William Maley

For awhile, it seem Nissan was going a bit crazy with exciting, performance-focused concepts. Recent examples include the IDx concept, the distinctive electric BladeGlider concept, and the Formula One inspired Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge concept. Executives at both automakers talked up these concepts and the possibility of them going into production. But now, talk has almost gone to a dead silence. Automotive News notes that there is a distinctive change in tone at both automakers during the auto show when speaking with executives. Instead of being excited and speaking about these concepts, Nissan's executives talked about putting their efforts behind a core group of cars that sell in high volumes. Cases in point include a major change for the Nissan Altima in 2016, and Infiniti working on trying to rebuild its portfolio starting with the upcoming Q60 coupe. It also helps that two key proponents of these vehicles have moved on. Former head of Infiniti Johan de Nysschen stepped down in summer to take the reigns at Cadillac. Meanwhile Andy Palmer - then Nissan's global product planning chief - became CEO of Aston Martin late last year. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

Yeah that is somewhat surprising.

Back in late 2013, Mitsubishi announced a new partnership with Nissan to create a new midsize sedan for the North American marketplace. But at the NADA conference this weekend, a Mitsubishi executive says the plan has hit an impasse. “I told them that the plan has stalled. And I said that’s really all I can tell you at this time,” said Don Swearingen, executive vice president of Mitsubishi Motors North America to Automotive News. Its unclear whether the sedan part of the partnership or if another part is causing the trouble. Nissan was unable to comment at the time the story went up. But while the midsize sedan fate is in question, Mitsubishi dealers have a lot of new products to look forward in the next couple of years. Redesigned Outlander - July Redesigned Outlander Sport and new Lancer - End of the year New Mirage - Next Spring Mirage Sedan and Outlander Plug-In Hybrid - Second Quarter of 2016 Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

We know that Audi is going mad with crossovers considering the U.S. lineup has three at the moment and more are on the way (smaller and bigger crossovers, along with coupe-design models). Car Magazine has learned about one that will fit into the TT lineup. Back at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show, Audi revealed the TT offroad concept which featured a noticeable amount of design cues from the current TT such as flared wheel arches and the distinctive roofline. Car Magazine reports that this concept will go into production sometime in 2017 wearing the TTQ nameplate. Originally, the plan was for the TTQ to wear the Q4 nameplate to keep everything simple. But Audi ran into trouble as Alfa Romeo owns the Q4 name (designates all-wheel drive on a model). Hence the name change. ‘We have no choice but to make a virtue out of necessity. By taking the TTQ route, we avoid the confrontation with Fiat, we don’t overcrowd the Q corral, and we add a fresh twist to the TT theme,’ said a source. Source: Car Magazine View full article

Where do they top out at? Is it close to the starting point of the Tahoe? Even thought they have close to the same interior space, to me they are very different animals. Traverse LTZ FWD Base Price: $42,810 Tahoe 2WD Base Price: $45,550

