Automotive

Honda Hits Doubleheader With 2019 Pilot, HR-V Updates

Honda Hits Doubleheader With 2019 Pilot, HR-V Updates Honda has put a doubleheader in play here, with updates for 2019 coming for both the Pilot and the HR-V utes. Yes, I said “utes.” Anyway, the broad brushstrokes are the Pilot gets a more aggressive styling redo, the HR-V gets two new trims levels, and now all Hondas will get the Honda Sensing package of safety tech.
So let’s dive right in with the 2019 Honda Pilot.
Transmission & Entertainment
For those new to this sphere, the Pilot is Honda’s big SUV (or as big as they’re currently making). While still keeping the seating capacity at a healthy eight people, the 2019 Pilot brings quite the list of upgrades to the Pilot. The first thing you’ll notice is the more aggressive exterior styling, but this is not just a mid-cycle styling refresh, oh no.
Also to be found on the 2019 Pilot is a new, hands-free power tailgate and significant refinements to the beast’s nine-speed automatic (but that trick transmission is found only in the Touring and Elite trims).
4G LTE in-car Wi-Fi is now along for the ride and so is the larger rear entertainment system with Blu-Ray and streaming video capability. Given that 99.9 percent of the rides with the Honda Pilot will be family trips, having in-car net access and a rear entertainment system will probably be heaven sent to you over-worked, under-slept parents.
2019 Honda Pilot. Photo: Honda North America.
Pilot Chat
You parents of the less-than-saintly disposition will be happy to know that Honda’s innovative CabinTalk in-car PA system is also standard. My tendency would be to use it for saying “Uh, this is your captain speaking. We’re at our cruising altitude of, uh, four feet, and we will be arriving at our destination – uncle Merle and Aunt Vernie’s – at about 4:30.”
Or . . .
“ALRIGHT JUNIOR!! IF I HAVE TO GET ON THE HORN ONE MORE TIME I SWEAR ON YOUR MOTHER’S GRAVE I WILL PULL THIS HUGE HONDA PILOT OVER YOUNG MAN!!! DO NOT TEST ME MISTER!!!!!”
2019 Honda Pilot interior. Photo: Honda North America.
Connectivity & Safety
It seems all the “infotainment” stuff can be controlled via a smartphone-enabled CabinControl app. You can also adjust things with a new Display Audio touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto built right in. And the system is slick enough to behave like your smartphone and get over-the-air updates, which sounds pretty cool.
Yes, the 2019 Pilot will come with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive gizmos as standard on all grades. Nice. In other words, Honda is really serious about it. They plan to make it standard equipment on all models and trims within the next four years
The refreshed 2019 Pilot will be available starting on July 16th.
2019 HR-V interior. Photo: Honda North America.
Honda HR-V
Now, about that 2019 Honda HR-V. The five-door subcompact SUV looks to expand its appeal with the addition of new Sport and Touring trims, along with refreshed styling and new tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The HR-V also gets a more refined Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) while a Real Time all-wheel drive system is available.
The new HR-V also gets additional sound deadening here and there, and the cherry on top is the new addition of variable-ratio electric power steering, making for easier parking lot maneuvers and such.
And yes, the 2019 HR-V also comes with the Honda Sensing package for the first time. Honda Sensing comes standard on EX and higher, but is optional down there in the lower grades as well. Expect to see the refreshed HR-V at dealerships on July 24.
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. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz
Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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Letter From The UK: Born On The Back Seat

Letter From The UK: Born On The Back Seat Some people sing of being born on the 4th of July; others wax lyrical about being born with a smile on their face whilst some poor benighted souls were born under a bad sign.
If however, you were born on the back seat of a beaten-up Mk1 British-built Ford Mondeo you’ll probably want to keep it to yourself.
Shaping Your Future
This sort of happenstance of birth can shape a person. It can dictate your life. With your father laboring under the name of Mondeo Man because of his life on the business car highway, imagine spending your days forever known as “Mondeo Boy.” Being conceived on the back seat of a car is one thing, but to greet the world smelling of stale sweat and burgers is quite another.
Now, if an infant is born on the back seat of a Maserati Quattroporte somewhere along the Italian Amalfi Coast with a nice view of the Isle of Capri in the azure distance, then he or she will undoubtedly be a golden child destined for great things; especially if the father’s name is Berlusconi. If however the poor unfortunate is born on the flat bed of an ancient El Camino pickup truck near a trailer park in Utah, life could be a whole lot different.

