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  • 2019 Silverado Arrives with Lower Price

    2019 Silverado Arrives with Lower Price

    Chevy’s 2019 Silverado surprised the industry by announcing that the price will be $700 lower than last year’s model. The new truck is set to be the largest volume vehicle in the range, which is fantastic for the lower price.

    Not to mention, the vehicle will be more fuel efficient than last year’s model, which makes it a win-win! 

    2019 Silverado: Premium, But Priced for Everyone 

    People are excited that a truck with as much room and luxury as the Silverado is seeing a price reduction. Standard features on the truck are even more exciting for that price. These include active aero shutters, eight-speed automatic transmission and start-stop technology. The coolest new feature is under the hood, though: the 2.7 liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Nothing screams “great deal” like a lower price and new standard features, right? 

    Spacious Interior, Great Towing 

    If you’re a truck lover, you probably love the roomy interior. Thankfully, the 2019 Silverado will deliver on that front. According the Vice President of Chevrolet, Brian Sweeney, you have nothing to fear on that front.  Compared to every other vehicle in the range, he says “it offers more interior and cargo room, higher towing and payload capabilities.” 

    If you own a truck, you have it to do work. Whether that’s towing, carrying cargo or carrying people, you’ll love the spacious truck. If you’re serious about your work, you want the most power and the most room for the best price. If there’s anything to be said at this stage, it’s that this new offering from Chevy delivers. How often is a brand-new vehicle less expensive than its predecessor and even better? Well, there’s a first time for everything!  

    Pricing and Release Date 

    The starting price for the 2019 Silverado is $29,795. Release is slated for Fall of this year. It looks like this year’s modeled in positioned in the sweet spot between luxury and high price. It might be time to think about getting a new truck! 


  • Tesla Production for Model 3 Triples in Second Quarter

    Tesla Production for Model 3 Triples in Second Quarter

    After some recent controversy, a lawsuit against a saboteur and some unpopular layoffs, Tesla has some good news. After releasing the production numbers for the second quarter of 2018, the company has seen a three percent uptick in stock prices. It seems they kept their self-set goal of ending July producing more than 5000 Model 3’s per week. This is good news for the company as it seeks to fulfill the record-breaking orders for Model 3’s. This uptick in Tesla production indicates the potential for a profitable third quarter, a rare sight for the ambitious automaker. 

    Tesla’s Profit Loop 

    Tesla doesn’t often turn a profit. This is an odd piece of trivia for a company this big and this ambitious, and it is especially disappointing when one considers the recent layoffs. That said, this uptick in Tesla production does bode well for the company’s bottom line. The question is, will the company follow its typical loop that it follows after a profitable quarter? The few times Tesla has turned a profit in the past, it has immediately funneled that cash into production of a new vehicle.  

    When the Model S, and later the Model X, began to turn profits, production on the next vehicle would rapidly devour those profits. This is consistent with a company that aims to radically change the face of transportation, but it’s frustrating for investors and enthusiasts alike. 

    Tesla Production of Model 3’s Could Be Different 

    The Model 3 production line could be different for the company, though. As their first mass-market car, the Model 3 is meant to make the company a household name. While the Models X and S were experimental proof-of-concept style cars, the Model 3 is meant to be for anyone who wants an electric car. So, maybe this time Tesla will actually just make a profit and be okay with that.  

    No one expects them to stop planning for new cars, like the Roadster and Model Y concepts. It would, however, be nice to see them focus on just producing good, affordable electric cars. Especially in light of their recent layoffs and the controversy surrounding recent accidents with Autopilot, a bit of goodwill will go a long way for them. In the meantime, Tesla has expressed its goal for August is to produce more than 6,000 Model 3’s per week. It seems like they might just do it. 

