

Fascinating that so many of those stock framed/bodied cars were shredded, the driver's drove in a helmet & a button-up or t-shirt (no other safety gear at ALL), yet the majority walked away. Also pretty incredible these were all factory production blocks/transmissions/axles, doing 180 MPH.

Sad because I have a sudden limit on my ability to react to comments at Cheers & Gears. My reactions convey deep meaning. I am not a wordy guy, I like to keep things short and to the point, so this development is somewhat of a catastrophe.

Such comedians!

CTS V Sport FTW if we allow used.

Diesel. My point is Ford made a new engine that will likely be weaker and thirstier than if they Ecoboosted the 5.0 V8. They spent more money for a worse engine, makes no sense. Unless the specs of this V8 are amazing which I doubt since they didn’t release them.

And its a damn fine looking truck to boot!

I didn't think we'd see over 7 liters in a production engine again ever.

The way I will do it is for the vehicle to be a mid-range plug in electric with say a 20kWe battery. The car has no eCVT planetary transmission, just a direct drive motor like a pure electric. A 20KWe battery is good for about a 60~80 mile range (assuming regenerative braking) and direct drive. Unlike a Volt, this is actually enough for anyone with up to a 1 hour commute each way and a habit of driving to lunch or going shopping after work. But it is not so big that it has electric range which is not used on a daily basis. This is important because the battery is the single most expensive component of the EV. Saving $8000 in battery costs allow you to add a $4000 generator and still sell the vehicle for $4000 less. If the driver does nothing, the Diesel Generator will automatically come on automatically when the battery drops to 20% charge and will cut off when it gets to 40% charge. That means it'll run for about 15 minutes at a time if you are cruising on the freeway or about 8 minutes if you are parked or sitting in stop-n-go traffic (give or take). More intrepid drivers can set the Generator on and off thresholds anywhere he pleases between 10 and 90%. Any time the driver pleases, he can depress the GEN switch which will turn the Generator On. When manually triggered, the generator runs until it is turned off with another tripping of the GEN switch or until the battery reaches 90% Charge (saving 10% to absorb regenerative braking energy recovery). If you plug it in every night, the car behaves like mid-range electric such as the Leaf or an i3. The generator simply means that the car will never leave you stranded. If you never plug it in, the car generator will come on in 8 to 15 minute intervals, but drives just like a pure electric. If you are low of charge but can't plug it in for a while or if you never plug it in but want a full battery for some spirited driving, you can trip the GEN switch to keep your battery topped off. At full throttle a 200hp motor will drain that 20KWh battery from 90% to 20% in about 5 minutes (almost like in a RC Car). The difference between this and a Volt or a Prius is that the single cylinder generator is nowhere near the cost, weight and size of an 4-cylinder ICE coupled to the drive line. The car has very simple powerplant consisting of a battery, a motor and an inverter (power converter) like a pure electric except it does not depend on a huge battery for practicality. The 400cc Generator installs like a pair of mufflers and is simply a mobile charger. The cheapest version of the car can have no generator. It can also be added later on with as much effort as replacing mufflers and plugging in a cable harness. Because of the deep duty cycle, I'll very much prefer if the vehicle uses a Lithium-Iron-Phosphate battery rather than a Lithium-Cobalt-Oxide battery. Two reasons... LiFePO4 is much longer lived in deep discharge applications and LiFePO4 is inherently safe from thermal runaways and gasification (aka blowing up).