Automotive

Nissan Titan King Cab Arrives This Spring

For some reason, adding doors to pickup trucks and making them even more practical is something manufacturers can be slow to adopt. Likewise for practical intermediate steps, like Nissan has finally done with the addition of the king cab body to their Titan model lineup.

At the Chicago Auto Show, Nissan revealed the new 2017 TITAN and TITAN XD King Cab models. Yes, they spell TITAN in all caps, so I’m sorry if it sounds like I’m shouting. Nissan says this now completes the entire Titan lineup of full-size pickups.

Seating, Space & Storage

The most salient point about the new King Cab is its available 6-person seating. So, a work crew, or a bunch of snowmobile buddies can all cram up front – although cram is probably the wrong word, since there’s lots of room, front and back, in these things. The back doors are rear hinged suicide doors that are designed to open wider, for easier ingress and egress.

Besides, let’s face it, suicide doors are pretty cool.

There’s even an available “rear seat delete” option that allows you to keep the space, but drop the seat if you want to haul sensitive stuff indoors with you. The “rear seat delete” is ideal for commercial use since it has a flat floor loading area and also gives you secure in-cab storage space.

Like the other Titan models, the new King Cab body was designed by Nissan Design America in San Diego, California. It offers either a front split bench seat or front bucket seat (standard on PRO-4X, optional on SV models). A 60/40-split fold-down rear seat is also standard. Heated front seats are available with PRO-4X and SV grades, along with optional heated and cooled front seats on PRO-4X. Photo: Nissan North America.

Power & Performance

The standard plant is a 390 horsepower, 5.6-liter Endurance V8 engine coupled to a 7-speed automatic transmission. If that sounds like a lot of power, it is, but then again, when you promise stuff like an available maximum towing capacity of 9,420 pounds, and a max payload capacity of 1,640 pounds, then the Titan King Cab better come with big power and lots of cogs in the box.

If that’s not enough for you, (and really how often does a gearhead say, “hey, that’s enough horsepower, thank you.”) you can ditch the standard V8 mill and opt for the Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel. It puts out less power, at 310 ponies, but it does put out a substantial 555 lb-ft of torque, which is likely enough to yank that stump out of the ground on the first go.

The oil-burner comes fitted with a heavy-duty 6-speed Aisin automatic box, and offers a staggering max towing capacity of 12,510 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 2,710 pounds. To put that into perspective, you could tow five new Miatas on a flatbed trailer without this thing breaking a sweat.

“This feature is going to be extremely well received by commercial truck buyers for its extra utility and secure, climate-safe storage space inside the cab,” said Fred Diaz, Division Vice President and General Manager, North America Trucks and Light Commercial Vehicles, Nissan North America, Inc. “Add to that the industry’s best 5-year, 100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and the Titan family is even more compelling.”

Warranty & Availability

The King Cab variant body style is available for both the Titan half-ton and Titan XD with the 6.5-foot bed. All 2017 Titan models, including the new King Cab, are backed by an outstanding 100,000-mile, 5-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, which is pretty impressive, given how much punishment you can deal out to a truck over a decade or 100-large miles.

The new King Cab body goes on sale this spring and should be in dealer showrooms around the same time.

The new Titan King Cab comes in both 4×4 and 4×2 drive configurations and three grade levels. That’s a fancy way of saying there are three trim levels available: the S, SV, and PRO-4X. The latter sounds like some sort of muscle-building sludge gym rats would drink, don’t you think?

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.

2017 Nissan Titan King Cab Gallery

Photos & Source: Nissan North America

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Apple iCar Designs Capture Apple’s Journey From The 80s

Computing giants Apple are known for their iconic and forward-looking product design, so it was a big disappointment for motorists and dreamers alike when, late last year, the plug was pulled on their plans to develop an Apple car.

It seems the project will continue in a different guise, with Apple’s IT experts concentrating on the development of a self-driving system which will eventually find its place in a vehicle designed by an established car manufacturer – if all goes to (the new) plan.

It’s a massive loss for those of us who fancy the latest Apple designs, but a great opportunity to imagine what might have been – so that’s just what the people over at Click Mechanic have done, creating five imaginary Apple car designs inspired by classic Mac hardware from the past thirty years. Think of it as the Batmobile meets desktop computing.

