Are these numbers on the Chevy C8 Corvette significant?
On April 11th, 2019, Chevrolet confirmed a mid-engine Corvette is happening.
The car (covered in camouflage) drives through the streets of New York with a date 07.18.19 stamped on the side confirming the release date.
Within the date, the number 8 is highlighted in red, signifying it’s the 8th generation of the Corvette.
Will the C8 Corvette have a 6.3L with 490hp?
This is complete speculation, and of course, we could be wrong, but here’s our thinking…
Car and Driver report that “Initially, the C8 will use an upgraded version of the current car’s pushrod 6.2-liter V-8, which we suspect will be upgraded to produce somewhere around 500 horsepower.”
Upon Chevy releasing a soundless (we are sad there’ no exhaust note to listen to) video, the plate numbers on the back of the car caught our attention.
Note the plate number is 063-490.
Those numbers seem to be relatively close to the speculated numbers.
The numbers on the side of the C8 Corvette are significant, and the highlighted red 8 is significant.
So could it be that the numbers on the license plate are also significant?
Could an upgraded version of the 6.2L mean Chevy push it to a 6.3L?
The current 6.2L V-8 (LT1) engine from Chevrolet puts out 460hp.
Is it unreasonable to think they can squeeze another 30hp out to make it 490hp from a bored-out/modified LT1?
Perhaps the numbers on the plate are just pure coincidence and don’t mean anything at all?
Maybe Chevy tried to get 062-500 but it that was the closest they could get.
Zora
General Motors has registered the name Zora with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Zora Arkus-Duntov was a General Motors engineer responsible for much of the design on early Corvettes.
Perhaps the Zora edition will be a souped-up version?
Chevrolet announces the next-generation Corvette will debut 07.18.19. A camouflaged next-generation Corvette travels down 7th Avenue near Times Square Thursday, April 11, 2019 in New York, New York. (Photo by Jennifer Altman for Chevrolet)
There is also speculation of an electric motor-driven AWD system. A 5.5L twin-turbo engine and a possible hybrid electric version in the future.
Tuesday April 23rd 2019, the Banff Mountain Film Festival comes to Sheridan. Wyoming.
Valentine Fabre, Dent du Geant, by Ben Tibbetts
Held at the WYO Theater on 42 N Main Street, Sheridan, the show starts at 6.30pm.
The film festival world tour begins after the festival itself in Banff, Canada. Bringing amazing awe-inspiring outdoor videos and cinematography to Wyoming.
2020 Toyota Sequoia will have Apple CarPlay. Photo: Toyota
Toyota is one of the last car manufacturers to offer compatibility with Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto. Some 2019 model years still have Toyota’s Entune system.
The software allows for integration with smartphones on new vehicles. Making phone calls, text messaging through voice, and music applications easy to use.
The software gives the ability to project a map on the touchscreen and give voice directions for navigation. The software makes built-in navigation systems redundant.
Most other car manufacturers have had this available for a couple of years now.
According to Bloomberg, a Toyota spokesperson said they had been reluctant to add the “…software due safety and security reasons.”
Moving forward, Apple CarPlay is either here now on certain Toyota models or coming soon.
Do you have a vehicle with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto? How do you like it? Will having this software in a vehicle, affect your future car purchase decision? Let us know in the comments below.
For information on Toyota vehicles, contact your preferred Toyota dealership.
Brakes on vehicles can make all sorts of weird noises from squealing, squeaking, screeching, hissing, scratching, swooshing and grinding.
Sometimes it’s normal and sometimes it’s not.
Read more to find out whether you need to get those squeaking brakes checked or not.
How do brakes work?
It’s a good idea to have a basic understanding of how the brake system in a vehicle works.
Most modern vehicles have brake rotors, brake pads and brake calipers (older vehicles may have brake drums on the rear). These all sit behind each wheel of the car or truck.
The caliper holds the brake pads. When you press the brake pedal, this makes the caliper push the pads onto the rotor.
Upon brake pads making contact with the rotor, friction is caused and thus slows the wheel down.
Causes of squeaking brakes
Worn brake pads (brake pad wear indicator triggered)
Temperature difference
Compound material of the brake pads
Warped brake rotors
Moisture
Missing brake pad insulation shim
Anti-rattle clips missing or not aligned
Worn Brake Pads
Brakes squeaking from worn brake pads is definitively the one you need to fix.
