William Maley

Whenever someone finds out that I'm an automotive writer, sooner or later I will get asked "I'm looking for 'x' vehicle and I was wondering if you could help me out," or some other variation. These are the times where I wish I could make a smoke cloud appear, allowing me to make an escape. But alas, that is only a dream. This is a common thing that a number of us - automotive writers - tend to get whether it is from family, friends, or some random stranger. We want to try and help, but most of the time the suggestions seem to go nowhere. It comes down to various reasons such as none of the ideas are appealing or the person going in a completely different direction (wanted a sedan, now interested in a crossover). But I also believe that we as a group need to take some of the blame as we sometimes try to push someone into a vehicle they are not interested or vice versa. I learned this at an early age when I was trying to push my parents away from leasing a Ford Freestyle due to the poor reviews it got in the automotive press. They ended up with one and I ate my fair amount of crow as I grew to like the Freestyle. Other times, it seems that the suggestions we give out are a bit ridiculous. For example, recommending someone getting a high-performance wagon when all they want is a crossover. I can't help but wonder if some of the suggestions I have heard are due to someone trying to live vicariously through another person. Aside from wishing I could throw on an invisibility cloak whenever this question is asked, I have been trying figure out what could be the best way to help someone while giving myself some plausible deniability. It hit me recently when I was at friend’s birthday gathering. I was chatting with my friend’s dad and he asked me about what car should he recommend to a co-worker. She was looking at a BMW X3 and wanted to know if this was a good choice. Plus, was there any other vehicles she should consider? To get my mind in the right place, I found myself asking a lot of questions. Did she have kids? What are her big considerations? Are there types of vehicles or brands she doesn’t want to deal with? How much does she want to spend? So on and so forth. It was a version of twenty questions where there is no correct answer and somehow less fun. Once I had gotten enough information to get my mind working, I began to recommend a few vehicles that are worth a closer look such as the Audi Q5, Lincoln MKC, and Subaru Outback. I also said the new X3 is quite good and would possibly consider going with a certified pre-owned model for a slightly lower price and warranty. After having this conversation, it hit me: I had figured out a possible fool proof way of offering car advice. It comes down to me taking on the role of a guide where I ask a person what they are and are not interested in, and build out a group of vehicles that I can show someone that possibly fits what they are looking. I don't know what the co-worker ended up choosing and I hope to find out in the near future. So if you want to ask me what car you want to buy, be prepared to answer a lot of questions and not be given a definitive answer. You might be annoyed by this, but the end result is hopefully you finding a car that works. Plus, we might be on speaking terms after this. View full article

