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Knee Airbags Don’t Prevent Injury

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According to a recent study conducted by the IIHS (Insurance Institute of Highway Safety), knee airbags don’t prevent injury from occurring in an accident. In fact, they can make injuries even worse.

knee airbags
IIHS

Knee Airbags – Helpful or Not?

Airbags at the knee deploy from the lower half of the dashboard. With this design, the risk of leg injury is lessened. Manufacturers of these airbags also state that the legs remain stabilized more during a crash. The thought is that this minimizes the injuries suffered in areas such as the chest and abdomen.

The report concluded that the benefits of this safety feature are minimal, at best. The study looked at data from more than 400 crash tests, as well as data from real-world accident reports. The results evaluated vehicles that have knee airbags installed and cars without.

In the crash tests conducted by IIHS, knee airbags had a minor effect on injury. With the small overlap test, leg injury risk actually increased, specifically for injuries to the lower leg and right femur. In the real-world crash data, knee airbags showed a decrease in the overall risk of injury of just a half of a percentage point, which is not statistically significant.

The IIHS study showed that these airbags may just be a waste of space. Other options would be more space-effective and useful. Some other choices include structural strengthening of the chassis or altering the position of the suspension in the vehicle.

Thankfully, this safety measure is not standard in most cars, and there seems to be little incentive to put them in more.

Maximum Safety

To stay safe on the road, it makes sense to choose a vehicle with advanced driver assistance features. Modern cars come with many options, all geared toward keeping you safe. It no longer makes sense to add airbags throughout the vehicle that don’t seem to work.

2021 Chevrolet Colorado Gets Minor Redesign

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Plans for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado allow the same design as the current model, except for some minor updating. A mid-cycle refresh includes a minor facelift and doesn’t contain enough change to become a mid-cycle enhancement. We expect the following with an update to the 2021 Colorado.

2019 Chevrolet Colorado - 2021 Chevrolet Colorado
Chevrolet

Powertrain

The new Chevrolet Colorado refresh comes with an updated powertrain, possibly through introduction of a new engine: the GM 2.7L L3B TriPower engine. This would be an upgrade from the 2.5L I-4 LCV engine available in the 2020 Colorado.

Body Styles

The 2021 Colorado will continue to offer these cab and bed options:

  • extended cab, long box
  • crew cab, short box
  • crew cab, long box

We currently see all of these options with the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado as well.

Additional 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Updates

We expect a revised exterior, with a style similar to the Chevy Colorado ZR2 AEV concept. The interior should be refreshed throughout. There will most likely be changes to the equipment group structure in the Colorado. Additionally, another trim – the ZR2 Colorado Bison – may be introduced above the ZR2.

Some other features that are rumored to be introduced include the addition of a sunroof, as well as having a push-button start unit. We also plan on some changes to the High Country or LTZ trim levels. The engine choices would include not only the new GM 2.7L Turbo L3B inline four-cylinder, but also the existing 3.6L V-6 LGY gasoline engine and the 2.8L I-4 Duramax LWN diesel engine. It will also have the new GM 10-speed automatic transmission on specific models and trims.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the changes to the 2021 Chevy Colorado won’t result in a dramatically different looking truck. However, it all works together to improve the vehicle’s comfort and performance. If you want to see more new Chevy vehicles hitting the marketplace, make sure you check out the 2020 Chevrolet Trailblazer.

2020 Nissan Maxima: First Look

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The 2020 Nissan Maxima just rolled off the production lines and is available now. It includes a refresh midyear, and as a result, the changes for 2020 are relatively minor. Many features come standard on the new Nissan Maxima.

2020 Nissan Maxima
Nissan

2020 Nissan Maxima Exterior Features

Many of the features found on the 2019 Maxima are still found on the 2020 iteration. Those features include full LED headlights and quad pipes. The bumper is also staying the same, with fog lights in blacked-out faux air intakes. The overall look is stylish and sporty, with a twist of luxury.

2020 Maxima Engine Specifications & Performance

The 2020 Maxima boasts of a 3.5L VQ-series V-6 engine that pumps out 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft. of torque. It comes equipped with an Xtronic CVT transmission. The newest Maxima comes with 4-wheel independent suspension and monotube rear shock absorbers.

