Cars
Cool Things Coming to Scion in 2015
Like many others, Scion has a New Year’s Resolution to debut an all-new body by spring. And not surprisingly, all eyes will be on its backside as Scion will be adding its first-ever sedan to its line-up.
The new sedan will be introduced in April at the New York International Auto Show along with the all-new Scion iM. The iM is the official name for the production version of the iM Concept car shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
Together, the two vehicles represent two of the three new models Scion will bring to market in the next three years aimed at independently minded 18-34 year olds. The trio will bring exciting options for Scion’s younger customers looking for vehicles to support both adventure and sensibility.
“With the iM hatchback and our first sedan, we’re inviting drivers to re-imagine what they can accomplish with a Scion,” said Scion Group Vice President Doug Murtha. “Both new models will stand out in the marketplace for their style and substance. I can confidently predict that 2015 will be an exciting year for Scion.”
Beyond the name, drivers can expect the production iM to carry forward some of the sporty looks and versatility displayed in the concept version. More details on both the production iM and sedan will be available in coming months. Information on the iM Concept is available at www.scion.com/iMConcept.
Jan 7th
10 Car Trends for 2015
MANjr writer Jeremy Johnson tackles the LA Auto Show
Full disclosure. I’m not what you’d call a big fan of trade shows.
It’s always the same. Square miles of displays that hit you over the head with the best marketing and design that money can buy. Glossy looking women smile for pictures with eager fanboys and shiny products. Legions of brand ambassadors buzz and hover around you until the exact moment you need to ask a question. It’s a trail of tears usually punctuated with a choice elbow or two from a stranger as you jockey for some cheap swag. I often make it halfway through the floor before my feet start to swell and my brain starts to wander. The perfect booth? The one with couches and recliners. Those people know what’s up.
Yet here I am. To be fair, the LA Auto Show manages to rise above it all as much as a trade show can. Cars are big business, it’s not like they’re selling bingo accessories here. End of the day, what do we learn at these shows and how do we convey it?
What do you need to know? How many thousand words to say it?
Being the internet, a top ten list seemed in order. I’ll be taking private requests for 5,000 word dissertations on each brand. PM me.
10. Fuel economy remains a crucial focus.
Automakers across the spectrum are touting fuel economy more than ever. Classes previously left out like SUV’s and trucks are advertising higher mpg’s and the numbers are actually pretty respectable. Toyota is releasing a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle this year. This is huge news. Electric cars, plug ins and hybrids are nearly ubiquitous at this point. Efficiency is king.
9. New cars are loaded with extras.
Loaded to the point that standard features like Bluetooth and connectivity are hardly mentionable. Most cars, even on the low end, come with some sort of touch screen infotainment system. Steering wheel controls and hands free systems have become nearly standard across the board.
8. Safety
New cars are very, very safe. Decades of research have collided with modern technology to provide useful features like rear cross traffic alerts, assistive braking and blind spot monitoring. Subaru is putting front facing cameras in your windshield to help prevent accidents caused by a sudden stop in front. (I’m looking at you texters) While these features attempt to keep you out of a crash in the first place, old school technology like air bags, crumple zones and reinforced cages are there when the accident can’t be avoided.
7. Cars are getting expensive
As a result of all this, cars are not cheap. Entry level sedans start around 15k, good family sedans or SUV’s will easily run you 30k. Semi-luxury cars break 40k with ease. There are lots of great cars out there but they sure aren’t giving anything away. BMW, Audi and Mercedes have several 6 figure offerings. The exotics are way out there. Here’s my advice. If you have to ask, you can’t afford it.
6. KIA really wants the world to know they are not cheap and they ready for adventure
KIA is pushing hard to get away from some older brand impressions. KIA is cheap? No way. Not with wine and cheese stations in their press area. KIA is boring? Look at the styling! Beaded seat cover inspired grills, bold and powerful lines inside and out, KIA is visually standing out more and more every year. Hell, Blake Griffin jumped over an Optima 3 years ago. You think that was it for them? KIA is all in. Over the top adventure ready imagery? The guy rappelling up and down from the KIA sign says no. I’ll agree with anyone dangling over my head.
