Automotive

Nissan Xmotion Concept Inspired By Japanese Traditions

Nissan Xmotion Concept Inspired By Japanese Traditions The Nissan Xmotion (pronounced “cross motion”) Concept made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Nissan says the six-passenger, three-row SUV fuses Japanese culture and traditional craftsmanship with American-style utility. The Xmotion Concept also includes the latest generation of Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility technology.
“With its combination of style and technology, this concept fulfills Nissan’s mission of moving people to a better world,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Senior Vice President, Global Design, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Design Ideologies
The Xmotion hints at Nissan’s future design language, one the automaker describes as “dynamic” with “understated sculptural beauty.” While the Xmotion may indeed show the future, current Nissan signatures are still present, like the patented V-motion grille. The visual simplicity of the Xmotion concept exterior, according to Nissan, is contrasted by the rugged, metal-crafted wheels and all-terrain tire design.
“At a glance, Xmotion may appear to have a minimal design language, but a closer look reveals layers of detail that make this concept exceptional,” Albaisa explained. “The exterior’s combination of western and eastern concepts continues inside the Xmotion, where advanced connectivity and autonomous technologies mix with modern Japanese digital art and cultural craftsmanship.”
Functional Focus
The Xmotion is meant to be more than a pretty face, complete with its all-terrain tires, long wheelbase, and three rows of side-by-side individual seats. Other functional features include a retractable “rooftop box” and special taillights inspired by Japanese woodwork.
“In the Xmotion concept, we explored the more rugged and powerful side of Nissan Intelligent Mobility,” Albaisa said. “We envision the Xmotion concept to be a highly functional SUV that can be driven every day, yet can take the owners and friends to a national park or recreation area on a whim.”
Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Interior Treatments
Like the exterior, the interior is laced with elements of Japanese culture and tradition. The interior is meant to resemble a river with the center console acting as the bridge. The console, the core of the interior design according to Nissan, uses a Japanese architectural wood joinery technique known as kanawa tsugi; the instrument panel design is a modern interpretation of kigumi wood joinery. Nissan says these cultural elements provide a more robust interior with a sense of strength and trust for the driver.
In Person
The Nissan Xmotion Concept is on display at the North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Center, downtown Detroit. The show officially opens to the public on Saturday, January 20th.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.

Photos & Source: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

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2018 Lexus LS: More Performance, Less Cost

2018 Lexus LS: More Performance, Less Cost
The 2018 Lexus LS sedan is offering more for the money this week in Detroit, Michigan as the North American International Auto Show is underway. The new LS 500 will have an MSRP $3,820 less than its current, long wheelbase predecessor but offer more power, comfort, and safety, according to the automaker. Lexus is also promising new levels of efficiency, saying the LS 500 can cruise over 600 miles on a single tank.
“The LS not only offers unsurpassed performance, style and luxury, its competitive pricing makes it a great value as well,” said Jeff Bracken, Lexus Group Vice President and Division General Manager.
Power & Performance
Lexus says they set out to “reimagine” what a flagship luxury sedan should be, as if they were “launching the brand all over again.” The new LS is longer, lower, and wider than the sedan it replaces, and is a stronger representation of Lexus’ latest design language. Supporting the design is an new, premium rear-wheel drive platform (GA–L) first realized for the 2018 LC 500.
The 2018 Lexus LS arrives with a new 3.5-liter, twin turbocharged V6, delivering 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft. of torque. By comparison, the outgoing LS with its 4.6-liter naturally aspirated V8 creates 386 horsepower and 367 lb-ft. of torque. The new Multistage Hybrid System, which debuted in the LC 500h Coupe, is worth noting as well. The setup combines a naturally aspirated, Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with two electric motor/generators to deliver 354 horsepower. The electric motors are powered by a compact, lightweight lithium-ion battery.
An optional F SPORT performance package includes Dynamic Rear Steering, Variable Gear-Ratio Steering, and active stabilizers.
Interior Treatments
Designers focused on craftsmanship, comfort, and “cutting-edge design,” modeling the interior after different hallmarks of Japanese culture. For example, the interior ambient lighting mimics Japanese lanterns while the Shimamoku-inspired wood patterns feature unique contrasts between light and dark, giving the wood a more vibrant appearance.
An optional Executive Package provides heating and massage functions for the rear seats and an additional 3.4-inches of legroom. Standard is Lexus Safety System+, a full array of driver assistance and advanced safety features.
In Person
The 2018 Lexus LS sedan will be on display at the North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Center, downtown Detroit. The show officially opens to the public on Saturday, January 20th.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Photo & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Remembering Daniel Sexton Gurney