Additionally, a set of features known as the Nissan Safety Shield 360 enhances safety throughout the vehicle. This includes blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, high beam assist and rear automatic braking. The GR model also offers unique suspension damper tuning, a front stabilizer bar, and 19-inch wheels and tires.

2020 Nissan Maxima Interior
Nissan

New Maxima Interior Features

There is plenty of room and comfort to be found inside the Maxima. Additionally, this year’s model includes standard Dual Panel Panoramic Moon roof and Intelligent Around View Monitor. The safety features outlined above are all displayed centrally and conveniently in the center console.

With five trims to choose from in the 2020 Maxima lineup, there is a significant range in pricing. The base model, the Maxima S, starts at $34,250, while the premium model, the Maxima Platinum costs $41,540.

Although there have been very few dramatic changes in the latest Maxima, it still remains a solid value with improved safety features.

If you are a fan of this automaker, you might also want to know that the Nissan Rogue Hybrid is officially dead.

2020 Acura NSX: First Look

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The first thing you might notice about the 2020 Acura NSX is the color. Acura is bringing back a color that hearkens back to the original NSX: yellow. This new shade is called Indy Yellow Pearl. Much of the interior features and engine specifications remain the same, which is a good thing. The performance and handling of the NSX are legendary.

2020 Acura NSX
Acura

Exterior Features

Besides Indy Yellow Pearl, other offerings include Thermal Orange Metallic, Source Silver and Casino White Pearl. Each of these upgraded colors will cost an additional $1,000. There will also be two premium colors, costing $6,000 extra: Valencia Red Pearl and Nouveau Pearl.

2020 Acura NSX Engine & Performance

To racing and high-performance drivers, the most impressive feature of the 2020 Acura NSX is what lies underneath the hood. The NSX comes equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine that includes 500 horsepower and 406 lb-ft. of torque. It comes with a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 2020 NSX will be able to accelerate from zero to sixty miles per hour in an astounding 2.7 seconds!

Interior Features

The 2020 NSX will feature ergonomic leather seats with Alcantara at the center of the sports seat. It also contains a steering wheel that is designed in a race car style, along with other modifications in the dash and rearview mirror to maximize driver visibility. The sound system is ELS Studio Premium Audio, complete with nine speakers. In addition, the center-based infotainment center has all of the navigation and entertainment features that you may need. There are also three different driving modes to choose: Quiet, Sport and Sport+Track.

The new Acura NSX is a beast. It is a high-performance speed demon, with many of the design features found in race cars, but with the comfort of a luxury vehicle. It will be available for delivery in November. This vehicle may just make our next best supercars list.

There’s a lot to love about there new Acura lineup. We look forward to having this automaker plans to release.

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet Coming Soon

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We’ve gotten a glimpse of the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet on the road. This convertible version of the T-Roc is the first convertible crossover. It opens in nine seconds and closed while on the move – even while traveling up to 18.6 mph. Of course, we don’t get this model in America, but it’s a glimpse of what might be to come.

Let’s take a closer look at the VW T-Roc Convertible.

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet
Volkswagen

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet

The VW convertible comes complete with rollover protection and a reinforced windshield. It comes with two gas engines: the 1.0-liter three-cylinder or a 1.5 four-cylinder. It also has 10 cubic feet of trunk space.

The two available design packages include the Style Package with 17-inch wheels, leather interior and ambient lighting. The R-Line comes with standard fog lights, leatherette sport seats and 17-inch wheels. Both of these packages also include low-speed emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist and the option to upgrade to 19-inch wheels.

We will get a better look at this model during the Frankfurt Motor Show next spring.

VW SUV Success

While we can’t expect this VW SUV model to make it to our shores, it does show how invested the company is in their SUV lineup. They already have a lot of success with the Tiguan and Atlas. We wonder if they could throw a convertible top on one of them for us?

Of course, that’s just a dream that won’t happen. Maybe with enough pressure, we can convince them to bring us the T-Roc. We are sure it would be well received and create a following. It’s possible they could do something with the Tarek if they wanted to.

