Digest

Toyota is actually going to meet their 2015 deadline for putting a fuel cell car on the American market it seems, but they are also seeking exemption from a safety law. The law states that they have to isolate the high voltage components in such a way to protect crash victims and first responders from electric shock. Well, the means in which they require the isolation would render the car worthless after a fender bender because of all the things that would break. I don't know how they didn't see this coming-- they probably have plenty of people researching this stuff all the time. But they are asking NHTSA for a two year exemption, ensuring that they'll insulate everything 'at least' to the standard required in the aforementioned isolation of high voltage components. Check it out.


Next, something (in my opinion) completely unnecessary: the 2015 Audi A3. In terms of connectivity, they spared no expense. This article sites it as "meeting millenials on their own terms," as it will connect to 7000 some odd internet radio stations and read your tweets and facebook stuff, and on and on and on. This is supposed to be an informational only post, but I have to interject and say this is a terrible idea. I watch people that can't even focus on driving when it's the only thing they're doing. But they say our generation is better at multi-tasking, so maybe everyone won't die. All in all, the design is relatively similar, and I'm sure it will be comfortable. And, it is priced starting at $29k, which is pretty good considering that is holding the same price from their 2014 base model.


In lieu of a final article, I am going to continue the pattern of straying from the facts and voice my complete repulsion of the idea of cars driving themselves. I know, I know-- it's safer for everyone, you know it and I do. I just don't want car's to be taken away. Soon enough, operating the vehicle manually will be illegal. Call me a stick in the mud, but I think as far as auto tech goes, a radio and lights is pretty much all that's necessary. If my car starting reading social media and what not, I'd be unhappy.

I promise I'll get back to the regular stuff, just had to put it all out there.
Stay classy,

-C-

Diesel cars in the US

Today is going to be an overview of a general segment of cars instead of just one specific model.

Griffin:
I've done quite a bit of research over these things for various class projects and I think modern diesels are great for city cars and boring hatchbacks. They will happily trundle 300,000 miles at 30 miles an hour and they get great mileage. Most people who are prejudice against them remember the old Mercedes diesels of the 80s whose exhaust off the showroom floor was shortening the lifespan of everyone behind them with their giant black clouds of cancer. They were all crappy and slow. Now however, the life in diesel cars is much better. Emissions regulation on diesel cars (Not trucks, which will be a rant of it's own) is far more strict than back in the 80s. This means that the black wind of death is no longer as much of a factor as the emissions from clean diesels are about what gasoline engines produce. They do still have the problem of turning the back of the car black-assed if you don't wash it. The bad thing is they are still sickeningly slow even with turbos and guys, you're not impressing any girls when you pull up in a Jetta that sounds like a tractor. Maybe in the long run you will have some money saved up since these clean diesels routinely get mileage in the 35 to 45 mpg range. Then you can buy something, well, better. They're good cars. Good, boring, ugly, slow, cars.

Connor:

As always don't forget to comment and follow us. Otherwise Connor will... Ah, screw it. It's not like he gets on here anymore.

-G-

2014 Corvette Stingray

The Corvette recently received a complete redesign. Not one bolt from the C6 was used for the C7, even the logo was redone. This new offering from Chevy brought back the Stingray name, dropped in 1976. The C7 has quite a bit more power than the old one thanks to it's brand new 6.2L LT1. This engine produces 455HP and 460 lb/ft of torque. The previous car only made 430HP in base form and 424 lb/ft of torque. As the old C6 makes due with a 6 speed transmission the new one gets 7. The interior got better quality materials and new programmable digital gauges. Corvettes of old were almost entirely fiberglass. The new Stingray has several body panels now made from carbon fiber. The suspension now employs GM's new optional magnetic ride control. Chevy also recently launched the convertible version and stated that there will be a Z06 version debuting in 2015.

Griffin
I've recently become a big Corvette guy. At my house we have an '01 C5 and a '70 C3. So this new one really intrigued me. My favorite part of the whole car is obviously the new LT1. I'm glad hey stuck with an old style pushrod V8. I will say, big props to the chassis and suspension guys. This is supposed to be the best handling Corvette yet. I think 7 speeds are a bit too many. I was happy with 6. The rev-matching on the Tremec 7 speed is pretty cool though, I have to admit. Unfortunately I didn't have enough time to give this car justice, but I will do a way more in depth write up of the Z06 when it hits the showroom floor.

