The Auto Channel’s “take” is a weekly summary of the most important news stories in the automotive industry.
The Auto Channel’s Weekly Summary
Larry Nutson, a well-known automotive journalist and producer, compiles the Auto Channel’s weekly summary of the most important news stories in the automotive industry. This summary is a compilation of the most significant news stories from the past week, condensed into easy-to-digest news nuggets.
Key Takeaways
What’s Covered
The Auto Channel’s weekly summary covers a wide range of topics, including:
Examples of Recent News Nuggets
Why It Matters
The Auto Channel’s weekly summary is an essential resource for anyone interested in the automotive industry.
European car market faces tough winter ahead due to weak EV demand and rising Chinese competition.
The European Car Market: A Challenging Winter Ahead
The European car market has been facing significant challenges in recent years, and the current economic climate is only exacerbating the situation. With weak demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers, the industry is bracing itself for a tough winter. Key statistics: + The European car market is expected to contract by 2-3% in 2020, according to a recent report by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). + EV sales in Europe are expected to decline by 10-15% in 2020, according to a report by BloombergNEF. + Chinese manufacturers such as Geely and BYD are expanding their presence in Europe, with plans to increase production and sales in the region.
The Rise of Chinese Competition
Chinese manufacturers have been rapidly expanding their presence in the European car market, with a focus on electric vehicles.
In contrast, a diesel car’s gas mileage is roughly 10% lower at 20°F than it would be at 77°F.
Understanding the Impact of Cold Weather on Fuel Economy
Cold weather can have a significant impact on fuel economy, particularly for conventional gasoline cars. The exact reasons behind this phenomenon are complex and multifaceted, involving factors such as engine performance, air conditioning usage, and tire pressure.
Engine Performance
When the temperature drops, the engine’s ability to generate power is reduced.
The Guide is organized by vehicle class and model, making it easy to find the information you need. The Guide covers light-duty vehicles, including compact cars, mid-size cars, full-size cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans. The Guide also includes a section on alternative fuel vehicles, such as hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Step 1: Introduction to the 2025 Fuel Economy Guide
The 2025 Fuel Economy Guide is a comprehensive resource that provides detailed fuel economy estimates for model year 2025 light-duty vehicles. This guide is designed to help prospective car buyers make informed decisions about their vehicle purchases. The guide is organized in a way that makes it easy for users to find the information they need, with sections organized by vehicle class and model.
Step 2: Coverage of Light-Duty Vehicles
The 2025 Fuel Economy Guide covers a wide range of light-duty vehicles, including compact cars, mid-size cars, full-size cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans. This comprehensive coverage ensures that users can find the fuel economy information they need for their specific vehicle type.
The Rise of Subaru as the Most Dependable Brand
For the first time in the history of the Consumer Reports’ annual Auto Reliability Survey, Subaru has taken the top spot as the most dependable brand. This achievement marks a significant shift in the automotive landscape, as Toyota and Lexus, which have traditionally held the top spot, have been dethroned.
Factors Contributing to Subaru’s Success
Several factors have contributed to Subaru’s remarkable rise to the top. Here are some key reasons:
The new electric vehicle is based on the Mercedes-Benz EQS, a luxury electric sedan.
The Long History of Mercedes-Benz and the Vatican
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing relationship with the Vatican, dating back to 1928. The company has supplied cars to the Vatican for 94 years, with the Pope’s personal vehicle being a Mercedes-Benz 630.
The Recall: A Closer Look
The recall, which was initially announced in 2020, was for trucks with a manual gate and power lock and release. The affected vehicles were produced between 2017 and 2020. The issue with the tailgate release switch was identified as a potential safety hazard, as it could cause the tailgate to open unexpectedly while the vehicle was in motion.
The Nürburgring: A Benchmark for Performance
The Nürburgring is a legendary racing circuit in Germany, renowned for its challenging layout and demanding conditions. With 21 kilometers of track, it’s a true test of a car’s performance, handling, and endurance. The Nürburgring has been the benchmark for performance for decades, and manufacturers often use it as a proving ground for their most powerful and high-performance vehicles.
The Ford Mustang GTD: A High-Performance Pony Car
The Ford Mustang GTD is a high-performance variant of the iconic pony car. With its powerful engine and agile handling, it’s designed to deliver exceptional driving dynamics. The GTD is part of Ford’s lineup of high-performance Mustang models, which have a long history of delivering impressive performance and handling.
The Challenge: Breaking the Seven-Minute Barrier
Ford is aiming to break the seven-minute barrier on the Nürburgring circuit with the Mustang GTD. This is a significant challenge, as it requires the car to deliver exceptional acceleration, handling, and endurance. The current record holder, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, has a lap time of 6:40.3 minutes, so Ford will need to shave off over 19 seconds to achieve its goal.
The Technical Details
The Strategy
Ford’s strategy for achieving the seven-minute barrier involves a combination of technical upgrades and driver training. The company has been working closely with its racing team to optimize the car’s aerodynamics, suspension, and engine performance.
A Legacy of Speed and Competition
Toyota Motor North America has been a dominant force in NHRA Drag Racing for over two decades, with a legacy of speed, competition, and innovation. The company’s involvement in the sport dates back to 2004, when it first partnered with the National Hot Rod Association to compete in the NHRA Pro Stock class. Since then, Toyota has become synonymous with drag racing, with numerous championships won by its drivers and teams.
A Decade of Success
Toyota’s success in NHRA Drag Racing can be attributed to its commitment to innovation and technology. The company has invested heavily in research and development, creating high-performance engines and chassis that have enabled its drivers to achieve record-breaking speeds. Additionally, Toyota’s involvement in the sport has helped to promote drag racing as a whole, attracting new fans and sponsors to the sport.
A Changing Landscape
In recent years, Toyota has faced increased competition from other manufacturers, including Ford and Chevrolet.
Stay safe. Be Well. Kind regards, Larry Nutson, The Chicago Car Guy.
