#2018 Camry Redesign

[toyota12]

Toyota Avalon (1995-2022)

This post will cover the Avalon from the beginning of it's production in 1994 to it's eventual discontinuation in the U.S. by 2022.

1995-1999 Toyota Avalon (XX10)

The Avalon was first introduced in February of 1994 at the Chicago International Auto Show. The name itself however, originated from a concept car of the same name, which was displayed at the 1991 Toyota Motor Show. The car was introduced as a 1995 model. This Avalon was based on XV10 generation of the Camry. The trim levels for this generation Avalon were the XL and XLS, based on the LE and XLE trim levels respectively.

2000-2004 Toyota Avalon (XX20)

Although the Avalon was still based on the design of the Camry, it was produced as a much larger sedan for the second generation. For the 2003 model, the Avalon was given a slight facelight, including an updated grille and tailights. There were also minor updates to the interior as well.

2005-2012 Toyota Avalon (XX30)

For this generation, the Avalon was stylized as a much larger car than the previous two generations. At was at this time that the Avalon also became the first ever Toyota car to use a single piece wiper blade design. The XX30 Avalon also introduced the Touring and Limited trim levels, while the standard trim became fitted with larger 16 inch wheels. This generation was also facelifted twice, once in the 2008 model year, with a newer front end, and once for 2011 with an entire redesign.

2013-2018 Toyota Avalon (XX40)

The fourth generation Avalon was based on the design of the Lexus ES. Much like the first two generations, the Avalon's redesign was based on the design of the Camry. It recieved a new grille, different headlight and tailight designs, and a touch screen on the interior. This generation also introduced a hybrid variant of the Avalon. For the 2015 model year, the Avalon underwent a facelight that featured a new front grille and an updated suspension system.

2019-2022 Toyota Avalon (XX50)

The fifth generation Avalon was introduced at the 2018 North American International Auto Show and went on sale in May of that year. This generation also introduced the XSE trim levels, as well as having the XLE, XSE, and Limited trims offered on the hybrid version of the Avalon. In August of 2021, it was announced that this generation of the Avalon was be the last and it was to be discontinued follow the 2022 model in favor of producing the Toyota Crown crossover in its place. Though the Avalon still continues to be produced in China.

Wikipedia: Toyota Avalon

[headds]

2024 Toyota Camry Release Date, Concept, and Price

2024 Toyota Camry Release Date, Concept, and Price

2024 Toyota Camry Release Date, Concept, and Price. We also expect the 2024 Camry’s withins to remain the exact same. In spite of the distinct outside that featured the 2024 Camry, its interior wasn’t an overwhelming departure from the norm. After decades of blending in with the background, Toyota finally added impatience to the Camry with its 2018 redesign. With this major upgrade still being so…

[newcarsrelease-blog]

2018 Toyota Camry Design

2018 Toyota Camry Design 2018 Toyota Camry Design - 2018 Toyota Camry Layout Evaluation: Camry Read more at http://toyotacamryusa.com/2017/03/2018-toyota-camry-design/

[carsmedd]

THE KIA OPTIMA 2019: ALWAYS SO REFINED!

TEST OF THE KIA OPTIMA 2019: ALWAYS SO REFINED!

THE KIA OPTIMA 2019: ALWAYS SO REFINED!

Its appearance is closer to that of the Stinger

If in 2018, the Kia Optima seemed to be struggling to keep pace with the Honda Accord or the Toyota Camry - both deeply renewed that year - the renewal that benefits the Optima 2019 makes it a world of good. The latter displays nice changes that allow it to remain competitive in the class of intermediate sedans, which we do not hide, is a segment a little crowded in recent years.

Small changes that change the game

Optima is available in three trim levels, the LX (and LX +), EX (and EX Tech) and SX (and SXL); our test car was the EX, equipped with the Tech Package, which adds a panoramic sunroof, an eight-inch screen for the multimedia system, ventilated front seats and wireless charging.

From the outside, the Optima 2019 comes in the form of an elegant sedan, with a sleek roofline and a well-proportioned set.

THE KIA OPTIMA 2019: ALWAYS SO REFINED!

A small styling update has been made at the front and rear fascias, new headlights have been integrated, and the model has a new wheel design. The biggest change, however, is the muzzle of the car, which is now more like the Kia Stinger sport sedan. A new choice of 16 ", 17" or 18 "wheels is offered to the buyer depending on the version chosen.

Inside, this sedan signed Kia offers a rather impressive space and very well equipped. In recent years, one of the great strengths of the Altima is the environment it offers that is similar to the more luxurious models seen out of German factories. Although many of its rivals have narrowed the gap in sophistication and build quality, the Optima in 2019 is doing very well, again. 

  The dashboard has been slightly redesigned to make it a little more modern; I found the instrumentation quite clear and well organized as a whole. All versions of the Optima include heated front seats, and the seats are leather from the EX.

The seats are comfortable and of good quality, as is the whole interior, by the way. The space around the rear seats is perhaps a little reduced in comparison with some of the other cars in its class, especially at the head level, however nothing very disabling.

THE KIA OPTIMA 2019: ALWAYS SO REFINED!

Like Hyundai, Kia incorporates in its new affordable models features previously reserved for high-end variants. On this side Kia strikes hard to stand out and the least we can say is that it works.

We find the Apple CarPlay integration and Android Auto, no surprises. There is also the push button starter and security updates that have been put in place. There is also front collision alert, automatic emergency braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Attention Assistance and Blind Spot Assist.

This set makes the Optima one of the safest vehicles in its class, while many competitors who do not hesitate to charge some of these options already present in the Optima. The 2019 millet has received the highest safety rating from the IIHS in the US - but beware, this Top Safety Pick + designation only applies to SX variants equipped with available LED headlights.

One of the big news is the implementation of a UVO multimedia system that can integrate with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The EX versions of the Optima 2019 feature the UVO Intelligence system that allows you to diagnose the vehicle on demand and make maintenance alerts.

THE KIA OPTIMA 2019: ALWAYS SO REFINED!

Under the bonnet

On the mechanical side, the base EX version and the LX variant feature a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine developing 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft in conjunction with a six-speed automatic transmission. The SX version is powered by 245 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque thanks to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine.

In terms of fuel consumption, the Kia EX officially consumes 9.7 km and 7.1 km / 100 km (city / highway), although my driving week has been with temperatures below freezing. and quite a bit of snow on the road, when I approached these numbers. My total at the end of my week was 11.1 l / 100 km, whereas I estimate I drove in an urban environment about 70% of the time.

Optima's performance in consumption is expected to be much better in the spring, summer, and fall, and even more so for motorists who spend more of their time on major highways than me.

Not to mention that the Kia Optima offers a hybrid version and a rechargeable hybrid version with an average autonomy of 47 kilometers in 100% electric mode, which is even higher than what is found in the average.

THE KIA OPTIMA 2019: ALWAYS SO REFINED!

One might have feared that the 2019 Optima would suffer from a six-speed transmission that has become obsolete, but I finally found that this box is not so big a thorn as that. The reports go smoothly for relaxed driving and the downshift is fast. The vehicle has more than three modes of driving, normal, eco and sport.

The initial acceleration provided by the powertrain XE, although it is not bright, is more than acceptable for a sedan whose first vocation is still not deliver extreme sensations. That said, the sport suspension and the D-shaped sport steering wheel that can be delivered (with SX versions) can add an extra dose of spice. In this case, there are also pallets mounted on the steering wheel.

