Category Archives: News

News

History Of Toyota Pickup Trucks

Toyota is well-known for producing durable and tough vehicles, including SUVs and pickup trucks. In fact, it can be argued that Toyota is the brand that revolutionized the American truck industry.

Before the 1990s, pickup trucks were primarily used for work purposes and were not seen as cool or desirable. However, Toyota changed this perception with the introduction of their pickup truck models like the Tacoma, which appealed to outdoor enthusiasts and people who enjoyed off-roading and exploring. While these trucks can still handle work tasks, they have evolved into lifestyle icons.

Let’s take a closer look at the history of Toyota pickup trucks to understand their legacy.

RELATED: 10 Things That Make The Indestructible Toyota Hilux Invincible

It All Started In 1964

The first Toyota pickup truck entered the American market in 1964. It was called the Stout, but it wasn’t the model that continued the Toyota truck legacy. Toyota gained attention in the U.S. market in the 1970s when they imported the Hilux and rebranded it as the Toyota Pickup. This simple yet affordable truck quickly caught the attention of buyers, showcasing Toyota’s commitment to quality and reliability.

Unlike other automakers who focused on the domestic market, Toyota invested in creating a superior chassis and reliable engines for their pickup trucks. These trucks outperformed their competitors and became known for their longevity and performance.

RELATED: 10 Reasons Why People Still Love The Aging Toyota 4Runner

The 4Runner Changed The Trajectory Of The Toyota Pickup

In the 1980s, Toyota made a significant impact on the pickup truck market with the release of the 4Runner. Based on the SR5 Hilux, the 4Runner created a new segment for lifestyle trucks. Seeing the success of this type of vehicle, Toyota decided to include their pickup truck models in the same category.

Kevin Hunter played a crucial role in the transformation of Toyota pickup trucks. He introduced the first Tacoma in 1995, giving the pickup a name and enhancing its width, capability, and aesthetic appeal. The Tacoma became a lifestyle vehicle that was both stylish and high-performing.

To perfect their recipe, Toyota introduced new models and variations like the TRD and Prerunner. The Prerunner, in particular, was a rear-wheel-drive version of the truck and drew inspiration from the vehicle used to pre-run off-road courses before races.

RELATED: The Real Reason Why The U.S. Doesn’t Get The Indestructible Toyota Hilux

Toyota’s Efforts Were Paying Off

By 2004, the Tacoma was trailing just behind the Ford Ranger in sales. However, with the release of the new model in 2005, the Tacoma surpassed the competition by selling 48,000 more units than the Ford Ranger that year.

The 2005 Tacoma boasted increased power and capability. Over the years, it received safety and exterior updates, making it one of the safest and most appealing small pickups on the market.

The third-generation Tacoma, released in 2016, introduced electronic off-road features and the TRD Pro model in 2017. The TRD Pro had a more aggressive appearance and was highly capable, solidifying the Tacoma’s position as the best-selling mid-sized truck in America.

RELATED: Here’s What Could Affect Toyota’s Legendary Reliability

3rd Generation Tacoma TRD PRO Off-Road Features

  • Better flowing exhaust
  • FOX suspension
  • Skid plates
  • Rear locker
  • A variety of electronic off-road assist systems

Recently, Toyota introduced the fourth-generation Tacoma with drastic updates. It is longer than ever before and for the first time, features a coil-sprung solid axle instead of rear leaf springs. The new Tacoma also includes additional off-road trims to cater to the lifestyle and outdoor market.

As the new model is still relatively new, its performance and reception are yet to be fully tested. Ford, however, is not lagging behind and has come up with the all-new Ranger to compete in this segment.

RELATED: Here’s Why The Toyota Tacoma Is NOT An American Hilux

Toyota May Be Swaying Away From Its Roots

In recent years, Toyota has shown signs of moving away from its traditional roots. Stricter emissions regulations have led to downsized engines paired with hybrid systems. The fourth-generation Tacoma, for example, features a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system.

Engine Specifications: 2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid

While this engine offers more power and efficiency compared to its predecessor, it may not be as reliable due to increased stress from a smaller displacement with higher power output, and the complexity of the hybrid system. This trend can also be seen in the new Tundra and Land Cruiser models.

