Tuesday, 19 March 2019

See The New 2020 Toyota Supra In All Eight Color Options


Toyota has unveiled the eight different color options which North American buyers of the all-new 2020 GR Supra will have to choose from. While no configurator has been released, we can at least play around with the available paints.

We have only seen the new Toyota Supra in a select few exterior colors—until now. Toyota's website now shows all eight of the new sports car's exterior hues, which include the following: Absolute Zero White, Nocturnal Black, Renaissance Red 2.0, Phantom Matte Gray, Tungsten Silver, Turbulence Gray, Nitro Yellow, and Downshift Blue. So we put together a gallery of the Supra outfitted in each of these paint options so that you can pick your favorite. There isn't a configurator live yet, but Toyota has released pricing and full info on the Supra's trim levels and options.


What about the standard models?

Base GR Supras will also be offered with these three paint options as well as Phantom Matte Grey, Tungsten Silver, Turbulence Gray, Nitro Yellow, and Downshift Blue.

Toyota will start deliveries of the new Supra with the Launch Edition models, arriving in dealerships this spring. Standard Supra models, available in the eight different colors and shades, won’t land on showroom floors until the fall.












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Wednesday, 6 February 2019

General Motors sacks 4000 workers

General Motors Co on Monday said it has started the sack of about 4,000 salaried workers in the latest round of a restructuring announced in late November.

The retrenchment will ultimately shrink its white-collar workforce in North America by 15 percent out of 54,000.

Two persons briefed on the cuts said GM is cutting hundreds of jobs at its information technology centres in Texas, Georgia, Arizona and Michigan and more than 1,000 jobs at its Warren, Michigan Tech Center. GM is filing new required mass layoff notices with state agencies and disclosed the cuts to lawmakers.

The largest U.S. automaker announced in November it would cut a total of about 15,000 jobs and end production at five North American plants. The cuts include eliminating about 8,000 salaried workers, or about 15 percent.


GM cut about 1,500 contract workers in December and said 2,300 salaried workers accepted buyouts, officials said.

“These actions are necessary to secure the future of the company, including preserving thousands of jobs in the U.S. and globally. We are taking action now while the overall economy and job market are strong, increasing the ability of impacted employees to continue to advance in their careers, should they choose to do so,” GM spokesman Pat Morrissey said, adding the bulk of the cuts should be completed in the next two weeks.

Morrissey said GM would provide salaried workers with severance packages and job placement services.

GM is also cutting its executive ranks by 25 percent and last week laid off three senior people in its Washington office and some other small salaried layoffs previously took place.

President Donald Trump and U.S. and Canadian lawmakers have blasted GM’s plans to end production at plants in Ontario, Michigan, Ohio and Maryland.

GM said in November it would end U.S. and Canadian production of the Chevrolet Cruze, Volt, Impala, the Buick LaCrosse and the Cadillac XTS and CT6 sedans.

Trump, who made a 2017 speech near GM’s Lordstown Assembly plant in Ohio, said in November the company had “better” find a new product for that plant.

But GM Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra wrote last week: “We are more convinced than ever that our strategy is sound and in the long term.”

Last month, Comprehensive Logistics said it would cease operations at its facility in Lordstown that provides logistics and warehousing, impacting about 180 jobs. Magna International Inc is also laying off about 120 people at its Lordstown Seating Systems plant that makes seats for GM vehicles.

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Tuesday, 5 February 2019

Top 12 Most Common Car Problems and Issues


Completing routine service and maintenance is vital to keeping your car, truck, or SUV running strong. At times, however, car issues will arise, and every vehicle will display certain warning signs. To reduce the potential for breakdown, and expensive repairs, we've listed the 12 most common car problems that tend to pop up.

1. Warning Lights


A warning or check engine light is the most common issue for US car, truck and SUV owners. These lights illuminate when the vehicle’s ECU (engine control unit) detects an error code triggered by a sensor. Since there are more than 200 possible warning code, having a professional mechanic complete a warning light inspection is the best way to determine the source and make the right repairs.

2. A Sputtering Engine


The engine runs best when air and fuel properly mix and burn in the combustion chamber. To efficiently complete this process, a series of fuel and ignition system components must work together. Though many moving parts help an engine run properly, engine sputtering or misfiring is one of the leading problems. To reduce engine misfiring or sputtering issues, make sure to replace fuel and ignition system components as recommended by your manufacturer.

3. Poor Fuel Economy


When the engine is running efficiently, it burns fuel at a rate that helps improve fuel economy. However, several fuel system parts like fuel filters, air filters, mass air flow sensors, and O2 sensors will eventually get dirty or wear out. If this happens before they are replaced, it will cause the engine to consume more fuel than usual. Again, being proactive about routine servicing provides the solution.

4. Dead Battery



Most car batteries should last about three years or 50,000 miles. A dead battery is usually caused by reduced amps – or electrical currents – which naturally decrease as the battery loses its ability to maintain a charge. A damaged alternator, battery temperature sensor, or other charging system components can expedite this issue. It’s best to replace your car battery every 50,000 miles or three years, even if it’s not showing signs of damage.

