Automotive News

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2021 Toyota Supra: looks great, rough road ahead

Two decades after its original production ceased, a new old sports car re-emerged 18 months ago. Few consumers noticed the Toyota Supra. Less than 3,000 of the 2020 fifth-generation offering, a collaboration between the Japanese automaker and BMW, sold. The revised 2021 edition offers promise for a new wave of buyers interested in the luxury sports car first unveiled in 1978. A full year of sales will more than double the estimated 3,000 purchases from the vehicle’s initial six months back on the market in 2019. It’s encouraging considering the final year of the Supra’s initial tenure in the United States in 1999 resulted in only 24 sales. Toyota Supra gets second chance The Supra was all the rage in

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Michigan truck owner: Have new 2-lane bowling alley, will travel

Terence Jackson Jr. has endured the COVID-19 pandemic with innovation — the world’s first mobile bowling alley and lounge. It’s built inside a 53-foot semi-truck trailer. Jackson, 34, spent two years working on the project and despite further delays because of the virus launch Luxury Strike Bowling on June 15. The private bowling alley on wheels is equipped with two lanes as well as a sky loft that can hold as many as 15 people. The trailer includes two 25-foot lanes, an automatic ball return, automatic pin-resetters and digital scorekeepers. Elevated seating for an 80-inch theatre screen is complemented by LED Lighting. Limitations exist but aren’t prohibitive. Lanes are shorter. Bowling balls are about the size of grapefruits, weigh between

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It’s the time of the year to thank the U.S. Postal Service

“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds” has long been associated with the American postal worker. The phrase’s association with the U.S. Mail originated with its inscription on New York City’s General Post Office Building, which opened in 1914. Perhaps second only to an ice cream trunk heading toward you with an upbeat jingle, mail trucks are always comforting. Yet, the U.S. Postal Service always seems wrought with controversy. Postage is going up — again? Mail is lost and stolen or delivered to the wrong address. More recently, the postal service was criticized for not distributing election ballots quickly enough. U.S. Postal Service still relevant And

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Toyota Tacoma, Tundra claim top honors among used trucks

Toyota claimed top honors for best midsize and best full-sized used trucks, according to the latest analysis of iseecars.com. The online automotive search engine and research website based in Massachusetts helps users find and compare cars for sale. Whether they are driven for business or pleasure, pickup truck drivers want a rugged and capable hauler, the site explains in its latest survey. Beyond performance, the best used trucks are proven to last long and retain their value so drivers can save money for their next pickup truck purchase. Toyota used trucks claim honors The Toyota Tacoma scored an overall rating of 8.2 out of 10 among mid-sized trucks It was ranked #1 in value retention, #2 in longevity and received

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Odometer fraud on the rise; stricter rules begin in 2021

Manipulating odometer readings is a well-known automotive fraud. Government agencies have attempted to curtail the cheating for years, but it’s getting worse. The increased practice has become so prevalent, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will engage stricter regulations beginning January 1, 2021. Beginning with the new year, disclosures will be required for every transfer of ownership for the first 20 years, beginning with Model Year 2011 vehicles. Model year 2010 and older vehicles will continue to be subject to the previous 10-year disclosure requirements. They’re exempt from extended Federal disclosure requirements. Odometer cheating rampant The U.S. fleet of vehicles is, on average, older than ever. The NHTSA finalized this rule late last year to address an increase in

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Commuting during the COVID-19 pandemic

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for many people to re-think their approach to commuting. While the government has been busy focusing on encouraging people to use public transport more, the pandemic questions whether this is the safest approach. After all, the problem with public transport is that there are a lot of people in a poorly ventilated space. This invites the spread of many different types of disease, including COVID-19.   Add the fact that a minority of people are refusing to wear masks and you could find yourself on public transport with someone not wearing a mask, despite the fact that it’s recognized as a valid level of protection. Your dilemma is then whether to

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Diesel pickup truck drivers know how to cheat — a lot

Cheating on diesel trucks emissions standards is widespread throughout the United States. The results of a recent study conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Enforcement Division detail the removal of emission controls from more than 550,000 diesel pickup trucks around the country in the past decade.   States without regular vehicle inspections have the highest percentage of diesel trucks with defeat devices. North Dakota has 18.6 percentage of defeat devices. Idaho (15 percent), Wyoming (14.2), Maine (13.5) and Michigan (13) are also high on the cheat list. California, which has strict enforcement of emissions standards, has a 1.8 percent of non-compliant diesel trucks. It’s the country’s lowest cheat rate. Pickup truck drivers cheat for several reasons Owners who

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Last-minute holiday gifts for auto buffs

Using a gas can properly is simple, except for when it isn’t. Spilling fuel is never a good thing. Scepter believes it has curtailed potential problems with its SmartControl containers. Available in one to 14-gallon sizes and in different colors, Scepter makes polyethylene containers equipped with a user-controlled flow valve to direct the amount of fuel being dispensed. With three other varied items, the containers make good last-minute holiday gifts. They’re also ideal canisters in which to add another gift or two for an automotive enthusiast. $16.99 to $230. www.amazon.com. Holiday gifts abound for car enthusiasts The Scepter containers work as promoted after a brief learning curve. Press the lever with your palm to unlock the child safety feature. Squeeze

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What To Consider Before Starting Driving Lessons