5. The Big Players Remain the Big Players… For a Reason
I’ve always been fascinated to see an automakers entire line in one space. From an anthropological stand point, the vehicles they manufacture essentially categorize every type of person according to what type of car they drive. The common theme, from the Civic to the Dodge 2500 is that if it worked last year, do it again, but bigger and bolder. Outside of that Ford, Toyota, GM and Honda remain the big boys on the block. Ford has kept to its newest redesign and still retain notes from the Aston Martin. Honda keeps hitting it’s mark in their favorite categories of sedan, small SUV and small crossover. From Scion to Lexus, Toyota seems to have its fingers in every single aspect of the auto buyers life cycle. GM continues to flood the US market with very distinct and often niche brands. It’s business as usual for the big 4. Except…
4. Big, Bad, Toyota?
Toyota is getting aggressive! This is not just a cute Corolla with a pointy nose. This is a conscious and brand wide effort that starts at the top thanks to direct orders from Toyota President Akio Toyoda. Each year they get a little more sporty looking and a little more aggressive in style and substance. There is of course the new FT-1 concept. (Welcome back Supra!) Which looks awesome. If Toyota’s recent use of concepts holds true the FT-1 announces a major shift in design language across the line. We will see notes from the FT-1 and the Lexus LF-C2 in everything from the Corolla to the 4 Runner a lot sooner than you might think.
3. Goodbye to the Van as You Know It 
The van is dead! The van is dead! Long live the euro van! Starting with Ford and Nissan, the van as we know it is gone. The new and boxy style van we’ve become accustomed to seeing on European cobblestone is our new master. Get used to it. Even the less enthusiastic interpretations out there show signs of transition. For what it’s worth the Ford Transit offers 487.3 cubic feet of cargo space for only 35k starting. That is a ton of room. I can walk in the back standing nearly straight up. Working men rejoice!
2. Dodge remains a bunch of badasses.
Dodge continues it’s unapologetic use of machismo to lure in auto buyers. (707 hp Hellcat!!!). Big bold cars loaded with horsepower and aggressive 
styling. Dodge makes no apologies for itself. I like that even more than I like their cars.
1. Subaru goes mainstream?.
Subaru seems to have caught up in terms of driver amenities and their traditionally quirky styling has been toned down to something a little easier to digest. Brand consistency doesn’t hurt either, it’s been 18 years since Paul Hogan G’day mated us the Subaru outback and the car remains a top seller. Subaru is growing exponentially in markets they’ve only sniffed a decade ago and their car offerings reflect that. 25% annual growth will do that.
All in all some interesting and exciting things to learn this year. Cars mirror society like few other consumer items and this years crop is no exception. We are attempting to become a more efficient and practical society. The gap between the elite and the bottom continues to grow yet many reasonable facsimiles of luxury remain available to the middle class. Our country retains great access to credit and new vehicles remain accessible to many. Automakers continued focus on performance and the driver experience mean great things are ahead for new car buyers in 2015.
That is of course if you can afford it.
Jeremy is can be found on Twitter at @jeremyspeaks and Instagram @jeremybjohnson. He likes cars, food and long walks on the beach and absolutely loves typing about himself in third person
Nov 19th
Lexus Reveals LF-C2 Concept At LA Auto Show
Beautiful sunshine, warm weather, and winding roads are the perfect complements to the Lexus LF-C2 concept that made its global debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show today. The LF-C2 concept is a design study in the form of a 2+2 roadster and explores key styling themes involved in the Lexus brand’s future, bolder styling direction. The LF-C2 is also a luxury Grand Touring concept inspired by the brand’s passion for driving.
“The LF-C2 concept shows what’s in store for our brand’s future design direction,” said Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “This concept shows consumers around the world Lexus’ devotion to emotional designs as well as our passion for an exceptional driving experience.”
The LF-C2 concept involves a highly styled 2+2 layout, and is derived from a pure and simple sports coupe idea. Its open-air design allows the driver and passengers to feel the wind through their hair, while enjoying the car’s performance characteristics on their favorite twisty road. As a roadster concept, the LF-C2 concept does not have any kind of top covering the cabin.
