Cars and Technology: What works, what doesn't and what's next

I think it's safe to say that we like to be connected to our cars and we like for our gadgets to be connected to us AND our car.

So that being said, let's take a look at the best (and perhaps worst) of technologies that have been integrated into the automotive experience. Here are some of my personal favorites:

1. Bluetooth integration. Okay, I know bluetooth is kind of an old thing at this point, but bringing bluetooth to the automobile was kind of a legendary thing. Especially for safety--now nearly any new vehicle has the technology embedded within it that allows drivers to use the phone in a hands free way.

2. Cars that text. Voice to text is an up and coming technology that maybe still has a few tweaks required before it runs really smoothly. I kind of view it as being just a "Text Fail" machine (you've seen those posts else where), at least right now. But just imagine if it got as good as we are at texting (without nimble thumbs, of course). I mean, that would have to improve people's driving on the road... right? I guess we'll see!

3. Pandora Connectivity (and the Chevy "My Link" system). I am a pretty huge fan of Pandora (Songza is another favorite), and the ability to have it in my car with the menus displayed on the entertainment cluster is pretty huge. I mean, this takes radio a step beyond what satellite radio did in comparison to traditional radio. Pandora does everything satellite radio does (and more, in my opinion) and to top it all of, it's FREE. Bam. Love free. Also, quick tip: Did you know you can make a Pandora station with a comedian? Then, you can listen to hours and hours of assorted stand up comedy. Blew my mind when I found this out; you probably already know this.

Now, in order to talk about what's next in vehicle connectivity, I can't ignore the whole concept of cars that drive themselves. The industry has a goal of bringing these self-driving vehicles to the consumer market by 2020. That is only 6 years from now... which means, if they actually do it, it's going to be a big deal. Because take it from an automotive engineer, 6 years is not really a long time at all. Especially not to develop a brand new product that will ROCK the segment.

So, maybe in six years from now we'll all be sporting a ride like this one. Time will tell!

American Muscle 2013: A Year in Review

Muscle Cars. It's just one of those things that Americans do best. It was our in to the automotive market back when the Germans were leading the way in passenger cars. Muscle cars were sleek, sexy, and above all, they had a big ol' powerful engine.

Here's one of the first American Muscle cars--The Pontiac GTO. Isn't she a beauty?

American Muscle has had a long a varied history, and it certainly isn't going away any time soon. Let's take a look at the past year and what's new in this high-speed, (generally) high-ticket segment.

First off, we can't ignore the 2013 Ford Mustang. The Mustang is a regular in American Muscle, and a favorite. (Disclaimer: I had a yellow Mustang back in the day. So, the following review might be a tad biased, maybe.) I think most would agree, this is a good looking car.

But more than looks, the 2013 Mustang boasts a reasonable starting MSRP of only $22k and at that price includes a 305 horse power V6 engine, HID headlights (love 'em) and 6-speed manual transmission (obviously). All of this makes the Mustang a great choice for the American Auto enthusiast who doesn't want to spend a small fortune on his car, but still wants to have all the thrills of a much pricier auto. 

Next up: the 2013 Dodge Challenger.

This is a bit of a throwback style for Dodge, notice the similarities in the body lines (especially the side profile with the body-to-window glass parting line) and the consistencies in headlamp shape and placement. Even the grill looks relatively unchanged over the years.

 But again, despite what is going on in the styling department, it's really what's under the hood that makes being behind the wheel so great. The 2013 Challenger, with its slightly higher sticker price (starting MSRP of $26k) comes standard with a 305 horse power V6 (is something going on here...?). HOWEVER, a beaut though she may be, the standard model comes with an Automatic transmission. Check minus, Dodge. How can an American Muscle car NOT come standard with a stick? It defies logic. It also depresses me. Before I freak out, let's move on.

Last but certainly not least, the 2013 Chevy Camaro.

Wowza. 

I could probably leave it at that, but I won't. The Camaro has a starting MSRP of $23k (not even $1,000 more than the Mustang), and it has a V6 engine with an impressive 323 ponies under the hood. Now, if it was my money on the line here, I'd splurge the extra $800 and take the extra 18 horses for a gallop, if you know what I mean. Not to mention, of all the body styles, Camaro makes me turn my head the most.

All-in-all, 2013 was a good year for American Muscle cars. And just these three are all really impressive showings for the segment. I might even say that you can't really go wrong with any of them (except for if you opted for a Challenger with an automatic transmission, which would most definitely be wrong).

How to Drive Like a Formula One Driver: Tips for Improving Your Skills on the Road

Who in their right mind doesn't want to be cruising around in this ride (okay, maybe whipping or speeding or some other fast sounding word is more appropriate than 'cruising')? 

