2017 Chrysler 300 gets software updates, now recommended again by Consumer Reports

The company has named this software AutoPark, which basically works the way it sounds. This system automatically gets activated when the driver leaves the car and is left in gear. What happens is AutoPark will stop the car while leaving it on accessory mode - this will keep the radio and other feature stay active for 30 minutes before it shuts off. This feature will also be activated when the driver opens his door with the seat belts unbuckled. This software update was introduced back in April. However, cars that have this software were only released in the summer.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles was not only put on the spot over the new shifter designs. They were in hot water last year when actor Anton Yelchin met a tragic accident. The problem with the new shifter is not because it is complicated to use, but because it does not tell the driver whether the car is already parked. This is a problem because drivers have gotten used to this for decades now, as it is a standard in all vehicles.

The reason for the outrage was because the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration found that 266 crashed, 68 injuries, and 686 complaints were related to the electronic shifters that were the same as that on Anton Yelchin’s Jeep Grand Cherokee. After the incident, the company had to recall a total of 1.1 million vehicles in April 2016, so that they could upgrade the software on the shifter designs.

To recall, the NHTSA began their investigation in February 2016. They looked into the 2012 to 2014 models including the Chrysler 300, the Dodge Charger, and the 2014 to 2015 Grand Jeep Cherokee. They found that these models have a gearshift that moves forward and back when selecting a gear, instead of moving and staying at one location.

This probably caused a lot of incidents wherein people think their cars are parked, so they get off their cars, and these would roll off - leading to accidents, and to the death of Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin. The actor’s Grand Cherokee accidentally rolled backwards, pushing him against a brick pillar. The company believes that AutoPark is the perfect solution to completely avoid problems like these in the future.

2018 Honda Ridgeline comes with fewer variants this time, price starts at $35,070

The Honda Ridgeline pickup turned out to be a success when it first came out in the market. In the first half of 2017, the company has already delivered over 18,000 units. So to keep customers interested in the model, Honda gave the 2018 model year some upgrades.

Instead of the twelve trims that Honda offered for the Ridgeline before, they have reduced this to just nine variants for the 2018 model year. The company took out the base RT with the all-wheel-drive setup, as well as the RTS with AWD too. So now, the new entry level model has become the Ridgeline Sport with the all-wheel-drive setup that has a starting price of $35,070 - that already is a $3,695 increase from the lowest-priced model you could get of the previous generation.

If you fancy a front-wheel-drive, then you can go for the cheaper $29,630 model. For the sake of comparison, it is $155 more expensive than the 2017 model. The most expensive trim one could get is the Black Edition AWD that has a $43,120 price tag.

All models of the 2018 Ridgeline come with the same powertrain - a 3.5 liter V6 engine that generates 280 horsepower (208 kilowatts) and 262 pound-feet (355 Newton-metres) of torque, returning as much as 22 miles per gallon (for the FWD) and 21 mpg (with the AWD). Like the current model, the 2018 model year has a payload capacity of 1,584 pounds (718.5 kilograms), and can tow up to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms).

The Sport trim gets more exterior colour options, unlike the other trims - the White Diamond Pearl and Lunar Silver Metallic, apart from the Crystal Black Pearl that’s already available.

The Ridgeline was given a score of 5-Star Overall Vehicle safety by the NHTSA. This is because it is equipped with the Honda Sensing safety system that includes: collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and some others. It is also equipped with technology like back-up sensors and automatic dimming mirrors. Optional features like a heated steering wheel, a kayak attachment, and a camping tent can be added for an extra cost.

Below is a rundown of the prices for those who are interested:

• 2018 Ridgeline FWD RT: $29,630
• 2018 Ridgeline FWD Sport: $33,170
• 2018 Ridgeline AWD Sport: $35,070
• 2018 Ridgeline FWD RTL: $33,930
• 2018 Ridgeline AWD RTL: $35,830
• 2018 Ridgeline FWD RTL-T: $36,080
• 2018 Ridgeline AWD RTL-T: $37,980
• 2018 Ridgeline AWD RTL-E: $41,620
• 2018 Ridgeline AWD Black Edition: $43,120

PRESS RELEASE

Functional, Flexible and Fun 2018 Honda Ridgeline Arriving at Dealerships Just in Time for Summer Tailgating Season

The powerful and refined 2018 Honda Ridgeline arrives in dealerships nationwide tomorrow with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP1) starting at $29,630. The 2017 Honda Ridgeline was named North American Truck of the Year, and is the only pickup truck to earn a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating2 from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (2018 model not yet rated by IIHS). In addition to its superior sophistication and functionality Ridgeline continues to receive class-leading EPA3 fuel economy ratings of 19/26/22 (city/highway/combined) for 2WD and 18/25/21 for AWD models.