Most enthusiasts have a deep love for wagons. So it should come as no surprise as many enthusiasts are falling head over heels for this Toyota 86 Shooting Brake concept that was shown today in Australia. The concept takes the 86's body and extends the roofline towards the back to create a wagon shape. What makes this concept really impressive is that it is fully functional as it has run a few laps on Toyota's various test tracks. Back in 2014, the chief engineer for the 86, Tetsuya Tada was visiting Toyota's Australia office where he was shown a one-quarter scale clay model. He was impressed by the work that he decided to bring this idea to life. A hand-picked team in Japan built a full-size and functional concept. Before you ask, there are no plans to put the Shooting Brake into production. Source: Toyota Press Release is on Page 2 GLOBAL REVEAL OF TOYOTA 86 SHOOTING BRAKE CONCEPT Toyota Australia has unveiled a global first - a dramatic new "Shooting Brake" concept version of the 86 sports car. The prototype was conceived and developed by Toyota Australia's Product Design team and hand-built in Japan under the direction of the global sports car division. The Shooting Brake concept, which adds a more practical hatch styling to the rear of the sporty coupe, has been revealed to the world in Sydney by the Toyota 86 global chief engineer Tetsuya Tada. Toyota Australia divisional manager national marketing Brad Cramb said the unusual "shooting brake" name referred to a stunning design that gives the four-seat sports car a unique flavour with more rear head room and luggage space. "The Toyota 86 lends itself perfectly to a concept that expands its appeal with added versatility while retaining its sleek and sporty coupe styling and sharp, responsive driving character," Mr Cramb said. "The Shooting Brake concept is a classy option for active couples or a second car for families who want something different. Equally suited to weekends away as well as the track, it's a car you could buy with your head and your heart." Tada-san said he was inspired to support the project when shown a one-quarter scale clay model during a visit to Australia in November 2014. "I was totally surprised - and I liked it so much I arranged for my expert takumi prototype craftsmen to hand-build the Shooting Brake concept based on the Australian design," Tada-san said. "The concept car is a fully functional, driveable vehicle that has been put through its paces on Toyota test tracks. "The nicely weighted and direct steering of the 86 ensures the car retains the involving drive experience of the coupe with a slightly more neutral feel in tight corners on a driver's favourite road." Tada-san said Toyota wanted to gauge reaction to the concept, although it was conceived as an internal design study and there were no plans for production. "While we never say never, and I would love this concept to become a production reality, it is very much a concept that demonstrates the passion within Toyota for cars that are fun to drive." Toyota Australia's design chief Nicolas Hogios said his Australian design team engaged in enthusiastic debate about the extent to which they should make changes to the 86 coupe, eventually remodelling only the rear quarter and roof. "Like kids in a lolly shop, we thought about restyling more of the car; however, like a good parent saying 'no' to too many sweets, we made the conscious decision to keep as much of the original 86 as possible, only changing what was absolutely necessary. "The silhouette is still sporty, taut and energetic, but it's more practical as it allows the roof to be used to carry surfboards, bikes or storage pods for a weekend away while the larger opening of the new boot enables much easier loading. "As a result, we have expanded the appeal of the coupe while intentionally retaining the purity of the now-iconic 86 style," he said. View full article

Porsche has been tasked with developing a new V8 engine for the Volkswagen group and the first fruits of the program have been announced at the Vienna Motor Symposium this week. Car and Driver reports Porsche unveiled a new twin-turbo V8 engine that will be used in the next-generation Panamera and Cayenne. Loosely based on Audi's new turbocharged 3.0L V6, the V8 engine produces 550 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. Compared to the current 4.8L V8, the new V8 can consume 30 percent less fuel thanks to a cylinder-deactivation system. Porsche says the V8 engine has been designed to accept stop-start systems and hybrid systems. The V8 is expected to be used in vehicles underpinned by either Audi's MLB (front-wheel drive) or Porsche's MSB (rear-wheel drive) platforms. Source: Car and Driver, Vienna Motor Symposium View full article

I've done that a few times and I hate when it happens.

Only a few months after General Motors and Lyft formed an alliance, the two are planning to test a fleet of self-driving Chevrolet Bolt electric taxis on public roads. Specific details about the testing are still be working out, but a Lyft executive said it will include customers in an undisclosed city. Customers will be able to opt in or out of the program when hailing a Lyft cab from the company's application. Riders will be able to contact an advisor from OnStar to ask questions or provide help if a problem arises. The self-driving tech will come from Cruise Automation Inc., a developer of autonomous driving tech that was acquired back in March. “We will want to vet the autonomous tech between Cruise, GM and ourselves and slowly introduce this into markets,” said Taggart Matthiesen, Lyft’s product director. That will “ensure that cities would have full understanding of what we are trying to do here.” There are still a number of regulation hurdles Lyft has to work out. In an effort to remove some of the hurdles, Lyft will still have drivers in the vehicles to intervene. But the end goal is to remove the driver. The testing is expected to begin within a year. Source: The Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required) View full article

