Windshield wipers are a standard feature on cars for obvious reasons but that might not be the case for long if McLaren has their way. They’re currently in the process of developing a system that will keep your windshield clear without the need of those pesky, streak-prone wiper blades.
This is where it all starts to go a little high-tech sci-fi. The system they’re developing is based on one used in fighter jets and involves high frequency sound waves. You know that sound a dentist’s drill makes? It’s sort of like that but without all the unpleasant dental side effects.
The general idea is to have ultrasonic transducers bounce waves across the windshield. These would in turn keep rain, snow and all those bug guts in the summer from sticking.
It’s hard to imagine not needing windshield wipers, but there was a time when drivers had to make do without them or any way of clearing things up to see. The first windshield wipers came into use in 1903 and were patented by an American property developer named Mary Anderson
Her not at all high tech invention was a simple arm with a rubber blade that was operated by the driver using a lever. It was seen as being a possible safety hazard due to the distraction of the blades cutting across your vision, but by 1916 they were pretty much standard in all cars.
McLaren is keeping quiet about the exact details of how their new system will work because they don’t want anyone else getting it figured out first. If they’re successful, then we should see the first cars with this new technology rolling off the line sometime in 2015.
Those cars will, being McLarens, be priced out of most people’s reach at $250,000 plus, but if the technology is successful, then it will eventually find its way to the mass market. Get ready to say goodbye to your wipers.
Check out this video of another great British car, one that still has wipers…
Nicole Wakelin fell in love with cars as a teenager when she got to go for a ride in a Ferrari. It was red and it was fast and that was all that mattered. Game over. She considers things a bit more carefully now, but still has a weakness for fast, beautiful cars. Nicole also writes for NerdApproved and GeekMom.
TFLcar is starting a new “How-to” video series with our Technology Editor – Nicole Wakelin. This time it’s about pairing your Windows smartphone to a 2014 BMW 335i GT and its iDrive system. The iDrive system has been updated for most 2014 models with a faster processing power and a new iDrive Touch controller. However, the basic iDrive featured remain the same across all recent BMWs.
Watch this video to see how to pair a Windows smartphone with BMW’s latest iDrive system:
Steps:
1. Make sure car and phone are both on.
2. From main menu, Select “Multimedia”.
3. Select “Connections” at the bottom.
4. Under Bluetooth, select “Add New Device”.
5. Select “Bluetooth” on Windows smartphone, under “System Applications”.
6. “Tap to pair” on BMW from smartphone menu.
7. Click “OK” on smartphone and BMW to confirm the pairing code.
Get past their odd names and you may find that the 2013 Ford C-MAX and its sister C-MAX Energi are surprisingly good hybrid crossover vehicles.
STATS
Starting Retail Price
As Tested Price
HP / Lb-Ft
2013 Ford C-MAX Energi
$32,950
$32,950
188 / 129
EPA Rating MPG
As Tested MPG
Rating: BUY IT!
44 / 41 Combined 43
New for 2013, the C-MAX/C-MAX Energi front-drive, four-door compact hatchbacks are virtually unchanged for 2014. They’re designed to directly compete with the top-selling Toyota Prius V and seat five, although the center of the rear seat of the C-MAX Energi I tested is too stiff for longer trips.
The C-MAX and C-MAX Energi use a two-liter four-cylinder gas engine and electric motor. Both have a combined 188-horsepower rating, which gives them lively acceleration and good highway performance, although they’re rather heavy.
The transition between electric and battery power is seamless. Both use a smooth CVT automatic transmission.
The main difference between the C-MAX and C-MAX Energi is that the C-MAX is a gas/electric hybrid, while the C-MAX Energi is a gas/electric hybrid that calls for a battery plug-in, using a standard 120-volt outlet or a 240-volt charging station.
The 2013 C-MAX lists at $25,200-$28,365, while the Energi costs $32,950. Those prices don’t include a $795 destination charge.
