Which Alloy Works Best for Creating Low-Emissions Vehicles?

A specialized magnesium alloy, created by developers at the University of Waterloo, has proven benefits when compared to aluminum. It’s stronger, lighter, less expensive, and more flexible. The weight of this new alloy allows the car to use far less fuel than it would if constructed from a denser metal, producing fewer greenhouse gases overall.

Ford has put over one billion dollars into its research sector in hopes of creating lightweight vehicles that can be powered without the use of fossil fuels, and it’s not the only company trying. Fuel usage could be decreased by 80% simply by swapping out steel for magnesium, the most an ideal metal for creating environmentally friendly cars.

Magnesium isn’t very popular mainly due to its price, performance, and flexibility. If an ideal magnesium alloy can be created, however, those issues can be overcome. The five-year NSERC Magnesium Network program discovered that magnesium and zinc, when combined in the right quantities, offered a stable but ductile material. Added calcium and cerium only strengthened the alloy’s qualities.

The texture of the alloy was determined through the use of neutron beams, which probe far beneath the metal’s surface. Because the calcium and cerium were negatively affecting the alloy’s texture, the NSERC team heated and cooled the material to effectively harden its elements. This greatly improved the durability of the alloy, putting it into the figurative folder of future possibilities.

This year, the team is looking into other ways to make the magnesium-zinc alloy better for use in automobile manufacturing. If they can find a way to create a material that meets all industry standards, the world of cars as we know it could be forever changed.

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/172-which-alloy-works-best-for-creating-low-emissions-vehicles.html

Oshawa General Motors will soon offer 500 more Positions

The General Motors plant in Oshawa expects to open up 500 more jobs for pickup truck manufacturing by mid-2018, when the location can raise its production maximum.

The plant will be used to finish developing Chevrolet Silverados, working with frames pre-built in Fort Wayne, but no news has been released about the new model that will be developed completely in Oshawa.

In addition to offering employment to a potential 500 new plant workers, General Motors has given its current employees retirement bonuses, allowing retirees that leave between August 1st and January 1st to hold onto their extra payments from the winter holidays.

These new policies were put into place through a conference between Unifor and General Motors in September of 2016, when the companies agreed to deliver the Fort Wayne truck frames to Oshawa and offer employees clear pension options. Unifor was confident that General Motors Oshawa would be North America’s sole truck and car manufacturing location.

With the awaited debut of more jobs and employee benefits, General Motors and Unifor have definitely made a level-headed decision. 

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/171-oshawa-general-motors-will-soon-offer-500-more-positions.html

Louisiana Plans to Eliminate Car Inspection Stickers

Image: Nola.com

A new bill in the state of Louisiana will make it mandatory for only commercial cars and trucks to wear vehicle inspection stickers. This bill will affect all areas except Ascension, Iberville, Livington, East Baton Rouge, and West Baton Rouge due to the current carbon emissions law.

For the past fifty years, nearly all vehicles in the state have been required to undergo testing for their safety features every two years, and receive a sticker at the end of the process. Each car owner is charged $10 USD for the testing, and vehicles without a recent sticker can be charged $500 and potential prison time.

It may seem like a good way to make the roads safer, but it’s hard to say how much the tests prevent driving mishaps and if the mandatory fee contributes to the quality of the tests. The traffic force is given a $40 million cut from the fees, but the overall budget of the sector $164 million to $120 million and will greatly affect the budget of the police force as a whole.

The new bill would require each driver without a sticker to pay $5.25 each year to fund police services, which would cover the price of creating and distributing the stickers. Louisiana would join the ranks of the thirty other US states that only require commercial vehicles to receive inspections and stickers that indicate them.

To ensure the vehicles on the road are still safe, the state will have to run tests to determine how much inspections improve road safety, and if the result is significant, find an alternative. 

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/170-louisiana-plans-to-eliminate-car-inspection-stickers.html

Ford Mustang Remains Global Bestseller

Image: Ford Philippines

Ford’s 2015 title of world’s best-selling sports car for its Mustang model has returned for 2016, starting a streak that could last a while.

More than 150,000 Mustangs were purchased last year, and around 30% of them were purchased outside the US, the biggest contributors being Germany and China.

Ford built nearly 400,000 Mustangs in one plant alone, mainly for foreign buyers, and its growth is expected to go from almost one-fifth to almost one-third this year. The car manufacturer also plans to target six more countries with the newest version of its most popular sports car.

The new-and-improved 2018 Mustang will include a stylized anterior, a 30cm tri-display mode instrument cluster, a 2.3 liter EcoBoost, and an automatic ten-speed transmission that the driver can choose to use or to forgo. Looking for more? This Mustang also offers with its 5 liter V8 and MagnaRide dampers, both of which truly pack a punch.

If you need more proof that this sportscar won’t be falling out of favour any time soon, just take a look at its Facebook page: over eight million people have liked the Mustang, making it the most popular vehicle even as far as social media goes.

With the Mustang’s current popularity and the next model’s flashy new upgrades, Ford won’t have to worry about ranking high, if not the highest, for the next few years. 

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/169-ford-mustang-remains-global-bestseller.html

Samsung’s Autonomous Vehicle Qualifies for Tests in South Korea

Image: BBC

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has given the go-ahead to Samsung to begin trials with their autonomous car.

The company’s driverless Hyundai will be tested in South Korea, though this first test might also be Samsung’s last, as it has no future plans to manufacture vehicles. In fact, this test is being completed for the sole purpose of improving software in self-driving cars.

