2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Review

2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Review

For those wanting to get off the beaten path and away from civilization, the Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road is a mid-size truck that will fit perfectly. Get the Tacoma Double Cab and you can take all your friends and have room for extra gear for the excursion. With the Long Bed, you can even load up a four-wheeler for the trip to the back country. If you just need a commuter truck, the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, or Honda Ridgeline will be a good enough alternative to a car.
This week we drove the 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Double Cab Long Bed.
What’s New For 2017?
Last year, (2016) the Toyota Tacoma received an overhaul with a new V6 engine, refreshed interior, fresh styling, a new cabin structure, a new transmission, retuned suspension, and improved noise insulation. For 2017, Tacoma gets minor changes like power actuation of the crew cab’s sliding rear window, and the top-of-the-line TRD Pro trim level returns after a one-year hiatus. This model is a rugged truck for adventure enthusiasts.
Features & Options
The 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Double Cab Long Bed ($35,315) comes with a full rear seat, six foot bed, and turn signals in the mirror housings. There’s a 400-watt power outlet in the bed, and automatic transmission-equipped trucks gain smart entry, pushbutton start, and navigation via the Entune premium audio system’s 7-inch touchscreen.
TRD Off-Road models include a color-keyed rear bumper, textured black fender flares, and the absence of the Sport’s hood scoop. Off-road performance changes are what set this trim apart, with knobby all-terrain tires on 16-inch alloy wheels, the deletion of the front air dam, extra skid plates, a lockable rear differential, Bilstein monotube shocks, and an advanced off-road traction control system with multiple terrain settings and crawl control.
The optional Premium and Technology packages ($3,035) include a sunroof, automatic climate control, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, JBL speaker upgrade, and a subwoofer. This Tacoma tester also came with the V6 Tow Package ($650), Tonneau Cover ($650), and other TRD off-road goodies. Total MSRP including destination: $42,644.





Interior Highlights
The cabin in the Tacoma is comfortable enough for longer trips to the back country, and with its heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and premium JBL audio, it’s an enjoyable place to spend time. Although, when the Tacoma was upgraded last year, Toyota didn’t change the high floor and low roof. You need to watch your head getting into the cab and it can feel a bit cramped inside for taller drivers.
Our tester came with an attractive, all-black interior and lots of soft-touch materials throughout. It featured plenty of storage plus a convenient cell phone charging pad in front of the gear shifter. The front seats could use more adjustment capabilities as they offered minimal support, but the tilt/telescoping steering wheel makes it easier to find the right driving position.
The backup camera made things simple, especially with the Long Bed model as we navigated around. The Double Cab features a full-size rear seat (split 70/30) and flips up to reveal convenient underseat storage for valuables. The rear seat offers adequate room for two adults but would be cramped with three.







Engine, Off-Road, & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Tacoma TRD Off-Road is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with direct injection, making 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft. of torque. Our tester came mated to a 6-speed automatic; off-road capability was enhanced by a Multi-Terrain Select system (taken from the 4Runner). Drivers can set modes for mud, sand, rocks, and more, changing the throttle and braking. TRD Off-Road models include an automatic limited-slip rear differential and a locking rear differential.
EPA-estimated fuel economy is 18/23 city/highway and 20 combined mpg for a 4X4 with the automatic transmission.
Driving Dynamics
We drove the new TRD Off-Road on an ideal trail just west of Denver near Morrison. It was a good place to test the Tacoma’s true capability. The road turns from pavement to dirt and then a trail appears – and that’s when our afternoon of fun started. The Bilstein shocks handled the rough road with ease as we navigated up the mountain trail. The road turns uphill and a short steep climb requires us to slip the Tacoma into low range. A turn of the range-select knob on the dash to 4Lo quickly puts the truck into low range and an indicator lights up for confirmation.
An overhead knob reveals the Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control settings – each having five different settings depending on the terrain. We chose “3” on the Crawl Control option allowing us to remove our feet from the pedals. The Toyota Tacoma crawled up the steep hill and we steered it to the top without issue. We did it again going downhill with the same steady and effortless results. For those looking for a true off-road pickup, the Tacoma TRD Off-Road is an ideal candidate to get you away from civilization. It’s made to excel on primitive trails and rugged terrain.
How does the TRD Off-Road do on the highway and in the city? The ride is what you would expect from a vehicle with a serious off-road suspension. On the road and around town, the ride has the feel of a truck built to take on rugged terrain. It’s a focused vehicle, so it isn’t the smoothest, most comfortable option for the daily commute to town or when running errands. The optional Parking Sensor, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are musts with the Double Cab Long Bed pickup. It saved us a number of times from getting hit when we couldn’t see traffic and obstacles around us.
Conclusion
The 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Double Cab Long Bed is designed for adventure enthusiasts who want to get off the beaten path. Toyota’s reputation for durability and strong resale value put it at the top of the list in the mid-size truck segment. If you are transporting dirt bikes, 4-wheelers, snow machines, heading up the mountain to go snow skiing, or pulling a small camping trailer, this truck will meet your needs.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Toyota Tacoma Gallery























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2017 Toyota Tundra Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.