  • Believe it or Not, Volkswagen’s Record-Breaking I.D. R is Electric

    Believe it or Not, Volkswagen’s Record-Breaking I.D. R is Electric

    While some still doubt electric cars, Volkswagen has brought a record-breaking electric car to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The I.D. R is a powerful vehicle because of, not in spite of, its electric engine. The record, an astonishing 7:57:148, wowed the competition and showed that a sub-8-minute time was actually possible.  

    How Electric Beat Combustion 

    The Hill Climb is a great place for an electric race car to show up combustion engines. For one, the attitude of the hill makes it difficult for combustion to occur in the engine. For another, the temperature range is ideal for batteries. Further, you need not worry about range beyond the relatively short climb, so the battery doesn’t have to be big. The lack of the combustion engine cuts the weight of the vehicle down considerably, too! 

    I.D. R: Awesome, if Unpractical 

    While the record-setting vehicle is certainly a treat to see in action, it’s hardly a read-world indicator of electric supremacy. While companies are making great strides with electric engines, the I.D. R is hardly the model to base on. For one, it was made specifically for high-end racing and would be impractical in normal situations. Volkswagen isn’t trying to market it that way, of course, but it’s still worth noting. The best part of showcases like this, for automakers, is the controlled setting.  

    That all said, this does inspire confidence that electric innovations in everyday vehicles is on the way. While many still feel as though electric is a distant fantasy, companies like Volkswagen and Tesla are looking to change that. Tesla, for its part, is having some issues with production numbers, but their ambition is unquestionable.  

    One thing is certain though: if Volkswagen can set world records at prestigious races with an electric engine, the time for electric to shine is now. Oil companies will fight it tooth and nail, but electric might just be the way of the future. I, for one, can’t wait to not have to gas up anymore; that stuff’s expensive! 

  • Ten Cars to Watch for 2019 Model Year

    Each new year brings new cars to watch for! The 2019 Model Year will be no different, and we expect big things from the big automakers.

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    This will likely be one of the last model years before self-driving technology becomes widely available, so innovation will be largely iterative instead of revolutionary. With that said, lets look at the ten cars to watch for in 2019!

    2019 Chevy Silverado

    Everyone’s favorite pick-up is getting an overall face-lift for 2019. Without compromising for size or power, the new Silverado brings luxury and affordability. It’s hard to overstate just how luxurious and quiet the cabin is, and the ride is silky-smooth. Expected starting price is right around $30,000, and it’s 450 pounds lighter than last year’s model.

    2019 Honda Insight

    Redesigned and pulled out of retirement, the Honda Insight is back for 2019. This year’s entry is a hybrid that looks like a normal car, and that’s stellar. It gets an impressive 55 MPG on the highway, and it has tons of leg room. It looks in many ways like a stylistic take-off on the Civic, which is a great looking car. Even better, it starts around $23,000, which makes it a car to watch in 2019.

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    2019 Hyundai Santa Fe

    Essentially, this new Santa Fe is replacing the Santa Fe Sport. Redesigned for the 2019 Model Year, the new Santa Fe is poised to go head-to-head with cars like the CR-V and the Rogue. It’s bigger, longer and meaner-looking this year, and it brings tons of luxury to bear, too. The line we currently call the Santa Fe will be referred to as the Santa Fe XL from now on, making it the full-size Hyundai SUV. The 2019 Santa Fe, however, is much more luxurious and powerful than the previous Santa Fe Sport. Pricing is not currently available but should be soon.

    2019 Kia Forte

    Kia’s trying to have their cake and eat it, too, with the new Kia Forte. The 2019 model year Forte is roomier, for one, without bringing a larger footprint. It also packs more fuel economy but makes no sacrifice in horsepower. It’ll also be sporting all the expected advanced safety features you’ve come to want from a mid-sized car. Pricing information will be available later this year when the car is closer to going on sale.