This particular Hyundai will be equipped with a variety of sensors alongside Samsung’s self-learning algorithms, and will then be tested in many different scenarios. The car should have no problem navigating on its own, though subtle movements will take time to perfect. Samsung is looking into ways to code the system to beat those difficulties.

Despite not having plans to develop its own autonomous vehicles, Samsung will be creating sensors and modules for computers. That way, customers can purchase some parts from Samsung and the rest from another source to make their own ideal device.

With all of its new projects and its past success, Samsung has a lot to look forward to.

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/168-samsung-s-autonomous-vehicle-qualifies-for-tests-in-south-korea.html

Tesla Returns To Its Automated Braking System

Image: The Verge

When Consumer Reports ratings for Tesla’s Model X and Model S vehicles dropped upon removal of an automated emergency brake, the company responded by reimplementing the safety feature.

Although the system seems like something that should never be excluded from a high-tech car, it can only be engaged at a speed of 45 kph or less. This is good news for people that drive around city centres and residential areas, but is largely insignificant for highway drivers.

Tesla’s scores are expected to improve in the months to come, when Consumer Reports reevaluates the updated models. The electric vehicle enterprise hopes to introduce the braking system at higher speeds in the years to come, which could push them to the top of the list.

The creation and testing process for automated braking has too many elements to rush, meaning Tesla has no exact timeline for the appearance of a 140 kph braking capacity. While possible, it’s much safer to opt for the current automated braking system at a lower speed, but higher success rate. 

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/167-tesla-returns-to-its-automated-braking-system.html

Dakar Rally Defeated by an Electric Car for the First Time

Image: Electrek

The popular Dakar Rally, hosted in South America, isn’t an easy race. It offers over 9000 kilometres of uneven roads, which show no mercy to participants, and dozens of petrol vehicles go head-to-head for the highest categorical ranking.

Considering how tough the event can be, everyone was shocked to hear that the Acciona EcoPowered race car completed the course while burning nothing but electricity.

Tests with the vehicle began in 2015. When the car couldn’t finish the race, it was tested again in 2016 to no avail. It seems 2017 was the lucky year, as the Acciona finally completed the rally, ranking higher than the quarter of gas-powered vehicles that tapped out early.

This year’s Acciona crew was prepared for the challenges ahead. Despite failing to place, the vehicle succeeded in becoming the first fully electric car to finish the Dakar Rally of the total 18,000.

Acciona’s homebase in Spain created the 100% EcoPowered vehicle as a giant step forward in renewable energy research and utilisation. Its 250 kW electric motor, 150 kWh lithium batteries and 100W fast-absorbing solar panels allow it to race for 200 km before a 60-minute recharge period. These characteristics make it the strongest electric car ever built.

Of course, the Acciona’s intense power is overkill for everyday life. But the creation of a consistent and functional electric automobile brings us one step closer to ridding of gas-powered cars for good. 

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/166-dakar-rally-defeated-by-an-electric-car-for-the-first-time.html

Dam-ing New Evidence: Reservoirs Release more Carbon than all of Canada

Image: Wikimedia

What everyone thought was an eco-friendly source of energy has turned out to be one of the primary sources of carbon give-off. Artificial dams, used for electricity and agriculture, emit nearly one gigaton of greenhouse gases annually. This shocking news may seem sudden, but carbon studies have quite the history.

The science of greenhouse gas emissions gained popularity at the beginning of the 21st century. However, that research focused mainly on dams that supply electricity and only two different types of greenhouse emissions. Today’s researchers have expanded their horizons, collecting data on various gases and reservoir constructions. Findings conclude that 1.3% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions stem from all types of reservoirs, primarily methane at a whopping 80% contribution to the global warming effect.

Methane, as it turns out, is worse for the planet than carbon is. The particular construction of dams is what allows them to emit such a large amount of these harmful gases. Soil with high carbon content sucks up too much oxygen too fast, creating a plethora of methane-producing microorganisms. For comparison, marshlands run by the same principle and give off an unpleasant odour as a result.

Fortunately, a treaty that could greatly reduce the global warming effect is in the beginning stages of development. By taking into account this newly found information, strategies can be tailored to the state of the planet. Reservoirs will certainly not be eliminated, but they will be updated to release far less greenhouse gases.

The next big steps to decreasing our effect on the environment won’t be easy, but when completed, they’ll bring nothing but a positive outcome. 

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/165-dam-ing-new-evidence-reservoirs-release-more-carbon-than-all-of-canada.html

Automated Courier Robots are now being Tested in London

BBC

Hermes will be trying out autonomous robots on wheels to pick up deliveries in Southwark, having collaborated with Starship Technologies to build the tiny electronic couriers. The tech company’s robotic devices have already been implemented in other parts of London for Just Eat deliveries.

The inspiration behind the project came from Hamburg, Germany, where wheeled robots took packages straight to customers within the city’s building complexes. While this method seems convenient, it could cause problems in highly populated cities, as crowded sidewalks already exist, and adding small robots into the equation could be a recipe for disaster.

For now, Hermes is only sending small groups of their new robots within a three kilometre radius of the its main locations. The robots measure 55cm in height, 70cm in length, and 18kg in weight. Each one can reach a speed of 6.4km/h while carrying up to 10kg within their walls.

In many ways, these terrestrial robots are a better option than airborne drones, which can easily break the legal rules of aerial devices and don’t carry as much while doing so. There are safety issues with putting things into the sky as well, while grounded robots can be watched and repaired with ease.

Until several successful trials have been completed, every robot overseer will take on three robots to track and guide with built-in cameras. If this works out, up to one hundred robots at a time could be assigned to a single individual.