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The Evolution of Automotives: Part 1: Creative Engineering

The Evolution of Automotives: Part 1: Creative Engineering

Automoblog’s Katie Kapro examines how imaginative thinking and creative risks have influenced the modern automobile in this three-part miniseries.
The 21st Century is an age of automotive loyalists. You can hardly go into a garage without hearing some level of discussion about American cars versus Japanese cars versus German cars. Everyone has a favorite, and if you ask them about it, you’ll get a bullet list of reasons why their choice is superior.
However, that was not the case in the early days of the automobile.
Humble Origins
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Europeans were the undoubted champions of quality automobiles. The first Mercedes-Benz, built in 1901 by German designer Wilhelm Maybach, is credited with being the first modern motorcar. It had all the right elements: relative lightness, power, and speed. Its 35 horsepower engine weighed only 14 pounds per horsepower and reached up to 53 miles per hour. Its only downfall was being extremely expensive to build and in turn, prohibitively expensive to purchase.
By contrast, in 1901 through 1906, the first American-built Oldsmobile had only three horsepower and sold for $650. As a result of this tension between quality and affordability, all automotive technological developments of the 20th Century focused on making vehicles more attainable for the everyday Joe. Now, just over 100 years later, cars have replaced horse-drawn carriages, trains, and all other modes of transportation by a huge margin. In 1900, only 8,000 Americans owned cars; today over 220 million cars hit the road for the morning commute. If history proves anything, it’s that 20th-Century Americans were very skilled at turning failure into success.
Farm To Freeway
In 1908, Ford introduced the Model T, lovingly called “Tin Lizzie,” and changing the industry and nation for good. Between 1913 and 1927, Ford produced and sold more than 15 million Model Ts. Tin Lizzie didn’t come out of the blue; Ford paved the way with the Model N and earlier, a motorized, horseless-buggy-of-a-thing called the Model A. These stepping stones gave the company valuable income to support further growth and industrialization.
Once the Model T proved itself to be an affordable purchase for the American common man, it took hold of the collective imagination. The Model T took automobiles from a plaything for the uber rich to a practical piece of machinery that would change the way the nation runs.
The Model T evolved to have many other functions as related to modern transportation at the time. This 1925 Model T variant, for example, served as a prisoner transport vehicle for law enforcement. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
The Digital Age
From the earliest days, car buffs have never been shy about finding creative solutions to practical problems. Car not fast enough? The answer is nitrous, obviously. Almost anything can be fixed with a tinker here and a tweak there. Back in the day, lots of Model T owners purchased aftermarket kits to turn their cars into trucks; the kits essentially extended the frame of the car and beefed-up the rear. Voila, truck.
It didn’t take long for the creative thinkers of the era, many of whom were farmers, to take things one step further and adapt their car-trucks into the most practical of all farm machines: the motorized tractor. Reviews of the Tin Lizzy tractor adaptation were mixed at best, but it won over enough farmers who were hoping to save a few bucks that several companies began producing and selling conversion kits.
First assembly line in Highland Park, Michigan, circa 1913. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Creative Engineering
The line of thinking that brought us the Model T tractor — unabashed creativity mixed with practical ingenuity — is precisely the attitude that is pushing automobiles to the brink of technological development today. The only way to know if a car can plow a field is to try it. And the only way to know if your car engine can be improved upon is to give it a go.
Before the advent of computerized engine control units, vehicles were less efficient in part because it was so much harder to measure what was going on under the hood. How do you optimize emissions if your whole system isn’t fine-tuned? It’s worth noting that, in addition to overall efficiency, ECUs optimize performance in other ways like fuel economy and responsiveness — none of which would be possible if some car guy (or girl) somewhere hadn’t scratched their head and thought, “hmm, I wonder what would happen if I put a computer in my car?”
The Road Ahead
As we move forward in time with our vehicles at our sides, history begs just one question: what’s next? While there’s no definitive answer, one thing is for certain: the future is only as interesting as we make it.
Katie Kapro spent her childhood handing her dad tools under his Datsun. She loves thinking about the social aspects of motoring, and dreaming about the future of automotives. Follow her work on Twitter: @kapro101
Cover Photo: From the collections of The Henry Ford and Ford Motor Company: The first transcontinental car race from New York to Seattle was held in 1909 and Henry Ford’s Model T emerged victorious. The trip took 22 days and 55 minutes at an average speed of 7.75 mph.



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2018 BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo: Not Some Video Game

