Full size Ram SUV under study

Ram is thinking about building a large SUV to take away some Chevy Suburban sales, according to Fiat Chrysler (FCA) CEO Sergio Marchionne. He was speaking during a conference call, and noted that a large SUV was made possible both by an upcoming redesign, which could lower engineering costs of making the variant, and by having a higher-capacity plant to build them in.

At the moment, General Motors dominates the large SUV market, and competitors such as Ford and Toyota have a small slice of the leftovers. It is unlikely that Ram would manage 50,000 sales per year, much less 100,000, but that could be enough if engineering costs were kept down and it was made on the Ram 1500’s assembly line.

This would be the first Ram SUV; to date, all SUVs have been branded as Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler.

Mr. Marchionne also said that they would be exploring “some other segments” for the Ram.

Large SUVs are currently very profitable for GM, but part of that may be due to GM’s dominance; if volume went down, profitability would likely follow. However, with over 400,000 large-SUV sales expected for 2015, along with stable gasoline prices, chances are that the market for large SUVs will grow and GM’s volumes will not shrink. One wildcard is Ford’s upcoming aluminum-bodied Expedition.

Read more at: http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2015/10/full-size-ram-suv-under-study-30450

Lights Out? Check Vehicle Lighting

Fall is here and its arrival means fewer hours of daylight and upcoming holiday travel. Before hitting the road, it is a wise idea to make sure your vehicle’s lights are in proper working order, says the non-profit Car Care Council.

“Lights play a critical role in safe driving, as the chance of an accident increases if you can’t see or be seen,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “From the driver’s seat you may not notice a light that isn’t working, so inspect all of your car’s lights and replace those that are out.”

Lights are normal wear items that require periodic inspection and replacement. The vehicle lighting system provides nighttime visibility; signals and alerts other drivers; and supplies light for viewing instruments and the vehicle’s interior. In addition to replacing dimming, rapidly blinking and non-functioning lights, the following tips can help keep you safe:

Keep headlights, tail lights and signal lights clean. External dirt and debris can dim operational lights from being seen by others.

Make sure that your headlights are properly aimed. Misaimed headlights blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road.

If there is any doubt on whether or not your headlights should be on, turn them on. Lights not only help you see better in early twilight, they also make it easier for other drivers to see you.

Don’t overdrive your headlights; you should be able to stop inside the illuminated area, otherwise you are creating a blind crash area in front of your vehicle.

“Some states have laws that require the headlights to be on with the wipers,” said White. “Keeping your vehicle’s lights properly cared for and replacing wiper blades periodically will help ensure a safer ride, keeping the road ahead well-lit and giving you a clear view.”

For more information on vehicle lighting, service interval schedules, questions to ask a technician and tips to drive smart and save money, view the Car Care Council’s free digital Car Care Guide online at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide.

The non-profit Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a free copy of the council’s popular Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.

Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/2015/10/lights-check-vehicle-lighting/

Don’t Be Spooked By Basic Car Care

While Halloween is a scary time of year, vehicle owners don’t need to be spooked about basic car care. The non-profit Car Care Council recommends motorists follow a preventative vehicle maintenance plan to help take away the fear of unexpected breakdowns and frightening repair costs.

“Getting an oil change should never be scary; having wipers replaced should not be horrifying; and asking a professional automotive technician questions should not make someone shake in fear,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “With a quick visit to www.carcare.org, motorists will find free online tools from the Car Care Council to help take the fear out of auto care.”

The Car Care Council’s online custom service schedule and email reminder service can help car owners be more responsible and remember to include auto care in their busy schedules. This easy-to-use resource is free-of-charge and can be personalized to help make auto care more convenient and economical. The council also has a general service schedule that can be printed and followed. Drivers should be sure to consult their vehicle owner’s manual for specific recommendations by the carmaker.

Motorists can order a free copy of the council’s Car Care Guide at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide. Available in English and Spanish, the popular guide uses easy-to-understand language and includes descriptions of major vehicle systems, questions to ask a professional technician, and a checklist to remind drivers what vehicle systems need to be maintained and when service or repair should be performed. Special sections on fuel economy and environmental awareness show drivers how to get better gas mileage and make their vehicle more environmentally friendly.

The Car Care Council’s video entitled “Auto Service and Repair: What to Expect” helps drivers become more comfortable with the auto service and repair process, providing valuable information on such topics as finding the right auto repair facility, what to expect at the shop and what questions to ask. The video also covers the real truth about consumer rights and the manufacturer’s warranty. View the video online at http://www.carcare.org/2012/01/auto-repair-shop-video/.

Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/2015/10/dont-spooked-basic-car-care/

How to Choose a Drivers Training Program

Whether you’re a teen driver, an adult ready to get your first drivers license, picking the right driver’s training program is nothing to scoff at. Learning how to drive properly and safely takes time and practice, therefore finding the best course and driving school — that is also state-approved — should be of the utmost of importance.