How To Enter The World
So, if an unborn person is to be given a choice of which vehicle to be born in, what should they choose? Obviously, if it is a Mercedes they will be German, probably successful, but not all that good at soccer and so on. If it’s a Toyota, then the kid will be industrious and polite and if it’s a Fiat, then the poor unfortunate will be forced by law to wear Armani and always be incapable of forming a stable government.
Any couples planning on having a family probably shouldn’t buy a Dodge Dart Swinger. You’ll meet a lot of interesting and possibly unusual people no doubt, but are they really suitable?
There’s a true UK story of a child born in a Volkswagen outside of a grocery supermarket. Thankfully there were many people about to help but only after they had exhausted the batteries on their mobile phones and posted the happy event on YouTube.
Years on and the Mother still doesn’t want to talk about it. Young Jetta is none to keen on discussing it either.

Other Tales of UK Births
In Scotland, here in Great Britain, the first view a baby got of the world was of the foot well of the front passenger seat. His Dad wasn’t exactly overjoyed because they were so, so near to the maternity hospital and he’d only just cleaned the carpet. One enterprising UK Dad managed to film his wife giving birth on the back seat. He was driving at the time. Also, there is a little girl who appeared at a set of traffic signals. They called her Amber, naturally.
Births in cars happen more often than you think.
So if you’re considering buying an used car the chances are a baby got there before you. That’s a thought. Can the back seats of cars induce fertility? Now that really is a worry. Think about that next time the children ask to borrow the car.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

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New Study Reveals The Most Dangerous Times To Drive

New Study Reveals The Most Dangerous Times To Drive When we hop in our cars and go about our day, we are likely thinking about everything we need to get done. There is the stress from work and impending deadlines; there is that often endless list of tasks we keep playing over and over again in our heads. We can, at times, be focused on everything but driving. The very act of driving can become monotonous over time, but that’s proving to be a dangerous thing.
By The Numbers
A new study from Avvo examined data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System for 2016 to see how many crash-related fatalities happened across the United States. Depending on the time of day, month, and location, the data shows we are exposed to varying levels of risk during our travels.
“We were surprised to see car crash deaths are over 85 percent higher during the after work rush hour between 4:00 p.m. and 6:59 p.m. than they are during the morning rush hour between 7:00 a.m. and 9:59 a.m.,” explained Jeremy Reitman, Avvo’s Vice President of Organic Marketing.
“There could be a number of explanations why the majority of crashes occur during this time period,” said Special First Lieutenant and Traffic Safety Specialist Jim Flegel of the Michigan State Police. “When people all leave work around the same time, it leads to a large volume of traffic on the roadways and severe traffic congestion. Combine that with people in a hurry to get home, frustration, distracted driving, and impaired driving, and it is a recipe for traffic crashes to occur.”
The most dangerous times to drive are the late afternoon and early evening: 6,201 accidents occurred between 4:00 p.m. and 6:59 p.m., followed by 6,067 between 7:00 p.m. and 9:59 p.m. By contrast, the fewest fatalities (3,345) occurred during the morning hours between 7:00 a.m. and 9:59 a.m.
“It’s interesting to see this difference in our commutes and points to a driver’s state of mind after work,” Reitman said.