2018 BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo: Not Some Video Game

BMW just rolled out the all-new 6 Series Gran Turismo, and no, it has nothing to do with the PlayStation game. Well, not much anyway. It’ll probably end up in some future iteration of the game, but for now, BMW’s 6 Series Gran Turismo is only available in the real world with no reset button.
Lots of car makers throw around the phrase “all-new,” but in the case of BMW’s 6 Series Gran Turismo, it’s accurate. The 6 Series Gran Turismo aims to fill a niche the first gen 6 Series filled.
Position Player
Namely, that spot in the BMW lineup which is neither sports car or sedan, nor a coupe with sporting pretensions like Audi’s 5 Series. The 6 Series Gran Turismo is a big, long distance tourer, not a sports car. The 6 Series Gran Turismo has more sporting style and on road presence than a mundane sedan, hence why the 6 Series Gran Turismo is halfway between both of those automotive ideals.
The 6 Series Gran Turismo is the ride you get if you’re the just signed NBA all star. It’s your car if you are the plastic surgeon in town. Who’s the top real estate broker on the West Side? It’s you baby! And you drive a 6 Series Gran Turismo. Or at least BMW wants you to think so. However, the 6 Series Gran Turismo isn’t a sports car. Those kind of confuse you. And it’s not a sedan, cause those are too stodgy for the NBA all star/plastic surgeon/top real estate broker on the West Side sort of crowd. Nope. The 6 Series Gran Turismo is all about style and presence and, sure, there’s performance thrown in, because, well, this is a BMW.
When viewed from the side, the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo really shows its elongated proportions. Notice a single crease in the upper section of the side sends light directly to this area of the body. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Style Wonders or Blunders?
The Bavarians say the 6 Series Gran Turismo has “unparalleled progressive appeal and practicality.” The market will say whether that’s true or not, but that’s what BMW is going for, and that’s what they state from the outset. They say it has a “sense of sporting elegance.” They say it’s graced by a “generously-sized, flexible-use interior, striking looks, ride comfort, and a luxurious and spacious feel,” all of which is true, I guess.
BMW also says the 6 Series Gran Turismo has “stretched proportions, dynamic lines, and a muscular look.” Which is also true, but is also subjective. The consensus is the reason the last 6 Series is no longer on the road is because of its alleged stretched proportions, dynamic lines, and muscular look. Let’s face it, BMW fell off the styling wagon when they hired Chris Bangle, and they have been struggling to get back on ever since they fired Chris Bangle. The 6 Series Gran Turismo might be a styling success, but at this point, I’d say toss a coin, because BMW has burned a lot of bridges in that department.
However, the 6 Series Gran Turismo does have all of the traditional BMW styling bits and pieces present. It has the signature “Hofmeister kink” of BMW coupes of the past. It has the BMW twin-kidney grill up front. The whole design vibe is one of long, wide, and low, sort of like what Pontiac was advertising in the 1960s (did I just say that?!).
BMW increased the use of aluminum and high-strength steels for the body and chassis components. The doors, trunk, and tailgate are made from aluminum. The engine cross-member, spring struts, and rear trailing arms are among the chassis components made from lightweight metal. A steel/aluminum compound construction, galvanized hot and cold-formed steel plates with a zinc/magnesium coating are all used to improve stiffness, passive safety, and reduce weight. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.


Special Treatments
The 6 Series Gran Turismo comes in two basic trim levels: The Sport design, which is standard, and the optional Luxury Package. The Sport design emphasizes the car’s more dynamic elements with such niceties as high-gloss black, 19-inch V-Spoke light-alloy wheels, chrome window surrounds, standard Sport Seats with power adjustable side bolsters, an Anthracite headliner, and a SensaTec upholstered dashboard on the inside.
The Luxury Package boosts the car’s elegant character with chrome kidney grille bars, front and rear bumper trim finishers, and power adjustments for the rear seat.
M Sport Enhancements
On top of all that, there’s an M Sport Package. Now, this is not to be confused with a full-blown M version of the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo; this is design oriented and emphasizes “sporty character.” There’s an M Aerodynamic kit with larger air intakes, side skirt trim, and diffusor-style rear apron. Shadowline exterior trim and 19-inch (or 20-inch) M Double-Spoke Wheels are available as an upgrade. The interior of the M Sport variant includes a leather steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and exclusive floor mats. There’s Black Dakota Leather with contrast blue stitching and piping. You can also add the optional Dynamic Handling Package with Integral Active Steering, the Adaptive Drive two axle air suspension, Active Roll Stabilization, and Dynamic Damper Control.
Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Power & Performance
Speaking of running gear, there’s lots of tech, and I mean by the boat load, shoveled into the 6 Series Gran Turismo. The 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine is paired with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission with shift paddles. The aerodynamics have been fully optimized, and the whole shebang features weight-saving construction aimed at making the big BMW coupe a sporting performer with a high level of efficiency.
That engine features an aluminum construction with enhanced thermodynamics. The turbos are of a TwinScroll design, the fuel is delivered via direct injection, there’s BMW’s VALVETRONIC variable valve lift control, and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing. There’s even new engine encapsulation to reduce noise and accelerate warm-up. The 3.0-liter 6-cylinder plant generates 335 horsepower with a peak torque of 332 lb-ft. between 1,380 and 5,200 rpm.  0-60 mph? 5.1 seconds. Which is good, given this thing must weigh at least two tons (BMW does not give a weight figure).
The adaptive suspension with Dynamic Damper Control and Active Roll Stabilization are there to deliver ride comfort and sporty performance. There’s a two-axle air suspension system with electronically controlled dampers. Owners can set the car’s ride height manually with ground clearance being raised by 0.78 inches at the touch of a button. A 0.39 inch drop in ride height happens automatically at speeds over 75 mph.
The BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo is the first BMW with standard Active Driving Assistant. The technology features a multitude of driver assist functions through the use of cameras, radars, and ultrasonic sensors that monitor the vehicle’s surroundings. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.