There are a few questions you should ask yourself when you start researching which type of driving lessons and training you should enroll into:

How much can I afford for this training?
How quickly do I want to complete the program?
How do I find a state-approved instructor and driving school?
Do I want one-on-one training, or can I work in a group with multiple students?
Is it possible to complete the classroom instruction online?

What to Expect in Driver’s Training School

Drivers Education

Most states require that every teen driver enroll into some sort of state-approved driver’s education course. Some states require that adults working toward their first driver license enroll, too.

Depending on your age, this training will require you to be in a classroom atmosphere to learn the ins and outs of driving safely. Sometimes, you can take the classroom instruction part of these courses online, but even if your state allows that, chances are you still must complete behind-the-wheel training with an instructor when you’ll learn and practice actual driving skills.

Driver Improvement

Driver improvement courses are a different kind of drivers training. Typically, these courses are designed to help drivers refresh their knowledge or even acquire knowledge they didn’t have before.

People enroll in traffic schools for numerous reasons, including to:

Lower auto insurance rates.
Satisfy a traffic ticket (or have points reduced or the ticket dismissed).
Sharpen driving knowledge for personal reasons.

Generally, these classes don’t require actual driving lessons; rather, they focus on knowledge of driving rules and regulations.

Tips on Finding the Best Drivers Training

Tips for finding the best drivers training for you depends on the reason you need a training course, but overall look for courses that:

Meet your state’s requirements. Unless you’re taking the course for personal reasons, chances are you must choose a course approved by whichever entity you’re working with (the state, the court, your auto insurance provider, etc.).
Fit your budget. You CAN shop around for driver training courses.
Work with your schedule. You might not have much wiggle room if you’re taking a course to get your driver’s license, but if you’re doing it for court or insurance purposes, you might find approved online courses that let you work at your own pace during times that are convenient for you.

Don’t forget to search for reviews. You can find these online and by talking to other drivers.

Read more at: http://www.dmv.org/articles/how-to-choose-a-drivers-training-program/

Why Self-Driving Cars Must Be Programmed to Kill

When it comes to automotive technology, self-driving cars are all the rage. Standard features on many ordinary cars include intelligent cruise control, parallel parking programs, and even automatic overtaking—features that allow you to sit back, albeit a little uneasily, and let a computer do the driving.

So it’ll come as no surprise that many car manufacturers are beginning to think about cars that take the driving out of your hands altogether (see “Drivers Push Tesla’s Autopilot Beyond Its Abilities”). These cars will be safer, cleaner, and more fuel-efficient than their manual counterparts. And yet they can never be perfectly safe.

And that raises some difficult issues. How should the car be programmed to act in the event of an unavoidable accident? Should it minimize the loss of life, even if it means sacrificing the occupants, or should it protect the occupants at all costs? Should it choose between these extremes at random? (See also “How to Help Self-Driving Cars Make Ethical Decisions.”)

The answers to these ethical questions are important because they could have a big impact on the way self-driving cars are accepted in society. Who would buy a car programmed to sacrifice the owner?

So can science help? Today, we get an answer of sorts thanks to the work of Jean-Francois Bonnefon at the Toulouse School of Economics in France and a couple of pals. These guys say that even though there is no right or wrong answer to these questions, public opinion will play a strong role in how, or even whether, self-driving cars become widely accepted.

So they set out to discover the public’s opinion using the new science of experimental ethics. This involves posing ethical dilemmas to a large number of people to see how they respond. And the results make for interesting, if somewhat predictable, reading. “Our results provide but a first foray into the thorny issues raised by moral algorithms for autonomous vehicles,” they say.

Here is the nature of the dilemma. Imagine that in the not-too-distant future, you own a self-driving car. One day, while you are driving along, an unfortunate set of events causes the car to head toward a crowd of 10 people crossing the road. It cannot stop in time but it can avoid killing 10 people by steering into a wall. However, this collision would kill you, the owner and occupant. What should it do?

One way to approach this kind of problem is to act in a way that minimizes the loss of life. By this way of thinking, killing one person is better than killing 10.

But that approach may have other consequences. If fewer people buy self-driving cars because they are programmed to sacrifice their owners, then more people are likely to die because ordinary cars are involved in so many more accidents. The result is a Catch-22 situation.

Bonnefon and co are seeking to find a way through this ethical dilemma by gauging public opinion. Their idea is that the public is much more likely to go along with a scenario that aligns with their own views.

So these guys posed these kinds of ethical dilemmas to several hundred workers on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk to find out what they thought. The participants were given scenarios in which one or more pedestrians could be saved if a car were to swerve into a barrier, killing its occupant or a pedestrian.

At the same time, the researchers varied some of the details such as the actual number of pedestrians that could be saved, whether the driver or an on-board computer made the decision to swerve and whether the participants were asked to imagine themselves as the occupant or an anonymous person.