The exterior styling of the LF-C2 was influenced by the way various surface shapes interact with different types of light. Designers created edges, planes and curvature that would allow the LF-C2 to exude a different character when seen from different angles and under different lighting conditions. This objective when combined with Lexus’ layered paint process results in a striking and progressive interpretation of an open top luxury GT.
The brilliant, golden yellow is produced by a multi-layer paint process. The first coat is a primer, followed by silver, a clear coat, then the yellow that reflects off the silver to give the brilliant luster. A final top coat is then applied.
“We’ve been instinctively drawn to and inspired by those things that capture the beauty of light,” said Yasuo Kajino, chief designer LF-C2, Lexus Design Division. “When you put something in the right light, people see it in a way they never have before.”
The front fascia of the LF-C2 is highlighted by a more experimental expression of Lexus’ signature spindle-shaped grille. The concept’s grille features a refined braided mesh theme that exemplifies Lexus’ high level of craftsmanship and changes its appearance when viewed from different angles and lighting conditions. It sits between triangle-shaped LED headlights, a signature element of Lexus sports cars, and stylish indicator lamps that initiate the character line of the LF-C2. The character line sweeps through the car’s arrow-shaped body and ends at the abbreviated rear deck. Vents in the front bumper send cool air to the brakes as well as help manage airflow through the body to help keep the front end stable at high speed.
The LF-C2’s profile shows a swooping line from the car’s front bumper fin to the steeply-angled A-pillar. Small vents in the side sills direct air to the rear brakes and out the fin-like rear diffusers. The rear end of the LF-C2 is highlighted by Lexus L-shaped taillight bulbs, an exhaust system with chrome-covered quad exhaust tips, and an expressive new rear diffuser design. The concept’s impactful stance is planted by five-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels.
Step inside, and the LF-C2 treats its occupants to a luxurious and spacious cabin that flawlessly matches the sporty elegance of the exterior. The exterior extends into the cabin as the center console originates from the rear deck and runs down the length of the cabin all the way to the dashboard. The dashboard design is presents functional simplicity with an attractive-yet-straightforward instrument cluster, a central video monitor controlled by a Remote Touchpad on the center console and a classically-styled analog clock placed between the central air vents. The thick leather-wrapped steering wheel implies that this is a driver’s car, as do the form-fitting seats.
The LF-C2’s interior designers opted to instill a balanced atmosphere of power and simplicity that harmonizes with our primary senses. White-and-gray leather surfaces are soft to the touch while LED lights that run along the length of the interior below the windows. The inviting cabin of the LF-C2 blends the open-air excitement that results from an eye-catching roadster blended with a heavy dose of Lexus luxury.
Nov 19th
Get To Know Your Car With BlueDriver
For those of us who have a mechanic that they can trust it gives you one less thing to worry about. For others who don’t have one that they can trust, it can make going to the car shop a living nightmare. If you are looking for some peace of mind the next time you hear something off about your car you should get BlueDriver from Lemur Monitors.
BlueDriver allows users to wirelessly read and clear diagnostic trouble codes without having to spend money at the mechanic. (AWESOME!) You just need to download the free BlueDriver app and plug in the BlueDriver. It is that simple. It generates vehicle specific information such as code definition, possible causes and repair recommendations. Know you are going to a repair shop with some knowledge. That will definitely give you some peace of mind.
You can check for whether or not your vehicle is ready for local emissions test and BlueDriver is the first line of defense for today’s mechanic and is an affordable diagnostic tool for that fits in your pocket. It works with all makes and models (sold in U.S. and Canada) that are 1996 or newer. It pairs via Bluetooth with Apple devices (running iOS 7.0+) and Android devices (running Android 4.0+).
Sound like something you would want? Well go to the Lemur Monitors website for more info and to purchase the BlueDriver. Your wallet and brain will thank you!
Nov 6th
Are You That Car Guy?
Photo Credit Is Cars.com for All Photos
We’ve all heard the phrase “don’t be that guy…” It’s tossed out to prevent an undesirable action in a number of situations and most cases we support the rule of thumb. For example, we support not being the guy who double dips at party. We also support not being the guy who posts every single meal to Instagram because you’re a self-proclaimed “foodie.” That said, we believe in certain cases that rule doesn’t always apply. Particularly when it comes to awesome car features. Our friends at Cars.com put together a list of the greatest “show-off” features in new cars and if you’re looking to be that car guy, take a look and head over to Cars.com to learn more. We salute you!
