BE AWARE! KEEP YOUR VEHICLE SAFE, DEPENDABLE AND ON THE ROAD LONGER.

National Tire Safety Week May 29-June 4

National Tire Safety Week is May 29 - June 4. Now is a great time to inspect your tires for wear and tear, as well as check tire pressure and alignment.

According to a national survey conducted by the Rubber Manufacturers Association, only 17 percent of drivers are considered “tire smart” and know the correct way to check their tire pressure.

“Underinflated tires are under stress and will eventually wear unevenly, making them a safety hazard, not to mention an added expense since the worn out tires will have to be replaced sooner,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Properly inflated tires will not only help keep you safe on the road, but will improve gas mileage and performance.”

The Car Care Council recommends that vehicle owners check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, on a monthly basis and more often during colder weather. Tires should be inflated to recommended pressure levels, rotated every 6,000 miles to promote uniform tire wear and be replaced if worn or damaged.

The penny test is a popular and simple way to check tire tread. If you see Lincoln’s head above the tread, than it is time for new tires. In addition, the tread should be checked for uneven or irregular wear as well as cuts or bruises along sidewalls.

“Tires are such an important safety issue that you can’t take their condition lightly,” continued White. “Routinely checking tire balance and wheel alignment will reduce tire wear and improve handling.”

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 80-page Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.

Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/2016/05/use-spare-time-check-tires/

The New Jeep Wrangler's Roof May Do Three Things It's Never Done

It seems almost certain that the new Jeep Wrangler will hang on to the model’s signature solid-axle off-road orientation and pretty much keep the styling we know and love. But now I’m hearing that the 2018 will have three roof configurations never seen on a stock Wrangler before.

At the beginning of 2015 “jlwranglerforums” came online, dedicated to – you guessed it – the next Jeep Wrangler which will have the chassis code JL. Just a few days ago a user simply called “Administrator” posted a thread listing release dates, engine, transmission and feature options attributed only to “our dealer source.”

“The information comes from our inside source who has provided us with credible information in the past,” Administrator explained me in an email.

They also said– “Our source has told us the traditional soft top will be replaced by powered soft top panels that fold down. There will be an optional hardtop glass panel resembling a panoramic sunroof but likely to not be completely unobstructed view due to the substructure. The next Wrangler will also come in a true 3-piece steel roof hardtop.”

Let’s talk about these.

Power soft top

Polish your pitchforks, purists! Administrator here says the traditional soft top will be replaced. You’ll take another dollop of mass and breakable mechanics and you’ll like it. The strong majority of Wranglers’s market, people who drive them for the general fun they provide rather than extreme rock-crawling ability, definitely will.

Remember how long it took that idiot on YouTube to take down the manually folding soft top for the first time? Replacing even thirty seconds of screwing around with zippers and velcro with the touch of a button is going to be a big plus for a lot of people.

That said, I hope Jeep leaves a manual version on the options list.

Hardtop glass panel

Pickup trucks are getting panoramic sunroofs, why not Wranglers?

Real talk: this is a concept I’ve never even considered, but now that I’ve heard about it it’s going to tantalize me in dreams more than any other rumored Wrangler feature.

A glass roof is a fantastic solution for Wrangler drivers who want to appreciate the vehicle’s “openness” in relatively quiet, temperate conditions. Like myself on a ski trip. I wish I’d thought of it sooner so I could have added it to the long list of things I regularly rant about.

Surprisingly this seems to be one feature even the mighty Wrangler aftermarket has not cooked up yet. I would expect serious popularity if Jeep pulls this off.

True 3-piece hardtop

“What’s the current one... false?”

The current (JK) Wrangler’s optional “three-piece” hardtop is identified as such because the left and right sides over the front seats come off separately, allowing the Jeep to be driven “targa style.” The third piece would be the big section covering the rear seats and coming down to form the sides of the rear cargo area.

I hypothesize the phrase “true three-piece” is either PR hogwash that translates to “regular-ass three-piece” or it means the new one has some kind of functionality that allows it to sit in three distinct stages.

You wouldn’t really drive around with just the left or right front bit of the roof out but if the top were divided into front, rear, and cargo covering-parts there could be some added utility.

Of course, we’ve got to take any and all information from anonymous sources with a coarse lump of salt, but I think all three of these roof-ideas are sound and plausible.

Read more at: http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/the-new-jeep-wranglers-roof-may-do-three-things-its-nev-1777624947

The Tradition Continues | Jeep Jamboree 2016 Schedule

The 4×4 tradition continues in 2016 with a new season of Jeep® Jamboree off-road adventures. For young and old, for novice and experienced trail riders, Jeep® Jamboree is a way for families and friends to come together in celebration of the Jeep® brand, outdoor exploration and the off-road way of life.