All versions are well equipped with comfort, convenience and safety equipment—unlike some gas-electric or battery-only cars. We’re talking about everything from multi-zone automatic air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, and power windows and mirrors. The higher-line $28,365 SEL hybrid adds a power driver seat, heated front leather seats, rear parking aid and keyless start.
The C-MAX reportedly can travel on full-electric mode for about 20 miles at speeds below 62 m.p.h. The Energi plug-in version can travel on electric power alone for about 20 miles at speeds up to 60 m.p.h.
Those, at least, are the claims. As with any electric car, much depends on how aggressively the C-MAX and C-MAX Energi are driven (no jack-rabbit starts!), cold temperatures, number of power-draining accessories used, etc.
The C-MAX Energi, which I tested, reportedly has an overall range of 500 miles. But figuring out fuel economy and driving range with gas/electric hybrids is a headache. For instance, the price sticker on the C-MAX Energi says it’s estimated to get 43 miles per gallon “on gasoline only,” but the car’s computer only read 37 MPG during fairly average driving, using battery and gas power. Some hybrid electric car buyers have complained about optimistic EPA fuel-economy ratings. (Editor Note: EPA website list the 2013 Ford C-MAX at 44 MPG city / 41 MPG highway and 43 MPG combine on gasoline, and 100 eMPG combined.)
The C-MAX is acceptably styled, with a low, aggressive-looking front end that distinguishes it—not that it could be easily found in a large, crowded parking lot. All doors open wide to reveal a nicely finished, quiet interior. Front seats offer good side support, although tall drivers may feel they need more thigh support. And one wonders why there are twin lights on each sun visor if the car is designed to conserve every bit of electricity.
The backlit gauges can be easily read, and there’s a range of instruments related to the electric power system that some will find interesting to glance at—at least initially. Mainly, I suspect drivers likely will be most interested in the miles-per-gallon reading.
Front console cupholders are handy, and there is a seemingly bottomless covered storage bin on the console. All doors have storage pockets. A fold-down center rear armrest contains dual cupholders.
My test car’s $3,080 option group contained items including a handy power hatch, rearview camera, parking technology package and automatic parking. There’s also an $1,195 panoramic sunroof.
The power electric steering is firm, but accurate and feels reassuring. The C-MAX Energi tracked well at highway speeds. Handling was agile, although the car’s weight could be felt in sweeping curves and during quick maneuvers. Traction and stability controls help keep things on an even keel when moving quickly through curves.
The ride is supple. And the brakes stop the car quickly, but feel a little touchy due to a regenerative braking system that helps fuel economy. Apply the brakes and a driver sees symbols on a dashboard diagram that let him know the system is working.
Forget regular cargo space with the C-MAX Energi, as the batteries consume nearly all trunk room. However, the 60/40 split rear seatbacks fold flat, forming a large cargo area.
A prop rod holds the heavy lined hood open, if one dares mess with any of the under-hood electronics. However, fluid-filler areas can be easily reached.
While the C-MAX/C-MAX Energi is primarily a practical car, it’s enjoyable to drive and a nice piece of automotive engineering.
On the TFLcar scale of:
Buy it!
Lease it!
Rent it!
… or Forget it!
I give the 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi a Buy It!
Check out this fun and informative TFL video of the 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi:
Dan Jedlicka joined the Chicago Sun-Times in February 1968 as a business news reporter and was named auto editor later that year. He has reviewed more than 4,000 new vehicles for the Sun-Times–far more than any newspaper auto writer in the country. Jedlicka also reviewed vehicles for Microsoft Corp.’s MSN Autos Internet site from January, 1996, to June, 2008. For more of Dan’s thoughtful and insightful reviews please visit his web site HERE.
Jaguar is taking a great big bit out of Mercedes-Benz in this parody of an ad for the S-Class that came out last fall.
The original ad released by Mercedes-Benz was, interesting, in its own right. That ad featured a chicken. Yup. Just a regular, old chicken in all its feathered glory. Said chicken is being held by a pair of gloved hands that gently wiggle it around a bit showing that its head always stays nicely centered no matter how its body moves.