Connor

Image sources:
http://image.motortrend.com/f/roadtests/convertibles/1307_2014_chevrolet_corvette_stingray_z51_first_test/51840922/2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-Stingray-Z51-burnout-02.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/chevrolet-gen-v-small-block-v8.jpg

2015 Ford Expedition

Today we’re looking at the 2015 Ford Expedition. This new truck is still based on the first generation underneath. It will be available in the same trim levels as before and it will still come in the standard and XL lengths. The biggest change is not the styling like last week’s Toyota Tundra, but the single engine available has changed. Ford has dropped the old 5.4L V8 for a 3.5L V6 similar to the one available in the current F150. It retains the same six speed automatic as the previous model.Front end styling has changed slightly to distinguish this as a new generation. Interior has been changed as far as a new gauge cluster similar to the fusion. Pricing and specs have not yet been announced.Not much info is available yet as this truck was just unveiled at the Dallas autoshow recently.

Griffin:

I felt like I needed to do a piece on this thing because my current daily driver is a 2000 Expedition. The old truck is a gutless waterbed, but it did have great torque and the modular V8 is reliable as hell. Call me old school, but I like a V8 in my truck. As far as the chassis is concerned, this truck has a body shell and frame dating back to 1996. Both mine and Connor’s girlfriends are one year older than this thing! Ford, design a new Expedition please. A full-size six cylinder SUV is going to be a really hard sell with the Tahoe and Durango offering V8’s. I’m not saying they shouldn’t put the 3.5 in it at all. I just think they should make the 5.0 and option like they have with the F150. This will probably happen after the first year of this when they realize no one is buying these. They claim that the six will give improved fuel economy. In the F150 the 3.5 gives 16-22 mpg. The only problem is that it’s having to work it’s ass off and as a result gets barely better fuel economy over what the outgoing V8 made which was 14-20 mpg.  In my opinion, ever since Ford introduced the European Mondeo as the new Fusion, things have been going downhill at Ford as far as styling and mechanical ideas. Ford, at this point, is playing the tech game. If you want a car with a sync system (which is terrible) or want to be able to hook every electronic device you own to your car, get a Ford. If you want something fun to drive get a GM, Mopar, or import.  I used to like the big three in this order: Mopar, Ford, Chevy. Now I’m way more of a Chevy guy than a Ford guy.

Connor:

Image sources:

http://www.motorward.com/wp-content/images/2014/02/2015-Ford-Expedition-2-600x450.jpg

http://image.motortrend.com/f/roadtests/suvs/1402_2015_ford_expedition_first_look/67122751%2Bw644/2015-Ford-Expedition-dash.jpg

http://image.fourwheeler.com/f/62274182%2Bw600%2Bh400%2Bre0%2Bcr1%2Bar0/2015-Ford-Expedition-front-side-view.jpg

2014 Toyota Tundra

The previous generation of Toyota Tundra has been with us now for nine years, which is a long time for one model to remain unchanged. Toyota revamped their large truck this year with mostly just a facelift and some other small changes. Underneath the chassis is the same from the previous generation as is the entire drivetrain, brakes, suspension, and all other mechanical components. Even the electronic options remain the same from previous generations. The Tundra did receive new exterior styling, added front end trim with a larger, bolder grille. Interior styling has changed mildly as well. The new version is also cheaper too. The base model is a few more dollars than the old one at $26,200 versus $25,455. As you go up the range they do get cheaper with the top of the line 2014 being $47,600 and the 2013 going up to $48,170. There is a lot less to say about this truck than most other new cars because this is an example of an automotive facelift.

Griffin

This thing is a giant turd. There’s a few reasons why I think that. First of all Toyota is claiming this is an entirely new generation when all of the guts of it are straight off the shelf from the previous model. Secondly, at this point they’re asking $26,200 for a 10 year old truck.Thirdly, it makes no more power, has no new tech, and retains a frame that has more give than bleeding heart libs.Lastly, I never thought the truck was that attractive to begin with and the amount of chrome on this one would be appalling in the ‘50s. The only upside I can see to this is that since it is a Toyota, and as long as the seat heaters don’t turn it into a massive fireball, it should hold it’s value well. Also all the aftermarket suspension and engine parts that are already out should bolt right in. Assuming owning a dude-bro rig is your thing.

