2018 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport Review

2018 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport Review It’s never a good thing when you just finish driving a hot sedan like the Lexus LS 500 F Sport and then get into a bigger vehicle like the 2018 Toyota Sequoia. When we got behind the wheel of the large Sequoia SUV, we had to adjust our mindset to accommodate the larger vehicle’s driving dynamics.
At first we pushed the gas pedal, expecting to fly past slower traffic like in the LS 500, but that didn’t happen. With that said, we will shift gears and take an objective look at the 2018 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport, which is built for off-road fun.
What’s New For 2018
Toyota has added the TRD Sport trim. All Sequoias now have LED headlights and additional standard safety features, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. A restyled grille and gauge cluster round out the changes for 2018.
Features & Options
The 2018 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport ($54,340) comes standard with LED headlights, sunroof, power rear window, tri-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40-split reclining and fold-flat third-row bench, plus second and third-row retractable sunshades. Other features included a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, 6.1-inch touchscreen, and an eight-speaker audio system with a CD player and satellite and HD radio.
Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and traffic-adapting cruise control.
The TRD Sport trim ($3,810) adds a sport-tuned suspension, 20-inch wheels, second-row captains chairs, heated 10-way power driver’s seat, four-way power passenger’s seat, Entune Premium audio, navigation, and special exterior styling details.
Total MSRP including destination: $60,219.

Interior Highlights
The Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport with its 20-inch wheels sits up a bit higher than the standard model, and shorter folks may need to use the grab handles to pull themselves up and into the cabin. This Sequoia’s interior is designed for families that want extra luxury. This is a family hauler built for comfort but it can also get you away from civilization.
The cabin is packed with extra goodies and comes well-equipped with navigation, heated front seats, and luxurious leather seats in front and back.
The front seats are extra comfortable and supportive, with good 10-way power adjustability, ready to keep you steady for a full day on the road. Our tall riders in the back thought the second row captains chairs had plenty of leg and hip room as we motored to get lunch this earlier week. Mom will like the power rear lift gate and extra cargo carrying ability behind the third row for camping gear or sports equipment.
If you need more cargo room, just flip a switch and the power-reclining third row folds flat.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport is powered by a 5.7-liter V8, producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission; the optional four-wheel drive was included with this tester.
EPA fuel mileage estimates come in at 13/17 city/highway and 14 combined mpg.
Driving Dynamics
The Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport offers solid dynamics on the road and will travel well for long weekend trips. The rear backup camera and blind spot monitoring make the bigger vehicle easy to handle in town too. The vehicle’s recreation-purposed attributes definitely set it apart from other SUVs. The reason to buy a Sequoia TRD Sport is the off-road ready suspension and towing capability. 
If you are looking for off-road capability along with a comfy ride, this large SUV fits the bill. If you want a rugged vehicle you won’t mind taking your significant other out on a date in, this is also the one for you. The cabin is quiet thanks to engineering efforts to isolate road noise. In fact, we didn’t notice much noise from the TRD ’s more aggressive tires.
While most Toyota Sequoia owners will likely never take their vehicle truly off-road, you can with the TRD Sport. It’s built with multi-mode 4WD, a locking center differential, and front and rear stabilizer bars. The Sequoia TRD Sport will handle the rough trails with ease but we felt the big SUV could use a bit more power as we pulled up the mountain roads this week. With a full load of people and cargo, we can see where it may leave you wanting for more power, not to mention fuel economy.  
Conclusion
The Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport is designed for the more adventurous owner. It can be taken off-road, yet there is plenty of extra comfort and luxury for long road trips.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport Gallery








2018 Toyota Sequoia Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.



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2019 Acura MDX: A Brief Walk Around