This news comes on the heels of the announcement that VW says goodbye to hybrid production. Let us know your thoughts and the latest style and if American models might adopt it.

Free Fix for Jeep Death Wobble

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FCA thinks they may have a fix for Jeep death wobble. This terrible problem shows itself when a violent vibration starts at high speeds. This complaint is heard often from Jeep Wrangler owners. It also has been recorded in several brands of vehicles that have solid front axles, like heavy-duty pickups.

Free Fix for Jeep Death Wobble
FCA

Fix for Jeep Death Wobble

The Jeep Wrangler uses a solid front axle mostly because it gives better articulation when driving off-road. It also provides the proper protection for parts like the drivetrain when you hit rocks or hard items.

The NHTSA has looked into the Jeep’s death wobble. They have said it does not cause a huge safety risk, despite the major lawsuit. There also have been no injuries or accidents related to it. However, people continue filing complaints to the automaker, NHTSA and on social media sites.

Jeep has finally narrowed down the issue to the steering damper. They said that there were design issues that allowed air at colder temps to get into the damper. When this happens, vibration will not be reduced or controlled at specific frequencies.   

They also said that if you hit bumps on the road and conditions are just right, the suspension starts a chain of events that turns into the wobble. Complaints seem more prevalent in the fall and winter seasons, which further proves that it begins when it’s cold out.

The manufacturer redesigned the steering damper. Now, owners should get a notification that a fix is available at no cost. Jeep also noted that the problem remains isolated to the JL Wrangler that introduced in 2018.

Having Trouble With the Death Wobble?

Do you think Jeep has fixed this? Have you had your JL Wrangler in the shop for this fix? If so, let us know if your car has stopped experiencing death wobble in the comments below.

2020 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid: First Look

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The 2020 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid is set to impress. It features 670 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque. That enables it to reach 60 mph in a mere 3.6 seconds. Can you say WOW?

2020 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid
Porsche

2020 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Performance

The Turbo S E-Hybrid borrows the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 and supplements it with a 134 horsepower electric motor. There’s also a bunch of performance enhancements as optional equipment. Consider the ceramic-composite brakes and Dynamic Chassis Control. There are even active roll stabilization and electromechanical stabilizer bars in the front and rear.

Of course, this is all going to cost you. Expect to spend $161,900 on the Cayenne or $164,400 on the Cayenne Coupe.

High-Class Luxury

While it’s easy to focus on the performance of this Porsche, we must also take a moment and look at the luxury. Both Cayenne models feature 18-way adaptive sport seats and 21-inch wheels. The Lightweight Sport Package comes with a carbon-fiber roof, 22-inch wheels, side skirt extensions, Sport Design bumper and an Alcantara steering wheel.

There’s also a Cayenne E-Hybrid model available. It comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with some electric features. This system outputs 455 horsepower plus 516 lb-ft of torque. With this power, it hits 60 mph in under five seconds. It comes standard with a panoramic sunroof. This model has a lower price tag at just $86,400 when it arrives early in 2020.

Another impressive vehicle in the works is the 2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo. While it’s not a hybrid model, it offers a lot of pep worth talking about. If you are a fan of hybrid vehicles, don’t forget to catch up with our  2019 Hybrid SUV & Crossover Lineup and the 2019 Hybrid Car Lineup.

Let us know your thoughts on the latest Porsche developments. Are these SUVs you would splurge on, or is the price simply too high for the product? Leave a comment.

GM & Volkswagen Say Goodbye Hybrid Vehicles

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Two of the top automakers decided its time to get rid of the hybrid vehicle and put everything they have on electric cars. Both GM and Volkswagen announced that they have to work harder at meeting emission standards around the world. Here’s why they say goodbye hybrid vehicles and what’s coming next.

Goodbye Hybrid Vehicles
Chevrolet

Goodbye Hybrid Vehicles

Both of these automakers believe that the standard is heading toward electric. Hybrids aren’t going to be popular in the marketplace soon.

Not everyone agrees with this assessment. In fact, both Toyota and Ford plan to continue manufacturing hybrid cars. Ford keeps dumping more money in a hybrid F-150 while Toyota invests in the Prius.

