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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles pushed out over-the-air update for the UConnect system on Friday and it is causing numerous problems. Jalopnik reports that the update is causing the UConnect system in 2017 and 2018 FCA models to constantly reboot every 45 seconds or so. Owners took to Twitter to vent their frustrations to the UConnectCares account saying how they lost audio, navigation, climate controls, and even the backup camera. Usually, a prompt would come up when an update is sent out with the ability to choose yes or not. But some owners tell Jalopnik they did not get a prompt, the update automatically installed. UConnectCares has acknowledged the problem and said there is a fix coming, although when it will come out is up in the air. It is unclear how many vehicles have this issue. Both Jalopnik and The Verge have reached out to FCA to get an official comment - we'll update you if and when they get it. In the meantime, there is a temporary solution. The Hooniverse reports that if you input a location into the navigation and mute the audio, the rebooting will stop. "As per Mister Mailman’s direction, this temporary fix does work well. It’s not perfect because when the system talks, even thought it is muted, it still mutes the driver’s speakers. It also constantly displays directions in the gauge cluster. But both of these are heck of a lot less annoying than constant system reboots," writes Kamil Kaluski on Hooniverse. Source: Jalopnik, The Verge, Hooniverse View full article

Last month, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced that it had submitted certification paperwork for the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. The 2017 models come with new software that should hopefully get the approval of the EPA and be installed on older models. But at a court hearing yesterday, the brakes were put on FCA's hopes of a quick approval. Leigh Rende, a Justice Department lawyer, said at a hearing in San Francisco federal court hearing "there is uncertainty" about whether the fix will be approved by the EPA. "It could be weeks or months away. This is really a technical decision," said Rende. FCA's lawyer Robert Giuffra told the court the company is optimistic that regulators will approve the proposed fix for the 2017 models, which in turn would be installed on 2014 to 2016 EcoDiesel models. As we reported last month, the Justice Department sued FCA for using “defeat device” on 104,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 EcoDiesel models built between 2014 to 2016. Source: Reuters View full article

Volkswagen has cleared one hurdle in the form of the 2.0L TDI talks. Now it is working trying to clear the hurdle that is the 3.0L TDI V6. Yesterday in U.S. Federal Court in San Fransisco, Judge Charles Breyer got on update on the talks over the 3.0L TDI V6. Breyer said at the hearing that "substantial progress" is being made between Volkswagen and the U.S. Government. People briefed on the talks tell Reuters that Volkswagen might agree on buying back at least 21,000 older Audi Q7 and Volkswagen Touraeg models and repair the remaining vehicles, but only if regulators agree on the proposed fix. A number of other issues are still undecided such as how much Volkswagen is willing to compensate owners of vehicles equipped with the 3.0L TDI V6. Breyer set a deadline for December 1st for an update on the talks. Source: Reuters View full article

Jaguar is updating the F-Type for 2021 with a sleeker look and updated engine choices. The headlamps have been slimmed down and the bumper reworked wit model specific graphics. Around the tail end, the tail lamps are slimmer and feature a new "Chicane" graphic that is borrowed from the Jaguar I-Pace. Those who select the R model will get a new wheels design, 20-inch 10-spoke wheels with Pirelli P Zero tires, 10 millimeters wider than before. All models can be selected in one of 16 different paint colors with each one offered in either gloss or satin. Inside there is a new reconfigurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The 10-inch Touch Pro infotainment system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is able to receive over the air updates. The base F-type and R-Dynamic model will get sport seats while Performance bucket seats are standard on the R and First Edition models. Under the bonnet is a choice of three engines depending on model. At base, there is a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder capable of 296 horsepower with a claimed 0-60 time as low as 5.4 seconds. Next up is a supercharged V6 rated at 380 horsepower. Sitting at the top is a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 which is uprated slightly from prior years to 575 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Along with torque vectoring all-wheel drive, the top motor can get this cat from 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds. Each engine comes with active exhaust system for more exhilarating sound when you want it. The ride and handling has been updated with an updated suspension and electric assist power steering. Jaguar's Adaptive Dynamic system with continuously variable dampers have been tuned for more comfort at low speed and greater stability at high speed. For just the 2021 model year, there will be an F-type First Edition model. It will be based on the high-performance R-Dynamic trim and feature special 20-inch wheels, and just three colors, Santorini black, Eiger gray, and Fuji white. They come with 12-way power-adjustable seats with Windsor leather while the instrument cluster is wrapped in ebony suedecloth. Pricing has not yet been announced, but don't expect it to cost less than the current $63,000 the car goes for today. It will likely go on sale mid-way through next year. View full article