With the success of Hamburg’s food courier robots, Southwark should be in for a pleasant surprise with these little guys.

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/164-automated-courier-robots-are-now-being-tested-in-london.html

Apple gets Official Approval to Test its new Autonomous Vehicles

The Motley Fool

Apple joins the ranks of multiple tech companies after developing a driverless car and getting the okay to try it out in California. Uncertainty lingered for months as to whether Apple would go through with such a large project, but now it’s official.

On the list of self-driving vehicle testers are automakers like Ford and Honda, though they’re joined by larger companies like Tesla and Uber who have created their own versions of the independent automobile. Unlike others, Apple was near silent about its participation in the developing trend, and it was a pleasant surprise to hear it would be following through.

Having been the thirtieth company to receive a permit, Apple will be testing three 2015 Lexus RX540h models in conjunction with six drivers. These cars may be among the twelve million self-driving automobiles expected to be used by the public in eight years’ time. It’s up to Apple whether it will hold onto its permit for later use, or strap down and get testing immediately.

Although the successful tech company has kept many details of its future plans under wraps, a letter it wrote to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requested permission to collaborate on an autonomous vehicle project. As expected, Apple is diligently reading up on all things machine.

Apple has also shown interest in simulating car crashes and collecting data from real ones in a way that hides identities in order to preserve privacy. Finding a functional way to do this will allow the automotive industry to correct its mistakes and improve its weaknesses.

Will Apple beat out the rest for the best driverless car? Only time - and tests - will tell. 

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/163-apple-gets-official-approval-to-test-its-new-autonomous-vehicles.html

The Imitation Crib: Ford’s Baby Bed that feels like a Road Trip

Infants could soon be enjoying the lulling sensations of a car ride from the comfort of their home. Ford has created a crib - called the Max Motor Dreams - that imitates all the sensory input a baby receives on a peaceful drive, including street lights, engine noises, and small road bumps, to encourage sleep.

Each crib is equipped with speakers that play engine-like background noise, as well as LED lights that simulate the soft glow of nighttime lamp posts. The crib periodically vibrates to capture the feeling of an authentic car ride.

For pickier children, parents also have the option of using a trip-tracking app that perfectly replicates what their baby feels on their own car’s most frequent routes.

At this point in time, Ford has only constructed one Max Motor Dreams, which will be gifted to the winner of their latest contest for the Ford España. The company has not released any further information on the product.

Could this concept be the next trend in the mattress industry? It’s hard to say, but consumers may not be too opposed to the idea.

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/159-the-imitation-crib-ford-s-baby-bed-that-feels-like-a-road-trip.html

Basic Tire Maintenance How-To

Tires are often the first line of defense for drivers and their passengers when the rubber meets the road. With an increase in new drivers hitting the highways every year, regular tire maintenance is a simple way to ensure safety. In 2016 more than 40,000 driving fatalities occurred in the United States reaching a peak for the first time after a decade.

Thankfully basic tire care is an easy way to get back in the driver’s seat when it comes to road safety. Checking the condition of your tires goes a long way toward preventing injuries, fatalities and unexpected repair or insurance costs and claims due to accidents from wear or tire blowout. One of the major causes of accidents is loss of control due to these two factors, which inhibit friction required to gain traction and orientation, such as in a hydroplaning scenario.

The first step to begin with is a visual inspection every once in a while, particularly after suspected or actual friction from road obstructions and chasms such as debris, curbs or deep potholes. One of the most important signs to check for is air pressure since occupant’s lives are literally riding on the air in the tires. During the course of 30 days tires lose an average of 1-2 psi. It only takes one under-inflated tire to cause a potentially life-threatening accident, but quick monthly checks can take mere minutes. Also, look for any protrusions or cuts. Insufficient air pressure or slight flat is an early indication of more serious internal damage.

Generally, tires need rotation every six months or 5 to 7,000 miles, but as with everything mentioned here, it’s wise to consult your Owner’s Manual for your specific vehicle. The importance of rotation is highlighted by the prevalence of front-wheel-drive manufacturing which causes a faster rate of wear to steering tires and less so for rear axel tires. Proper tire alignment is also a key to reducing operating costs often due to vibrations from irregular tread-wear. Before embarking on any extensive road trips it’s always best to put your trust in a reliable professional to conduct a more detailed full inspection that covers tire checks and more. At the very least, doing your own regular visual tire inspection can safe you time and money. It can also help by ensuring that you have more years left to travel life’s busy highways.

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/162-basic-tire-maintenance-how-to.html

GM is launching its Super Cruise competitor for Tesla’s Autopilot in a Cadillac this fall

Get excited! GM is bringing its Super Cruise advanced automatic feature to enhance your highway driving after summer ends, debuting first in new version of the Cadillac CT6. Super Cruise has been worked on for a couple of years now and this semi-autonomous drive mode is ready for the road. Its release date had been delayed from 2016 to 2017 to allow engineers more time to make the system as safe as possible.
 

Super Cruises has a lot in common with Tesla’s Autopilot, which takes over during highway driving settings by maintaining lane position and change speed to match surrounding traffic. The new feature is only available on highways that meet specific criteria such as being a “divided limited access highway” with a defined off and on ramp according to the Verge. This system also makes sure you don’t fall asleep at the wheel while the feature is engaged with infrared cameras built into the steering wheel. The system will then play audio alerts and use a mounted light notification system.
 