Macintosh 128K

The journey begins in 1984, when Apple released the Macintosh 128K. The angular, off-white design of the iCar Macintosh responds to those clunky early desktops that you occasionally still see in an office storeroom or Dad’s utility room. They have that sturdy look that causes IT managers and home computing nerds alike to think: “I won’t throw it out just yet, it’s sure to be useful again some day.”

Blended with the sporty look of that forward-thinking decade, it cannot help but call to mind a sexier version of the disastrous Sinclair C5.

iMac G3

Skip forward to 1998 and the splash of color we enjoyed with the iMac G3. Snub-nosed and smooth as a pebble, the iCar G3 is available in shades of blueberry, lime, tangerine, strawberry, and grape – and of course, you can see the engine through the back window.

The headlights are modeled on the G3’s banging front-facing speakers.

Power Mac G5

From the plastic 128k to the glassy G3, Apple have always managed to capture the zeitgeist in terms of chassis material.

They did it again with the anodized aluminum alloy of the PowerBook G4 in 2001.

Power and strength likewise characterize the vehicle the G4 has inspired, the Power Mac G5 car.

MacBook Air

The MacBook Air is an enduring classic that continues to evolve. Lightweight and adaptable, the vehicular version borrows that clean, speedy look – although rumors that Apple have removed the CD drive from the car stereo are sure to be controversial!

As the Air user likes to flit from café to meeting room to conference center, so the driver of the iCar Air will be very much the guy or gal around town as they take those hard urban corners at an impressive pace.

iPhone7

Which brings us right up to present day and the jet-black glass of the iPhone7. Minimal to look at, the outsider can only imagine the engine and tremendous range of features so neatly hidden within that hyper-modern exterior.

We would be thrilled to sit behind wheel.

Apple products not only reflect the time they inhabit – they lead the way for competitors and imitators to follow, as great architects always have. So be sure to study these exercises in wishful thinking closely for a hint at the kind of machine we can expect to see next from the biggest tech company on Earth.

G. John Cole is a technology writer and digital nomad. A native Englishman, he is always on the move, but can most commonly be spotted in Norway. Follow him on Twitter: @gjohncole

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New Toyota TRD Models Arrive This Fall

Toyota Racing Development, the in-house performance shop for the automaker, has turned it’s benevolent gaze upon some vehicles you may not normally think of as performance oriented, and the results are good. In this case, the three cars that TRD has gotten their grease-stained, banged-knuckled hands on are the Tundra, Sequoia, and the RAV4.

Tundra TRD Sport

The new Tundra TRD Sport is offered on both 4×4 and 4×2 models in CrewMax and Double Cab configurations. Power comes from Toyota’s ever popular 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, which produces 381 horsepower. TRD has added Sport Tuned Bilstein Shocks and TRD front and rear anti-sway bars to the mix, and also had a go at exterior enhancements.

The mirrors, bumpers, and hood scoop are color coordinated; there are 20-inch silver sport alloy wheels, LED headlights with a smoked chrome bezel, daytime running lights, LED fog lights, mesh grille with body color surround, and TRD Sport bedside graphics. Snazzy! Colors for the Tundra TRD Sport are Super White, Magnetic Gray, Midnight Black Pearl, Blazing Blue Pearl, and Barcelona Red Metallic.

Those last two are also good candidates for band names and/or replacements for Peter Criss and Ace Frehley.

The interior features include a TRD shift knob and TRD Sport floor mats.

Toyota says the Tundra and Sequoia are ideal for adventuresome families in need of that unique combination of performance, utility, towing ability, and comfort. To build upon that, Toyota Racing Development (TRD) is introducing the new TRD Sport grade for Tundra and Sequoia later this year. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Sequoia TRD Sport

The 2018 Sequoia SUV, called the Sequoia TRD Sport for this version, also comes in 4×4 and 4×2 and with the aforementioned 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine. TRD Sport Tuned Bilstein Shocks and TRD front and rear anti-sway bars improve the ride and handling.

The Sequoia TRD Sport’s key exterior upgrades include a new front grille and bumper grille insert, metallic black mirror caps, 20-inch alloy sport wheels in black, a darkened rear tail light housing, black satin finish, TRD Sport badging on the front doors, and a metallic black and chrome Sequoia badge on the liftgate. Color choices for the Sequoia TRD Sport include Super White, Magnetic Gray Metallic, and the new Midnight Black Metallic.