Tech Extravaganza
The entire rest of the car is drowning in tech goodies too: for example, the iDrive systems and Touch Controllers and Control Displays and large touchscreens, and other computer controlled tech gee-gaws. I wouldn’t be surprised if you can choose the color of the LED glove box light from your smartphone, and Lord help you when any of that stuff breaks and you’ve got to fix it.
No, it’s not a traditional BMW sedan. And no, a big no, it’s not a sports car. Yet, it will probably fill the garages of the NBA all star/plastic surgeon/ top real estate broker on the West Side sort of crowd. The all-new 2018 BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo, available exclusively as a 640i xDrive model, will be available this fall starting at $69,700 plus $995 for destination.
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.
2018 BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo Gallery

















Photos & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.



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New Study: July 4th Most Dangerous Day On U.S. Roads

New Study: July 4th Most Dangerous Day On U.S. Roads

July 4th is a time for celebration as we enjoy our independence and thank our many veterans who have served. This year, it’s most likely a weekend full of camping, cookouts, and fireworks. It’s also a deadly time of year, unfortunately, as a new study shows July 4th is officially the most dangerous day to drive in the United States.
The study, conducted by Geotab, a telematics and GPS vehicle tracking company, looked at the fatality and traffic data over a 10-year period to see how U.S. states differ when it comes to road safety.
Startling Figures
Every year, over 30,000 people are killed in traffic related accidents in the United States; a truly staggering number when looking at the brass tacks. In any other transportation industry, say airlines for example, those numbers would not be tolerated. Such figures question the need for automated driving and advanced vehicle perception technology, the development of which we monitor at this publication. However, until autonomous vehicles come fully to fruition, information and careful, responsible driving will be our best assets for safety behind the wheel.
Geotab’s study also notes that specific days of the year, and even certain states, are more dangerous than others. Holidays like Labor Day, Halloween, and New Year’s Day, where alcohol consumption is present, have a higher rate of fatal accidents. The findings followed an analysis of road traffic, crash, and fatality reports, including the Fatality Analysis Reporting System and Traffic Volume Trends published in December 2016. Using this data, Geotab calculated a Fatal Crash Rate for each day and U.S. state, made up of the total number of fatal road accidents per billion miles driven by cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
Danger In July
Over a 10-year span, July 4th carries an average of 119 deadly crashes with a Fatal Crash Rate of 14.9, making it the most dangerous day on U.S. roads. Given that many July 4th parties involve alcohol, drivers are more likely to be under the influence; fatal crashes on the 4th involving alcohol are a staggering 47 percent. The grim news doesn’t stop there, unfortunately. On average, 28 percent of all road crashes are related to driving under the influence with that number rising significantly during holidays: New Year’s Day and Halloween are two of the worst at 41.6 and 41 percent respectively.
In addition to alcohol consumption, smartphone usage is becoming problematic behind the wheel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,477 people were killed and 391,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2015. During daylight hours, approximately 660,000 people are using cell phones while driving at any given moment.

Statistics & Solutions
Fatal Crash Rate measures the number of motor vehicle crashes involving a fatality, rather than measuring the total number of fatalities. For instance; 13 million crashes occurred in the U.S. in 2015, of which 1.7 million resulted in an injury with an estimated 2.4 million people injured. Of the 1.7 million crashes, 32,166 had fatalities claiming the lives of 35,092 people. This data from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration is bleak and again, begs the urgency of safer vehicles with autonomous and connected technology.
“The future of connected vehicle data will enable Geotab to produce more services to help improve road safety and vehicle operating efficiency,” said Colin Sutherland, Executive Vice President, Geotab. “Access to vehicle data is key to our capability to contribute our open platform that will further enhance research in connected vehicles.”
Until the technology can catch up to the tragedy, the best bet is to be cautious and safe. Drive the posted speed limit, keep your vehicle maintained, put the phone away, get plenty of rest before traveling, and avoid alcohol.
 “A big component of road safety is good decision making,” said Joe Campanella, Executive Vice President, Business Development, CARCHEX and advisory Board Member for Mothers Against Drunk Driving – Maryland. “Drinking and driving truly don’t mix, and so if you’ve had a drink – even one – you should find a safe mode of transportation.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 
Click the image to open the full interactive version (via Geotab).



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Report: The 2018 Buick Regal TourX will MSRP for under $30,000

Report: The 2018 Buick Regal TourX will MSRP for under $30,000 The latest lifted Buick Regal TourX seeks to steal Subaru Outback buyers.

What’s going on?
The 2018 Buick Regal TourX debuted with its standard four-door sibling at the 2017 New York International Auto Show to replace the outgoing model.
Now, CarsDirect.com reports the new Regal long-roof should start around $29,995. This means the Regal TourX undercuts more premium options such as the BMW 3-Series Wagon and the Audi A4. On the flip side, this also means the Regal TourX offers more value per dollar.
What’s included with the base 2018 Buick Regal TourX?
To boot, the base Regal TourX comes pretty well equipped with 18-inch aluminum wheels, Buick’s touted active noise cancelling, a seven-inch infotainment screen system, heated mirrors and more. But all come with the same 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic, sending power to a full-time twin-clutch all-wheel drive system across the board.
Right off the bat, the Regal TourX’s power already sets it ahead of its direct competition, the Volkswagen Alltrack and the Subaru Outback. Additionally, the Regal TourX offers quite a bit more space than both the Alltrack and is roughy on par with the Outback.
So it’ll be interesting to see if the Regal TourX has what it takes to sway buyers in its direction.







