Automotive

Nissan’s Midnight Edition Package Adds Style & Value

Nissan has what they call a Midnight Edition Package that has proven very popular with customers. So what do you do when you have something people want? Make more of it. Or, in Nissan’s case, expand it to a wider range of vehicles.

Originally, the Midnight Edition Package was an available option just for the Maxima SR sedan. The response was positive, so why let good vibes go to waste, thought Nissan. They expanded the availability to a total of six models, and unveiled them at this year’s Chicago Auto Show.

In addition to the Maxima, the Midnight Edition Package is now available on the Sentra, Altima, Maxima, Rogue, Murano, and Pathfinder.

2017 Nissan Sentra SR Midnight Edition. Photo: Nissan North America.

Sentra

Offered on both the 2017 Sentra SR and SR Turbo, ticking the option box for the Midnight Edition gets you black 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (their full name is “Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels” and that redundancy of “Midnight Edition” really gets out of hand, so just assume Nissan uses it everywhere). The package also includes black mirror caps, black rear spoiler, and available Midnight Edition floor mats.

The package is available on four different colors too: Red Alert, Super Black, Aspen White, and Gun Metallic, which, I’m assuming translates as red, black, white, and dark shiny gray.

The whole package will set you back $490, which isn’t all that bad.

2017 Nissan Altima SR Midnight Edition. Photo: Nissan North America.

Altima

The Altima version, the Altima SR Midnight Edition, is available on the 2017 Altima 2.5SR. You can get the package with Super Black, Gun Metallic, Pearl White, and Cayenne Red (e.g. black, gray, white, and red). The special edition package includes black 18-inch Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels and low-profile 235/45R18 all-season tires, black mirror caps, black rear spoiler, LED headlights, remote engine start, and available Midnight Edition floor mats.

Cost? A not at all unreasonable $990.

2017 Nissan Maxima SR Midnight Edition. Photo: Nissan North America.

Maxima

The model that kicked off all this midnight madness, the Maxima SR, is still to be had. For 2017 it’s found again on the range topping Maxima SR, the most capable of the five available grade levels. The Midnight Edition comes with black 19-inch Midnight Black aluminum-alloy wheels, a black rear spoiler, rear diffuser, and the seemingly ubiquitously available Midnight Edition floor mats.

Colors for the Maxima SR include four: Pearl White, Coulis Red, Gun Metallic, and the original Super Black.

The cost is a still rational $1,195.

2017 Nissan Rogue Midnight Edition. Photo: Nissan North America.

Rogue

The Rogue, Nissan’s best-selling nameplate, also receives the Midnight Edition action with black 17-inch Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels, black mirror caps, and those available Midnight Edition floor mats. There are black roof rails, black cross bars, black splash guards, rear bumper protectors, and trick illuminated kick plates.

The package is only available with the Rogue SV and comes in Magnetic Black, Gun Metallic, Pearl White, and Palatial Ruby. Not just every day red, oh no, Palatial Ruby.

Cost, if you’re making a shopping list, is $990.

2017 Nissan Murano Platinum Midnight Edition. Photo: Nissan North America.

Murano

The Murano, the crossover named for a suburb of Venice, gets exclusive black 20-inch Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels, black roof rails, black mirror caps, black splash guards, and those available Midnight Edition floor mats.

Sheesh Nissan, why don’t you just toss in the floor mats?

Color choices are Pearl White, Cayenne Red, Gun Metallic, and Magnetic Black. The whole thing will set you back $1,195, but it’s only offered on the Platinum grade level Murano.

2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum Midnight Edition. Photo: Nissan North America.

Pathfinder

Finally, the Pathfinder Midnight Edition includes fashionable black 20-inch Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels, black mirror caps, black spoiler, black splash guards, those trick illuminated kick plates again, a chrome rear bumper protector and, I hope you’re sitting down, but Midnight Edition floor mats are also available.

You can get it in Pearl White, Cayenne Red, Gun Metallic or Magnetic Black, again, only on the Platinum model for $1,195.