Interior features include standard black fabric or optional black leather captains chairs (these are part of the optional Premium Package), TRD shift knob, TRD Sport floor mats, and TRD Sport sill protectors.

Select 2018 RAV4 models will include optional heat/power fabric front row seats, heated steering wheel, and wiper de-icer as part of a new Cold Weather Package. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

RAV4 Adventure

The cute-ute of the latest TRD offerings is the RAV4 Adventure. The RAV4 Adventure will be available in front-wheel drive with an Automatic Limited-Slip Differential, or with Dynamic Torque Control all-wheel drive. Both come with a standard Tow Prep Package, upgraded radiator, supplemental engine oil and transmission fluid coolers, and a higher ride height suspension.

The RAV4 Adventure model will also come standard with Trailer Sway Control and Hill-Start Assist Control.

Exterior styling tweaks add large overfender flares and 18-inch five-spoke black alloy wheels, sporting the boss meat 235/55R18 tires. Lower body guards, black headlight bezels, black fog lamp surrounds, roof racks, and “Adventure” badging complete the set.

Color-wise, the RAV4 Adventure buyer will get to choose from five: Black, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Silver Sky Metallic, Super White, and one new color for the RAV4, Ruby Flare Pearl. I know, Ruby Flare Pearl sounds like a burlesque dance from the 30s, but just go with it.

The 2018 RAV4 Adventure along with the Tundra and Sequoia TRD Sport will arrive in September.

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: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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2017 Dodge Charger Pursuit: Additional Eyes, Advanced Warnings

It used to be that a “Police Pursuit” or “Police Special Option” package consisted of heavy duty shocks and springs, an oil cooler, and a white paint job. Dodge aims to upgrade that by now offering an “Officer Protection Package” option on their Charger cop cars. Dodge, officially FCA US (that’s Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) teamed up with an outfit from Auburn, California, called InterMotive Inc., to deliver the new Officer Protection Package.

Dodge is doing it at no cost to police agencies that order the 2017 Charger Pursuit package.

Frankenstein Features

This is basically parts bin engineering at its finest. You know what parts bin engineering is, right? Just in case you don’t, parts bin engineering is when you take available cool parts your company is already making, and use them to make another car better; more efficient, perform better, upgrade this and that etc.

Most of the time parts bin engineering was focused on consumer level products, making them faster (stuffing bigger engines into smaller cars) or more luxurious (taking leather seats from an upmarket car and bolting them directly into a mid-level offering).

What Dodge is doing in this case is taking some bits and pieces that it already has in abundance; rear facing cameras and radar crash warning sensors, and installing them on police cars for officer safety.

Photo: FCA US LLC.

Additional Eyes

Dodge has taken the rear-facing camera and radar in its 2017 Dodge Charger Pursuit law enforcement vehicle and reprogrammed it to detect movement behind the vehicle. By this clever move, Dodge hopes to prevent an ambush of the officers and warn them if a subject is approaching from the rear.

Yes, police safety has been increasing for decades, but hey, if you’ve got the parts in the car already, why not tweak them a little bit, just in case?

“This technology is designed to prevent an officer from being ambushed from the rear while parked. While it does not replace vigilance, this technology acts as a second set of eyes and provides police officers with added peace of mind when they are in a parked Charger Pursuit,” said Jeff Kommor, Vice President for FCA U.S. Sales Operations, Fleet and Small Business Sales.

Fleet and small business sales are, of course, the people that make and sell things to taxi companies, delivery companies, and the like. Essentially anyone who buys cars or vans by the dozens – obviously, this includes cop cars.

Photo: FCA US LLC.

Advanced Warning

The Officer Protection Package is all about the concept of situational awareness. You know when you’re on the track, or the road, and even though you cannot see that other car in your mirrors, you know they are there. Change in air pressure, subconscious perception of a new shadow in your peripheral vision, increase in non-determined, aperiodic acoustical noise – that stuff leads to enhanced situational awareness.

You know what’s going on around you without having to look.