Weekend Worry
Weekends pose their own inherent risk with Saturday standing out in particular. Avvo’s study found that nearly 7,000 fatalities occurred on Saturdays in 2016, with Friday not far behind at 5,826 fatalities. The figures show the most dangerous time to travel is Saturday night after 10 p.m., but that risk extends into the early morning hours of Sunday, with 1:00 a.m. to 3:59 a.m. being equally as risky.
“The increase in fatalities on the weekends could be due to many different reasons,” Reitman said. “Our data doesn’t explore this specifically, but we can see various trends across the country where more drivers are on the roads during the weekends and also more careless and potentially reckless during this time.”
“Weekends are also a time where people have a tendency to drink alcohol and ingest controlled substances,” Flegel added. “This ultimately leads to extremely dangerous driving decisions and behavior.”
State to State
Some states fared worse than others with Mississippi being among the top five deadliest states on all seven days of the week. The absolute highest incidence of fatal accidents occurred on Saturdays in Mississippi, accounting for 4.3 crash fatalities per 100,000 residents, followed closely by Montana at 4.2.
“This could be because, according to the Mississippi Department of Transportation, only 78 percent of Mississippi drivers wear their seat belts compared to the national seat belt usage of 90 percent,” Reitman said.
Meanwhile, on days that had generally fewer road accidents, the safest states regularly clocked in below one fatality per 100,000 residents: On Mondays, New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts were tied for the safest at 0.6. On Fridays, Rhode Island represented the lowest number of the entire data set at 0.4.
Here at home, the Michigan State Police conduct several traffic safety initiatives throughout the year based on statistical data. Each post of the department is responsible for conducting these initiatives in their immediate area, which often focus on high density traffic crash locations. The Michigan State Police also participate in several other traffic safety campaigns including the Six State Trooper Project, Click It or Ticket, and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
“In 1977, the Michigan State Police and Indiana State Police were the founding agencies for Operation C.A.R.E. – Crash Awareness and Reduction Efforts,” Flegel said. “The C.A.R.E. project was designed to reduce traffic collisions, injuries and fatalities through public information, education, and strict consistent traffic enforcement.”

Daily Driving
It’s important to understand – as best we can – how traffic generally flows during high volume times. Flegel notes that in heavy, stop-and-go traffic where cars are constantly merging, there is an increased risk for accidents. The difference between a collision and getting home safely might be an adjustment in our driving style – from offensive to defensive.
“Leave yourself an out,” Flegel explained. “Give sufficient space and distance between you and the traffic around you to give yourself time and distance to stop to avoid a crash.”
“Reckless and distracted driving, whether it be drowsy driving, or texting, or engaging in road rage, can be met with grave consequences – for you and for those you share the road with,” Reitman said.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving accounted for 3,450 deaths in 2016. Distracted driving was also the cause of the nearly 400,000 reported injuries during that same period.
“It takes on average 4.6 seconds to send a text message,” Flegel said. “At 55 mph, that is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded.”
It is best to respond to texts or e-mails prior to driving.
Future Considerations
While Avvo’s study gives us some insight, it’s important to remember there is a certain level of risk each time we take the wheel – even during the times when crashes are statistically low. Perhaps the best takeaway from Avvo’s study is avoiding anything that would deliberately endanger yourself or others.
“First and foremost, seat belts save lives,” Flegel said. “If more drivers and passengers took that extra few seconds to put on their seat belts, it would drastically reduce the number of crash fatalities, not only in Michigan, but across the United States.”
“You can’t control other drivers, but under most circumstances, you can control your vehicle,” Reitman added. “We should all drive responsibly and stay alert when on the road.”
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.
Safety Tips From The Michigan State Police
Drive defensively.
Limit distractions inside the vehicle.
Obey all traffic laws and posted signs.
Wear your seat belt each and every time.
Be aware of your surroundings while driving.
Never operate a vehicle impaired on alcohol or drugs.
If your day involves alcohol, plan ahead and designate a sober driver.

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Long-term Review: Starting a life with the Mazda Miata

Long-term Review: Starting a life with the Mazda Miata This Mazda MX-5 Miata is my only car, but it’s not that simple.

I woke up yesterday and wafted my Volvo C30 150 miles south to trade it for a 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club in Soul Red with the Brembo/BBS package. In English, I traded a car for what a lot of people think of as a tent for people with no kids.
By grabbing a Miata instead of a Toyota Camry, or even a hot hatch, I’m voting with my wallet—to breath life back into the small car market. Apart from the Miata/’Fiata, the world is my oyster if I only want to pick two of the following: Small, light, rear-drive, new, inexpensive, convertible, non-pretentious, three pedals. So what happened?