The competition has been renewed, too.

The Kia Optima plays in the same sandbox as the Honda Accord, the Toyota Camry and the Hyundai Sonata, three models that have also been recently remodeled. Who insists on advanced technologies and modernity is not lacking in choice in this category that is full of talent, while it continues to lose feathers against crossovers and SUVs.

Will the Optima be able to defend its corner of the market? One thing is certain, the car has all the assets to do it. Consumers will have the last word, though, and I wonder if the lack of a full-time all-wheel drive system will ultimately drive Canadian consumers to a model like Nissan's 2019 Altima. , whose new generation recently unveiled benefits from such a system.

In terms of rates, the base LX receives a price of $ 26,595, the LX + starts at $ 29,095. It rises to $ 31,295 for the EX and to $ 35,145 when the Tech package is added. The SX Turbo costs at least $ 38,045, while the SXL Turbo receives a starting price of $ 40,645.

The Kia Optima 2019 takes advantage of several changes that make it a real competitor now. Without it totally impressing the gallery in one aspect or another in particular, this car is practical, comfortable and attractive. Ideal for those who love sedans everyday. It remains an impressive sedan that can be driven every day safely and comfortably. The dashboard controls are well designed and organized to make life easy for both drivers and passengers.

Most

Comfortable and spacious interior space, especially in front 

Soft and quiet 

rolling Precise steering 

For the price, an impressive list of standard equipment 

Easy to use instrumentation 

A refined interior, solid construction 

Good fuel economy

The lessers

No all-wheel drive 

A little tight behind for the bigger ones 

The starting acceleration is not exceptional 

A bit more bite in Sport mode would be welcome

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Audi A1 Sportback 30 TFSI: Dearest quality

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[alicecharlotte]

2023 Nissan Maxima: The Next-Gen Nissan Maxima Review

2023 Nissan Maxima You may know the Nissan Maxima as a bland sedan brand, destined to become a fleet car for rental companies or taxi services. Over the years, the car did have a few decent versions, among them the SR, which was supposed to be a sportier variant of the mediocre front-wheel-drive mid-size sedan.

To make matters worse, the Maxima dropped the manual option in 2008 and, since then, the powerful 3.5-liter V-6 has had to work with the crippled CVT unit. However, the Nissan Maxima 2023 has the potential to be an attractive proposition. This is the reason.

It was initially believed that the current eighth-generation Maxima would be discontinued sometime in the next two years. This belief was further strengthened by the decline in sales of large sedans, in response to increasing demand for crossovers and SUVs. However, the data shows that not all car owners join the SUV/crossover.

For example, 42 percent of Ford Focus and Chevrolet Cruze owners do not upgrade to a high-riding vehicle. Instead, they choose another similar vehicle from another automaker, which is often a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic.

Despite the crossover/SIV craze, sedans, whether they're compact, mid-size, or full-size, still make up a sizeable percentage of the automotive market. In addition, the sedan has become more versatile than ever. So, how is the Nissan Maxima related?

Maxima hasn't been offered in Europe, for almost two decades, but this may change. Given that compact sedans have become bigger than ever, certain models have become obsolete.

For example, Toyota discontinued the Avensis, positioned above the Corolla, in favor of a smaller Corolla (not much smaller nowadays). This in turn leaves room for larger models, which is why the Toyota Camry returned to the European market in 2018, after a long absence.

This means that the 2023 Nissan Maxima could once again become a global model. Plus, the Maxima has already gone through a mid-cycle refresh, in 2019, so you can bet it'll be around for a longer time. Hopefully not as long as the GT-R and 370Z.

According to the Motor1 article, 2022 could also spawn a fully electric version of the Nissan Maxima. However, that probably won't happen until 2025, when the model is rumored to be undergoing a complete redesign.

The current generation Nissan Maxima looks a bit sportier and more distinctive than the previous generation, some of which have a very conservative styling. If the Maxima 2023 is indeed influenced by the Nissan V-Motion concept, this means a more futuristic and sporty interpretation of the current design.

The Maxima could also be a four-door coupe or liftback (hatchback) in some corners, similar to the Kia Stinger or Fastback Peugeot 508. However, this will most likely happen after 2025.

One thing is for sure, the Maxima has become a pretty fast car, even with a CVT. The 0 to 60 mph time of the current generation is 5.7 seconds and on a good day, the Maxima proves it can run with the Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R.

For the engine, the Maxima is expected to still use the 3.5-liter VQ35DE V-6 engine, which has the potential to produce a little power. A prize, the engine produces 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet (354 Nm).

Maxima's biggest weak point is the gearbox, which is a CVT. While it's great for fuel economy, it doesn't quite match the pretensions of a sportier car.

This is the bad news. While Nissan currently has options when it comes to automatic transmission options, the 2023 model could still feature a CVT gearbox. Nissan did come with a heavy-duty toroidal CVT that has a greater torque capacity, but it might only be featured on pick-up trucks and SUVs. We still think the Maxima should have a manual option or at least a proper automatic like the Mercedes-derived nine-speed automatic.

Now, more than ever, it makes sense for the Nissan Maxima to, once again, become a global model. With Nissan's current pricing strategy, the Japanese sporty sedan has the potential to generate great value for money, not only in the North American market but globally as well.

However, the CVT had to go if the Maxima wanted to reenact its sporty character. While the Nissan Maxima 2023 is partly a mystery, we'll likely get more of the same, until a complete redesign comes out, in 2025.

[itsworn]

Buckeye Bowtie Bash: National Impala Association Celebrates 1968 and More at 38th Annual Convention

There’s something I need to get off my chest. I’ve never had a thing for Chevys. Blame goes to the motorheads in high school whose favorite color was primer gray and who knew nothing about Hemis or Cobra Jets. So when the National Impala Association’s 38th annual convention hit Dayton, Ohio, for several days in July, it was an opportunity for reconciliation.

Age certainly has a way to temper one’s inclinations. If one looks at the Impala (and its luxurious Caprice step-brother) in its heyday, it’s tough to deny its strong list of competencies. For example, ever notice how 1960s Impalas are consistently good-looking? Enthusiasts have been attracted to them for their styling. They’ve never been Camry-bland. Also, the Impala was the perennial sales leader in America, with sales exceeding a million units in 1965. Finally, the Impala was at the forefront of the emerging performance market, with the Beach Boys’ 409 being a significant homage to high performance before the industry realized fast cars equaled profits. It started with the 348 in 1958 and ended with the 427 in 1969.

While this year’s National Impala Convention marked the 50th anniversary of the 1968 model year, 1965-1967s were well represented.

The theme of this year’s convention was “Celebrate 1968.” It’s hard to believe it’s been 50 years, but 1968 was a fine year for Chevrolet. Aside from the redesigned Chevy II, Chevelle, and Corvette, and the continued success of the Camaro, the Impala and other fullsize Chevys continued to offer style, horsepower, and options not often found on lower-priced marques.

The new Impala Custom featured the Caprice’s formal roof but at a friendlier price point. The concealed headlight option was a nice complement to the styling of the Caprice (and, some say, the SS427). Speaking of which, the 425-horse L72 427 returned after an unusual yearlong absence. This was also the year that the fiber optic U46 Light Monitoring System “tells at a glance whether all your lights are working.”