The results are interesting, if predictable. In general, people are comfortable with the idea that self-driving vehicles should be programmed to minimize the death toll.

This utilitarian approach is certainly laudable but the participants were willing to go only so far. “[Participants] were not as confident that autonomous vehicles would be programmed that way in reality—and for a good reason: they actually wished others to cruise in utilitarian autonomous vehicles, more than they wanted to buy utilitarian autonomous vehicles themselves,” conclude Bonnefon and co.

And therein lies the paradox. People are in favor of cars that sacrifice the occupant to save other lives—as long they don’t have to drive one themselves.

Bonnefon and co are quick to point out that their work represents the first few steps into what is likely to be a fiendishly complex moral maze. Other issues that will need to be factored into future thinking are the nature of uncertainty and the assignment of blame.

Bonnefon and co say these issues raise many important questions: “Is it acceptable for an autonomous vehicle to avoid a motorcycle by swerving into a wall, considering that the probability of survival is greater for the passenger of the car, than for the rider of the motorcycle? Should different decisions be made when children are on board, since they both have a longer time ahead of them than adults, and had less agency in being in the car in the first place? If a manufacturer offers different versions of its moral algorithm, and a buyer knowingly chose one of them, is the buyer to blame for the harmful consequences of the algorithm’s decisions?”

These problems cannot be ignored, say the team: “As we are about to endow millions of vehicles with autonomy, taking algorithmic morality seriously has never been more urgent.”

Read more at: http://www.technologyreview.com/view/542626/why-self-driving-cars-must-be-programmed-to-kill/

Plymouth - Wicked Halloween Run: Sunday, October 25th, 2015

Wicked Halloween Run TV Video Gallery:

http://michiganrunner.tv/2014wicked_halloween/

LARGEST HALLOWEEN RUN IN STATE

• 2015 Wicked Halloween Run: 10K, 5K Run/Walk, Monster Mile ~ Welcome to our Wicked Halloween Run - a festive race brought to you by the Kona Running Co. Sign up and wear a Costume!  A Halloween-themed annual race event you will not want to miss because you will experience a spooktacular wicked good time!
• 2015 10K / 5K Finisher Medals
• 2015 Tech Shirt*:  Long-sleeve unisex "Tech Shirt" for entrants.  Tech shirts ARE GUARANTEED to everyone !
• NEW ! - Each registrant ALSO receives a pair of Road Runner Sports Drymax socks!
• Wicked Double: Participate in 10K & 5K; must run in the 1st Start Wave of 10K & receive a Tech Shirt, a pair of Road Runner Sports Drymax socks, 10K Medal, Double Finisher medal; limited to 500
• Shuttle Buses from ACH Plant parking lot MAP (limited to 1,500 cars) MAP to/from Central Middle School; City of Plymouth will be charging $5 per vehicle ($2.50 to city & $2.50 to charity) in their municipal parking lots & structures so use our free bus shuttles
• 10K Time Qualifier: Participants must run at "18 minutes or less pace per mile" to register for our 10K event
• Entertainment & Monster Mash Party: Live onstage Dance Performance by Piazza Dance Co. (choreographer Lindsey Humpert) at start of 10K & 5K; DJ at Kellogg Park; Food & Beverage Buffet & Party in heated Tents at Kellogg Park
• Costume Contest: Judging by Plymouth DDA - Evaluated 7:15 am to 8:45 am at judging table in Kellogg Park at canopy tent - see details on Race Info page
• Age Group Awards: 10K & 5K events; M/F, 3 deep, 5-year age group increments, from 14 years old to +75 yrs old - pick up your award at our finish-line Tent between 9:15 am to 10:00 am
• USATF certified courses
• Powerade ION Drinks: provided at 3 mile mark in 10K Run only
• Start/Finish at Kellogg Park, Plymouth, MI: 10K, 5K & Monster Mile
• 10K & 5K Pace Groups: 8 min/mile pace up to 12 min/mile pace
• B-Tag Timing: (ChronoTrack chip in bib) for 10K, 5K & Mile events
• NO REFUNDS; ONLY TRANSFERS ALLOWED TO ANOTHER PERSON BEFORE OUR ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES
• PLEASE DO NOT LITTER!  Thank You!

NHTSA, Safe Kids Worldwide and safety advocates urge parents to register car seats and take action during a recall

WASHINGTON – In advance of National Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept. 13-19), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Administrator Dr. Mark Rosekind and Safe Kids President and CEO Kate Carr joined safety advocates today at the Department of Transportation for a press conference encouraging parents and caregivers to register car seats with the manufacturer and to take immediate action if the product is a part of a recall.

In 2014, more than six million car seats were recalled for a safety defect – the largest car seat recall in U.S. history. Yet, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fewer than half of those car seats received the necessary repair.