1. 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Magic Sky Control Roof
Mercedes doesn’t include the word “magic” in its features frivolously. We can’t say the same for Honda’s Magic Seat, which just folds differently. What happens inside of the SL- and SLK-Class roadsters is indeed some form of sorcery. An electrically charged film on the sunroof transforms the glass from transparent to opaque with the push of a button and is guaranteed to get a “Whoa” from passengers.
2. 2014 Audi A8 Retractable Bang & Olufsen Tweeters
Fire up the audio system in a Bang & Olufsen-equipped Audi A8 and you’re in for a surprise as two tweeter towers automatically extend out of the dashboard. Is it awesome? Yes. Will it break? Probably. But when it does work, all eyes in the car will be on those precisely aligned speakers as they rise from the dashboard.
3. Self-Parking Systems
The art of showing off often starts from the very first time you ride a bicycle hands free, shouting “Look, Ma, no hands.” When equipped with a self-parking system like on the 2015 Lincoln MKC, drivers can utter the same phrase. The car identifies a parking space and automatically steers into place while the driver modulates the brake and accelerator pedal. Even your mom would be impressed.
4. Multimode Exhaust Systems
Nothing makes your presence known like a gloriously loud exhaust system on a bright red sports car. Automakers like Chevrolet and Porsche have embraced the experience with tame exhaust systems that transform into head-turning loud on demand. The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette’s electronically controlled valve in the optional Performance Exhaust System opens a lower-resistance path in the mufflers, meaning loud. The Porsche 911’s optional sports exhaust is one of the most boisterous out there and can set off car alarms in parking garages with a rev of the engine.
5. 2015 Dodge Challenger Sublime Green Paint
It’s not a feature, but the Sublime Pearl Coat green paint on the 2015 Dodge Challenger is one of the most eye-grabbing colors laid onto any new car shell. The retina-burning green is like a bug zapper for gearheads. Be prepared to cite horsepower, torque and quarter-mile times to multiple onlookers, daily, while sitting at a stoplight, loading groceries or refueling.
6. 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Performance Data Recorder
Chances are an exhaust system or other feature on this list will only garner the attention of a few people at a time. With Chevrolet’s Performance Data Recorder, you can show off your shiny new Corvette’s track day or coastal cruise to the entire internet with an onboard high-definition video camera and telemetry-recording capabilities. Telemetry like vehicle speed, engine speed, gear speed, braking force and more can be overlaid on the video, recorded and then transferred to a computer for editing and sharing.
7. 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hot-Stone Massaging Seats
No one will be able to see it but you’re bound to turn a few heads when talking about the spa inside the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The available “hot stone” massaging seats use up to 14 individual heated air cushions in the seatback of the front and rear seats, mimicking a hot stone massage at the spa. Complete the spalike experience with a selectable cabin fragrance.
8. Launch Control (Various Models)
Launch control goes by many names, but it really should be called “Hold on to your butt” mode, because that’s what you say to warn passengers. Launch control is an exhilarating experience for both the driver and passenger in a supercar like the all-wheel-drive 545-horsepower 2015 Nissan GT-R with its neck-snapping start from 4,000 rpm that pins you to the back of your seat.
9. Chrysler SRT Performance Pages
Chrysler’s high-performance SRT models include a suite of digital acceleration timers to promote shenanigan show-off behavior — at the track, of course. Called Uconnect Performance Pages, these electronic displays have timers for zero-to-60 mph, elapsed timers for eighth- and-quarter-mile times and cornering g-force loads. In addition to simply displaying the times, the best time is saved as a reminder of the number you have to beat.
10. 2015 Jeep Wrangler Removable Doors, Roof
Not all show-off features have to break new ground. You can show the town you’re a fun person and like to have a good time by driving a new Jeep Wrangler with doors and roof removed just like in the classics. It’s a guaranteed way to have a good day and attract a few eyeballs.
Oct 14th
Things to Look For When Buying A New Truck
If you are in the market for a new truck you are in luck. The fine folks at Cars.com gave us some helpful hints to think about when purchasing that new truck.