There’s also another fail-safe measure used by GM. The vehicle will safely stop if it is unable to get the driver to respond to these alerts, which has also been implemented in Tesla’s Autopilot software. Much like Tesla’s offering as well, Super Cruise can be updated over-the-airwaves.
 

However, unlike Autopilot, GM decided to incorporate LiDAR data. Tesla opted not to use the high resolution laser detection tool in its vehicle and GM has followed suit. The cost and look of cars with this technology is simply too unappealing. However, GM has found a workaround. They are deploying a fleet of LiDAR mapping cars to thoroughly image highways and then pass the information along to the cars.
 

This option does not come standard, with a $2,500 upgrade price and with the potential of another $3,100 in additional expense if you opt to purchase a trim model that doesn’t cover the cost of the driver assist suite.
 

The launch of Super Cruise is very exciting, but this is the year Elon Musk has also pledged to field a first coast-to-coast of Tesla’ self-driving cars. In short, we are off to the races for who can field the first autonomous car.

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/161-gm-is-launching-its-super-cruise-competitor-for-tesla-s-autopilot-in-a-cadillac-this-fall.html

A Brand New Durmax Engine is Coming from General Motors in 2017

In terms of pulling power, most consumer trucks being rolled off the assembly line today aren’t cranking out more torque and power than those diesel heavyweights we see in the streets.
 

Under the name Chevrolet, a major diesel brand that is used to fuel this action is of course coming from a Duramax and it’s getting a little upgrade to make it even more powerful for 2017. The 6.6L V8 is a total retool and upgrade compared to the last few versions and is said that it will offers drivers way more torque and power than ever before.
 

We have been told according to Diesel Army that this new powerhouse will deliver an SAE certified 445 horsepower, which comes alongside 910 pound-feet of torque. There is no doubt this will be an absolute monster to take care of whatever heavy duty job that happens to come your way. Or you could just rip up the highway instead.
 

Watch the video below to get a preview of the next generation of Duramax that promises to be an improvement in every way, including overall experience. It’s just a matter of time before you forget that it’s a diesel you are driving. 

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/157-a-brand-new-durmax-engine-is-coming-from-general-motors-in-2017.html

India Toyota Challenges Hyundai with Country’s Safest, Most Fuel-Efficient Car

India’s automobile buyers are in for a treat with Toyota’s new small car, claimed to be the country’s best in three categories: safety, fuel efficiency, and affordability. These features put Toyota on par with both Hyundai and Suzuki while the company simultaneously launches its new brand Daihatsu, a sufficient alternative for price-conscious customers.

This is excellent news for Toyota after the disappointing reception of its Etios series launch. The well-known Japanese company had hoped to make its mark in the automobile industry’s budget category with Etios, but its attempt went largely unnoticed. However, through Daihatsu, Toyota could truly make its mark within the car industry’s segment A/B.

The MD of Toyota Kirloskar, Akito Tachibana, stressed the importance of local market and affordability. He also stated that they would conduct research pertaining to customer expectations for each and every market in order to create the concept of the vehicle before the development process is started.

Tachibana has reportedly assigned the development team with the task of creating a purely hybrid car with high safety features. While the company develops the model, it also considers the possibility of introducing an SUV and compact MPV to the Indian market. Any new models Toyota constructs will appear only after April 2020, when official BS-VI regulations have been put into place.

Toyota has a lot on its plate as it is, but the company has structured plans to release small hybrid models in the near future as well. In 2017 or 2018, India will receive a Corolla hybrid option alongside a mid-size sedan, the latter of which will go head-to-head with the Hyundai Verna and Honda City. Until then, India awaits the introduction of several life-changing cars from one automobile company alone. 

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/158-india-toyota-challenges-hyundai-with-country-s-safest-most-fuel-efficient-car.html

Trump’s Putting the Breaks on Fuel Efficiency

President Trump announced his plan to make domestic American automotive manufacturing ‘Great Again’ by putting the breaks on fuel efficiency. Trump marveled at the proud history of domestic car manufacturing in a meeting with auto industry executives and union leaders earlier this year. He pledged to re-visit efforts to maintain fuel efficiency targets set in place by the former Obama administration by taking approximately another year to review the issue.

A midterm review will take place before new fuel efficiency standards are set in 2018.

He stated the details as part of a bigger picture for America to be “the car capital of the world again,” at the American Centre for Mobility. The announcement was made in Ypsilanti, Michigan on the outskirts of Detroit, which reigned for years as the former world’s pinnacle of automotive industry innovation and manufacturing.

There’s no telling how much mileage a promise to maintain fuel efficiency targets for vehicles will log to resurrect domestic American manufacturing. Obama originally billed his administration’s plan to reach Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) emissions targets no later than 2025 with a focus on combating climate change. CAFÉ aims to improve the average fuel economy of cars and light trucks.

Trump’s critics assert he has put economic growth in the driver’s seat while many fear environmental focus will take a back seat and rules with a focus on lowering corporate emissions erode in stagnation. So far, the Trump administration has only vowed to get rid of “job-killing” regulations without identifying which ones specifically meet the criteria for elimination.

Chuck Schumer, Democrat Senate Minority Leader for New York took the criticism one step further by calling the roll back an ‘all-out assault’ on the progression of environmental policy such as a primary rule to reduce emissions for cars and trucks to 54.5 mpg by 2025, which is already a long way down the road.

Amid the delays to cut emissions, car sales dropped last year thanks to low gas prices that increased the demand for larger vehicles with more room and features.

The administration is listening to pressure in a letter from 12 leading manufacturers including the Detroit Three, Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan and VW asking for a roll back on the standard fuel targets already set by Obama. They say an already suffering domestic industry can’t afford to pay the cost of fuel efficiency at these unrealistically high standards.

