#2019 Toyota RAV4 Specifications

[autonationx]

Toyota Rav4 Years to Avoid

When considering the purchase of a used Toyota RAV4, it's essential to be aware of potential issues associated with specific model years. While the RAV4 is generally known for its reliability, some years have experienced common problems that prospective buyers should take into account. One such period to exercise caution is the early 2000s, particularly the 2001 and 2002 models, which were reported to have issues with excessive oil consumption and potential engine problems. Another point of concern is the 2006 model, which faced complaints related to transmission problems.

Additionally, the 2009 RAV4 had some user-reported issues with its power door lock system. It's crucial for potential buyers to thoroughly research and inspect any used vehicle, considering factors such as maintenance history and individual vehicle condition, to make an informed decision on whether a particular year is suitable for their needs. To learn more interesting facts about the Toyota RAV4 visit autonationx.com.

It’s important to note that specific model years of vehicles can have varying reliability and performance due to changes in design, manufacturing processes, and the introduction of new features. However, it's crucial to check the latest reviews, consumer reports, and reliability ratings for the most up-to-date information, as car manufacturers may make improvements or address issues in later model years.

That being said, I can provide information on common issues reported by owners for certain model years of the Toyota RAV4 up to 2022. Keep in mind that individual experiences may vary, and these issues may not be universal to all vehicles of a particular year. Always consider having a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic before buying a used car.

2006-2012 Toyota RAV4: Some owners reported issues with excessive oil consumption in these model years. It's advisable to monitor oil levels and address any potential problems promptly.

2009-2012 Toyota RAV4: Some complaints about water leaks into the interior, particularly affecting the floor mats and carpets.

2013 Toyota RAV4: The 2013 model had a major redesign, and some owners reported problems with the Entune infotainment system and the transmission. Again, it's crucial to research the specific vehicle you're interested in.

2019 Toyota RAV4: Some owners reported concerns with the transmission, including issues with rough shifting.

However, I can provide you with some general advice on how to research and identify potential issues for specific model years.

Consumer Reports and J.D. Power: These organizations often provide reliability ratings and reviews for various car models, including the Toyota RAV4. Check their reports for any common issues or concerns for specific model years.

Owner Forums: Online forums and communities where Toyota RAV4 owners discuss their experiences can be valuable. Look for patterns or recurring problems mentioned by multiple owners.

Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs): Check with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for recalls and TSBs related to the Toyota RAV4. Recalls address safety-related issues, while TSBs may highlight known problems and their solutions.

Test Drive and Inspection: Before purchasing any used car, it's advisable to have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle. A test drive can also help you identify any unusual noises or behaviors.

Research Specific Model Years: Some model years may have undergone significant changes or redesigns. It's worth researching whether a particular model year had any major updates or if it's part of a generation with known issues.

Reliability Ratings: Look for reliability ratings from sources like Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, or other automotive publications. These ratings can provide an overall picture of a vehicle's dependability.

It's essential to keep in mind that Toyota and other manufacturers often address problems through recalls and updates. Before purchasing a used RAV4, it's recommended to check the vehicle's maintenance and repair history, and if possible, obtain a vehicle history report. Additionally, have a trusted mechanic inspect the car before making a purchase.

For the most up-to-date and accurate information, you should check the latest consumer reviews, reports, and expert opinions. Online forums, automotive publications, and websites that track car reliability can provide valuable insights into specific model years. Always stay informed and do thorough research before making a significant purchase.

[noisystatesmanbakeryfriend]