General Motors is going custom crazy with their trucks. In the past few weeks, the automaker has introduced the Chevrolet Silverado Custom Sport and GMC Canyon Nightfall Edition. Now at the National Automobile Dealers Association Convention & Expo in San Francisco, GM has introduced another custom package. Meet the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Midnight Edition. Like the Custom Sport, the Midnight Edition takes a Silverado Z71 and adds an all blacked-out treatment with body-colored grille, bumper, side moldings, and beltline moldings. A set of eighteen-inch wheels done up in black finish off the exterior. “The Midnight special edition, like our recently announced Custom Sport Silverado, lets our dealers offer a custom look right from the factory. Customers can get a monochrome exterior, black alloy wheels and other uplevel touches, while maintaining all of the dependability Chevy trucks are famous for along with full factory warranty coverage,” said Sandor Piszar, Silverado marketing director. Chevrolet says they will build 5,000 Midnight Edition Silverados in double and crew cab models. Pricing for the Midnight Edition will range from $1,595 to $1,995, dependent on the model. Source: Chevrolet Press Release is on Page 2 2015 Silverado Midnight Edition is The New Black Monochrome appearance package to debut at NADA and Chicago Auto Show DETROIT – Truck fans know that nothing adds presence to a pickup like basic black. And Chevrolet is taking black to the next level with the Silverado Midnight special edition, on display starting today at the National Automobile Dealers Association Convention & Expo in San Francisco, and making its public debut February 14 at the Chicago Auto Show. Beginning with a black Silverado Z71, the Midnight special edition adds: An all-black front end with body-colored grille, bumper, headlamp bezels, tow hooks and fog lamps; Black side moldings and beltline moldings; 18-inch black painted alloy wheels with Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac all-terrain tires; Special Z71 badges on the doors; A spray-in bedliner (black, of course); And the finishing touches – black Chevrolet bowties front and rear. Like all 2015 Silverado 1500 Z71s, Midnight special editions include off-road suspension, a locking rear differential, Hill Descent Control and a trailering package. Midnight special editions also include rear park assist and heated, power-adjusted outside rear-view mirrors. “The Midnight special edition, like our recently announced Custom Sport Silverado, lets our dealers offer a custom look right from the factory,” said Sandor Piszar, Silverado marketing director. “Customers can get a monochrome exterior, black alloy wheels and other uplevel touches, while maintaining all of the dependability Chevy trucks are famous for along with full factory warranty coverage.” Chevrolet will offer the Silverado Midnight special edition in either 1500 double-cab or crew-cab models. Up to 5,000 Midnight special editions will be produced for the 2015 model year. Dealers can order the trucks starting in February 2015. Package prices be $1,595 to $1,995, depending on the model. View full article