Audi has unveiled their updated Audi Q7 in Ingolstadt today. The new Q7 gets a more robust look with an even larger grille than before, but overall retains the same basic shape. The headlights can be optionally equipped with HD Matrix LED and Audi laser light. Many improvements went into the suspension. Now available as an option is active roll stabilization to reduce the cars tendency to roll into the curve. Adjustable stabilizers reduce body movement on uneven roads. Customers can also elect the S-Line option that offers a firmer suspension and a 0.6 inch lower ride height. The powertrain at launch in the EU will be a choice of two diesel units, with a gasoline engine and a plug-in hybrid to follow later. All of the ICE engines get a mild-hybrid setup using a belt-alternator-start (BAS) and 48 volt electrical system. The BAS can recover up to 8kW of power into the battery. The Q7 can be ordered in either a five or seven seat configuration. The cockpit is fully digital and includes two large touchscreens for the MMI infotainment system. Adaptive cruise assist is standard and also includes traffic jam assist, active lane assist, and adaptive speed assist. Emergency assist is new to the Q7 and if it detects the drivers is inactive, the system will bring the car to a stop and initiate protective and rescue measures. The 2020 Q7 launches in Europe in September with a US launch to follow later. View full article

If you're currently running with an older GPS system, either built into your car or via an external device, you may need to check if a firmware update is available. Tonight at midnight, the UTC clock used by the satellite navigation system will roll over to 0000000000. That number is a 10-bit "week number" that counts the number of weeks since August 21, 1999, the date of the current GPS "epoch". Most newer GPS devices will know about the coming rollover and will just continue working, but older ones that haven't been updated could fail with timing data jumping backwards by almost 20 years. This isn't a new issue, this will be the second time the GPS system has seen such a flip. Eventually, the GPS system will be upgraded to a 13-bit date system and greatly increase the length of time between epochs. If you have an older GPS device or car with GPS built in, you may want to check with the manufacturer if a firmware update is needed. View full article

Ahead of the Geneva Auto Show next week, Mercedes-Benz has released details of the refreshed 2020 GLC crossover. There are three primary upgrades to the 2020 GLC, a new engine, a new infotainment interface, and new safety systems. Visually, the 2020 GLC carries over with just mild embellishments to the grille and trim. Two new shades of grey, Graphite Grey and Selenite Grey Magno, and new wheel designs are available. The headlights are smaller and offer an available active curve illumination and adaptive highbeam assist. The interior carries over as well with the addition of two new wood trims. The 2020 GLC comes with a new 2.0 turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. This new engine has a reduction in CO2 emissions and lower fuel consumption. Torque remains the same as the outgoing engine while horsepower increases by 14. Power is routed through a 9-speed automatic transmission to either the rear or all wheels. MBUX is Mercedes' new infotainment system interface and for 2020 it comes to the GLC. The system allows for touch, voice, or gesture control. Information is shown on two displays, an infotainment display on the center stack measuring 10.25 inches and an optional 12.3 inch gauge cluster. A camera located in the cabin can monitor hand movements of the driver. The driver can gesture to turn on or off the cabin lights or activate a specific function of the infotainment system. Voice control is revised to feel more natural and can be activated with the command "Hey Mercedes". Mercedes added a number of new or updated safety systems to the 2020 GLC. Available safety packages include: Active Distance Assist Distronic includes braking for stationary vehicles and expanded automatic restart in a traffic jam that also works with the Active Parking Assist and the navigation system. Active Steering Assist includes Active Emergency Stop Assist with automatic unlocking and automatic emergency calling after a vehicle comes to a stop if the driver is unresponsive while Active Steering Assist is active. Active Lane Change Assist works with the navigation system. Active Speed Limit Assist will respond to a change in speed limit when observed by traffic sign assist. Route-Based Speed Adaptation will adjust speed ahead of bends, traffic circles, toll plazas, making a turn, exiting a highway, or if the navigation system reports a traffic jam ahead. Other functions in this package include Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic, and Pre-Safe Plus. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC makes its debut at the Geneva Auto Show next week and will go on sale in the U.S. in last 2019. Related: Mercedes-Benz introduces the new AMG GLE 53 Mercedes-Benz Press Release on Page 2 The redesigned Mercedes-Benz GLC An unmistakably diverse model of success Freedom in its most beautiful form – that is what the GLC has stood for since its launch in the fall of 2015. Like its predecessors, the SUV employs outstanding driving characteristics with spaciousness, practicality and comfort. In addition, the latest generation adds further advanced pioneering technologies, a distinctive design, connectivity and state-of-the- art infotainment. Overall, the GLC better demonstrates how brand safety and intelligent adaptability can effortlessly and elegantly be combined to achieve great success. The redesigned GLC SUV will celebrate its World Premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March and will go on sale in the U.S. by late 2019. With its distinctive appearance, new operating system, innovative driver assistance systems and a new, enhanced engine, the GLC offers the best from the world of Mercedes-Benz. The exterior design captivates with its wide and sporty visual appearance. Muscularly sculpted surfaces and distinctive details such as the chrome elements, which now run from the front to the rear end, the redesigned headlamps and the heavily contoured radiator grille ensure a strong off-road character. The interior combines luxury and user-friendliness in an uncompromising way with a larger display. In addition, the latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system impresses with intuitive and versatile operating options such as touch and the optimized Voice Control system. The driver assistance systems were considerably expanded and complemented, and the GLC will also be equipped with a new 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with more output and greater efficiency. The most important advancements of the GLC MBUX: The combination of the standard touchscreen multimedia display, optional Augmented Video for Navigation, standard intelligent Voice Control available via the "Hey Mercedes” prompt, connectivity and the user interface brings the GLC in line with the latest technological innovations from Mercedes-Benz. Drive system: The GLC will be equipped with the next generation four- cylinder gasoline engine with increased output and significantly lower fuel consumption. Advanced assistance systems: : Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC® and Active Steering Assist provide even more comfort and support to help the driver to keep a safe distance and stay inside the lane. The speed is adjusted automatically ahead of bends or junctions. The risk of potential collisions can be reduced with the help of Active Brake Assist by braking if the driver fails to see oncoming traffic. Exterior design: distinctive appearance Modernity, strength, versatility — this is what the design of the GLC embodies. The design idiom of the GLC follows the philosophy of Sensual Purity and illustrates the carefully considered interplay of aesthetics, agility and intelligence. The appearance is sportier overall with chrome elements that now run from the front to the rear end. The front-end gives an emotional impression, presence and dominance at first glance. The design is particularly memorable due to the standard LED headlamps with the torch-design Daytime Running Lamps, as well as the heavily contoured radiator grille with dynamically shaped double louvres and diamond lattice. The available paint colors now include Graphite Grey as well as Selenite Grey Magno for the first time for the GLC 300. Additionally, there are all-new wheel offerings, ranging from 18 to 20-inch designs. The AMG Line impressively emphasizes the dynamic appearance of the GLC with the chrome diamond-block grille and front bumper with an aggressive design, as well as angular exhaust tips. In addition to sport seats with high side bolsters, this design and equipment line also includes new standard 19-inch AMG Split 5-Spoke wheels as well as a new optional 20” AMG Y 5-Spoke design. The standard LED headlamps are smaller and more raked, with significantly modified contours. The torch shape of the Daytime Running Lamps hones the signature Mercedes-Benz design. The LED Intelligent Light System is optionally available featuring Active Curve Illumination and Adaptive Highbeam Assist. The athletic character continues in the rear view with a completely revised bumper and exhaust tips. The redesigned LED taillamps also ensure an unmistakable light signature – with the hallmark blocks of the Mercedes-Benz SUVs in backlit edge-light specification. All in all, the rear-end design underscores the powerful character of the GLC with the bumper, exhaust tips and the chromed skid plate sporting the typical SUV character. Interior design: intelligence meets ergonomics Refined materials, precision workmanship and flowing shapes – that is what characterizes the interior of the GLC. It is characterized by flowing surfaces in connection with clear lines and proportions. The center console features an elegant trim component that exemplifies supreme craftsmanship, which is available in two new wood trims – Natural Grain Grey Oak and Natural Grain Walnut. The multifunction steering wheel is available in two versions and has been completely revised. Its distinctive spoke design conveys an even sportier character. In addition, its operation of Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC® and the Touch Control Buttons for controlling the instrument cluster and the multimedia system as well as the acoustic