All of these stylish Midnight Editions, with their floor mats, are either in Nissan showrooms now, or will be soon.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

Photos & Source: Nissan North America

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Report: Alfa Romeo cans plans for a Giulia Sport Wagon

Alfa Romeo planned to build a long-roof variant of its Giulia sedan, but axed it in favor of the Stelvio crossover.

What’s going on?

Auto enthusiasts caught a glimpse of hope after rumors suggested an Alfa Romeo Giulia wagon was on the way. Some digital renderings even surfaced, reinforcing the talk of the town and previewing what could possibly be a long-roof Giulia.

Click here for more news on the Alfa Romeo Giulia or Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

But sadly, the rumors turned out to be false, according to the latest from CAR.

Alfa originally intended to build a Sportwagon variant of the Giulia, catering to Europe’s general love for wagons. And for a moment, the potential hope to see that wagon stateside made all of us Americans excited. But after further assessment, Alfa found demand to be too small for a wagon version altogether, even in Europe.

Why did Alfa Romeo cancel the Giulia Sport Wagon?

Simply put: blame the Stelvio SUV and the high-demand for crossovers. Alfa Romeo’s manufacturing chief, Alfredo Altavilla, says the company’s betting on the Stelvio SUV to fill in the gap instead of a Giulia Sport Wagon.

The company believes will “drive just as well as a Giulia wagon would,” eliminating the need for both models. But as crossover SUVs proved they can drive well, their higher center of gravity and heavier bodies still take tolls, especially when compared to wagons.

The lack of a Giulia Sportwagon might be a bit upsetting. But considering how Alfa Romeo delayed the Giulia several times and continues struggling with its finances, the decision makes sense.

Will there be any other Giulia variants?

Although no wagon is planned, rumors are still abound for a possible coupe version of the Giulia. The two-door variant would compete with the likes of the BMW 4-Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: CAR

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The all-new, Nurburgring-tuned 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT arrives as America's i30

Hyundai revealed the all-new i30 hatch for Europe in Paris last year and now, it’s bound for America as the 2018 Elantra GT.

What’s going on?

The relatively quiet, but fourth-largest auto show in North America is currently happening. Despite being the smallest behind Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York, the Chicago Auto Show still manages to have a few reveals up its sleeve.

The latest: meet the all-new 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT, recently revealed at the McCormick Convention Center.

What’s new about it?

If the 2018 Elantra GT looks familiar, that’s because Hyundai unveiled it as the i30 at Paris last year. Clearly aimed at the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Honda Civic, the Elantra GT receives a far more refined and aggressive design. But not only that, it offers a whole list of updates making it hugely compeitive on paper.

For instance, the Elantra GT has the most interior capacity when compared to any of its competition. It’s also 61 pounds lighter and 22-percent structurally stiffer, thanks to more varied use of materials. The 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT also had its handling and ride specifically tuned on the famed Nürburgring. Bolstering the handling argument even further, a far superior fully-independent multi-link arrangement replaces the previous model’s rear torsion beam setup.

What powers it?

When the new Elantra GT hits showrooms later this year, it’ll come with a choice of two inline-fours. The standard engine is a naturally-aspirated 2.0L four-pot, yielding 162 horsepower while the optional turbocharged 1.6L four-pot comes with 201hp and 195 pound-feet of twist. Both come with the option of a six-speed manual, while the 2.0L gets the choice of a six-speed auto. Should you want an automatic with the turbo mill, a seven-speed dual-clutch cog swapper is available.

What other cool things come with the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT?

Hyundai’s really pushing its wireless connectivity suites and integration. Thus, the Elantra GT comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Hyundai’s Blue Link capabilities, and even connectivity with Amazon’s Alexa.

How much will it cost?

Hyundai didn’t announce the price yet, but we can expect that information to surface as we near the car’s launch.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Hyundai

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Nissan extends the 2018 Titan lineup with a King Cab configuration

Nissan adds a new King Cab configuration to the 2018 Titan’s lineup, allowing for seating up to six.

What’s going on?

The 2017 Chicago Auto Show is what’s going on, and Nissan brought some new offerings to show off. The latest we have here is a new body option for the 2018 Nissan Titan. Now, you can get the Titan in King Cab style, meaning it sports an extra row of seating in the back over the standard cab. But it’s smaller than the full four-door Quad Cab variant.