Brake pads can be fitted with a warning indicator which will result in a loud squealing noise when the pad is near the end of it’s life.
A visual wear indicator on the pad consists of a groove that runs across the pad. When the material on the pad is flush with the indicator, it’s time for new pads.
Wear indicator on brake pad. This pad shows it still has some life left.
If you are not familiar with replacing the pads/rotors on your vehicle, take it to a local brake expert.
Some repair shops even offer free brake checks, or they are checked during routine maintenance like oil changes.
Look at your brake pad to see how much of the pad is left. You may need a flashlight, but should be able to see it without taking the wheel off.
If the brake pad is less than 1/4″ thick, they probably need replacing.
How long do brake pads last?
Typically between 25,000-50,000 miles. This all depends on the type of brake pad and how hard or how often the vehicle is driven. Lesser quality pads may also wear faster than normal.
Brand new set of brake pads.
Also know that a vehicle sitting for a lonf periods of time without being driven, can cause deterioration of the pads too.
Temperature Difference
Too cold
When the temperature gets below 32 F, snow and ice can build on brake pads and rotors. Even water that gets in there can later freeze causing and ice build up.
This can cause a squealing or squeaking brake noise but should only be temporary as the ice and moisture melts/disspates.
Too hot
Glazing of the brake pads and rotors happens when the pads overheat.
Excessive hard braking, dragging the brake or problems with the system causing the brake to stick on the rotor more than it should.
Overheating the pads results in them becoming hard and/or shiny which reduces the friction. If brakes are glazed, this will eventually cause a build of material on the rotor too, braking delays and a shudder.
If the brake pads are glazed, they need to be replaced. The compound of the pad is effectively ruined at this point.
Brake pad compound (material)
Some brake pads come with a wear-in material. When the pads are brand new, they may squeak a little until they are broken in.
Pads with a high metal content can cause squeaking or squealing when braking.
Race cars can often have brake set-ups that squeals due to the compound material the competition pads are made of. The desired effect of the pad and rotor combination is maximum braking under hard driving conditions. They work best when they are hot. It is normal for high-end brake set-ups to squeal.
Carbon ceramic brake set-ups are also known to be noisier.
Squeaking brakes is a small side effect to pay in return for the brakes being able to stop a car at high speeds.
High temperature grease can be applied to the back of the pad to reduce some noise in this instance.
Warped brake rotors
Rotors are round and supposed to be flat. Completely flat on the surface that the pad makes contact with. The term for a completely flat surface on brake rotors is called honest.
If the rotors are not honest, this results in vibrations due to pads getting bumped on the uneven surface. This can cause further damage and other parts or prices to become misaligned.
It’s likely a vibration from the brake pedal or steering wheel is felt before squeaking brakes in this instance.
Moisture
Water getting on the rotors and pads can cause squeaking brakes.
Snow, rain and/or condensation build up can make the brakes squeal when pressing the brake pedal.
Moisture can also cause the rotors to rust. Rust can also cause some noises from the brakes. The noise should go away after some driving. Applying the brakes should help clean the rust off the rotors.
Missing shims
hims are there to reduce noise by dampening vibrations between the pads and rotors.
If the shim is missing, misaligned or not making contact with the brake pad, it can’t do it’s job. This will increase the likelihood of brakes squeaking.
Anti-rattle clips missing or not aligned
Missing or misaligned anti-rattle clips can cause squeaking brakes. Anti-rattle clips are pieces of metal that hold the brake pad tight to avoid rattling.
Other hardware that’s missing, out of alignment or rusted can also be the culprit in squeaking brakes.
When to get squeaking brakes checked
Squeaking brakes can sometimes be normal, due to factors such as moisture, ice, rust, cheap brake pads, or performance brake pads compounds.
Being able to brake efficiently is a major part of vehicles safety. If your brakes are not working as good as they did, or it’s taking a lot longer to stop, have them checked.
If your brakes are spongy or not very responsive, have them checked.
When the squealing or squeaking noise is unbearable, definitely have your brakes looked at.
Fremont Motor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM repair shop, in Casper, WY.
Less than a 1/4″ of pad thickness left? It’s time for new pads.
Finally, if you aren’t sure but are are still concerned, its better to be safer than sorry when it comes to brakes. As mentioned earlier, most reputable auto repair shops will check them for free.