2019 Acura MDX: A Brief Walk Around The 2019 Acura MDX offers up lots of what current SUV buyers are looking for: room, infotainment gear, safety gadgets, and enough on and (semi) off-road capabilities for 90 percent of the situations modern drivers should hope to find themselves in.
Special Treatments & New Colors
After the major design refresh in 2017 and key tech upgrades in 2018, the 2019 Acura MDX comes with new interior improvements to up the luxury. There’s such niceties as Desert Olive Ash wood trim, high-contrast seat and door panel stitching, and contrasting front seat side garnishes. The Technology and Entertainment packages get an updated second-row seat configuration and the Advance Package adds a trim-exclusive matching wood center console trim.
2019 will also see new colors on the MDX, bringing the total to nine available shades. The new colors include Gunmetal Metallic, Majestic Black Pearl, Performance Red Pearl, Canyon Bronze Metallic, and the A-Spec-exclusive Apex Blue Pearl.
There are also newly-designed 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels on offer with a machine finish and Shark Grey accents. These new rims are also a half-inch wider than before and are wrapped in wider, 265/45-series tires.
2019 Acura MDX. Photo: Honda North America.
Safety & Security
Of course the 2019 MDX has enough standard safety and driver-assistive tech to make you feel like an astronaut.  All 2019 MDXs come standard with the AcuraWatch suite of safety gear. This means stuff like Collision Mitigation Braking with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, and Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning.
On top of all this active stuff, all MDX’s boast an array of passive safety features, such as Acura’s Advance Compatibility Engineering body structure, front and side-curtain airbags, front pre-tensioning seatbelts, four-channel anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control; even a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
2019 Acura MDX A-Spec. Photo: Honda North America.
A-Spec Action
Now, about that A-Spec trim. To my mind, Acura A-Spec stuff is like a “halfway to an R-Type” sort of deal. Not full on performance, but a bit of a bump regardless. In the case of the 2019 MDX, you get the torque-vectoring/Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system and a more athletic stance highlighted by those 20-inch Shark Grey aluminum wheels.
There’s a new front fascia, body-color lower sills, larger-diameter exhaust finishers, and gloss-black/dark chrome trim for the headlights, grille, window surround, and rear tailgate spoiler. On the inside, you’ll find sport seats trimmed in rich red or black leather with black Alcantara inserts and contrast stitching, plus unique A-Spec gauges, sport pedals, Alcantara door inserts, and a thicker-rimmed A-Spec-badged steering wheel.
2019 Acura MDX interior layout. Photo: Honda North America.
Power & Performance
The 2019 MDX is powered by a 3.5-liter, direct-injected i-VTEC 24-valve V6 engine that puts out 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft. of torque. The SH-AWD system delivers up to 70 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels (yay!) and has the ability to split torque between the left and right rear wheels to increase traction and handling.
The latest MDX comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission with the upgraded Idle Stop feature now standard across the lineup. A nifty chart showing all the options, prices, and fuel economy is below.
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
2019 MDX Pricing & EPA Fuel Economy Ratings
Trim
MSRP
MSRPIncluding $995 Destination
EPA MPG Rating(city/highway/combined)
MDX (FWD)
$44,300
$45,295
20/27/23
MDX (FWD) with Technology Package
$49,300
$50,295
20/27/23
MDX (FWD) with Technology & Entertainment Packages
$51,300
$52,295
20/27/23
MDX (FWD) with Advance Package
$56,050
$57,045
20/27/23
MDX (FWD) with Advance & Entertainment Packages
$58,050
$59,045
19/26/22
MDX (SH-AWD)
$46,300
$47,295
19/26/22
MDX (SH-AWD) with Technology Package
$51,300
$52,295
19/26/22
MDX (SH-AWD) with Technology & Entertainment Packages
$53,300
$54,295
19/26/22
MDX A-Spec (SH-AWD)
$54,800
$55,795
19/25/21
MDX (SH-AWD) with Advance Package
$58,050
$59,045
19/26/22
MDX (SH-AWD) with Advance & Entertainment Packages
$60,050
$61,045
19/26/22
MDX Sport Hybrid
TBD

TBD
Photos & Source: Honda North America.



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Coast To Coast: New Interactive Map Shows How America’s Interstates Evolved

Coast To Coast: New Interactive Map Shows How America’s Interstates Evolved Like many, I enjoy a good road trip. Twice a year, I make the 900 some mile trek from Michigan to South Dakota to see family – once in the summer and once in the winter for Christmas. It’s 14 hours of pavement and music from my personal CD collection which includes everything from country to indie rock. I take a long stretch on I-90 through Wisconsin and Minnesota, which offers some nice views of America’s heartland.
I-90, end to end, is about 3,000 miles, or around six percent of the nearly 50,000 miles of Intestate Highways that span the United States.
Sea To Shining Sea
Just how America’s Interstate Highway System evolved is the subject of a new interactive map from Geotab. The built-in timeline shows how the network expanded over the years, giving us insight into how the infrastructure developed to support today’s travel and transportation requirements.
“As America’s Interstate Highway System approaches a major milestone, we wanted to pay tribute to this intricate and expansive network,” explained Maria Sotra, Vice President of Marketing, Geotab.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 into law in June of that year, the largest public infrastructure act of its kind at the time. Geotab’s map highlights the system’s major developments, like the 1974 completion of I-5 that connects Mexico and Canada, and the opening of I-80, the nation’s first coast-to-coast highway.
“Connecting people, enabling business, and providing a straightforward path across one of the largest countries in the world, the nearly 50,000 miles of highway that makes up the Interstate Highway System has played an undeniable role in transportation and trade in the United States,” Sotra said.