Are you ready to hit the trail this year?

With Jeep® Jamboree events all around the country, including new, exciting events on the schedule, there’s sure to be an outing that’s perfect for you.

Upcoming 2016 Jeep® Jamboree Events

In addition, Jeep® Jamboree 2016 will continue to feature your favorite locations, as well as bonus trips like Coal Mountain Springs in Pennsylvania, platinum 4×4 adventures like Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Adventure, and signature outings like 1st Monument Valley in Utah.

For an interactive map of upcoming events, and to register for your 2016 Jeep® Jamboree trail ride, visit jeepjamboreeusa.com/tripregister. Wait lists are available for some locations.

7TH BADLANDS
Attica, Indiana
Jun 2 – Jun 4

2ND TILLAMOOK
Tillamook, Oregon
Jun 2 – Jun 4

9TH TOP OF THE OZARKS
Seymour, Missouri
Jun 9 – Jun 11

24TH DRUMMOND ISLAND
Drummond Island, Michigan
Jun 16 – Jun 18

19TH PENN’S WOODS
Bradford, Pennsylvania
Jun 23 – Jun 25

15TH SILVER VALLEY
Mullan/Wallace, Idaho
Jun 23 – Jun 25

10TH KILLINGTON
Killington, Vermont
Jul 14 – Jul 16

21ST NORTHWOODS – MOLE LAKE
Crandon, Wisconsin
Jul 14 – Jul 16

5TH COAL MOUNTAIN
Coal Township, Pennsylvania
Jul 28 – Jul 30

19TH RUBICON TRAIL
The Rubicon Trail, California
Aug 11 – Aug 14

RUBICON TRAIL ADVENTURE W/ ROD HALL
The Rubicon Trail, California
Aug 11 – Aug 14

8TH BIGHORN MOUNTAINS
Dayton, Wyoming
Aug 18 – Aug 20

27TH OUACHITA
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Sep 8 – Sep 10

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE
Telluride, Colorado
Sep 8 – Sep 10

29TH OURAY
Ouray, Colorado
Sep 15 – Sep 17

19TH CATSKILL MOUNTAINS
Monticello, New York
Sep 15 – Sep 17

EXPEDITION MOAB
Moab, Utah
Sep 15 – Sep 17

7TH CULLMAN – STONY LONESOME
Cullman, Alabama
Sep 22 – Sep 24

24TH BLACK HILLS
Deadwood, South Dakota
Sep 22 – Sep 24

27TH MAINE MOUNTAINS
Bethel, Maine
Sep 29 – Oct 1

3RD OZARK ADVENTURE
Ozark, Arkansas
Sep 29 – Oct 1

2ND UWHARRIE
Troy, North Carolina
Oct 6 – Oct 8

23RD GATEWAY TO THE CUMBERLANDS
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Oct 20 – Oct 22

18TH MOAB
Moab, Utah
Oct 20 – Oct 22

3RD GREENBRIER VALLEY
White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Oct 27 – Oct 29

1ST MONUMENT VALLEY
Monument Valley, Utah
Oct 27 – Oct 29

Need a little more time to plan your trip? For those looking ahead to late summer, look no further than the 27th Ouachita in Hot Springs, Arkansas, September 8–10. When the goal is to get muddy (isn’t it always?) and if you want to have a story to share, there’s no better place than 1,200 wooded acres for 4×4 trail riding and off-road camaraderie.

Once you select the trail that’s right for you, check out the 2015 Jeep® Jamboree blog post for tips on preparing for your off-road adventure, and for a rundown on the history of Jeep® Jamboree and its founder, Mark Smith. The better prepared you are with necessary gear, a knowledge of the trails and an understanding of the Jeep® Jamboree culture, the more enjoyable your experience will be.

Learn more about Jeep® Jamboree at jeepjamboreeusa.com, and visit jeep.com to start planning your off-road adventures for 2016. Jeep is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.

Read more at: http://blog.jeep.com/news/tradition-continues-jeep-jamboree-2016-schedule/

Test Drive a Dodge Challenger Today

Strap yourself in and get ready for the ride of your life when you’re driving the 2016 Dodge Challenger for sale in Plymouth, MI. This legendary muscle car has top-notch power that gives you heart-racing performance every time its engine roars to life. To see this beast for yourself in person, take a quick trip over to Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

Under the hood of the 2016 Challenger is the option between four robust engines, each of which is more powerful than the last. It comes standard with the 3.6L V6 Pentastar® engine on its base trim level to balance out power with responsible fuel economy. It offers 305 horsepower and 268 lb.-ft. of torque, and you’ll be able to pass up gas stations with ease as it records 30 MPG hwy1. To kick things up a notch when you need a burst of speed on I-275, upgrade to the 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine for a raucous 375 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque.

interior

Even more power awaits with the available 6.4L HEMI® V8 engine. It has a best-in-class2 485 horsepower to go with 475 lb.-ft. of torque. For when you’re out on the track, this engine will get you to a sizzling top speed3 of 182 MPH. The cream of the crop, however, is the supercharged 6.2L V8 HEMI® SRT Hellcat engine. It is the most powerful muscle car ever4, and you’ll have a rush of adrenaline every time you hit the gas with its 707 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque. On any of these engines, you have the option of between the TorqueFlite® 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, or a 6-speed manual transmission.

