One of the worst trends in the modern automotive industry is deleting physical controls for options buried on a screen. The days of being able to twist a knob or punch a button without looking at it are being challenged, but you’d think some automakers would stick with the logical choice. Well, even Volvo has given in.
Matt wrote a Morning Dump that mentioned that he’s at a Volvo press event with company brass on hand. Per our usual, he asked what you’d like to know. Stef Schrader (hi!) came in hot:
WHERE ARE THE INTERIOR BUTTONS, VOLVO? WHY HAVE YOU TAKEN THE NICE, EASY-TO-USE INTERIOR BUTTONS AWAY, VOLVO??? WHY IS THE BRAND THAT MADE ITS NAME FOR SAFETY REPLACING CONTROLS THAT YOU CAN JUST SLAP OR TWIST BY FEEL WITH ANNOYING ON-SCREEN CONTROLS WITH TINY TEXT THAT TAKE MY ATTENTION AWAY FROM THE ROAD…VOLVO???
(I’m so tired).
That story also mentioned that Ford is working on a small Bronco. Data:
If it is a smaller Bronco, just call it the Bro.
Ottomottopean:
Is Ford just reviving the Bronco II? Seems like we’ve already done this.
Taargus Taargus:
Bronco II 2: Electric Boogaloo.
Fineheresyourdamn70dollars:
Bronco ][e.
Sid Bridge:
Ford Exec: We want to announce the new member of the Bronco family this week. Is it ready?
Ford Engineer: No. No it is not ready. We haven’t even finished the clay model. We have no idea what the powertrain looks like. The napkin sketch I’m working off of has a smiley face in the blue oval.
Ford Exec: Well, we have to announce something. Give me something to work with here.
Ford Engineer: Fine. Tell them it’s A dynamic, fully electric small SUV carrying the same rally-bred design language and drive dynamics in an urban-friendly package.
Ford Exec: Ok. What’s that mean?
Ford Engineer: I recommend you don’t take questions.
We sent a reader to a Nissan Z press event, and they had great fun. Eggsalad:
“[S]ome of the quicker lap times ever set by a Lotus Elise”
Not her real name.
Jatco Xtronic CVT is back:
One can hope Nissan will someday propose to celebrate arguably their greatest powertrain component, one that has stood, ridiculed, alongside their celebrated V6s, providing efficiency, reliability, and luxurious performance…
Finally, Jason wrote about how the Ford Bronco Sport is one of the chunkiest cars with a three-cylinder engine. Trust Doesn’t Rust:
I’m pretty sure there’s an ’09 Chevrolet Malibu down the street that’s only running on three cylinders. Does that count?
Have a great evening, everyone!
Top graphic image: Volvo
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