“The safety of children in cars is our biggest priority,” said Administrator Rosekind. “NHTSA is committed to helping parents register their car seats and other child products with manufacturers, which we know is critical if there is a recall. We’re also committed to working with manufacturers to make sure parents receive a quick and thorough solution during a recall so children are protected.”

Safe Kids and NHTSA strongly urge all parents and caregivers to follow these steps to ensure their child is protected in a vehicle.

Register Your Car Seat

Option 1: Register online with your car seat manufacturer or www.safercar.gov/parents. You’ll need the model number and date of manufacture found on the label on your car seat.

Option 2: Fill out and mail in the registration card that came with your car seat. It already includes your car seat’s information. No postage required.

Find Out if your Car Seat is Recalled

Visit the NHTSA website and enter your seat’s brand name and model.

“The single best way for parents to learn about a recall is to register their car seat with the manufacturer. Unfortunately, this important first step doesn’t happen nearly enough,” said Kate Carr, president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide. “During Child Passenger Safety week, we want to remind all parents to register their car seats and take action when a recall occurs. This is a cost-free remedy the manufacturer provides — and must provide — to protect your child.”

To understand why so few recalled car seats get repaired and to educate parents about the importance of recalls, Safe Kids Worldwide released “Car Seat Recalls: What Every Parent Needs to Know,” a new study which reveals that only 42 percent of parents said they filled out and returned the registration card. That means that on average, six out of 10 parents risk not hearing about a car seat recall in the most timely and dependable manner – directly from the manufacturer. The study, with support from General Motors Foundation, surveyed 562 parents of children who use a car seat, and collected responses from 44 parents who participated in an online bulletin board discussion.

“Through our nearly 20 year partnership with Safe Kids, we’ve made it our mission to help keep families safe in vehicles and on the road,” said Greg Martin, executive director of Global Public Policy for General Motors. “Each year, part of our annual grant is dedicated to fund research studies that shines light on ways to better protect children in and around vehicles.”

When a recall occurs, manufacturers use the information provided on that registration card to contact consumers directly and, if needed, provide the information and appropriate equipment to repair the car seat.

"Manufacturers want consumers to provide their information so if there is new or additional safety information about the car seat, they can be contacted,” said Kelly Mariotti, executive director of Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. “Registering the product isn’t difficult, no information from registration cards can be used for marketing purposes, and it’s an additional level of protection when traveling with children.”

During the final day of National Child Passenger Safety Week, recognized as National Seat Check Saturday, Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will show parents and caregivers how to correctly use, install and register their car seats. Safe Kids will host more than 500 child seat inspections across the country. Car seat inspections are a free service, available to parents year round. Visit safekids.org to locate an event in your community at any time.

Read more at: http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/2015/nhtsa-safekids-urge-child-seat-registration-09102015

NHTSA encourages parents of teens to join the '5 to Drive' campaign

Campaign gives parents the words to use when they talk with their teens about the rules of the road

WASHINGTON – In recognition of National Teen Driver Safety Week, October 18-24, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges parents and guardians of teen drivers to discuss with their teens one traffic safety topic each day. Those topics, also the most risky behaviors among teens, include alcohol, texting, failure to wear seat belts, speeding, and riding with extra teen passengers.

“When parents model and reinforce safe driving habits, they equip their teens with the skills to safely navigate the roadways for life,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Parents need to take the time to talk with their kids about behaviors that will keep them safe, and those that create greater risk.”

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds in the United States. In 2013, there were 2,614 teen passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes and an estimated 130,000 were injured. Yet a survey shows that only 25 percent of parents have had a serious talk with their kids about the key components of driving. During National Teen Driver Safety Week, and as part of the “5 to Drive” campaign, NHTSA urges parents and guardians to make time to have these talks, and to continue those conversations throughout the learning-to-drive process.

The “5 to Drive” campaign addresses the five most dangerous and deadly behaviors for teen drivers.

No alcohol – The minimum legal drinking age in every state is 21. However, in 2013, among 15- to 20-year-old drivers killed in crashes, 29 percent had been drinking.

No cell phone use or texting while driving – Texting or dialing while driving is more than just risky – it’s deadly. In 2013, among drivers 15 to 19 years old involved in fatal crashes, 11 percent were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. This age group has the highest percentage of drivers distracted by phone use. In 2013, 318 people were killed in crashes that involved a distracted teen driver.

No driving or riding without a seat belt – In 2013, more than half (55%) of all 15- to 20-year-old occupants of passenger vehicles killed in crashes were unrestrained. No speeding – In 2013, speeding was a factor in 42 percent of the crashes that killed 15- to 20-year-old drivers.

No extra passengers – NHTSA data shows that a teenage driver is 2.5 times more likely to engage in risky behaviors when driving with one teenage passenger and three times more likely with multiple teenage passengers

“The ‘5 to Drive’ campaign gives parents and teens a simple, straightforward checklist that can help them talk about good driving skills, and most importantly, prevent a tragedy before it happens,” said NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind.

