When it comes to navigating winter in North America, many drivers prefer vehicles with AWD. Because safety. That’s part of the reason why SUVs, crossovers and pickups have been experiencing such an uptick in popularity over the last decade or so. But now Toyota is giving Canadian and U.S. drivers a couple of other, uh, less-large options. The 2020 Camry and 2021 Avalon sedans will now be offered with the option for AWD.Toyota announced it’s making its Dynamic Torque Control AWD system (pulled from the 2019 RAV4) available as a standalone option on the Camry LE, XLE, SE and XSE, as well as on the brand’s flagship sedan, the Avalon Limited, both of which are built at the Toyota plant in Kentucky. The AWD system is able to interpret front-wheel slippage and actively send up to 50 per cent of engine torque to the back wheels to counter it. It can also sense when it’s not needed and disengage from the front drive to save on fuel. Both cars will pair said system with Toyota’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.This is the first time in its lifetime the Avalon has been granted the ability to move with four wheels at once. The Camry did come in AWD guise back in 1988 to 1991, when it bore the AllTrac badge. Toyota says it “appreciates the loyalty, patience and perseverance of all those customers and dealers who sent letters, emails, Facebook comments and texts asking for a modern AWD version of the Camry.”The AWD 2020 Camry and 2021 Avalon are expected to make appearances at the upcoming L.A. auto show at the end of November. The sedans should arrive in dealerships in spring and fall 2020,
Origin: The 2020 Toyota Camry and 2021 Avalon are getting AWD
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Canada’s getting VW’s Mk. 8 Golf and ID.4 — even if the U.S. might not
Canada is getting the new base model Volkswagen Mk. 8 Golf after all, as well as VWs new ID.4 electric car but not for a while.During the new generation’s debut last month, it seemed uncertain whether dealerships in the U.S. and Canada would see any trims of the Golf besides the high-performance GTI and R versions.Now, VW Canada has confirmed other, lower-spec trims of the Mk. 8 Golf will come to our shores, along with the high performance GTI and Golf R, though whether they hit the U.S., too, is still up in the air. The Mk. 8 Golf as well as the GTI and Golf R variants will start to arrive some time in 2021 as 2022 models, Thomas Tetzlaff, Volkswagen Canadas public relations manager, recently told The Car Guide.That means well see a small gap between the sale of the last Mk. 7 and the first Mk. 8 for some Golf variants, such as the Golf R, SportWagen and Alltrack, none of which will return for the 2020 model year.In other news, the new fully-electric ID.4 will replace the eGolf as the brands small-EV option, and will lead the way in introducing the ID lineup to Canadian showrooms. The ID.4 is a four-door crossover, with a low roofline and a small footprint.The first ID model in Canada will be the production version of the I.D. Crozz concept. This one is planned for early 2021, said Tetzlaff.Next year, Europeans will get the even-smaller ID.3, which was unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show. Whether that vehicle will make it to Canada remains to be
Origin: Canada’s getting VW’s Mk. 8 Golf and ID.4 — even if the U.S. might not
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is getting new looks
2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2Chevrolet The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado will debut its facelifted facade at SEMA in Las Vegas this November, but not before making a special appearance at the 2019 Method Race Wheels Laughlin Desert Classic on October 10.Weve sold 520,000 Colorado pickups in five years through a relentless, foot-on-the-gas approach to product and feature updates, said Bob Krapes, director of marketing, Chevrolet Trucks.With its new-look front end and tailgate, Colorado will now have a more aggressive appearance to match its award-winning capability.Chevrolet just can’t seem to figure out a good-looking grille for its new trucks, but at least the lack of a lower section on this one means it has a much better approach angle for taking it on the trails. Adding to the off-road capability, the ZR2 also comes with segment-exclusive Multimatic DSSVTM position-sensitive dampers, standard front and rear electronic locking differentials, two-inch suspension lift, a 3.5-inch wider track, off-road rocker protection, cast-iron control arms, Autotrac transfer case and multiple skid plates. The SEMA truck has a more complete look, with a front grille bar and KC lights to hide the missing bumper. Literally on top of that is a classic looking light bar, and around back is a bed-mounted spare tire.A new colour is available on the Z71 and ZR2 trims called Sand Dune Metallic, but if you ask us, it looks like they just used the leftover paint from the Pontiac Aztek production line. Also from the Aztek production line is the rear bedside wind deflector, which looks like a traced cut-out of the much-maligned SUVs rear windows.The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado goes on sale next year, and pricing will be announced closer to
Origin: The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is getting new looks
The emperor of Japan is getting a convertible Toyota Century