The idea was to show the similarity to the Magic Body Control found in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It’s a feature that has a camera built into the vehicle that detect the road surface out ahead of the car. The camera can detect the smallest of changes in the road surface. The car then automatically adjusts the its suspension to best handle the bumps ahead giving an exceptionally smooth ride. It’s a very clever and fun commercial and it’ll make you laugh.
Now, along comes Jaguar and another commercial with a pair of gloved hands holding a remarkably similar chicken. There’s a guy in a white lab coat this time and he’s really getting pretty groovy as he again shows off how a chicken’s head stays put as its body wiggles around. But this is most definitely not a Mercedes-Benz commercial as we’ll learn by the end.
There are actually a few things to be learned from this ad. First, Jaguar has a healthy sense of humor and isn’t afraid to poke fun at its competitors. Second, if you aren’t careful with your cute little brown chicken and there happens to be a hungry Jaguar in the room, then there’s likely to be a problem.
Here’s the original commercial from Mercedes-Benz…
And Jaguar’s parody of the original…
And here’s the real thing, eating up the roads of Colorado. No, not the cat, the 2014 Jaguar XJL vs the Lexus LS460.
Nicole Wakelin fell in love with cars as a teenager when she got to go for a ride in a Ferrari. It was red and it was fast and that was all that mattered. Game over. She considers things a bit more carefully now, but still has a weakness for fast, beautiful cars. Nicole also writes for NerdApproved and GeekMom.
Once again it is almost time for the annual 2013 TFLcar Holiday Special Show. This year is your chance to ask the TFL team any question that you may be wondering about. Please submit your questions in the comments section below and we’ll answer them next week during the annual TFL Holiday Show. Roman, Nathan, Emme, and Andre will be there. Nicole will also answer some questions remotely. You can ask anything you want. It can be about cars or trucks or anything. We will compile the questions and try to get to all of them.
The 2015 Subaru WRX is a rather sober and mature sports sedan compared to the vehicle it replaces. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Subaru has completely revised the chassis on the sedan platform of the Impreza (there is no hatchback version). Those revisions beefed up an already stout platform while addressing noise and harshness. The result: a vehicle that would not be out of place going toe-to-toe with an Audi A4.
It’s that good.
The old WRX still felt like a Impreza that’s been eating its Wheaties while this new one is a more sophisticated ride. the new horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine is turbocharged and intercooled. Now direct-injected, the aluminum “boxer” makes 268 horsepower (at 5,600 rpm) and 258 lbs-feet of torque from 2,000 — 4,000 rpm. That torque is exactly where you want it for maximum velocity escapes from the end of a corner.
The 2015 Subaru WRX’s new six-speed manual transmission comes standard and a “Sport Lineartronic™” continuously variable transmission (CVT) comes as an option. What!? A CVT in a Subi WRX!? Indeed, many a purist had a conniption fit when they saw the press release.
The Sport Lineartronic CVT features SI-DRIVE performance management with six-speed and eight-speed manual shifting modes and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. It works surprisingly well. It works a lot like a dual-clutch performance transmission. You can keep just about any rpm pegged for maximum acceleration around corners. Want to slow down and keep the revs up using the CVT? No problem, it does that like a champ.
Around town, it its regular mode, the CVT is docile and unobtrusive.
Is it a good replacement for the six-speed manual? Good god no. For those of you who need speed and want something to stir your coffee for you, this might be your transmission. The new six-speed manual transmission is performance oriented with a deliberate, notchey feel that mimics more expensive, European manual trannies. Throws are better than the five-speed it replaces and clutch take-up is pretty easy to work with. It’s downright fun to use.
Steering feel is not as communicative as many would like, but the steering weight and response to inputs was excellent. Definitely tops in its price bracket with its amazing response on ANY road. The steering imparts a feeling of confidence as it accurately places the WRX. The rest of the magic is based on the all-wheel drive systems that help the 2015 Subaru WRX maintain optimum directional stability.