In the early days you could order a Biscayne with a four-speed and up to 335 horses from a 348.

As for Impalas, the Super Sport is the one that comes to enthusiasts’ minds, but the truth is that aside from 1961 it was never a performance package. Rather, it was a trim package that included bucket seats (and, for most years, console) and was even available with a six-cylinder engine for much of the decade. For 1967-1969, there was also the Z24 SS427 package, which applied the Chevelle SS396’s formula to the Impala. Included was a 385hp 427 (upped to 390 for 1969) and a host of sporty and heavy-duty equipment to look/perform the part, but it never really caught on.

All that and more were on hand for the week’s events, with Wednesday being the big day for show car judging, followed by a caravan to Tipp City (née Tippecanoe City), a charming town founded in 1840 whose locals were kind enough to allow the National Impala Association to take over part of East Main Street to display its vehicles.

Arguably the nicest Impala of the 1960s, the 1961 model looks good in day two drag.

The next day was the People’s Choice Show ’n’ Shine at Carillon Historical Park. There are 65 acres of historic exhibits (Kettering Family Education Center and the Wright Brothers Aviation Center), but it was the Bow Tie Brigade that commanded everyone’s attention.

Friday was a good time to step away from the sun and sit in three tech seminars hosted by authorities in the hobby:

1968 fullsize Chevy expert Steve Leunig educated the audience on the nuances of the enigmatic SS427 package that continue to confound enthusiasts.

John Kraman, “the voice” of and analyst for Mecum Auctions, presented “Inside Collector Car Auctions,” an objective overview of the inner workings of auctions, their fee structures, and tips for success on the block.

Jim Luikens, the guy behind the parts counter at (and in magazine ads for) Berger Chevrolet back in the day, spoke about the history of his tenure running the performance parts counter at Berger Chevrolet, plus his racing experiences behind the wheel of a Berger-sponsored 1965 Impala.

Larry and Lori Voss’ 1963 Super Sport sports an LS3, a modern iteration of its original small-block.

“We were happy to bring our convention to Dayton for 2018,” says NIA president Don Keefe. “The enthusiasm level in the Midwest is strong and was even high enough to establish a new southern Ohio Chapter this year. As far as registrations go, we had a number of firsts this year, including several 1994-1996 Impala SS sedans, a 9C1 police car, a new front-driver, and even a Canadian 1958 Pontiac Parisienne with a 348. Welcoming these cars and their owners will go a long way to extending the reach of the club and giving it a leg up on bringing in the next generation.”

So has a new leaf been turned? Is there a Chevrolet in my future? We can’t say, but put a 1966 Caprice with a 427 in my driveway and there will be no complaints.

While the Caprice was an upscale model, performance was within reach thanks to big-blocks. Mike and Mary Fennell added period mags to their 1966 model to complete the look.

Note the trim differences, especially the hood, among these three 1967s: Super Sport convertible, SS427, and Impala.

There is disagreement whether concealed headlights were an option for the SS427, but no one can deny that they look great on Bill and Jody Tibert’s 1968 convertible.

Notice how concealed headlights change the look of these two SS 427 convertibles. The red one features the ultrarare L72 427/425.

Almost 1,800 SS427s were built in 1968, but rarity didn’t stop Bill Hinkley from taking things further.

The Impala Custom featured the Caprice’s formal roofline. Donald Bock Jr. says the big-block car is largely original, including paint.

For the Impala’s 1969 redesign, the Super Sport was dropped, leaving the SS427 as the only “super” model. John Upton had bought this Fathom Green example in 1970 as a 17-year-old.

This is an unusual one: Chris Vance’s special-ordered Daytona Yellow Impala with a LS1 335hp 427 and a four-speed.

This 1967 SS427 is in the hands of Ron Hoeft, the original owner. Compare the curves to Rudy Van Baal’s 1965 model.

Yes, Virginia, the 409 was available on wagons—with a three-speed on the column, no less. William and Sally Wilmoth own this muscle hauler.

Both Michael and Betsy Jo Manship’s 1964 pro touring Super Sport and Keith and Cindy Adelsberg’s show-winning 1967 SS427 were part of the judged event.

Jim Luikens waxes poetic on Berger Chevrolet and his time as the most famous go-to parts guy in the U.S.

Wednesday afternoon was capped by a sunny field trip to Tipp City, where town folk mingled with car owners on East Main Street.

The 1990s Impala SSs are a welcome heir apparent. Dr. Steven and David Harbour’s features a scant 4,200 miles. They also own a Caprice 9C1 cop car.

Tach from a 1963 409.

This big-block Super Sport sports the same 427 as the Corvette.

This 1968 SS427 is seen in front of Deeds Carillon.

The post Buckeye Bowtie Bash: National Impala Association Celebrates 1968 and More at 38th Annual Convention appeared first on Hot Rod Network.

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[lifeispoppin]

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid - Set It and Forget It

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid – Set It and Forget It

Ease of use and peace of mind add up to an incredibly efficient experience at the wheel of the all-new Camry Hybrid.

The 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid may be completely redesigned, look spiffy, and deliver top-notch quality, but in the end, it’s still the same ‘ole popular sedan that’s been on sale in the United States for more than three decades. Of course, that’s a good thing!

The newest iteration…

[newcarsrelease-blog]

2018 Toyota Camry Design

New Post has been published on http://toyotacamryusa.com/2017/03/2018-toyota-camry-design/

2018 Toyota Camry Design

2018 Toyota Camry Design

2018 Toyota Camry Design – 2018 Toyota Camry Layout Evaluation: Camry Carrozzeria – Ian Cartabiano’s penciled hand is rapidly building a graphite arc on the paper. They’re light, metronome marks that quickly layer into a strong, confident line. After that one more appears as Cartabiano extemporaneously explains exactly what his hand is doing. “So we have this solitary lower aperture on the LE; it’s straightforward, large, therefore low to the ground that it’s hugging the street,” he claims. “Yet just what happened is we made that base variation way a lot more sporty, so we had to amp up the 2018 Camry XSE so it was like, oh god, just what are we mosting likely to do?”

2018 Toyota Camry Design Changes

2 years ago, at the Detroit vehicle program, firm boss Akio Toyoda stated his future automobiles would certainly have a design that mixes people’s feelings as well as makes them claim, “I wish to own this.” Although the Prius and Mirai could have massaged some the wrong way, Toyoda’s commandment also got rid of the boring preservation that’s stopped the pencils of Cartabiano’s predecessors. Releasing Cartabiano, whose credit scores consist of the current C-HR crossover and Lexus LF-LC reveal cars and trucks, along with his bos, project chief deisnger Akira Kubota, to go remarkable.

2018 Toyota Camry Design Exterior

After 18 years of creating and instructing at ArtCenter in Pasadena (where he finished in 1997), his capacity to chat while attracting is practically force of habit. Consider his LinkedIn page, as well as under Experience you’ll find just two access– those years at ArtCenter and also 19 years here at Calty Layout Research in Newport Beach, The golden state, where he is the studio’s principal outside and indoor developer. His tenure extends virtually fifty percent of the presence of Toyota’s 43-year-old studio. The area is house to him. It’s paradoxical, then, that the most considerable automobile of his occupation was made while he was temporally moved to Japan.