RELATED: Midsize Pickup Trucks To Consider Over The 2024 Toyota Tacoma

The popularity of Toyota trucks can be attributed to their focus on a lifestyle orientation in the original Tacoma model. However, it’s not the only factor. Toyota had already gained ground in the truck market due to their exceptional build quality.

Unlike other trucks of the time that used cheaper C-channel frames, Toyota trucks utilized fully boxed frames, providing greater durability and towing capacity. Additionally, Toyota engines were simple and reliable, allowing the trucks to last for hundreds of thousands of miles.

With the introduction of more appealing and versatile models, Toyota has expanded its pickup truck range to meet the evolving needs of buyers. Their reputation for building tough trucks has established a strong customer base built on trust.

News

Singer to Showcase 690bhp DLS Restomod at Goodwood

Restomod company Singer is set to unveil its new DLS at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed. The DLS, made with a carbon fiber body, is a tribute to the Porsche 934/5 endurance racer from the 1970s that won six out of eight races in the 1977 SCCA Trans-Am series.

Two cars will be showcased at Goodwood and Car Week in California, one in Blood Orange and the other in Moet Blanc. The Blood Orange DLS, expected to be at Goodwood, is built specifically for the track with an adjustable rear wing and front splitter. On the other hand, the second car is designed for road use, featuring a rear ducktail spoiler and a milder front bumper. Customers can choose either configuration when ordering.

The DLS, based on the 964-generation 911 sports car, incorporates insights from two previous Singer projects, the Dynamics and Lightweighting Study (DLS) and the Turbo Study. Its aerodynamically optimized bodywork is designed to cool the already powerful engine. It features a central front intake, a vented bonnet, and intakes on the rear fender. Naca ducts in the body enhance the braking and turbocharger cooling.

Under the hood, the DLS boasts a 3.8-liter flat-six engine with two electric wastegate-equipped turbochargers and air-to-water cooling. The engine achieves a remarkable 690bhp with a redline of 9000rpm. Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

Car review

Tesla Model S Plaid

The Tesla Model S Plaid is an impressive electric vehicle in terms of its drivetrain engineering. It can go from 0 to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds, although not quite as fast as Tesla’s claimed time of 2.1 seconds. The car’s efficiency is also noteworthy, with a 3.3 miles per kilowatt-hour rating, resulting in a range of 373 miles. Furthermore, the Model S Plaid can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 29 minutes.

Tesla has prioritized the drivetrain and the 17-inch touchscreen in the Model S Plaid. However, there are some aspects where compromises have been made. The interior, for example, used to have a less luxurious and more basic feel to it. Although it still falls short of the indulgence of a Porsche, it has improved and now offers better materials and a more practical design. The interior is minimalist, with Tesla even removing the column stalks for the wipers, indicators, and drive selector. Surprisingly, most people don’t miss those stalks, but some may feel that traditional controls could provide a slightly better user experience.

One area where the Tesla Model S Plaid falls short compared to the Porsche Taycan is in terms of chassis and refinement. The car is quite noisy on the motorway, and while the ride is satisfactory, it’s not exceptional. There are also noticeable low-level vibrations through the steering wheel, making it less enjoyable to explore the car’s handling capabilities.

One of the biggest issues with the Model S Plaid is its steering. While the round wheel (instead of the controversial yoke) is well-weighted and has a self-centering feature, it doesn’t provide much feedback about the level of grip. Despite having torque vectoring capabilities, the car doesn’t make you feel the effects of it significantly.

When pushed to its limits, the front of the Model S Plaid tends to understeer, even with the stability control system actively intervening. Overall, the car’s size and weight distribution can make it feel less confident on winding roads.

News

Archive special: The Birth of the Ford Fiesta

The final production of the Ford Fiesta is happening today at Ford’s factory in Cologne, marking the end of almost 50 years of production.

The history of the Ford Fiesta goes back further than you might think. Ford had never entered the ‘mini’ car market in Europe before. Instead, in 1958, they chose to follow up the Anglia with another family car – the Cortina. This decision was based on the belief that the Cortina would be a more successful venture. This belief was supported by a thorough examination of Austin’s new Mini in 1959.

However, as the Mini became a huge success and gained competition from the Hillman Imp and Fiat 127, Ford decided to reconsider their approach.