5. Flat Tires


While most tires become flat after striking an object or being punctured, it’s possible for simple wear and tear to be the main source. Extend your tire's lifespan by keeping them properly rotated, as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. Generally, rotating tires every 5,000 miles (or when you change your engine oil) is the best advice.

6. Brakes Squeaking or Grinding


Like any other moving part on your car, the brake system is intended to wear out over a designated period of time. Brakes are vital for safe stopping, so when they display any symptoms of issues, like squealing, squeaking or a soft brake pedal – it should be inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. While minor problems can cause squeaking or squealing noises, once the brakes start grinding, it’s a definite sign they need to be replaced.

7. Alternator Failure

The alternator is the part on your vehicle that keeps all electrical systems running once the car starts. It’s also responsible for supplying a charge to your battery to keep it in peak condition. When an alternator breaks, it will eventually cause the battery to wear out prematurely and other starting issues. Check your recommended service intervals and replace the alternator before it breaks to avoid this hassle.

8. Broken Starter Motor


The starter motor is responsible for cranking your engine over, which begins the starting process. When this component fails, it’s usually because the electrical solenoid has been damaged, the starter motor breaks, or another electrical fault occurs – like a starter relay, for example. While a starter can be replaced before it breaks, it’s difficult to predict when this will happen. It’s best to have a car-starting inspection to determine the problem before assuming it's the starter.

9. Steering Wheel Shaking


Multiple issues can cause the steering wheel to shake while driving. If it happens right after starting your car and beginning to drive, wheel bearings or damaged suspension components are often the source. If it happens at higher speeds, it’s typically a tire/wheel balance issue. Regardless, having a professional mechanic inspect the vehicle at your location is the best way to correctly diagnose and resolve this issue.

10. Failed Emissions Test


Most US states require an emissions test to register your car, and a failed test can occur for many reasons. In several states, if a check engine light illuminates, it’s an instant fail. Most emissions centers will let you know why the vehicle failed the test so you can contact a mechanic to complete the necessary repairs.

11. Overheating


You might suspect overheating to be higher on this list, but in reality, it occurs rarely. In most modern cars, the cooling system is very complex, containing multiple sensors that monitor coolant temperature, flow and other components. Staying on top of radiator flush services and changing the water pump before it breaks are two easy ways to reduce the potential for overheating issues.

12. Slipping Automatic Transmission


When properly maintained, an automatic transmission can last for more than 200,000 miles without trouble. The modern automatic transmission is a hydraulic system comprised of several seals, gaskets, and lines that can become damaged, clogged with debris, or leak. When this happens, a transmission will ‘slip’ or not shift smoothly. To avoid this common car problem, stay on top of the recommended transmission service for your vehicle.

Credit:
YourMechanic

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Friday, 3 August 2018

Car Designer, Bin Sun Outlines An Electric Concept Car Project


Bin Sun, a transportation designer, has designed a vehicle with an intention to build an emotional connection between rider and their electric car. You can read his explanation below.

In the age of electrification, do we still need to keep the structure we have built for gasoline vehicles? How can we visualize the electrification on the design of the car? What may be the new identity feature if there is no grill in the front?

I try to find a new aesthetics for electric vehicles by a balance between automotive aesthetics and product design language and new identity features that can remind people the change of electrification. I did some surface experiments in Photoshop which I found that if I just played with flowing on surfaces I might easily get something too automotive feeling. However, if I started to add graphics and make these graphics have some connection with the surfaces I got something between the automotive aesthetics and product design language that I call it as graphics control form language.

I try to make all the surfaces go into graphics and the graphics look like are controlling the surfaces. And there is a functional reason after each graphic so that to reveal the electrification changes. I try to move the air intake next to the electric motors as they will be set next to wheels instead of keeping a front grill graphic, which can potentially be a new identity feature as well.










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Monday, 9 July 2018

MayBach 62s: A Review of E-Money's Luxury Car on Wheels

Money makes the world go round, even the Bible can't but agree less as it says, 'Money answereth all things'. It's good to be rich and famous and live the good life that money can afford, this introduction best fits the CEO of Five Star Group, Emeka Okonkwo was popularly known as E-money. This is a man who can best be described as someone who has taste for high-end and things that are highly exclusive, what you won't find others owning... Who says money no fit man pickin.

E-Money has been trending online for close to a week and this is due to his latest beast he just took delivery of, The Maybach 62S, a vehicle known to be part of the most expensive cars in the world. When you talking of class and luxury, this car definitely says it all.

AutoReportNG decided to do a reportage and a close review of this car and what makes it a beast. It may interest you to note that only a few has this car in Nigeria, you can barely count 20 of them. According to reports, A Maybach 62S reportedly cost about $492,000 (N178,000,000).

It was manufactured from 2002 to 2012 and was one of the first Maybach brands to be produced along with the Maybach 57. The Maybach brands are manufactured by the DaimlerChrysler. This type of model was stopped in September 2012 which makes it a rare and a unique car. Here is a quick overview...


