Toyota Makes Zero (emissions)

The 2014 Toyota Rav4 EV

The new 2014 Toyota Rav4 EV was shown off at the Maker Faire, and it shows what exactly is possible with a lot of engineering and time to make things right.

This vehicle is oozing with commuting potential, and when you look under the hood it becomes apparent how efficient this little vehicle is when you are given access to the simplicity underneath, compared to a normal fuel-driven vehicle.

Benefits of the Rav4 EV

Toyota engineers had two years to retrofit an existing Rav4 with an all-electric system and they succeeded through the challenges creating a vehicle that comes with quite a few benefits. First of all it produces little to no pollution while running because it isn't burning fuel, sure it consumes electricity that is sometimes created by burning fuel, but it is more efficient which causes less emissions to be released into the atmosphere.

This vehicle is also much more affordable to operate because electricity is cheaper than gasoline is. You simply charge it up at home, or a charging station and then take the short trip around town while enjoying the fact that you didn't pay for a drop of gasoline to do it. Compared to other EV's on the market, the Rav4 is also quite spacious and it can easily cart around a family of 5 to their local destination.

The Downfalls

There are two major downfalls with this vehicle as well, and they are what will stop many people from picking them up. The first is that the range is 100 miles, which keeps many local destinations within reach, but you won't be taking a roadtrip in this EV anytime soon unless you are willing to track down charge stations and take significant breaks ever 100 miles. The other downfall is the charging process, which can take a few hours to complete. This is a major setback to the vehicle, but when used for local commuting it really isn't much of an issue.

Engineered for Distance

Even though the Rav4 is quite large it achieves its impressive range thanks to advanced engineering efforts. The shape of the vehicle, along with the long rear spoiler, and the special side-view mirrors cut the drag coefficient down to .30 which is lower than any other SUV in the world.

This vehicle will be an excellent option for those looking to lower commute costs, it will take some time before EV's are replacing fuel-driven vehicles for long-distance traveling.

New Lexus CUV at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show

Lexus is Going to Unveil the New Lexus

There have been plenty of rumors swirling around about the next crossover that Lexus is going to be producing, and it seems that all the rumors will be put to rest at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show where the CUV or crossover utility vehicle will be displayed. While there are no exact specs released on the vehicle yet, experts have a general idea about what to expect out of the new crossover that Lexus is working on.

Only time will tell whether or not Lexus goes ahead with their production, but let's go ahead and take a look at the expectations that experts have for this new vehicle, and the possible motive behind producing such a thing for Lexus.

What is the CUV?

It is believed that the CUV is going to be a smaller SUV than any that Lexus has released so far. This could have good implications for both cost and gas mileage of the vehicle. There is a rumor that this CUV is going to be built on top of the Toyota RAV4 architecture, which could leave it looking relatively similar to the smaller crossover so sells so well from Toyota.

The new model is most-likely going to be a hybrid, which should boost the gas mileage to a higher level than any of the current SUVs that are offered by Lexus.

Keeping Up with the Competition

It makes sense for Lexus to be releasing this type of vehicle for production, because of the smaller SUVs that are being released by its competitors. There is the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3 that are both vehicle types that don't really have matches at Lexus currently. By producing these CUVs, Lexus can offer an alternative to these other models, and produce something that people have been clamoring for, which is a more fuel efficient SUV from Lexus.

Another Motive for the Kentucky Facility

The need for new CUV production could be another reason that Toyota jumped at the chance to expand their Georgetown facility to begin producing Lexus vehicles as well. While they won't be producing CUVs in Kentucky, they could be clearing out room at their Japan facilities to start making the CUVs back home. By sending the work over to Georgetown instead, there will be space open in the facility, and that means that they could avoid putting up a new facility to produce the CUVs when the time comes to release them.

As an increased demand for these smaller CUVs increases, it only makes sense for Lexus to make an appearance in the market as well, and grab a piece of that business. After all, a Lexus fan is going to pick their CUV over something offered by BMW or Audi, but they don't have that luxury until the new models are finally released.