Slide into the interior of the 2016 Dodge Challenger for sale in Plymouth, MI, and you’ll find an area that is built to make driving more comfortable for you, the driver. It has a class-exclusive4 7-inch reconfigurable Driver Information Digital Cluster Display that can offer a variety of vehicle information, including 0-60 MPH time3, reaction time, and a lap timer. For entertainment, the 2016 Challenger offers an available Sound Group with six Alpine® speakers and a 276-watt amplifier. For an even better listening experience, upgrade to Sound Group II with nine Alpine® speakers, a subwoofer, and a 506-watt amplifier. With the available Uconnect® 8.4 NAV, you’ll have a class-exclusive4 8.4-inch touchscreen to host all of your favorite apps, navigation, and more!

The 2016 Dodge Challenger for sale in Plymouth, MI, is a muscle car that is able to back up its notoriety with incredible performance. But the Challenger has so much more to offer than just raw power! Take it for a test drive today at Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, located at 684 W. Ann Arbor Rd. in Plymouth, MI!

LinkedIn Users Might Want To Change All Of Their Passwords ASAP

A 2012 LinkedIn hack was much bigger than previously expected, with well over 100 million people potentially at risk, the professional networking site announced earlier this week.

If you’ve been a member of the site for that long, it’s possible that your personal details and password were leaked online by hackers. Assuming your email address has remained constant all this time, you probably got a message like this earlier in the week:

 Discomfiting? You bet. While the passwords were encrypted — an additional layer of security that essentially masks the characters — hackers have “cracked” most of them, Motherboard’s Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai reported on Wednesday. In other words, it’s quite possible that your email and password are in the wrong hands right now.

That’s a big problem if you use the same password across websites. Think of it this way: If a hacker sees from the LinkedIn hack that your email address ends in @gmail.com, he or she might try logging into your inbox with the same password from the LinkedIn breach. If it works, all of your messages are now exposed, potentially including banking information or allowing access to other sites.

To keep yourself safe, you’ll want to immediately change any of your passwords that match the one you used on LinkedIn. Start with your email. The best practice is to use a unique password on every service — to avoid this exact situation should hacks occur.

You should also enable two-factor authentication on any sites that allow it. (LinkedIn does, for example.) Generally, this unfortunately named security feature will send a text message to your phone with a special passcode whenever someone (including yourself) tries to log into a service from an unrecognized device. A hacker might get your password, but they probably won’t have your phone as well, which means they’ll stay locked out.

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/linkedin-hack-change-password_us_573f2865e4b00e09e89ece22?

2018 Jeep Wrangler spy shots

A couple weeks ago, we got a fairly comprehensive set of 2018 Jeep Wrangler spy shots. For fans of the JK-series Jeeps, it was all good news: the basic Wrangler Unlimited formula and shape is present and accounted for, meaning this new Wrangler will be an evolution of the current SUV, rather than a ground-up reimagining.

Picture Courtesy of www.autoblog.com

The new shots give us some more detail than we had previously, and let us point out some JL Wrangler features that reaffirm FCA's conservative approach. First of all, the heavy camouflage doesn't manage to fully cover the exposed door hinges, just like in the current model, so those are a safe bet for the production version. The raked-back windshield might lose its ability to fold down, we've heard. The JL remains a body-on-frame truck with a solid front axle, evidenced by the front diff peeking out and the radius arms connected to them.

The large exterior mirrors also appear to be carryover items, and the taillights look indistinguishable from the current JK. We expect the front fascia to remain clearly recognizable as a Wrangler, but don't be surprised if the headlight and sidemarkers incorporate some LED elements as a nod to current trends.

Remember, the JL will spawn a pickup version, and will slim down for better fuel economy with some aluminum elements, likely incorporated in the body. We expect the Pentastar V6 to carry over, but be joined by a diesel and a mild hybrid at some point in the future. It'll be built alongside its JK predecessor for a short time in Toledo, Ohio.