First, let’s bench race the Mazda Miata.
Mazda is a fairly young company in some ways. After being sold off from Ford, Mazda is left in a place that is a touch like BMW was in the late 1960s: not much cash, something slightly less than a bomb-proof reputation, and a handful of relatively affordable cars that offer the driver more than whatever the segment leader might be. Mazda’s styling has been on the awesome side of experimental.
On paper, the Club trim level comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox, Bilstein shocks, and a limited slip differential. 60 miles per hour happens in just under six seconds and the top speed is less than most station wagons. Mazda was obsessive about weight savings, and that’s part of what makes this car so special in today’s market of safety, and emissions regulations and anticipated levels of equipment. 2,300 lbs is a virtually unobtainable statistic for new cars available in the US today.

I’m making this sacrifice for science.
When I’m not shooting and writing about cars, I work in an office. I live in a sparsely populated area; my 20-mile commute includes an elevation change with many low-speed S-curves. The small-car culture here thrives and hosts the largest British car event on the continent. The state agency of transportation maintains publicly available interactive maps that track the quality of the pavement, the last time it was swept for debris, and if there’s even a drop of snow, where each state plow is.

All of the above is true, but there’s a snag: I’m living the same place I’ve lived and driven daily for over a decade: Vermont.
By the way, I’m an avid backcountry skier, hiker, and photographer. Now, every box has been ticked—landing me in crossover territory. Over the next year, I’ll wear this car, collect data on the joys, the monetary costs, and the sacrifices to advise you, the reader, of the slurry of brilliance and idiocy that befalls a year-round Miata driver in the rustbelt.

One day in, what’s it like?
This is a momentum car, that, like the ‘Subota is not set up out of the box to rip your face off in the corners—it’s meant to put a smile on your face instead. Which it does. Given the wind noise, 50 mph feels like a million, and the exhaust note and intake noise are genuinely satisfying in a number of ways. The car feels quite a bit faster than it really is—something many modern enthusiast-level road cars fail at. I’m thinking and feeling a bit more through corners that my C30 would have me snoring through at the same speed. I no longer feel like a passenger.
Yesterday brought endless sunshine and and 85 degrees, and today, the roads are flooding—still, I’m pretty compelled by this experiment. I’ll let you know how it goes.

-By: Sawyer Sutton
© All images copyright Sawyer Sutton/egmCarTech
The post Long-term Review: Starting a life with the Mazda Miata appeared first on egmCarTech.

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2018 Ford F-150: Bad Ideas, Big Bets And Beer Can Jokes

2018 Ford F-150: Bad Ideas, Big Bets And Beer Can Jokes

Ford Motor Company has, in recent times, put a strong emphasis on material composition. When I was selling Ford trucks seven, eight years ago, the high-strength steel frames were always a focal point. As sales consultants, we would often explain the frame’s benefits, touching on things like towing capability, payload capacity, and overall durability. At the time, Ford was not modest about their steel frame technology (they aren’t today either), so talking about it was a good way to win a customer over on an F-150.
In late 2014, I was part of a group that traveled the country to educate Ford dealers on the forthcoming 2015 F-150. The training was absolutely essential for Ford’s dealership body. The 2015 F-150 was a bold move for the blue oval yet again, as they announced an even smaller EcoBoost in the 2.7 after unveiling the 3.5 version in 2011. It wasn’t just the engine, however. The entire body of the truck was now something called “military-grade aluminum.”
This brought up a whirlwind of reservations, concerns, and even jokes.
Sound Science
Yet Ford is no dummy and the reasoning behind their decisions regarding the F-150 are very sound. Look, Ford ain’t going to bet the farm on their best-selling vehicle. So if Ford decides to drop a smaller, turbocharged plant into their trucks, or go with an aluminum intensive body, there is every reason to believe the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed.
Not that I want to spark a huge debate here over naturally aspirated engines versus turbocharged ones – both have advantages – but the EcoBoost is a torque monster. And not that I want to strike up a similar parley on aluminum versus steel – again, both have advantages – but aluminum allowed the F-150 to shed vital pounds, thereby creating a more optimum power-to-weight ratio, which only amplifies the already roid rage nature of the EcoBoost engines.
The point is, Ford is becoming a master of less weight, lower displacement, but higher capacity. They effectively say, “we have the stability and rigidity of steel underneath in the frame, the lightweight, yet durable nature of aluminum on the outside, and a more efficient, more powerful plant under the hood.” Ford is in combination mode at all times, pulling out the benefits of various materials and engine technologies to provide, in the F-150, a single invincible (nearly) vehicle.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Family Tree
The F-150’s older brother, the Super Duty, reflects this too. The forthcoming 2018 Expedition, the latest in the family to receive an aluminum body and a steel frame makeover, also reflects it. Not exactly a direct comparison, but remember when the 5.0 Mustang debuted in 2011 and dusted stock Camaros and Challengers on a quarter mile? Smallest displacement engine of the three, so on paper it may not have initially computed, until the Mustang’s weight entered the equation.
Ford is working this concept deeper into their DNA, and it’s seen once again with their flagship F-150. The truck for 2018 continues its usage of a high-strength steel frame and military-grade aluminum body, but with more efficient, more powerful engines. The first is the 3.3-liter V6 for the entry level F-150s. The plant adds dual port and direct injection to create more torque and provide better fuel economy. With the aluminum body factored in, the standard 3.3-liter V6 offers a 5 percent power-to-weight ratio improvement versus the steel-bodied 2014 F-150 with the 3.7-liter V6.
The 2.7 EcoBoost, entering its second-generation, jumps from 375 lb-ft. of torque to 400 lb-ft., with the increase happening at lower engine speeds. The 2.7 is now paired to a segment-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission to increase performance and efficiency. Next spring, a 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 diesel arrives for the F-150, a mill designed, engineered, and tested in-house by the blue oval. With Ram’s EcoDiesel, the Titan’s Cummins, and the Colorado’s Duramax (with rumors Silverado will get similar treatment), it was only a matter of time before Ford introduced something like this.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.