The Honda Ridgeline is the ultimate tailgate vehicle for sporting events, picnics and other gatherings with industry-first and exclusive features that are sure to keep the party going with a Dual Action Tailgate that provides easy access to an In-Bed Trunk® that doubles as a cooler and an available factory-installed Truck Bed Audio System.

The 2018 Ridgeline offers customers an array of standard and available premium features and technologies in a cabin outfitted with high quality, soft-touch materials that are a step above the competition. Available advanced technologies include an 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ compatibility, HD Radio®, SiriusXM® 2.0, up to four USB ports and Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™.

The 2018 Honda Ridgeline is powered by a 3.5-liter direct-injected SOHC i-VTEC™ V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) mated to a wide ratio 6-speed automatic transmission, with peak engine outputs of 280 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net). All-wheel-drive models utilize Honda's most advanced AWD technology – Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ (i-VTM4), providing excellent all-weather performance and enhanced dynamic handling capability.

For the new model year, Ridgeline's trims have been streamlined from 12 to nine, including all-wheel drive and two-wheel drive variants, to better suit the needs of midsize truck buyers and providing a more compelling value. The 2018 model comes with two additional exterior color choices for the Sport trim, with White Diamond Pearl and Lunar Silver Metallic joining Crystal Black Pearl.

The Ridgeline has the largest and most flexible cabin in the midsize pickup truck class and with its powerful yet sophisticated design, the vehicle offers capabilities for both recreational and work users requiring a higher degree of utility and versatility. Ridgeline's cargo-hauling and towing capabilities include a class-leading maximum of 1,584-pound (718.5 kg) payload capacity (varies by trim) and up to 5,000-pound (2,268 kg) towing. All Ridgeline's incorporate a button-operated Intelligent Traction Management System that enables up to four different operating modes: Normal, Snow, Mud and Sand for the AWD models, as well as Normal and Snow for 2WD vehicles.

The 2018 Ridgeline received a best possible 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Ridgeline also continues to offer the comprehensive Honda Sensing® suite of advanced safety and driver assistive features including Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

A broad range of Honda Genuine Accessories specifically designed for Ridgeline is available for customers to personalize their pickup truck. The accessories are covered by Honda's 3-year, 36,000-mile limited warranty obtained at the time of purchase.

Belgian granny is caught doing 147 mph on her Porsche Boxster GTS

One sleepless night in June 2016, a 79-year-old Granny from Belgium took her Porsche for a ride to try to clear her head. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, except Grandma pushed herself to the limits and drove all the way to 147 mph. Apparently, the incident was caught by Namur Belgium’s speed camera so there’s no denying that it was her driving the sports car in that speed.

Gazet Van Antwerpen, a local news reporter, said that the elderly woman was headed to court earlier this week to face charges for driving well over 236 kilometers per hour. While at the court hearing, the lady admits that she was indeed the one driving the Porsche Boxster GTS last year but she hadn’t realized it was going too fast. Granny thinks it’s “not a problem” if she had to pay the fine of €4,000 (that’s about 4,663 USD after the current exchange rates) as imposed by the Public Prosecutor. Besides the hefty sum of money, she’s also banned from driving for 3 months as a result of over speeding.

The Porsche Boxster GTS is pretty fast, considering it weighs nearly 3,000lbs and has a total output of 330hp. The GTS of course stands for Gran Turismo Sport, which means that its performance capabilities are undoubtedly excellent. With a top speed that can go for up to 173mph and acceleration from zero to 62mph in 4.7 seconds, it is no wonder that granny was able to reach those speeds that fateful evening. These numbers, by the way, are based on the technical specs from Porsche’s official website.

The sports car was launched in 2014 with an estimated fuel consumption of 19 miles per gallon (for city driving with the manual) and 22 mpg for the PDK. Estimated highway consumption is at 26mpg and 31 mpg both for manual and PDK respectively.

Further, the GTS, as with all Boxsters, shares the same enjoyably accurate steering that provides exceptional feedback. From the way it is built, the GTS comes with very solid structure that doesn’t seem to shake or be bothered by much, making it one of the best sports cars to use for your daily drive.

With pricing pegged at $74,600 MSRP for the manual and $77,460 MSRP for the PDK version, the Boxster GTS is a purist’s dream car that doesn’t make compromises when the driver wants to experience pure driving pleasure. Too bad, granny was so engulfed by her emotions that she didn’t mind her speedometer.