To address the issue of underage drinking, NHTSA has joined with the Ad Council to launch a new public service announcement campaign that targets new drivers 16 and 17 years old, and is built around the idea of “Underage Drinking and Driving: The Ultimate Party Foul.” The campaign includes a TV ad, a Tumblr site, web banners and outdoor advertising. A branded emoji keyboard will be available later on both the iOS and Android platforms. View the PSAs and learn more about the campaign.

NHTSA has also partnered with the Ad Council to develop new English and Spanish TV PSAs that target motorists who text and drive. The new ads remind people that the kind of overconfidence displayed by those who text and drive is not only selfish – it’s dangerous. The PSAs also make it clear that no one is special enough to text and drive. View the PSA

Young Drivers Traffic Safety Facts Sheet

More information on NHTSA’s “5 to Drive” campaign and the five rules designed to help save the lives of teen drivers

Stay connected with NHTSA: Search for open recalls with VIN look up | Download the Safercar Mobile App for Apple or Android devices | Receive recall alerts by email | Visit us on Facebook.com/NHTSA | Follow us on Twitter.com/NHTSAgov | Watch 5-Star Safety Ratings crash tests on YouTube.com/USDOTNHTSA | SaferCar.gov

Read more at: http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/2015/nhtsa-5-to-drive-campaign-2015

Lights Out? Check Vehicle Lighting

Fall is here and its arrival means fewer hours of daylight and upcoming holiday travel. Before hitting the road, it is a wise idea to make sure your vehicle’s lights are in proper working order, says the non-profit Car Care Council.

“Lights play a critical role in safe driving, as the chance of an accident increases if you can’t see or be seen,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “From the driver’s seat you may not notice a light that isn’t working, so inspect all of your car’s lights and replace those that are out.”

Lights are normal wear items that require periodic inspection and replacement. The vehicle lighting system provides nighttime visibility; signals and alerts other drivers; and supplies light for viewing instruments and the vehicle’s interior. In addition to replacing dimming, rapidly blinking and non-functioning lights, the following tips can help keep you safe:

Keep headlights, tail lights and signal lights clean. External dirt and debris can dim operational lights from being seen by others.

Make sure that your headlights are properly aimed. Misaimed headlights blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road.

If there is any doubt on whether or not your headlights should be on, turn them on. Lights not only help you see better in early twilight, they also make it easier for other drivers to see you.

Don’t overdrive your headlights; you should be able to stop inside the illuminated area, otherwise you are creating a blind crash area in front of your vehicle.

“Some states have laws that require the headlights to be on with the wipers,” said White. “Keeping your vehicle’s lights properly cared for and replacing wiper blades periodically will help ensure a safer ride, keeping the road ahead well-lit and giving you a clear view.”

For more information on vehicle lighting, service interval schedules, questions to ask a technician and tips to drive smart and save money, view the Car Care Council’s free digital Car Care Guide online at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide.

The non-profit Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a free copy of the council’s popular Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.

Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/2015/10/lights-check-vehicle-lighting/

Jeep Trackhawk: 600 hp?

The Dodge Challenger and Charger both have Hellcat engine options, bringing 707 horsepower to the cars. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk has long been rumored, and sources say it will indeed have the same engine, but without the same tuning.

There could be several reasons why it would be detuned somewhat:

Cooling is a major issue with this amount of power, and the Hellcats have goals of high consistency at full power. Competing cars from Chevrolet and Shelby have been slammed for throttling back on the power as they quickly heat up at the track.

The Jeep, unlike the others, is rumored to be all wheel drive, which could allow quicker launches — but would put more stress on the entire system. The engine may have to be tuned to put out the power that can reasonably and economically be handled by the drivetrain and suspension.The Grand Cherokee has a higher center of gravity and too much power could be dangerous.

Regardless, a Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk packing even 580 horsepower would be a major boost over the current 485 horsepower SRT model, and would likely attract even more attention from those who would normally go for a German crossover.

FCA US has already applied for a trademark on the Trackhawk name. The application has passed all the legal hurdles and USPTO approval of registration is now waiting for the company to file a Statement Of Use (SOU) in commerce.

Read more at: http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2015/10/jeep-trackhawk-600-hp-30326

First Hellcat tuning software launched

Hellcat Charger and Challenger owners looking for a few extra ponies may be excited to know that the first tuning system for the 6.2L supercharged Hemi has reached the market. It comes from Diablosport, one of the biggest names in the world of tuning, which has a history of adding power with their tuning software.

Diablosport has three power levels, and an extra bit of added security, should you need to return to the dealership for repairs. In each case, the tune is added by plugging into the car’s diagnostics port and pressing a couple of buttons to add a claimed 30+ rear-wheel horsepower.