While crossovers haven taken the space that SUVs occupied only a few years ago, a number of automakers are still producing them as there is still an audience for them. One that wants the off-road and towing ability SUVs offer. So come along as we take a look at three specimens in our latest 2014 review wrap-up. First Up: 2014 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium It is hard to believe that 30 years ago, Toyota introduced the 4Runner. The sister vehicle to the all-mighty Land Cruiser was to give Toyota a true competitor to the likes of the Jeep Cherokee and Ford Bronco. Since that time, the 4Runner has grown up somewhat in terms of size and position, but it never lost its mission; a vehicle that can get you anywhere. But with the recent 4Runner, does it still hold true to that mission? The 4Runner’s exterior has a look of being able to get you anywhere with no problem. This is firmly expressed in the front end as it looks like it’s wearing a muzzle. There’s a large grille to allow the standard V6 engine to breath, along with C-Shaped faux air vents above the front bumper. The rest of the 4Runner’s design is the same as the model shown in 2010 with the folded angle design, flared wheel arches, and rear tailgate with a power window. A set of seventeen-inch wheels finish off the look of the 4Runner. Inside, the rugged attitude continues with chunky controls for the climate control, infotainment system, and transfer case. A large instrument cluster provides all of the key details needed to go off the beaten path. Despite its rugged attitude, the 4Runner is a nice place to sit in. Seats are comfortable and come with heat as part of the Premium package. Rear seat passengers will find a decent amount of legroom, though I found headroom is a little bit tight due to the optional sunroof.Power comes from a 4.0L V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This comes paired up to a five-speed automatic and a part-time four-wheel drive system. The V6 is a workhorse for Toyota’s pickups and SUVs, and its easy to see why. Power comes on immediately and the engine roars with glee. The five-speed automatic doesn’t quite fully mesh with the V6 as first-gear takes a bit longer to kick down than I was expecting. Thankfully, all other gears did not have this same experience. Fuel economy is rated at 17 City/21 Highway/18 Combined. I got 17.4 MPG during my week of testing. As for ride and handling, the 4Runner exhibits a mostly comfortable ride with the suspension able to smooth out potholes and road imperfections. Wind and road noise were kept at decent level. On the curves, the 4Runner does exhibit a bit of body roll and lean due to its off-road suspension. Steering was perfectly weighted and provided excellent response for an SUV. Off the beaten path is where the 4Runner truly shines with impressive ground clearance and ability to go over some of the roughest terrain with no problem. This is an SUV that dreams of going on the trail.The 4Runner is built for those who seek adventure and their travels take them off the beaten path more often than not. If your travels are limited to payment, then you’ll be better off with a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Disclaimer: Toyota Provided the 4Runner, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2014 Make: Toyota Model: 4Runner Trim: SR5 Premium Engine: 4.0L DOHC VVT-i 24-Valve V6 Driveline: Five-Speed Automatic, Part-Time Four-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 270 @ 5,600 Torque @ RPM: 278 @ 4,400 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 17/21/18 Curb Weight: 4,675 lbs Location of Manufacture: Tahara, Aichi, Japan Base Price: $37,615 As Tested Price: $39,045 (Includes $860.00 Destination Charge) Options: Rigid Running Boards - $345.00 Carpet Floor Mats & Floor Mat - $225.00 Next: 2014 Lexus GX 460 Luxury Did you know that there two variations of the Toyota Land Cruiser sold in the U.S.? No, I’m not referring to the Lexus LX 570 which is a dressed up Land Cruiser. I’m referring to another model in the Land Cruiser family, the Land Cruiser Prado. This model sold in certain parts of the world is a direct competitor to the Land Rover LR4 with a body-on-frame SUV with all of the four-wheel drive tech to get through some of the worst conditions that mother nature has on offer. So you might be wondering where is this smaller Land Cruiser is in the U.S.? Well you only need to head down to your local Lexus dealer and check out the GX 460. But in this age where crossovers are taking the place of SUVs, does the GX 460 have a place anymore? You can’t miss the GX 460 at all, especially in the front. The model now features the gaping maw that is known as the spindle grille. I really don’t think the spindle grille works on the GX as it looks like an afterthought to make it fit in with the rest of the Lexus lineup. But the rest of the GX’s design is mostly the same as the first-generation model introduced back in 2002. That means a high-stance, a side-hinged tailgate, and large headlights with LEDs. Moving inside, the GX 460 feels slightly old when compared to competitors as the basic dashboard layout hasn’t changed a lot since it was introduced back in 2002. You also won’t find the remote touch infotainment system or a configurable gauge package in the GX either. At least Lexus has gotten the luxuries part right in the GX with leather, soft touch plastic, and wood trim along the door panels and dash. Seats in my GX tester were wrapped in semi-aniline leather and came equipped with heat for the first two rows, while cooled seats were standard for the front passengers. There is a third-row in the GX, but it really is only usable for small kids. Also with the third row up, cargo space is non-existent.Power comes from a 4.6L V8 engine with 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This is paired up to a six-speed automatic and a full-time four-wheel drive system. Despite the high power numbers, the 4.6L feels like its struggling to move the GX. Tipping the scales at 5,340 pounds explains some of struggle, as does a lazy throttle. Plus points on the V8 is not much noise when idling or accelerating in the lower rpms. The six-speed automatic