Remembering Daniel Sexton Gurney What I could say about Dan Gurney? On the night of his passing, I could have filled a very long and entertaining book. Born on Long Island, his father was, of all things, an opera singer for The Met. His family moved to SoCal, and Dan grew up steeped in the post-war Southern California hot rod and road racing scene, competing against fellow up-and-coming racers like Carroll Shelby, Richie Ginther, and Phil Hill all over the small country that is The Golden State.
American Hero
I could go into details about his engineering prowess, driving skill, frightening levels of tenacity, and alarming heights of bravery. I could tell the story of his all-American good looks and imposing height and how, upon meeting him for the first time, Enzo Ferrari said, “my big American Marine,” hiring him on the spot. I could tell you the one about how Dan was the guy that invented spraying champagne from the winner’s podium. I could divulge all the stories I heard and read about Dan doing the stuff we all did, but should not do on public roads with fast cars, hours before daylight and (I thought there were) no cops around.
But most of that would be standard stuff; wins, losses, classes competed in, number of race-winning cars designed, that sort of thing. The thin gruel of a man’s life rendered into numbers and statistics that get all The Facts right and only 49 percent of The Truth. What I will say is this: Back in the early 90s, I was in need of a better helmet for two reasons: one, I was doing more and more AutoX-ing and two, I was doing a similar amount of downhill skateboard racing, finding ever-faster mountains to rush down.
Flat Black
As luck would have it, friends of mine were working on a movie set in a dystopian future high school where Malcolm McDowell was the principle and semi-robot guards harassed the students. The production had wrapped and the producers were selling off bits and pieces at a very strange yard sale, my friends told me. And lo and behold, that included the motorcycle helmets the semi-robot guards wore. I was able to pick up a nearly brand new, garishly painted Shoei HR for ten bucks.
“What’a’ya gonna do about that orange,” said my friend, pointing at the day-glow stripe on the helmet?
“Oh that’s easy. I’ll paint the whole thing flat black, just like Dan Gurney’s helmet,” I said, pointing out the obvious.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format.

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2019 Chevy Silverado By The Numbers

2019 Chevy Silverado By The Numbers The 2019 Chevy Silverado debuted in Detroit, Michigan, 100 years after the automaker began producing trucks in January of 1918. Chevrolet expanded the range of engines and transmissions, and cut weight to increase overall performance. The 2019 Silverado was subjected to GM’s most rigorous engineering metrics in history. The Silverado team essentially doubled their validation targets and logged seven million miles of real-world testing.
Bed Time
Despite rumors of aluminum and carbon fiber, the 2019 Silverado retains its roll-formed, high-strength steel bed. Yield strength increases from 340 to 500 megapascals of pressure through the use of higher grades of steel; the tie-down hooks now handle 500 lbs. of force. At the moment, the 2019 Silverado offers best-in-class cargo volume, with even the short-box offering up 63 cubic feet of space.
The bed floor was widened by seven inches and the wheelbase extended by 3.9 inches to increase cargo capacity. For easier access to said cargo, an available power up/down tailgate can be operated with the key fob or via a button in the cab.
Light & Tight
The 2019 Chevy Silverado is 450 lbs. lighter when compared to the current generation Silverado with a V8. Weight reduction and strength increases were achieved through “mixed materials and advanced manufacturing processes,” according to Chevrolet. That strategy is demonstrated most noticeably in the truck’s body, frame, and suspension.
The actual body is 88 pounds lighter. The doors, hood, and tailgate are made from aluminum while the fenders, roof, and bed utilize high-strength steel. The underlying safety cage uses seven different grades of steel. Going further underneath, the fully boxed steel frame is also 88 lbs. lighter but offers a 10 percent increase in torsional rigidity. 80 percent of the frame consists of high-strength steel, varying from two to five millimeters in thickness, depending on location. Hydroforming, roll forming, conventional stamping, and tailor-rolled blanking are all performed during manufacturing, according to Chevrolet.
The front independent short/long arm suspension has lighter forged-aluminum upper control arms. Chevrolet notes this change provides better wheel alignment than the stamped components they replace. The live-axle rear suspension is also redesigned, including new carbon-composite, second-stage springs on LT models that cut about 12 lbs. (per side) over the steel springs they replace.