2018 Toyota Camry Redesign

As the face of the 2018 Toyota Camry XLE expands on the sketch pad, I’m struck by something. He’s not attracting the common sheetmetal undulations that other auto designers might. Just what’s arising is more like the plain folds of a roughly lit human face. It’s fierce-looking and two-dimensional. It looks more like a classic Japanese theater (Noh) mask compared to a vehicle.

” We’ve spoken about wanting people to identify the difference between the base 2018 Camry LE as well as sporty 2018 Camry SE grilles from 200 yards away,” Cartabiano says. That’s about the range from you on an active road to a neighboring new-car lot. Instantly, the illustration’s Japanese mask association is much less strange; like the overstated make-up on the faces of Broadway stars, they’re suggested to share expressions all the way to the porch.

2018 Toyota Camry Design Engine

When we met primary engineer Masato Katsumata in Kentucky, we asked what his preferred angle is. “I like exactly how the broad back fenders go like this,” he says as he waves his hand. “Like a woman’s– ah, can I claim this?” He leans forward as well as chuckles. In Japan, Kubota, Cartabiano’s boss and the Camry overall chief designer, initially answered “3 hundred and sixty levels!” then seriously claimed, “the back three-quarters.” Cartabiano is laying out that same point of view– his preferred, as well. He places hefty marks through the C-pillar. “That form, in side view, produces a really remarkable pull,” he claims. “But in quarter sight, you get this stunning column graphic; it’s 3-D, not level, so there’s this attractive core undergoing the back glass that shows speed.” That scalloped C-pillar will be debatable, however it’s brilliant because it enables the profile to be formal and flashy. Toyota wishes this Camry will certainly be perceived as 2 steps up in eminence.

2018 Toyota Camry Design

The blacked-out roof covering choice, available in XSE trims, starts at the scallop’s upper crease. “If I black-out the roofing, just what remains is that speed personality line,” Cartabiano says. The black roof is restricted to blue, white, as well as silver body colors. “My fave is that gorgeous new white,” he states. “Directly, the car I would certainly obtain is the white XSE, black roof covering, as well as a red natural leather inside. Can you photo that? A 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid with a red leather interior? That’s rather wild.”

2018 Toyota Camry Redesign

2018 Toyota Camry Design Concept

In a feeling, Cartabiano has actually also authorized his outside style. “I had the ability to create the badging typeface,” he states. “It’s brand-new and also type of costly because each letter is separate; the letters made use of to be combined into one badge. We went a little midcentury contemporary with it compressed it and made it broad. That was cool.” As Cartabiano draws, I consider that he’s a guy who’s just improved the country’s very successful car, drawn the face of a NASCAR supply car that in February can be seen by 11 million visitors, and also developed the font style that classifies them. The brand new 2018 Toyota Camry Design It’s an exceptional layout trifecta.

[fokohow]

TOP 20: THE BEST VEHICLES FOR THE FAMILY IN 2020 ACCORDING TO PARENTS MAGAZINE

Once again this year, Parents magazine gets wet by naming its best choices of vehicles for the family. Unlike last year, however, the publication is expanding its list of recommended vehicles to 20 (instead of 10 in 2019). Indeed, the magazine’s list this year includes a few additional categories, with the utility segment making up the majority of the models listed, unsurprisingly.

The magazine also considered the safety assessments carried out by the American institute NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). What’s more, the ‘family’ angle of the top 20 requires a test with child seat expert Abbie Patterson. Patterson, owner of the Super Car Seat Geek company, has tested all types of child booster seats in more than 50 car models.

Finally, automotive columnist Rob Stumpf, took the wheel of the vehicles in the child seat test to evaluate braking, steering, acceleration and a host of other parameters.

Without further ado, here’s the list of the 20 best family vehicles for 2020 according to Parents magazine.

Minivans – Best Value: Kia Sedona

In the minivan segment, Kia Sedona takes home the honours with the best value for money because of its more affordable price in its basic livery. However, the magazine notes that it is not possible to secure three child seats in the second row in the least expensive model. The automatic transmission (from 6 to 8 gears since the 2019 model year) is good for smooth shifting.

Minivans – Best Green Choice: Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Chrysler’s representative in the ultra-family minivan segment is currently the only option (in the North American market) marketed with a charging cable. This rechargeable hybrid powertrain lowers average fuel consumption without penalizing performance, while the government rebate is not to be ignored here either. The Pacifica Hybrid will have to watch its back, as we already know that the next Toyota Sienna will be available with a hybrid powertrain.

Minivans – Best choice for large families: Honda Odyssey

Honda’s Odyssey is also an excellent choice, especially since the manufacturer has decided to offer its 10-speed automatic transmission on all trim levels. As reported in the magazine, the versatility of the Odyssey is unparalleled, as the minivan can accommodate up to six child seats at the same time. It’s also the most fun to drive.

Minivans – Best in all weather conditions: Toyota Sienna

Toyota’s Sienna retains its competitive edge once again this year with its optional all-wheel drive system. This increased traction is undoubtedly an asset when road conditions are more difficult, as is its powerful V6 engine, but the Sienna will have to count the Chrysler Pacifica among its direct rivals next year, the American manufacturer having already confirmed the arrival of a four-wheel drive version of its Pacifica.

Three-row SUV – Best Value: Volkswagen Atlas

When the German automaker launched the development of its three-row SUV, it clearly had North America as its target. The magazine was especially seduced by the affordable price of the SUV in its most accessible version.

Three-row SUV – Better Redesign: Toyota Highlander

The change of model for 2020 does him the greatest good, the former Highlander which had been in service since model year 2014. While the publication praises the new design, it’s also in terms of handling that the Toyota representative has improved, especially in terms of suspension. There’s also the availability of a hybrid version, which isn’t widely available in this group.

Three-row SUV – Best Choice for Large Families: Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent joined the three-row seating party for SUVs about a year ago. Here, the fact that all the vehicle’s liveries are equipped with constant-drive all-wheel drive is meant to be an advantage over the rest of the pack, while the publication pointed out that there are 19 (!) cup holders on board.

Three-row SUV – Best Quiet Ride: Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot looks almost Acura inside, not only because of its full equipment, but also because of its quiet ride. In fact, the Parents magazine article even goes so far as to compare the Pilot to the Honda Odyssey because the SUV is so comfortable. Unlike the minivan, however, the Pilot still offers the tandem of six- and nine-speed automatic transmissions. In this case, the older of the two (the six-speed one) isn’t necessarily a bad choice!

Three-row SUV – Best safety technologies: Nissan Pathfinder

Aging, the Nissan Pathfinder still seems capable of seducing a publication that mainly observes a vehicle’s family characteristics. Here, the safety systems are convincing, as is that horn blast heard after every drive where one of the rear doors has been opened before or while driving. This device reminds the driver that he or she may have a child – or even a pet – strapped to the rear.

Three-row SUV – Best Design: Mazda CX-9

Mazda is certainly not a brand with countless financial resources, but on the other hand, the design of the most recent seasons seems to appeal to the general public. In fact, despite its introduction in 2017, Mazda’s largest SUV has not aged a single wrinkle. The CX-9’s driving pleasure should not be forgotten either.

Two-row SUV – Best Quiet Ride: Buick Envision

The three-shield division has long been associated with the silence of its interior. The Buick Envision, assembled in China, is no exception to this rule thanks to the noise reduction system.

Parents magazine mentions the excellence of the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, but this mill is reserved for the more upscale versions. In the other trim levels, the driver has to deal with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine and a six-speed transmission only.