Read more at: http://www.autoblog.com/2016/05/18/2018-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-spy-photos-best-look-yet/?ncid=edlinkusauto00000016

How big will the next Dodge Charger be?

Back in 1960, Chrysler Corporation converted almost its entire product line from body-on-frame to unibody (still using subframes). The revolutionary change could have frightened customers off, as the Airflow did, despite extensive testing.

The company’s leaders thought they could prevent customer resistance by making the cars look fairly similar to the 1959s, a successful strategy. They were lighter and handled better, and that’s all most customers noticed. Chrysler could have made major changes to the styling to call attention to the change, but chose not to.

That made a comment by reliable source oh2o especially interesting: he wrote that the next-generation Charger would be about the size it is today. Most sources have claimed that the Charger would be shrinking to differentiate it more from the 300.

This goes along with yet-unconfirmed rumors that Chrysler might make a large front wheel drive car — a niche flagship which, thanks to shared engineering and a shared plant with the Pacifica, would not need to sell in large numbers to make a profit. The Chrysler could be even larger inside, perhaps sacrificing the V8 for a six, turbocharged or not.

The Charger would stay a muscle car, keeping its size and successful market niche, but with higher gas mileage, better acceleration with its standard engines, and better handling.

As for running against Mustangs and Camaros, there’s no reason for the Charger to do that anyway — now that we have the Dodge Challenger. Indeed, when the original Dodge Charger was made, it was not aimed at the Mustang or Camaro; that was the job of the Plymouth Barracuda (joined in 1970 by the Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Duster).

Read more at: http://www.allpar.com/news/2016/05/how-big-will-the-next-dodge-charger-be-31783

The Most Photographed Generation Will Have No Pictures in 10 Years!

Cameras.

They’re everywhere. In your phone, on your tablet, you have your point-n-shoot, and maybe even a DSLR. A few might even own a film camera. You can’t escape the selfies, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. People are deluged with photographs. And today, people are taking more pictures than ever before. It’s been estimated that in the past 5 years, more photos have been taken than all the prior years combined.

The sad part is that few of these photographs will survive beyond a year. To many people, a “picture” is only good for the moment. Moms and Dads want to snap every little movement of that new baby. Grandma wants to see everyone one of those too. When you want to show off the new puppy, you pull out the phone. And in a week, none of them have any real meaning and might even get “deleted” just to make room for more pictures that have little meaning as well inside of a couple of weeks.

So what will become of all the pictures that are being taken today? Here is the reason that 99% of the photographs being taken today are soon going to be totally gone – digital images are no longer important enough to most people to actually keep them in printed form!

Yes, I started in a film only world. We bought a roll of film and took our vacation photographs. We had them developed and printed. They were put in photo albums or photo boxes. We looked at them and cherished those memories with great care. They were a slice of our life and for many, if disaster struck, those photographs were the one thing we would try to find first. Wedding albums and photographs represented our LIFE and we salvaged all we could.

It is estimated and less that 1 out of 100,000 photographs taken today actually ends up being a printed photograph. The digital world means you can look at those on some computer screen and without one, you have nothing. You probably have countless pictures that are just randomly stored and has no organization or way to locate them. Perhaps you have made some effort, but even that can seem overwhelming a task when you decide to tackle the task.

Add to this, over the years, the technology has changed so fast, that many photographs taken 6-7 years ago are stored on a type of media that is no longer supported. I have boxes of floppy discs and not even a computer that works to view them. In 5 years or less, your DVD is going to be obsolete as will your USB drives. File types are going to change as well. And the technology of tomorrow may not support these “older” file types.

Many today have older cell phones with countless pictures on them. Maybe you “shared” some on Facebook or Instagram or uploaded to your photo storage website. But none of these are “permanent” solutions to viewing your photos and sadly, many of your memories you captured today, aren’t going to be around tomorrow. So where is that old cellphone today? In a drawer someplace, your not sure where, but you know it’s around here somewhere!

There are also countless memory cards filled with photographs. Each of those represent a small slice of you or something that was a part of your life. Some are older and you have fewer options to view them as technology simply outpaces their usefulness. Does anyone remember the 256mb SD cards when today, a 4 gb is considered tiny?

Perhaps you go to a Professional Photographer and all you want is someone to “take some pictures and give us the disc”. After all, it IS a “digital world” and it shouldn’t cost you very much. You can “take them down to the 1 hr place” and get prints really cheap. No film. No prints from the lab needed to “see” them. So where are your discs today? Probably in that same drawer you haven’t found yet where that old cell phone is “lost” in. I doubt you have your DVD’s or old floppies on your wall! And when Mom asks if you have that adorable photo of your now 16 year old son or daughter- you know the one when they were 2- and you have to answer, I do, but I have to find it. “It’s on a disk…someplace…I think….maybe we still do…honey, where did we put that disk again?”.