Power & Performance
Duramax fans are likely jumping for joy right now! The 2019 Chevy Silverado has an option for an all-new Duramax 3.0-liter inline-six. Revised versions of GM’s evergreen 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter engines with Dynamic Fuel Management are on offer. The system replaces Active Fuel Management and differs in the sense it can shut off any number of cylinders, in a variety of combinations, to boost performance and efficiency.
Both the Duramax and 6.2-liter are paired with a new Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic transmission. Overall, the 2019 Chevy Silverado will offer six engine and transmission choices.
Functional Styling
The new Silverado borrows from its performance car stablemates, particularly the sixth-generation Camaro. The front grille, for example, includes functional air curtains that move air around the front wheel wells to reduce aerodynamic drag. The truck’s side profile is aerodynamically enhanced too. An integrated spoiler at the rear edge of the cab moves air onto the tailgate lip, reducing wind drag from the bed. Changes like these result in a seven percent increase in aerodynamic efficiency, according to Chevrolet.
Photo: Chevrolet.
Interior Treatments
The interior was strongly influenced by customer feedback, since truck buyers spend a lot of time in the cab. The focus was on developing a comfortable and functional interior, with easy-to-use controls. Right off the bat, the cab was stretched to increase interior space; crew cabs now have three additional inches of rear-seat legroom. Overall, the 2019 Chevy Silverado has 44.5 inches of front legroom and 43.8 inches of rear legroom.
The interior was then subjected to 100,000 seat-slide tests to ensure the surfaces remain supple and supportive. Two new 10-liter storage bins were added for the second-row seatbacks, and a larger, 24-liter storage tray was fitted under the rear seat. The Silverado was the first pickup to offer 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and various OnStar safety and security features. That all remains for 2019.
Production & In Person
The 2019 Chevy Silverado will be on display at the North American International Auto Show through January 28th at the Cobo Center, downtown Detroit. Production will begin at Fort Wayne, Indiana Assembly this fall. When it arrives, the 2019 Chevy Silverado will have eight different trim levels, including an off-road-oriented Trailboss.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
2019 Chevy Silverado Gallery

Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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Amazon, Nissan Tech Lets Owners Talk To Their Vehicles

Amazon, Nissan Tech Lets Owners Talk To Their Vehicles

The worst feeling in the world is forgetting where you put your keys. You dump out your bag, slap all your pockets, and retrace your steps over and over again. Well, Nissan understands and later this month, some Nissan owners will be able to start their vehicle simply by speaking. Amazon Alexa, powered by NissanConnect Services, adds the new skill to a growing list of over 25,000.
This is the ideal time to utter the phrase, “the future is here.”
Voice Activation
Nissan owners will be able to find the new skill, called “NissanConnect Services,” under the connected car category in the Amazon Skills Store. The new skill is free to use and provides Nissan owners a way to vocally communicate with their vehicle, from locking and unlocking the doors, to honking the horn, flashing the lights, and starting the vehicle. A 4-digit pin will be required to send certain commands, like remote starting.
“Alexa, start my GT-R.” Photo: Nissan North America.
Ownership Experience
This approach comes from Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility initiative, which is meant to enhance the relationship between driver and vehicle. For example, owners can even name their Nissan.
“Intelligent integration means helping our customers even when they are not behind the wheel,” explained Dan Teeter, Director, Vehicle Connected Services, Nissan North America, Inc. “We are about bringing unexpected innovations to customers, and are excited to offer this technology to both existing and new Nissan owners.”
The services will be available on vehicles equipped with NissanConnect Services, an on-board telematics system. Amazon’s Alexa integration will require owners to have an active subscription to NissanConnect Services and a Nissan Owner Portal account, although the NissanConnect Services app does not need to be running to use the service. Once linked to a Nissan Owners Portal account with a compatible Nissan vehicle, owners can then utilize the voice commands.
We have included a chart below showing which Nissan vehicles are compatible.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Nissan Altima
2016, 2017, 2017.5
Nissan Armada
2018
Nissan GT-R
2017
Nissan Maxima
2016, 2017
Nissan Murano
2016, 2017.5
Nissan Pathfinder
2017, 2018
Nissan Rogue
2016, 2017
Nissan Rogue Sport
2017
Nissan Sentra
2016, 2017
Nissan TITAN
2017
Nissan TITAN XD
2016, 2017
Photos & Source: Nissan North America.