“…Yaris Adventure was made to leave the city (via highway).”
All new 2020 Toyota Yaris Adventure. Photo: Toyota
2020 Yaris Adventure
For April fools day, Toyota publishes a phony press release about a 2020 Yaris Adventure.
Quote Toyota, “Now comes a truck that is perfect for those who want to tell their friends they own a truck but never veer off pavement.”
Here’s the specs;
35 mpg
Two-speaker (one for each door) multimedia system
6-speed auto transmission
1.5L 4 cylinder
103 horsepower
112 lb-ft of torque
The payload capacity a whopping 297 lbs (just enough for some gas and a lightweight passenger).
Front tow hooks which Toyota says are, “…perfect for getting pulled out of a situation the vehicle shouldn’t have been in to begin with.”
7.6-inches of ground clearance. Which Toyota says is, “…perfect for taking a curb in a mall parking lot or clearing the shrubs when parking in a friend’s front yard. “
Toyota also says in the release, “The extra cab with rear seating was ditched because it was determined that no one really wants to sit back there anyway.”
Warranty
Apparently, there will be no warranty offered on the Yaris Adventure, because it would be, “unthinkable” for anything to break.
Navigation
According to Toyota, anyone smart enough to drive a Yaris means they know exactly where they are going, so no navigation will be available.
“Toyota is very excited to debut this product that nobody saw coming,” said a senior executive at Toyota who preferred to remain anonymous. “We’re constantly listening to our customers and reacting to the market. We have to blame the market on this one, as we haven’t had one customer ask for a truck like this.”
This Yaris Adventure is not a real car/truck. Hope you had a fun April Fools day!
Shortly after releasing this info, Toyota reveal a real new car. The 2020 Yaris Hatchback.
Pricing is available for the all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator pickup truck.
2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon at Denver Auto Show
Trim levels are; Sport, Sport S, Overland, Rubicon, and Jeep just announced a special limited production Launch Edition.
Starting MSRP prices for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator trims are;
Sport $33,545
Sport S $36,745
Overland $40,395
Rubicon $43,545
Launch Edition (limited production to 4,190) $62,310
Note, these are the base starting MSRP prices for each trim, destination charges and other dealer fees may not be included.
Each of these prices assumes the base spec in 4×4 with the 3.6 L V6 engine, and manual transmission. Adding an 8-speed transmission is $2000.
Customization is of course in part what makes a Wrangler a Wrangler and this stays true with the Gladiator too. With a host extra options as you’d expect from not just a Wrangler, but truck options too.
From a tow package, rear axle options, soft-tops, and hard-tops for the cab, tonneau covers for the 5′ bed, spray-in bedliners, LED lights, Adaptive Cruise Control and more.
Just as you’d expect from a Wrangler, the Gladiator also has removable panels and windshield for open air freedom. No other mid-size truck has that option.
Gladiator Overland and Rubicon. Photo: FCA
Jeep Gladiator Launch Edition ordering open for one day.
Limited to 4,190 trucks (number represents Ohio where the truck is built). Orders can be placed online at Jeep.com for one day only on April 4th to reserve a Gladiator.
Customers can enter their contact information and a Jeep concierge will make contact the same day to finalize the reservation and pair the customer with a dealer of their choosing to take delivery.
Jeep Gladiator Launch Edition Specs
2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon in Firecracker Red. Photo:FCA
Launch Edition Gladiator’s is a loaded Rubicon with features such as;
Launch Edition Tailgate Badge (one of 4190)
17×7.5 gloss black aluminum wheels
Leather wrapped instrument panel with red stitching
8-Speed Automatic
Forward Facing Trail camera (with a washer jet)
Removable hard top
Leather-trimmed seats (front ones heated)
8.4″ touchscreen
Adaptive Cruise Control
9 Speaker premium audio
Winch capable steel front bumper
Spray-in bedliner
Trail Rail system
Tonneau cover
115V in-bed power outlet
LED Lighting group
Keyless entry
Trailer tow group
Fender flares
Removable Bluetooth speaker
Aux switch group
Forward collision warning with active braking
Blind spot monitoring with rear cross path detection
Launch Edition Gladiators are available in; Firecracker Red, Black, Granite Crystal Metallic, and Billet Silver Metallic.
Launch Edition pricing
$62,310 MSRP for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Launch Edition.
Recent Comments