In my home, you will find photographs. Real, honest to goodness prints. Nothing fancy in most cases and most are just plain snapshots of family at holidays, on vacation, or doing something silly or even important. These are the slices of our lives where we can open the old “self sticking” album and find out it no longer sticks. Where memories of our life unfolds before our eyes. We laugh. We cry. We tease each other. Our life is right there. It’s in that printed image that anyone can see. There is no wondering “if this file type is still supported” or does my “machine still have a DVD drive”. None of that is needed. Even the older, not quite as sharp as they used to be eyes can see them and feel the emotions of that instant in time as if it happened yesterday. These are the things we protect with everything we have should some disaster strike and the ones we start looking for first if it does. All of a sudden that $250 DeLonghi Coffee maker isn’t all that important. Nor is the fishing boat. Or the 72″ big screen TV with all the bells and whistles. It’s always the memories of our lives that become the thing we search for first.

So if you are part of this “digital revolution”, let me ask you- where are YOUR photographs? Stuck on some disc or stored out there is cyberspace someplace, hopefully, perhaps? Why didn’t you actually purchase that $500 canvas to display in your home that your Professional photographer worked so hard to produce for you? That was a “one of a kind” work of ART and an heirloom piece for your family to have and remember that little slice of their life. It is something that will be passed from generation to generation and the only visual way your heirs will see what you looked like and the love and emotions you expressed the instant that image was captured.

2025. You just found that DVD you had in that drawer you couldn’t remember which one it was. Along with 9 old cell phones that no longer will work with today’s new technology. Your 3 inch by 3 inch cube computer no longer has a DVD drive since in 2015 they were totally phased out. Your 3rd grandchild is sitting on your knee and asks to see pictures of their Mom- and all you have to show them is this piece of round plastic that is pretty much worthless. Not to mention dusty and scratched from all those old cellphones moving around every time you opened that drawer. And since Instagram had been merged with another company, and they started charging, you let that go 8 years ago.

I guess that makes you one of the “most photographed generation that doesn’t have a photograph in 10 years”. I guess it wasn’t that important then. Digital was cheap. Cameras were everywhere. It just didn’t seem that important.

Lost memories are expensive.

Read more at: https://mikeyostphotography.wordpress.com/2015/01/31/the-most-photographed-generation-will-have-no-pictures-in-10-years/

Indian Motorcycle Introduces the 2016 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Indian Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle company, today introduced the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse, a blacked-out hard bagger that allows riders to easily customize their ride and hit the highway in head-turning style.

A bagger with undeniable presence, the Chieftain Dark Horse offers a ton of matte black, a flicker of chrome, and a wealth of features to roll as one of the most bad-ass American-made V-twin touring bikes on the market. By all but eliminating chrome from the motorcycle, the Dark Horse conveys an aggressive attitude that demands attention for all the right reasons.

Powered by the celebrated Thunder Stroke 111 engine and built upon the same highly lauded chassis and suspension as the Indian Chieftain, the edgy new Chieftain Dark Horse comes from the factory outfitted with a solo seat and short, tinted power windscreen, yet maintains its spacious hard bags, ABS, electronic cruise control, integrated premium audio system and remote key fob with keyless ignition.

To amplify the Dark Horse family attributes, not only are the fenders, fairing, fuel tank and bags blacked out, the iconic Indian Motorcycle headdress, forks, mirrors, handlebars and switch cubes, turn signals, tank console, engine and airbox cover, lower controls, floorboards and taillight housing are also blacked out.

Indian Motorcycle also offers a large selection of authentic factory accessories to further individualize your already stealthy ride, including new Blackout series accessory air cleaners, performance cams and slip-on exhausts, as well 100-watt saddlebag lid speakers.

“The Indian Chieftain Dark Horse’s blacked-out styling and powerful Thunder Stroke 111 engine will elevate our rider to the top of the pack,” said Reid Wilson, Marketing Director for Indian Motorcycle. “Starting with the award-winning Chieftain platform, the Dark Horse series signature matte black paint and raw attitude is an open canvas for customization that makes it the perfect bike for riders who are ready to ‘Be Legendary’.”

The Indian Chieftain Dark Horse comes with a two-year unlimited mileage factory warranty and is available in dealerships now starting at just $21,999. For more information, visit www.IndianMotorcycle.com.

As read on: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160511005206/en/

Apple CarPlay: New Car Technology

If you love your iPhone, then you'll love Apple CarPlay -- a system that mirrors your iPhone's functionality on your car's infotainment system. It's a new feature that's available on a wide range of new models including Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and Ram vehicles.