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2018 Acura ILX Arrives, Special Edition Available

2018 Acura ILX Arrives, Special Edition Available

We recently drove the 2018 Acura TLX A-Spec and enjoyed our time behind the wheel. We thought it was comfortable enough for city commuting but snappy enough for the open road. Recently, the 2018 Acura ILX arrived at the dealership and with it, a new Special Edition designation with A-Spec appointments. Acura says the ILX is meant to capture new luxury buyers and serve as a “gateway” to brand’s entire lineup.
Features Galore
Standard equipment on all ILX models includes Acura’s JewelEye LED headlights, an 8-way power driver’s seat, multi-view rearview camera, auto on/off headlights, one-touch power moonroof, a 5-inch Multi-View Display, Bluetooth capability, and push-button start. AcuraWatch, a suite of active safety technologies, is available on all ILX models, but standard when the Tech Plus package is selected.
The ILX Premium trim treats drivers to HD and Aha Radio, an 8-inch upper display, a 7-inch On-Demand Multi-Use Display, and HomeLink among other features.
Photo: Honda North America.
Premium Feel
The ILX A-Spec trims, Premium and Tech Plus, have a decklid spoiler, front fog lights, 18-inch 10-spoke machined alloy wheels, and exterior A-Spec badging in three locations: left and right front fenders and trunk lid. Acura is going for a lot of curb appeal here with this new look.
The interior is decorated with a Premium Black theme that includes perforated Lux Suede seat inserts. Driving enthusiasts will appreciate the instrument panel’s red background, contrasted with the gray interior stitching and aluminum pedals.
Power & Performance
All 2018 Acura ILX models are propelled by a 2.4-liter direct-injected DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder, creating 201 horsepower and 180 lb-ft. of torque. A Sequential SportShift 8-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission with paddle shifters helps disperse the power. Acura says the transmission is both crisp and responsive with “performance and exceptional efficiency at your fingertips.”
Photo: Honda North America.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Acura ILX is available now with a starting MSRP of $28,100. The new Special Edition, by contrast, begins at $28,900. A handy chart showing the trim levels and corresponding prices is below.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Trim
MSRP
EPA MPG Rating (city/highway/combined)
ILX
$28,100
25/35/29
ILX Special Edition
$28,900
25/35/29
ILX AcuraWatch Plus
$29,400
25/35/29
ILX Premium
$30,100
25/35/29
ILX Premium A-Spec
$32,100
25/35/29
ILX Tech Plus
$33,100
25/35/29
ILX Tech Plus A-Spec
$35,100
25/35/29
2018 Acura ILX Gallery

Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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Lotus Evora GT410 Sport Emerges From Hethel