Everyone at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show will be waiting with baited breath for the brand new CUV offering that Lexus is most likely going to show off. 

2014 Lexus IS Review

2014 Lexus IS - New Features that Come Packed in

The new Lexus IS is coming standard with a bunch of new features, and $1,400 worth of old features that used to be optional. These features give you more control over the way the vehicle drives, additional multimedia options, as well as an enhanced climate control experience that make the vehicles more enjoyable to drive.

Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation. First introduced in 1989 in the United States, Lexus is now sold globally and has become Japan's largest-selling make of premium cars. The Lexus marque is marketed in over 70 countries and territories worldwide, and has ranked among the ten largest Japanese global brands in market value. Lexus is headquartered in Nagoya, Japan. Operational centers are located in Brussels, Belgium, and Torrance, California, United States.

Lexus originated from a clandestine flagship sedan project, code-named F1, which began in 1983 and culminated in the launch of the original Lexus LS in 1989. Subsequently, the division added sedan, coupé, convertible, and SUV models. In 2005, a hybrid version of the RX crossover debuted, and additional hybrid models later joined the division's lineup. In 2007, Lexus launched its own F marque performance division with the debut of the IS F sport sedan, followed by the LFA supercar in 2009.

Weather and Traffic Updates

Lexus IS owners are going to be the first who are able to get free weather and traffic updates over an HD radio service that comes built into the vehicle. Both of these services are offered to the car owners anywhere where they can get a signal for the radio. These services would have cost the car owners before because they had to be purchased through Sirius XM satellite radio.

Improved Driver Control

The models come standard with HID headlamps, as well as LED daytime lights that are in an L-formation. You can shift the vehicle using a set of paddle shifters, and you will be able to select the drive mode that you want for the vehicle while you are cruising around. The drive mode gives you better access to the power when you want to go fast, and improves fuel economy when you are going on trips and you want to save some money on gas.

Advanced Climate Control

The dual climate control system features an advanced neural network artificial intelligence. This technology takes into account a bunch of different factors including the temperature inside the vehicle, settings that the driver has chosen, as well as the temperature outside of the vehicle, and it uses all of that information to make a decision on how to best alter the climate so that it is as comfortable as possible. Not only is the car worried about the actual temperature inside the cabin, but how that temperature feels within the cabin which can be very different from the temperature itself.

An Intuitive Display

The 7-inch VGA monitor is another revolutionary feature for Lexus IS owners because it gives you a lot of control over the information that you are looking up. First and foremost you can get navigation information. You can also look things up on the Internet if you want to, as long as you provide an Internet connection such as through a smartphone. Finally all the information that you are getting from this screen is controlled via an advanced voice recognition system that uses two different microphones to get the most accurate reading it can.

You can also control the radio, take a look at phone screens, and alter the climate control system. If you don't want to bother with the voice control, there is also a haptic joystick that lets you jump around on the screens flawlessly.

On top of adding all the advanced technology, the 2014 Lexus is also 2.1 percent cheaper than the 2013 model adding further to the overall value of the vehicle, and has a total of 10 different airbags making it one of the safest IS's yet. The car doesn't go on sale until later this year, but with all of the features that are coming standard this time around, this entry-level Lexus looks like a better deal than ever before. 