2020 Toyota 4Runner Review

2020 toyota 4runner: 5 pros and 4 cons. Toyota has actually given its 4runner a number of updates for 2020, bringing this suv's rugged appearances and off-road capability into the new decade. Related: 2020 toyota 4runner review: in your home. Find out more. Need to purchase a car during the covid-19 coronavirus outbreak? read this prior to you do. 10 biggest newspaper article of the week: 2020 chevrolet corvette trounces telluride. 2020 toyota 4runner: everything you need to understand. 2020 toyota 4runner evaluation: at home where the sidewalk ends. 10 most significant chicago auto program stories: 2021 genesis gv80 quits little ground. Within toyota's lineup, the 4runner is positioned above the rav4 compact crossover and along with the highlander midsize crossover. Cargurus has evaluated the toyota 4runner numerous times in current years, recognizing it with the following overall scores: 8. 2 (2014 ), 7. 3 (2015 ), and 7. More about the 2020 Toyota 4Runner Conditions apply. Crawl control is designed for driving on challenging terrain at low speeds. It helps the driver by managing acceleration and braking, allowing the driver to concentrate on steering. The toyota 4runner is designed to fulfill off-road driving requirements, but off-roading is naturally harmful. The original 4runner was a compact suv and bit more than a toyota pickup truck with a fiberglass shell over the bed, however the model has actually since gone through significant independent advancement into a cross between a compact and a mid-size suv. All 4runners have been integrated in japan at toyota's plant in tahara, aichi, or at the hino motors (a toyota subsidiary) plant in hamura. The 4runner was available in at number 5 in a 2019 research study by iseecars. Com ranking the longest-lasting vehicles in the us. The 4runner had 3. 9percent of vehicles over 200,000 miles (320,000 km), according to the research study. The trekker was among the first prototype walk through conversions done to toyota trucks in the early 1980s. They resembled the successive 4runner conversions done by toyota, which started production in 1984, however were designed and built by winnebago markets with the approval of toyota. The trekker was no longer viable when toyota started producing the 4runner in 1984, having in essence functioned as a marketing test vehicle for that car. Thus, the very first generation is almost mechanically similar to the toyota hilux. All very first generation 4runners had two doors and were indistinguishable from the pickups from the dashboard forward. Almost all changes were to the latter half of the body; in fact, since the rear springs were not updated to bear the additional weight from the rear seats and fiberglass top, these early models tended to experience a drooping rear suspension. Related 2020 Toyota 4Runner details All 2020 4runners receive toyota's safety sense p (tss p), an integrated suite of driver-assistance features including a pre-collision system with autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure caution, and automatic high-beams. A brand-new infotainment system increases in screen size from 6. 1 to 8. In our very first drive review of the 2020 toyota 4runner trd pro, we were impressed by its off-road capability, stating that "'although the 4runner is old, it showed to be plenty capable on the trail." we were also pleased with the enhancements made to the vehicle's driver's assistants and infotainment systems, and felt that those looking to purchase a 4runner should absolutely wait for the 2020 model, as these updates actually make a difference in the interior and safety. Read what other owners consider the 2020 Toyota 4Runner. Shoppers also think about. Toyota's old-school 4runner hasn't changed a lot for many years, but its competitors have. Vehicles such as the nissan pathfinder, when an authentic suv ready to take on gnarly terrain, have actually given that morphed into crossovers with less off-road capability. The 2020 toyota 4runner keeps its status as a tough, off-road prepared suv that uses a more civilized option to vehicles like the jeep wrangler, particularly when discovered in trd off-road or trd pro trims. It's likewise a fairly comfy daily driver that can seat up to 7 passengers throughout 3 rows, and it can tow approximately 5,000 pounds. Toyota 4Runner vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee The same can be stated, to varying degrees, of models like the ford explorer and chevrolet blazer. That leaves just 2 primary rivals: the jeep grand cherokee and jeep wrangler unlimited. Offered the shift in buyers' preferences, its shrinking segment, and its antiquated style, one would presume the 4runner's best days were in the past. Get the base 4runner in gray, beat the hell out of it and keep it for 20-plus years. That's what i suggest. Your other options are the jeep grand cherokee ($32,150), which is even more refined and outsells 4runner by a nation mile. Toyota 4Runner vs. Toyota Highlander 2020 toyota 4runner trd pro: 3 things that make it a pro in the city. 10 most significant news stories of the week: 2021 genesis gv80, gmc yukon do it. 2020 chicago auto show: everything you missed out on. 2021 toyota highlander xse and unique 4runner, tacoma tundra identify themselves. While more recent midsize trucks are much smoother on the road, the 4runner is stiff and bouncy, jouncing along the highway. If you prepare to use your brand-new suv for travelling, something like the brand-new toyota highlander or smaller rav4 are most likely a much better bet. Toyota 4Runner vs. Toyota Tacoma But, that's exactly for how long it's been considering that toyota introduced the latest version of its venerable midsize suv. The fifth-generation 4runner debuted for the 2010 model year, using rather tighter interior accommodations compared to its predecessor and sharing various bits and pieces with the tacoma pickup an fj cruiser suv. Our experts' favorite 4Runner safety features: Rear spoiler, mp3 player, privacy glass, keyless entry, child safety locks. Toyota limited with magnetic gray metallic outside and black interior features a v6 cylinder engine with 270 hp at 5600 rpm *. Choice packagesrunning boards. Serviced here, locally owned and traded here!experts conclude'the 4runner's v6 produces a healthy 270 horsepower, ideal when you need to pass slower traffic or tow heavy loads. What do individuals consider the 2020 Toyota 4Runner? The 2018 toyota 4runner is a body-on-frame sport energy, meaning it's truck-based instead of car-based as would be a crossover-suv. This indicates that the 4runner might not be for everyone, but it does fit a specific market and segment of needs. The 2018 4runner needs to be thought of as a pickup truck with more seating capable of bring a fair variety of people and pulling a fair amount of trailer and cargo. As such, the japanese maker didn't change much of anything on the 2013 toyota 4runner. Many people would neglect this midsize suv at first glance, however it does have some extremely rugged and useful features that might attract buyers searching for recognized dependability. What's an excellent price for a New 2020 Toyota 4Runner? Different package updates followed in 2018, and after that a black-accented nightshade special edition showed up for the 2019 model year. Cargurus tested the 2019 4runner, eventually recommending the sr5 premium 4wd model based on its available features and sub-$40,000 starting price. As the toyota 4runner entered the 2020 model year, it went through a host of considerable upgrades, the least of which was the introduction of a venture trim level accented by distinct wheels and a standard roofing system rack. I finally get the love for the toyota 4runner. I almost got it in the past, now that i have actually spent a week in one, i'm feeling a connection to the loud, unrefined, semi-slow, old suv. Beginning with the excellent, the 4runner's looks are simply traditional and identifiable. Should I lease or buy a 2020 Toyota 4Runner? Such has been the appeal of the toyota 4runner, a rear-wheel-drive (rwd) or 4-wheel-drive (4wd) model that has actually filled that function since it was initially introduced in the mid-1980s. Now, as one of the couple of midsize suvs still on the marketplace, the up-to-7-passenger 4runner continues to bring in buyers who want to venture far off the beaten course, or a minimum of would like to know their vehicle can do so at a moment's notice. A new, sixth-generation 4runner is stated to be in development but, at the time of this writing, no details have actually been launched. 2003-2009 toyota 4runner: 4th generation. Aside from pickup trucks and some very popular cars, couple of vehicle nameplates have been around regularly for more than thirty years. Up to $500 refund on a new toyota 4runner. Not valid on unique lease/preferred choice deals, apr programs or vehicles otherwise omitted based on the terms and conditions. Must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid driver's license.

[superautoreviews]

2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Redesign, Price, Interior

2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Redesign, Price, Interior

2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Redesign, Price, Interior – 2019 Toyota RAV4 is among the public middle of the dimensions SUV autos that also is present so far. The company is always making any changes to hold the existence of the Toyota RAV4 series. The new RAV4 will offer the bigger area with many other changes inside the exterior, interior, plus engine performance. With more productive in fuel use,…

[smoothshift]

What weight do seat belt warnings trigger? via /r/cars

What weight do seat belt warnings trigger?

I have a dog that is 50-55 lbs. she prefers to sit in the passenger seat so she can look out the windshield. On my 2015 Honda Fit she never set off the seat belt alarm. On my GF’s 2009 Corolla she does. I recently got a 2019 RAV4 and she sets off the alarm, so I’m guessing the weight limits between Honda’s and Toyota’s is around 50-55 lbs. anyone know specific weights?