Four Doors, By Any Name
While truck-makers may have different names for it, people will want a truck with four full doors, often known as a crew cab truck. These models make getting in and out easier and provide for more cabin space. Yes, the four-door models are more expensive, but it will be worth it.
Running Boards
Getting into a truck can be difficult for small people, tall people and basically anyone who is not a giant. It’s a long way down from the cabin of a truck to the ground, and running boards function as a stepstool. Ideally, you should look for a truck that has powered running boards that move in and out with each opening and closing of the door. However, even the old-fashioned kind that remain in place are fine, too, so long as they’re there. Without running boards, entry and exit have the potential to cost someone an ankle.
Storage
One of the simple yet beautiful things about a pickup truck is its nearly endless storage. You can fit more than you’ve ever imagined in the bed of a truck. Beyond the bed, there are options like the Ram 1500’s RamBox, which are large, lockable 
storage boxes embedded in the sides of the truck’s bed. These are useful for securing valuables.
Inside the cab, models with front bucket seats offer huge center consoles that can fit a laptop and a handbag without a problem. Models with a front bench seat don’t have the enormous console, but many still offer a roomy bin underneath the center seat cushion. Dual glove boxes, multiple cup- and bottleholders and in-door cubbies are also prevalent in most pickups.
Seating Versatility
A full-size pickup truck can fit up to six people comfortably if it has a front bench seat. Without the front bench, a truck accommodates five people. Additionally, trucks like the Toyota Tundra are available with a 60/40-split backseat that can be flipped up in various configurations to create different storage and seating options.
Comfort, Convenience & Safety Features
When it comes to features, safety and finish, trucks can be bare-bones or the height of luxury these days. Bluetooth 
connectivity, dual-zone climate control and integrated multimedia systems are all common among trucks, and features like bed covers or fold-up rear steps to create access into the bed are offered, too. When it comes to safety features, trucks can be outfitted with backup cameras, blind spot warning systems and even parking sensors.
Oct 2nd
2015 Toyota Camry Review
I’ve never been to Hawaii before, but I always wanted to go. I was actually in the middle of planning a trip out there when our good friends at Toyota hit me up with an invite I couldn’t refuse. I’ve had my share of fun on Toyota trips in the past, mind you. I went on a Toyota Corolla San Diego mission last year that included nude beach paragliding, a helicopter tour and other shenanigans, so I figured, how bad could a week long trip to Hawaii really be?
Well everything you’ve heard about Hawaii is true. I made the trip to the Big Island and enjoyed things like daily snorkel missions with sea turtles, a night dive with manta rays, a scenic helicopter tour, sunset cruise, volcano visit, kayaking, Mai Tai’s on Mai Tai’s, you get the idea. Not a bad place to host a press event for test driving the 2015 Toyota Camry, Sienna and Yaris. I mean look at this place:
We’ll be posting our impressions on the Sienna and Yaris later this week, but first up is the 2015 Toyota Camry.
You probably already know this, but hey, it’s worth repeating. The Toyota Camry is an insanely popular car. Like 10.2 million sold since 1983 popular. 6.6 million Camrys still on the road kinda popular. People really enjoy this car and Toyota is happy to cater to this love by producing a brand new Camry every 54 seconds.
They sold over a million of these things in 2011, which was the highest year-over-year volume increase in the ultra-competitive mid-size sedan segment. It’s the best-selling car on the road for the past 12 years running,
So yea, people like it. But Toyota changed a lot of stuff with this new Camry. The 2015 has more than 2,000 new parts to it. It’s got a new grill, a new hood, a new bumper cover, a bunch of surface interior changes and so forth. Only the roof remained unchanged on the outside.
What makes the 2015 so different? I can talk about the 22 new reinforced spot welds or the percentage of lateral vibration improvement or things like this, but I’m a simple man. I need things explained to me from authoritative sources. So naturally, I went to the Chief Engineer of the Toyota Camry, Monte Kaehr.
Talk to Me, Chief
I first ran into Monte while photographing a gorgeous sunset during a cruise along the Kohala Coast off the Big Island of Hawaii. He seemed like a chill enough guy, so after my first 2015 Camry test drive, I sought him out for some insider info.