The interior is vastly improved over the last model with a quality feel throughout. Seats provide good bolstering while being agreeable for large people over long distance. It’s a good compromise. Unfortunately, the 2015 Subaru WRX has one major fly in the ointment: fake carbon-fiber trim. Fake aluminum, plastic, nylon wood grain inserts – hell, just about anything would be a better option. Even if it were real carbon-fiber, it feels like pandering and takes away from the rest of the sporting feel of the WRX’s interior. It’s a shame.
There is no word on pricing, but Subaru indicated that it would be in the same ballpark (with more content) as the current WRX. As for the STI? Many believe Subaru will make some announcements early next year. Hatchback? They only had the budget to work this magic on one platform. If enough of you make a stink, maybe they will bring one out. Maybe.
The 2015 Subaru WRX’s exterior is pretty much all-new. The only exterior parts shared with the Impreza are the deck-lid and roof panel. Subaru is offering the 2015 Subaru WRX as a sedan only. It does’t look like the amazing WRX Concept that made its rounds on the auto show circuit recently, and that’s a shame. The looks are better in person and the hood-mounted air scoop looks less like an afterthought than the previous model.
Bottom line? It may looks mellow, but it drives like a million bucks!
Check out another accurate, fun and informative TFLcar first drive video review as TFLCar tests the new 2015 Subaru WRX in Northern California!
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
Highlander is a popular full-size crossover. It is second in 2013 sales with more than 115,000 units sold through November. Now, the newly redesigned 2014 Toyota Highlander is a aiming to continue the sales growth into next and challenge for the top sales spot.
The redesign brings a more boxy and aggressive styling, more options, more features, and a price increase across the board. There is also a new Platinum package.
2014 Toyota Highlander Pricing
Model
Grade
Engine
Drivetrain
13MY MSRP
($)
14MY MSRP
($)
MSRP Difference
($)
MSRP Change (%)
6942
LE
L4
FWD
$29,020
$29,215
$195
0.7%
6946
LE
V6
FWD
$30,395
$30,520
$125
0.4%
6948
LE
V6
AWD
$31,845
$31,980
$135
0.4%
6947
LE Plus
V6
FWD
$31,850
$32,740
$890
2.8%
6949
LE Plus
V6
AWD
$33,300
$34,200
$900
2.7%
6951
XLE
V6
FWD
$34,560
$36,040
$1,480
4.3%
6953
XLE
V6
AWD
$36,010
$37,500
$1,490
4.1%
6954
LTD
V6
FWD
$37,950
$39,640
$1,690
4.5%
6956
LTD
V6
AWD
$39,400
$41,100
$1,700
4.3%
6955
LTD Plat.
V6
FWD
N/A
$42,130
N/A
N/A
6957
LTD Plat.
V6
AWD
N/A
$43,590
N/A
N/A
6966
Hybrid LTD
V6
AWD-i
$46,370
$47,300
$930
2.0%
6967
Hybrid LTD. Plat.
V6
AWD-i
N/A
$49,790
N/A
N/A
The new Highlander is available with three power trains. The starter LE model with front wheel drive is the only one available with a 185 hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel efficiency is 20 MPG in the city, 25 MPG on the highway, and 22 MPG combined. The base LE with FWD starts at $29,215.
Next is the familiar 3.5-liter V6 with 270-horsepower @6,200 RPM and 248 lb-ft @4,700 RPM. This one is also equipped with a 6-speed automatic. Fuel efficiency is EPA rated at 19/25/21 MPG on FWD models and 18/24/20 MPG for AWD. This is 1 MPG combined better than the 2013 Highlander.
Finally, there is the Highlander Hybrid. Its Hybrid Synergy Drive system pairs the 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator. Net horsepower adds up to 280 hp with an EPA fuel rating of 27 MPG city/28 MPG highway/28 MPG combined.
There is Platinum Package available for 2014 model, and it includes:
Driver Technology Package,
Panoramic Moonroof
Heated Steering Wheel
Heated Second-row Captain’s Chairs.