Quick Specs

Gas Mileage: 10 mpg City/16 mpg Hwy
Engine     : Gas V12, 5.5L
EPA Class: Large
Style Name: 4dr Sdn
Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity: 4
Passenger Doors: 4
Body Style: 4dr Car
Transmission : Driver-adaptive 5-speed automatic transmission w/touch shift control, standard & comfort modes

Weight Information

Base Curb Weight (lbs) - 6340

Interior Dimensions

Front Leg Room (in) - 41.3
Second Shoulder Room (in) 61.5
Passenger Volume (ft³) 114.3
Second Head Room (in) 38.4
Front Shoulder Room (in) 62.2
Second Hip Room (in) - TBD -
Front Head Room (in) 38.8
Second Leg Room (in) 40.3
Passenger Capacity 4
Front Hip Room (in) - TBD -

Exterior Dimensions

Height, Overall (in) 62
Length, Overall (in) 242.7
Min Ground Clearance (in) - TBD -
Track Width, Front (in) 65.9
Width, Max w/o mirrors (in) 78
Liftover Height (in) - TBD -
Wheelbase (in) 150.7
Track Width, Rear (in) 66.7

Cargo Area Dimensions

Trunk Volume (ft³) 17.7

Fuel Economy

Fuel Tank
Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx (gal) 29.1

Mileage

EPA Fuel Economy Est - City (MPG) 10
EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy (MPG) 16
Fuel Economy Est-Combined (MPG) 12

Performance Specs

Engine
Fuel System - Twin turbo
Engine Type - Gas V12
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM543 @ 5250
Displacement - 5.5L/336
Engine Order Code NA
SAE Net Torque @ RPM 664 @ 2200-3000

Transmission

Trans Description Cont.Automatic w/OD
Fourth Gear Ratio (:1) 1.00
Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1) 2.82
Trans Order Code NA
Second Gear Ratio (:1) 2.19
Reverse Ratio (:1) 3.16
Trans Description Cont. Again NA
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1).83
Trans Type 5
Third Gear Ratio (:1) 1.41
Clutch Size (in) - TBD -
DrivetrainRear Wheel Drive
First Gear Ratio (:1)3.59
Sixth Gear Ratio (:1)NA

Brakes

Disc - Rear (Yes or ) Yes
Brake ABS System 4-Wheel
Drum - Rear (Yes or ) NA
Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in)14.8 x 1.3
Disc - Front (Yes or ) Yes
Rear Drum Diam x Width (in) NA
Brake Type Pwr
Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in) 14.0 x 1.3

Steering

Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb (ft) - TBD -
Steering Ratio (:1), Overall - TBD -
Turning Diameter - Wall to Wall (ft) 48.6
Lock to Lock Turns (Steering) - TBD -
Steering Type Recirculating -Ball

Tires

Front Tire Size P275/50R19
Rear Tire Order Code R84
Rear Tire Size P275/50R19
Spare Tire Order Code NA
Front Tire Order Code R84
Spare Tire SizeP275/50 R19

Wheels

Front Wheel Material Aluminum
Rear Wheel Size (in) 19 x 8.0
Rear Wheel Material Aluminum
Spare Wheel Size (in) 19 x 8.0
Front Wheel Size (in) 19 x 8.0
Spare Wheel Material Aluminum

Suspension

Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.) w/Stabilizer Bar
Suspension Type - Rear Multi-sink
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Front (in) - TBD -
Shock Absorber Diameter - Front (mm) - TBD -
Suspension Type - Front (Cont.) w/Stabilizer Bar
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Rear (in) - TBD -
Suspension Type - Front Double-Wishbone
Shock Absorber Diameter - Rear (mm) - TBD -

Safety Features

Safety
Air Bag-Frontal-Driver Yes
Air Bag-Frontal-Passenger Yes
Air Bag-Passenger Switch No
Air Bag-Side Body-Front Yes
Air Bag-Side Body-Rear Yes
Air Bag-Side Head-Front Yes
Air Bag-Side Head-Rear Yes
Brakes-ABS Yes
Child Safety Rear Door Locks Yes
Daytime Running Lights Yes
Traction Control Yes
Night Vision No
Rollover Protection Bars No
Fog Lamps Yes
Parking Aid Yes
Tire Pressure Monitor Yes
Back-Up Camera Yes
Stability Control Yes

Other Features

4-wheel ventilated disc brakes w/emergency-sensing brake assist
4-wheel anti-sock braking system (ABS)
Electronic stability control
Rollover sensor
Front/rear crumple zones
Programmable LED daytime running lamps
Driver & front passenger airbags w/dual deployment levels based...
Seat-mounted side-impact airbags on all seating positions
Front/rear side curtain airbags
Tele Aid -inc automatic collision notification, emergency...
3-point front/rear seat belts w/Emergency Tensioning Device...
BabySmart system (deactivates front passenger airbag when...
Rear door child locks
Rear seat tether anchors (LATCH)
Parktronic audio parking assistant
Illuminated emergency trunk release handle















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