Two-row SUV – Best steering system: Chevrolet Equinox

It’s true that the Chevrolet Equinox comes with a reputation for being poorly assembled and less durable than average. But since its redesign for the 2018 model year, the compact SUV does much better in terms of driving experience, and even overall quality. Parents magazine found the Chevrolet’s steering to be particularly precise, while its powertrain is powerful enough.

Two-row SUV – Better space for child seats: Ford Edge

When it comes to space for child seats, the Ford Edge is second to none, according to the publication. This allows for three seats, a rarity in the two-row SUV segment. The Ford Edge is also one of the most comfortable.

Two-Row SUV – Best Redesign : GMC Terrain

Best redesign award for two-row SUVs goes… drum roll – at GMC Terrain! Oddly enough, the redesign was completed for the 2018 model year at the same time as the Chevrolet Equinox, but hey, it’s the magazine’s choice! The article also mentions the more comfortable suspension on the Denali model.

Two-Row SUV – Best Green Choice: Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

Par les temps qui courent, il faut regarder du côté des VUS purement électriques pour sauver au niveau de la consommation. Mais, fort heureusement, les modèles hybrides ne sont plus aussi rares qu’à l’époque. Subaru fait d’ailleurs le pari que son deuxième Crosstrek Hybride connaisse un peu plus de succès que le premier qui faisait appel à une motorisation hybride conventionnelle. Avec un arrangement rechargeable, il est possible de rouler sur l’énergie du bloc de batteries, mais il ne faut malheureusement pas s’attendre à de grandes distances.

Two-Row SUV – Best choice for long trips: Subaru Forester

The Subaru manufacturer is often named on this list by Parents magazine. The Forester would be the ideal vehicle for expeditions, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive, roof rack and exemplary comfort. You could even add that the Forester’s fuel consumption has been very good for the past few years, a fact made possible by the adoption of a continuously variable transmission.

Sedans – Best Value for a Hybrid: Honda Accord Hybrid

In the arguments listed by Parents magazine, the Honda Accord Hybrid sedan doesn’t cost much more than the regular model, while trunk space is no longer handicapped by a battery stowed behind the rear seat. The Accord Hybrid is also not an unpleasant car to drive.

Sedans – Best in all weather conditions: Subaru Legacy

The manufacturer has made it its hobbyhorse: four-wheel drive guarantees superior traction in winter. The Nissan Altima has joined the Legacy’s direct rivals with an AWD system, but it’s not a permanent type like Subaru’s.

The redesign for 2020 has certainly helped in this case, the sedan can now be ordered with a more energetic 4-cylinder turbocharged flatbed engine.

Sedans – Best sports car: Nissan Maxima

This was its angle of attack when it was redesigned for the 1989 model year in North America. The Four Door Sports Car still stands out from its peers today because of its relatively dynamic driving dynamics. However, Toyota’s effort is worth mentioning with its Avalon XSE, a large sedan that is surprisingly fun to drive. In the United States, there’s also a TRD livery!

Sedans – Best Hybrid Sports Car: Toyota Camry Hybrid

Still, it’s surprising to see that the hybrid versions are now the sportiest in Toyota’s lineup. Even the Camry is no exception to this rule. The manufacturer continues to offer a V6 engine for the more conservative among us, but we have to admit that the hybrid leaning of the mid-size sedan is at least worth a try.

[toyotavsnissan]

toyota vs nissan

Here's What No One Tells You About Toyota Vs Nissan.

Are you searching for a new vehicle but not certain what solution to really go? Most automakers offer similar vehicles outside the surface however there are in reality a good deal of distinctions between brands. Nissan is among Toyota's top competitors so when it boils to specifics you will find vital differences between the 2 makes. We published this specific Toyota Vs Nissan new contrast to give clients a much better comprehensive view of exactly what Toyota offers.For clients looking to get a cheap and dependable automobile, Toyota is a excellent way to go. Toyota's line up of models provides a broad attention on give customers a lot more alternatives when selecting their second motor vehicle. From hybrids to powerful Toyota has something for every one. If you are searching to get a secure, trendy and very affordable motor vehicle.

The 20 20 Toyota Camry and the 2020 Nissan Altima are available with all-wheel drive.The Nissan Altima was redesigned to get its 20-19 model year.The overall performance engine selection in the Altima is a turbocharged 4-cylinder, while the Camry utilizes a v 6. Despite the fact that a number of auto makers have left mid size sedans as people in america, the section remains highly competitive. Broadly speaking, mid sized sedans stick to a comparable formulation. A standard 4-cylinder motor with an optional turbo charged or v 6 alternative, maybe a hybrid, decent space from the 2nd row, terrific security evaluations along with some convenient tech attributes. The 2020 Toyota Vs Nissan comply with this method for your large part, nevertheless they offer just a tiny extra in the sort of obtainable all-wheel driveway.

If it re designed the car for the 2018 version ,Toyota vs Nissan then Toyota opted to inject the Camry with some new-found personality. Up front, the car or truck's grille and headlights are tilted toward the Toyota logo at their center, while the sporty SE, XSE along with TRD Trims have significant air vents and gloss-black things for a sportier appearance. Nissan's v shaped grille is showcased prominently in the design of this newest Altima. The nissan Altima also gets a floating c pillar design, which is becoming a standard design trend across the business. Even the Altima SR wears trendy layout factors and 19-in wheels and can be akin into this Camry SE or even XSE, whereas the top notch Platinum trimming conveys an even luxurious design and is similar into the Camry XLE. All in all, the Altima wears an even more conservative design than the Camry.

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Top 10 Affordable Cars with Surprisingly Higher-End Interiors