How It Works

Here's how it works: Plug in your phone with a USB cord and tap the CarPlay icon. You'll immediately see the familiar Apple interface on the car's touchscreen. You control CarPlay using the car's touchscreen, Siri voice commands, steering-wheel controls or traditional knobs and buttons.

The system works well with directions, and we think the maps function is a good replacement for most in-car navigation systems. As for keeping in touch, the system can play voicemails and read or reply to text messages -- all via voice command.

Apple CarPlay also gives you lots of options for accessing your favorite music, podcasts and audiobooks, allowing you to call up a playlist, listen to a favorite song on iTunes or call up a popular app such as Pandora, Spotify or Audible.

With its many safety benefits and easy-to-use interface, look for CarPlay to show up on more and more new vehicles.

Drawbacks

Apple’s CarPlay feature isn’t perfect. We do like it but there are a few drawbacks. First, you need a cable. CarPlay doesn’t work without a hardwire connection to the car. The similar system for Android users (called Android Auto) does not need a wired connection. One thing we dislike about this setup is that finding an Apple Lightning cable has become our new hobby and is not fun. Second, the system can freeze or get confused. If you try to do too many things very quickly, the system can freeze or stop working for a few seconds. Lastly, you need a strong cellular signal to keep features like Pandora and Apple maps working well and properly.

While all new technology options are not without a few hiccups in the beginnig we know that the good outweigh the bad and the hiccups will certainly be worked out as technology continutes to improve.

Learn more about Apple CarPlay at: http://www.apple.com/ios/carplay/

Read more at: http://www.autotrader.com/car-video/apple-carplay-new-car-technology-video-252892?LNX=SOMEDFBGENPOST

New evidence for a FWD Chrysler 300

Years ago, Volkswagen made a top of the line car, the Phaeton, and a crossover, the Touareg. When I reviewed them back to back, I realized they were essentially the same — same powertrains, same chassis, same interior — except that one was a tall wagon and one was a sedan.

For years, there have been rumors that Chrysler was considering a large front wheel drive sedan to replace the current Chrysler 300 — something along the lines of the Concorde, 300M, and LHS. With the new Chrysler Pacifica being praised for its interior (which shares quite a bit with the 200) and handling, it seemed like an answer to the question of how to differentiate Dodge and Chrysler.

The Charger and 300 are quite similar in most ways; but making Dodge all rear wheel drive, while keeping Chrysler front wheel drive, would differentiate the divisions and allow both to grow without confusion.

Sergio Marchionne today called the Pacifica’s architecture flexible enough that the plant could build the next-generation Chrysler 300. He said “that’s not a commitment,” but engineering would have to be under way at least sometime this year to make a 300 out of shared-with-Charger, shared-with-Maserati, or shared-with-Pacifica ingredients.

A front/all wheel drive Chrysler 300, with a PHEV variant and more interior room than the current model, is indeed possible — as the rumors have claimed for years.

Read more at: https://dickscottblog.wordpress.com/wp-admin/edit.php

Five things you should never do with a 4x4 vehicle

You see that switch down by your knee. You can see that it has numbers and letters. You don't fully understand what it all means, but you're itching to test it all out. That's the drive selector, and before you slam it into 4Lo you should watch the video above. Engineering Explained is here to walk you through the five things you should not be doing with your 4x4 vehicle.

First up is a pretty basic one. If your vehicle is equipped with one or more locking differentials, make sure you're not using them on the pavement. When you lock up the center differential, you're telling the vehicle to send equal power and wheel speed to the front and rear axles. This becomes an issue when you want to make a turn, as EE clearly illustrates.

Next up is to make sure that you don't attempt to put your vehicle into 4Lo while moving. Some vehicles allow you to make this switch at very slow speeds, but it's best to just come to a stop and allow the input shafts and gears to be at the same speed. That ideal speed would be zero.

Third, don't mash the throttle when you're stuck. All you're going to do is make the situation worse. EE's host Jason Fenske talks about the differences between static and kinetic friction to make his point. When you go flat on the gas, you're going to sit there as your tires spin and dig you deeper into the hole you've created.

Our fourth 4x4 bullet point concerns traction control. For the most part, you're going to want to keep it on. These systems are very intelligent and can help you out more than they'll hurt you. If you're driving through a surface like mud or sand, however, where you can sink, you'll probably want it off so the engine doesn't cut power on you. Momentum is key, and traction control could rob you of that.

Finally, once you're done with your day of wheelin', make sure you don't just pack up and drive home. Take your time and inspect the undercarriage of your ride. You could've bent suspension or steering bits. You could've banged up your exhaust. There could be branches or rocks packed into your movable parts, or mud could be covering your radiator. All of those issues can cause problems, so it's better to find out before you hit the highway for your journey home.