[irvinenewshq]

Plug-in hybrid Toyota RAV4 expenses into South Africa however

The mannequin that served as testbed for Toyota’s sequence hybrid onslaught in South Africa close to the tip of final 12 months, together with the regionally construct Corolla Cross, the RAV4 has formally been confirmed because the pilot take a look at car for the marque’s first ever plug-in hybrid within the nation. Presently being trialed and subsequently not out there for buying, the plug-in hybrid debuted as way back because the Los Angeles Worldwide Auto Present in 2019 beneath the RAV4 Prime designation. Exhibited for the primary time alongside the up to date Corolla Hatch and Sedan this week, the Prime, which is unlikely to hold that moniker ought to native gross sales approval obtain the inexperienced gentle, makes use of the mid-range GX-R as a base, however with sure specification gadgets lifted from the top-spec VX. Customary unassuming RAV4 appears to be like hides quite a bit Visually, the adaptions are straightforward to identify and includes mannequin particular snowflake-style 19-inch alloy wheels, a brand new entrance bumper with decrease chrome detailing, a chrome numberplate cavity, mannequin particular rear bumper, plug-in hybrid badges on the entrance wings and tailgate and a secondary flap hiding the charging outlet. ALSO READ: Toyota RAV4: Hybrid model of world’s greatest vendor exhibits why Relying available on the market, six bi-tone color choices are supplied; Graphite Gray, Pearl White, Chromium Silver, Moonlight Ocean Metallic and Emotional Crimson, all contrasted by a gloss black roof. Of the talked about specification gadgets is a nine-speaker JBL sound system, heated and cooled entrance seats, a mannequin distinctive nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone local weather management and a digital rear-view. Inside is and spec relies on the pre-updated GX-R mannequin. Unsurprisingly although, the Prime’s powerunit takes centre stage because it combines the two.5-litre hybrid unit from the not too long ago revealed RAV4 E-4 with an 18.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack entrusted with driving the 134 kW and 40 kW electrical motors mounted on the entrance and rear axles. All-wheel-drive by default, the ultimate system output is 225 kW, which represents a rise of 25 kW over the three.5-litre V6 that powered the RAV4 from two generations in the past in the USA and Australia. Hooked to CVT, the system presents an electrical solely vary of 80 km and be charged through two strategies; a traditional 220-240-volt family leading to a ready time of between seven to 9 hours, or a charger station utilizing the 6.6 kW charger that cuts ready time to 2.5 hours. Badge that makes it doable for the Prime to ship 225 kW of energy. Distinctive to the Prime are 4 driving modes; HV for Hybrid Automobile, self-explaining EV, Auto that switches between EV and HV routinely and Charging that makes use of the petrol to cost the battery. As talked about, the RAV4 Prime is presently being examined for native market circumstances with plans to supply it nonetheless being drawn-up. Ought to approval be given although, count on a probable beginning worth of properly above the R759 800 presently being requested by the E-4 VX Hybrid. Originally published at Irvine News HQ

[alwaysawesomesblog]

KUST Windshield Sun Shade for Toyota RAV4 2019 2020 2021 Blocks UV Rays Sun Visor Protector Foldable Sunshade Keep Your Car Cooler

KUST Windshield Sun Shade for Toyota RAV4 2019 2020 2021 Blocks UV Rays Sun Visor Protector Foldable Sunshade Keep Your Car Cooler

Price: (as of – Details) Product Description KUST Custom Fit Car Windshield Sunshades —-Enjoy a Cooling Summer! Vehicle Specific 100% Fit for 2019 Toyota RAV4 100% Fit for 2020 Toyota RAV4 100% Fit for 2021 Toyota RAV4 NOTE:The Sliver side is OUTWARD,while Black side is INWARD Double reduce the temperature of your car,effective saving energy. Reduce the inside temperature noticeably by…

[superautoreviews]

2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Redesign, Price, Interior

New Post has been published on https://usacardriver.xyz/2019-toyota-rav4-hybrid-redesign-price-interior/

2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Redesign, Price, Interior

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2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Redesign, Price, Interior – 2019 Toyota RAV4 is among the public middle of the dimensions SUV autos that also is present so far. The company is always making any changes to hold the existence of the Toyota RAV4 series. The new RAV4 will offer the bigger area with many other changes inside the exterior, interior, plus engine performance. With more productive in fuel use, the business feels the new RAV4 should be able to replicate the same achievement since the past model.

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2019 Toyota RAV4 Exterior

2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

2019 Toyota RAV4 Redesign

Toyota RAV4 2019

The brand new look in the RAV4 will be more eye-catching, classy, and splendid. The Grille gets the new design together with the new razor-sharp fender. The headlamps are made with the all-natural natural stone with the aid of LED lights along with the daytime lights that happen to be created with the brightness part of the grille. Within the rear portion, the tail lamps will use the LED lights way too. The tires applied are 20-inch alloys with enormous wheelbase for both off-road and also on the road traveling. The complete look from the new Toyota RAV4 varies by reviewing the earlier model.

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2019 Toyota RAV4 Interior

2019 Toyota RAV4 Interior

The interior design of 2019 RAV4 can get a lot more spacious space. The higher-high quality material is utilized for that project of cabin and chair place. It is timber and all of the natural leather for your seat area, and aluminum and breakable plastic material sort for that cabin home. The infotainment capabilities can have new menus like satellite menus. The dashboard area will have a natural key and also will likely be positioned in the center place.

2019 Toyota RAV4 Engine

2019 Toyota RAV4 Engine

The engine applied will be different based on the country it is offered. From the US industry, the engine involved will be the 2.-liter engine capability with some inline engine unit. It will produce power as much as 235 horsepower. Additionally, also, it will be done using the eight-velocity intelligent transmission program or the six-speed guide communication process as the other choice. Another engine may be the 1.5-liter engine capacity with 180 hp that will be obtainable in The European countries and also the Oriental marketplace. The result is the gasoline usage may well be more successful, and also the velocity from the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is preferable to the earlier version.

2019 Toyota RAV4 Release Date And Price

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 will probably be available in the display room are usually in the early on 2018 since the 2019 calendar year version vehicle. The price in the auto is likely to be started out from $30,000 approximately $35,000 for the basic price. The price will be different depending on the requirements preferred which are the engine and interior offered.