Car owners spend more time inside their car than looking at it from the outside, so a car’s interior has to be a nice place to be.  Of course, luxury vehicles excel at making sure their drivers have a comfortable and pleasing place to spend time, but luckily for the rest of us, there are plenty of affordable cars that have surprisingly higher-end interiors. Here are some vehicles with inviting premium-looking interiors despite their modest pricing. ALSO SEE: Top 10 Best Car Interiors of 2017: WardsAuto Top 10 Affordable Cars with Surprisingly Higher-End Interiors 10. 2018 Honda Civic Honda has recently undergone a styling revolution for its cars both inside an out. The 10th-generation Civic starts at just $20,125 in the U.S. ($21,512 in Canada), but the interior looks like it could be from a more expensive car. Well textured dashboard plastics, metal effect trim pieces, smart details, and a nicely integrated seven-inch infotainment touchscreen create a classy look. The new Honda Accord also has a premium-looking interior for its price. 9. 2018 Volkswagen Golf Volkswagen has perfected the restrained but classy interior feel with its unmistakable Germanic ambiance. Its most popular model, the Golf, showcases this best. Quality interior trim pieces, a large eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, and drilled aluminum pedals help to create a sumptuous looking interior and everything is screwed together tightly, giving it a solid feel. At a $20,715 U.S. starting price ($22,249 in Canada), it’s like getting a deal on an Audi-like interior without actually getting an Audi. 8. 2018 Subaru Crosstrek There are a few instances when an automaker makes drastic leaps in interior quality and we are forced to pay attention. Subaru wins the prize here. The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek’s redesigned interior is a pleasant surprise. From playful contrast stitching on the steering wheel and seats to tasteful splashes of piano black trim on the doors and around the infotainment touchscreen, this should be a shock to subcompact crossover fans expecting a predictably bland interior. Pricing starts at $22,710 ($25,745.50 in Canada). 7. 2018 Toyota Camry Toyota used to make interiors that were about as exciting as reading your dishwasher’s instruction manual. Fast forward to 2018 and things have taken a turn. Despite prices remaining at a very affordable $24,895 U.S. ($28,105 in Canada), this Camry’s interior has the kind of quality usually found in higher priced vehicles. An intricately curvy dashboard, quality-looking metal trim pieces, and nicely textured leather seats create a confident-looking package. An even further highlight: Red leather seats! ALSO SEE: Top 10 Cars That Look More Expensive Than They Actually Are 6. 2018 Ford Mustang The Mustang always had this knack for making retro-looking interiors that aren’t too kitschy. Everything in this interior pays homage to design themes of the past while still embracing a modern feel. It uses finely crafted cabin materials and a liberal use of distinctive metallic trim, which is what sets it apart from others in its segment. Pricing starts a surprisingly reasonable $26,085 U.S. ($30,638 in Canada). 5. 2018 Volvo XC60 Losing none of the Volvo XC90’s premium approach to interior design, the XC60 smartly copies major elements of the XC90’s interior while still retaining its own individual feel and a much lower price. We love the minimalist Scandinavian design and use of unique materials. Pricing starts at $42,495 U.S. ($47,915 in Canada). 4. 2018 Kia Rio  The subcompact hatchback class of vehicles is normally known for having simple interior designs that take a no-frills approach. The 2018 Kia Rio refuses to live up to that stereotype. Starting at just $14,795 U.S. ($16,594 in Canada), you don’t feel punished for buying an affordable car. Rather, you are greeted with quality seat materials, tastefully designed dashboard gauges, and a smartly placed infotainment touchscreen. ALSO SEE: 2018 Kia Rio Review 3. 2018 Acura MDX Just a feel of the soft-touch dashboard and a glance at the white contrast piping on the seats gets your attention with the Acura MDX. The MDX competes in a segment where competitors are priced about $10,000 to $12,000 higher, yet it never feels out of place when rolling with those more expensive cars. Pricing starts at $45,175 U.S. ($56,062.50 in Canada). 2. 2018 Genesis G80  If the Genesis G80’s interior quality is any indication, the company is taking luxury very seriously. It’s not that the G80’s interior is redefining the idea of the luxurious interior, but it’s the confidence it shows by putting all the right materials in all the right places. Pricing starts at $42,725 U.S. ($55,000 in Canada). 1. 2017 Mazda CX-5 The Mazda CX-5’s interior speaks for itself. Just sit in it, touch the vital surface points, and begin to wonder how Mazda got away with this level of quality at such an affordable price point. From the available white leather seats to the substantial-feeling buttons and knobs to the metal trim pieces, Mazda offers a more dignified interior experience than many of its competitors. Prices start from $24,985 U.S. ($26,795 in Canada). ALSO SEE: Top 10 Expert Detailing Tips on Keeping Your Car Looking New The post Top 10 Affordable Cars with Surprisingly Higher-End Interiors appeared first on AutoGuide.com News.

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2020 Honda Accord Engine Options: 1.5T, 2.0T, or Hybrid—Which Engine Is Best?

New-car shopping can be overwhelming, even if you’ve picked which car you want. Take the 2020 Honda Accord. Essentially unchanged since the midsize sedan made its debut for the 2018 model year, the Accord offers five different engine-transmission combinations. Will you know where to start? After extensively testing the Accord, we can help.

Keep reading for more on how the Accord lineup performs.

2020 Accord Fuel Economy: From OK to Great

You’ve heard “your mileage may vary,” right? It’s true even within a single car’s lineup. With the 2020 Accord’s 192-hp 1.5-liter turbo-four base engine, you’ll get an EPA-rated 30/38 mpg city/highway if you can resist the temptation of the Sport trim and its big 19-inch wheels. That model gets 29/35 mpg with the CVT but just 26/35 mpg in 2020 Accord Sport 1.5T trim with the six-speed manual. But hey, if you’re among the small group of consumers still willing to buy a manual-transmission midsize sedan, be thankful Honda offers it at all; even Mazda has dropped its manual option on the Mazda6 sedan.

Upgrade to the 252-hp 2.0T turbo-four, and Honda still offers a six-speed manual. Opting for the 2.0T variant nets you an EPA-rated 22/32 mpg with the manual or 10-speed automatic. If you stick with the Accord 2.0T EX-L instead of the 2.0T Sport or 2.0T Touring, fuel economy bumps up to 23/34.

Then there’s the hybrid. With 212 combined system horsepower, the hybrid model may be quicker than you expect and also earns 48/47 mpg. That rating is both inferior and superior to the efficiency ratings of the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid—it’s all dependent on trim. Go for a 2020 Camry Hybrid in LE form, and the EPA rates the Toyota at 51/53 mpg, but that lowers to 44/47 mpg for an XLE or SE.

2020 Accord Driving Range: Which Trim Did You Say You Wanted?

How often you stop at the gas station to refuel varies based on trim. Sounds obvious, right? When you’re choosing among the many 2020 Accord engine options, you should manage around 500 miles for every non-hybrid trim in highway driving (a little more for non-Sport 1.5Ts with the CVT, and a little less for most 2.0T models). The hybrid’s advantage really comes into focus when you mix up city and highway driving. Assume the EPA’s default city-driving percentage of 55 percent, and the hybrid is rated at 614 miles of driving range. Compare that to the 488 miles for the 1.5T/CVT, 459 miles for the 1.5T Sport (CVT), and 385–400 miles for 2.0T models.

2020 Accord Acceleration: How Quick Are They?

When the Accord was redesigned for the 2018 model year, Honda replaced its available V-6 with a powerful turbo-four. Although there were skeptics about the downsizing engine swap, MotorTrend testing tells another story. When we compared an Accord 2.0T to a Camry V-6, the Honda kept up with the Toyota in acceleration to 60 mph. The Honda’s time of 5.7 seconds makes it the swiftest of the Accord lineup. Next quickest is the 2.0T with a manual, which will get you to 60 in 6.2 seconds (on your best shifting day), followed by the hybrid’s solid 6.7-second time. With the 1.5T and the standard CVT, we hit 60 in 7.6 seconds, again matching the equivalent Camry in a comparison test.

2020 Accord Handling, Ride, and Transmission

When we tested a 2018 Accord EX 1.5T, we lauded Honda for its well-tuned CVT but said that this one was too relaxed. “Once you adapt, [the Accord] accelerates more linearly than the Camry, keeping the smaller, slightly less powerful engine right in the deepest well of its torque. With no gears to change and quick responses, the CVT drives a bit smoother than the [Camry’s] automatic—and it lacks the drone that plagues other CVTs.”

With the 2.0T engine option, we noted that the 10-speed auto performs smoothly while upshifting and downshifting. As for that manual transmission, those who appreciate the involvement of rowing your own gears should know that “the Honda stick shift’s throws and clutch pedal travel are both long—likely to ease the commute drudgery of a quick-shift box.”

Although there’s never any mistaking the Accord for a sport sedan, we have repeatedly admired the Accord’s responsive chassis and generally flat cornering. Having said that, seats with thicker side bolstering are on our wish list. Also worth mentioning: The Accord 2.0T Touring provides a slightly firm ride by family sedan standards.