Lotus Evora GT410 Sport Emerges From Hethel So speaketh Lotus: “Relentless in its development of world-class sports cars, Lotus has unveiled the new Evora GT410 Sport to complete the revised line-up of Hethel’s fastest model.” And all I can say is I really hope this completes the “revised line-up,” because over the paste while I have written articles on nine “new” Lotus models. I love these cars, I really do, but this whole “another month, another sort of new Lotus” thing is starting to get tiring.
Fitting In
In some ways, the Evora GT410 Sport is like the Evora GT430, only with less power, a bit more comfort, and a lot of aero and carbon fiber tweaks. The Evora GT410 Sport is available in both 2 seat and 2+2 configurations, and I’m sure both are fine. But if you buy the 2+2, you better have good reasons. The Evora GT410 Sport comes with either a manual or an automatic transmission, but don’t fret about that auto-box – everyone says it’s quite good. Overall, the new Evora GT410 Sport will be the replacement for the Evora Sport 410.
The revised front panel features two enlarged carbon fiber ducts and integrated air blades to move air around the front wheels. This reduces turbulence and decreases drag. Photo: Group Lotus plc.
Power & Performance
Body-wise the GT410 Sport has new, specifically-designed composite front and rear body panels, sans some of the high downforce elements found on other Evoras. Lotus says it has a far subtler and sleeker silhouette. Even though some aero bits are missing, the GT410 Sport still generates 50 percent more downforce than the Evora Sport 410 for a total of 96kg of downforce.
The Evora GT410 Sport is motorized by a specially-tuned, higher-output version of Lotus’ supercharged, 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine, complete with a water-to-air charge cooler. It goes without mentioning, but I’ll mention it anyway: this 3.5-liter 6-cylinder plant comes from Toyota, so do not worry about engine reliability, that is a thing of the past. Said mill cranks out 410 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 310 lb-ft. of torque from 3,500 rpm. This engine, combined with the company’s fixation for low weight, launches the GT410 Sport to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds with the automatic box. The manual version puts in a time of four seconds. See, that auto ain’t such a bad idea, is it?
Light & Tight
Speaking of the Hethel-based company’s undying love of making things as light as possible, developing the Evora GT410 Sport gave Lotus opportunities to optimize mass and weight. The bottom line turns up at an unladen weight of 2,860 lbs. If you decide to go with the optional titanium exhaust and the Lotus-tuned Öhlins TTX aluminum two-way adjustable dampers, you can shave off another 216 lbs. compared to the plain Jane Evora 400.
Photo: Group Lotus plc.
Careful Considerations
Would I buy the new Evora GT410 Sport? Of course I would! I just wish Lotus would stop messing around with having umpteen models of only slight difference from one step to the next. It’s sort of reminiscent of JDM car versions whose main differentiation from one trim level to the next are things like sway bar bushings. Lotus, you guys have made a name for yourself by making cars simple and light. Please apply that philosophy to your model lineup.
The Lotus Evora GT410 Sport can be ordered now in European and Asia Pacific markets. Availability for China and the United States is expected this summer.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format.
Lotus Evora GT410 Sport Gallery

Photos & Source: Group Lotus plc.

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2018 Ford F-Series Super Duty Limited: Big Capability, Big Price

2018 Ford F-Series Super Duty Limited: Big Capability, Big Price

Ford Motor Company recently unveiled their latest F-Series Super Duty variant, a model they say ” sets the new luxury standards for high-end heavy-duty truckers.” The top variant, the F-450 Limited, is now Ford’s largest luxury vehicle, and it’s capable of towing over 30,000 lbs., the equivalent of an F-35 fighter plane.
Just in case you need to move one.
Royal Treatment
Inside, Ford pours on the comfort with custom Camelback two-tone leather seats, a premium stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a Miko suede headliner. Other luxury elements include the hand-finished dark ash wood trim, a panoramic moonroof with retractable shade, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and special badging.
“Imagine opening the door to your humidor and sinking into your favorite leather lounge chair – that’s the sensation the new Super Duty Limited inspires,” said Aileen Barraza, Ford Design Manager.
Each Limited truck has a dedicated serial number laser-etched on the center console. A class-exclusive, flat rear load floor, complete with a fold-up locking storage feature makes for easy cargo hauling. Exterior flair includes a unique, twin-bar satin grille with chrome accents and quad-beam LED lights.

Power & Performance
Ford’s increasingly evergreen 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8 will motivate the new Limited trim in either a single- or dual-rear-wheel configuration. The Blue Oval is quick to point out their list of segment-exclusive features like the Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage, adaptive cruise control and steering, and forward collision warning with brake support.
“The Super Duty lineup is a win for all of our customers, from successful ranchers to contractors to RV owners,” said Todd Eckert, Ford Truck Group Marketing Manager.
Market Demands
A new 4×4 Super Duty Limited is north of $80,000, with the F-250 Limited coming in at $80,835. The F-350 Limited beeps across the scanner at $82,010 and the F-450 carries a window sticker of $87,100. A fully-loaded Super Duty Limited 4×4 will tip the cash register at almost $95,000. Unfortunately, Ford takes a tone we don’t necessarily agree with when addressing the price point.
“Customers who check every option box can top one out for as much as $94,455,” a recent press release from Dearborn, Michigan reads.
Perhaps we are being critical, but it seems as if Ford is bragging a little. The metrics, however, support not only the addition of the Limited trim, but the price too. More than 50 percent of Super Duty retail sales this year are concentrated in the top trims, the Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum. It’s only fitting the Limited is the next choice for Ford customers.
“We created this new truck to answer the call for even more premium choices in the Super Duty range as we see more and more truck customers trending to more premium models,” Eckert added. “Super Duty Limited is the most luxurious and advanced heavy-duty pickup truck ever created by Ford for accomplished buyers with appetites for the high life and hard-earned dollars to match.”