Read more at: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1103781_five-things-you-should-never-do-with-a-4x4-vehicle?fbfanpage

What do little Jeeps and big vans have in common?

Sales numbers bump around a lot, but sometimes patterns emerge — and this month, two big ones showed up.

First, the rise of the little crossovers, with Jeep Compass and Renegade both doubling their sales figures from April 2015. This is the trend Sergio Marchionne was talking about when he rationalized dropping Dart and 200 development (Dart fell by 49% and 200 by 60%). The Compass has been around for years; yet its sales doubled. The new-ish Renegade still beat it. The Patriot, similar in most ways to the Compass, posted a 10% gain.

The small-crossover story continues “out of brand” with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V beating the Civic and Corolla, respectively. Only the Toyota Camry beat its crossover version. (Fiat’s 500X+500L together outsold last year’s 500L alone, but those numbers are still minimal: all Fiats combined hit 3,045.)

As for the big vans, both the Chrysler Town & Country and Caravan soared. The relatively inexpensive Caravan more than doubled in sales, rising 116% to 13,203 for the month — beating every other Dodge and every Chrysler (but only coming in middlin’ by Jeep standards). The pricier Town & Country hit 9,195 sales. It’s possible that some of this is due to incentives, as the company clears lots for the new Pacifica; and some may be from customers seeking to get a cheap Dodge minivan while they can, not realizing that the Dodge will stay in production for around another year.

Perhaps minivans are just having a good month: at Honda, Odyssey sales rose by 13%, hitting 13,047. But at Toyota, Sienna sales dropped by 8% to 10,795. It looks like this is an FCA phenomenon, and it’s pushed the Caravan to #1 best selling minivan in the US for April. Year to date, the Odyssey clocks in at 40,486 and Caravan at 46,915, a nice lead (Chrysler is at 40,811, also beating the Odyssey, though not be quite as much.)

The other big vans — the ProMasters — did well, too. The full sized ProMaster hit a 61% increase, to 2,835; and the City rose by 89% to 1,880. Ford dominates this market to an absurd degree, partly through consistency.

Read more at: http://www.allpar.com/news/2016/05/what-do-little-jeeps-and-big-vans-have-in-common-31724

Google-Chrysler hookup is real

The Chrysler Pacifica will be able to drive itself.

Google’s Self-Driving Car Project and Fiat Chrysler announced that the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans would be integrated into Google’s self-driving test program, the first time that Google has worked directly with an automaker. The number of Pacificas to be added to the Google fleet will be greater than the total size of the fleet today.

FCA will engineer around 100 vehicles for Google, which will integrate its sensors and computers. The project will be located in southeast Michigan.

John Krafcik, Chief Executive Officer of the Google Self-Driving Car Project, said, “FCA has a nimble and experienced engineering team and the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan is well-suited for Google’s self-driving technology.”

Around 33,000 deaths occur each year on U.S. roads, 94% of which are caused by human error.

Google’s self-driving cars are currently being tested in four U.S. cities. Self-driving Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans will be tested at Google’s private test track in California before running on public roads.

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of FCA, had previously said that the company would seek partnerships for autonomous-car technology rather than creating it in-house.

The story was scooped by numerous publications before the announcement.

Read more at: http://www.allpar.com/news/2016/05/google-chrysler-hookup-is-real-31726

Parking Pointer: Is It Safer to Back in or Pull Forward?

Parking your car can be tricky, especially when so many things can go wrong. Most Americans—76 percent—prefer pulling into a spot and then backing out, according to AAA research. But the safest way to park is to back into a space and then pull forward when you’re leaving.* This method maximizes your visibility and minimizes your chances of hitting a cyclist, pedestrian or another car. But backing into a parking spot can be intimidating.

Check the area for pedestrians and moving vehicles before putting your car into reverse.

Don’t depend on your car’s backup camera or mirrors to see what’s behind you.

Tap your brake pedal to increase your visibility to others.

Back slowly into your spot, continuing to check the area for people.

Park away from entrances and other cars when possible.

* Always follow posted parking signs. Some municipalities do not allow motorists to back into a parking space.

Read more at: http://community.autoclubsouth.aaa.com/t5/Safety/Parking-Pointer-Is-It-Safer-to-Back-in-or-Pull-Forward/ba-p/255542

New Polaris Sportsman 6x6 BIG BOSS 570 EPS

Polaris Industries Inc. introduced the all-new 2017 Sportsman® 6x6 BIG BOSS 570 EPS all-terrain vehicle (ATV) to the company’s powerful off-road lineup. The new six-wheel drive BIG BOSS offers more traction, range, capacity and versatility to take on the most demanding off-road conditions, and was built for customers desiring to reach the most remote destinations.