Where as the Nissan Titan Quad Cab comes with four full-size doors, the Titan King Cab comes with two regular front doors and two rear-hinged, rear doors. The style will be available on both the half-ton Titans and the larger, heavier duty Titan XD. But only a 6.5-foot bed can be paired with any of the King Cabs.

Should buyers also want to delete the rear bench on the King Cab for more storage space, that’s also an option.

Other than that, what else is new about it?

Not much.

2017 Nissan Titan King Cab

OK, what powers it?

As you’d expect, the King Cab Titans only come with the traditional gasser 5.6L V8 with 390 horsepower. The larger Titan XD could be fitted with the lovely 5.0L Cummins turbodiesel V8 with 310hp and 555 pound-feet of torque. The gas V8 comes with a six-speed automatic while the diesel gets a seven-speed box.

That means the towing capacities of the new King Cab Titans are similar to the Quad Cab and standard cab models, depending the engine choice. The 5.6L gas V8 Titan King Cab can tow up to 9,410 pounds with a max payload of 1,640 pounds. While the diesel is expectedly more capable, towing up to 12,510 pounds and a max payload of 2,710 pounds.

When will it come out?

Nissan didn’t officially announce the pricing for the King Cab Titans. But that information is likely to surface as we near the spring launch date.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Nissan

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Ram Heavy Duty Night Editions Debut In The Windy City

Ram Heavy Duty trucks will mean business at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show as a new special package is revealed. The Night package is based on the monochromatic Sport appearance package, and will be available on Ram 2500 and 3500. The Night package will dress these powerful machines up even more, from the wheels to the grille.

The idea was to create a performance oriented feel.

“Truck enthusiasts look for ways to stand out from the crowd and Ram is building the best trucks in the enthusiast segment,” explained Mike Manley, Head of Ram Brand, FCA-Global.

Features & Treatments

Ram Heavy Duty Night packages start with the aforementioned monochromatic Sport appearance package. That includes things like body-colored wheel flares, for example. From there, black lighting bezels, black-bezel headlamps, body-color-painted bumpers, and a black grill surround bring the Night imagery to life.

Other elements exclusive to the Night package include a black grille surround with black billet inserts, flat black Ram 2500 or 3500 Heavy Duty door badge, and flat black powertrain door badging. The Night package includes 20×8-inch black-painted aluminum wheels and LT285/60R20E white letter on/off road tires.

Black rectangular running boards also are available.

Night package Ram HD trucks are finished inside with heated cloth vinyl bucket seats with 10-way power adjustment, power-adjustable pedals, and automatic temperature control with dual-zone climate control.

Ram Heavy Duty Night package interior. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Power & Performance

Ram Heavy Duty trucks are big hitters here, delivering 31,210 lbs. of towing capability through their 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel. The engine produces 385 horsepower and 900 lb-ft. of torque. Those looking for a gas HD truck may find value in the fact Ram has the largest displacement V-8 in the segment. The 6.4-liter HEMI has 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft. of torque.

Currently, Ram 2500 holds the ¾-ton gas-powered towing title with 16,320 pounds of capacity.

Ram trucks also come in handy right about the time snow starts piling up. Ram Heavy Duty trucks offer the segment’s highest plow ratings, and after watching this video, it makes sense. The plowing performance of a Ram is unmatched and would be an ideal choice to clear large areas, like a parking lot, during harsh winters.

“The Ram Brand understands that it’s important to meet the demands and deliver outstanding, durable products to every type of truck buyer,” Manley said.

Pricing & Availability

The Night package is available on Ram 2500 and 3500 (single rear wheel models only) in Crew Cab configurations, 4×2 or 4×4, and any available powertrain combination. Ram 2500 and 3500 HD Night models come in Bright Silver Metallic, Bright White, Brilliant Black Crystal, Delmonico Red Pearl, and Granite Crystal Metallic.

Production of the 2017 Ram HD Night models began in early February. Ram Heavy Duty Night pricing starts at $45,520 plus $1,320 destination.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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2018 Ford Expedition: Less Weight, More Power, More Tech

Ford calls the 2018 Expedition the ideal vehicle for active families, saying the full-size SUV is the smartest, most capable Expedition yet. Refinements for 2018 include connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and increases in performance attributes like tow capacity.