Despite posting $1.1 billion in revenues for the first quarter ($1.6 billion under non generally accepted accounting principles - GAAP), Tesla reported a net loss of $282 million for the quarter. Compared to the last quarter, Tesla made less in revenue, but the loss was slightly less. Tesla credits this to a careful watching of its spending. Tesla notes that its cash on hand - $1.4 billion - "does not include any meaningful cash flow from Model 3 reservations," but a fair chunk of that reservation money was used to repay back a $430 million credit line. This isn't the big news as it lines up with what analysts were expecting. It was Tesla's announcement of moving its timeline to produce 500,000 vehicles a year from 2020 to 2018. “Increasing production fivefold over the next two years will be challenging and will likely require some additional capital, but this is our goal and we will be working hard to achieve it,” Musk said in a letter to shareholders. This is most likely due to the strong demand for the Model 3 which at the time of this writing has 400,000 reservations. Tesla also reiterated plans to produce 80 to 90,000 vehicles for 2016. In the first quarter, Tesla built 15,510 vehicles - 12,851 Model S sedans and 2,659 Model X crossovers. The latter model has been having a number of issues from windshield suffering from 'double vision' distortion to the falcon doors not closing. When asked about the quality issues during the call with analysts, Musk said he has a sleeping bag near the production line that he uses “quite frequently.” We're assuming that he is watching the production line to see if there are any issues coming up. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Autoblog, Tesla View full article

Despite the hoopla and endless praise for Tesla and their vehicles, there are a number of owners who aren't happy with the company. Go on to any Tesla forum and you're bound to fin endless posts from owners of the Model X listing issues from poor paint quality to doors not closing. The Model S is no stranger to problems with batteries failing and the infotainment system freezing. This is a big issue for Tesla as they have been burning cash for the past two years, with a good amount of this cash coming going to repairs and warranty costs. CEO Elon Musk has promised investors to slow down the burn and curtail costs retaining to repairs. With Tesla announcing their results later today, we'll see if that promise was kept. But how much is Tesla spending when it comes to repairs? Reuters did some analysis on Tesla's recent annual report by looking at the total vehicles sold and total spending from warranty repairs and accruals - money set aside for future warranty work. Their analysis showed Tesla spent $1,043 per vehicle on repairs and set aside $2,036 per vehicle for future warranty work. The good news is these numbers are 17 and 34 percent lower than 2014. But compared to the likes of General Motors, Ford, and Daimler, Tesla's numbers are quite high. General Motors: $400 per vehicle on repairs, $332 for future work Ford: $429 per vehicle on repairs, $308 for future work Daimler: $970 per vehicle on repairs, $1,294 for future work It should be noted that Tesla only sold 50,000 vehicles last year, while GM, Ford, and Diamler sold millions. Nevertheless, spending just over $150 million of the total $700 million burnt for repair work isn't a good sign. Telsa in a statement to Reuters said it has reduced the cost of repair claims in the first year along with the amount it reserves for future repairs. Source: Reuters View full article