A leading manufacturing executive took a more pointed approach to explaining the problem asserting that regulation standards set by Obama were littered with assumptions, incomplete analysis and failure to acknowledge and respond to evidence that does not support their conclusions.

Elaine Chao, Transportation secretary supported manufacturers and sees the curb on setting new standards this year to be a “win” for the American economy overall, the environment and consequently consumers considering the state of the industry.

Environmentalists disagree with her and believe that keeping to the current standards and pushing for more of the rules and standards to reduce CAFÉ emissions will prove effective by saving money and keeping fuel costs low in the future.

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/156-trump-s-putting-the-breaks-on-fuel-efficiency.html

Uber promises to stop Greyballing

Uber has added, that Greyball has played an extremely important role in the company's processes, as it has been used for feature testing, marketing promotions, fraud prevention and to protect partners from harm.


Uber, as a $70 billion private company, has enjoyed an outstanding rise until recently. After having a very bad week, Uber has finally admitted, that "Greyball" was used to keep city regulators away, and promises to review its complete Greyball technology.


It has been previously reported, that allegedly, Uber officials remotely provided fake information on drivers to specific individuals. As an example, in 2014 a city regulator could not get an Uber as his app was Greyball-powered, making it possible for Uber to thwart city regulators.


Uber has added, that Greyball has played an extremely important role in the company's processes, as it has been used for feature testing, marketing promotions, fraud prevention and to protect partners from harm. Therefore, it should be emphasized, that Greyball was never separately developed as an averting system, but to be able to block ride requests from users violating the company's rules.


Joe Sullivan, the chief security officer at Uber stated in a blog post that it will take some time for the company to change configurations on Greyball. He also confirmed that they are prohibiting its use for blocking the various actions of local regulators. Sullivan has also promised to respond to the numerous inquiries that have been received by the company - numerous organizations requesting an explanation on the technology's use - saying that they will deal with them, once they have finished their own internal review.


The Greyball scandal and the need for excessive retooling came at a difficult time for the company. The #DeleteUber campaign on social media, which was launched after a series of negative events, have already affected the company's overall image. The previous charges from a former employee (sexism), and a lawsuit from Waymo over the technology used for self-driving cars' sensors - events that all contributed to the halt of Uber's meteoric rise, where the Greyballing scandal seems like the next drop in the bucket. All these events have us wondering, what could come next? Never a dull moment with Uber!


Furthermore, Travis Kalanick, the CEO of Uber, has announced that he will be looking for help to change his controversial leadership style and is looking for a chief operating officer. What is for sure, is that this challenging period will surely bring a change to Uber - either defining a new approach to the ride-handling giant's success, or ending up with more Greyball-like cases in the near future.

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/155-uber-promises-to-stop-greyballing.html

Porsche, Lexus and Toyota Dominate J.D. Power Dependability Study

Although Lexus and Porsche proved to be the dominant auto brands for having the least number of problems after three years of ownership, technology headaches continued to cause problems with the overall dependability ratings.


A new survey from the J.D. Power firm has revealed some very fascinating facts about these auto brands as well as many others.


On average, 2014 model owners reported one hundred and fifty issues per one hundred cars over the course of the last twelve months. This is up four from last year’s survey findings. Approximately twenty-three percent of the issues involved problematic tech, which can include an audio system, communications, infotainments, or navigation. Smartphones or similar devices refusing to pair up with the Bluetooth or something else is another major problem. Batteries that wore out permanently or prematurely, also proved to be an issue


What’s interesting is the fact that the ten best-selling models were also able to average the fewest range of problems. Buyers are becoming smarter and smarter when it comes to understanding what a poor dependability reputation means. What this leads to is the fact that automakers now have to work tirelessly to ensure standards. A poor dependability score can set a vehicle back to a significant degree.


Lexus and Porsche are presently tied for first with the fewest problems. Close behind, you have Toyota coming in third. Then you have Buick in fourth place. Hyundai established themselves as the most improved brand.


For now, Porsche and Lexus dominate the list. For dependability on all fronts, their vehicles currently offer consumers the best track record.

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/154-porsche-lexus-and-toyota-dominate-j-d-power-dependability-study.html

Is a Hellcat-Powered Grand Cherokee Coming to the NY Auto Show?

Both Jeep and Dodge seem to be pretty committed to bringing their A-game to the competitive world of SUV power. The Challenger SRT Demon continues to tease the world at large, with everyone eagerly waiting for some more information from Dodge. Jeep seems to be committed to joining the fray, as it has now announced that a Hellcat-powered Grand Cherokee is coming to the New York Auto Show!


The 707bhp and 650lb ft of the Hellcat is well worth keeping in mind. At this point, we don’t know if anything is going to be detuned by the time it makes its way to Jeep. At the moment, we only know that Chrysler has taken out a trademark on “Trackhawk.”


The name fits with the rest of the SUVs currently offered by Jeep. Furthermore, we have to appreciate the fact that if the Hellcat is indeed added to a new line of Grand Cherokee vehicles, we are talking about a considerable move upwards in power, compared to anything else Jeep currently has on the market in the realm of SUVs. For now, we can only speculate on what might happen next. The New York Auto Show will be held in April.

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/153-is-a-hellcat-powered-grand-cherokee-coming-to-the-ny-auto-show.html

Muffler Shop Manager Creates Metal Menagerie

When we think about things like nuts, bolts, and pipes, or even an old muffler, we tend to associate these them with trash. You’re likely picturing these items sitting atop the dusty shelves of garages and shops, simply taking up space.