Of The Highest Order
In 1954, during a road safety conference, President Eisenhower recalled when he first heard that automobile fatalities had, at the time, surpassed those of every war the United States was involved in. This was no doubt, for the once Supreme Allied Commander Europe, alarming news.
“It is a problem for all of us, from the highest echelon of government to the lowest echelon and a problem for every citizen, no matter what his station or his duty,” President Eisenhower said during the conference. “We have great organizations working effectively and supported by the government, to seek ways and means of promoting peace in the world in order that these great tragedies may be prevented or at least minimized in the future.”
In 1954, President Eisenhower was looking ahead to 1975, when it was believed there would be some 80 million automobiles on U.S. roads. The President said the government was committed to building more highways to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles.
“They mean progress for our country. They mean greater convenience for greater numbers of people, greater happiness, and greater standards of living,” the President said of automobiles. “But we have got to learn to control the things that we must use ourselves, and not let them be a threat to our lives and to our loved ones.”
Today, the Interstate Highway System accounts for 25 percent of all highway traffic in the country.
The standard road sign for the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, designed by FHWA and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, was unveiled in a ceremony on Capitol Hill on July 29th, 1993. Left to right: Chairman Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) of the House Surface Transportation Subcommittee, John Eisenhower (President Eisenhower’s son), Federal Highway Administrator Rodney E. Slater, and Chairman Norman Y. Mineta (D-CA) of the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation. Photo: United States Department of Transportation / Public Domain.
Wide Open Spaces
Earlier this year, Geotab complied a list of the most scenic routes in America, which nicely accommodates this new interactive map on U.S. Interstates. As time permits, jump in your car and take a random road trip – you never know what unexpected treasures you will find along the way. And during the journey, you can impress your friends and family with how much you know about the Interstate Highway System.
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.



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The Bugatti Divo: We’re Not In Akron, Ohio Anymore

The Bugatti Divo: We’re Not In Akron, Ohio Anymore Bugatti has decided that what the world needs is a hot rod version of its Chiron hypercar. It’s called the Divo and is, essentially, everything a “normal” Chiron is, only more so. To which I say, who cares?
Look, all modern Bugattis are amazing cars. The Veyron, Chiron, and now the Divo are technical marvels of the first automotive order. They all produce fantastic amounts of energy and apply it to the tarmac with amazing efficiency. They are the car to have if you’re a prince from a nation swimming in oil or the heir to some serious olde money or a quarter-talented marketing exercise for a record label.
The maintenance schedule is slightly worse than a Soyuz and only 3.46 times more expensive.
Bugatti Chiron Sport. Photo: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.
Heavy Handed
Let me put it this way: When was the last time you saw a modern Bugatti at a track? That’s right, you don’t. For all of their gee-whiz record holding and bedroom poster potential, for me, the latest Bugattis are kind of lackluster.
The reconstituted Bugatti is a division of Volkswagen and they are designed, built, and maintained by Germans. That alone is enough to make Ettore turn over in his grave, but the fact they don’t race is probably enough to make the old man flop over face down in his coffin so Der Deutsch could kindly embrasse son cul.
And so now we have the Divo, which is said to be lighter, generate more downforce, and pull higher Gs than the Chiron it’s based on. That is all very well and good, because, first off, let’s face facts: All new Bugattis are pigs. They are way heavier than they should be, the Chiron tipping the scales at an SUV-challenging 4,400 lbs. No wonder they crank out so much power, eh?
Albert Divo won the famous Targa Florio mountain race twice for Bugatti. Photo: Pubic domain/provided by Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.
Whip It Good
The Bugatti Divo is named after Albert Divo, the French race car driver from the 20s. He’s best known for winning the famous Targa Florio in Sicily, twice. That is no small accomplishment, but he was driving Bugattis, Type 35Cs no less, both times, so that was a help. Oh, and just so you know, the Bugatti Divo is pronounced deeVO, not DEEvo.
Devo are those guys from Akron, Ohio. There’s no connection between the two. At least that I know of.
Bugatti says since they are naming this car after the guy that won that race, and since the Targa is like a 30 mile long AutoX course lined with rock walls, precipitous drop-offs, and crazed Sicilians (is that redundant?) the Divo will be “light and nimble and will boast enormous downforce and g-forces.” Huzzah! But since they give no specs, “light” is going to be a subjective term here. Sort of like saying Jackie Stewart is “taller” than Peter Dinklage.
“Happiness is not around the corner. It is the corner,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. and I, for one, am not going to argue with that. Winkelmann continues, “With this project, the Bugatti team has an opportunity to interpret the brand DNA in terms of agile, nimble handling in a significantly more performance-oriented way.”
Sure . . . agile, nimble handling. I bet Lotus is laughing pretty hard right now.
Targa Florio circa 1929 with Albert Divo at the wheel of the Bugatti Type 35. With the Type 35, Divo won the race in both 1928 and 1929. Photo: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.
Limited Edition
The Bugatti Divo will be made in a limited run of only 40 vehicles, which for Bugatti, doesn’t sound all that limited. The net price is €5 million, or around 6 million dollars. And no, I have no idea what “net” price is. Does that mean that’s what it’ll run you out the door? With taxes and titles and dealer prep included? Whatever.
The Bugatti Divo will be unveiled at 11:20 a.m. Pacific (a curiously specific time) on August 24th 2018 on the lawn at The Quail – A Motorsports Gathering in California, part of the Monterey Historics. If it were me, I’d blow this off and spend more time over at Laguna Seca watching the real cars race.
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: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.