Kaehr told me about the premium athletic styling that’s become a major theme for the car – a theme that will remain a focus for the foreseeable future. But what I wanted to know was what fired Kaehr up the most about the 2015 Camry.
Kaeher explained to me that before ramping up the updates for the 2015 Camry, Toyota hosted driving clinics in three different spots: Long Beach, California; Denver, Colorado; and White Plains, New York. The clinics featured standard midsize segment cars and owners. Drivers were up front doing their thing as a series of preset questions were issued from the back seat, with auto super-geeks like Kaeher sitting in on the sessions to absorb some unfiltered customer feedback.
Kaeher told me about one woman who drove over a bump in Long Beach and commented that the bump felt “harsh.” The input forces weren’t that big, he said, but it was the sound itself that generated the harsh vibe.
“Taking the edge off the sound,” Kaeher said, became a major focus. Toyota used sound absorption materials throughout the cabin to suppress sounds near the frequencies of human speech. Custom-formed foam inserts seal service holes in the doors. They provided 30 percent more insulation while moving the side mirrors out to further reduce noise. They even put in acoustic windshields for the V6 and Hybrid models.
It’s that reduction of road noise that really gives the car “a more premium feel,” according to Kaeher. Previous Camrys didn’t have this. It’s really noticeable, too.
In another one of these clinical tests, some dude expressed concern that there wasn’t enough reserve braking power. When telling this story, Kaehr had to explain force curves to me, because, as I said earlier, I’m a simple man. Toyota wanted to make the force curve more linear in the Camry by increasing the spring rate to provide stronger feedback.
“Making it linear means you can predict it better and control it better,” he said. Linear feedback makes things “more precise, confident and natural,” Kaehr explained. The 2015 Camry is the first Toyota to roll this out. You heard it here first.
The model’s chief engineer also explained what didn’t change in the 2015 Camry.
“We looked at changing the engines and we decided not to,” Kaehr said.
Well wait a minute, chief engineer guy. I thought turbos were all the rage, right?
Well you see, the man drives a V6 SE and absolutely loves the engine. This seemed like a point he was more than ready to defend. Switching to Turbo may sound flashy, but Kaehr was eager to produce a Car and Driver article that showed the fuel economy benefits Camry had over similar midsize sedans that featured standard turbo engines.
“It may not sound sexy, but it’s the right engine to have,” Kaehr said. The man obviously knows his stuff and he had supporting documentation on competitive fuel economy benefits in his back pocket. He passionately made a good case, and I believe him. He wants the Camry to be seen as a balanced machine. One that provides performance pleasure and everyday enjoyment.
“Even if people buy it for its practical characteristics,” Kaehr said, “we still want people to love it.”
Driving Impressions
I tested a few different Camry models during my time in Hawaii. I tried the sporty XSE so I could test out the paddle shifters. That thing sure took on winding highways with ease (I’m looking at you, Mamalahoa Hwy). I took the Hybrid SE out for an impromptu 200-mile night drive to go see a guy about a volcano. (Side note: if you’re ever on the Big Island, do yourself a favor and go check out Kilauea at night. The misty glow from the crater is sight to see and the view of the stars from the top of that volcano are decidedly world class). It was a calm, quiet ride where the gas gauge remained friendly (EPA estimated 43 MPG in the city, baby) and the LED fog lights cut through a pillow of vog (volcanic fog) like nobody’s business.
I gotta say that the V6 engines didn’t leave me feeling underserved. There were plenty of times when I needed to gun past some lazy island drivers on a two-lane highway situation, and every time I punched it, the V6 Camrys would respond with an appropriate level of thrust.
If you want a detailed breakdown on camshafts, dual-independent variable valve timing with intelligence or K platforms, you can find that stuff from other, more reputable outlets. At MANjr, we take a more simple approach.
Was it comfy? It sure was. The seats can fit a big man and this whole Toyota push for soft-touch interior material throughout was a spot on.
Is it pretty? I mean yea, it’s not a bad looking sedan. You got the French stitching and metallic chrome accents on the inside and athletic lines with the piano black honeycomb grill on the outside.