One manager of a muffler shop however, looked at these items with a vision. He saw the potential of using them to create fascinating works of art. Jeremy Sipe has started building some truly amazing creations. The results thus far have been extraordinary, generating a certain measure of celebrity for Sipe.

A man and dog sculpture, located just outside of Interstate Mufflers in Waynesboro, is a good example of Sipe’s work thus far. Using a welder and some old junk parts, Sipe was able to create the piece and set it up just outside his shop. The response has been overwhelming so far, with locals and others praising the piece for its uniqueness. Sipe mentioned in an interview that more often than not, his inspiration comes from seeing objects that resemble creatures.

At the moment, the man is just holding a flag however as time goes on, Sipe plans to create new items that his creation is going to be able to hold. For example, Sipe recently mentioned a desire to build a Star Wars lightsaber for his sculpture. Pleased with the attention that he has received thus far, Sipe has made it clear that he has no intentions to stop creating items from everyday objects as it feeds his creativity.

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/152-muffler-shop-manager-creates-metal-menagerie.html

Are we Getting a Mid Engine Corvette?

Although General Motors isn’t really known for buying classic cars, there is the story of Chief Engineer Zora Duntov wanting to test the concept of a mid-engine Corvette in 1959. It was also at this point in time that Duntov built the CERV. Remember that when we talk about the Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicle, we are also talking about Zora’s notion of creating the definitive Corvette.

Built for the validation of the independent rear suspension of the 1963 Stingray, as well as to push the capabilities of a lightweight mid-engine vehicle, weight was a considerable priority with such a project. To that end, the 283 small block was casted of aluminum, alongside a bellhousing of magnesium. It was eventually replaced and the idea of building a racing variant of the Corvette was abandoned.

However, it would seem that some dreams really do refuse to die. The Corvette ZR1 is still on track for release this fall, but something else has been noticed. Some say it might be the murmurs of a mid-engine design. Others claim it is likely the testing mule for the new Cadillac halo vehicle. At the same time, one must keep in mind that GM recently paid over one million to have the CERV brought back home. Apparently, rather than destroying the idea altogether, Zora opted to have Briggs Cunningham hide the car for years and years. The CERV, to be sure, would be a powerful marketing tool for something like a mid-engine Corvette.

In the end, we aren’t going to get any definitive answers on this subject for quite some time. Corvette fans are hardly bothered by this. For the time being, it would seem as though it is considerably more engaging to speculate on what the future is going to hold. Whatever happens, it’s going to be something that will be pretty exciting.

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/151-are-we-getting-a-mid-engine-corvette.html

The Adult Version of the Little Tykes Car is Finally Here!

The Little Tyke car is pretty iconic. It continues to be a popular toy for kids around the word and many of us have fond memories of driving one as children. Two brothers from the United Kingdom used those fond memories to create their own adult version of the Little Tykes car. Not only is this vehicle completely street legal, but it can go up to seventy miles per hour as well!

John and Geof Bitmead are getting quite a lot of attention on social media at this point. The original plan was to sell the car for charity but now the brothers say that the car is being made available to the public at large for 32, 000. Whether or not this opens the door for more of these cars to be made is something that remains to be seen. For now, we can only tip our hats to these innovative brothers for their impressive achievement!

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/150-the-adult-version-of-the-little-tykes-car-is-finally-here.html

The Next Porsche

Recently, Porsche has been making lots of decisions that their fans don't necessarily agree with. From changing engines in the 911 from air-cooled to water-cooled and moving to turbos from natural aspiration in some newer models, Porsche has been known to make out-of-the-box decisions. This is all about to change however, since Porsche has recently announced that the new 911 GT3 is to be more to their fans’ liking. Rumor has it that this new model will have the option of a six-speed manual and come with a naturally aspirated motor. For true Porsche fans, this is cause for rejoicing.

The 991-generation of the new 911 GT3 is set to have some major changes. The engine will differ from what's available in the current 911 R and GT3 RS. It will have a 4.0 liter flat six engine. This engine is apparently being sourced from the 911 RSR race car that Porsche makes, as rumored back in November at the LA Auto Show.

This new model is focused on being durable, as the engine is claimed to have done thousands of kilometers with no problems. The rumor is that this car has been driven flat out for long distances to prove the power and safety of the engine.

With the new GT3 comes a choice - a seven speed dual clutch or a six speed manual for the transmission. Either one will be powerful and we’ll definitely keep an eye out for any new details to be released.

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/149-the-next-porsche.html

Triumph will Take over the Moto2 Engine Next Year

There is no question that when Triumph takes over the Moto2 engine next year, the British bike company will be rising to a whole new level. The company will sign to start building the control engines for the Moto2 championships for 2018. This firm is going to be taking over from Honda and the CBR600RR engine, featuring a brand-new 750cc triple engine, which is being launched with the all-new Street Triple naked road bike.

The news comes in the wake of Moto2 continuing to suffer to maintain its reputation. The same can be said of the Supersport class in general. Honda didn’t even update the CBR600RR for Euro4 emission regs, which means you couldn’t find the engine in Europe.

Yamaha, which plans to launch the R6 in 2017, is likely going to have the strongest grip on the Supersport market. Still, the news that Triumph is taking over the Moto2 engine is something that should be celebrated. To be certain, the announcement is a big win for Triumph. The company created a Daytona 675 supersports bike that was believed to be completed as a road model, when the company moved along to bikes that could be described as adventure-styled or retro-style modern classic. This is also the company that brought the Bobber to the world a little while ago. Many are shocked that this smaller (compared to Honda) firm is going to be part of MotoGP’s “aliens” generation.