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2018 Ford F-150 Power Stroke Diesel Review

2018 Ford F-150 Power Stroke Diesel Review When Ford announced it would offer a 3.0-liter diesel in the 2018 F-150, it got the attention of truck buyers. Ford designed and engineered this all-new V6 diesel engine to the specific needs of U.S. F-150 customers, with 250 horsepower, 440 lb-ft., of torque, an estimated 30 mpg on the highway, and 11,400 lbs. of towing capacity.
Ford says these numbers are best-in-class, though there’s not much competition. The only other half-ton pickup to offer a diesel engine is the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, with 240 horsepower and 420 lb-ft. of torque.
This weekend, we drove the 2018 Ford F-150 Power Stroke Diesel in a 4×4 SuperCrew configuration. 
What’s New For 2018
Ford offers their smallest Power Stroke engine to combine fuel economy and towing prowess for those who haul frequently. 
Features & Options
The 2018 Ford F-150 Power Stroke Diesel (4X4 SuperCrew – Lariat) comes standard with 18-inch wheels, keyless entry and ignition, power-adjustable pedals, dual-zone automatic climate control, driver’s seat memory settings, ambient lighting, leather upholstery, and ventilated front seats. Other options included the upgraded mirrors, remote tailgate release, and front-facing spotlights.
Our F-150 tester was a pre-production model and not for sale. Ford did not release exact pricing. Depending on the configuration and trim level of the truck, expect an up-charge of $3,000 to $4,000 for the Power Stroke engine.
  
Interior Highlights
Our tester came with the Lariat’s power running boards that slide out when you open the door. It’s a good thing because the F-150 requires some effort, even for the average adult, to climb in. They made it easy for my wife to climb up into the cab.
The Lariat’s interior is luxurious with heated and cooled, power-adjustable leather seats we think are the most comfortable in the segment. The F-150 is America’s best-selling truck for a reason. It’s solidly built and, despite its fancy interior, is ready for heavy-duty work. There’s plenty of space inside and taller or shorter drivers won’t have any issue finding the perfect driving position. Large and tall passengers will find plenty of space to stretch out in the cavernous back seat.
The SuperCrew’s back seat will comfortably fit three tall adults, with plenty of head, leg, and shoulder room. Overall, the F-150 Lariat gets high marks for everyday ease of use and interior quality. Combined with high ratings for comfort, it’s a pleasant place to spend a full day on the road.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
Ford’s new Power Stroke features a variable-geometry turbocharger to reduce turbo lag and a common-rail fuel injection system. A high-pressure, 29,000 lbs. per square inch injection calibration enables smoother, quieter operation while reducing emissions. The new Power Stroke is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. 
EPA estimates come in at 22/30 city/highway and 25 combined mpg. 

