Auto Industry News: Cali Pushes Onward with Driverless Technology, Goodbye Impala, & Kyle Busch in Victory Lane

Change is the only constant in life and as such, it’s the underlying theme of this week’s auto news. California pushes forward with driverless technology, despite a couple of recent reports that rocked those on the fence of autonomy. We wave goodbye to the Chevy Impala. And fan-favorite Kyle Busch finally nabs his first win of the NASCAR season.

Cali Law & Driverless Technology

Recent times have appeared dark for autonomy in the automotive world. An Uber accident involving failed sensors left one pedestrian dead in Arizona. Then another deadly crash fell into Tesla’s lap last month. But despite these obvious bugs, the California state legislature presses forward with driverless technology unafraid.

During the beginning of such an implementation, only cars with backup drivers can take passengers. Of course, the ultimate aim is a COMPLETELY driverless experience. But in order to reach that phase of development, companies must offer the service for free. According to reports, the CPUC plans to develop regulations for paid rides. But not until the proposed set of initial rules are approved. Is a free ride really worth guinea pigging through the kinks? You decide, and let us know in the comments!

Ford Teases New Focus

Ford is focused on its own agenda these days—no pun intended. With the European and Chinese re-release of the Focus upon us this week, Ford decided to hint at the next-gen’s new look and generate some added buzz.

For one, it appears slightly less, well, “senior-citizen-ish”. The million-dollar question remains, what does the re-release mean for the badge going forward? Jim Farley, head of Ford’s global markets, obviously hopes it equates to increased profitability… and justification for the likely price tag bump. The next generation will include an ST version, an SUV-inspired Active trim, and an upscale Vignale version.

The Focus, once a daily grocery getter for Grandma, now appears to be teasing the crowd with a bad boy/leather jacket phase. With that said, Americans likely wont get one stateside until 2019. Let’s see if it’s actually worth buying come Tuesday.

GM & Ford Discontinue Four Models

The Chevy Impala and Sonic, along with the Ford Taurus and Fiesta, will all see their final days of production. The Sonic, which never really took flight, may discontinue as early as the end of this year. The demise of the iconic Chevy Impala will be worked out of the picture over the course of the next few years, according to reports. Today’s version is a long cry from its rich heritage, but it’s never easy to whisper goodbye, especially to a nameplate gracing driveways since 1958.

The Ford Taurus, on the other hand, has been on sort of a reunion tour (Ford revived it in 2008)—the end was inevitable, people. Ford is looking at the bigger picture, as they reported 90 percent of their volume would eventually be in trucks and utility vehicle sales. That hasn’t stopped rumblings of the Ford Fiesta departure but really, it should come as no surprise that the four models under the subcompact and sedan categories are ready for the pasture.

1965 Chevy Impala Build and Restoration

In memoriam of its discontinuation, we’re featuring a ’65 Impala build and restoration. This classic holds a revamped 6.0 LQ9 V8 and brand new 6-speed manual transmission. But that wasn’t the only addition to get this tank road-ready. The guys included an updated Ridetech suspension and perhaps most importantly, A LOT of custom welding and rust repair went into the frame. The current owner removed the bottom work of a previous shop in favor of a traditional frame-mounted crossmember. This is to better support the transmission and V8, plus protect it for rides to come.

It’s sad that this muscly build is quickly becoming an artifact, but we thought it a beautiful way to honor the iconic Impala name.

Around the Circuit

In NASCAR, “fan favorite” Kyle Busch nabbed his first victory of the season at Texas Motor Speedway. Kevin Harvick, who has been having what is one of the best seasons in recent memory, took second and has been bumped from his spot atop the overall standings. Jamie McMurray finished third to tack 38 points (his highest place of the season) onto his total, despite a wicked spin early in the race. Next week, the Monster Energy Series field hits Bristol for the Food City 500.

In other racing news, Sebastian Vettel captured the victory at the Bahrain GP, but that was the least eventful F1 Sunday happening. Coming around a turn near the midway point of the race, Max Verstappen attempted to squeeze Lewis Hamilton to the outside, but the former champion did not budge resulting in a substantial puncture to Vettel’s car. After the race, Hamilton called Verstappen on the move, deeming it flat out “silly.” But no one was laughing at this scary moment in pit lane. The Ferrari mechanic suffered a broken leg, though it could have been far worse. Viewer discretion is advised.

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