Thursday, December 21, 2017

The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse FWD Premier: A Review



By Darlene Donloe

THE CAR: 2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE FWD PREMIER

I drove the silver ice metallic Chevrolet Traverse with the jet-black interior on the first snowfall of the season in the city of Detroit. The roads were icy and there were lots of spinouts. But I felt confident in the Traverse, which glides effortlessly around town and maneuvers through traffic and on icy roads – with ease. The car has enough girth to make it feel like it’s hugging the road.

 This is a nice looking SUV. Really nice. It handles well, is quiet (limited road noise), comfortable and has a nice ride. Yay, there is lots of legroom, making the cabin accommodating and quite comfy. Best of all, it’s kinda affordable. This three-row crossover with a convenient deck is a manly car with a spacious interior. The Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system ROCKS!  The system has a bright, instinctual screen with lots of stylish features. The third row is OK for kids. It could/would be OK for adults if the second row is moved forward. This current incarnation replaces the first-generation Traverse.  The 2018 version presents fine-tuning as well as packaging and connectivity advances.  Conveniently there are two USB charge points for the second row – coupled with a 110-volt outlet.



VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: Engine, 3.6L V6, SIDI, WT, transmission, 9-speed automatic, tire, compact spare, antilock brake system, 4-wheel disc, keyless open and start, rear camera mirror, rear park assist, rear cross traffic alert, lane change alert w/side blind zone alert, surround vision, wheels, 20” argent metallic machined faced aluminum, front fog lamps, LED headlamps and tail lamps, leather appointed seat trim, seating, 7-passenger, seat, third row, 60/40 bench, manual fold, leather wrap steering wheel, heated steering wheel, steering column, power tilt & telescopic, roof rails, remote vehicle start, liftgate, rear power, hands free, wireless device charging, Bose premium 10 speaker sound system, air conditioning, universal home remote, Chevrolet Mylink audio system w/navigation, 8” diagonal color touchscreen, select Bluetooth streaming, Apple Carplay capability & android auto capability provided by Apple and Google available with compatible smartphones, OnStar includes 5-year basic plan plus limited trial of guidance plan w/automatic crash response, navigation & more.

MSRP: $47,930
FUEL ECONOMY: 18/27
THE DRIVE: Smooth!

#Chevy, #ChevyTraverse, #2018Chevy, #2018ChevroletTraverseFWDPremier


Monday, December 11, 2017

Chevrolet Unveils Highly Anticipated 2019 Corvette ZR1


By Darlene Donloe

Deep in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, in a nondescript warehouse, something exciting was brewing.   Smoke billowed from a stage, lights flashed and a then it happened. A panel opened up and revealed the new and improved Corvette ZR1.

Presented before a crowd of car writers, car enthusiasts, and car industry heavyweights, Chevy executives unveiled two new Corvettes with a bevy of oohs and aaahs from the crowd.  



The Corvette is an iconic vehicle, known for its performance and sleek, powerful and cool body.

“We are celebrating 65 years of excellence,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president Global Product Development. “The ZR1 stands out in a sea of choices. Nothing makes the heart beat faster than the Corvette.”


Considered the most powerful Chevy ever built, the Corvette ZR1, the first General Motors product with a dual-fuel injection system will be available Spring 2018!



According to Chevy execs, the ZR1 was designed with one purpose in mind: performance.

For example, they note the stunning chevron-patterned carbon-fiber halo hood and engine cover.  The pieces were, reportedly, crafted to shed weight and house the potent engine beneath.

