ACtion Magazine - July/August 2017 - 8

Spring Brake 2017
Steve Schaeber

ach May the International Motor Press Association (IMPA) holds their annual Spring Brake event
at Bear Mountain State Park in New York. It's a
chance for media professionals to spend some time with
a few of the newest cars and trucks, and even take them
out for short drives around the picturesque Hudson Valley
Park.
This was my first year in attendance, and it was a great
experience. More than 60 vehicles were available but we
only had enough time to drive 11. Here are some of our
favorites!

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
FCA introduced the world's first plug-in hybrid electric
minivan for 2017. It's a strange feeling to drive such a big
vehicle when there's no engine running, but once you get
it out onto the road and hit that pedal, it's even stranger
when the gas engine doesn't kick in (it has a 33-mile electric-only range). The PHEV has three coolant loops (one
for the HV battery pack, one for the power electronics, and

Specify Schrader

No other valve is a Schrader valve

Contact Rick Good at
800.288.1804 x8814
to get your copy of the
Schrader "A/C Valve
Application and
Installation Manual"
and/or related valve
product brochures.

2017 Ram 2500
Although Ford continues to reign supreme over the vocational truck world (with GM in close second), FCA has
for several years been gaining much ground in the segment with their lineup of RAM trucks, and this one shows
us why. Not only does it look cool and tough, it's got an
interior and ride quality to match that of any rival. Fans
of Cummins turbo diesel engines will also appreciate that
unmistakable sound, too.

2017 Toyota Prius Prime
We learned about some innovative A/C features on
Toyota's first plug-in hybrid Prius at MACS 2017, and
this was my first chance to see one up close. During driving, the car demonstrates an absolutely seamless transition
from electric to gas power under acceleration, and the A/C
even continues to run during long idle-stop periods. Its
heat pump system provides the cabin (and battery) with
both heating and cooling, helping Prime achieve its 25mile battery-only range. You can also control the HVAC
system via an app on your smartphone!

2018 VW Atlas
Confirmation at last of the first Volkswagen sold in
the US that uses the new R-1234yf refrigerant, Atlas is
also their newest and largest SUV. Built in Tennessee with
plenty of power and lots of room, it offers a quiet and
comfortable ride, but I was more interested in the dashboard gauges (or lack thereof). A widescreen video display
replaces traditional tach and speedometer needle gauges.

2017 Dodge Charger Daytona
Beyond being the fastest car I drove that day (yes, it's
a HEMI), this 392 Charger also looks, sounds and drives
the part (we clocked 0-60 in about 6 seconds without full
throttle). Green Go may be too bold for some, but it really
makes the car stand out! Like most other FCAs it uses
R-1234yf with PAG oil, and this one even had its tether
straps installed. Nice!
Want to see our photos and video from the event? Head
over to the MACS Wordpress BLOG at https://macsworldwide.wordpress.com/ and search for keyword Spring
Brake. ❆

Schrader: MACS
member since 1993.

Since 1844

800.288.1804 x8814
8

another for the ICE), and the electric A/C compressor uses
R-1234yf refrigerant with POE oil.

ACTION * July/August 2017

Steve Schaeber
Manager of Service Training
You can reach Steve at
steve@macsw.org

http://macs-worldwide.wordpress.com/ http://macs-worldwide.wordpress.com/ http://www.schraderinternational.com/region-selector

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ACtion Magazine - July/August 2017