And, despite the borderline too tight suits, who doesn't want to be one of these guys? I have an inkling that the ladies love them... AND they drive cars that travel at 220 mph (a small added bonus?)! 

I know, you're probably thinking, 'Tommy, how can I be one of these gods of the road?" Well, don't fret, I've got an easy, three step plan for you... well, sort of. 

So, let's break it down. What are the core techniques to being a Formula One racer? Don't worry, I've got you covered. And it's easy, there are only four main techniques. Easy peasy, right?  

1. Taking Turns

Alright, considering the energy that can be lost on a tight turn if done improperly (sorry, a little engineering got past me there... please don't hold it against me!) Alright, there are lots of highly technical articles out there about this, but let me explain this in the easiest, quickest way possible: When you enter a sharp turn (think, merging onto another freeway), the key is to minimize the amount of time that you're on the breaks (if at all). You also want to stay to the outside of any turn at all points in driving (obviously, still within your lane, where applicable). And when you get to the apex of the turn, crank up the gas.   You can use this part of the turn to gain your speed back. 

2. Drafting 

I've already covered drafting in an earlier post, so let's skip that part, shall we?   

3. The "egg-under-the-pedal technique"

Here I'm assuming that you are driving a manual transmission, but it can apply to automatic transmissions too. Any time that you are using the clutch (or break), imagine that there is a raw egg carefully balanced between the floor board of the car and the bottom of the pedal. Now, when you are applying or letting off the clutch, keep that egg in mind. Too quick to apply the clutch, and you'll definitely crack the egg. Too quick to let off the clutch, it'll roll to the back of the car and will stink up your ride for sure. If you're not already an expert at shifting smoothly, this will make you an expert. Your passengers will thank you, trust me.  

If that seems like a lot to remember, check out this video, and get inspired!

Now, go give it a go! Within reason, of course... for us lowly civilians, there's this thing called the law. 

How to Buy a Car like a Boss: Researching, Selecting and Negotiating like a Champ

Buying a car is a big deal. It's almost like having a baby. Okay, maybe not (calm down, ladies, I was kidding). But, it does require a great deal of preparation and maybe even training (think lamaze) in order to be done like a boss.

Alright, let's dive in. First, and I feel a little like a substitute teacher doing this (you remember the one), take a look at this video from Edmunds. Sure, it's a little dry, but he hits all the major points.

Okay, so step 1: Make sure you do your homework. Know what the car in question is really worth. I think this is probably a no brainer, but I had to say it. Just in case. There are lots of tools you can use to research. Edmunds.com, of course, is one of them. Here's a few others that are worth a look: Kelley Bluebook and the up and coming truecar.com.

Alright, so you have a good handle on what the car is actually worth. That's awesome! On to step two...

Step 2: Time to negotiate. If you're going into a dealership, you'll most likely be bombarded with over the top friendliness (which, let's admit, that's WAY better than pushiness). It's important to not be distracted with the bells and whistles (or four quadrant charts) or be deterred into something else that you didn't originally set out to get. Since you already know how much the car is worth, the rest becomes a lot easier. Just keep these couple of pointers in mind:

(1) Aim low! If you start under what you think is reasonable for the car, your chances of paying that amount are better than if you just lead in with that figure (he'll probably meet you half way in the end)

(2) Know that you can always walk away. For you, there will be that exact same car someplace else that is more willing to negotiate. It's the salesman that has something to lose--your business! I think that playing "hard to get" can also work to your advantage.

(3) The salesman is person too, trying to do his job and meet his boss's expectations. This is important to keep in mind as I think some folks can get a little carried away with the whole negotiating business and end up making things a bit too personal. So, always be respectful and professional. After all, what goes around comes around.

Master these easy steps and congratulations, you can buy a car like a boss. Go get 'em, champ.

Helmet Laws: Crazy, Awesome, or Nobody's Business?

Imagine you're cruising down the freeway on a motorcycle, and let's even say that you're traveling at the posted speed limit (65 to 70 mph, depending). What do you think would happen to you if your head were to separate from the bike? A part of me thinks that probably the result would be similar to this (sorry to be metaphorically graphic).

But I mean, really. Wearing a helmet even when I'm riding a bicycle seems like a no-brainer idea (excuse the pun). And those speeds are only a fraction of the speed that you're moving on a motorcycle! But, being that I'm an engineer, let's look at the data. Does wearing a helmet really do that much for you? Because, when you really think about it, while protecting your head is a good idea, what about your neck? Or other vital organs? Maybe wearing a helmet doesn't make that much of a difference. 

I don't know about you, but I was really surprised by this data. First of all, I was taken aback by the low number of people overall that die or experience a incapacitating injury in motorcycle accidents, helmets or otherwise. When you wear a helmet you have a 17% chance of sustaining a "serious" injury or death, and when you don't that number is 30%. While that is almost double the risk... it still seems low! But you can't argue with facts. 

