by L Baures | Dec 11, 2017 | Trusted Auto Pros
Justin Mancini
Justin is a sales consultant at the Fremont Ford store in Sheridan, Wyoming.
Apple CarPlay
CarPlay is a new software that enables part integration of Apple iPhones with vehicles. Over the last year and into 2018, CarPlay is becoming more popular within new vehicles now available in over 200 models. The idea behind CarPlay is that takes the tasks you’d most likely use your smartphone for and put them right on the vehicle’s built-in screen. It’s almost like having your phone/apps built into your car. It doesn’t copy all of your apps but the most important or likely ones such as the phone itself, messaging and maps. It will also allow access to music loaded on your phone and Pandora radio.
This makes it easier to access those applications without having to pick up your phone whilst driving. Audio dials and buttons built into the vehicle will work with CarPlay. It is customizable to a certain extent with compatible apps. Some of those available at the moment are listed below;
Compatible Apps
Standard iPhone Apps
- Phone
- Music
- Messages
- Maps
- Audiobooks
- Podcasts
Other Apps
- iHeart Radio
- At Bat
- Spotify
- Stitcher
- CBS Radio
- Overcast
- Audiobooks.com
- Audible
- Pandora
- Slacker Radio
- VOX
- NPR One
- Clammr
- Downcast
- Radio Disney
- Amazon Music
- Google Play Music
Phone
You can use SIRI voice commands or touch the screen in your vehicle to bring up the phone app. Dialing number is easy by simply asking Siri to “dial 555-555-5555”. Well maybe not that particular number, but you get the idea. A numbered keypad is available if you have a strong Scottish accent and SIRI doesn’t want to cooperate, you can manually type the number. You can also access your phone book straight from the vehicle screen. What is really nice is that the icons and the text are very big so its pretty easy to read and navigate.
Messages
Messaging is easy (unless Siri doesn’t understand your accent) but for most people, you can touch the message app, Siri will ask you who you want to message (make sure you say it as it’s in your phone book, for example, say “mom” if that’s how its store in your phone. Siri will then ask you what you want to say, recite your message and she will read it back. If its correct she will then ask if you are ready to send it. At this point, you can tell her no or yes.
If a text message is received whilst you are driving, a pop up will appear on the vehicle screen with the name of the sender. You can then tap that pop up and Siri will read the message, then ask if you’d like to reply. Unread messages will appear with a red dot in the corner just as it would on your phone.
Maps
Using the Maps app on your phone means you may not need a navigation system already integrated into the vehicle. Apple Maps can bring up guidance and through CarPlay can also predict destinations based on addresses from text messages, emails, contact and calendar appointments. It also has the ability to search for nearest gas stations, shops and places to eat.
Which iPhone do I need?
iPhone 5’s or newer are compatible with Apple CarPlay.
Don’t have an iPhone?
If your smartphone is Android-based, don’t worry, AndroidAuto is the equivalent vehicle software and is also available on select newer vehicles. Let us know if you’d like us to cover some AndoidAuto features?
Vehicles available from Fremont Motors with CarPlay
Fiat
Buick
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ford
GMC
Jeep
Linoln
RAM
Volkswagen
With some vehicles, it may depend on trim level as to whther CarPlay is included, so feel free check with a salesperson or online if you aren’t sure, or you can send us a message here.
For more information, check out https://www.apple.com/ios/carplay or contact one of the dealerships and go check it out for yourself!
Police Pursuit-Rated Pickup
by L Baures | Dec 8, 2017 | Automotive News
Luke Bryan
American Country singer and songwriter, Luke Bryan is co-owner of Buck Commander (the sister company of Duck Commander). He also wrote the song, “Huntin’, Fishin’, And Lovin’ Every Day”. The Outdoor Channel and Buck Commander also have a tv show together featuring Luke Bryan.
According to a press release by Chevrolet, Luke Bryan and Chevy teamed up to create concept Suburban meant for hunting and fishing.
Chevrolet Suburban concept for huntin’ and fishin’
https://youtu.be/No9rAthyBNc
In the Chevy press release, Luke Bryan says, “Chevy has been part of our family and a part of our work life on the farm for as long as I can remember,” says Bryan. “If you were a Bryan, you drove a Chevy — and I’m a longtime Suburban owner. This partnership is a natural fit for me and this unique Suburban represents everything I and my family want for our outdoor adventures”. Chevy asked Bryan for an outdoor vehicle wish list. Here’s what he came up with;
- Lifted suspension
- 22″ wheels with 35″ off-road tires
- Roof-mounted equipment carrier with fishing rod holder
- Custom hunter bronze exterior color with dark carbon accents
- Camo graphics
- Custom interior with Argon piping and Platinum camo-pattern
- Roof-mounted light rack
- Custom lower fascia
- Outward swinging rear tailgate door (with spare tire mount)
- Lower skid plate extension
- Concept rear-facing third-row seats with custom footwell
- Reverse-mounted rear-seat DVD player
- Anodized orange tow hooks
- Six-piston Brembo brake upgrade
Chevrolet Design director, Todd Parker says, “There’s plenty of room for all their gear, along with added amenities that make the journey more enjoyable.”
The engine and transmission are the same as a regular Suburban with the 5.3L V-8 engine and 6-speed transmission. The concept does, however, feature a locking rear differential and 8000lb max towing capacity (with trailer package).
What do you think?
Do you think this would work in real life huntin’ and fishin’ expedition? I can’t say I’m much of a fisher but as far as hunting goes, I’d personally rather be looking out the window for the game instead of a DVD player. Wait, there are no back side windows? What was the idea behind this? Is it to fish from when you drive into the lake? You can’t shoot out the window, Game and Fish might have something to say about that. Maybe it’s to enjoy the -40° 40mph winds as your enjoying the ride up the mountain to find the bull. My other concern would be where exactly do you put your game/fish once you’ve got them? I guess the roof rack would work, but with a 1″ lift that’s a long way up to put a big animal.
