Drew Dowdell

Makes the most sense. Early adopters are usually willing to spend more.

Toyota announced today that the Toyota Avalon and Camry would be getting an all-wheel drive option. It's the first time the Camry has offered all-wheel drive since 1991 and the first ever for Avalon. AWD will be available as a standalone option on Camry LE, XLE, SE, and XSE trims and on the Avalon XLE and Limited trims. In both models, the car is powered by a 202 horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and an 8-speed automatic. Camry XSE AWD and both Avalon AWD trims get 205hp with their dual exhaust. The AWD system is borrowed from the Toyota RAV-4 and is called Dynamic Torque Control AWD. It is designed to help with traction in slippery weather but not drag down fuel economy when the weather is clear. The AWD system can direct up to 50 percent of the torque to the rear wheels. When AWD isn't needed, the system can disengage the drive shaft from the differential to lessen the drag on fuel efficiency. Neither of these cars was originally planned to have AWD, but given the flexibility of the TNGA architecture they and the RAV4 all ride on, Toyota's R&D department in Saline Michigan was able to modify the cars for this new option. The body of the Camry and Avalon was combined with the drivetrain of the RAV-4. Floor structure modifications were required, plus the use of an electronic parking brake. The gas tank was modified, and despite of the addition of a rear differential, the trunk floor height remains the same. The addition of AWD adds 165lbs to the Camry while the Avalon's weight remains the about the same as the FWD V6 model. Camry AWD will be arriving for model year 2020, while Avalon AWD arrives in 2021. View full article

I like the simplicity of the dashboard in these

Hyundai has announced that is has developed the world's first road noise countering active noise control system. While active noise control is available in many makes and models, it is limited to when the noise is constant and predictable. Hyundai's new system is able to analyze noise at a much faster pace. The digital sound processor can respond to a noise in 0.002 seconds. Cabin microphones constantly monitor road noise and then the speaker system emits sound waves that cancel out drone or engine roughness. Hyundai says they are able to decrease cabin noise by up to 3dB. That means that noise is cut nearly in half as compared to running without RANC. In EVs that can make the ride almost completely silent. The first application of this will be applied to an upcoming Genesis model, likely the Genesis SUV. View full article

Could be good for a mid-cycle refresh

After a fairly clear teaser image last month, the South Korean market Kia K5 has been unveiled. Kia hopes to make the same splash that Hyundai did with the mechanically similar 2020 Sonata. While this K5 is in Korean domestic market spec, we're fairly certain that the North American Optima will look virtually identical to this K5. The K5 may look like a hatchback similar to the Volkswagen Arteon or Buick Regal, but it is still in fact a sedan, the swoopiness of the car accentuated by the frameless windows. The new K5 is bigger than the outgoing Kia Optima by about 2 inches in length, and widened nearly an inch. Wheelbase has also been lengthened about 1.8 inches. In Korean spec, the base model will come with 16-inch wheels while 17, 18, and 19-inch upgrades are available. The interior hasn't been revealed yet, but a concept sketch shows a more upmarket interior with large LCD screens. Powertrains for the U.S. will likely mirror those of the Hyundai Sonata with a 191 horsepower 2.5 liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder or an upgrade to a 1.6-liter turbo-direct-injection with 180 horsepower and a wide torque band maxing out at 195 lb.-ft. The K5 goes on sale in the Korean market in December. View full article

I'm turning 29 for the 12th time ?

For the 12th time. They're talking about a winter storm, but it's just rain here now.

Thanks all!

Everything went up of course...but Avalanche, suburban, and Tahoe jumped about $10k in a single model year change.

GM won't do it. They think they're special and price things high only to have to rebate them later.

Well... if nothing else, I wish an American manufacturer the best of luck. I hope they create many jobs to help replace those which were lost.

Tesla is already outselling BMW and Benz at their respective price points.

Cause if they can get 300 horsepower and still get decent mileage... why not?

In other parts of the world, energy isn't doing so hot right now. In the US, it's sort of in limbo. It has nothing to do with I.T.. I imagine financial sector is doing pretty well for the moment. What do you do ykX?

The Avalanche sales tanked like that because they got so expensive. Still, a GMC Avalanche offered only in SLT and Denali trims would would.

I'm an I.T. Project manager specializing in infrastructure projects or mergers and acquisitions.. Basically, I build/upgrade/tear down/move big server projects. I happen to work in the energy sector right now, but I'm pretty sector agnostic. My job translates well to any sector.

Yeah. I'm possibly losing my job by the end of the year. I've been there 13 years though, so my severance package will be good. I'm not super worried about it. Might even take some time off.

Well, we'll see if this recession is really a thing I guess. 50% employee cuts across the board at work.

CAn you link me? My old link appears to be broken. Fully capable of 100mph scheduled service too.