2018 Buick Regal TourX




Lots of standard and optional additions
The Regal TourX comes pretty jampacked with standard equipment. As usual, more options and packages are available for choosing, reading the price. Some examples include a panoramic roof for $1,200, and a Driver Confidence Package featuring blind-spot detection, rear park assist, and an auto-dimming mirror for $1,240. The top-spec model TourX, the TourX Essence 1SL, starts at just $35,945.
CarsDirect.com predicts the middle-level TourX Preferrred 1SB should be the one most commonly available at dealers. Starting at $33,575, its the model most displayed in the TourX’s advertising campaign.
Should you option out your TourX all the way, chances are however, you won’t crest over the $40,000 mark too far if at all. In comparison, the Volvo V60 starts at $37,415 and the BMW 3-Series Wagon, at $43,000.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: CarsDirect.com
2018 Buick Regal TourX Gallery














The post Report: The 2018 Buick Regal TourX will MSRP for under $30,000 appeared first on egmCarTech.



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2017 Nissan Titan: Homegrown Hero

2017 Nissan Titan: Homegrown Hero

Hey, did you know Nissan made full-size pickups? Yeah, of course you did. I know it too, but it sure seems like they don’t get much notice, do they? If it’s not for the big three ‘Murican trucks – Chevy/GMC, Ford, and Ram – it seems to be Toyota grabs all the attention, leaving poor Nissan by the wayside.
This is unfortunate because the Nissan Titan is not to be ignored.
Big Warranty & Lots of Space
Nissan has just added the King Cab body configuration to the lineup, meaning you can now choose from three models: Crew Cab, Single Cab, and the new King Cab. The King Cab is available for both the half-ton and the XD and features a 6.5-foot bed, along with a rear-hinge door that opens wide for easy access to the second row. All 2017 Titan and Titan XD models, along with the new King Cab, are backed up a 100,000-mile / 5-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, which is nice to know, since trucks usually get thrashed on the job site.
The King Cab is offered in 4×4 and 4×2 drive configurations and comes in three grades or trim levels: S, SV, and PRO-4X. PRO-4X is 4×4 only. The new King Cab is pretty much just what it says on the tin: Room, lots and lots of room. There’s seating for six (with or without cowboy hats), wide-opening rear doors and, if you carry more stuff than people, an available “rear seat delete” option. Turns out, underneath where that back seat would be, there’s a flat floor so you get the security of in-cab storage space for your stuff.
Photo: Nissan North America.
Power & Performance
Like the Crew Cab and Single Cab, the new King Cab gives you the choice of either the 5.6-liter Endurance V8 or a Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel. If you opt for the half-ton Titan King Cab, you can choose between 4×4 and 4×2 drivetrains. The standard plant is the 390-horsepower 5.6-liter Endurance V8, mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. The King Cab has an available maximum towing capacity of 9,420 pounds (enough grunt to yank a McDonald’s a couple of feet to the left) with a maximum payload capacity of 1,640 pounds when properly equipped.
That Cummins mill slams out 310 horsepower and 555 lb-ft. of torque. Nissan refers to that torque figure as “hefty” which is both adorable and an understatement. All you gearheads hauling your cars to the track, the Cummins is your engine of choice. That turbo diesel is matched to a heavy-duty 6-speed Aisin A466ND automatic transmission, and the whole she-bang offers an available maximum towing capacity of 12,510 pounds (when properly equipped). Impressive, no?
Photo: Nissan North America.

Homegrown Hero
The new King Cab Titan was developed, planned, designed, engineered, and is even manufactured right here in the U.S. of A. with contributions from teams in Tennessee, California, Michigan, Arizona, and Mississippi. The trucks are put together in Canton, Mississippi and the V8 engines come from Decherd, Tennessee. The Cummins diesel mills are assembled in Columbus, Indiana. Pricing for the 2017 Nissan Titan lineup is included in the handy graphs below. The trucks are on sale now and available at Nissan dealers nationwide.
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.
MSRP for the 2017 Nissan Titan King Cab:
TITAN S King Cab 4×2
$32,550
TITAN SV King Cab 4×2
$35,930
TITAN S King Cab 4×4
$35,580
TITAN SV King Cab 4×4
$38,960
TITAN PRO-4X King Cab 4×4
$43,290
MSRP for the 2017 Nissan Titan XD King Cab 5.6-liter Endurance V8:

TITAN XD S King Cab 4×2
$33,560
TITAN XD SV King Cab 4×2
$37,960
TITAN XD S King Cab 4×4
$36,590
TITAN XD SV King Cab 4×4
$40,990
TITAN XD PRO-4X King Cab 4×4
$45,440
MSRP for the 2017 Nissan Titan XD King Cab Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel:

TITAN XD S King Cab 4×2
$40,110
TITAN XD SV King Cab 4×2
$44,010
TITAN XD S King Cab 4×4
$43,640
TITAN XD SV King Cab 4×4
$46,540
TITAN XD PRO-4X King Cab 4×4
$50,490
2017 Nissan Titan Gallery

















Photos & Source: Nissan North America.