The Officer Protection Package is designed to improve an officer’s situational awareness further. So when a cop is parked and working inside the vehicle, filling out incident reports or logging something into the computer system, the Officer Protection Package makes use of the car’s ParkSense rear park assist system and ParkView rear backup camera to warn the officer if anyone is behind the vehicle.

The InterMotive portion of all this is a module plugged into the OBDII port. The module itself, the brain box of the operation, is secured under the dash. When the officer turns the thing on, the reverse sensors will be activated. If something comes across the sensor’s field of view, a chime will sound to warn the officer. This allows them to check behind the vehicle via the camera display. The system is also smart enough to lock all the doors, roll up the front windows, and will also flash the taillights.

Handy, no? It’s sort of like cars that automatically lock your doors for you when you hit 10 mph or leave the headlights on for 30 seconds so you can find your house keys.

The Officer Protection Package is already in the hands of “dealers” (i.e. fleet sales people have them in stock), and can be easily installed by the law enforcement agency’s motor pool mechanics, if departments want to go that route (think of slightly older cars and stuff like that).

The Officer Protection Package is available on all 2017 and future Dodge Charger Pursuit orders.

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: FCA US LLC

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4 Practical Car Modifications That Benefit Every Driver

4 Practical Car Modifications That Benefit Every Driver The possibilities are endless (and even expensive) when it comes to different car modifications.
While some mods are more fancy than others, not every addition to your vehicle needs to be.
Some upgrades to your vehicle will actually increase performance, fuel mileage, and safety.
Here is a look at four car modifications that run the gamut from cost-effective to creative.
The temptation to modify your ride can be irresistible. You see souped-up vehicles everywhere; on TV, on the highway, and in your friends’ driveways. However, not everyone has an infinite budget, and you may harbor a concern that any “mods” might be detrimental to your car’s efficiency. But fear not! There are several practical, cost-effective ways to modify your vehicle to improve your driving experience without turning your ride into the Batmobile. Here are four practical car modifications that benefit every driver.
#1: Better Tune-Up Parts = Better Engine Performance
While the traditional engine tune-up is a thing of the past thanks to modern technology, you still need to replace certain wear-and-tear items like spark plugs and air filters. Many people opt for the least-expensive replacements. If you’re looking to elevate your car’s performance, consider upgrading these parts, neither of which will break the bank.
Spark plugs with platinum or iridium tips will last longer, be less likely to fail, and may improve both gas mileage and power. Cheap paper air filters, which you can buy in any big-box store, aren’t necessarily the pinnacle of efficiency either. Consider an upgrade to a cotton-based, washable, reusable air filter to improve air flow to the engine. Filters like these can last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles.
When it comes to getting the job done, anyone can replace an air filter in about five minutes. However, spark plugs are not as easy for the casual DIYer. It is best to have a professional with the proper tools do the job to avoid complications.
Spark plugs with platinum or iridium tips may improve both gas mileage and power.
#2: Seat Covers Add Comfort & Style To Your Interior
You see them every day so you may not notice, but if your car is a few years old, the upholstery on your seats might be a little worse for wear; with seams coming apart and, most likely, a few stains. If you presume that seat covers are too expensive, too ill-fitting, or too difficult to install, you’d be wrong on all counts. You can find high-quality seat covers for as low as $100 per row that can be installed in under an hour. There are dozens of custom options from choice of fabric (cotton, nylon, neoprene, vinyl) and color (solid and multi).
Best of all, modern manufacturing methods guarantee a perfect fit, no matter what make or model you’re driving around!
Related: Three ways to indulge your classic car hobby on a budget.
#3: When It Comes To Tires: Performance Categories Matter
Most people shop for tires by brand, price or recommendation. Few drivers realize that within most brands, and at most price points, you can select your tires based on performance type as well. That means choosing among summer, winter, all-season, all-terrain, and other categories of tires.
The decision for which class of performance tires is right for you depends on a number of factors, including vehicle characteristics, geographic area, and what conditions you’ll likely encounter on the road. Putting it simply: summer tires are best if you live where it never snows while all-season tires are the best compromise for all driving conditions. Performance tires maximize grip without sacrificing comfort. All-terrain tires allow both off-roading and paved road driving.
Before you purchase your next set of tires, research the choices. Most importantly, consult an expert who is not just trying to sell you what’s on sale.
Research from AAA finds that driving on relatively worn tires at highway speeds and on wet surfaces can increase stopping distances by nearly 90 feet. That’s more than the length of an eighteen-wheeler. Consider upgrading your tires if they currently measure 4/32″ or less.
Related: When should we replace our tires? The answer is sooner than we think.
#4: Creative Car Modifications Kick It Up A Notch!
For most drivers, adding practical accessories which increase safety, comfort, and efficiency is enough. However, for car owners looking to make more of a statement, it’s easy to enter the world of customization with creative add-ons. For instance, body kits are available for almost all makes and models, and can refresh a vehicle’s look easily. With many options to choose from, you can decide how outlandish you want to go with a body kit, from brightly-colored side panels to custom bumpers and spoilers.
Custom headlights are another option if you’re looking to make a statement. Depending on your make and model, you have many fun choices including LED bulbs, colored lighting, and light bars, which are popular with truck and Jeep owners looking to go off-road.
Performance tires can also be elevated to the next level of style with the addition of custom wheels. Decorative rims and floaters come in every color under the sun these days and are available for most vehicles. The possibilities are truly endless!
Decorative rims are available for most vehicles.
Car Modifications: Putting It All Together
With any custom accessory, it’s important to ensure you’re getting the right style/fit for your particular vehicle, especially when it comes to headlights and wheels. You don’t want to drop a large sum of money on flashy rims that don’t meet your car’s safety requirements. Most aftermarket retailers have experts on staff and knowledgeable customer service folks, so don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Related: Opting for the “Restomod” may present the best of both worlds.
The market for car modifications is still very much alive and full of possibilities. Depending on the type of upgrade you’re looking for, it is not necessary to empty your pockets to get increased performance, comfort or efficiency. The landscape of mods ranges from practical to the more visual and performance-based. And once you start exploring options, it’s easy to find affordable ways to make your vehicle stand out and last longer.
Richard Reina is the Product Training Director for CARiD.com. He enjoys restoring and driving old cars with a special love for anything Italian. Richard is also passionate about music and is a huge Beatles fan.

