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Our love of SUVs is killing people in the streets

Americans are fond of supersized fast-food meals and colossal convenience-store fountain drinks, even though they're clearly bad for our health and U.S. adults keep getting fatter. We also like large vehicles, and our love affair with SUVs is killing people in the streets. According to a recent investigation by the Detroit Free Press/USA Today, the increase in SUV sales over the past several years coincides with a sharp rise in pedestrian deaths in the U.S. — up 46 percent since 2009, with nearly 6,000 people killed in 2016 alone. With SUV sales surpassing sedans in 2014 and pickups and SUVs currently accounting for 60 percent of new vehicle sales, it's no wonder Ford announced in April plans to cease U.S. sales of almost all passenger cars. And this followed Fiat Chrysler's move to virtually an all-truck, -SUV and -crossover lineup. While the Freep/USA Today investigation found that the simultaneous surge in SUV sales and pedestrian deaths comes down to vehicle size, it also points to a lack of action on the part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), even though it knew of the dangers SUVs pose to pedestrians. Also blamed are automakers dragging their feet on implementing active safety features. Using federal accident data, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) determined that there was an 81 percent increase in single-vehicle pedestrian fatalities involving SUVs between 2009 and 2016. Freep/USA Today's analysis of the same data by counting vehicles that struck and killed pedestrians instead of the number of people killed showed a 69 percent increase in SUV involvement. As far back as 2001, researchers at Rowan University forecasted a rise in pedestrian deaths as Americans began switching to SUVs. "In the United States, passenger vehicles are shifting from a fleet populated primarily by cars to a fleet dominated by light trucks and vans," the researchers wrote, with light trucks comprising SUVs.

2017 Chevy Camaro Z/28 Nurburgring crash caught on video

A 2017 Chevy Camaro Z/28 prototype crashed Thursday morning during testing on the Nurburgring in Germany. The driver appears to be unharmed, and the Camaro was not severely damaged. You can see the crash happen near the 1:35 mark of the video. Everything is going fine as the camo-clad Camaro accelerates onto the 'Ring. But as the driver goes through a turn the back wheels lock up. The driver then nails the brakes, the front wheels lock up, and he careens into the rail, getting airborne in the process briefly. The driver then navigates the Camaro to the other side of the circuit. A crumpled front fender and maimed aero is the only damage. View 11 Photos Mishap aside, this is an excellent look at what we believe is the track-focused Camaro Z/28. We see the huge wing in back and smaller winglets in front reminiscent of the Corvette Z06's Z07 Performance Pack. The new Z/28 has a throaty, almost buzzy V8 sound. We predict the seven-speed manual transmission from the Corvette, and perhaps the new 10-speed automatic trans from the Camaro ZL1, will be available. This prototype has a huge, gaping grille, blacked out wheels, and an aggressive front splitter. Look for the Z/28 to go on sale next year. A General Motors spokesperson said the company doesn't comment on development testing, but noted that "safety is our overriding priority." Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Image Credit: Brian Williams / SpiedBilde Spy Photos Chrysler Coupe Performance Videos viral video chevy camaro z28

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Review: Hybrid is still the one to get, but it's pricey

Pros: Unique plug-in hybrid; versatile Stow ‘n Go seats; great entertainment features; good looks Cons: No cheaper base trim; top trims and Hybrid are really expensive; less-comfy second-row Stow ‘n Go seats The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica represents the seventh year of this latest generation of ChryslerÂ’s minivan, which is usually a year past when a car would be completely redesigned. Despite this advanced age, the Pacifica was so well done from the get-go that it remains fully competitive, and in Hybrid form, one of our top choices in the admittedly small minivan segment. Key updates two years in particular ensured that its in-car tech remained just as state-of-the-art and well-executed as itÂ’s always been. Indeed, if thatÂ’s a priority, the Pacifica should be at the top of your list. Ditto fuel economy, because with its plug-in hybrid powertrain and 32 miles of electric range, itÂ’s possible for the Pacifica Hybrid to best even the sensationally efficient, hybrid-only Toyota Sienna. This efficiency is a key reason why that pair represents our top minivan choices, as they can save you $1,000 or more versus V6-only vans (including the regular Pacifica) in gas per year. That said, we put the Sienna on top in a comparison test because of price, and the scales have only tipped further since then after Chrysler jacked the price up by about $8,000 in the last two model years. The base Pacifica Hybrid is now more than $50,000 with the Pinnacle living up to its name with a price tag over $60,000. The $7,500 federal tax credit should help, but itÂ’s unclear at this point if it'll still apply in calendar year 2023. Basically, we really like the Pacifica Hybrid, but the economics might be tricky. So could finding one at a dealer given supply, demand and potential mark-ups.   Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Trim Levels   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2023? The Pacifica gets a new Road Tripper package for 2023. Available on the Touring L trim levels of both gas and hybrid versions, it adds special graphics and wheels in Luster Gray with orange highlights. ThereÂ’s also “Granite Crystal” exterior trim, all-weather floor mats and a roof rack (though itÂ’s unclear whether its different than the PacificaÂ’s usual Stow ‘n Place rack). The gas-only version also includes the Trailer Tow group.