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Three Companies Changing The Autonomous Driving Landscape

Three Companies Changing The Autonomous Driving Landscape


Last month, we were part of the first AutoSens Detroit event at the M1 Concourse. AutoSens is, in a nutshell, a gathering of the world’s finest engineers, researchers, and other authority figures in the arenas of vehicle perception technology and autonomous driving. It is a place where those working on the technology can converge to network, communicate, and ultimately address the real challenges at hand. The organizers believe in order for our cars to be successfully connected, those working in the space must successfully connect.
Walking the grounds of the M1 Concourse proved very informative and enlightening, from the various companies on hand displaying their latest vehicle perception technology, to the autonomous vehicle demonstrations happening on the facility’s track. It didn’t take long to realize the organizers of AutoSens invited some heavy hitters, many of which are smaller companies disrupting the space with their novel approaches to automated technology.
Here are three companies we met changing the way we think about autonomous vehicles.
Imatest
Colorado-based Imatest provides unbiased image quality testing for a number of industries, including mobile electronics, security, medical imaging, and automotive. The company supplies in-depth software, test charts, and consulting relative to a client’s imaging needs, be it a camera phone or satellite. Some companies create their own in-house camera testing software, but often to their dismay, find inconsistencies. Imatest assists clients here so they don’t lose precious time developing their product line.
With driverless cars, the implication is huge becasue cameras will play a vital role in the forthcoming autonomous world. In order for autonomy to deliver on its promises of reducing collisions and traffic fatalities, image quality is essential. Imatest takes this into consideration as today’s automotive trends usher us further into autonomy.
“Companies who are putting a camera into their product, like a backup camera in a car, are trying to find a way to optimize those products,” said Jeff Herman, Chief Executive Officer. “Our software and charts can test the image quality of that particular camera.”
Photo: Imatest.
Concerning automotive applications, particular attention is given to dynamic range and light quality. For example, if a car is backing out of a dark garage and into the bright sun, there will be a sudden change in the lighting conditions. However, the camera needs to see perfectly regardless. Perhaps a child is playing in the driveway? In order for a camera to function properly as a safety device, it must decipher vital details quickly, and in a variety of lighting conditions. Imatest’s unique software and “seeing eye” charts tell how strong a particular camera’s image quality is before being installed in the vehicle.
“The camera takes an image of the test chart, our software recognizes the image, and can tell you how sharp that image is,” Herman explained. “It tells us how accurate it is, how the colors are, is there distortion or noise, is it as sharp in the left corner as it is in the center, and so on. These image quality factors we can test through our software.”
Photo: Imatest.
Imatest Master was made specifically for the growing trend of camera usage, and the pressure companies feel to produce cameras at a rapid rate, each with a higher image quality and more features than before. With autonomous driving, the implications are again huge. The automotive business moves quickly as is, but in recent times, the development of autonomous technology has taken off like a rocket. Some consumers may fear the speed at which the technology is moving means all the bugs are not quite worked out. Imatest Master addresses this on an image quality level for automated vehicle cameras, providing over 30 different test charts to measure and analyze color, tone, sharpness, and other important factors.
“The road systems have been designed for years for us drivers to be able to survey the scene ahead,” Herman added. “Cameras must see visible light quicker than our eyes can so they can survey the scene in the same way.”
Photo: Imatest.
Dataspeed
Michigan-based Dataspeed is unique most notably in how and why the company exists. One of the things necessary to get consumers behind automated driving is to humanize the technology – to take all the gadgets, sensors, cameras, and modules and attach a meaning everyday people can understand. Dataspeed is a master at this by way of an unfortunate tragedy. The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Paul Fleck, lost his dear cousin Mary in a tragic accident.
“Mary pulled out into oncoming traffic and suffered a side-impact collision – her view was obstructed due to the terrain and she did not see the oncoming vehicle,” Fleck explained. “Had V2V (Vehicle to Vehicle Technology) been available then, both of these vehicles would have communicated and she would have known about the oncoming vehicle, even though she could not see it.”
With the relative newness of autonomous driving, there will be questions from the car buying public. And not every buyer will understand (or even want to) the in-depth engineering behind vehicle perception technology. However, what will resonate with them is losing a loved one. As the autonomous landscape unfolds, Dataspeed can understand and even meet consumers where they are.
“I tell my team their work will result in saving someone’s life someday, although we will never know the name of that person,” Fleck said. “Anybody working on autonomous vehicles is, in some way, moving up the timeline where cars will be safer to drive, and this will result in less fatal accidents.”
Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.