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2017 Chevy Cruze Diesel Delivers Unprecedented Fuel Economy

Those looking for a fuel efficient car this year might be literally blown away by the 2017 Chevy Cruze Diesel Sedan. The car delivers an EPA-estimated 52 miles per gallon on the highway, the highest highway fuel economy of any non-hybrid/non-EV in America.

While that number is impressive, The 2017 Chevy Cruze Diesel is actually part of a larger initiative by the automaker.

“Chevrolet is dedicated to offering customers a wide range of propulsion options,” said Steven Majoros, Director of Chevrolet Marketing.

Transmission Options

Based upon the EPA highway estimate, the 2017 Chevy Cruze Diesel with the six-speed manual transmission can travel over 700 miles on a single tank of fuel. The six-speed manual returns an EPA-estimated city mileage of 30 with 37 combined. A new, highly optimized Hydra-Matic nine-speed automatic transmission is also available. When equipped with the latter, EPA estimates are 31/47 city/highway and 37 combined.

Engine & Emissions

The 2017 Chevy Cruze Diesel Sedan is powered by an Ecotec 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder turbo-diesel. It creates a solid 137 horsepower (102 kW) and 240 lb-ft. of torque (325 Nm). Chevrolet received a passing grade from the U.S. government for the engine, meeting the strictest environmental standards for validation, including Tier 3 Bin 125 emissions standards.

The vehicle also includes start/stop technology for additional fuel conservation.

Connectivity & Pricing

The 2017 Chevy Cruze Diesel comes with a variety of infotainment options too, including things like the available OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also available and compatible with the Chevrolet MyLink system. Last year, Chevy owners took full advantage of such connectivity and tipped the scales on data usage.

Pricing starts at $24,670 including the $875 destination charge. The 2017 Chevy Cruze Diesel Hatch will follow the Cruze Diesel Sedan later this year, but arrive as a 2018 model.

“We know customers are looking for the right combination of fuel efficiency, driving dynamics, and more,” Majoros added. “With the EPA-estimated 52-mpg highway Cruze Diesel Sedan, they can get it all.”

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

Photos & Source: Chevrolet

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