Connor

I am an Engineering student, and I have had so much work on my plate that I have literally not even had the time to drop in my two cents on thrown rods. But this vehicle deserves a pause in my studies, because... well look at it. I am fueled up on so much caffeine and stress that it only serves to fuel my hatred of this truck. Because of the fact that this truck is the same model it's always been, I would like to say that, Toyota, you infuriate me. I drive a Honda, not out of desire, but out of necessity. It is a mid size sedan- the bane of my existence, but also probably the most popular category of car on the road. Anyone who has been in front of this truck at night realizes that it is impossible not to be blinded by this vehicle. Anyone who has driven this vehicle at night realizes it is impossible to see at all with the headlights. I am so confused by that. And more. Working on these things is a terrible experience- the engineers (if there were any) probably had a game of who could make their part contain the absolute least common sense and last the shortest amount of time. Okay, to be really fair, they are relatively reliable. But come on, Toyota. You already missed one new truck generation. Don't set yourselves up to miss another.

2014 Cadillac ATS

Hello everyone. Today we’re going to talk about a car that Connor and I actually like.It’s the new Cadillac ATS.

Cadillac’s new small sedan has been out on the market since August of 2012, so it’s hardly brand new anymore. The reason we want to write about it is because this is an important car for General Motors and it’s really well made. The car is based on the rear wheel and all wheel drive GM Alpha platform. to give you an idea of what this platform is under, the current CTS is and the 2015 Camaro will be based on it. This car strays way away from the Cadillacs of old. This new car is surprisingly light at around 3,400 pounds thanks to lots of new lightweight materials. This is the first Cadillac since the Cimarron of the late ‘80s which has four cylinders and trust me, it’s way better. This new car actually has 3 available engines. the base model gets a naturally aspirated 2.5L four pot making 202hp and 190lbft of torque. The top of the line gets the same 3.6L V6 you get in the Camaro with 321hp and 274lbft of torque. Both of these models are auto trans cars only. That’s why we like the middle child. GM made this car for enthusiasts by fitting it with an optional six speed manual and a 272hp turbo 2.0L four cylinder. The torque curve on this car is impressive for a small capacity four cylinder, making 260lbft. You can have either of the upper range cars with all wheel drive.The car handles great due to the engineers giving it a near 50/50 weight distribution across the lineup. The interior and tech in this car all works well. You get a wide arrange of options on the ATS. One of which is the touchscreen CUE system which controls just about everything in the car. Prices start at $33,065 and can reach 58,760 if you check all of the boxes. That means this car, for the quality and performance, is actually a pretty fair deal. Especially if you consider the BMW 3 series, the ATS’s main competition, which to get the same performance you would be looking at spending upwards of $40,000. The styling on the ATS is in the same chiseled gothic look the company has had for a while. They have updated the company look rather well and it has a very clean design. All around it’s a solid entry for that price bracket.

Griffin

I really didn’t take too much notice to this when it first came out. I was way more into the CTS-V, and still really am. The ATS is cool though. It’s a small Caddy that will handle and that’s something I can really get behind. The turbo four they put in it is really a fun motor and I like it, but I’m waiting for someone to do a LSA swap from a CTS-V in it. I will forever back cars that come out with three pedals because they’re always more fun and I don’t like paddle shifters because I’m old school. The touch screen stuff isn’t my bag but GM’s system seems to work better than Ford’s. I’m glad Cadillac went with a rear wheel drive platform instead of front wheel like they have so much in the past. All in all I really dig the ATS and I’m looking forward to the coupe.

Connor

Sorry guys. I am busy with school and don’t have time to post stuff. Come back later to see what I think of the ATS.

The 2015 Ford Mustang

A drastically different approach for sure.

Co-written, C&G

The 2015 Mustang (www.musclemustangfastfords.com)

    Alright guys, I know this one has gotten a lot of other press recently, but Connor and I have some strong opinions on this car as well as all other Ford products. I’ll start with the facts before we get into that so some of you might actually like this thing (trust me, it needs the love).

2011 5.0L (www.mustang50magazine.com)

    This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Mustang. It’s a big deal and Ford wanted to show they’re still interested in people who want fun cars instead of boring grey shapeless hunks of metal, four cylinders droning down the highway. They are also now aiming at the European market with this new generation. This means change. Mainly updates to old technology. This marks the first time the entire range will be offered with independent rear suspension and the first time since the SVO that the car will be offered with a turbo 2.3 four cylinder. This new engine is claimed to make about 305hp and 300lbft of torque.The current 300hp V6 will still be offered (for anyone who liked that engine). I know Mustang purists are scared that Ford is softening up the Mustang, but not to worry. The car will be offered with the 5.0 V8 that’s resides between the fenders of the current model, though slightly revamped. The new 5.0 will have 420hp, over the last incarnation’s 412. Fuel economy is increasing across the board on these engines as well. The 5.0 will now beat up your wallet and take it’s lunch money now as opposed to tearing it to shreds. All cars will still be offered with 6 speeds and three pedals. There is also rumored to be a Cobra Jet version for track only use if you still want a live axle in the back. The chassis and styling is all new for this car. Ford has been saying they want the new Mustang to attract younger buyers. In order to do so they have started straying from the retro look. The new model has adopted the company-wide grille and done away with the rear medallion. Also, this thing will be loaded down with every digital bell and whistle in Ford’s toybox.