The Ford Super Duty Limited crew cab arrives this winter.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2018 Ford F-Series Super Duty Limited Gallery

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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2017 Toyota Sienna Limited Premium AWD Review

2017 Toyota Sienna Limited Premium AWD Review

The Toyota Sienna is all about family-oriented features, versatility, interior space, and reliability. Upper trims add even more entertainment and accessibility equipment. If you live in a cold climate, the Sienna offers all-wheel drive for all-weather capability too. It’s one of the best family haulers on the market. Here’s what an upper trim level brings to the party: this week we drove the top-of-the-line, 2017 Toyota Sienna Limited Premium AWD.
What’s New For 2017
The 2017 Toyota Sienna gets direct fuel injection and a new 8-speed automatic transmission. The rest of its features and options carry over unchanged.
Features & Options
The 2017 Toyota Sienna Limited Premium AWD ($47,310) comes loaded with standard equipment like power sliding doors, power front seats, and a 7-inch touchscreen. All-wheel drive is also included along with 18-inch wheels. Inside it gets leather seating surfaces and heated front seats. A sport mesh grille, fog lamps, LED taillights, and smoked accents decorate the exterior.
The Sienna Limited Premium, with its seven-passenger seating, adds navigation, an upgraded 10-speaker stereo, chrome exterior accents, and a dual moonroof. Other features included rain-sensing wipers, xenon headlights, automatic high beams, rear-seat entertainment, and upgraded leather for the third row. It also came with a few extra family options like wireless headphones, a first aid kit, roof rack crossbars, all-season floor mats, and universal tablet holder. Total MSRP including destination: $50,769.

Interior Highlights
Since families spend so much time inside the cabin, it’s the most important thing to look at, and the new Sienna doesn’t disappoint. The family hauler offers a contemporary interior appearance and convenient layout for adults and kids. You will find plenty of room in this spacious minivan with exceptional comfort for all riders.
Up front, the sweeping, contoured dashboard is attractive and most importantly, functional for the driver. Controls are placed conveniently on the driver’s side and instruments are large and easy-to-read. Audio and 3-zone climate controls can be easily reached by the front passenger. The leather-trimmed seats are comfortable for longer trips and offer plenty of support. The 4.2-inch touchscreen display comes with full color graphics and can be easily seen from the driver’s seat.
It’s easy to get in-and-out of the back with the Sienna Limited’s power rear sliding doors that open up to the second row. Captain’s chairs were standard with our all-wheel drive tester. The chairs slide forward and all the way back, opening up lots of room to stretch out when you aren’t using the third-row seats.
There’s plenty of cargo space with the second-row seats folded and pushed forward, and the third-row seats folded. It offers up an abundant 117.8 cubic feet of cargo-carrying ability. Behind the third-row seats is 39.1 cubic feet of cargo space, and the deep well in the floor can keep a massive amount of groceries from sliding all over the back, unlike most SUVs.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2017 Toyota Sienna gets an upgrade to its 3.5-liter V6 engine in the form of direct fuel injection, hiking horsepower by 30. The upgraded engine now develops 296 horsepower and comes coupled to a new 8-speed automatic transmission. Even with the increased power, EPA fuel economy estimates have increased with the family hauler now getting 18/24 city/highway and 20 combined mpg.
Driving Dynamics
The Sienna minivan is built for comfort, not performance. All families care about is that it will get up to highway speed without an issue, that it’s safe, and it’s maneuverable in the city. The Sienna scores well every time. It has good visibility for the driver, and there’s a backup camera for those times you can’t see behind you.
The Sienna isn’t all that quiet on the highway, but you won’t care when you crank up the upgraded JBL sound system with 10 speakers and a subwoofer. The kids won’t mind either as they will be watching the Blu-ray rear seat entertainment with their wireless headphones on. Shifts are smooth and practically imperceptible from the new 8-speed automatic. This model comes with all-weather capability with its Active Torque Control AWD system, which means you won’t have any trouble getting around this winter when the snow flies.
Conclusion
The Toyota Sienna Limited Premium AWD is not the cheapest minivan on the market, but you will be getting copious interior space, a comfortable place for you and the kids to spend time, convenience, versatility, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Toyota Sienna Limited Premium Gallery

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

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