Driving Dynamics
For those who remember the noisy, smelly diesels of the past, this new 3.0-liter Power Stroke is surprisingly quiet. You won’t know it’s a diesel aside from the initial telltale diesel clatter when you first hit the push-button start. Inside and underway, this Power Stroke sounds far more like a mild-mannered gasoline V6 than a heavy hauler.
As we powered the F-150 up I-70 at 8,000 ft. altitude west of Denver, the 3.0-liter V6 had all the grunt needed to pull hard with peak torque available at just 1,750 rpm, coupled to a 3.55:1 rear-axle ratio. The F-150’s Power Stroke features a mechanical, engine-driven fan and dual radiator shutters to boost high-altitude performance. When needed, we could slip the shifter into manual mode, which allowed us to select a gear for optimum engine braking while rolling down the steep mountain.
The 10-speed automatic gearbox worked in concert with the Power Stroke engine. It made smooth shifts and never had to hunt for the right gear. Our tester came with Normal, Sport, Eco, Tow/Haul, and Off-Road modes, meaning the truck’s powertrain characteristics change depending on the kind of work you need to do.
On the open road, the ride was remarkably smooth, controlled, and quiet, in spite of keeping our foot in the diesel powerplant. My wife had to remind me that I wasn’t in a sports car. 
Conclusion
Full-size pickup buyers looking for a high-torque engine to pull a trailer full of snowmobiles or ATVs, or a camping trailer for the weekend; this one will be the ticket. And taking the family along is an easy chore with the luxurious and large cabin.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Ford F-150 Gallery














2018 Ford F-150 Official Site.
Photos: Ford Motor Company.



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When To Change Your Tires? New Study Suggests Sooner Than We Think

When To Change Your Tires? New Study Suggests Sooner Than We Think Tires can be an “out of sight, out of mind” component on your vehicle, but worn tires can be hazardous, especially during an unexpected downpour. New 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.
Survey Says
In partnership with the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center, AAA conducted testing to understand performance differences at highway speeds between new, all-season tires and those worn to a depth of 4/32″ on wet pavement. The study examined both passenger cars and light trucks.
When the rubber met the road, the passenger car exhibited an average increased stopping distance of 87 feet, versus 86 feet for a light truck. The study also found a 33 percent reduction in handling for a passenger car and 28 percent for a light truck.
“Tires are what keep a car connected to the road,” explained John Nielsen, AAA’s Managing Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “Even the most advanced safety systems rely on a tire’s basic ability to maintain traction, and AAA’s testing shows that wear has a significant impact on how quickly a vehicle can come to a stop in wet conditions to avoid a crash.”
“Traction is your last line of defense,” added Brandon Grade, Service Advisor at Findlay Toyota in Las Vegas, Nevada. “Traction control systems can only do so much when the mechanical grip has been removed.”

By The Numbers
Current industry guidelines and state regulations often recommend tire replacement at 2/32″ depth, if there are any guidelines at all. AAA’s research found such recommendations can vary greatly from state to state. During my time as a Service Advisor, our dealership in South Dakota suggested replacement at 3/32″ but AAA says at 4/32″ stopping performance has already decreased.
And when it comes to wet pavement, the lower the tread depth, the more likely a vehicle will hydroplane.
“AAA’s testing demonstrates the impact that tire tread has on safety,” said Megan McKernan, Manager of the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center. “If tested side-by-side at 60 mph, vehicles with worn tires would still be traveling at an alarming 40 mph when reaching the same distance it takes for vehicles with new tires to make a complete stop.”
If during a routine oil change, your tires are found to be worn, should you replace them immediately? Budget permitting, yes, but if you cannot that day, it’s best to schedule it as soon as you can.
“I agree that 4/32″ is the time to start paying attention to the handling characteristics of your vehicle and replacement should be at 3/32″ depth,” Grade said. “At that point tires cannot effectively remove water or keep traction.”
“With newer cars going longer intervals between routine maintenance at automotive service facilities, drivers may not become alerted to the fact their tires are too worn until it’s too late,” Nielsen warned.

Selecting The Right Tire
While AAA’s research determined tire performance fluctuates by brand, price is not necessarily an indicator of quality, which might come as a relief to some consumers. According to AAA, once worn, performance for all tires tested deteriorated significantly, even those priced higher. AAA says to research tires carefully and never buy one brand based solely on price.
“I disagree with that. Usually higher priced brands are that way for a reason,” Grade explained. “That may be because the tire is meant for a specific use like off-road or racing. The reason for the cost difference is because of the technology put in to the tire.”
Grade also notes that certain vehicles require certain tires.
“Specifically, the Toyota Prius uses tires that are designed to have less rolling resistance,” he said. “I have had customers go elsewhere to get a better price, only to come back complaining about a loss in fuel mileage due to having the wrong tire.”
As for finding the perfect tire, the best route might be to simply get a feel for what others are saying.
“I believe customer reviews are the best,” Grade said. “People will give you real world experience rather than hypothetical, perfect scenario results.”