Which 2020 Accord Engine Option Is Best?

As with the family-sedan segment in general, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for the 2020 Accord. If you never press the accelerator pedal down more than halfway, try the 1.5T/CVT combo. Those seeking max mpgs or wanting to avoid gas station pit stops should head straight for the efficient hybrid, while enthusiasts can get the 1.5T or 2.0T with a six-speed manual, or try the 2.0T/CVT Sport model.

Buyers who aren’t strictly loyal to Honda should check out the rest of the market. The Accord is a two-time MotorTrend comparison test winner, but there remain lots of options. From the new 2020 Hyundai Sonata to the Nissan Altima, Kia Optima, and Toyota Camry, you have choices. If you’re sure about the Accord, however, know you’ve picked a very good family sedan.

Revisit our Accord reviews here:

Accord 1.5T vs. Camry 2.5 here

Accord 2.0T vs. Camry V-6 here

Accord Hybrid First Test here

Accord Touring 2.0T Interior Review here

The post 2020 Honda Accord Engine Options: 1.5T, 2.0T, or Hybrid—Which Engine Is Best? appeared first on MotorTrend.

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2020-honda-accord-engine-options-which-is-best/ visto antes em https://www.motortrend.com

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Ford Taurus: From No. 1 to scrap heap — again

DETROIT — For the past decade, Village Ford owner Jim Seavitt has exclusively driven black Taurus SHOs.

That streak, which started when the nameplate was last redesigned in 2009, ends in a few months when he turns in his 2018 SHO, a high-performance variant that gained a cult following during the car’s early years. Ford stopped making the Taurus outside of China this month, and there are four of the cars remaining at his dealership — which once sold 40 to 50 a month. Seavitt said he’ll likely opt for an Edge ST.

“I love it,” said Seavitt, whose dealership is three miles from Ford’s headquarters in Dearborn, Mich. “I’m sorry it’s going away. I’m going to have to get used to not having it.”

Seavitt knows he’s in the minority. Taurus sales at Village Ford have slowed to, at best, a handful a month, mirroring the nationwide trend. In fact, the Taurus, America’s best-selling car for five straight years in the 1990s, has fallen so far from the public consciousness that even its death went largely unnoticed.

Ford ended production of the full-size sedan at its Chicago Assembly Plant on March 1, but the news was overshadowed by national media coverage of the final Chevrolet Cruze being assembled at the plant General Motors is idling in Lordstown, Ohio. Aside from a final group photo and a ceremonial hood signature by line workers, it was a relatively subdued end for the Taurus, at one time a revolutionary sedan dubbed “The Car that Saved Ford.”

The Taurus’ aerodynamic design — derided as a “jellybean” and “potato car” by former Chrysler Chairman Lee Iacocca — marked a radical departure from the bland, boxy cars of the 1980s and helped propel the Taurus to No. 1 on the sales charts from 1992 through 1996. It was the last Detroit 3 sedan to win the crown that Japanese brands have owned since 1997.

The Taurus helped usher in a companywide focus on quality, and its eye-catching looks and front-wheel-drive performance even earned it a role as the police cruiser in the movie RoboCop.

And yet, Ford briefly tossed the venerable name aside in 2006, when it discontinued the Taurus following years of neglect and relegation to car-rental lots. Alan Mulally, who became CEO later that year, quickly resurrected the name, this time as a full-size sedan instead of a midsize, because he felt it still had cachet.

But the Taurus never recaptured its magic from the late ’80s and early ’90s and was doomed, in part, because of the success of the Fusion that Ford introduced as a fresh start in the midsize category. In addition, buyers have increasingly dropped large cars for more useful crossovers and SUVs. If they do buy sedans, they tend to opt for reliable, affordable Japanese models such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

“It was the last stand of the great American sedan,” Karl Brauer, executive publisher at Cox Automotive, told Automotive News. “It represented the last version of a mainstream American car that could appeal to a wide range of people.”

Jack Telnack was always confident the first-generation Taurus would be a sales hit, even if Ford’s marketing department was not.

Telnack, as chief design executive for Ford’s North American automotive operations, was in charge of the team that designed the Taurus and its sibling vehicle, the Mercury Sable. He faced pressure from then-CEO Philip Caldwell to deliver.

“Caldwell told me, ‘I want something to light this place up,’ ” Telnack recalled to Automotive News. “He gave us pretty much open field on any design we wanted.”

After the team had mocked up some early prototypes, Telnack said Caldwell came to the studio and surprised them by asking, “Are you sure you’ve reached far enough?”

“Normally they tell us to pull back a little,” he said. “He was serious about it. He said we had to make a really strong statement.”

The Taurus marked an epochal shift in American car design, featuring soft lines and curves in what Telnack described as an “aero” look inspired, in part, by his time working in Europe.

The vehicle also was unique in that it didn’t feature a standard grille — just a small opening with a “floating oval” Ford logo. William Clay Ford Sr., the company’s design committee chairman, had to approve the grille-less front end, and although he seemed to hesitate, he ultimately gave a green light to the cleaner, contemporary design.

“I about leapt out of my chair and put my arms around him,” Telnack said.

Telnack believed the vehicle would succeed because Ford already had experimented with more rounded looks on the 1979 Mustang and 1983 Thunderbird. He eschewed advice from traditional market research groups, because he felt they would be more predisposed to like familiar, boxy shapes.

“If you saw pictures of the first clay model and the final approval, we didn’t change it,” Telnack said. “And we never really changed based on feedback from market research. I really believe if we listened to market research, we wouldn’t have had that car.”

Ford was in need of a win when the Taurus went on sale in 1985. The automaker, along with its American rivals, had fallen behind the Japanese in terms of quality and design.

The Taurus helped change that perception.

“I think it was seen as a turning point for Ford in their vehicle design, engineering and quality,” Brauer said. “If you could build a critical mass of awareness in those areas, you could shift a lot of customers to a vehicle. It just all came together.”

Telnack credited a strong connection between the design team and the engineering team, led by Lewis Veraldi. The two had worked well together in Europe, Telnack said.

“The unique part of this is that we were definitely on the same page,” he said. “The teams at the time — both had that same kind of feeling, same kind of drive.”

Ford added the Taurus SHO, which stands for Super High Output, in 1988, creating the first domestic challenge to the BMW 5 series. The SHO was intended to be a limited offering but more than 100,000 were sold over the next decade.

Taurus sales peaked in 1992, stealing the best-selling-car title from the Accord with a record 409,751 units. The Taurus reportedly made Ford more than $100 million that year, according to CAR: A Drama of the American Workplace, a book chronicling development of the second-generation Taurus.

“At GM, it drove us crazy,” said Mark LaNeve, a former General Motors sales executive who is now Ford’s head of U.S. marketing, sales and service. “We didn’t have anything to compete with it. Chevy and Oldsmobile were the two that were trying to figure it out, but they never did.”

The car’s dominance continued through the middle of the decade and a major redesign.

The next-generation Taurus wasn’t as well-received — it was “overly ovoid,” Brauer said — but the new-model sales bump helped it retain the crown for a fifth year in 1996.

In the ensuing years, the vehicle’s luster faded, driven as much by external forces as anything Ford did — or didn’t — do.

“Whether it’s the shift in the marketplace to SUVs or lack of profit that sedans offer, the concept of an American company having the best-selling car in this country is pretty much inconceivable at this point,” Brauer said. “The Japanese continued to focus on that segment and poured substantial resources into developing better and better sedans. I don’t think Ford had that same driving force.”