Another side of the argument is whether or not it's a state government's place to tell it's citizens what they need to wear on their heads while they are riding a motorcycle. Shouldn't it be every man (or woman's) choice if he wants to have double the risk of being seriously injured or killed? Maybe it's a strategy to NOT be a vegetable. I don't know. But I do think it comes down to personal preference. 

But let's consider the flip side too (to be fair). If the people who are seriously injured by motorcycle accidents start to become a large amount of financial burden on the "system," then maybe it makes sense, from a system level, to institute a law which reduces that number. At the end of the day, you could argue that a government is sort of a business. But, since that is a total digression, I'll let it go for now. 

Another item to discuss is seat belt laws. I think it's not so much of a stretch to put seat belts and helmets in similar categories. If a state has a "click it or ticket" law, it's probably not too far off from a helmet law. 

But maybe, at the end of the day, the government is really just trying to do what it thinks is best. Maybe it is just trying to save people from the increased risk of death or serious injury. Yes, that is a possibility.  

Whether you want to wear a helmet or prefer to let the spring breeze blow through your hair, please, for the love of all that is good--wear more than this guy. 

 

A Brief History of Trucks: Where the Came From and Where They're Going

Trucks are one of the most quintessential American icons. In fact, the Ford F-150 is the 14th most American thing ever. I have to point out here, that it was only beat out by Kentucky Bourbon/Tennessee Whiskey, the hot dog, cowboys, the Second Amendment, George Washington, the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, Resolve, Coca-cola, Baseball, Winning, the Constitution and the American People themselves. Not too shabby if you ask me! 

This year Dodge boasted back to back "Truck of the Year" awards from Motor Trend--which is pretty impressive considering the field of competition which includes heavy weights Chevy and Ford. But if you spoke to Gottlieb Daimler, inventor of the first "truck" (I'll admit, it's a loose definition), pictured below, I'm sure he would be skeptical to believe the magnitude of the fanfare surrounding "Truck of the Year" in America. 

And not too long after Daimler, came Ford's first truck concept. She's a beauty, isn't she? Now, these trucks didn't have a whole lot of power or much hauling capacity, and they faced a much greater struggle than their sister automobile--the passenger car. When automobiles were first introduced to the general public, they were seen as a tool for freedom, the ability to go places. But trucks, while they still accomplished this (although, with a bit more struggle as the normal drive trains used in passenger cars tended to fall short for more heavy duty vehicles), they didn't have the public convinced. 

And really, we all know the hardships that the truck has faced, even in recent years. During the economic downturn of 2008, there was a large school of folks that were convinced the raising price of a barrel of oil would be the downfall of the great American Truck. But, in the end (in 1898 and 2008), it was the whole idea of the truck that was revolutionary and that keeps us hooked. Trucks bridged the gap between utility and convenience, personal freedom and the working man's efficiency.

But after all these years, where are trucks headed? While I am certain that trucks will indeed have a bright future, especially in North America, I'm not so certain about this GMC concept truck from the Chicago Auto Show. Sure it's shiny and the paint looks great, but...

  

...to me, it looks more like a throwback to the Chevy El Camino  of 1982 than the future of trucks. But, maybe that's just me? You can't lie, you see the resemblance. Perhaps it is the extension of the cabin that will hurdle this concept/retro style into 2015, but either way, the short bed of this truck probably won't draw the rugged, "let's get this done" American featured in practically every Dodge commercial since the 2013 Super Bowl. 

Trucks have come a long way. There is no denying that. Where they're going, probably can only be dictated by the American imagination, but I'm sure whatever that means, it will be exciting and keep all of us on the edge of our seats at the next round of Auto Shows in 2015. 

Why Tailgating (ah-hem, drafting) Is Good For Fuel Economy

Nerd Alert: I'm going to engineer out on you in a second, so don't freak out if I drop some buzzwords like "Thermodynamics" or "Surface Integral" or, well... okay--I won't actually use any of those words. False alarm. But seriously, I want to talk about drafting (or in some circles, tailgating) and I think it's about time that we get technical about it. So let's get started.

I'd venture to guess that most of us can remember back to good old driver's training where we learned to keep two car lengths between us and the vehicle ahead of us. And for most people (read: those of us that do not treat an automobile as an extension of ourselves), this is probably a good idea. I mean, safety first. So, from this point on, let's just assume that the drafter in question actually knows how to handle his/her car.