input feedback send a clear signal pointing to the future. The user can operate the multimedia functions using single-finger and multi- touch control on the Touchpad on the center console. It serves as an alternative to Voice Control and offers the possibility to enter letters, numbers or special characters manually. The Touchpad surface not only provides clear haptic feedback, but also acoustic feedback. MBUX: intuitive operation Well thought-out, ergonomic, comfortable – these guidelines governed the advancement of the operating and display concepts used in the GLC. The focus is on the interaction with the vehicle and its functions through gestures and movements, touch or the Voice Control system. This is made possible by the latest multimedia system generation, Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), which is characterized by intuitive logic and a wide range of operating functionality. Overall, the interplay of the touchscreen display, Augmented Video for Navigation, the intelligent Voice Control and the user interface sets a new benchmark for industry standards. There are a total of five different ways to interact with the multimedia system of the GLC: By touch control on the center multimedia display Using the Touch Control Buttons on the multifunction steering wheel With the multifunction Touchpad on the center console Using the gesture/movement recognition of MBUX Interior Assistant By Voice Control, either with the button on the steering wheel or the "Hey Mercedes” prompt The information the driver needs is shown on two high-resolution displays. The free-standing multimedia display in the center is 10.25 inches, with an optionally available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The driver can choose from three individual representations to best suit the mood of the interior: “Classic” is an advancement of the familiar Mercedes- Benz design, “Sport” presents a high-contrast and powerful look, “Progressive” visualizes high-tech modernity. Another effortless way of operating the multimedia system is with the MBUX Interior Assistant. A camera in the overhead control panel captures the movements of the hand as it approaches the touchscreen or the touchpad on the center console. The system makes a distinction between the gestures of the driver and the front passenger, which allows the user to interact with the media display by highlighting or enlarging individual elements. The reading light can also be switched on and off by hand movement recognition. To this end, the light in the overhead control panel follows the movement when the driver is looking for something on the front passenger seat, for example. In addition, there is the option of setting a favorite function of the multimedia system by a specific gesture. Another highlight in conjunction with MBUX is the optional Augmented Video for Navigation, which complements the navigation in a useful and very unique way. A camera in front of the rearview mirror captures the surroundings and automatically shows information on the multimedia display that integrates with the video image. This includes traffic signs, information about where to make a turn or house numbers. This makes searching for a given address, for example, very easy. The revised Voice Control system makes operation even more convenient and natural. By voice command, the driver can have the system read out text messages, operate the audio systems or access vehicle functions such as the climate control system. The system requires no memorized commands – the user has the freedom to phrase the desired destination address or to ask a question about the weather report off-the-cuff with natural language. The driver can activate the Voice Control with the "Hey Mercedes” prompt or with the button on the steering wheel. Topping off the new interior details is the redesigned KEYLESS-START function, using the turbine-look start-stop button. The user can select and activate the drive modes via the DYNAMIC SELECT switch on the center console. The multimedia display shows different drive modes in line with the particular equipment. The driver can select from “Comfort,” “ECO,” “Sport,” “Sport +” and “Individual” for customizing the steering, the suspension or the powertrain. A new engine: powerful efficiency The GLC comes to the starting line with a new 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo engine capable of 255 hp and 273 lb-ft. GLC 300 (RWD) GLC 300 4MATIC Cylinders/arrangement 4/in-line 4/in-line Output (hp) 255 255 Peak torque (lb-ft) 273 273 The crucial feature of the M 264 two-liter four-cylinder engine from Mercedes- Benz is the increased output at significantly lower fuel consumption. In the GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC, the M 264 four-cylinder engine replaces the M 274 predecessor engine. The new engine generation is a crucial component for reducing CO2 emissions and is a systematic advancement with regard to lowering consumption. The four-cylinder engine is combined with 4MATIC all-wheel drive and the 9G- TRONIC automatic transmission, which supports both a dynamic and a fuel- saving driving style. DYNAMIC SELECT: more than a setting An SUV that lives up to its name -- as usual, the GLC is convincing on almost any type of ground and in the most adverse weather conditions. The DYNAMIC SELECT system with expanded functions responds to the individual requests of the driver with regard to the handling and the requirements posed by