More than 40 additional features and driver-assist technologies are new to the Expedition for 2018. Ford points out how today’s full-size SUV customer has changed.

“When Expedition was introduced 20 years ago, it set the standard for active families who simply needed a big and strong SUV to take them places,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Today’s families want even more smart technology to help them cover more ground safely, more efficiently, and more comfortably – all while staying connected to friends and family.”

Power & Performance

Ford is utilizing their ever popular and ever powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost for the 2018 Expedition. The engine is standard with Auto Start-Stop and a new, class-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission. A newly available electronic limited-slip differential on models with Intelligent 4WD improves off-road capability by sending power where it’s needed most.

An all-new Terrain Management System provides drive modes for better performance, depending on the conditions. The range is pretty extensive, from normal, around-town driving to more demanding situations like heavy towing and hauling. Eco mode is pretty straight forward (fuel conservation) as is sport mode (not so much fuel conserved). Individual settings exist for a variety of surfaces from grass, gravel, snow, and mud, to ruts, dips, and other uneven surfaces.

Like its F-Series counterpart, the 2018 Ford Expedition utilizes a high-strength, aluminum-alloy body and redesigned high-strength steel frame. The combination, like in the F-Series, gives the new Expedition a solid foundation on which to stand. With the strategic choice and placement of materials, the 2018 Ford Expedition dropped 300 lbs., and engineers reinvested weight where it matters most in terms of technology and performance. In essence, tow capacity and off-road capability are increased from the prior generation.

With the 3.5-liter EcoBoost and class-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission, the 2018 Ford Expedition is expected to deliver the best towing capability of any full-size SUV. Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Useful Tools

The 2018 Ford Expedition features a class-exclusive, enhanced active park assist and an available 360-degree camera. With a vehicle as large as the Expedition, these two items may come in handy in a busy parking lot. Once underway, lane-keeping aid will reduce unwanted drifting while a collision avoidance detection system monitors other vehicles and pedestrians. Two other tech items, adaptive cruise control and a Blind Spot Information System, ease stress and increase safety.

To help with backing a trailer, the 2018 Ford Expedition features Pro Trailer Backup Assist. According to Ford’s research, more than 50 percent of Expedition customers will use the vehicle for towing, and 15 percent say they tow monthly, even weekly.

Useful Tech

Keeping up with a busy family is no easy chore but the 2018 Ford Expedition seems up to the task. Inside is wireless mobile charging, the first Ford vehicle to use such a feature interesting enough. Once your device is charged via the pad in the center console, you can connect it and ten others to the Expedition’s Wi-Fi hotspot, which is active up to 50 feet from the vehicle. On a longer drive, the rear seat entertainment system allows passengers to view their home cable programming on either of two video screens or hand-held devices.

Additional connectivity comes from Ford’s SYNC 3 and SYNC Connect. The latter connects with FordPass so owners can start, lock, unlock, and locate their Expedition from anywhere. It also saves important diagnostic information.

An advanced cargo manager provides an adjustable shelf behind the third row. Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Interior Treatments

Ford puts a lot of emphasis on the interior comfort of the 2018 Expedition. The automaker says the interior is both roomy and flexible, with seating for eight, plus their cargo. Ford even says adults will appreciate the additional legroom and reclining seats in the third row. Each row provides power too, with four 12-volt power points, six USB chargers, and a 110-volt power outlet.

Getting in should be a breeze as the 2018 Ford Expedition is the first full-size utility with a sliding second-row seat. The “tip-and-slide” feature should make accessing the third row easy. The second-and third-row seats fold flat via a button which opens up the cargo area substantially. With the seats folded, a trip to the hardware store is no problem since the cargo area will accommodate 4×8-foot sheets of plywood.

Two of our favorite interior treatments include the panoramic vista roof and the 12-speaker B&O PLAY premium audio system. The panoramic vista roof spans two rows – the stereo plays music that spans decades. They are both very nice touches for this vehicle.

The 2018 Ford Expedition arrives this fall but prior to that, it’s on display at the Chicago Auto Show.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.