Tips & Advice
In order to reduce your chances of a collision during rainy weather, AAA recommends reducing your speed and to avoid hard braking and sharp turns. Drivers should also keep their distance between vehicles in front of them and resist the urge to use cruise control in order to respond more quickly if needed. If you start to hydroplane, gently ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction the vehicle should go until traction is regained.
Do not brake forcefully.
There are a few home remedies you can employ too.
“Buy a tread depth gauge, have someone show you how to use it if you need, and keep it in your glove box,” Grade said. “When you check your tire pressures monthly, check the tread depth. Make sure to do it on the outside edge, center, and inside edge.”
If you don’t have a tread depth gauge, grab some loose change.
“Slip an upside-down quarter between your tire grooves and look at Washington’s head – if you can see all of it, it’s time to start shopping for new tires,” Nielsen said.
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.



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Uncluttered Luxury: The Preference of The Next-Generation Car Buyer

Uncluttered Luxury: The Preference of The Next-Generation Car Buyer The United States of America is known for their colossal and technologically-advanced armies, rumbling V8 motors, and stroke-inducing cheeseburgers. The average American is also known for buying stuff they don’t need, and we’re all guilty of overconsumption at some point in our lives. But according to the report on Decluttering the State of Luxury conducted by Volvo and Harris Poll, it seems the thirst and hunger for excess consumption is becoming a thing of the past.
Emerging Trends
The report is part of a series from Volvo exploring how our relationships are changing and evolving with regard to car ownership. Earlier this year, one report examined how Americans feel about traveling with their pets. This latest report, New Luxury Demands Less Clutter was conducted on behalf of 2,102 online participants aged 18 and above between April 26th and May 1st, 2018.
Less is More: The New Standard of Luxury
The survey concluded 85 percent of Americans believe they have too much stuff and are looking to sway toward the minimalist approach in terms of luxury. The same people are actively working to declutter and simplify their home and office spaces. The traditional American mantra of “bigger is better” along with consumption-driven buying habits is proven by the 48 percent of Americans who say their lives were more cluttered than they were 10 years ago.
However, 34 percent of respondents are looking to streamline all areas of their lives, with one in four Americans seeing their vehicles as a space they actively need to declutter.
The surprising thing is that 60 percent of parents say they feel the need to declutter their vehicles more often than other spaces, compared to only 37 percent of non-parents. Is this also a clear sign of maturity as one enters the interesting world of parenthood? Most probably yes.
The survey concludes by saying “modern luxury” is 64 percent more inclusive and transparent and 63 percent more minimalistic compared to 10 years ago. Most Americans now prefer clean, functional, and spacious as the primary motivators of the term “luxury.” In fact, most people will now choose craftsmanship (51 percent), advanced technology (50 percent), and customization (47 percent) over exclusive access and elaborate design.
Volvo XC40 Inscription T5 AWD in Denim Blue. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
How Decluttering Luxury Translates to Cars
Gone are the days when the average dashboard was filled with hundreds of buttons, knobs, and switches reminiscent of the control center in a nuclear missile silo. You can see this clearly on modern luxury cars. Touch panel displays are replacing the voluminous amount of switches that control all aspects of a vehicle’s performance and comfort settings.
Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi are cramming as many touchscreens as possible in their new vehicles to keep the interior modern, upscale, clean, and functional. But when it comes to true modern luxury, almost two-thirds or 61 percent of Americans agree that Scandinavian design is the modern interpretation of uncluttered luxury.
Trash Talking
You only need to look at the 2019 Volvo XC40 to discern this. Volvo engineers utilized the “less clutter” concept to come up with a design that speaks to the results of this study. What we particularly like about the XC40 is the clever usage of space to impart the feeling of practicality without compromising on premium design.
Case in point: the built-in trash bin. Yes, the 2019 Volvo XC40 comes with a trash can in front of the arm rest.
The bin is equipped with a flapping lid to keep things clean and simple. You can remove the trash bin, empty the contents, and pop it right back into place. This feature literally blew our minds since no other car in the history of the world came with a purpose-built trash can!
Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Parking Tickets & Tough Robots
The XC40 also comes with handy slots on the left of the driver’s knee to hold IDs or parking tickets, and the door pockets are even sculpted enough to accommodate a 15-inch laptop. There is a wireless phone charging pad because using conventional cables is as primitive as leaving the couch to change the channels on your TV.
The exterior design is no different. The modern lines and surfacing of the body have a sense of playfulness and adventure. In fact, exterior lead designer Ian Kettle utilized the phrase “Tough Little Robot” to draw inspiration for the crossover’s design.
What he really meant was sci-fi movies blended with the clean Swedish design, and it shows.
Future Considerations
As the modern consumer shifts from excessive consumption to minimalism and uncluttered luxury, this could only mean good things for the cars of tomorrow. This is also good news for those who find it almost impossible to change the radio station or fan settings in a modern car.
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine. 