This led to the creation of a prototype that gained initial approval from management in 1970. Following that, Ford’s global empire split the project into different branches.

One of the most successful branches was the design house Ghia in Italy. They showcased the advantages of front-wheel drive (FWD). Soon after, in September 1972, Ford allocated $1 billion for ‘Project Bobcat’ – despite boss Henry Ford II still holding the belief that small cars only generated small profits. (This disproves the notion that the Fiesta was solely a response to the 1973 oil crisis.)

End of an era: The Ford Fiesta story

Recognizing the importance of meeting consumer demands, Ford conducted an extensive market research project. The project was one of the most expensive at the time and involved randomly selecting drivers from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain to evaluate various prototypes.

The research revealed that the Fiesta was the perfect size for all countries and that FWD was highly preferred. Further research in 1973 showed that the car should be a hatchback, as hatchbacks were increasingly popular due to their added practicality compared to sedans.

Additionally, research conducted in San Francisco indicated that Americans also showed interest in the car, which led to plans for US sales. As a result, production expanded beyond Cologne, Saarlouis, and a newly built factory in Valencia, to include Dagenham as well.

News

Toyota GR ‘critical’ for revitalizing Corolla and Prius models

The Toyota GR will play a crucial role in reinvigorating the reputation of its long-standing models, including the Prius and Corolla, according to Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda in an interview with Autocar.

Toyoda emphasized the power of motorsport in enhancing desirability and profitability. He specifically mentioned the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition, a special edition Prius inspired by racing and designed to commemorate the hybrid technology that helped the car win five races between 2018 and 2022.

Toyoda explained how the Prius became an iconic nameplate by pioneering hybrid technology and breaking the mold of traditional class segments. However, to approach the Prius from a different angle, Toyota decided to create a motorsport-inspired version of the vehicle.

A similar approach applies to the Corolla. While many people associate it with a mass-produced sedan loved by the public, Toyoda drove a hydrogen engine-powered Corolla at Le Mans. Additionally, the GR Corolla is priced significantly higher than the standard model, adding a new level of appeal to the nameplate.

The GR branding has the potential to push up the price of these vehicles and bring a fresh attractiveness to these long-standing models, according to Toyoda. Essentially, Toyota’s strategy involves rebranding these popular vehicles.

The Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition is 90mm longer, 50mm wider, and sits 30mm lower than the standard model. It also features widened front and rear tracks by 40mm. The edition showcases mini-inverters mounted directly onto the electric motor, as well as silicon carbide semiconductors and improved cooling.

News

Ford Fiesta production comes to an end after 47 years

The production of the Ford Fiesta, one of the most popular supermini cars, is coming to an end today, Friday 7th July. This decision was made by Ford late last year and marks the conclusion of 47 years and eight generations of the Fiesta.

Two final Fiestas will be kept by Ford. One will be added to the company’s international heritage fleet located in Cologne, Germany, where the model was manufactured. The other will join the UK heritage fleet.

The reason for axing the Fiesta is to create space in the factory for the production of the upcoming Ford Explorer electric SUV. Martin Sander, the general manager of Ford Model E Europe, stated in December 2022 that the brand needed the space for construction as the Cologne plant is being transformed into a fully battery-electric facility.

Ford Fiesta axed to make space for new electric cars in Cologne

“We decided to build our first high-volume electric vehicle here in Cologne,” said Sander. “There comes the point where we need the space for construction, because we are turning the Fiesta plant into a fully battery-electric plant. This is why we had to make a decision that we have to stop Fiesta production.”

The Cologne EV centre, which is Ford’s first carbon-neutral factory, officially opened on 12th June.

The Ford Fiesta has consistently been one of the top 10 best-selling cars in the UK since its launch in 1976. It even held the top spot from 2009 to 2020, making it the car with the longest consecutive years on top. However, in 2021, the Fiesta dropped out of the top 10 due to disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The shortage of semiconductors resulted in a six-month backlog for the supermini, leading Ford to pause Fiesta orders in June 2022.

Entertainment, Technology

Why Peacock Doesn’t Stream in 4K (And Which Plans Support 4K)

Streaming 4K content on Peacock can be a challenge because not all 4K-capable devices are supported. According to Peacock’s Help Center, only some compatible devices can play 4K Ultra HD (UHD) content at the moment. This means you have to check if your specific device is compatible by looking for a 4K or UHD logo on the media’s Peacock page.