Qi Wireless Charging Technology

2014 Toyota Prius Supports Qi Wireless Charging Technology The next-gen Prius is coming with an optional next-gen feature that may excite gadget owners. The technology is known as Qi wireless charging, and you will be able to have a Qi pad put into your 2014 Prius at the time of ordering it. Not only will this feature make keeping your future devices topped up a snap, but it will reduce the overall clutter in your vehicle which is always a good thing. What is Qi Charging? Qi Wireless charging is a type of inductive charging that relies on a very small electromagnetic field to transfer energy. There are no wires involved with this charging process. Instead there is a simple pad, and there is a receiver in each device that you want to charge. The receiver will pick up on the energy that is being released by the pad, and slowly charge up your cellphone, without you having to worry about plugging a wire in. Why it is Beneficial? The Qi wireless charging standard is going to reduce the need to have a bunch of different chargers in your vehicle. Instead of needing a charger for your phone, your mp3 player, and the portable game systems that your children own, you just set them all on the same charging pad and they will charge up. This simplifies the charging process dramatically, and it will help cut down on the clutter in vehicles. How does it Work in the Prius? The 2014 Prius is going to have a Qi charging pad installed near the center of the vehicle in the middle console. This pad will hardly be noticeable, and you will be able to charge your devices simply by setting them in the center console. Most owners will probably get in the habit of setting their devices down in the center console when they get in the vehicle, and removing them again when they get back out to have their batteries charged up. This technology is only going to be installed in the new Priuses as an upgrade, but it is sure to be a technology that only grows in popularity as more devices become compatible with the Qi wireless charging system. If you choose to have the device installed into your vehicle, the installation will be handled by the dealership, and it will be ready to go in your vehicle before you drive it home for the first time. Compatible Devices Just to name a few of the devices that are already compatible with this system, there is the Samsung Galaxy S4, the HTC Droid DNA, and the Nokia Lumia 920. As new phones are released there is sure to be an increased list of devices that support the technology, and there is a large group of manufacturers who are now supporting the standard completely. Qi inductive technology is slowly becoming more popular, and eventually more Toyota vehicles are sure to offer this option as well, but for now the 2014 Prius is one of the first vehicles to offer a rather new feature that many technology enthusiasts will enjoy.

2014 TOYOTA TUNDRA REVIEW

2014 TOYOTA TUNDRA

A First Glance at the 2014 Toyota Tundra

Now that the new year has arrived people are eagerly awaiting the new lineup of 2014 vehicles. While they won't be released until sometime in September, we have the details on the new 2014 Toyota Tundra, and they show off some of the more impressive features that Toyota is making available to customers this year.

The New Look

The most obvious change to the new Tundra is in the overall appearance. Toyota took time redesigning the Tundra to improve the appearance, while improving the space within the cab, and making controls easier for the driver to reach. The chrome grill is now taller and more prominent, while the rest of the front has sharper edges that make it look more modern. The front bumper is split into three different pieces which creates a nice visual effect while making it more cost effective to purchase replacement bumper pieces.

The designers worked hard to make the five different grade levels of the Tundra stand out from one another. Not only is there going to be additional features with the various grades, but they promise that you will be able to tell the difference with the appearance of the vehicle. Not only will the different grades look different on the outside, but they are supposed to be very different within the cab as well.

Brand New Interior Features

The new interior features are what has many people talking this year. For instance, every one of the five different models is now going to come standard with a backup camera, a first for a truck, as well as Bluetooth connectivity. The gauge cluster has received a face-lift that makes use of 3D metallic rings around each of the various gauges. Within that cluster there is also a 3.5 inch display that is used to show off a variety of information about the truck as you are driving it.

Improved Handling Over Older Models

Many new features go into improving the overall handling of the new Tundra. The valving in the shock absorbers of the vehicle has been tuned to perform better over harsh landscapes so that the truck will be more stable than ever before. The steering system has received some upgrades as well which makes it easier to continue driving straight despite traveling over an uneven road. These features are supposed to reduce the fatigue that drivers experience when traveling on uneven roads. There has also been a set of stabilizing fins attached to both the exterior mirror bases as well as the outside of the rear tail lamps to improve stability even further.

A Quieter Ride

Although the 2013 Tundra is a relatively quiet vehicle to drive, these optimizations have been improved further with more advanced soundproofing technology. The cabin is even quieter in this model making it the most relaxing to drive yet.

Staying with Proven Engines

Although Toyota has made a number of different changes with their 2014 Tundra, they didn't touch the engine technology at all, and that may not be a bad thing since the three engine options are very reliable. The least powerful of the three is the 270 horsepower 4-liter V6 that features a dual overhead cam arrangement. Next up in power is the 310 horsepower 4.6 liter V8 that is also set up in the dual overhead cam arrangement. This engine creates a total of 327 lb.-ft. of torque which is a major jump up from the 278 lb.-ft. of torque that the first engine creates. The most powerful option is the 5.7 liter DOHC V8 with i-Force technology. This engine creates a total of 381 horsepower and it generates over 401 lb.-ft. of torque.