    2019 GMC Sierra

    The pick-up market is as competitive as they come, and there are a ton of great options to choose from in it. The Sierra is no exception, and this year GMC is bringing more to the table. More size, that is. The truck has a bigger footprint, bigger interior and more power. The bed liner is carbon fiber, and all the high-end safety features you want are here. Tons of new tech is at play here, and this year will introduce an option for a diesel engine. There’s been no word on price yet, but we’d expect it to come in somewhere around $53,000, like last year’s Denali.

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    2019 Acura MDC

    Starting at $44,300, this is a vehicle to watch. Crossover SUVs are in right now, and Acura seems to know it! The roomy, tech-heavy 2019 MDC is a great entry-level SUV in Acura’s line-up. If you’ve never had a big luxury SUV, this one is a great start. The smooth ride and high-tech features will certainly spoil you, though!

    2019 Nissan Altima
    The “most advanced sedan” Nissan has ever made, in their own words, the 2019 Altima looks impressive. The new model comes with new dimensions: it’s lower to the ground and a bit longer. It also boasts a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine option, which is actually quite impressive for a sedan of its price range. Speaking of pricing, we’ve heard no word on the price from Nissan, but last year’s Altima S goes for $24,000. That places the Altima as an aggressively-priced mid-sized sedan with a ton of tech and power.

    2019 Toyota Avalon
    Toyota stays a major competitor for the title of best midsized sedan in 2019. Starting at $36,395 and coming equipped with Apple CarPlay standard, the new Avalon is set to make a splash. This entry in the Avalon family puts emphasis on the drive, making it a powerful and fun vehicle to pilot. It’s an all-around joy to take the Avalon on more complex roads, thanks to the great suspension and handling. If you want a bit of sportiness in your sedan, look no further.

    2019 Volvo XC40
    Starting at $35,200, the XC40 is a great value for a luxury SUV. As the market moves more and more towards the dominance of the crossover SUV, Volvo brings the goods with this year’s XC40. Roomy interior, tons of storage space and a great ride make the interior feel premium. The ride isn’t just smooth, though, it’s also quite fun. The engine has plenty of power and the suspension feels great. For how spacious this car is, it doesn’t handle like something its size.

    Car to Watch for the 2019 Model Year: 2019 VW Arteon Gran Turismo

    The roomy cabin and smooth ride of the Arteon Gran Turismo send a message: this is a flagship. Volkswagen is looking to enter this prestige vehicle into the same territory as Cadillac’s own flagships, and the Gran Turismo is up to the task. The 9.2-inch infotainment system sells this interior comfort while the various engine options assure you the vehicle has some power. Those engine configurations range from 148 to 276 horsepower, all on four cylinders. This is one luxury sedan to watch. Pricing and release information for the US is still to come.

  • Popular Scam Targets Uber Drivers

    Popular Scam Targets Uber Drivers

    A highlight of the current gig economy is the isolation contractors feel when working for companies like Uber. Since the company is so compartmentalized, drivers often feel alienated and alone on the road. Scammers have picked up on this, and a robust, complex scam has been targeting newer Uber drivers for more than a year. 

    The Scam 

    The scam in question involves misusing the information that customers get when they hail a ride through the Uber app. When you hail a ride, you see information about the driver, like their name and license plate number. Not to mention, you can call them through the app. That call gets a randomized, anonymous number with a 415 area-code, the same as Uber’s headquarters. 

    Upon hailing the cab, the user then calls the driver and claims to be from corporate and explains that there’s an issue with the driver’s account. The account needs to be verified before the driver can complete the fare, the scammer says. This is the tricky part: the scammer asks for the email and password of the driver. Then, the scammer has the driver tell them the code that they were just texted. You’ve probably guessed it: this is a phishing call, and that code was the two-factor verification. Now, the scammer is into the driver’s Uber account. “Alright, everything’s good here. We’ve transferred that ride to another car, but you’re free to keep driving.” 

    After that, of course, the damage isn’t done, but just beginning. The scammer will use their access to the driver account to change their account settings so that they can profit from any work the driver does. They’ll profit from any work the driver has done when Uber pays out for their work on Sunday. 