(david-wasting-paper.blogspot.com)

Our opinions:

Griffin-

Ok, call me old fashion, but I’m a traditionalist. I can’t stand this car. Not because it’s no longer retro, not because of the turbo four. Because of the damn computers! (and I’ll be honest, a little because of the new suspension) All of that aside I'm sure it's a solid car. Like all Mustangs the aftermarket will be all over this. I give it less than a year before a live axle kit is on the market. Also I'm fine with the turbo four option. I always liked the SVO and my dad had it's big brother, the Thunderbird Turbo Coupe. The looks don't bother me as much as they did when I first saw it. The Aston Martin grille still bugs me, but that's all of Ford's line up right now. I will also admit that I'm not the biggest fan of the side profile looking like the last Jaguar coupe. I am glad they stuck with the manual trans in the car. What I have seen of the convertible makes me think the designer just said "Oh, crap! we forgot to make a soft top version!" and cobbled something together in a matter of minutes. I run hot and cold with this thing. I find one thing I like and then immediately find another I don't. To sum it up, the car has a great drivetrain, but the rest is like the greatest hits of the companies Ford used to own.

New Ford grille (left) vs Aston grille (right)

Connor-
Alright, I get where they are coming from. They want groundbreaking. They were the first to truly bring the "retro-look" to fruition with the last style of Mustang, soon copied by most of the old favorites- the Challenger/ Charger/ Camaro boom. Mustang hit the nail on the head there. I'm sad they are losing their retro-ness or whatever, and I'd be more okay with it if it were actually groundbreaking. Their design makes every single ford sedans look the same, only some are like, the fat siblings. The new mustang is just a Taurus that lost a little weight. Beyond that, Ford has flat out copied with their standard grille these days. It isn't unique, it isn't edgy, yet somehow they still thought it would be okay to copy the grille off an Aston. I mean, look at the fusion too! It's just not new. 50 years of originality, celebrated by a damn photocopy of an Aston body on a [mostly] gutless car. As Griffin said, there are options provided to make it real, but would you buy a four cylinder Aston? Alright, I'll quit the copy cat rant (Image from www.carscoops.com). Now, I know my opinions are mostly cosmetic, and some of them were just about where Ford is headed in general, but for me that is the main issue right now. No, I don't think there should be four cylinder Mustangs. But beyond that, I think a Mustang should stand out in a line up like it has since it was born. 

So, the exterior is sexy, because Aston designs nice cars, and it would be fun to work on, if it didn't take 3 college degrees to be able to understand how it works. Bottom line- sure, the Mustang looks alright, and people are going to buy it because, after all it messed up, it's still a Mustang. There isn't anything glaringly wrong with it, but there isn't anything stand-out-right with it either. It's alright.

Pros:
- You can still get a bitchin' 5.0 in it
- Loaded with fancy gadgets
- The V6 is available. I think that is a good thing? I mean, if you're into that...

Cons:
- When you drive this, you will not be noticed, unless someone is like, "Hey, is that an Aston- oh wait, it's just another stupid Ford."
- The suspension doesn't resemble any sort of Mustang that ever existed
- If you want to work on it yourself, better go back to college

Just a few ups and downs, but that about sums up the 15 Mustang.
We give it a solid B as a car and a solid D as a Mustang.

C&G
-ThrownRods-

Email Change

Hello all! To avoid compromising our personal accounts, settings have been changed and buttons have been pushed and whatnot. If you want to get a hold of us, by all means do! You still can, but we ask that you use the email thrownrodsblog@gmail.com and not our personal emails. We will not respond to you otherwise, or will respond requesting you email the correct address.
Thank you for your cooperation!
-C-

What you'll find in the Cutting Edge

This is our destination for all things technical. This is meant to be a techie haven where you can find information without having to go through a boat load of other crap to find the one fact you need. Hopefully, this will turn into a place where if you ask a question, we will Griffin will get back to you during the same week and you'll be ready to go. Likewise, we will be looking to add a sort of forum-style to it so yall can talk amongst yourselves as well. Enjoy and get smart.