delivered smooth shifts and seemed to be in a good rhythm with the engine. The GX comes with a full-suite of off-road technologies such as a central differential lock, adjustable suspension, and hill descent control which means you’ll be able to go anywhere you want. But in reality, many GXs will be in the urban jungle. During my week of testing, the only real off-roading I did in the GX was driving down a gravel road which really didn’t challenge the four-wheel drive system at all. As for fuel economy, the EPA rates the 2014 GX 460 at 15 City/20 Highway/17 Combined. You’ll be lucky if you can get 15 if you decide to drive like your grandmother. Drive normally and you’ll likely see numbers of around 12 to 13 MPG. Ouch.I was bit worried on how the GX would handle day to day driving duties as it has all of those four-wheel drive technologies, along with a tall ride height. But the GX surprised me as it provided a very comfortable and smooth ride. Bumps and road imperfections didn’t upset the GX ride, while road and wind noise were kept down. The only way I could recommend the Lexus GX 460 is that you want something luxurious to take on your adventure to death valley or the wilderness. If your main driving takes to on the mean streets, then a crossover such as the Acura MDX or Buick Enclave would be a better choice. Disclaimer: Lexus Provided the GX 460, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2014 Make: Lexus Model: GX 460 Trim: Luxury Engine: 4.6L DOHC VVT-i 32-Valve V8 Driveline: Five-Speed Automatic, Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 301 @ 5,500 Torque @ RPM: 329 @ 3,500 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - Curb Weight: 5,340 lbs Location of Manufacture: Tahara, Aichi, Japan Base Price: $60,715 As Tested Price: $62,770 (Includes $910.00 Destination Charge) Options: Mark Levinson Premium Audio - $1,145.00 Next: 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 4WD There are very few times where I’ll drop my jaw because of the price tag of a vehicle I’m reviewing, whether its a bit too high or low. Such was the case for the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ that stopped by for a weeklong review. When I was reading through the window sticker, I dropped the sheet after seeing the price tag of $69,130. After letting the shock pass over me, I was wondering who would buy an almost $70,000 Tahoe? A GMC Yukon Denali I can see, but a Tahoe?! Well Chevrolet has got the design part of the Tahoe right. The new model has the same silhouette as the last-generation, but Chevrolet’s designers have given it some distinctive touches. Up front is a larger grille with larger chrome pieces and uniquely shaped headlights. Around back is a slightly tweaked tailgate design with new taillights.Moving inside and Chevrolet deserves a gold medal for the improvements made in here. Gone is the bland dashboard design with the hard plastic and terrible looking wood trim. In its place is a dashboard full of contours and distinctive shapes, along with much better materials such as leather and soft-touch plastics on the dash which makes it a pleasant place to be in. My LTZ tester came with a eight-inch touchscreen and Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system. MyLink still has some bugs to work out such as how long it takes to respond when pressed and overall speed, but at least stability is much better than when I last used it in the Silverado. Second row passengers get a set of captain chairs with heat, along with a set of climate controls to make themselves them comfortable. Space back here is good for headroom. Legroom I found was a little-bit tight. The third row is best reserved for small kids as head and legroom are very much at a premium for adults, or to be folded into the floor to increase cargo space. Power comes from the 5.3L V8 that powers so many of GM’s light-duty trucks and SUVs. Ratings are 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet torque. This is paired up to a six-speed automatic and optional four-wheel drive system. Those looking for a more powerful V8 in their GM SUV will need to step up to the GMC Yukon Denali and Cadillac Escalade for the 6.2L V8. As I have stated before in the Silverado/Sierra review with the 5.3L V8, the throttle response when leaving a stop is very sluggish. It feels like there is a hump you have to overcome with the throttle before you get the full power of the V8. I get this is a way for GM to save fuel, but I think there are better ways to do the same thing. Once over the hump, the V8 engine has more than enough oomph to get you moving while providing very little noise. As for fuel economy, the EPA rates the 2015 Tahoe 4WD at 16 City/22 Highway/18 Combined. My average for the week was around 15 MPG. On the ride and handling front, the Tahoe is excellent. The model feels more like a luxury sedan than an SUV with good isolation of bumps and imperfections, and outside noises being kept to an almost whisper. Some of the credit has to go to the Magneride magnetic ride control system which adjusts damping characteristics in as little as 10 milliseconds. Steering is somewhat light, but has good feel.So after a week in the Tahoe, I can see kind of see why it has a high price tag. The new model is a massive improvement over the old one and leaves competitors such as the Nissan Armada in the dust. But I’m still wondering if the Tahoe is a just a hair too high price-wise for its own good. Disclaimer: Chevrolet Provided the Tahoe, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2015 Make: Chevrolet Model: Tahoe Trim: LTZ 4WD Engine: 5.3L EcoTec V8 Driveline: Six-Speed Automatic, Four-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 355 @ 5600 Torque @ RPM: 383 @ 4100 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 16/22/18 Curb Weight: 5,683 lbs Location of Manufacture: Arlington, Texas Base Price: $62,000 As Tested Price: $69,130 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge) Options: Sun, Entertainment, Destination Package - $3,255.00 Adaptive Cruise Control - $1,695.00 Max Trailering Packager - $500.00 Crystal Red Metallic Paint - $495.00 Theft-Deterrent System - $395.00 Cocoa/Mahogany Trim - $295.00 View full article