It is important to note that these engine specifications are simply preliminary specifications, and it is possible that they may change between now, and when the trucks are officially released in September.

Most people will be happy with the approach that Toyota is taking with their newest Tundra model. They are making changes to improve the overall handling and appearance of the vehicle, while leaving alone the features that are already working well for the truck. The all-new Tundra, promises to provide an improved driving experience over the previous models, and should have a pretty appealing face-lift as well. 

Used Car Inspection

Used cars can be much better deals than new cars in many cases. New cars depreciate much faster, and you lose out on money when you purchase one. Used cars on the other hand, have already depreciated a large amount, and will lose value much slower. However, the savings to your bank account is not going to do you any good if you buy a car that isn’t as reliable as it is made out to be. Learn how to inspect used vehicles to find out if they have problems and you can snatch those great deals without fear. 

Inspecting a Used Car

Park the Car on Level Ground

Start off by bringing the car somewhere level where you can inspect it. When you are on a level surface it is much easier to see if anything is sagging, or if there is an issue with one of the tires. 

Examine the Exterior

Take a very long look at the outside of the car before you even bother looking inside it. Examine all of the surfaces of the vehicle for any irregularities in the paint. If it looks thicker in some areas than others it probably has body filler on it. Place a magnet on the car in those spots to test that theory. A magnet should stick to the car body, while it will fall off filler. 

If you do find any spots that just don’t look natural make sure that you ask about them. There could be a mild reason for the filler, or it could have been crashed into a tree. 

Pop the Trunk

Open up the trunk and look in that secret compartment that holds the spare tire. If the trunk is in very bad shape there is a good chance the rest of the car is as well. Look for excessive wear and any rusting. 

Used Cars Reno

Pop the Hood

Lift up the hood and look around for any general issues that jump out at you. Look for rust spots under the hood, and look closely at the different hoses and belts. The hoses can’t be soft, and they shouldn’t be cracked either. 

Pull out the dipstick and look at the color of the oil on it. If it is black they probably don’t take care of the car very well. 

Make sure that you lift off the oil cap as well. Look under the cap to see if there are any oil chunks. Chunks of oil indicate sludge buildup and that means the oil is not changed nearly enough. You could also spot a white film which points to head gasket issues. 

Take a close look around the engine for any dark stains. Stains indicate fluid leaks that could be very bad problems potentially. You also want to look for any obvious changes that were made under the hood. If something doesn’t look right it is probably due to a repair made and you should ask about it. 

Before you drop the hood back into place pull out the transmission dipstick and take a close look at it. You want lighter colored fluids, and you definitely don’t want to smell a burnt smell. If you do, the transmission fluid has not been changed in a long time and you could have transmission problems. 

The Test Drive

The last stage of your inspection is the test drive.  Make sure that while you are driving the vehicle you get it up to a high speed. Although it may be difficult to get the car up to top speed in some areas of Reno Nevada, if you can get it up to at least 60 or 70 it will help you find out if there are any issues you didn’t notice before. Watch out for vibrations, or pulling in one direction or the other. 

Also make sure to step on the brakes in the vehicle quickly a few times. If it vibrates excessively during braking there may be a problem with the brake system that has to be addressed. 

When in Doubt Bring in an Expert

If you aren’t sure about a vehicle after inspecting it yourself, and you really want to give it a chance, ask if you can bring it to your mechanic so he can take a look. If they say no, then walk away from them without looking back. If they say yes, bring it into the shop and have your favorite mechanic take a look at it for you. He should be able to find most of the problems with the vehicle pretty quickly, and you will have a good idea if you are getting a good deal or not from him. 

The more thorough of an inspection you give any prospective vehicle, the better chance you are going to have at getting a good deal. There is nothing worse than buying a vehicle that fails less than a year later.