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT If you’re thinking about taking driving lessons, there’s a lot to consider. The easy part is contacting a driving school and starting the classes. But before getting behind the wheel of the car, be certain you’ve done your homework. Here are a few key considerations: cost, preparation, lesson comfort before starting driving lessons: The Cost Once you’ve passed your driver’s test, you’ll need to pay for the lessons and the car rental for driving test. The additional costs come from the theory written tests, and it may be necessary to take each test more than once. When you’ve passed the test and are ready to buy a car, remember it’s not cheap. New and used vehicle prices have

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NEW CAR PREVIEW: 2021 Nissan Rogue SUV

PRESS RELEASE When the carmaker began designing the 2021 Nissan Rogue, the company focused on delivering functionality, flexibility, technology and safety. It’s an ideal combination of attributes for the carmaker’s best-selling segment. The recently released Rogue crossover is the first of five new or redesigned Nissan models that will enter production in the next year. It follows Altima, Versa, Sentra and TITAN, all recently redesigned. Every 2021 Nissan Rogue features a standard 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine with Nissan’s Direct Injection Gasoline system. Horsepower is rated at 181, an increase of 11 hp. Torque is increased by 6 lb.-ft. to 181 lb.-ft. The new engine includes mirror bore coating, a variable displacement oil pump, and an integrated exhaust manifold and

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NEW CAR PREVIEW: 2022 Genesis GV70 SUV

PRESS RELEASE The 2022 Genesis GV70 represents an athletic, versatile option in the emerging carmaker’s lineup of sport utility vehicles. It’s the carmaker’s fifth vehicle. Like all other Genesis models, the GV70 will be based on a rear-wheel-drive platform. “Genesis continues to build on our solid foundation with the addition of new and exciting products to our lineup,” said Mark Del Rosso, President and Chief Executive Officer of Genesis Motor North America. “We recently launched our first-ever SUV, the flagship GV80, with U.S. deliveries beginning in the next thirty days. “Now, with the upcoming release of the dynamic GV70 and a further diversified product portfolio, Genesis will be able to reach an even broader audience of American consumers.” The “G”

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4 Ways To Challenge Your Car Knowledge

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT If anything defines someone who loves cars and car knowledge, it’s adventure, appreciation for beauty and craftsmanship, and a willingness to try new things. Getting behind the wheel and enjoying a long road trip is good for the mind and spirit. It can also be that learning all you can about cars is the work of a lifetime. It’s enjoyment and provides long-term containment. Of course, challenging yourself can also be exhilarating, particularly if you think you already know everything about cars. Car Knowledge Challenge But how can you challenge what you think you know about cars and become further informed? Curiosity is a good starting point, and here are four areas in which to start: Read Outside

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NEW CAR PREVIEW: 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 represents an athletic, versatile option in Genesis’ emerging lineup of sport utility vehicles. It’s the fifth vehicle in the Genesis lineup, joining the G70, G80, and G90 sedans and recently announced GV80 flagship SUV. Like all other Genesis models, the GV70 will be based on a rear-wheel-drive platform. “Genesis continues to build on our solid foundation with the addition of new and exciting products to our lineup,” said Mark Del Rosso, President and Chief Executive Officer of Genesis Motor North America. “We recently launched our first-ever SUV, the flagship GV80, with U.S. deliveries beginning in the next thirty days. Genesis GV70: SUV Versatility “Now, with the upcoming release of the dynamic GV70 and a further diversified

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Tips for keeping new drivers in your family safe

PARTNERSHIP CONTENT Many young new drivers experience a feeling of freedom. They no longer have to rely on family or friends for lifts to work or to public transportation locations. They’re on their own. But families of beginning drivers should lend support and keep a watchful eye. Here are some tips for keeping new drivers safe in your family: Encourage Them To Not Be Boastful Passing a first driver’s test marks an achievement often not forgotten. But with new confidence, sometimes eager rookie drivers take risks. Commonsense practices like keeping both hands on the wheel and adhering to speed limits are forgotten. New drivers should be reminded that a cavalier attitude isn’t wise. The consequences can be tragic. No one

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Avoiding car trouble while driving on public roads

PARTNERSHIP CONTENT Car trouble can arise when driving on public roads, and good drivers do their best to avoid potential hazards to prevent accidents and injuries. But being safe on the road requires diligence, practice and good sense on how best to avoid potential catastrophe. Here are driving guidelines and practical tips to avoid car trouble and stay safe on the road. Only Drive If You Are Able It may be obvious, but drivers should only drive when they’re able to drive. If you’re impaired, don’t drive. If you think you might be impaired, don’t drive. The consequences can be horrible, physical injury to yourself and others, and the indefinite immediate threat of your license being suspended. Impaired driving causes

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New Rivian EV a success before its pending debut

The much-touted Rivian electric pickup truck has reached a milestone before one of its new trucks is sold. The start-up announced reservation slots for the futuristic-looking truck have sold. Rivian recently unveiled its final pricing and configurations for the first version of the R1T and R1S. The startup then opened up its configurator for pending owners who have placed reservations with a $1,000 deposit on its vehicles during the past two years. The pickup truck will be available to consumers in the summer of 2021 and with a starting price of $75,000. Rivian Pickup Still Pending Only Launch Edition versions of the trucks will debut. The R1T Launch Edition will start at $75,000; the R1S Launch Edition will start at

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