By 2006, the Taurus was languishing on rental car lots. Ford shuttered the Atlanta plant where the car was produced. The final Taurus, painted silver, went to Truett Cathy, the owner of Chick-Fil-A.

But the Taurus story didn’t end there.

Mulally, who declined through a spokesman to be interviewed for this story, chose to rename the full-size Ford Five Hundred the Taurus for the 2008 model year.

Earl Lucas was among the first to know. He was the head exterior designer on what he expected would be a freshened Five Hundred, until Mulally made the change.

“Then things got real serious,” Lucas recalled. “We knew historically the Taurus always signaled style, so there was a certain expectation.”

Lucas, who is bald, jokes that before Mulally decided to call the vehicle the Taurus, he had hair. But he said he’s proud of the vehicle he crafted, even if sales never quite picked up.

“The Taurus did exactly what it was supposed to do,” Lucas said. “It took the responsibility of setting a vision that other products could learn from.”

Lucas admitted that the Fusion, which Ford had anointed as its new volume car, was better suited for some of the Taurus’ exterior design cues.

On the interior, the Taurus had slightly less legroom and passenger volume than the Fusion, despite being a class bigger and costing thousands of dollars more.

“Cars for that price and that size seem to be unnecessary,” Brauer said.

Ford, citing privacy reasons, won’t say who will get the final full-size Taurus, another silver model. Chicago Assembly is being retooled to make the next-generation Ford Explorer and new Lincoln Aviator crossover, which Ford is betting will be big sellers.

Lucas and Telnack, who both keep scale replicas of the Taurus they designed on their desks, said they were sad to hear the name would go away, at least on this side of the world. The Taurus remains part of Ford’s lineup in China, where a redesigned version was introduced in 2015.

“I think that name has an incredible amount of potential,” Telnack said. “It could have stood for a new design and continued on that way, I think.”

Lucas said he’s hopeful Ford might one day consider reviving the name again.

“The marketplace is ever-evolving,” Lucas said. “It’s still a legendary product. It answered the call when we asked it to deliver, and if we need to call upon it again, it will be there.”

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[toyotaautoes]

2019 Toyota Camry User Manual PDF Download – After a complete redesign for 2018, the Toyota Camry 2019 will probably remain almost unchanged. A possible and remarkable addition could be to offer Apple’s play as the new Avalon 2019.

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August 2017 Auto Sales: SUV, Truck Sales Keep Automakers Afloat

It’s been a tough year for a lot of automakers. Sales have generally been down, and only a few brands have been able to post significant gains. But while July was especially rough, August actually looked pretty good for a few brands. Maybe the sky isn’t falling. For now. Ford (209,897 units, -2.1 percent) Winner: F-Series (77,007 units, +15.0 percent) What can we say? Americans love trucks, and they definitely love the F-Series. Unless gas prices skyrocket sometime soon, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise to see Ford trucks continue to sell well. Loser: Lincoln MKZ (2,160 units, -21.6 percent) MKZ sales are only down a little more than 7 percent for the year, but in August, they dropped more than 20 percent. That’s slightly worse than it did last month when sales dropped 19.2 percent. It might still outsell the Continental, but in another year, who knows?   GM (275,552 units, +7.5 percent) Winner: Chevrolet Equinox (28,245 units, +84.9 percent) The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox impressed us when we first drove it, and it looks like CUV buyers have been similarly impressed because they’re buying the heck out of it. Chevrolet will have to sell a lot more Equinoxes if it wants to take down the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V, but those sales figures are still impressive. Loser: Cadillac ATS (1,012 units, -59.1 percent) The ATS is a good car. It really is. But apparently, most of the people who might actually buy an ATS have already bought one. Sales dropped drastically last month, continuing an overall sales slide for the year. Fiat Chrysler (176,033 units, -11 percent) Winner: Jeep Grand Cherokee (23,572 units, +28 percent) Overall, the Jeep brand was down for the month, but the one truly bright spot on the sales sheet was the Grand Cherokee. Its sales jumped significantly, helping offset the losses from the now-canceled Patriot. Without the Grand Cherokee, Jeep’s August would have looked much worse. Loser: Jeep Cherokee (11,874 units, -50 percent) While the Grand Cherokee’s sales were up, the less-grand Cherokee’s sales were down. Way down. Not quite all the way down but not far off. Jeep literally sold half as many Cherokees in August 2017 as it did in August 2016. It still managed to outsell the Patriot, though, so that’s something to be proud of. Toyota (227,625 units, +6.8 percent) Winner: Toyota RAV4 (43,265 units, +30.4 percent) Americans love their Ford trucks, but they also love their compact crossovers. And boy, do compact crossover buyers love the new RAV4. It outsold the Camry, for Pete’s sake. All hail the RAV4, the new king of crossover sales. Loser: Lexus CT (204 units, -75.1 percent) The Lexus CT200h might not be a particularly sporty hatch, but it’s definitely got some sporty styling. And even if you’re not a fan of the design, you have to admit it’s way better looking than the current Prius. But apparently, the market for hybrid luxury hatchbacks is drying up. CT sales were down more than 75 percent last month. Honda (146,015 units, -2.4 percent) Winner: Honda HR-V (9,603 units, +26.7 percent) Sales of the Honda Fit were down last month, but the lifted Fit that Honda calls the HR-V did wonderfully. It won’t outsell the CR-V (30,960 units) or the Civic (36,482 units) anytime soon, but the subcompact CUV improved its sales by more than 25 percent in August. Loser: Acura TLX (2,410, -33.0 percent) The TLX offers a lot of value for your money, but it seems that luxury sedan buyers weren’t all that interested in it last month. Or maybe they weren’t interested in the TLX’s new nose. Sales dropped by a third despite a recent refresh. Nissan (108,326 units, -13.1 percent) Winner: Nissan Armada (4,454 units, +766.5 percent) The old Nissan Armada was fine, but the new Armada is much better. Buyers have apparently reacted accordingly because Armada sales are way, way up. Even if you moved the decimal point, a 76.65-percent increase would be huge. 766.5 percent? That’s ridiculous. Loser: Nissan Frontier (4,637 units, -51.4 percent) When we last saw a redesigned Nissan Frontier, George Bush was president, and Ronald Reagan was still alive. So it shouldn’t be much of a surprise to hear that sales are down 18.9 percent for the year. But what is surprising is that August sales managed to fall more than 50 percent. Volkswagen Brand (32,015 units, +9.0 percent) Winner: Golf SportWagen (1,991 units, +88.4 percent) With fewer than 2,000 units sold, the Golf SportWagen won’t be outselling the Toyota RAV4 anytime soon, but when we had our long-term SportWagen, it proved to be a fantastic alternative to compact crossovers. Seeing that its sales nearly doubled compared to last August is great news for wagon fans. Loser: Beetle Coupe (667 units, -40.3 percent) Funny enough, despite the fact that the Beetle Coupe’s sales were down significantly this month, Beetle Convertible sales were up nearly as much. It seems that anyone who still wants a Beetle would rather have the convertible than the hardtop. In a way, that actually makes sense. Source: The AutomakersThe post August 2017 Auto Sales: SUV, Truck Sales Keep Automakers Afloat appeared first on Motor Trend.

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