Fake Engine Sounds, it’s Happening

It’s a dichotomy – a quieter engine is a more technologically
advanced and efficient one

But the problem is we consumers still associate noise with power, so automakers are faking it.

Who’s doing it? The list includes BMW, Ford, Lexus, Porsche, Toyota, VW and more.

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

My proposed compromise:

So to the automakers – not sure this is your best idea, guys. Buyers aren’t happy, and the lack of information on your sites makes you seem shady.

I propose a compromise: keep adding the fake engine sounds, but also tell the buyer that you did. Then add an FAQ to your website on how to disable it, or better yet, add in an “off” switch.

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Parallel Parking – Me VS Machine

I first tried a self-parking system about 3 years ago, thought it was neat but un-nerving, and I declared it too slow to be helpful.

3 years later – and coincidentally in another Ford Focus – I test the system again.

Test Results – the new system is slick, and now both the speed and quality of its parking is better than a human.

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

Still, though, I think that if you can’t parallel park, and are too scared to practice and improve, you should get off the road.

Sonar works similar to radar, and here’s how that works.

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Turn your Car into a Library

The internet is arriving in our dashes this year, and a Canadian! company is the one (and only) to use it to stream audiobooks into our cabins. We speak with Sanjay Singhal, CEO of AudioBooks.com.

The streaming service will debut in Jaguar Land Rover, arriving this April 2015, with other manufacturers lined up behind them.

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

The New York Times top 100 list is available, and includes The Hunger Games trilogy, 50 Shades of EyeRoll, American Sniper, and Gone Girl.

’50 Shades of EyeRoll‘… come ON that I got that printed. 

Tagging this post: a Keri Owned Phrase (23) 

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Why Canada Doesn’t always Get the Car

Maybe you’ve fallen for a car only to discover the automaker doesn’t sell them in Canada. Why?

Bringing 1 car to 1 country can involve
modifying 1,500+ parts

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

Consumers would see only a few major changes Nissan made to the car, but behind the scenes over 1,500 parts had to be modified to accommodate our Canadian needs.

 

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You Have to Break-in a New Car

Mark Basili of Pfaff Tuning, the customization division of Pfaff Automotive, educates me on why.

Short answer – to protect the piston rings. For the first 1,500 – 3,000 kms use a relaxed driving style, nothing too aggressive but not so far as babying it – giving it the occasional punch is good.

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

There are no fail safes in place. It all comes down to the human driving it – so make sure to protect the massive investment you just made.

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