“The all new BIG BOSS offers ultimate utility for our customers who use ATVs for epic hunting trips or need to work in the harshest of conditions,” said Steve Smith, director of Product Planning, Polaris Off-Road Vehicles. “Unlike any other ATV, it is designed specifically for customers who demand ultimate traction, massive payload and carrying versatility. This vehicle takes on the biggest jobs, anywhere.”

The BIG BOSS is the industry’s first 6x6 ATV built for two people and it has the ability to haul incredible amounts of gear with the industry’s largest payload, a highly configurable Lock & Ride® cargo system, and integrated front storage.

The Sportsman 6x6 BIG BOSS 570 EPS has a longer chassis to accommodate more cargo and a second person. The exclusive, fully integrated passenger system includes a raised second seat for more visibility, as well as hand grips and foot rests. Behind the passenger, an 800-lb. (362 kg) capacity gas-assist dump box with steel Lock & Ride bed rails; dual rear racks with integrated 5-gallon bucket mounts; and six high-mounted, tie-down points ensure the biggest loads are secure. Integrated box dividers allow the dump box to be configured into two different sections while the stake pockets add height to the box to carry more gear. Up front, the vehicle provides even more carrying capacity with the industry’s only integrated, 6.5-gal (24.61 L) front storage and factory-installed rack extender that can carry 90 lbs. (40 kg). The vehicle also is equipped with a standard 2-in (5.08 cm) receiver, and has a 1,500-lb. (680 kg) towing capacity to haul out big game or work harder on the job site.

For additional versatility, the BIG BOSS can be customized for the biggest hunts and most remote jobs all year round with more than 30 Polaris Engineered Accessories™. The vehicle offers the ultimate in fast and easy accessory integration with the industry’s only integrated winch and plow mounts. Accessories such as the new Yukon Adventure Rack add height, additional tie-down points and more security to the rear box; and the convertible, dry storage accessory box, which can be used in either the one-up or two-up riding position, allows the BIG BOSS to be even more versatile.

To travel to the most remote places, a vehicle must be fuel efficient and have the ability to conquer the most-demanding terrain while keeping the operator comfortable. The BIG BOSS does all three.

For ultimate range and proven performance, the BIG BOSS features the highly efficient, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder Pro-Star® 570 engine, delivering 44 horsepower and plenty of torque for working, hunting and traversing tough terrain. The engine features dual overhead cams and four valves, along with an automotive-style Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system for flawless starts and smooth operation in varied temperature and altitude. The vehicle boasts the industry’s largest fuel capacity at 6.75 gal (25.6 L), about 50-percent more than most ATVs, and an industry-leading range of up to 130 miles (209 km) ensuring the operator can focus on the hunt or getting the job done.

To tackle the toughest terrain, the BIG BOSS relies on Polaris’ proven and legendary All-Wheel Independent Suspension with the most rear suspension travel of any 6x6 (8.2 in [20.83 cm] front, 9.5 in [24.93 cm] rear) and 11.5 in. (29.21 cm) of ground clearance. The vehicle features 4WD and 6WD options with the flip of a switch, and the industry’s fastest-engaging High Performance On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system to give the operator instant engagement when more traction is needed. To complement the drive system, the BIG BOSS is equipped with aggressive 26-in. (66.04 cm) PXT tires that are Polaris-proven and reliable in all types of terrain. For traversing mountainous areas, the vehicle also features Polaris’ exclusive Engine Braking System (EBS) with Active Descent Control (ADC) that work together to provide six-wheel braking for optimum control and smooth deceleration during descents.

To make the biggest hunts and most-remote jobs easier and more comfortable, the BIG BOSS has features that ensure the vehicle does the brunt of the work. The new, variable-assist Electronic Power Steering (EPS) is the easiest to use in the industry. Designed to deliver all-day comfort and control in every application, it automatically adjusts to the riding conditions for effortless low-speed technical maneuvers, and excellent feel and control at high speeds. The EPS ensures the vehicle is a delight to drive, easily maneuvering tight trails or rugged job sites. For rider comfort, the narrow seat and wide, flat floorboards provide a more natural sitting position and easier operator maneuverability. The vehicle also has the highest visibility of any 6x6, due to the rider position and its steerable three-beam, 150W forward lighting, which ensures a lighted path even when turning, making it a reliable work partner regardless of the time of day.

The Sportsman 6x6 BIG BOSS 570 EPS will be available in Sage Green, retails for $10,999 U.S. and $13,599 CAN..

Read more at: http://www.polaris.com/en-us/company/article/polaris-introduces-new-sportsman-6x6-big-boss-570-eps