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[111motors]

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[jobsearchtips02]

Even popular Ford F series hit difficult in the middle of plummeting market sales

CLOSE

If anything in life is predictable, it’s consistent sales of the Ford F-150

The popular pickup saves the day– every quarter, every year– for Ford Motor Co.

America enjoys its trucks. And, global pandemic or not, trucks sell.

The F-Series permitted Ford to reflect the tiniest second quarter sales drop of the Detroit 3.

Ford reported a 33.3%drop in 2nd quarter sales compared to 2019, from 650,336 vehicles to 433,869, the company reported Thursday. And year-to-date sales dropped 24.1%to 903,357 vehicles.

” Coronavirus concerns clearly impacted Q2,” Ford stated in a statement.

Meanwhile, General Motors reported a 34%drop in sales to 492,489 lorries offered during April, May and June. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles saw a 39?crease to 367,086 vehicles offered, in second quarter results reported Wednesday.

GM had a bright spot with the Chevy Sports jacket. And FCA had Jeep Gladiator.

NUThis April, May and June duration has actually been ” unmatched and insane” and ” challenging,” Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president of marketing, sales and service, stated.

Even trucks took a hit this time.

The F-Series saw a 22.7%drop in 2nd quarter sales, from 233,787 to 180,825, compared to2019 When comparing compared year-to-date sales over the previous year, Ford F-Series dropped 18.1%to 367,387 vehicles.

By contrast, GM in the second quarter offered 122,432 Silverado pickups and FCA offered 117,448 Ram pickups.

The highly successful F-Series franchise offers the core revenue stream for Ford, which has actually led the section for decades. F-150 costs can begin at $28,745 and surpass $75,000 with, as Ford executives like to say, “all the bells and whistles.” The typical cost of the F-Series is $51,585

” As America’s truck leader, retail F-Series pickup sales were off only 2%,” Ford said. “With more than 33%of the retail full-size section, F-Series broadens its lead as America’s successful pickup.”

Toward the 2nd part of the sales duration, Ford already began to see an uptick in government and industrial sales of the F-Series, consisting of the Police Interceptor, LaNeve said. While sales total were down, he noted that Ford grew its hang on the pickup sector.

The 2021 F-150 was exposed June 25 and is expected to be at dealerships later on this year.

” Ford’s sales efficiency was a bit much better than we had anticipated for June,” Michelle Krebs, executive expert at Autotrader stated. ” We forecasted Ford would be down 34%; it was down 28%, on par with many other producers. Our first-half projection was area on at down 24%.”

Much of Ford’s decrease is because of the sell-down of products– mainly cars and trucks– that it is removing and considerably lower fleet sales for cars like trucks and vans, she discussed. “On the plus side of Ford’s sales efficiency this year, the Ford Explorer is finally acquiring traction, with sales up 15%in June.”

While the Ranger is a “big intense spot,” the Ford Escape– revamped only a year or so back– is underperforming, specifically in comparison to segment leaders Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, Krebs stated.

” Lincoln is another bright area with sales down a little 1%in June, in a high-end market that is underperforming, and down only 8%for the first half,” she said. “Lincoln’s shift to SUVs has proven to be a wise one and supports Ford’s choice exposed the other day that the Continental will drop from the line, other than in China. Ford sold only 344 Continentals in the entire very first half. No one will miss it.”

Read or Share this story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/07/04/ ford-f-series-makes-second-quarter-sales-gains-ram-silverado/5375450002/

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[stcjapan]

Best Japanese Used Cars to Import in 2019

Hey Folks, Get ready to witness a unique experience with STC Japan. We listen to our beloved customers as our customer support department keeps track of the surveys completed by our loyal customers.

For 2019, we have compiled a list of most popular Japanese used cars, which are in demand in our most selling countries including Jamaica, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya & Uganda. We have brought those Japanese used cars from best Japanese Auctions. These Japanese used cars include: 1- Toyota Land Cruiser AX 2- Toyota Aqua 3- Honda Civic Hybrid 4- Honda CR-V 5- Toyota Alphard 6- Toyota Rav4 7- Toyota Corolla Axio 8- Nissan AD 9- Honda Vezel X 10- Toyota Fielder

STC Japan ships only quality Japanese Used Cars, being an active member of major Japanese auctions for over 20 years, we are well aware of what it takes to succeed. We have English speaking professional sales staff to take care of the quality and specific needs.

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[jeramymobley]

New York Auto Show: A Big Apple Serving of Practical Luxury

Electric and autonomous vehicles are the future. But EVs and AVs are being overshadowed by consumers’ desire for more crossover and sport utility vehicles, however they’re powered or driven, in North America. The New York International Auto Show—which opens to the public on March 30, with press and analyst previews happening now—is a big case in point.

Among the big reveals at this year’s NYIAS are refreshed versions of two compact SUVs that are crucial to their brands, the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester, as well as debuts including the Cadillac XT4 (above), Lincoln Aviator, a smaller version of the seven-seat Volksagen Atlas and an updated Hyundai Tucson.

There are market-specific reasons why some of these vehicles are making their debuts in the Big Apple. The Tri-State area in which New York is located over-indexes for luxury buyers, and upscale consumers are flocking to utility vehicles as never before. Another reason show-goers are expected to demonstrate major interest in SUVs such as the all-wheel-drive new Forester—record recent snowfalls have boosted the appeal of roomy, comfortable vehicles with all-weather skills.

Here’s a brand-by-brand look of what auto-buyers and buffs will be checking out at the New York Auto Show—and what it means from each brand’s perspective:

Acura: The Honda-owned luxury brand will debut a production version of its new RDX crossover on the heels of introducing the concept of the vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. The model, available mid-year, boasts a fresh exterior design; a new, more intuitive dashboard; and an elegant user interface.

From prototype to production, the wait is finally over. Introducing the 2019 #RDX. It’s everything we ever imagined, and then some. #NYIAS pic.twitter.com/sgI8WG5jHq

— Acura (@Acura) March 28, 2018

Bugatti: The Chiron Sport will be showing in North America for the first time, a sporty follow-up to the $3.26 million Chiron that debuted at the Geneva International Motor Show.