Maybe the windowless panels are to fish from after all, here is Luke Bryan’s Tweet of his truck.
What would be your wishlist for the perfect huntin’ and fishin’ rig?
Do you think this Subaruban would make a good huntin’ and fishin’ vehicle? What would your huntin’ fishin’ rig wish list have? Let us know, comment below, on Twitter, or Facebook.
Chevrolet Suburban Rally Sport Truck Edition
Fremont Motors Chevrolet Riverton, Wyoming
by L Baures | Dec 7, 2017 | Trusted Auto Pros
Chase Tuttle.
Chase Tuttle is the Business Manager at Fremont Motors Toyota in Sheridan, Wyoming.
We interviewed him to find out a little more, here are the questions we asked;
Where are you from?
“I was born and raised in Lander, Wyoming. i started working at Fremont Motors in Lander, when the Chevy dealership was there and then went over to Riverton, until I move up here”.
How long have you worked in the auto Industry?
“I have been with Fremont Motors for 6 years”.
What is your favorite part of the job (pun intended)?
“My favorite part of the job would have to be customer relationships. Communicating with all the customers that come in, I love talking to people, helping them out and getting them into a vehicle“.
When you aren’t working, what are you doing?
” When I’m not working, a lot of the times what I do is hang out with the family. We like to go to the lake, we have a boat, so we do fishing on the boat or waterskiing or wakeboarding. I do like to go hunting”. Chase has a wife and a 6-year-old daughter. He is passionate about his family and friends. He goes back to Lander as often as he can to visit his parents.
What is your favorite food?
“My favorite food I have to say is Mexican, spicy food”. Chase has taken the spicy chip challenge0- the hottest chip in the world.
What is your favorite Color?
“My favorite color would have to be either blue or green, I love both of them the same”.
How about music. What kind of music do you like?
“I used to be a radio DJ, so I love all music but most of the time I’m listening to some kind of rock. His favorite rock band is Avenged Sevenfold.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
“When I was 14 years old, (my Mom and Dad are originally from California), I took a bus from Riverton, Wyoming all the way down to Long Beach California by myself…I barely survived. The bus broke down outside of Vegas, there was a 14hr delay in Salt Lake City, so my parents ended up just driving down to Salt Lake to come get me”.
What was your first car?
“My first car was an old rust bucket F-150″.
If money was no object, what vehicle would you own?
“My dream car is still the Corvette, one day I will own a Corvette…a Z06 “.
by L Baures | Dec 5, 2017 | Automotive News
Next generation 2018 Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler, one of the, ‘most American made‘ vehicles, is an iconic Off-Road vehicle that just got a makeover. I have to commend Jeep on this one. It must be difficult to create a new vehicle design, making it look different and new but still keep the heritage of such an icon. How did they do this? Well, they use the recognizable keystone shaped grill on the 2018 Wrangler. Jeep says this, “…pays homage to Jeep® CJ models”. The CJ models came out in 1944 and was the retail version of the military Willys Jeep used in World War II.
Photo: FCA Media
Engines
The choice of engines will be;
- 3.6-liter V-6, which will have ESS (Engine Start Stop- that will deactivate in 4LO)
- ALL NEW 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder
- Coming in 2019 is the 3.0-liter ECODIESEL
Transmissions
- New 8-Speed automatic
- 6-speed manual
Weight saving
This next generation Wrangler sees a more aerodynamic shape, well about as aerodynamic as a Wrangler can get. Slightly curvier and rounder on the edges. Along with aluminum doors, hinges, hood, fender, and windshield frame to reduce weight, the swing gate is magnesium.
Connectivity
Photo: FCA Media
Apple CarPay and Andriod Auto will be available. Color touchscreens will be available in 5.0″, 7.0″ or 8.4″ with the fourth generation of UConnect.
Model line up
The 2018 Jeep Wrangler trim levels in the 2 door will be; S, Sport S, and Rubicon. In the 4 door Wrangler, the trims will be Sport, Sport S, Sahara and Rubicon.
Halo lights
What’s even more impressive, is that Jeep is obviously listening to owners and taking note. I often see Wrangler’s running around with aftermarket halo lights and It does look cool. So the 2018 Wrangler Sahara and Rubicon models will now have LED headlamps with DRL halo’s available from the factory.
Roofs
Just in case you can’t decide, the new Wrangler will come with a plethora of options when it comes to roof and door combinations. There is a new ‘Sky One-Touch’ powertop (a power canvas roof), and a new ‘Sunrider’ soft top. Also available will be body-color hardtops or a black 3-piece hardtop.
Off-Road
- Retuned shocks
- Rubicon has Rock-Trac 4×4 system with Dana 44 front and rear axles
- Improved crawl ratio 84.2:1 and 77.2:1 on the new automatic
- 2-speed transfer case with full-time 4 wheel drive
- Available Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential
- Fold-down windshield
- 30″ Water Fording
- 44-degree approach angle
- 27.8 degree breakover angle
- 37 degree departure angle
- 10″ ground clearance
Get a taste of Wyoming Jeep culture, check out this video.
by L Baures | Dec 4, 2017 | Automotive News
Safety
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 gets a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). The SUV is available in FWD or AWD drivetrains. Both versions get 5-stars. It gets 4-stars out of 5 for frontal crash, passenger and driver sides. It does, however, get full marks on all 7 side impact crash tests. Rollover star rating is 4-stars and rollover resistance is 16.90%. Overall very good safety results.
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