    The Company’s Responsibility to Uber Drivers 

    As of yet, Uber hasn’t formally acknowledged this scam to their new drivers. Lyft, which has been targeted by similar scams, has directly addressed drivers regarding it. Lyft drivers are thus less likely to fall for it, as their company has helped safeguard them. Uber, by contrast, is letting its drivers fend for themselves out there. There are dozens of things the company could do to fix this situation, but as of writing they claim that their authentication processes should keep drivers safe.  

    A few targeted by the scam are contacted by Uber to inform them of potential illegal activity on their account. However, if Uber took steps like Lyft, they could avoid the issue altogether. Something as simple as Lyft’s pre-recorded message that tells a driver it’s a customer calling them would take the legs out from under this scam. Uber, ever the helpful and caring employer, has done no such thing. If you’re an Uber driver, take steps to protect yourself, and don’t give anyone your account info.  

  • 2019 Ford F-150

    2019 Ford F-150

    Ford’s name carries some serious weight in the world of pickups. If you’re a fan of towing capacity, cab size and general ruggedness, odds are you like Ford’s F-150 range of trucks. 

    We’ve got some awesome news for you, then: the 2019 Ford F-150 Limited is getting the engine from the Raptor for 2019. That’s right, the most powerful engine in a light-duty pickup is coming to the F-150 limited.

    What Raptor Brings to the 2019 Ford F-150

    Ford’s F-150 Raptor engine is a beast, packing 510 pound-feet of torque and a ten-speed automatic transmission. The F-150 Raptor itself is a fantastic vehicle, so hearing that its stellar engine is coming to the 2019 Limited version of the F-150 is great news. The Limited, which is slated for release in 2019, is shaping up to be a tremendously luxurious vehicle. Sporting a spacious, quiet interior cabin and a smooth, easy ride, the Limited will likely be one of the most sought-after trucks on the market next year.

    Pricing and Release

    We don’t have any solid info yet on the pricing or specification for the 2019 Limited. However, the Limited line does have a few standard accoutrements that you can expect to see. For one, the luxurious interior trimmings, like massage seats, power running boards and a leather-trim dashboard will make an appearance. Also, exterior upgrades will include 22-inch wheels and dual exhaust pipes. As for high-tech luxury, the Limited will sport a 360-degree camera as well as adaptive cruise control.

    The 2018 Limited was priced at $63,000, making it a luxury vehicle in name and price tag. However, the 2018 model doesn’t sport the more powerful Raptor engine, so you can expect the 2019 edition to cost a spot more than $63,000. We won’t know for sure until Ford releases the official pricing information.

    As far as the release goes, you can expect this luxurious, powerful truck on the dealership lot this Fall. Get ready to get rough and tumble with the 2019 Ford F-150 Limited!


  • Hit the Trail! Which is the Best Car for Camping?

    Hit the Trail! Which is the Best Car for Camping?

    Summer time is time to hit the trail! If you’re looking for a car to pair with your outdoors-centric lifestyle, we’ve got a list for you! We’ve picked some of our favorites, and we’ll tell you which the best car for camping is! Believe it or not, there are some great cars out there made with the trail in mind! 

    Scion XB 

    Box-shaped cars are awesome for camping. Okay, that’s our list, go home! Jokes aside, the Scion XB is a great pick. You can fit tons of big, awkward things like tents in this super-tall car. You won’t be riding in style, but you’ll be able to carry all your stuff! It’s also great on gas, making it a good pick in general. Just don’t be surprised when people poke fun at your boxy car. 

    Land Rover Discovery Sport 

    Land Rover has a great reputation for being made for the great outdoors. The Discovery Sport lives up to that legacy! While many Land Rover owners don’t know it, Terrain Response makes their vehicles some of the best off-roaders in the world!  