#BUGATTI #ChironSport makes North American debut in New York @NYAutoShow 2018 #NYIAS pic.twitter.com/ifuupXmvhn

— Bugatti (@Bugatti) March 27, 2018

Cadillac: Seeking utility vehicles to broaden its lineup and hit the sweet spot in the premium market these days, Cadillac introduced the XT4 compact utility (at top) at its Cadillac House HQ in Soho; it conveys a more sculpted design language for Cadillac which, for more than a decade, has emphasized exterior angularity. The 2019 CT6 V-Sport, meanwhile, is the first-ever V-Performance model of its top-of-range sedan. The introduction of the high-performance variant coincides with a makeover of the entire CT6 lineup that incorporates the newest iteration of Cadillac’s design language featured on the Escala Concept.

The first-ever #CT6 #VSport, debuting at the #NYIAS. pic.twitter.com/yUezBdiqkC

— Cadillac (@Cadillac) March 28, 2018

Fiat: The FCA-owned brand will be debuting the latest edition of its popular 500 series, this time an Urbana Edition that offers what the automaker calls a “unique, urban look” with black-trimmed exterior lights, “hyper-black” aluminum wheels and black sport-cloth front bucket seats with silver accent stitching.

Meet the #FIAT500 Urbana, the latest edition to the Urbana lineup. pic.twitter.com/CC1NZxa4q0

— FIAT USA (@FIATUSA) March 26, 2018

GMC: Pickup trucks also continue to be the rage in the US market these days, and GMC will be showing off its redesigned Sierra, with the AT4 featuring industry-first technologies such as a carbon-fiber box and six-way tailgate, along with the next-gen Sierra Denali.

The ultimate in refinement and capability. See the Next Generation #GMCSierra #Denali and the first-ever #GMCSierra #AT4 at #NYIAS. pic.twitter.com/py2TC9Ul9C

— GMC (@ThisIsGMC) March 28, 2018

Honda: Sedans are top of mind for Honda’s U.S. team at the Javits Center in Manhattan for NYIAS—including the production version of its new Insight hybrid, the original version of which was one of the first hybrids in the U.S.

Here's your first look at the all-new #HondaInsight before its world debut at the @NYAutoShow. Get exclusive updates: https://t.co/B0YxqlXha1 pic.twitter.com/pj3waqgQKb

— Honda (@Honda) March 26, 2018

Hyundai: Light on utility vehicles until lately, Hyundai’s debut of the freshened 2019 Tucson compact crossover in New York will be an important one to watch.

Refreshed, upgraded and looking sleeker than ever, meet the 2019 #HyundaiTucson! Bonus: Forward Collision Avoidance Assist and Lane Keep Assist now come standard https://t.co/SqVcWKHxzp #NYIAS pic.twitter.com/o6oUMo4X4w

— Hyundai USA (@Hyundai) March 28, 2018

Jaguar: The Tata-owned British luxury icon, which just opened its North America HQ across the Hudson River in New Jersey, will be showing its Tesla-challenging production I-PACE all-electric vehicle, which “takes advantage of the inherent benefits found with EV packaging, all while offering the driving dynamics expected of all Jaguar vehicles.” Also on show: the E-PACE, Jaguar’s first compact SUV, and the F-PACE, its “most powerful performance SUV to date.”

Electric city. #IPACE Similar to the technology found in the I‑TYPE #FormulaE racing car, the motors in the I-PACE generate 394 HP and 512 Lb-Ft of torque. Feel the charge for yourself at the @nyautoshow, March 30-April 8 #NYIAS pic.twitter.com/iadYknP9bT

— Jaguar USA (@JaguarUSA) March 28, 2018

SUV, supercharged. The #FPACE #SVR making its inaugural appearance at last night's grand opening of the new @JaguarUSA HQ. #NYIAS pic.twitter.com/94ogoR4Ep5

— Jaguar USA (@JaguarUSA) March 28, 2018

Kia: The Korean automaker is introducing the new K900, which should help Kia raise its brand perception and move it more upmarket in the U.S.

A thing of beauty. Say hello to the all-new K900. #KiaNYC18 #NYIAS pic.twitter.com/MDnXIKf0Pq

— Kia Motors America (@Kia) March 28, 2018

Lexus: Toyota’s luxury marque is “opening a new gateway into the brand,” Lexus said, with the all-new UX compact luxury crossover that is making an arty (see below) North American debut in New York. It features a “bold new design, ultra-efficient new powertrains and innovative luxury features” such as Amazon Alexa integration.

Discover a new way to explore. Introducing the all-new luxury crossover #LexusUX, shown here making its North American debut last night in partnership with nonprofit @RxArtInc and artist Daniel Heidkamp. #NYIAS pic.twitter.com/IGsomJg3nD

— Lexus (@Lexus) March 28, 2018

Lincoln: Another key luxury SUV reveal will be the Aviator, a marque that Lincoln retired in 2005 and has resurrected to apply to its new mid-size model that will arrive in showrooms next year and features optional plug-in hybrid tech.

The return of a storied name — with a thoroughly modern twist. The #LincolnAviator Preview, featuring optional plug-in hybrid technology. (Prototype vehicle shown.) pic.twitter.com/KYjd69GALI

— Lincoln Motor Company (@LincolnMotorCo) March 28, 2018

Mercedes-Benz: Already flush with utility vehicles, Mercedes-Benz will spotlight some of its beloved models in New York and debut a collection of upgraded C-Class variants—a coupe and convertible—just weeks after it unveiled a new C-Class sedan at the Geneva auto show.

Fast. 0-60 in 3.1 seconds fast. And four doors. Introducing the all-new 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe. #AMG #NYIAS2018 pic.twitter.com/bckzudE38J

— Mercedes-Benz USAㅤ (@MBUSA) March 29, 2018

Nissan: Watch for the all-new Altima mid-size sedan, featuring intelligent mobility technology and all-wheel drive, plus a roomier interior and a wider vehicle stance.

All-new 2019 Nissan Altima – with Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology, new powertrains and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive – makes world debut at New York International Auto Show. https://t.co/pXGHrOFv87 pic.twitter.com/CBFccepsYa

— Nissan (@NissanUSA) March 28, 2018

Subaru: The upstart brand has been re-engineering the underpinnings of its vehicles. “Even with the larger SUV range” that Subaru is introducing, says IHS Markit automotive analyst Stephanie Brinley, the all-new “Forester is forecast to continue to deliver about 26 percent of the brand’s U.S. sales going forward.”