Still, others believe the move is a smart one. Furthermore, they believe that Triumph might just be the firm to handle this project, owing to the fact that the company is a smaller firm that might be better suited to something along the lines of building this engine. Furthermore, experts are quick to point out that ultimately, the number of engines the firm is going to be responsible for is relatively small, compared with some of the other options that are out there.

At the very least, it is believed that Triumph stands to gain a great deal from signing on to build this engine. There is absolutely no question that the firm has upped its place in the industry significantly.

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/148-triumph-will-take-over-the-moto2-engine-next-year.html

The Hot New Vehicles From The Detroit Auto Show

Although Detroit continues to battle to restore itself to the former economic glory it once enjoyed, there is no question that the spirit of the auto industry is alive and well in this extraordinary city. The North American International Auto Show recently unveiled a wide assortment of vehicles that are well worth getting excited about. Simply put, whether you like cars, luxury SUVs, or hot pickups, the recent show had something to offer each and every car buff out there.

This is definitely the biggest auto show of the year. If you want to know what to expect from major auto companies, here are a few highlights from the most recent North American International Auto Show:

1. Microbus I.D. Buzz: Evoking memories of the 1960s VW microbus minivans. This multi-purpose vehicle will also have the ability to drive itself.

2. 2017 Rogue Sport: Nissan certainly seems to be putting a lot of their bets on the appeal of sleeker, smarter, and more impressive SUVs. This 5-seater brings a great deal to the table, including a 141 horsepower/2-liter/4-cylinder engine. Pedestrian detection and automatic front braking are just two perks.

 

3. Lightning McQueen: A life-sized model of Pixar icon Lightning McQueen appeared at the show, likely to promote the upcoming third Cars film.

 

4. 2018 Volvo XC 90 Drive Me: Part of the real-life autonomous drive research program, this self-driving SUV is a clear indication of the future that is still to come.

 

5. Q8 Luxury Concept SUV: Combining the space of an SUV with the sophistication of a coup, this vehicle is going to combine a powerful vehicle with some of the strongest engineering perks and features Audi has ever connected to.

 

6. Honda Odyssey: Featuring “Magic Slide” seats, this is one of the most intriguing entries that came along at the recent show in Detroit. Reconfiguring the seats to meet the demands of a busy lifestyle has never been easier.

 

7. Toyota Camry: The most made-in-America vehicle in the United States also has the reputation for being the most popular vehicle in the United States.

 

8. Tiguan: This upcoming Volkswagen release is going to expand on the previous models in a fairly impressive way. You can count on a vehicle that is not only going to be a full eleven inches longer, but it is also going to offer fifty-seven percent additional cargo space.

 

9. GMC Terrain: By far, the new aerodynamic shape of the new GMC Terrain is one of the most intriguing elements. 

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/147-the-hot-new-vehicles-from-the-detroit-auto-show.html

 

The Nissan SAM Utilizes Human Beings in Self-Driving Tech Backup

There is no question that Nissan wants to be one of the companies leading the research on self-driving cars. The company plans to have as many as ten models with such capabilities by the year 2020. However, while the tech behind these vehicles is astonishing, even to the layperson, the company also recognizes situations in which the technology might fail. Nissan presents the Seamless Autonomous Mobility system (also known as SAM) as a solution to this problem.

In the event that the vehicle detects a situation it knows is beyond its programming, it will come to a rest. From that point, it will then contact a remote command center for further instructions. In the same way that a referee makes a call based on available information, SAM will rely on mobility managers to assess the situation and then provide the vehicle with the instructions it requires. Using visuals and hard data, a safe path/course of action will be determined for the vehicle and then it will be given the ability to resume self-driving.

Nissan elaborated on the measure by indicating that they are taking their cues from NASA when it comes to accepting the fact that there will be times in which the car does not know how to handle itself. NASA employs something similar to what Nissan would like to achieve with SAM. It is known as VERVE.

The car company further indicated that this will be a measure that all cars will eventually be able to adopt. It will not merely be limited to the vehicles they make.

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/146-the-nissan-sam-utilizes-human-beings-in-self-driving-tech-backup.html

The New Self Balancing Motorcycle from Honda

Imagine never dropping your bike in the parking lot ever again. Honda understands better than most companies that this is a consistent problem amongst motorcycle owners. When a rider is driving at high speeds, maintaining balance is fairly easy. However, when the bike is cruising through parking lots, traffic, or somewhere similar, balance must be maintained by the rider. This is where things can get tricky, and this is the annoyance that Honda wants to get rid of once and for all.

Through their new riding assist technology, Honda wants to do more than merely keep the rider upright. Their Uni-Cub mobility research has endeavoured to create a bike that can establish and maintain a self-balancing mode. At high speeds, this feature isn’t going to prove to be necessary. However, when you need to reduce the speed of the bike, that’s when the feature will kick in. When the bike shifts to balance mode from regular riding mode, your front forks will begin extending your front tire away from the rest of the bike lowering its center-of-gravity.

At the moment, it is unknown as to when bikes actually featuring this technology will be released to the general public. It is worth keeping in mind that bikes featuring the riding assist technology have not even gone into production yet. However, given the popularity of the idea, it seems reasonable to imagine that the bike could go into production fairly soon and perhaps begin to take shape over the course of the next few years.