GM killed off the Chevy Volt last year when critics said it was too expensive. The tax credit was also once $7,500 but is dropping once again to $1,875. As a manufacturer sells 200,000 electric cars, the tax credits diminish.

Part of the concern is that China plans to implement new regulations. These would create fines for automakers that fail to sell a particular number of zero-emission vehicles.

Overall, we can’t say that the news is a surprise. It was only a matter of time before some manufacturers decided to do away with these vehicles. Still, we are shocked that it was GM and VW that took the first step.

Current Hybrid Lineup

If you are still in the market for a hybrid vehicle, we have some information for you. We’ve posted the 2019 Hybrid SUV & Crossover Lineup and the 2019 Hybrid Car Lineup. Both of these offer a complete rundown of the available cars still on the market for the 2019 model year. We will post the 2020 hybrid lineup as soon as we know what vehicles will make it and which will be discontinued.

What are your thoughts on this news? Did you think hybrid vehicles would last forever, or did you see this coming?

2020 VW Golf R Doesn’t Exist

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If you are a fan of hatchbacks, you will be sad to hear that the 2020 VW Golf R won’t exist. Volkswagen decided to pull it off the market for a year before releasing a full redesign in 2021. We personally think that the Mk7 Golf R remains one of the best hatchbacks on the market, so this is disappointing news.

2020 VW Golf R
Volkswagen

No 2020 VW Golf R for America

Hot hatches just aren’t a big seller in the United States, so the business decision seems wise. VW didn’t want to invest time and money into a vehicle that won’t sell like crazy while they tweak the new design.

For the 2020 model year, the best Golf will be the Value Edition. It will contain heated seats, Wi-Fi, 16-inch alloy wheels and keyless entry. You can also get the e-Golf, which is battery powered. Look for this in the SE and SEL Premium trim. You also have the option to get a Golf GTI S or SE.

We also know that there won’t be a SportWagen or Alltrack for the 2020 model year. These are even less popular than the hatchback versions.

SUVs continue to be the biggest desire of the American public. They’ve become a staple of families and have taken the place of many wagons or minivans. The good news is, we will see the 2021 VW Golf R, which we look forward to. It’s going to be the Mk8 Golf and we should see it within the next year. Until then, enthusiasts will have to settle for used models or hold out for a new option.

2020 Volkswagen Lineup

The upcoming 2020 VW lineup does offer a lot to get excited about. Updated models coming out include the Atlas, Arteon, Jetta, Passat and Tiguan. Are you disappointed with the news or do you think that the current lineup offers enough?

2020 Buick Encore GX: First Look

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It wasn’t that long ago that GM announced the arrival of the 2020 Buick Encore GX, but just recently we’ve received some new information. Let’s look at what this SUV will offer.

2020 Buick Encore GX
Buick

2020 Buick Encore GX

The Encore GX comes with two engine options. Both of these are new, turbocharged, inline three-cylinder motors from GM. The first option is a 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder LIH that pumps out 137 horsepower. The second option is a 1.3-liter turbo three-cylinder L3T that outputs 155 horsepower.

If you compare this to the 2019 Buick Encore, you see it’s a significant upgrade from the four-cylinder turbo engine that produces 138 horsepower. There was also an optional 1.4-liter turbo which outputs 153 horsepower.

We saw the GX launch in China a month ago, but that market had a higher rated engine that we won’t see. The subcompact model sits comfortably between the Buick Encore and the Buick Envision. When looking at it compared to the regular model, we see an extra five cubic-feet of cargo space.

New models also come with front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Standard features include Front Pedestrian Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning. It also has an available rear camera mirror and high-definition surround vision camera system.

2020 Buick Lineup

There will be a lot to love about the 2020 Buick vehicles. We love the way they are redesigning the brand and look forward to see what’s to come. Some models to keep your eyes on include the 2020 Enspire and the 2020 Envision. At this time, we aren’t quite as excited about the  2020 LaCrosse, 2020 Enclave, 2020 Regal and the 2020 Cascada.

As far as SUVs go, we still think that several other companies have a lot more to offer. One vehicle we have our eyes on for next year is the 2020 Toyota 4Runner. But we would like to hear from you. What are you excited about?

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