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2019 Dodge Durango: Adulting Just Got Cool

2019 Dodge Durango: Adulting Just Got Cool It’s a predicament. You love horsepower but the stork has visited your residence on a few occasions. Maybe that old sports or performance car got traded in somewhere along the way for a minivan or run-of-the-mill SUV? Whatever the case, you have a family you need to haul around town now.
Responsibilities. Priorities.
Adulting.
The 2019 Dodge Durango is uniquely suited for family, adult-going types who still want a little extra performance and style. Across the range, the Durango offers several different powertrain options, including all-wheel drive, plus a number of connectivity and infotainment features.
Here is a look at the Durango lineup for 2019.
Durango SRT
Over breakfast, the kids are uttering new catchphrases they discovered on the latest social media app. They are Draking about having to go to school and are acting quite Salty, but little do they know the drive there is about to be Lit. Why? Because Hemi.
The Durango SRT with its 392 (cubic-inch) V8 creates 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft. of torque, good enough to launch this beast to 60 in 4.4 seconds. The SRT Durango also runs a quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds as certified by the National Hot Rod Association. That’s what we call Real Talk, and if that isn’t enough to make the kids these day exclaim “Zayum,” then the donuts you do in the school parking lot (don’t actually do that) should suffice.
The Durango SRT’s Brembo braking system comes complete with two-piece, vented rotors and six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers. The all-wheel drive is paired to an Active Damping System while the custom exhaust lets the world know you are just around the corner.
Leather and carbon fiber treatments decorate the inside, plus heated and cooled seats. The available 825-watt, 19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo is a nice touch, even if people don’t care for your taste in music.
Dodge Durango SRT. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Durango R/T
When you need more but not too much, the R/T is the ticket with its evergreen 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic. The R/T provides a healthy 360 horsepower, 390 lb-ft. of torque, and a tow rating of 7,400 lbs. The Hemi’s “Fuel Saver Technology” feature utilizes cylinder deactivation, alternating the engine between four and eight cylinders.
Sepia leather seats and the aforementioned Harman Kardon audio system are available.
Standard equipment is plentiful: performance steering and suspension systems, LED fog lamps, high-intensity discharge headlamps, navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Dodge Durango R/T. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Durango Citadel
The word Citadel may elicit images of castles, colleges, and financial markets but the Durango has its own interpretation of the 16th century word. With refinements straight out of the 21st century, the Durango Citadel is an infotainment stronghold with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
The aforementioned Harman Kardon audio system is also an option.
Behind the Citadel’s gate is either a standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque, or the optional 5.7-liter Hemi with 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft. of torque. The Pentastar can tow 6,200 lbs. while the Citadel with the Hemi can match the R/T’s tow rating of 7,400 lbs.
Dodge Durango Citadel. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Durango GT
The GT holds the middle ground in the Durango lineup and is the perfect balance of “everything you need, nothing you don’t.” The nicely-equipped GT seats seven with leather-trimmed bucket seats and heated first and second-row seats as an option. For those grocery runs, the power liftgate option is worth its weight in gold.
Standard features on the GT include LED daytime running lamps and dual exhaust.
The Pentastar V6 and TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic provide the GT with a 6,200 lbs. towing capacity. Both rear and all-wheel drive powertrains are available. An SRT-inspired hood with a center air inlet duct and two heat extractors is available – you know, for something a little extra.
Dodge Durango GT hood. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Durango SXT
Simple but far from plain, the SXT gets the job done with its Pentastar V6 and five-passenger seating that can be configured 50 different ways. The SXT receives a seven-inch, full-color infotainment digital display, plus Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth compatibility.
The Voice Command system is also standard along with a push-button start.
Colors & Additional Options
The 2019 Dodge Durango is available in 11 colors: Octane Red, Redline Red, In-Violet, Granite, Billet, DB Black, White Knuckle, and Vice White. New colors (late availability) include Reactor Blue, Destroyer Gray, and F8 Green.
All Durango models now offer an integrated trailer brake when equipped with the Trailer Tow Package. Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection is available as a free-standing option.
Availability
Expect the 2019 Dodge Durango in the showroom this fall, although orders can be placed at dealers now.
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: FCA US LLC.