Take a look at TFL getting a sneak peak look at the Highlander Hybrid going through high altitude testing:
The MINI John Cooper Works Concept will debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) this January. MINI is mum on technical details, such as engine, transmission, suspension and just about every mechanical tidbit performance fans want to know. Judging by the photos, the MINI John Cooper Works Concept looks production ready.
“The thrillingly sporty driving experience on board a John Cooper Works model is the result of an overall concept developed on the back of the brand’s many years of motor sport experience. The precise interplay of the ultra-high-performance powertrain and chassis technology with the car’s aerodynamically optimized exterior features ensures that the agile and surefooted handling we have come to know as the MINI go-kart feeling shines brightly in extremely sporty driving situations as well. The result is hardcore driving fun, taken into a new dimension by the MINI John Cooper Works Concept.” – – MINI Media
Not a word about any performance numbers.
Speculation: The 2014 MINI Cooper S 2014 Mini Cooper S has a 189 horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Normally, the John Cooper Works versions of MINIs makes more power. If this is the case, it’s my guess that the MINI John Cooper Works Concept will make about 200 hp – give or take a few horses. Add to that a more aggressive suspension package, beefier brakes and sticky rubber – you have the makings of an up-to-date MINI John Cooper Works. Mind you, this is all speculation.
Here’s what MINI has to say about the exterior design: “Large air intakes – filling the space reserved for fog lights in the series-produced MINI models – and precisely formed air-channeling elements mark out the front apron of the MINI John Cooper Works Concept, which also features LED headlights and a black surround for the front grille. The model-specific John Cooper Works aerodynamic kit also comprises specially contoured side skirts and a rear apron with flaps and a diffuser element. The study car further features a roof spoiler and additional body components designed to channel air efficiently around the C-pillars for optimized aerodynamic balance at high speeds.
Exclusive body paintwork, familiar contrast color
The Bright Highways Grey exterior paint shade owes its expressive character to a special manufacturing process. The hand-polished surface layer is finished with a clear coat and the resulting lustrous sheen of the paintwork further accentuates the eye-catching structures of its pigment layer. Exuding purity and solidity, this paint finish is complemented by John Cooper Works hallmarks such as contrasting red for the roof, roof spoiler and exterior mirror caps. Also included are Sport Stripes – in Chili Red for the bonnet and boot lid, and in white for the roof. Additional red accents adorn the rim wells of the John Cooper Works light-alloy wheels, the calipers of the sports brakes, the side indicator surrounds and the contour lines of the front and rear apron. A red accent line also lends particular emphasis to the John Cooper Works logo on the radiator grille.
A further nod to the concept car’s impressive sporting focus can be found in the center of the rear apron. The MINI John Cooper Works Concept is fitted with a sports exhaust system including John Cooper Works silencer system, and the striking twin tailpipes with chrome finish also carry the John Cooper Works logo. With the new elite sports model destined to benefit from further development, these features suggest its enticingly sporting aura will not be restricted to visual features: an unmistakable engine soundtrack promises to share center stage.”
MINI is trying to garner more interest in its newest offering as public opinion of its recent vehicle design has been underwhelming. The MINI John Cooper Works Concept should help in gaining public interest. If the past is any indication of MINI’s driving excitement, this is a car worth hoping for.
Check out the 2014 MINI Cooper’s debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show!
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
The 2026 Kia K4 hatchback gives interested buyers another option in a time where hatches have been losing ground to crossovers. Here are all the details!
Jeep says the Jeep Wrangler 392 V8 is about to meet its maker...but with recent developments at Stellantis we're skeptical that's actually going to happen.
After several years on the model's top trims, the Hyundai Santa Fe will no longer ship with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (and that's a good thing).
Nicole Wakelin fell in love with cars as a teenager when she got to go for a ride in a Ferrari. It was red and it was fast and that was all that mattered. Game over. She considers things a bit more carefully now, but still has a weakness for fast, beautiful cars. Nicole also writes for NerdApproved and GeekMom.