Over the weekend, we reported that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Alphabet Inc. - Google's parent company - were in talks about a technology partnership to use Google's self-driving tech in a vehicle, the new Chrysler Pacifica. Yesterday, the companies made it official. This is the first time that Google has partnered directly with an automaker to integrate their autonomous tech into a vehicle. The deal will see FCA build 100 specially prepared Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid vans that will be sent over to Google where they'll get to have autonomous hardware and software fitted. Both companies will share a facility near FCA's headquarters in Auburn Hills, MI. This group of vans will be used for testing purposes and double Google's test fleet from 100 to 200 vehicles. Now the deal is non-exclusive to both parties. It is also unknown if this deal is a one-off or could lead to something more. “The opportunity to work closely with FCA engineers will accelerate our efforts to develop a fully self-driving car that will make our roads safer and bring everyday destinations within reach for those who cannot drive,” said John Krafcik, Chief Executive Officer, Google Self-Driving Car Project. Source: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Google Press Release is on Page 2 Google Self-Driving Car Project and FCA Announce First-of-its-kind Collaboration Google expands self-driving test program with the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan FCA engineers to work alongside Google engineers to integrate self-driving technology into vehicle Self-driving cars have the potential to make our roads safer and make transportation more accessible for millions of people May 3, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Google Self-Driving Car Project and FCA announced today, in a first-of-its-kind collaboration, that they will integrate Google’s self-driving technology into all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans to expand Google’s existing self-driving test program. This marks the first time that Google has worked directly with an automaker to integrate its self-driving system, including its sensors and software, into a passenger vehicle. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans will be used later this year for Google’s self-driving testing, more than doubling Google’s current fleet of self-driving test vehicles. Engineering responsibilities will be shared based on each company’s respective expertise. FCA will initially design and engineer around 100 vehicles uniquely built for Google’s self-driving technology. Google will integrate the suite of sensors and computers that the vehicles will rely on to navigate roads autonomously. Both companies will co-locate part of their engineering teams at a facility in southeastern Michigan to accelerate the design, testing and manufacturing of the self-driving Chrysler Pacifica. “FCA has a nimble and experienced engineering team and the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan is well-suited for Google’s self-driving technology,” said John Krafcik, Chief Executive Officer, Google Self-Driving Car Project. “The opportunity to work closely with FCA engineers will accelerate our efforts to develop a fully self-driving car that will make our roads safer and bring everyday destinations within reach for those who cannot drive.” Self-driving cars have the potential to prevent some of the 33,000 deaths that occur each year on U.S. roads, 94 percent of which are caused by human error. This collaboration will help FCA and Google better understand what it will take to bring self-driving cars into the world. “Working with Google provides an opportunity for FCA to partner with one of the world’s leading technology companies to accelerate the pace of innovation in the automotive industry,” said Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer, FCA. “The experience both companies gain will be fundamental to delivering automotive technology solutions that ultimately have far-reaching consumer benefits.” Google’s self-driving cars are currently being tested in four U.S. cities. The self-driving Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans will be tested by Google’s self-driving car team on its private test track in California prior to operating on public roads. View full article

I'm bit a busy with some other projects so I can't always get to the news till a little later. Also, this is when the news season gets a little bit quiet. Otherwise, seems normal to me.