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/145-the-new-self-balancing-motorcycle-from-honda.html

Uber Suspends Tests of Self-Driving Autos in California

Uber, the original ride hailing company, has been testing self-driving vehicles in San Francisco. It has now suspended the tests because of a disagreement with state regulators. While many observers remain steadfast in their belief that self-driving autos will dominate US roadways in the future, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) apparently is not convinced.

DMV officials threatened to revoke Uber vehicle registrations if they did not cease testing these autos. The DMV states that Uber needs the “special permits” the other firms testing self-driving vehicles in California have obtained.

Uber Disagrees with the California DMV

The company disagrees. The Uber position is that it doesn’t need special permits because its vehicles do not use technology that allows their cars to always drive themselves, contrary to advertising them as “self-driving” vehicles. They say drivers must frequently take control of their cars.

The California DMV maintains the auto registrations were mistakenly issued because Uber did not flag them as “test” cars. The DMV “invited” the company to seek permits and permission to operate these vehicles legally in California. Since the Uber home is San Francisco, the DMV believes this offer is reasonable.

Uber is now studying how and where it could use these vehicles, while the company states it’s 100 percent committed to California. Uber also says it will work harder to achieve “workable” statewide rules legislatively. The DMV received support from the Mayor of San Francisco, who said he was happy the DMV chose “enforcement action.” He further stated that he was a staunch supporter of self-driving vehicle development, but only when it puts “human, bicyclist and pedestrian safety first.”

Uber’s Position

The company maintains that their vehicles’ drivers need to “constantly monitor” their cars, and take control at any time. This position is the foundation for their arguments that these autos are not “autonomous vehicles” as defined by California law.

Conclusion

San Francisco is actually the company’s second self-driving vehicle location. September 2016 marked the launch of self-driving autos in Pittsburgh, PA. This long-term test identifies technology quirks and offers drivers and passengers real-world experience with autonomous vehicle technology.

The company hopes to continue testing without special permits, which provide some benefits. Testing without these special permits provides advantages, unavailable to the competition with testing permits. The major benefits: Special permits require companies to report all accidents involving self-driving vehicles in California. Conversely, the Pittsburgh test does not require Uber to release crash information or instances where driver control was required to avoid crashes.

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/144-uber-suspends-tests-of-self-driving-autos-in-california.html

The P100D from Tesla Offers Tech Options to The Rich

Priced at 134, 000.000, there is no question that the new P100D from Tesla offers a pricey option. However, for those who want to be at the forefront of technology in vehicles, this is definitely something you are going to want to pay attention to. This new vehicle makes it clear that these technologies and features with vehicles like these are becoming closer to the reach of the average consumer.

This vehicle can go from zero to sixty in an astonishing 2.5 seconds. However, there are several additional features and amenities to this vehicle that are worth keeping in mind. Featuring the latest in semiautonomous and EV tech, the Model-S in particular comes with enough room for anything that you might have in mind. The fact that autopilot is limited to posted speed limits on undivided roadways is something else to consider.

The massive 17-inch touchscreen is back. The same can be said for many of the features and design elements that defined the Model X vehicles. The leather seats that have been praised for being extremely comfortable in the past are back, as well. You will also find it possible to seat five people without any difficult, provided all of the passengers are less than six feet tall. Even at capacity, owners of the new P100D from Tesla will find it possible to have room for many other things. The vehicle is designed for use across both short distances and long ones.

Although the vehicle is quite large, the low center of gravity and stiff chassis will keep the vehicle from feeling as though one is trying to drive and steer a boat.

For now, while a vehicle like this is clearly a luxury for those lucky enough to afford it, vehicles like the Model 3 will soon be able to answer the call for those who want something more affordable.

Source: http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/143-the-p100d-from-tesla-offers-tech-options-to-the-rich.html

Are We, Like Google, Ready for Auto-Drivers?

The concept of self-driving technology going commercial became real when the president-elect of the US, Donald Trump, met Alphabet. The latter is the parent company for Google which is involved in the multi-trillion investment of self-drive technology.

Wired Life

The other players in the industry, namely the e-commerce and telecoms, have succeeded in feeding the consumer with wired technology: the phone and the internet. Now, it is time to push for wired driving.

Political Angle

The political dimension from which the concept took shape, shows that the government will be involved in turning our driving experience driverless. The Senate Committee on Science, Transportation and Commerce have already chaired meetings with industry leaders with the aim to making it a reality.

Are We Game?

The road to a driver-less future is paved with some uncertainty. Although there are some feasible benefits, there are some legitimate queries over safety, especially where the interests of the public are concerned. The industry, it seems, has a different perspective from what is shown in reality. The safety benefits, for instance, are not backed up. It is not possible to tell how the technology could save lives in a year. There is no conclusive data available for the number of deaths caused by human error. The self-reporting adopted by the proponents of the driverless technology is, therefore, unreliable and at the very least, misleading.

Accidents of the Future

The accidents based on the automated technology will be different from the ones we see today. They will for one, be unpredictable. The speed they will move at and the fact that they will run together however, will mean fewer accidents.

The Positive Side of a Driverless Future

It’s not all gloom for this technology. For instance, it will lead to massive employment, though others will be ended, like taxi drivers. There will be fewer cars on the roads as people will use the driverless cars and car sharing apps. Car automakers will cut down production and lay off thousands.

The infrastructure to support the technology will be massive and will include refining roads and making them smooth.

Security protocols will have to be changed to reduce the hacking of cars. Perhaps we should be asking: Are we ready to let go of mass transit?

Source Url :- http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/142-are-we-like-google-ready-for-auto-drivers.html