V6 King, V8 Kingdom
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost remains unchanged in power from 2017 to 2018, standing tall at 370 horsepower and 470 lb-ft. of torque. Horsepower nutzos can go for the Raptor, where the high-output 3.5 EcoBoost wraps up 450 ponies and 510 lb-ft. of torque in a nice little package. Yes, a V6 boasting these numbers in a truck was, at one time, a little odd, and goodness knows those early days of moving EcoBoost F-150s took some salesmanship.
A hardcore truck buyer at the time was often resistant to the idea that a V6 could do the job (and a better one) of their V8. I was lucky my underwear didn’t end up flying high on one of the light poles over the lot, as if it were some dealership rendition of the Nickelodeon series, Salute Your Shorts.
“Hey look, that’s Carl’s underwear up there over the used minivans!”
Today, however, Ford’s customers are not out of sorts with the array of V6 engines, and Ford sales consultants need not be in fear for their drawers. If anything, customers have readily embraced Ford as the V6 king: 75 percent of new Ford trucks this year have rolled off the showfloor with V6 engines.
And Ford still offers an impressive 5.0-liter plant. Significant upgrades were made for 2018 to the dual port and direct injection systems to increase performance. The 2018 F-150 engine received the same spray-on bore liner treatment as the Mustang GT350 in an effort to remove additional weight from the aluminum block. Expect this engine to be paired with the aforementioned 10-speed automatic for 2018.
The F-150’s 5.0-liter V8 at the 2017 North American International Auto Show. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.
Terrible Ideas, Remarkable Outcomes
It’s important to note the 3.5 EcoBoost was hanging around Ford’s camp for a moment before being dropped into the F-150 in 2011. The Taurus SHO and Flex had it, as did the Lincoln MKS and MKT. It wasn’t until it hit the F-150 that Ford became bonkers. And aluminum, alas aluminum. It’s fine for airplanes, high-speed rail trains, skyscrapers, electrical wires, supercars, and the iPhone, but in a truck it’s just plain stupid? No foreseeable benefits whatsoever, just a beer can on wheels. Notice how aluminum, just like V6 engines in a truck, didn’t become a terrible, half-baked idea until Ford started landing segment-leading figures in towing, payload, and fuel economy with their stupidity.
Ford’s massive truck mistakes will arrive this fall, built by hardworking men and women at the Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, and the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. Photos, Source & Graphic: Ford Motor Company.