COST: $119,995
Top Speed: 212 mph
755 Horsepower
715 lb.-ft. of torque
600 lb.-ft. of torque available from 2200 rpm to redline
Brembo carbon ceramic brakes
15.5-inch rotors
6-piston calipers
rear 15.3 inch rotors
4-piston calipers







Saturday, November 4, 2017

A Review: The 2017 Chevrolet Trax - Premier Hits The Road



By Darlene Donloe


THE CAR: 2017 CHEVROLET TRAX - PREMIER

Chevy has put a fresh coat of paint on this SUV - as a way to make it competitive in the marketplace. Everyone is producing a subcompact or wanting to buy a subcompact. The field is flooded with about every brand you can think of. But this Trax looks good. It’s stylish, it handles well, is energetic and fun to drive. Sans for the up-to-date-technology, there is standard equipment – it’s Ok considering the modest price. The cabin’s design is smooth and current. Chevy, which first introduced the Trax in 2015, has added Apple CarPlay, Android Auto smartphone amalgamation, and an additional USB port. These smartphone app incorporations are new this year – giving navigation responsibilities to your phone’s default app. The LED taillights and the projector headlights are new – as is the grille. This sub-compact, which is offered in LS, LT and Premier trim levels, gets you from Point A to Point B with a quickness.  For its size – it has reasonable interior space for its passengers. If you’re under 5’6” – space is probably never an issue in sub-compacts. But for folks like myself who are north of 5’10”, interior space is a priority.  This car fits me just fine – thank you!

The cargo space is surprisingly on the low side compared to other crossovers its size and the fuel economy isn’t anything to write home about – but it’s respectable.



VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: 4-wheel tire rotation, 27 point inspection, 3 yr./36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper warranty, 5 yr./60,000 miles powertrain limited warranty, roadside assistance, courtesy transportation, chassis, all wheel drive, engine, Ecotec turbo 1.4L VVT, DOHC 4-cylinder, transmission 6-spd automatic, airbags, keyless open and start, remote vehicle start, StabiliTrak-stability control system w/traction control, brakes, 4-wheel antilock, 4-wheel disc, daytime running lamps, rear park assist, tire pressure monitor system, content theft alarm, theft deterrent system, rear vision camera, side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, wheels, 18” aluminum, glass, deep-tinted rear window/tailgate, fog lamps, power window with driver express up/down, air conditioning, seatback, front passenger flat fold, aux power outlet – 12 volt, air filter system, USB port (2).

MSRP: $28,790
FUEL ECONOMY: 27/30
THE DRIVE: Recommended!


Monday, September 4, 2017

The 2018 S-Class Coupe and S-Class Cabriolet


Two dream cars
Stuttgart. As members of the large and successful S-Class family, the coupe and cabriolet will soon benefit from the same extensive innovations that have just been introduced on the sedan. Among the highlights are the extended driver assistance systems, the modern control and display concept with Widescreen Cockpit and new generation of steering wheels, integrated ENERGIZING Comfort control and the latest infotainment generation.
Exclusive to both of the two-door models are the innovative, standard- equipped OLED taillamps. Additionally, the new V8 biturbo engine in the S560 Coupe and Cabriolet is even more dynamic. The redesigned S-Class Coupe & Cabriolet will have their world premiere at the 2017 Frankfurt International Auto Show.
"With their unmistakable, exclusive design and high-class materials with extremely high value appeal in the interior, the new S-Class Coupe and S-Class Cabriolet embody our interpretation of modern luxury. On top of that, both luxury four- seaters feature the latest cutting-edge technology from the S-Class," said Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales.
The further-developed design exudes even greater sportiness while showing off the high technical expertise. S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet feature a front bumper with chrome-plated front splitter and voluminous air inlets. The dynamic looks are enhanced by restyled side skirts and chrome-plated twin tailpipe trims with a V12 look.
The AMG Line is also made more dynamic with new front and rear bumpers. Especially striking at the front end are the large three-dimensional air inlets, which each include two chrome-plated fins.
Innovative OLED taillamps equipped as standard
Innovative OLED taillamps are a new feature of the S-Class Coupe and S-Class Cabriolet. With this technology ("organic light emitting diode"), wafer-thin layers of organic materials are printed on a glass plate and made to illuminate. The total of 66 ultra-flat OLEDs act like floating elements inside the taillamp; in addition, they emit a highly homogeneous light pattern in all directions and form a unique day and night design. Locking and unlocking the vehicle is additionally emphasized by an animated dynamic light sequence with subsequent dimming-up of the taillamps. The OLED taillamps also employ the usual Mercedes-Benz multi-level technology with different levels of intensity for brake lamps and turn signal indicators depending on the driving condition and ambient brightness (day/night).
Luxury lounge with Widescreen Cockpit and new generation of steering wheels
A fresh interior look is guaranteed by three new trim lines (High-Gloss Brown Burl Walnut, Satin-finish Ash Grey and designo magnolia flowing lines) as well as one new upholstery offering (designo Exclusive Nappa leather Porcelain/Tizian Red)
The interior of the new S-Class models is characterized by the two new high- resolution and brilliant displays, each with a screen diagonal of 12.3 inches. Visually, the two displays under one shared glass cover blend into a Widescreen Cockpit and as a central element consequently emphasize the horizontal orientation of the interior design.
Like the instrument cluster, this Widescreen Cockpit contains a large display with virtual instruments in the direct field of vision of the driver, as well as a central display above the center console. The all-digital cockpit offers the three visually very different styles: Classic, Sporty and Progressive. Depending on personal preference or matching the selected interior, the styles can be quickly changed from the instrument cluster and the central display. Alongside certain menu contents, such as trip data or fuel consumption, the driver can now additionally view the navigation data or the ECO display in the instrument cluster.
Both models have Touch Control Buttons on the steering wheel that respond to swiping motions like the screen of a smartphone. They enable the driver to control the functions of the instrument cluster and of the entire infotainment system without having to take their hands off the steering wheel; DISTRONIC and cruise control can be operated directly on the steering wheel.
The latest-generation COMAND Navigation offers fast 3D hard-disc navigation with topographical map display, photo-realistic 3D buildings and 3D map rotations.