The first tuning option is the stock tune, which works with the stock PCM tune so there is no power increase, but other aspects of the vehicle such as throttle response and transmission shifts are sharpened up for a more engaging driving experience. I haven’t driven a Hellcat car with the “stock tune,” but in other vehicles, it makes a big difference in driving dynamics. The Hellcat Challenger and Charger are good enough that the stock tune likely doesn’t have the impact on these cars that it does on my Dodge Ram, but this is an option for those who want a crisper drive with the stock power.

The second tuning option is the 91 Octane Performance Tune; it sharpens up the throttle response and adds around 28 horsepower and around 22 lb-ft of torque. Since the Hellcat test cars used by Diablosport laid down 660 rear wheel horsepower, the 91 Octane tune pushes it up around the 690 rwhp mark.

The top power comes from the 93 Octane Performance tune, which adds more than 30 horsepower and more than 30 lb-ft of torque. With this, the Hellcat Challenger and Charger are both capable of laying down just over 700 rear wheel horsepower. Diablosport claimed corrected numbers of 700.2 horsepower at the rear wheels, nearly 40 more horsepower at the rear wheels.

Additional Features, Added Security

Regardless of the tune, the Diablosport products allow Hellcat Dodge owners to adjust the neutral and idle RPM, move the rev limiter, adjust a speed limiter, disable the traction and stability control, adjustments for different tire sizes, and adjust when the cooling fan turns on and off – along with adjusting the engine parameters to make better power.

All of the Diablosport Hellcat tuning packages come with an extra PCM that will make trips to the dealership a little less of a headache. Retuning the engine can both void your engine warranty and cause dealership people to give you a hard time when you come in for service. Owners can send their factory PCM to Diablosport to be unlocked, but from there on out, the dealership will be able to tell that the PCM has been accessed.

The three tuning packages for the Hellcat Charger and Challenger coming with the tuning components themselves, along with an extra PCM already prepared to accept a tune. Thus, owners can swap out the factory PCM for the one with the tuning package; then swap the factory PCM back in before hitting the dealership. (This may violate the owner’s agreement with Dodge/FCA US).

Prices Partly because of the PCM being included, prices are fairly high. If you only want the modified PCM, e.g. to do custom tuning, Diablosport will sell it to you for $799.

If you want the full tuning package from Diablosport, you can pick either their Trinity tuner or their InTune tuner, both of which come with the unlocked PCM. The Trinity for the Hellcat costs $1,199 while the InTune system costs $1,099. Based on those numbers and the Diablosport price of $799 for the new PCM, the actual performance tunes and the tuning components (Trinity, InTune) is $300-400.

Read more at: http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2015/10/first-hellcat-tuning-software-launched-30303

Driver learns the value of a dashboard camera the hard way

Are you tempting fate? You are if you are among the 35% of Americans who have been skipping or delaying vehicle service and repairs, according to a new study by AAA.

The motoring and travel organization wants that putting off repairs, such as oil changes, and battery and tire replacements, can not only leave a family stranded on the side of the road but put their health and safety at risk. A delayed repair also can mean higher costs later.

“According to a survey of AAA’s certified Approved Auto Repair shops, consumers that forget or ignore recommended maintenance ultimately pay higher repair costs,” cautioned John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “These repair facilities estimate drivers can save an average of one hundred dollars per visit simply by properly maintaining their vehicle.”

AAA and other experts found that U.S. motorists routinely put off service and repairs during the Great Recession, a common problem during economic hard times. But the new study shows that more than one in three American vehicle owners are still delaying action even as the economy recovers.

That’s one of the reason AAA reports it had to respond to 29 million calls for roadside assistance in 2014. Three issues accounted for nearly 60% of those calls:

• Dead batteries. The organization says two-thirds of Americans have never had their vehicle batteries tested;
• Flat tires or blow-outs.  The AAA says 60% of Americans don’t regularly check tire pressure, despite the fact that can reduce fuel economy and lead to potentially deadly tire failures;
• Keys. Even with the rising use of keyless entry systems, AAA has seen “no significant reduction” in calls from drivers locked out of their vehicles.

But a number of other roadside service calls – about 12 million annually – are caused by engine problems, fuel issues and other “mechanical mishaps,” according to Nielsen, who stressed that many of these are the result of delayed or skipped service. Repeatedly putting off oil changes, for example, can eventually lead to an engine failure.

The study of 2014 roadside calls showed that AAA towed 2 million vehicles due to engine problems, and another 600,000 for transmission issues. Another 235,000 were towed to a service shop because of brake problems.

Fuel problems present another big problem. AAA says its service teams were called out 500,000 times last year because motorists ran out of gas. Meanwhile, more than 13,000 were towed in for repairs because diesel owners inadvertently filled up with gasoline – or vice versa.

Automotive service experts warn that such problems are likely to get worse in the months ahead as the weather starts turning cold in much of the country. That routinely leads to an increase in a number of common vehicle problems, notably battery failures.