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2018 Volkswagen Tiguan: Pricing & Trim Level Overview

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan: Pricing & Trim Level Overview

Volkswagen of America, Inc. has announced the pricing, equipment options, and trim levels for the 2018 Tiguan. VW designers focused on a modern look with the vehicle’s body lines and wider stance. The automaker’s MBQ architecture, which the new Tiguan is built from, is important to note. The vehicle gains 10.6 inches in length over the prior model for a whopping 58 percent more cargo space.
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan comes with a four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-liter TSI engine, creating 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft. of torque.
The engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Tiguan S
Front-wheel drive models start at $25,345 while the all-wheel drive versions are slightly higher at $26,645. The all-wheel drive Tiguan will have an advantage in bad weather with its four different drive modes to enhance grip and stability.
17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED Daytime Running Lights, LED taillights, and black roof rails decorate the exterior. Inside the S features a classy Rhombus pattern on the seats, 6.5-inch Composition Color touchscreen with Bluetooth capability, a USB port, six speakers, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
There is even a trailer hitch and reverse camera to make light hauling a breeze.
Tiguan SE
The SE bumps Tiguan owners up to a host of active safety features, including Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert. A Composition Media infotainment system now features a larger, 8-inch screen with three USB ports.
The reverse camera from the S stays put but features what VW calls “dynamic guidelines” to help assist with maneuvering in reverse. The multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather gear shift knob, and leatherette seating surfaces all make for nice touches. The SE is well priced at $29,080 for the front-wheel drive version; $30,380 for all-wheel drive.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Tiguan SEL
This is our favorite in the Tiguan lineup given its dollar to value comparison. Essentially, there is more “stuff” than the SE for not a lot more coin. In our minds, the SEL has everything one would need, with a few extras, but nothing over the top as to cause a bump in price. The aforementioned driver assistance systems remain in the SEL but the design elements reflect a more premium feel. For example, the SEL rides on 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and driver’s can enjoy the view with a panoramic sunroof, or easily find their destination with the on-board navigation.
At night, the interior is brought to life with the ambient lighting.
The SEL front-wheel drive starts at $32,550 with the all-wheel drive landing at $33,850. Our suggestion (regardless of trim level) is the all-wheel drive, but we are used to a Michigan climate. Those living in areas without snow will do fine with front-wheel drive.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Tiguan SEL Premium
While we would be satisfied with the SEL, those wanting a bit more can opt for the SEL Premium with its stylish 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Convenience features include rain-sensing wipers, power-folding door mirrors with puddle lights, and a hands-free open/close power liftgate.
Safety is again a priority for VW as they equip the SEL Premium with Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), automatic High Beam Control (Light Assist), front and rear Park Distance Control (ParkPilot), and an Overhead View Camera. A Fender stereo, 12.3 inch Digital Cockpit display, and heated steering wheel are also included in the SEL Premium.
Front-wheel drive models start at $36,250 while all-wheel drive versions begin at $37,550.
Additional Packages & Availability
Third-row seating comes standard on front-wheel drive models but is optional on all-wheel drive variants for $500.00. The Driver Assistance package includes a handful of advanced safety features for $850.00; the panoramic sunroof runs $1,200. Our personal favorite is the R-Line package with more sporty design elements both inside and out. Expect to see the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan in dealerships this summer.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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2018 Lexus RX 350L Review

2018 Lexus RX 350L Review Lexus redesigned the RX 350 for the 2016 model year and, in a way, it looks as if the lines were chiseled by a samurai’s sword. It exudes a new attitude that shouts contemporary and easily runs away from the conservative models of the last generation. And now, Lexus gives the RX a third-row seat for the very first time.
Families wanting luxury with more kid-hauling capability can now look at the Lexus RX. This past weekend, we drove the new Lexus RX 350L.
What’s New For 2018
The Lexus RX gets a new 350L variant with third-row seating.
Features & Options
The 2018 RX 350L ($49,070) comes standard with leather upholstery, rearview camera, nine-speaker audio, an eight-inch screen, HD and satellite radio, CD player, Bluetooth, and full-time all-wheel drive.
Options on this tester included Blind Spot Monitor, heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, navigation, Mark Levinson premium audio, 20-inch alloy wheels and a power tilt/slide moonroof. Total MSRP including destination: $58,190.