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Automobili Pininfarina: A New Breed of Luxury Electric Cars?

Automobili Pininfarina: A New Breed of Luxury Electric Cars? A while back, Pininfarina, the famous Italian design firm, was bought by Mahindra, the Indian car/truck/tractor manufacturer. And yes, honestly, that was kind of troubling on the face of it. But now, the “new” Pininfarina is getting into the luxury car business is a very odd way:
They’re going to take on Tesla.
Waxing Poetics
Pininfarina really needs no introduction. They were, for all intents and purposes, Ferrari’s non-in-house-in-house designers for decades. They have a history of designing some of the most beautiful cars the world has ever seen. They also, for a brief period of time, “manufactured” their own cars. Okay, what they really did was re-badge Fiats with Pininfarina badges and sell them under their name when Fiat was tanking for the final time in North America in the late 70s and early 80s.
But now, carrying on in that vein under their new corporate owners, Pininfarina looks to be “the world’s newest car brand, with a plan to sustainably develop and produce fully-electric, ultra-luxury cars at the pinnacle of design and desirability in their respective segments.”
What?
Cutting Through The Clutter
This simultaneously makes lots of sense and is utterly confusing. A new ultra-luxury car brand? Sustainably develop and produce cars? Cars at the pinnacle of design and desirability? Sure, makes complete sense. Develop and produce fully-electric cars? Again: What? Sure, that makes a certain kind of sense: EVs are on their way; we’re going to need more of them and less ICE powered cars yadda-yadda-yadda; go high-end because the rich can afford this.
All of that makes sense, but this is Pininfarina. The same guys that made such hairy-chested rides as the Ferrari 275 and the F40? The same guys that designed cars as beautiful and sublime as the Ferrari GT Lusso?
Okay then.
And they’re not starting on the bottom rungs of the ladder here, oh no. Automobili Pininfarina (that’s the car manufacturing people now owned by Mahindra) will be working closely with Pininfarina SpA (that’s the legendary Italian automotive styling house not owned by Mahindra) on a car code named PF0 that will be an ultra-low volume, ultra-luxurious fully-electric hypercar.
Think something that looks like a La Ferrari powered by batteries that will blow any and all Teslas into the Adriatic.
Automobili Pininfarina PF0 design intent sketch. The company says their goal is to have the vehicle hit 62 mph in less than two seconds, top out at 250 mph, and provide a zero emissions range of over 300 miles. Photo: Automobili Pininfarina.
Global Presence
And from here, it gets even more interesting. Automobili Pininfarina will continue its ongoing technical collaboration with the Mahindra Racing Formula E team. Racing improves the bread, after all.
The long-term plan is for the new Automobili Pininfarina to deliver a range of vehicles across the globe, although North America will likely be the largest market. The company says they will present the first customer with their car in less than two years and that it will come with “unmatched performance and unprecedented heritage.”
The PF0 will run you between two and $2.5 million, and once that sets the world ablaze, it will be followed by a series of low-volume, all-electric vehicles including luxury SUVs. And they say all of this will be “sold and serviced through a network of experienced luxury car retailers,” but give absolutely zero details on what that network of experienced luxury car retailers will be.
From an operational headquarters in Munich, Germany, Automobili Pininfarina is targeting a 2020 market launch. Photo: Automobili Pininfarina.
Talented Team
The other interesting item in all this marketing hype is that Pininfarina has Paolo Dellacha sitting on the company’s board as Product and Platform Director. In singing Paolo’s praises, they note that he spent nearly two decades in computer-aided engineering, testing, and engineering and design roles at Ferrari, Maserati, and Alfa Romeo. And that he is a published author of automotive technical papers and was part of the team that secured drivetrain and chassis patents for Ferrari.
If my memory serves, I think Paolo Dellacha was the guy that came up with the Magna-ride variable shock-absorber for Ferrari that they then sold (and leased back) to Chevy. If that’s the case, Dellacha could do some very interesting stuff, given the opportunity – think tying in a fully active suspension with an all-electric drivetrain to dramatically increase performance.
Sounds like this could be fun. And given it’s coming from Pininfarina, it will probably look gorgeous.
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: Automobili Pininfarina.



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