    Sporting that same Terrain Response and a spacious interior, the Discovery Sport great pick for campers. You can take yourself and six friends nearly anywhere in the world, thanks to the suspension and Terrain Response technology. If you’re looking to lead some seriously rugged expeditions, this is the car you want. It’s also not going to break the bank, coming in at  

    Pontiac Aztec 

    Don’t laugh. Okay, laugh. Yes, this is the ugliest car in the world. Yes, you shouldn’t tell your Tinder dates you drive an Aztec. And yes, the Aztec is awesome on the trail. Hear us out for a second! This one comes with a camping loadout that includes an attachable tent and an air mattress! The center console can be a cooler! The back-hatch swings open! It’s awesome! 

    Okay, maybe this thing is too damn ugly to be anyone’s main car. But as a camping car, it’s the bomb. If you can afford to have two cars and car about camping, consider an Aztec. Come on, stop laughing! 

    Our Favorite Car for Camping: Honda Element 

    You’re reading a list of the best cars for hitting the trail, so you knew this one was going to show up. The Honda Element is well-known among camping enthusiasts for being dependable, rugged and awesome. And square.  

    The box-on-wheels design gives the element a tall ceiling, so you can carry tons of stuff. The back seats can fold all the way down or even be removed, allowing for even more space. The floors are even made of easy-cleaning urethane! We recommend springing for all-wheel drive if you plan on taking this one to the trail. You can also opt for the built-in factory hatch tent! 

  • Tesla Employee Sued Over Alleged Sabotage

    Tesla Employee Sued Over Alleged Sabotage

    Following the recent news that Tesla believed it had been sabotaged, the company has sued former employee Martin Tripp. The lawsuit claims that Tripp, who worked at the company’s factory in Nevada, stole trade secrets and sent them to unknown third parties. If true, this could be a partial explanation for the ongoing struggles to meet Model 3 production numbers. Such corporate espionage gives new perspective on statements from CEO Elon Musk that seemed paranoid earlier this week. 

    Tesla’s Statement 

    Regarding the incident, the electric automaker had this to say.  

    “Tesla has only begun to understand the full scope of Tripp’s illegal activity, but he has thus far admitted to writing software that hacked Tesla’s manufacturing operating system (“MOS”) and to transferring several gigabytes of Tesla data to outside entities. This includes dozens of confidential photographs and a video of Tesla’s manufacturing systems. 

    Beyond the misconduct to which Tripp admitted, he also wrote computer code to periodically export Tesla’s data off its network and into the hands of third parties. His hacking software was operating on three separate computer systems of other individuals at Tesla so that the data would be exported even after he left the company and so that those individuals would be falsely implicated as guilty parties.” 

    Public Image 

    The ambitious car company is likely eager to have this issue brought to the light, as it helps paint them sympathetically. Their recent struggles to meet production goals, coupled with recent fatalities related to Auto Pilot, haven’t helped their public image. However, being portrayed as the victims of corporate sabotage could help the company’s image and garner sympathy. Indeed, if Musk is to be believed, Tripp isn’t the only saboteur. While Musk hasn’t elaborated, he tweeted the following. “There is more, but the actions of a few bad apples will not stop Tesla from reaching its goals. With 40,000 people, the worst 1 in 1000 will have issues. That’s still ~40 people.” 

    While the company’s public struggles are well-documented, the company maintains that they’re on track to have a profitable third quarter. Soon, the company will have to divulge production numbers for the Model 3 for the past few months. Short sellers, people who stand to gain money if Tesla’s stocks drop, have been cautioned by Musk that their position will “explode” soon. We’ll see soon how things shape up for the innovative automaker.  

    Feature Image Credit: CNBC 

     

  • Elon Musk Claims Sabotage of Tesla Model 3 Production

    Elon Musk Claims Sabotage of Tesla Model 3 Production

    The Tesla Model 3 has been a hotly-anticipated vehicle. However, prospective owners have been stymied by the car’s notorious production shortages. However, it seems that circumstances out of Tesla’s control may have led to some of their recent troubles. In an email obtained by CNBC, Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed an unnamed employee has been actively working to sabotage production of the electric vehicles.  