Interior Highlights
Stepping into the RXL cabin we were greeted with an attractive contrasting color scheme. The seats were surrounded by black leather accents on the doors and dash. Metal trim is featured on the dash, console, and door panels for an extra contemporary look. The cockpit is driver-focused with plenty of leather trim and quality materials throughout. You can’t miss the large 12.3-inch screen in the middle of the two-tier dash.
We felt right at home in the cabin. We especially liked the cooled front seats during a recent 100-degree Denver day. The back seat offers enough legroom and headroom for taller passengers. The soft leather rear seats are especially comfortable for longer rides as our passengers commented on our extended July 4th trip.
The new third-row seat isn’t big enough for adults but perfect for kids. Even with the second-row seat positioned all the way forward, average size adults will find the lack of legroom problematic for anything other than a short trip. It’s a similar story for headroom: You’ll find your head brushing up against the headliner if you’re taller than 5 feet 5 inches.
Access to the third row is so-so. The second-row seats have a handy lever that brings the seat backs forward and unlocks the fore-aft adjuster, allowing the seat to slide forward and make a narrow aisle to crawl into the third row.
The standard RX, with its rear seats up, has 18.4 cubic feet of cargo volume, while the L provides 23 cubic feet of volume with the second and third rows up. But with the second and third rows folded down, the gains are less tangible. The regular RX has 56.3 cubic feet versus 58.5 cubic feet in the L.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2018 Lexus RX 350L is powered by a 3.5-liter V6, developing 290 horsepower and 263 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters. It sends power to all four wheels by way of a full-time, Active Torque Control system.
EPA-estimates come in at 18/25 city/highway and 21 combined with all-wheel drive.
Driving Dynamics
We couldn’t tell much difference between the new L and the standard RX. The crossover offers good communication with the road for an energetic and fun experience, whether in the city or on mountain roads. Along with performance, the main goal of the RX 350L is to provide occupants with a comfortable ride and plenty of utility. Visibility is good, especially in the city, with thinner pillars and wider rear quarter windows.
On the open road at highway cruising speed, the cabin is quiet. The ride is smooth, even with the larger 20-inch blackened aluminum sport wheels our tester had. The RXL did send some engine noise inside, but it’s barely noticeable.
When we got out of town, we chucked the L around some tight mountain curves. The RX suspension kept the crossover stable and flat. With the V6 having more horsepower than previous models and combined with all-wheel drive, we felt safe, secure, and confident well beyond any average commute. The 2018 Lexus RXL features Drive Mode Select, which affects powertrain response and steering effort. You can select the mode based on your driving preferences.
Conclusion
The 2018 Lexus RX 350L is a good crossover for families needing a third-row seat. It delivers the smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride you would expect from a luxury vehicle. There are lots of positive attributes that make the Lexus RX 350L a smart, practical, energizing choice for families.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Lexus RX 350L Gallery

Lexus RX Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Nissan Titan Surfcamp Flexes Beach Bod, Towel Snaps Competition

Nissan Titan Surfcamp Flexes Beach Bod, Towel Snaps Competition Nissan is showing off their six pack this summer and towel-snapping the competition with the new Titan Surfcamp. The super truck is ideal for beach goers and surfing enthusiasts: Nitto off-road tires? Check. Rooftop tent? Yep. Fishing rods? Bet your bottom dollar. Solar-powered shower? Better Believe It!
Inquires from everyone on the beach when pulling up? Indeed. Get ready to field a few questions.
Sun & Sand
The Surfcamp is the latest in Nissan’s Titan Adventure series, an array of lifestyle-themed project builds. It started with the Titan Project Basecamp for the camping lifestyle, then the skiing-themed Armada Snow Patrol, and the family adventure-themed Armada Mountain Patrol. The BBQ crowd even got their coals stoked with the Smokin’ Titan, a flagship truck for those carnivorous cookouts where bringing a salad won’t make you any friends.
“In the summer, beach parking lots are full of trucks hauling surfboards, fishing rods, boats, and campers as people crave the sun and sand,” explained Fred DePerez, Vice President, Nissan North America LCV Business Unit. “Inspired by the vintage beach trucks of the 1960s, Titan Surfcamp is a celebration of the beach truck tradition with all the modern technologies Titan customers want when they head out to surf, shore fish, and camp-out by the water.”
Photo: Nissan North America.
Essential Equipment
The Titan Surfcamp comes with a surfboard, stand-up paddleboard rack, and a Rhino-Rack Batwing awning for extra shade. Fishing rods can be stored along the roof rack while integrated rod holders in the bumper are there for when the lines are cast. While shooting the breeze, the Yeti 125-quart cooler keeps your beverages chill and once the sun sets, the party can continue with lighting from KC, Rigid, and Baja Designs.
A Road Shower rack-mounted solar shower and teak wood deck was incorporated for washing off the salt and sand. For the interior, a set of WeatherTech floor mats help trap and contain any excess sand from that well-earned day on the beach.
In Person
The Titan Surfcamp heads west to the Pacific Ocean for the Supergirl Surf Pro in Oceanside, California beginning on July 27th. A complete spec sheet on this beach warrior is below the gallery.
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.
Nissan Titan Surfcamp Gallery