However, even if your device is compatible, finding available 4K titles on Peacock can be difficult. Unlike other streaming services like Netflix or Disney+, Peacock offers a limited selection of 4K titles. While any 4K content will automatically play in 4K, Peacock does not specify which titles are available in UHD.

Third-party websites like HDReport have compiled lists of 4K titles available on Peacock. If your 4K-compatible device still can’t play these titles in 4K, it may not be compatible with Peacock’s 4K streaming. Some viewers have found a workaround by manually selecting 4K resolution in their device’s settings, but this is not an official solution for all users.

Cars

Why Saab’s 9-7x SUV Failed For General Motors

The Saab 9-7x was provided on the market from 2005 to 2009, a comparatively quick time period, contemplating it was Saab’s first SUV. It could also be straightforward to level the finger at Trailblazer underpinnings and pretty uninspired styling for the 9-7x’s demise, however the story is deeper than that. To perceive the dying of the PathSaab Blazer9-7x, you’ll want to see what monetary form General Motors was in in the course of the SUV’s ultimate years. To put it in technical phrases, General Motors’ normal financial outlook in 2008 and 2009 was “not good” and “historically bad.” According to SEC filings in 2009, General Motors had managed to report a lack of a full six billion {dollars} over the primary quarter of the yr. It was like General Motors had out of the blue forgotten learn how to become profitable. The reality is, regardless of how good the Saab 9-7x may be, it probably wasn’t going to be round very lengthy anyway.

As one would anticipate, Saab was closely concerned within the monetary foibles. If your filings to the federal authorities have a separate line merchandise titled “Saab Related,” you realize issues may be dangerous. Looking on the gross sales numbers offers slightly extra credence to the very fact the 9-7 wasn’t right here to remain. In 2008, the final yr that full gross sales numbers can be found, Saab bought a complete of three,150 9-7xs. Comparatively, GMC bought 21,864 Envoys and Chevy bought 68,235 Trailblazers. Sales had been downright shameful. The remainder of Saab solely bought 16,187 automobiles. 

News

Meta Threads Launches Android Beta Program: Here’s How To Join

Adam Mosseri, the CEO of Instagram, has announced that several new features are in the works for the Threads app. One of the upcoming features is the ability to edit messages, and Mosseri suggests that this feature may be available for free. In contrast, Twitter requires a subscription for its users to edit tweets.

The most requested feature for Threads is a chronological feed, where users can see posts only from accounts they follow instead of an algorithmically-curated feed. Mosseri confirms that work on this feature will continue over the next few weeks, indicating that it may be offered as an optional format.

Additionally, efforts are being made to introduce hashtags for Threads. Furthermore, users may soon have the ability to switch between two different Threads profiles, similar to how they can toggle between multiple Instagram accounts on the mobile app.

While Threads currently serves as a view-only platform on the web, plans are in place to develop a desktop version as well. Other features under consideration by Mosseri include a dedicated search system, an automatic translation tool, and enhanced privacy controls for comments.

News, Technology

BMW’s New Smart Glasses: Enhancing Safety and Comfort for Motorcycle Riders

BMW has introduced the Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses to provide motorcycle riders with a range of smart and connected features. These glasses can be paired with smartphones via Bluetooth using a dedicated app. The projection position can also be adjusted according to the rider’s preference. With two size options available (medium and large), the glasses are designed to fit various helmet sizes and face shapes. BMW claims that these glasses are comfortable for long durations, providing nose pads in different sizes for optimal comfort for all riders.

In addition to their technological features, the smart glasses come with two sets of lenses: a tinted lens and an 85% transparent lens, both incorporating a certified UVA/UVB filter. To ensure clear vision, the RX adapter allows for vision adjustments of up to 4.5 diopters. The Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses are powered by a lithium-ion battery that offers up to ten hours of operation. The battery can be recharged using a supplied USB-C cable.

Although BMW has introduced the smart glasses at the BMW Motorrad Days event in Berlin, they are expected to be available to consumers before the end of 2023, as stated in their official release. The global availability details are not provided at this time, but the recommended retail price for the Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses is 690 euros ($750).