Comprehensive information is displayed on the navigation map: in addition to real- time traffic density information it can e.g. include Car-to-X warning messages, the weather, filling stations including current fuel prices and free parking spaces.
The mbrace® Concierge service puts a host of individual services at the disposal of mbrace® subscribers: from making restaurant reservations, gathering information on movie times or sporting events and obtaining route guidance. Subscribers can establish a direct connection to mbrace® Concierge through the i-button in their vehicle. The personal concierge takes care of everything else.
ENERGIZING Comfort for greater well-being and alertness
ENERGIZING Comfort links various comfort systems in the vehicle together, such as climate control, ambient lighting, massage and fragrancing functions, and allows customers to configure a specific wellness setup to suit their current mood or needs, enhancing physical comfort and performance on the road.
Depending on the equipment level, up to six programs are available:
  1. Freshness
  2. Warmth
  3. Vitality
  4. Joy
  5. Comfort
  6. Training (three training modes – muscle relaxation, muscle activation and balance - each with several exercises)
Each program runs for ten minutes and is visualized on the headunit with color graphics, and backed by suitable music. Five songs are already stored in the program. The key function in the "Vitality" program, for example, is fast and upbeat music. If personal music selections are available, for example via the Media Interface, the system analyzes them in the background and assigns them to a program based on the beats per minute (bpm). Individual functions of the program can also be deactivated.
ENERGIZING Comfort also incorporates ambient lighting, which is harmoniously tailored to each of the individual screen designs. With 64 colors, the standard extended ambient lighting offers a wealth of individual settings. The light stages the interior like a work of art by composing color worlds from different colors.
New infotainment systems and wireless charging of smartphones
All S-Class models are equipped with the latest-generation infotainment system COMAND Navigation, starting a new era in digitization and connectivity. Near Field Communication transforms the smartphone into a digital vehicle key.
With standard Smartphone Integration, Apple's smartphone-based infotainment system CarPlay™ and Google's Android Auto can be used. If a corresponding smartphone is connected by USB, the customer can, if desired, switch to the CarPlay™ or Android Auto interface.
The new headunit generation expands telephone options. With the help of Near Field Communication, compatible smartphones can be charged wirelessly (wireless charging works with all mobile devices that support or can be retrofitted to support the Qi wireless charging standard). The charging pad is integrated into the stowage compartment at the front of the center console.
New driving assistance systems with extended functions
The S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet are taking another step towards autonomous driving and are moving to the next level with new and considerably extended Intelligent Drive driver assistance systems. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist now provide even more comfortable support for the driver to keep a safe distance and steer. The speed is now adjusted automatically ahead of bends, junctions or roundabouts, for example.For this purpose, for example, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC makes considerably greater use of map and navigation data than hitherto.
Suspension with eyes now sees even better
In the 2014 S-Class Coupe, the optional MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension with curve tilting function was a world first in a standard-production car. The body tilts to the inside of the turn by up to 2.65 degrees and thereby reduces the transverse forces perceived by the passengers. This innovative system recognizes bends with the help of a stereo camera behind the windscreen, and a lateral acceleration sensor of the ROAD SURFACE SCAN suspension. In the new S-Class Coupe, this suspension control is further improved: the system's new stereo camera has a much better performance.
The S-Class Cabriolet is fitted as standard with the full-support AIRMATIC semi- active air suspension featuring infinitely variable damping control.
New V8 biturbo with cylinder shutoff
The new V8 biturbo in the S560 Coupe and S560 Cabriolet is one of the world's most economical V8 petrol engines and consumes up to eight percent less than its predecessor. To lower fuel consumption, four cylinders of the new V8 are deactivated simultaneously under partial load with the help of the CAMTRONIC valve-lift adjustment system (Coupe only). This reduces the pumping losses while improving the overall efficiency of the remaining four cylinders by shifting the operating point towards higher loads. The turbochargers positioned in the V of the cylinder banks represent another special feature. The new V8 has an output of 463 hp with a peak torque of 516 lb-ft.
The refreshed 2018 S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet will celebrate their World Premiere at the 2017 Frankfurt International Auto Show in September, and will go on sale in the U.S. in mid-2018.