2018 Nissan Titan Surfcamp Build Sheet
Exterior
Vehicle Wrap
IF Signs; inspired by Hot Wheels 1971 Datsun Bluebird Wagon nicknamed “JNC Surf Patrol”
Wheels
ICON Alloy Alpha Wheels
Tires
Nitto Ridge Grapplers 35/12.50/17
Front Bumper
Fab Four Vengeance Series
Lift Kit
ICON Stage 5, 3-inch lift
Auxiliary Lighting

KC Hilites Pro 6 Lights
Rigid Industries E-Series LED Light Bar
Baja Designs XL9s

Gear Storage
Bed Rack
Leitner Designs Cargo Rack
Roof Rack
Rhino-Rack Cab Roof Rack
Storage Drawers
Decked bed drawer system
Recovery
Jack
Hi-Lift
Shovel
Rhino-Rack
Interior
Seat Covers
Wetskinz neoprene
Floor Mats
WeatherTech
Fishing Gear
Fishing Rod Holders
Custom surf rod mounts
Surf Gear
Paddle Board
DragonFly
Surf Boards
Chris Birch custom surf boards
Protection from the Elements
Tent
Freespirit Recreation Elite Series Automatic
Awning
Rhino-Rack Batwing Awning
Convenience
Coolers
Yeti 125 Hard Cooler
Shower
Road Shower 4 Solar
Photos & Source: Nissan North America.

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BMW Plant Spartanburg Prepping For X5 Production

BMW Plant Spartanburg Prepping For X5 Production BMW’s Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina is prepping for production of the all-new X5. The forthcoming X5 will be the tenth X model produced at the facility since it opened in 1994. BMW’s manufacturing base in South Carolina is the single largest exporter of automobiles by value in the United States, according to the company.
Since the introduction of the X5 nearly 20 years ago, two of every three vehicles produced were exported to customers outside the U.S. When considering the Spartanburg-built X3, X4, X5, and X6 together, more than 70 percent of the annual production is shipped to export markets.
Increased Capacity
The X5 is one of BMW’s top-selling models in the U.S. as well, fueling enough growth in Spartanburg to make it BMW’s largest plant in the world. Overall, the X5 accounts for more than half of the 4.4 million vehicles produced at Spartanburg since its opening. Demand for X models is expected to rise globally, and officials say Spartanburg’s output will eventually reach the plant’s yearly capacity of 450,000 units.
Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Economic Footprint
When Plant Spartanburg opened in 1994, its shifts employed no more than 500 people, contrasted with 10,000 today and another 1,000 expected to join the team by 2021. BMW’s parts and materials purchases for production totaled nearly $6 billion in the U.S. last year, coming from more than 300 American supplier companies.
A recent study by the University of South Carolina found that for every 10 jobs that are directly generated at a U.S. BMW facility, an additional 90 jobs are created elsewhere in the U.S. economy as a direct result of those jobs.
Production & Training
BMW X5 production begins later this summer. In the meantime, new employees will undergo a dual apprenticeship training program that utilizes classroom learning and firsthand experience.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.

Photos & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.

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