Theres a new emperor in town, and apparently, his new groove is going topless.Topless vehicle that is! Yes, after 30 years of the Heisei Era ended and the Reiwa Era began, its also time for a new car to carry the royal family to the succession ceremony on October 22. This time its a real doozy, a convertible Toyota Century.Toyota doesnt make a Century convertible for the masses, but when the emperor of a country especially the country where your company originated wants one, you would be hard-pressed to refuse.According to Japanese Nostalgic Car, the vehicle is officially a royal parade car, and so has been fitted with parade appropriate features. Obviously, the roof has been removed, but the Century remains a four-door, with four seats. The rear seats have been raised 4 centimetres and are fixed at a 25-degree angle for onlookers to get an unobstructed view of the royals. Other than the modifications, the car is a stock, third-generation Toyota Century, which despite its mundane appearance, is one of the most impressive vehicles ever made. The paint is carefully applied with seven layers, and then wet-sanded three times. The front grille emblem is carved by hand over a six-week process.This is the first new parade car in 30 years, with the previous being a 1990 Rolls-Royce Corniche III which was only used twice.After the Century carries Emperor Naruhito through the 4.6-kilometre route from the Imperial palace through Tokyo to Akasaka Palace, it will be displayed in Tokyo and Kyoto and will be used for special occasions like the 2020
Origin: The emperor of Japan is getting a convertible Toyota Century
The Ford Ranger could be getting twin-turbo V6 power
2019 Ford RangerNadine Filion / Driving Rumours about future Ford Ranger powertrains continue apace, with your author shamelessly and strongly advocating for a Raptor version of the Blue Oval midsizer.The latest gossip to leak out of the Glass House grapevine? There could be a twin-turbo V6 in the Rangers future.Aussie outlet Which Car reported a few days ago that it learned Ford will be making some major changes to the Ranger for the 2021 model year. In addition to bodywork that recalls the Super Duty, a brace of V6 engines are apparently on the way.What ones? A 2.7-litre EcoBoost and 3.0-litre diesel, apparently, versions of which already reside under the hood of Fords cash-cow F-150. The same reports asserts these very engines are currently undergoing Ranger testing in Australia.When deployed in the half-ton, the 2.7-litre twin-turbo makes a healthy 325 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. This would provide a much needed boost to Ranger performance over the 2.3-litre inline-four currently toiling away in every new Ranger sold in this country.As for the diesel, that unit makes 250 ponies and a robust 440 lb.-ft. of twist in the F-150.It is important to note at this juncture that the market in Oz also gets several options and variants of the Ranger we do not get here in North America, not the least of which is the Ranger Raptor, a trim the Blue Oval inexplicably refuses to sell here despite the presence of the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. Hey, if Ford wants to leave money on the table, thats up to it. While certain dour authors are pouring cold water on the spectre of a diesel Ranger in this country, one should remember that General Motors offers an oil-burner in its midsize trucks, so the idea is not without precedent.Given that both of these rumour mills (pun intended) are based on existing engines, your author will be looking closely at their external dimensions and comparing them closely to the Rangers engine bay in an effort to determine if theyll fit without a great deal of bodging. Expect a follow-up piece
Origin: The Ford Ranger could be getting twin-turbo V6 power
Trailer for new season of ‘Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee’ released
Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee Season 11: Freshly BrewedNetflix Jerry Seinfelds car-based TV show Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee returns to Netflix this summer with an impressive list of comedians and cars, and were also assuming coffee.The show has come a long way since it first started out on Crackle; it now resides on Netflix, and has a much better budget. Were glad to see that the format, the cars and the people have remained high-quality, while the actual show production has improved steadily.While all of the guests Jerry chooses for the show are special, this particular season includes a guest that may be more famous than Seinfeld himself, Eddie Murphy.Also jumping into the passenger seat to grab a brew with Jerry are Seth Rogen, Ricky Gervais, Matthew Broderick, Jamie Foxx, Sebastian Maniscalco, Martin Short, Mario Joyner, Melissa Villaseor, Bridget Everett and Barry Marder.When we first saw the roster for the next season, we tried our best to guess what cars Jerry would have picked for his guest based on the pictures provided, and we have to say, we did pretty well. The only one that stumped us was Martin Shorts ride, which we now know to be a green-on-green Mercedes W123 Wagon. Classy, but how that ties in to Shorts personality, we shall have to wait and see.Other vehicles include a Porsche Carrera GT, Porsche 356, Volkswagen Thing, Nissan Figaro and more.The show will return to Netflix for its 11th season on July
Origin: Trailer for new season of ‘Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee’ released
‘Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee’ is back for an eleventh season
Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee Season 11: Freshly BrewedNetflix Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee is back July 19 with new guests, as well as some old favourites, Netflix announced mid-June.Funnyman Jerry Seinfeld pairs his favourite comedians with cars that match their personality, and they go for a ride and a coffee.As usual, weve scrutinized the press release photos to try to scope out the cars Jerry has decided to match to his comic co-stars, and we think weve gotten pretty much all of them.Jamie Foxx appears to be in a Maserati Mistral; thats Sebastian Maniscalco on a Vespa; we see Ricky Gervais in a Rolls-Royce, and Matthew Broderick gets a Lamborghini Huracan.Barry Marders ride is a drop-top Porsche 356; theres Mario Joyner in a VW Thing; Melissa Villaseor is, we think, in a Nissan Figaro; Seth Rogen rocks a 1974 Dodge Monaco (a.k.a. the Bluesmobile); and we get Bridget Everett in a 61 Cadillac drop-top.I love the coffee. I love the cars. I love the comedians. And yes, doing the show with Eddie was really special. pic.twitter.com/0rAEMcvjV3 Jerry Seinfeld (@JerrySeinfeld) June 18, 2019Eddie Murphy, no doubt the star of this season, is paired up with a Porsche Carrera GT, arguably the best sports car Porsches ever made. The only one we cant figure out is the wagon-SUV that Martin Short is being ferried along in, so perhaps you, the reader, can tell us!The new season of CCC and all 11 episodes therein will be released on Netflix on July 19 2019, where all questions (and laughter) will be
Origin: ‘Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee’ is back for an eleventh season
VW’s working on tech to keep you from getting sick in autonomous cars
Motion sickness sucks. For the percentage of the population who are susceptible to this rotten affliction, simply going for a drive with someone else at the wheel is cause enough to turn greener than a twenty-dollar bill, money soon to be spent on a bottle of Febreze to get rid of the smell. The crew at Volkswagen, mindful that bouts of sick can come on even faster in a self-driving car, are working on ways to quell the queasy. At its root, the confusion between the motion your eyes see and the motion your body feels. This is why your author cannot read for an extended time as a passenger. According to VW, about a third of all people are susceptible to it – women more than men, children more than adults – but under the right conditions, anyone can suffer. At the VW research labs in Wolfsburg, scientists are studying what can trigger car sickness and potential ways to help prevent it from happening in a future where the car can mostly drive itself. In one test, researchers are exploring whether changes to the vehicles themselves might help prevent motion sickness, such as via special movable seats that can react to driving changes; and an LED light strip on the door panel that illuminates in green or red. The latter is intended to provide a visual cue for the passenger of braking or acceleration. Out on the test track, volunteers don various sensors and cameras designed to measure pulse, skin temperature, and changes in skin tone. On a 20-minute drive, the sedan will use Automatic Cruise Control to follow a semi-autonomous Passat. During this particular test, a tablet plays video of swimming fish for the volunteer to watch. As the car drives, the volunteer rates their state of health on a tablet. For most, it doesn’t take long to feel ill. VW’s boffins are hoping their inventions can help remove that feeling, though they haven’t released that data quite yet. Autonomous cars are coming – not today, not tomorrow, but eventually – and it’s research like this that’ll help deal with problems most of us haven’t thought of yet. Until then, the rest of us can just keep a bottle of Febreze
Origin: VW’s working on tech to keep you from getting sick in autonomous cars
Europe’s BMW Z4 is getting a manual, so will the Toyota Supra, too?
2020 Toyota Supra. BMW will make the Z4 roadster standard with a manual transmission in Europe. Cool—for France! But North America won’t have access to that variant because, well, it’s not an SUV. What we do get, however, is the Toyota Supra. Could the hands-on transmission-engine combo find its way into Toyota roadsters bound for the West? We won’t rule it out. Here’s why. BMW published the news of the standard manual configuration on the Z4 as a sort of Easter egg in a product model update release on its media site for Europe and the Middle East. “The 197-hp four-cylinder petrol engine in the BMW Z4 sDrive20i will be partnered by a six-speed manual gearbox as standard from July 2019, the page reads. In the U.S. and Canada, the Supra is currently outfitted with BMW’s 3.0-litre turbo-six, but Toyota announced Japan would receive a 2.0-litre turbo four cylinder making 197 horsepower and 236 lb-ft. of torque for its Supra. So, with the same engine, configured for a stick shift in the German roadster, the Supra could technically and quite easily be offered in manual guise. And it could also technically and quite easily be offered to North American enthusiasts who want a manual transmission on their sporty Japanese-German roadster. It could—but will it? The recent news only 33 per cent of Toyota 86 buyers ordered a manual variant in 2018 suggests maybe not. Still, it’s nice to have
Origin: Europe’s BMW Z4 is getting a manual, so will the Toyota Supra, too?
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