Dataspeed’s ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) Kit helps optimize autonomous vehicle development. The ADAS Kit takes control of the throttle, brake, steering, and shifting, to assist in the testing of sensors and other elements as they relate to autonomous vehicle applications. Let’s say I am developing a particular sensor or algorithm, or maybe even an entire autonomous vehicle system. I have the ADAS Kit installed, including the drive-by-wire hardware, power distribution system, and vehicle network interfaces, so I can continue developing my sensor, algorithm, or autonomous system. Through Dataspeed’s kit, I am able to save time and conduct much more efficient testing becasue those aforementioned vehicle systems are already covered.
“We recognized early on that the autonomous vehicle community needed a safe, reliable, and cost effective development vehicle,” Fleck said. “We then developed a complete turn-key system that works in a Lincoln MKZ or Ford Fusion/Mondeo that enables computer control of the vehicle’s throttle, brake, steering, and shift systems, and is the foundation for a fully autonomous development vehicle.”
Currently there are over a 100 vehicles equipped with Dataspeed’s ADAS Kit, and the company is working on core algorithm development and new hardware products.
“The engineers at Dataspeed are constantly thinking about ways to help,” Fleck said. “Regardless of what we develop and produce, it will be as safe, reliable, and cost effective as our ADAS Kit.”
Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.
XenomatiX
Leuven, Belgium is an area synonymous with innovation and XenomatiX is no exception, a high tech company focused on automotive vision solutions. After studying OEM requirements, Xenomatix developed an advanced form of LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging. LiDAR measures the distance to a particular point by illuminating it with a pulsed laser light; the reflected pulses are then measured to determine how far away said point is. From there, 3D representations of the point and surrounding area can be made. Bats actually use a similar process with sound waves to navigate.
“Our LiDAR solution can calculate the 3D geometry of the car’s environment up to a range of 200 meters,” said Kris De Meester, Vice President of Business Development. “One of the reasons why almost everyone is convinced about LiDAR with regard to autonomous vehicles is the range and accuracy of the measurements.”
XenomatiX’s laser-based, solid-state vision system creates a high resolution pointcloud, giving a vehicle an accurate read of the road and detecting any possible objects. The data returning to the vehicle is essential for occupant safety, especially if there are unexpected surprises ahead.
“When you leave the driving up to the car, you need to know the objects around it and at what range they are,” De Meester explained. “We have a very good solution for solid-state LiDAR that’s small but robust in design and low cost for serial production.”
Photo: XenomatiX.

LiDAR has advantages in how it can see through fog or make out road irregularities that might be missed by other sensors or cameras. LiDAR is known for its accuracy regardless of weather conditions or time of day, be it morning or night. However, XenomatiX goes a step further, incorporating a unique multi-beam projector and pulsed illumination scheme. The combination allows for the simultaneous projection of thousands of laser spots in a dense pattern, which substantially reduces “false alarms” by generating millions of measurements per second. In other words, it’s extremely precise and such precision means greater safety for automated vehicle occupants.
“In my opinion LiDAR will be needed for autonomous vehicles,” De Meester added.
The company also implements short and long range optical sensors for many of today’s driver assistance and road obstacle detection systems. All offerings from XenomatiX are carefully planned and based on extensive research.
“We have been talking to a lot of OEMs because we need to know all the requirements,” De Meester explained. “Many of the technical designs today are made around the OEM requirements.”

New Horizons
Our list here is by no means exhaustive – there are many brilliant people and companies working on autonomous vehicle technology. However, as the autonomous world becomes more clear, we believe Imatest, Dataspeed, and XenomatiX, with their range of experiences and innovations, will benefit us as future autonomous drivers (or riders). Given our recent experience at AutoSens, we recommend learning more about them if you are interested in driverless vehicles and how the technology is progressing. This September, AutoSens returns to Brussels, Belgium with a full lineup of expert speakers, in-depth workshops, and vehicle demonstrations.
“AutoSens brings together different layers of industrial disciplines, from financial to pure technical engineers, to higher level management,” De Meester said. “All of them are talking about and figuring out the issues and challenges with automated vehicles.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 



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2018 Hyundai Sonata: A Few Tweaks, Nips & Tucks

2018 Hyundai Sonata: A Few Tweaks, Nips & Tucks

The 2018 Hyundai Sonata isn’t exactly new, all-new, or any of that stuff. It has gone through a mid-cycle redesign and freshening here and there and, cleverly, Hyundai has consolidated a number of the available options into rejiggered trim levels. This is a very smart move on Hyundai’s part. Sure, their cars will not be remembered as being for the ages like Ferrari Berlinetta Lussos and Citroen Chapron Decapotables, but the Korean car manufacturer does really grok what customers want, and knows how to give it to them.
Interior & Exterior Treatments
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata gets distinctive new exterior styling with a front “cascading grille,” plus a new look for the rear. There’s more prominent branding and they moved the license plate location in the bumper. The hood gets new sheet metal, and the front fenders are new as well. Hyundai also redesigned the alloy wheels and reworked the lighting with LED headlights and taillights.
On the inside, the center stack and instrument panel have been reworked for better “visual dimension” and for a premium feel. Other changes to the cabin include a three-spoke steering wheel for a more sporty look, and piano-key buttons (whatever those are) for the audio and HVAC controls. There’s a standard seven-inch color display for the audio system that is notably shown front and center.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Performance & Handling
Already noted for its ride and handling, the Sonata has been seen to by Hyundai’s chassis engineers for further refinement. The rear suspension receives 21 percent thicker trailing arms, for example. Hyundai says this is to better manage heavy suspension loads, but I have a tendency to think corporate got feedback from dealer repair shops concerning the lifespan of the trailing arms and decided to beef them up. There are also new bushings for better ride compliance and quicker suspension response times. The steering’s torsion bar stiffness has been improved by 12 percent to increase responsiveness; the steering has a better on-center feel Hyundai says.
The top-of-the-line 2.0L turbo engine is now attached a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The new box adds a ratio range at both the top and bottom for better performance and efficiency. And all 2.0­L turbo Sonatas now come with 18-­inch wheels wrapped in Michelin tires.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.