the particular road conditions. The 4MATIC all-wheel drive has also been newly developed from the ground up. The three-stage design of ESP® with a wider spread now offers even more dynamics in the “Sport” and “Sport +” drive modes, once again proving the versatility of the GLC. Driving assistance systems: safe support In Germany, 85% of customers cite "safety" as the top characteristic when it comes to the GLC – and besides the typical SUV traits, this is due to the intelligent driver assistance systems. The scope and level in the new model have been advanced, thus enhancing driver support with regard to safety and comfort. The available Driver Assistance Package in the GLC includes, for example: Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC® with the functions: Braking for stationary vehicles Expanded automatic restarting in a traffic jam in conjunction with Active Parking Assist and navigation Active Steering Assist with the functions: Active Emergency Stop Assist – with automatic unlocking and sending of an SOS call to the MB Emergency Call Center after vehicle comes to a stop in the event that the driver is unresponsive while Active Steering Assist is active Active Lane Change Assist in conjunction with navigation Active Speed Limit Assist with response to change in speed limit in conjunction with Traffic Sign Assist Route-Based Speed Adaptation adjusts ahead of bends, roundabouts and toll plazas, as well as before making a turn or exiting a highway; reduction of vehicle speed also for route event “end of traffic jam,” in conjunction with navigation Evasive Steering Assist Active Lane Keeping Assist Active Blind Spot Assist Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function PRE-SAFE® PLUS When Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with Route-Based Speed Adaptation is activated, the new GLC is able to recognize and respond to traffic jams or slow-moving traffic with the help of information from LiveTraffic before the driver becomes aware of this traffic obstruction. When a traffic jam is detected (and if the driver does not choose a different response), DISTRONIC reduces the speed as a precaution. This is complemented by an improved Active Lane Keeping Assist as well as by additional functions of Active Emergency Stop Assist. Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function reduces the risk of a potential accident when making a turn, for example, if the driver fails to see oncoming vehicles. If there is a danger of a collision with oncoming traffic when making a turn across the road, the GLC can brake at the speeds typical of such maneuvers. Braking intervention takes place if the driver signals the intention to make a turn and the vehicle can brake to a stop before crossing the lane markings. Oncoming vehicles are detected by the long-range radar sensor in the front and the Stereo Multipurpose Camera. Also possible is the simplified overtaking maneuver (Active Lane Change Assist) with activated Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist. When the driver activates the turn indicator at speeds above 50 mph on multi-lane roads, the system can help with changing lanes. The Exit Warning Function of Blind Spot Assist reduces the risk of failing to see an approaching vehicle or cyclist when opening the door. The Exit Warning Function is only active when the vehicle is stopped. When the driver or a passenger opens the door and a vehicle is approaching, the system emits a visual and audible warning. The function is active for up to three minutes after switching off the engine. In conjunction with the ambient light, the lights of the door handle recess and the trim illumination flashes red. Active Parking Assist is also optionally available. After pushing the button for Active Parking Assist and at speeds below 20 mph, the system shows all identified parking spaces in the immediate surroundings on the multimedia display. The driver selects the parking maneuver with the Touchpad, the touchscreen of the multimedia system or the Touch Control Button on the right of the steering wheel – the system then assists with pulling and reversing into and out of parallel and end-on parking spaces. Using the standard Blind Spot Assist feature, the parking system can warn the driver of cross-traffic when reversing out of end-on parking spaces, and also initiate automatic braking if necessary. The feature is called Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. Car-to-X Communication supports the driver by providing up-to-date information and warnings of hazardous situations on the road. The radio-based exchange between vehicles as well as between vehicles and the traffic infrastructure informs the driver visually and/or acoustically of potential hazards. Strength: driven by dedication The new generation of the GLC marks the start of a new chapter in a true success story. The model sold significantly better than its predecessor in its first full year on the market. At present, Mercedes-Benz has a very successful presence in the SUV segment with seven models (GLA, GLC, GLC Coupe, GLE, GLE Coupe, GLS and G-Class). There is no doubt about it -- the SUVs play an essential role in the product range of the brand and its success. To date, more than five million SUVs from Mercedes-Benz were delivered to customers. The redesigned GLC SUV will celebrate its World Premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March and will go on sale in the U.S. by late 2019. View full article