2017 will be an important year for the Ford F-150 as the blue oval will be introducing the second-generation of the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and a ten-speed automatic transmission. The second-generation 3.5L EcoBoost is completely all-new with the block, heads, turbochargers, and other components changed. A key item Ford points out with the 3.5 engine is that it features direct injection and port fuel injection - basically two injectors for each cylinder. In low-load situations, the engine uses only the port fuel injection as it is said to be more efficient. During heavy-load situations, both injection systems are used to provide maximum power. Horsepower still stands at 365. Torque has increased from 420 to 450 pound-feet, making the 3.5L the one of the torquiest engines in a full-size, light-duty truck (GM's 6.2L V8 with 460 pound-feet rules the roost here). There is also a more potent version that will go into the Raptor with 450 horsepower. The engine will be paired up with a new ten-speed automatic that is the result of a partnership with Ford and General Motors. The automatic is said to improve overall efficiency with eighth, ninth, and tenth gear all being overdrive and a reduction in friction. Ford didn't talk about how much of an improvement the ten-speed would bring in terms of fuel economy numbers, so we'll be waiting for the official EPA numbers. The new 3.5L EcoBoost and ten-speed automatic will arrive later this fall. Source: Ford Press Release is on Page 2 MORE TORQUE AND BETTER BOOST: 2017 FORD F-150 TO DEBUT WITH ALL-NEW 3.5-LITER ECOBOOST ENGINE AND 10-SPEED TRANSMISSION Continuously improving for customers, 2017 Ford F-150 doubles down on efficiency, capability and performance with debut of the second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine and all-new Ford-built 10-speed automatic transmission New 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine provides 30 lb.-ft. more peak torque compared with the first-generation EcoBoost engine, up to a best-in-class 450 lb.-ft. for a V6, beating gasoline- and diesel-powered competitors The first volume-production 10-speed automatic transmission available to consumers from any automaker will deliver improved acceleration and performance DEARBORN, Mich., May 3, 2016 – Ford, America’s truck leader, continues its relentless pace of innovation, delivering more torque and better acceleration to 2017 F-150 customers with the all-new 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine and 10-speed transmission. The new second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine will provide 30 lb.-ft. more peak torque compared with the first-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, up to a best-in-class 450 lb.-ft. for a V6. F-150 remains the only truck in its segment to offer a twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine. The all-new Ford-built transmission – the first volume-production 10-speed automatic transmission available to consumers from any automaker – will deliver improved acceleration and performance compared with previous six-speed automatic transmissions. “The Ford truck team lives to serve our hardworking truck customers,” said Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, Product Development, and chief technical officer. “The powertrain is the heart of every F-150, and together our all-new 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 10-speed transmission will give our customers better power, efficiency and confidence.” More than 20 patents are approved or pending for the innovative powertrain combination. Second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine The new 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine builds on the success of the 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine and first-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine available for the 2016 F-150. Nearly 1 million F-150 EcoBoost engines have been sold to date, with the 2.7-liter and first-generation 3.5-liter accounting for approximately 60 percent of F-150 sales. Ford engineers designed the new 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine to provide best-in-class torque for a V6 engine, beating gasoline- and diesel-powered competitors. The new engine provides better low-end and peak engine performance, ideal for hauling heavy payloads and towing heavy trailers. The engine features an all-new, Ford-first dual-direct and port fuel-injection system. Two injectors per cylinder – one mounted in the intake port where air enters the cylinder and one positioned inside the cylinder – work together to improve power output, efficiency, and emissions. All-new turbochargers deliver more boost thanks to improved twin turbos and a lighter turbine wheel. The new turbos work seamlessly with Ford-first electrically activated wastegates, enhancing operating efficiency. Light-weighting the turbine wheel – by making it out of high-temperature super alloy Mar-M-247 developed by the aerospace industry – improves responsiveness. Ford’s commitment to continuous light-weighting to improve performance also is evident in the hollow camshafts in the all-new roller-finger follower valvetrain that help save up to 4 pounds of weight. The valvetrain also features more durable intake and exhaust valves, and hydraulic valve-lash adjusters that optimize engine durability over the life of the truck. The new 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine provides Auto Start-Stop as a standard feature, helping customers save fuel, though actual fuel savings vary depending on driving patterns. The technology also contributes to a reduction in CO2 emissions due to decreased idle times. Auto Start-Stop is specially tuned for truck customers, shutting off the engine when the vehicle is at a stop – except when towing or in four-wheel drive mode. All-new 10-speed transmission The new 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine will be paired with an all-new 10-speed transmission for the 2017 F-150. The transmission delivers improved acceleration and performance compared with previous six-speed automatic transmissions, thanks to optimized wide-span gear spacing, coupled with drag-reduction actions. Three overdrive gears and a wider ratio span enable lower-numerical rear-axle ratios to help improve fuel efficiency at highway speeds, while maintaining best-in-class towing. Weight savings play a key role in improved shifting performance. The 10-speed transmission uses advanced materials and alloys to save weight, and it is the first Ford gearbox that does not use cast-iron components. An integrated torque converter/turbine clutch also helps shave more than 2 pounds of weight, while also reducing the packaging footprint. Smarter shift logic helps 2017 F-150 customers tow with improved confidence using tow/haul mode. All-new real-time-adaptive shift-scheduling algorithms monitor more than a dozen powertrain- and driver-control signals to ensure the right gear at the right time for an engaging driving experience, including in sport mode. An integrated electric pump works with the standard Auto Start-Stop system for seamless restarts and improved driving efficiency. Manufacturing investment Ford announced earlier this year that it will invest $145 million to upgrade its Cleveland Engine Plant – creating or retaining 150 jobs to support production of the all-new second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine for the 2017 Ford F-150 lineup. An additional $1.4 billion is being invested at Ford’s Livonia Transmission Plant to create or retain 500 hourly jobs to build the 10-speed transmission. Both investments are part of the company’s commitment to invest $9 billion and create or retain 8,500 hourly jobs in its U.S. facilities during the next four years. In the past five years, Ford has invested $12 billion in its U.S. plants and created nearly 28,000 total U.S. jobs. The 2017 Ford F-150 goes on sale this fall. View full article