Additional Equipment & Availability
Every 2018 Sonata gets a big bowl of alphabet soup of standard safety equipment. You get Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), rearview backup camera (RBC), Belt Dimension Stress Management (BDSM), and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and such. Okay, I made one of those up.
Did you know the Sonata is, by and large, an all-American affair? No, I didn’t realize that either. The things originate from Hyundai’s California Design Studio and are assembled in Hyundai’s Montgomery, Alabama plant. The 2018 Sonata arrives in dealer showrooms this summer, and here’s a handy chart showing the prices and drivetrain configurations for each model:
Model
Engine
Transmission
MSRP
SE
2.4L GDI 4-cyl
6-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC®
$22,050
Eco
1.6L Turbo GDI 4-cyl
7-Speed EcoShift® Dual Clutch Transmission
with SHIFTRONIC®
$22,650
SEL
2.4L GDI 4-cyl
6-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC®
$23,700
Limited
2.4L GDI 4-cyl
6-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC®
$27,400
Sport
2.4L GDI 4-cyl
6-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC®
$25,200
Sport 2.0T
2.0L Turbo GDI 4-cyl
8-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC®
$27,600
Limited 2.0T
2.0L Turbo GDI 4-cyl
8-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC®
$32,450
Freight charge for the 2018 Sonata is $885.
2018 Hyundai Sonata Gallery























Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.



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Toyota Launches 2018 Camry Production, Ramps Up U.S. Investments

Toyota Launches 2018 Camry Production, Ramps Up U.S. Investments

The next-generation of Toyota’s popular Camry will arrive at dealerships later this summer. The automaker has tweaked their hot-selling sedan from top to bottom with a sleeker, more aerodynamic design and a driver-focused cabin. Recently, production of the 2018 Camry kicked off at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. As the largest Toyota plant in the world, TMMK has produced more than 11 million vehicles in its 31 years, including more than 8 million Camrys.
Advanced DNA
Along with the aerodynamic enhancements, the Camry now has a lower center of gravity and a more rigid body to improve ride and handling. Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) is the foundation for the new Camry and will greatly influence how it performs in all areas, from safety to fuel economy. The 2018 Camry is the first vehicle in North America with TNGA, an initiative the automaker says will enhance how they design, engineer, and manufacture vehicles.
Luxury car treatments are seen throughout, especially when it comes to reducing noise, vibration, and harshness, often abbreviated as “NVH” in automotive speak. NVH reducing measures on the new Camry include sound-absorbing insulation in the hood and upper and lower fender separator, while additional foam is placed strategically to cut unwanted road noise. On the inside, Toyota trimmed the interior with high quality, soft touch materials. All of these things are a step in the right direction for Toyota and their beloved sedan, and the staff at TMMK will play a vital role in bringing it to life.
“The launch of the next-generation Camry is important for Toyota in America, and expands the company’s footprint in and commitment to Kentucky,” said Wil James, President, TMMK.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Economic Impact
Toyota’s operations in Kentucky have sparked economic growth in recent times as TMMK hired more than 700 people to support 2018 Camry production. TMMK’s employment stands at an all-time high, now over 8,000 strong. Earlier this year, Toyota announced a $1.33 billion investment at TMMK for TNGA improvements to modernize and streamline production. TNGA, while benefiting drivers, will also optimize TMMK’s vehicle production process.
“We are proud to be the first in North America to produce a vehicle with TNGA,” James said. “It’s a testament to the skill and dedication of our team members.”
Since 1986, the Kentucky plant has received $7 billion from Toyota, something that resonates deeply with the Bluegrass State. Last year, TMMK produced more than 500,000 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, and Lexus ES 350 vehicles, which represents nearly a quarter of the Toyota vehicles produced in North America. A recent study by the Center for Automotive Research shows Toyota Kentucky supports nearly 30,000 jobs across the state (direct, indirect, and spin-off). TMMK employees live in 80 Kentucky counties, and currently Toyota has more than 100 suppliers in the Commonwealth. In the United States, Toyota is investing $10 billion over the next five years, adding to the nearly $22 billion already invested over the past 60 years.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.


Confident Teamwork
For TMMK employees like Chad Lindon, a 22-year Toyota veteran and powertain production team member, seeing the new Camry roll down the assembly line represents a brighter future.
“It has more horsepower, better fuel economy, and new technology that customers want,” he said. “That all adds up to more job security and stability for my family.”
Safety Team Leader Maigen Layne shares similar sentiments.
“I’m proud to work on the best-selling car in America for 15 years running,” she said.
Both Lindon and Layne believe the 2018 Toyota Camry will deliver the reliability, functionality, and excitement sedan buyers are looking for.
“It’s the best one so far,” Layne said, who plans on getting one herself. “I test drove one of the first 2018 models off the line and I know it will be a big hit.”
“It catches the eye,” Lindon added.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.



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