Read more at: http://www.autoblog.com/2015/10/12/dashboard-camera-accident-scam-video/

2nd Annual Bikers and Friends Comedy Night

The 2nd Annual Bikers and Friends Comedy Night to support the American Legion Riders Veterans Support Outreach Project!!

WHERE: VFW Hall located at 633 Ford Ave, Wyandotte, MI 48192
WHEN: Saturday, October 24th 2015

Doors Open at 5:30PM; Dinner at 6:00pm; Show at 7:30pm

Headliner: Mark Knope ~ Feature: Mike Neubecker ~ Feature: Julie Lyons ~ Opener: Melanie Hearn

Advance Ticket Price: $25 ($30 at the door if available)
* Admission includes: Show, Buffet dinner, Two Beer/Wine or Soft Drink Tickets (cash bar)

50/50 Drawing, Door Prizes

Sponsored by:
American Legion Riders Downriver Chapter (Benefits Veteran Outreach programs)

Advanced Tickets available at:
American Legion post 217
2817 Van Alstyne St, Wyandotte
 OR
Tongues Coffee
2958 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte

Call Mike for more info: 734-771-2287

Cloud-Based Warning System Could Curb Wrong-Way Driving Deaths

What if there were a quick and simple system that alerted all drivers when someone was driving the wrong way down the road? ​German automotive supplier Bosch aims to better warn wrong-way drivers, both those actually driving the wrong way and those near the car driving the wrong way, using a cloud-based software application.



The premise is that Bosch provides a software application that constantly checks a vehicle's movements against what it understands as the permitted direction on any given road. Imagine it like any other GPS software, but with a specific focus on which way the car is moving. If the information gathered from the vehicles doesn't line up with the way they should be driving, that's when an alert goes out to both that driver and any oncoming drivers utilizing the system.

According to Bosch, radio alerts in Germany about wrong-way drivers can take several minutes to go out, by which time the danger's already come and gone for most folks. A statistic they quote says that one third of critical incidents caused by wrong-way drivers occurs within the first 1,650 feet or so, meaning that an accident's already happened in these cases before there's ever a radio-based warning. Thus the cloud-based system they're working on, which would alert folks much faster.

One potential flaw in the system: It's only as good as the number of vehicles using it. Part of the way it detects and alerts folks of wrong-way drivers appears to be tied up in information gathered anonymously from nearby vehicles. This also would be completely ineffective for anyone driving around without the software application, or without "an unbroken connection to the internet," which is something it requires to function.

The service is scheduled to launch in 2016, and will be made available for as many "infotainment" devices as possible, in hopes of casting a wide safety net. In the meantime, don't drive down streets the wrong way. That could help too.

Read more at: http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/car-technology/a26678/cloud-based-warning-system-could-curb-wrong-way-driving-deaths/?utm_campaign=trueAnthem%3A+Trending+Content&utm_content=55fbf09304d3013205000001&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=twitter

More serious parking security

Many people never use their parking / emergency brakes, which can put a great deal of pressure on the little parking pawl, a part of the automatic transmission which holds all three to five thousand pounds of a modern car, truck, or SUV.

One approach to the problem is using electrically operated, electronically controlled, automatic parking brakes (a control for one is shown below).

Electric parking brakes work automatically, so people who don’t normally use the parking brakes have no choice.

They also fix the problem of owners who don’t apply the brake enough to actually stop the car from moving (especially with hand-operated parking brakes, and any manually adjusted parking brakes that are neglected by owners and dealers alike). This relieves pressure on the parking pawl, and cuts the admittedly remote chance of the car moving on a steep hill.

A new approach from a Chrysler patent goes after the problem of over-working the parking pawl differently. It uses the computer to calibrate the transmission’s parking lock, using computer-controlled actuators that figure out exactly how far the pawl can be pushed in, so it’s fully engaged. The full system is described here. (Thanks, WhiteRhino07).

M-22 voted America's Best Scenic Autumn Drive

'Tis the season for the changing of the leaves — and a new survey shows Michigan is home to the nation's best autumn drive.

According to USA TODAY and 10Best readers, upper Michigan's M-22 highway is the most scenic drive in the country to view fall foliage.

The survey, which ended at noon Monday, ranked M-22 as America's Favorite Scenic Autumn Drive, competing against 19 other locations, including Maine's Historic Route 1 and Hocking Hills Scenic Byway in Ohio.

The 116-mile stretch of M-22 brings visitors through the peaceful countryside and along the shore, past wineries, galleries and an amazing path of colorful trees.

But don't rush Up North just yet. The Foliage Network reports very little change in the leaves in Michigan's lower peninsula, delayed by a gentle Indian summer.