    Betrayal from Within, or Corporate Sabotage? 

    Musk claims in the email, which was sent to all Tesla employees, that the unnamed employee is guilty of a wide range of sabotage efforts. Those efforts include directly tampering with code related to production systems and the leaking of confidential information to third parties. According to the email, the employee had become hostile to the company following the company’s refusal to promote them.  

    Musk, however, further elaborates that the sabotage was likely more to do with competitors than a personal vendetta. In the email the Tesla CEO reminds his employees that oil and gas companies are known for their underhandedness. As such, blame for these willful acts of sabotage may well lay at the feet of one of those companies. While the employee in question may have truly been disgruntled with the company, a hefty sum of cash from an oil company could have galvanized them to commit such acts. 

    Other Troubles for Tesla 

    The electric car manufacturer has had their share of other production issues. For instance, just this week, the company reported its fifth factory fire in the Model 3 production facility. In light of the news that sabotage from within is being fielded, that high number of fires could be further evidence.  

    Maybe Tesla’s production issues can truly be ascribed to sabotage by the infamously-malicious oil industry. Then, their difficulties shipping Model 3’s are much more forgivable. If these allegations are true, here’s hoping the culprits are brought to justice. If these allegations aren’t true, then the question still stands: what is going on at Tesla? 

  • Tesla, Autopilot and Self-Driving Cars: Responsibility vs Marketability

    Tesla, Autopilot and Self-Driving Cars: Responsibility vs Marketability

    Elon Musk is a magnetic and charismatic man. His companies, Tesla, SpaceX and the Boring Company all promise to redefine transportation. And, to a degree, they have. The Tesla Model 3 was the most hotly-anticipated car of all time. The SpaceX program has made promising strides in the realm of proposed commercial space flights. The Boring Company recently signed a deal with Chicago to bore a tunnel from O’Hare International to Downtown Chicago.  

    Yeah there is a specter looming, and it’s expectations. Musk and Tesla have poorly communicated and obfuscated the capabilities of Tesla’s Autopilot feature. In a recent Tweet, Musk referred to an upcoming Autopilot update as offering “full self-driving features.” This is in spite of a few fatal crashes that are purported to have happened due to overreliance on the Autopilot system. At what point does murky marketing language become irresponsible? What is the culpability of Musk and Tesla in these deaths? 

    The Walter Huang Incident 

    Walter Huang was killed when his Tesla impacted a central lane divider on a California highway. His vehicle was being controlled by the Autopilot software at the time of his death. The vehicle had been on autopilot for about 19 minutes when Huang died. Reports after the incident described the event as having occurred due to Huang’s overreliance on the Autopilot software. However, what degree of culpability can be said to rest with Tesla, and its CEO? Elon Musk is renowned for overhyping his vehicles and referring to Autopilot as “Self-Driving.”  

    “Self-Driving?” 

    Another fatal incident in Florida occurred in 2016 involving a Model S in Autopilot. More recently, Teslas in Autopilot have gotten in incidents involving parked fire trucks in both Salt Lake City and Los Angeles, respectively. These incidents have led to a more “nagging” reminder system in Teslas, reminding drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. However, many have commented that such features actively contradict claims that the system is self-driving. 

    While the Autopilot software is certainly impressive, it is clearly not self-driving. Assertions by Musk to the contrary are irresponsible at best and downright negligent at worst. As long as the system is causing fatal accidents and requires constant driver monitoring, it can’t be called self-driving. Calling it anything other than what it is, which is advanced cruise control, is anti-consumer and dangerous.  

    Maybe the day will come when Tesla vehicles are truly self-driving. Perhaps Tesla is on the verge of a breakthrough, and next year their vehicles will be totally autonomous. However, until such a day that the system doesn’t cause fatal accidents, that promise might as well be for a distant future we will never live to see.