The all new 2019 Forester is here! See more at https://t.co/Py4FM9oHNV pic.twitter.com/YWRF3h1onJ

— Subaru (@subaru_usa) March 28, 2018

Toyota: The RAV4 crossover was America’s best-selling vehicle last year (with the exception of pickup trucks). Toyota will show an updated version of the nameplate that was last redesigned as a 2014 model. Boasting “More power. More MPG. More everything,” its chunkier styling than the version it’s replacing is in line with a recent evolution in Toyota’s exterior design language.

World debut #ICYMI – meet the all-new 2019 Toyota #RAV4 Limited, XSE HV, and Adventure grades. https://t.co/LM7b5BTstN #NYIAS pic.twitter.com/GYgiUUu7eS

— Toyota USA (@Toyota) March 28, 2018

Volkswagen: With its Atlas three-row utility vehicle already in the U.S. market, the biggest SUV that VW has ever sold, in New York the brand is already “stunning” observers with the Tanoak five-seater concept that’s also a pickup.

Drawing from heritage of U.S. pickups, the #VWAtlas Tanoak co

[savetopnow]

2018-03-14 05 CAR now

CAR

Auto Spies

Dealers Reportedly Refusing New Accord Shipments Because It Isn't Selling

California Goes Rogue And Refuses To Standardize Fuel Economy Standards With The Nation

Toyota Chief Engineer Says You Won't See A Turbo 86 Because It Requires Too Much Work

Chinese Built Jeep Grand Commander Caught Testing In The US - Will One Be In Your Driveway Soon?

Volkswagen Adjusts Output By Idling Passat Assembly And Increasing Atlas Production

Autoblog

Karma Revero refresh spied with carryover Fisker interior

Lamborghini CEO says Urus brings lots of new customers from Russia and India

Tesla files permits for L.A. Supercharger drive-in restaurant

Watch Google co-founder's Kitty Hawk Cora electric aircraft in flight

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS First Drive Review | Perfecting the quasi-coupe

Car Throttle

There's A 104-Day Supply Of Honda Accords, Because They're Not Selling

A RWD Lamborghini Aventador Won't Happen, Because It'd Be Too Much To Handle

Watch A Range Rover Sport Belt Up A Mountain Pass Faster Than A Ferrari

Mazda's New Petrol Engine "Has Potential" For EV-Rivalling Emissions

Top Gear Is Now An Actual Car Show, Which Has Me Worried

Electrek

Panasonic starts producing battery cells for electric cars at new factory in China

Green Deals: 16-pack Philips A19 60W LED Light Bulbs $21.50, more

Electric car startup spun out of Faraday Future ‘EVelozcity’ claims to have raised $1 billion

Cora is an electric ‘sky Uber drone’ from Google’s Larry Page and Sebastian Thrun, 2021 New Zealand launch plan

Tesla is still in talks over Chinese electric car factory, says Shanghai authorities

Inside EVs

5 States Most Impacted By Recent Tesla Supercharger Price Increase

Electrify America To Install 2,800 Workplace Chargers, Plus 2,000 Fast Chargers

VW Group – 16 EV Production Sites, $24 Billion Battery Investment

Royal Enfield Makes Electrifying Announcement

MINI Electric Cars To Be Produced In China Too

Jalopnik

The AWD 2018 Kia Stinger GT Will Leave You Begging For A New Ice Age

Start Making Cold Brew Coffee At Home With This $14 Carafe

What To Do When You Spill Gas In The Car And The Smell Makes You Want To Die

This Very Pink Toy Ride-On Car Has A Surprisingly Specific Engine Design

Mercedes Commissions Original 1950s Supplier To Reproduce Awesome 300 SL Seat Fabric

Motortrend

2018 Lexus RC Coupe Adds Black Line Special Edition

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2018 Chevrolet Traverse RS First Test: Dude, Where’s My V-6?

2018 Chevrolet Traverse Interior Review: Better Quality, Useful Tech

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Valet Crashes Koenigsegg Agera RS Naraya into Lamborghini Aventador Superveloce

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What should you do if you record a car crash on your dash cam?

Man smashes SUV windows with sledgehammer after hit-and-run

Calls of ageism as Porsche garage tells To The Manor Born star Peter Bowles: You’re too old for courtesy car

Me and My Motor: Amanda Wakeley, fashion designer

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Buick dropping its own name, 2018 Audi SQ5, VW TDIs await their fate: What’s New @ The Car Connection

2019 Volvo XC40 rated at 26 mpg, tops among pint-size luxury crossover SUVs

Buick to drop its own name from future cars

With hybrid cars, automakers look to blend their pitches (and prices) to sell more

2018 Fiat 500e

The CarGurus Blog

Top Headlines From March 3 – 9

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The 10 Most Popular Used Cars in the UK

Top Headlines From February 24 – March 2

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Paranoid of the Government? BMW’s Got Your Back

Tesla Talks on Track, China Says, Despite Musk’s Trade Rant

Buick Death Watch 1: Buick Must Die

Noted Diesel Lover Promises ‘Practically’ One New EV Per Month

[car-loanz]

Safest new cars of 2020 awarded by IIHS

Safety first.

A solid rule for the road, and one the IIHS Top Safety Picks can steer you toward.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released its annual list of best-performing new cars based on updated criteria that prioritize protection for pedestrians as well as vehicle occupants.

Sixty-four vehicles – all 2020 model-year cars and SUVs – are split across Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards. To qualify, each must have good ratings in crashworthiness evaluations; good or acceptable headlights, and available front crash prevention with an advanced to superior rating.

  The Mazda CX-5 is one of the safest small SUVs around. Credit: Mazda/Newspress USA

  Most attention goes to 23 models achieving the higher Top Safety Pick+ accreditation, for which good or acceptable headlights are standard rather than available.

Good visibility is key to avoiding crashes in the dark, emphasizes the IIHS, and the awards criteria make it easier for consumers to find the right lights.