 

As read on: http://www.freep.com/story/travel/michigan/2015/10/05/m-22-voted-americas-best-scenic-autumn-drive/72970232/

October is Fall Car Care Month: 10 Steps to Keep Your Car Up and Running

Getting your vehicle ready for winter while temperatures are still mild is a proactive approach to preventive maintenance that helps ensure safety, reliability and fewer unexpected repairs when severe winter weather strikes. Whether you do it yourself or take your car to a professional service technician, the non-profit Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures during Fall Car Care Month in October to keep your vehicle operating at its best.

1. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
 
2. Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.

3. Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.

4. Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.

5. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.

6. Check engine performance to make sure it is delivering the best balance of power and fuel economy and producing the lowest level of emissions.

7. Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons such as defrosting.

8. Inspect the steering and suspension system annually including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.

9. Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.

10. Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.

Signing up for the Car Care Council’s free personalized schedule and email reminder service is a simple way to help you take better care of your vehicle now and throughout the year. It is an easy-to-use resource designed to help you drive smart, save money and make informed decisions.
The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a free copy of the council’s popular Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.

Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/2015/09/october-fall-car-care-month-10-steps-keep-car-running/

State lawmakers consider 80 MPH speed limit

Can't drive 55? How does 80 sound? There's a new proposal in Lansing to raise the speed limit to 80 miles per hour on rural freeways.

State Representative Brad Jacobsen from Oakland County says most people are driving somewhere between 74 and 80 miles, anyway. He says if the road is straight and wide open, why not go 80 miles per hour?

The Michigan National Motorists Association says by raising speed limits, you reduce speed variance, you reduce tailgating, excess passing, lane shopping, passing on the right and other bad behaviors.

Critics of the plan say it's not desirable from a safety or economic standpoint. They believe more people die on the roads because of accidents at higher speeds and the cost savings are not worth putting people at greater risk.

Raising the speed limit to 80 would only apply to rural segments of freeways. The Standing Committee Meeting of Transportation and Infrastructure will meet next week to discuss the issue.

This is the third time it's been discussed by state lawmakers. Right now the bill is at the committee level and would need to be approved by them before it goes to the full house.

As read on: http://www.fox2detroit.com/news/local-news/26569946-story

State parks wrap up camping season with harvest festivals

Family-friendly events feature fall-themed activities like trick-or-treating and hay rides

Each year in the fall, Michigan state parks close out the busy summer camping season with a family favorite: harvest festivals. These events, offered this year at many locations statewide, are a great way to welcome autumn and feature activities such as pumpkin carving, costume contests, trick-or-treating and more. Each park puts its own personal spin on the celebration, so no two events are exactly the same.

Below is a list of upcoming harvest festival dates and locations. Asterisks (*) denote events for those with camping reservations.

Thursday, Oct. 1 – Sunday, Oct. 4
• *Bay City State Recreation Area (Bay County)

Friday, Oct. 2 – Saturday, Oct. 3
• *Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park (Grand Traverse County)
• *South Higgins Lake State Park (Roscommon County)
• Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson County)

Friday, Oct. 2 – Sunday, Oct. 4
• *Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area (Lapeer County)
• *Seven Lakes State Park (Oakland County)
• *Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County)
• *Sleeper State Park (Huron County)

Saturday, Oct. 3
• Aloha State Park (Cheboygan County)
• *Wilson State Park (Clare County)
• *Hartwick Pines State Park (Crawford County)
• Bay City State Recreation Area (Bay County)

Thursday, Oct. 8 – Sunday, Oct. 11
• *Bay City State Recreation Area (Bay County)

Friday, Oct. 9 – Saturday, Oct. 10
• Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson County)
• *Harrisville State Park (Alcona County)

Friday, Oct. 9 – Sunday, Oct. 11
• *Algonac State Park (St. Clair County)
• *Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County)
• Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area (Lapeer County)
• *Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County)
• *Sleeper State Park (Huron County)
• Young State Park (Charlevoix County)

Saturday, Oct. 10
• Bay City State Recreation Area (Bay County)

Friday, Oct. 16 – Saturday, Oct. 17
• Tawas Point State Park (Iosco County)

Friday, Oct. 16 – Sunday, Oct. 18
• Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area (Lapeer County)
• *Algonac State Park (St. Clair County)
• *Port Crescent State Park (Huron County)
• *Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County)

Saturday, Oct. 17
• Bay City State Recreation Area (Bay County)

Saturday, Oct. 24
• Cheboygan State Park (Cheboygan County)
• *Hayes State Park (Lenawee County)
• Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County)

To see a full list of events and details, visit www.michigan.gov/stateparks or contact a park directly.

Most harvest festival activities are free for registered campers and some are open to the public, but a Recreation Passport is required for park entry, and camping fees apply. To check camping availability and make a reservation, visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-447-2757.

Learn more about how the Recreation Passport gains you access to Michigan state parks and more at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.

Inside Michigan’s Great Outdoors subscribers are always the first to know about reservation opportunities, state park events and other outdoor happenings. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr to subscribe now.