Did it have cool tech? The 4.2” TFT Mutli-Information Display unit with the Entune app suite and a sound system designed by JBL were all pretty solid. Wireless phone charging is a pretty sweet (albeit non-standard) addition. According to Entune Subject Matter Expert Andy Lam, all you need is a $20 Qi wireless charging case from Amazon and you’re in business. LED headlamps, lane departure alerts, a pre-collision system, yea, this things got some nice gadgetry to it.
Bottom line, it’s an affordable option for drivers looking for reliability with a touch of sport and luxury. People love this car for a reason, and with a near complete overhaul midway through a typical model lifecycle, Toyota’s putting in some serious effort to stay ahead of the mid-sized pack. It’s worth checking out for yourself.
The 2015 Camry at a Glance
- LE base price: $22,970
- SE base price: $23,840
- XLE base price: $26,150
- XSE base price: $26,150
- XLE V6 base: $31,370
- XSE V6 base: $31,370
- Hybrid LE base: $26,790
- Hybrid SE: $27,995
- Hybrid XLE: $29,980
Sep 29th
Check Out Toyota’s Vehicle Of The Future
The do-it-yourself movement is transforming cities with invention-focused Maker Faire events, growing entrepreneurship, and a new Toyota concept to fit these trends. Inspired by a growing innovative spirit in urban areas, Toyota revealed today the Urban Utility concept vehicle – or U2 – at a private panel discussion hosted by Make: magazine in San Francisco. Vehicle elements reflect the lifestyle and needs of an entrepreneurial, urban driver discovered through interviews with Maker Faire participants and internal Toyota market research.
Developed by Toyota’s Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, California, the Toyota U2 concept features a new open 
architecture and purposeful materials that redefine urban utility. Designers included the ability to roll back the roof, fold down the tailgate into a ramp and customize the interior on a versatile rail system. The concept car will make its first public appearance at World Maker Faire in New York City on Sept. 20 and 21.
Among the U.S. trends that influenced the Calty design team were a growth in entrepreneurship and Americans’ love of adventure, especially outdoor activities involving gear and equipment. Drawing on these insights, the Toyota U2 concept is a flexible, functional gadget that owners can customize according to individual, on-the-go needs. The retractable utility bar can serve unique uses, such as holding a desk or grocery bag hooks. Side windows flip up for easy access from roadside.
Customizable Interior
Other key interior highlights include:
- Versatile utility rail system configurable to hold everything from baskets to bike stands
- Ability to fold and remove the front passenger seat
- Fold-up rear seating
- Unique shifter design with intuitive switch for parking, drive and reverse mode
- Choice among a selection of colors and materials to fit needs
Toyota research showed the fast-growing small SUV segment points to a desire for greater utility but a smaller vehicle footprint. The Toyota U2 concept is the size of a compact car with the functionality of a compact truck and the spaciousness of a cargo van. It satisfies other key urban driver priorities including good fuel economy, maneuverability in city environments and easy loading and unloading.
An Exterior for the City
City streets call for a vehicle that can handle bumper-to-bumper traffic, potholes and tight corners. The Toyota U2 concept has an extremely durable underbody and tool-like exterior with a customizable side panel. The iconic, modern design remains playful, with details such as circular door handles and a slightly chunky proportion. The box-like design at the rear emphasizes the storage capabilities.
Highlights of the exterior include:
- Roof panels that retract open
- Rear glass that can slide into the tailgate
- Tailgate that folds down into a ramp
- Protective, replaceable ridges on tailgate
Sep 10th
The Freshman 15: Cars.com Experts Break Down the Top Cars For College
As classes begin at college campuses across the country and newly minted co-eds embark on the next big step, avoiding the infamous “Freshman 15,” buddying up with the dormitory hall monitor and finding the right car to help make campus life a little easier are all things on the to-do list.
To help with the latter, Cars.com editors Jennifer Newman and Kristin Varela put their heads together to bring new meaning to the Freshman 15. Instead of counting carbs, they’re counting cars, breaking down a list of the best rides for university living. From the tailgate-party ready Kia Sportage to the affordable yet sporty Mazda6, this list has a little something for everyone.