Alright, now that we have the technicalities out of the way: Why do we draft in the first place? To me, the reasons are two fold. First, we tailgate to make our presence known. Until we can broadcast our thoughts into another persons car--perhaps something like "Dear Sir, Please move into one of the right most lanes if you plan to travel at a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed."--tailgating is our next most readily available option to make our opinion known on the road.

But what about when that person in the late '90's Prius and no muffler doesn't get the message? Is there any benefit remaining? Most would say, "Just pass on the right, Tommy." But wait one second, you guys. I contend that there is some benefit to sticking behind this individual and practicing the respected art of drafting. For a brief introduction, take a look at Mike Rahal's video on how extreme tailgating has gotten in the context of NASCAR.

So let's take a closer look at the details (look away if you're squeamish when it comes to math). As already alluded to in the video, the whole basic concept of drafting is reducing the amount of drag on your car by taking advantage of the airflow of the car in front of you.

The symbols in this equation (working from left to right) are: the force of drag (FD), the density of air (rho), the velocity of the car relative to the air (v), the coefficient of drag (CD) and the cross sectional area of the car (A). So when you draft, you're using the airflow coming off the car in front of you to reduce the velocity of the air acting on your car. Therefore, the force of drag on your car is significantly reduced! The reduction of drag is especially large as the air speed is reduced since the force of drag is related to the velocity of the air acting on your car by a square.

Let's do just a small thought experiment. Let's say (just to make the numbers easy) if you were to be travelling alone on the highway going 100 m/s (v) and have a cross sectional area (A) of 10 square meters (all other factors are 1), the force of drag is equal to 50,000 N. Now, if you start drafting behind someone such that v becomes something like 50 m/s, the force of drag drops to 12,500 N. So, if the velocity of the air around you drops by half, your drag force is a quarter of the amount it was before!

I'll spare you the free body diagram, but if there is only 25% of the force on your car, you'll only be using 25% of the fuel you'd need if you weren't drafting!

So, go on--draft in the name of fuel economy (and physics).

Where Did All the Stick Shifts Go?

I'm not going to lie; I like when things are done automatically for me--automatic bill pay, e-mail, fast food, and obviously, the microwave. But when it comes to cars, I have to say I'm a fan of doing it the old fashioned way. Maybe Miranda Lambert was on to something in her new song "Automatic."

There's just something about being in charge of your transmission, not the other way around. I mean, I don't think anyone wants to be passing a slow-moving Toyota Prius in the right lane and then think to himself as the engine hesitates with an automatic down shift, "Transmission, I disagree." Now, don't get me wrong, automatic transmissions are kind of an amazing thing. An engineer somewhere sat down and thought of probably a million different scenarios and came up with a response to each one and then programmed that into the on-board transmission control so that no one would have to think about it anymore. You push the pedal, and you go. That's it. Easy pea-sy.  

And for some people, that works for them just fine. But for me, I want to have a real relationship with my car. I want to listen to the engine, understand what it needs, what I need, and then make the call. Second or third gear, up shift or down shift. That should be up to me. From where I sit, intuition trumps a computer every time. 

Think about it--would you rather have an in-the-flesh pilot flying the 777 on your next vacation, or a scaled up drone on autopilot? Before you answer that, consider Captain Sully landing Flight 1549 in the Hudson River when the plane's engines were taken out by hitting birds in quick succession. I wonder, how long would it have taken for an on-board computer to solve that problem? Would that event have even been a consideration in the programming of the auto-pilot? I'm not so sure. I'd have to image that a plane hitting two birds which take out both engines is pretty low probability, and when it comes to programming autopilots, averages and numbers win out. So you would think that stick shifts would be a hot commodity, wouldn't you? But according to Edmunds.com industry analyst Ivan Drury, stick shifts are on track to be "virtually extinct within the next 15 to 20 years."

So why are is the number of vehicles with manual transmission being both sold and driven in the United States dwindling? Am I alone in all of this? The article above sites several likely culprits: it's more difficult to learn to drive over an automatic, it's annoying in stop-and-go traffic, and manual transmissions are liable to stall on occasion (even for seasoned motorists). 

Now, if I were to be a devil's advocate for just one second, I would make the following arguments. First of all, while manual transmission is more difficult to learn, I contend that it teaches you more about what is going on in the car (and therefore makes you a better motorist). I also must state two highly over-used cliches--"Good things take time" and "If it were easy everyone would do it." Secondly, about the stop-and-go issue, I agree this is annoying (No further questions, your honor). But on the third point, as a driver of many a manual transmission, stalls generally will only happen at a stop. While this is embarrassing, it's not the end of the world. My final, and perhaps most important point: How in the world are we going to make "Fast and the Furious 23" if there are no more manual transmissions left in the U.S? I don't think anyone has considered this. Maybe America just needs to sit down and watch this video. 

You're (almost as) excited as this guy, aren't you?