As you read through the winners that follow, bear in mind these awards reflect the safest vehicles within specific size categories.

“Larger, heavier vehicles generally afford more protection than smaller, lighter ones,” says IIHS. “Thus, a small car that qualifies for an award might not protect its occupants as well as a bigger vehicle that doesn’t earn the award.”

  Top Safety Pick+ winners

Small cars

Honda Insight, 4-door sedan

Mazda 3, 4-door hatchback

Mazda 3, 4-door sedan

Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, 4-door wagon

Midsize cars

Mazda 6, 4-door sedan

Nissan Maxima, 4-door sedan

Subaru Legacy, 4-door sedan

Subaru Outback, 4-door wagon

Toyota Camry, 4-door sedan

Midsize luxury cars

Lexus ES 350, 4-door sedan

Mercedes-Benz C-Class, 4-door sedan (with optional front crash prevention)

Tesla Model 3, 4-door sedan

Large luxury cars

Audi A6, 4-door sedan

Genesis G70, 4-door sedan (only vehicles build after December 2019)

Genesis G80, 4-door sedan

Small SUVs

Mazda CX-3, 4-door

Mazda CX-5, 4-door (with optional front crash prevention)

Subaru Forester, 4-door

Midsize luxury SUVs

Acura RDX, 4-door

Cadillac XT6, 4-door (only vehicles build after October 2019)

Hyundai Nexo, 4-door

Lexus NX, 4-door

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, 4-door (with optional front crash prevention; only vehicles build after July 2019)

  Top Safety Pick winners

Each vehicle was chosen with specific headlights.

 Small cars

Honda Civic, 2-door coupe

Honda Civic, 4-door hatchback (does not apply to Type R)

Honda Civic, 4-door sedan

Hyundai Elantra, 4-door sedan (with optional front crash prevention)

Hyundai Elantra GT, 4-door hatchback (with optional front crash prevention)

Hyundai Veloster, 2-door hatchback (with optional front crash prevention)

Kia Forte, 4-door sedan (with optional front crash prevention)

Kia Soul, 4-door wagon (with optional front crash prevention)

Subaru Crosstrek, 4-door wagon (with optional front crash prevention)

Subaru Impreza, 4-door sedan (with optional front crash prevention)

Subaru Impreza, 4-door wagon (with optional front crash prevention)

Subaru WRX, 4-door sedan (with optional front crash prevention)

Toyota Corolla, 4-door hatchback

Toyota Corolla, 4-door sedan

Midsize cars

Honda Accord, 4-door sedan

Hyundai Sonata, 4-door sedan

Nissan Altima, 4-door sedan (with optional front crash prevention)

Midsize luxury cars

BMW 3 series, 4-door sedan

Volvo S60, 4-door

Large cars

Kia Stinger, 4-door hatchback (with optional front crash prevention)

Large luxury cars

Audi A7, 4-door hatchback

Small SUVs

Chevrolet Equinox, 4-door

Ford Escape, 4-door

Honda CR-V, 4-door

Hyundai Kona, 4-door (with optional front crash prevention)

Hyundai Tucson, 4-door (with optional front crash prevention)

Kia Sportage, 4-door

Lexus UX, 4-door

Lincoln Corsair, 4-door

Toyota RAV4, 4-door

Volvo XC40, 4-door

Midsize SUVs

Ford Edge, 4-door

Hyundai Palisade, 4-door

Hyundai Santa Fe, 4-door

Kia Sorento, 4-door (with optional front crash prevention)

Kia Telluride, 4-door

Mazda CX-9, 4-door (with optional front crash prevention)

Subaru Ascent, 4-door

Volkswagen Tiguan, 4-door

Midsize luxury SUVs

Lexus RX, 4-door

Large SUVs

Audi Q8, 4-door

  For further information about these vehicles, visit iihs.org.

The post Safest new cars of 2020 awarded by IIHS appeared first on RoadLoans.

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[craigshaw9856]

2019 Toyota RAV4 Review – Half a Million Buyers Can’t Be Wrong

Well, maybe the crowd can’t always be trusted. Over the last two hundred-plus years, there have been more than a few instances where our plurality voting system has yielded suboptimal victors in statewide and nationwide elections alike. I’ve promised before that I’d stay away from politics here, so I’m not getting any more specific than […]

The post 2019 Toyota RAV4 Review – Half a Million Buyers Can’t Be Wrong appeared first on The Truth About Cars.

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Is Elon Musk Wrong About An Under-250-Mile Range Model Y?

Batteries

Published on July 25th, 2020 | by Loren McDonald

July 25th, 2020 by Loren McDonald 

Elon Musk was recently at it again on Twitter sharing upcoming plans about the Tesla Model Y as well as Supercharging speeds for the Model S and X. But it was his comment that a range of less than 250 miles would be unacceptably low that got the attention of the EV and business press.

Below is the full Twitter exchange with someone using the Twitter handle of Jason.

Image Source: Twitter

Tesla had originally planned to launch a Standard Range Model Y — as it has done with most of the Tesla models over the years. But in this case, Musk argues that the “range would be unacceptably low (

Musk didn’t share what the EPA range of a Standard Range Model Y would come in at, but I’m going to pick an arbitrary 235 miles as my assumption for this article. If the Short Range version was actually rated at literally just under 250 — let’s say 245 or 247 miles — I would assume that with software adjustments, battery improvements, and tire combinations, Tesla could easily bump that range up to the magic number of 250 within 3–6 months. And everyone would forget the initial range, just like no one cares about the initial range of the Model S.

So, assuming a range of about 235 miles, why does Musk believe that is unacceptable? And to whom is it unacceptable — himself, company leadership, the brand promise, or customers?

After I drafted and submitted this article, Musk stated on the Q2 earnings call: “The thing that bugs me the most is that our cars are not affordable enough. We need to fix that. We want to be slightly positive and maximize growth, and make the cars as affordable as possible.” On the same call he also stated: “With regard to passenger vehicles, I think the new normal for range is going to be, just in U.S. EPA terms, approximately 300 miles. So I think people will really come to expect that as some number close to 300 miles as normal.”