Cars.com “Freshmen 15” – Top Cars for College Students
Used Cars
2009 Ford Focus
It’s not the most exciting-looking car, but this sedan handles well and has a plenty powerful four-cylinder engine that’ll make it easy for college-age drivers keep up with traffic on the highway to university.
2008 Ford Fusion
This midsize sedan has good ride quality, but college students will appreciate its roomy trunk – perfect for hauling loads of laundry back to Mom and Dad’s house.
2008 Ford Taurus
Whether you’re hauling friends around town or hauling your worldly possessions to campus, the Taurus has plentiful passenger and cargo room.
2007 Honda Civic
Most of us remember scrounging for money to pay for gas when in college, but the fuel-efficient Civic, with a EPA-estimated 29 mpg city/highway combined, will help college students stretch their dollars.
2009 Hyundai Sonata
If Mom and Dad are buying a car for their college-bound student, the Sonata will likely be at the top of their shopping list because of all its standard safety features including an electronic stability system, which was optional in many other 2009 models.
2008 Kia Sportage
The Sportage is a small crossover with used-car affordability. A standard fold-flat front passenger seat makes the Sportage a great choice for those epic cross-country dorm-room hauls.
2008 Mazda6
The first-gen Mazda6 remains a compelling choice for the collegiate bound willing to sacrifice a little cabin room for sportiness. Vroom Vroom!
2007 Nissan Altima
Students excelling in the study of vehicular podiatry (aka lead-footed syndrome) have their chariot in the Altima, whose engines, a capable four-cylinder or big V-6, employed manual or responsive continuously variable automatic transmissions.
2008 Scion xB
If the xB’s polarizing styling suits you, there’s a lot to love about Scion’s boxy runabout. Plenty of standard safety features, including six airbags and an electronic stability system, make the xB a natural choice for young adults lacking a fully developed frontal lobe.
2007 Toyota Prius
Even by today’s standards, Toyota’s iconic second-gen Prius still gets excellent mileage (46 mpg). Its reliability is also a winner even in this above-average crowd, both features to be appreciated by the ramen-eating portion of our population.
New Cars
2014 Hyundai Elantra
This compact sedan, which also comes in coupe and hatchback body styles, is a good fit for college students thanks to its good interior quality, roomy seats and trunk, and top crash scores; and its lengthy warranty will put any college student’s mind at ease.
2014 Kia Soul
Kia delivers an all-new Soul for 2014 in an ever-so-slightly more mature version that still manages to keep its youthful Soul soul. College students craving adult independence while still clinging onto their carefree youth will fit this functional hauler perfectly.
2014 Mazda CX-5
With its good looks and even better 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes driving spirited, this compact crossover will be the car of choice for college drivers and their friends.
2014 Subaru Forester
The 2014 Subaru Forester may look only slightly different on the outside, but inside, it’s a significantly improved SUV. This all-wheel-drive compact SUV beats competitors on price, fuel economy and performance is a top choice for penny-pinching finance scholars. It’s also comfortable and quiet on the road.
2015 Volkswagen Golf
With a lower starting price of $18,815 and more standard equipment, the redesigned 2015 Golf fits the bill for money-conscious students.
Aug 29th
Extreme Grillers: Small Cars Big On BBQ
To prove such fantasies can be a reality, Mobil 1 has been traveling the country in search of mad geniuses who have taken their passion for grilling, cars and performance beyond expectations.
Just released today, the first episode of Mobil 1 presents: Extreme Grillers takes you behind-the-scenes with MV Designz in La Habra, Calif. and their Kogi Scion xD, which they dubbed “The Mobil Grilling Machine.” This engineering marvel includes a refrigerator, a fully functional sink and a barbeque grill in back.
Each episode, released everyone one to two weeks through early January 2015, features the stories behind everyday vehicles – from classic cars cut in half to modern engineering wonders – that have been converted into culinary marvels. Viewers will not only see these extreme grills in action, but will also hear from the creators, discovering what it took to bring such amazing contraptions to life.
You can catch the first episode of Mobil 1 presents: Extreme Grillers at ThePostGame YouTube Channel, as well as the Mobil 1 Facebook page at Facebook.com/Mobil1.
Jul 16th