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

A REVIEW: The Nissan Altima 2.5 SL Sedan





The Nissan Altima 2.5 SL Sedan has always been one of those cars you can count on. The 2017 Nissan Altima is no different!  I really like this car. No, it doesn’t have a bunch of bells and whistles, but it doesn’t need to. It’s practical and simplistic. I don’t want to make it sound like this car is boring, far from it. It’s a practical, up-to-date, solid car that looks good, has a cool design, a stylish interior, handles well, has decent ride comfort and is somewhat fashionable after receiving an update on the exterior. The cabin is quiet. It has an adjustable steering wheel. The seats are very comfortable and there is plenty of soft touch material. There is an agreeable LCD monitor for vehicle information.

There is plenty of trunk space with a modest cargo floor.  The rear seats fold down. Also in the rear you will find two USB ports and a middle arm rest.

Me likey!



VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: 2.5-Liter 4-Cylinder Engine, 179 Horsepower, 177 lb-ft Torque Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission), active understeer control, 17” machined aluminum-alloy wheels, side-impact and curtain air bags, lower anchors and tethers for children, 4-wheel anti-lock braking system, traction control system, vehicle dynamic control, tire pressure monitoring system with easy-fill tire alert, electronic brake force distribution, vehicle security system, Nissan vehicle immobilizer system, ling spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, leather appointed seats, heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped shift knob, 8-way power driver’s seat, driver’s seat power lumbar support, 4-way power front-passenger’s seat, heated zero gravity front seats, BOSE® premium audio system, 5” color audio display, USV connection port, hands-free text messaging assistant, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, RearView Monitor, Bluetooth Hands-free phone system, rear A/C vents, Nissan intelligent Key® w/remote engine start system, push button ignition, cruise control, auto-dimming inside mirror, two 12-volt DC power outlets, fog lights and auto on/off headlights.

MSRP: $32,650
FUEL ECONOMY: 27/39
THE DRIVE: The Ultimate!

Darlene Donloe

Darlene Donloe is a seasoned entertainment and travel journalist whose work has appeared in People, Ebony, Essence, LA Stage Times, LA Watts Times, The Compton Herald, Black Meetings and Tourism, Los Angeles Sentinel, EMMY, The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, Grammy, BlackVoices.com and more. Contact her via: ddonloe@gmail.com