But is Musk simply wrong? I believe he is both right and wrong, as there are multiple compelling arguments both for and against an under-250 mile Model Y.

Keys To Tesla’s EV Leadership Through the Minds of Consumers

Tesla and Elon Musk have done many things to generate excitement and interest in electric vehicles that have led to the company being the dominant automaker in terms of sales volume of EVs. Three of those keys are:

Aspirational: Prior to the Model S, EVs were often thought of as ugly, overpriced, glorified golf carts. The performance and style of the Model S (and subsequent models) made the company’s EVs aspirational for many buyers.

Range: Anxiety over the battery’s driving range was an issue for many of the early EVs that only had +/- 100 miles of range, and still is. The first versions of the Model S launched in 2012 had an EPA range for the 60 kWh battery pack model of 208 mi, and the 85 kWh battery was rated at 265 miles. Now the Model S Long Range Plus has a range of 402 miles, and most models have a range near or above 300 miles. The exception is the Model 3 Standard Range Plus at 250 miles (more on the off-menu Standard Range version later).

Superchargers and Destination Charging: Tesla is the only automaker that invested in building out its own DC fast charging (Supercharging) and Level 2 charging (Destination Charging) network. (Other OEMs have of course invested in charging networks, just not their own.) While Tesla’s connectors in the US are currently proprietary to Tesla vehicles — similar to the closed model of Apple — owners of Tesla EVs in the US generally have little to no concern (with a few exceptions in some remote or less populous areas) about not having enough range for getting to the next charging station. With the growth in popularity of the Model 3 in markets like California, however, the concern has now switched to “charging anxiety” — wait times and charging speed. 

The importance and catch-22 of the above is that the Tesla brand has set the bar on EV range. The Tesla brand in essence is all about more range being better and its lead over competitors in this area continues to be a key bragging right. The 300 miles of range available on variants of all 4 models, combined with its charging networks, means never having range anxiety.

But, does every potential driver of an EV want or need 300–400 miles of range? For many households and use cases, a Tesla may in fact provide more range than actually needed. Of course, buying a car or truck that has more than you need (horsepower, top speed, interior luxury features, range, seating capacity, size, 4-wheel drive, etc.) is nothing new, especially in car- and truck-loving America. Elon Musk understands this and has always focused Tesla on the “wants” rather than “needs” of auto-buying consumers.

But with DC fast chargers getting faster, charging stations getting more available, and many EV-interested consumers becoming more comfortable with the concept of “refueling with electricity,” is Tesla potentially giving up a segment of the market to competitors by not offering a lower-range, lower-priced Model Y?

The Case For A Less Than 250-Mile Range Tesla Model Y

Why does Musk think less than 250 miles of range is unacceptable? The following are several reasons why a Model Y Standard Range would make sense for Tesla:

300–400 miles of range is what most Americans want — but they don’t actually need it: While the average range of fully electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased significantly in the last 10 years, range anxiety remains a concern of mass consumers who have yet to drive an EV or understand how to manage range and charge your vehicle. Of the current 13 BEVs available in the US (note that some, like the Fiat 500e, are only available in 2 states), the average battery range is now 253 miles, while the median range is 254 miles. If weighted by sales volume, the average range would approach 300 miles due to Tesla accounting for about 60% of EV sales in the US.

Many studies, such as the Volvo/Harris Poll below, confirm that range anxiety and fear of not finding a place to charge are top concerns for potential buyers of EVs. And several studies have pegged 300 miles as the magic threshold that a majority of US consumers want before considering an EV.

Image Source: Volvo/The Harris Poll

Price competitiveness without the federal EV tax credit: Tesla and GM are the only OEMs that no longer qualify for the federal EV tax credit, which is $7,500 for BEVs and plugin hybrids (PHEVs) with a battery pack of 16 kWh or more ($6,843 for the Ford Escape PHEV). Since the federal EV tax credit doesn’t actually reduce the price of an EV (unless you lease and it is incorporated into the lease with lower monthly payments), I’ve always been annoyed at the use of EV prices that subtract the federal tax credit. But it is common practice to incorporate the incentive, so I’ve included it in the table below.

As you can see, there are several BEVs and PHEVs that are either available currently or are scheduled to be available by the end of 2021. And all of these electric CUVs/SUVs will have an effective cost lower than the various Model Y variants, except for the Volvo XC40 Recharge and Ford Mustang Mach-E GT. Many of these models will be $5,000 to $10,000 less than the two variants of the Tesla Model Y Long Range.

So, while Elon and lots of EV and Tesla fanatics believe that Tesla vehicles are superior to EVs from other brands (software updates, battery efficiency, performance, Autopilot/FSD, etc.), with as many as 10 EVs available in roughly the same category, many buyers may opt for a brand other than Tesla with a lower price.

Now, Tesla fans love to argue that the company’s BEVs are light years ahead of EVs from the legacy OEMs and that their offerings simply aren’t competitive. For me, access to the Supercharger and Destination Charging network are Tesla’s biggest competitive advantage and likely has a brand value to potential buyers of several thousand dollars.  But, for someone who isn’t a Tesla fanatic and is considering, say, the Nissan Ariya, VW ID.4, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Toyota RAV4 Prime, or Ford Escape PHEV, many of Tesla’s advantages simply aren’t that important.

Consumers consider many factors when buying a car, including quality, service, comfort, brand loyalty, and price. If the car with the best specifications was the top consideration, then there would eventually be only one car in each segment, as no one would buy any car without the best specs. 

Weak economy/Job insecurity: The COVID-19 pandemic is wreaking havoc on the economy (a recession was likely even before COVID) and millions of Americans are now either unemployed, underemployed, or nervous about their job stability and future paycheck. Under these circumstances, someone considering a new car purchase may look for ways to lower their monthly payments through leasing or opting for a cheaper model, one without all of the extra features. A Model Y Standard Range could potentially be much more attractive to consumers on a tighter budget.

Monthly payments: Tesla just launched a leasing option for the Model Y Long Range for $499 a month, and the Model 3 Standard Range Plus lease option starts at $371 per month. Tesla could potentially offer a $399 per month lease, which would generate lots of publicity and drive a lot of test drive traffic into Tesla galleries and showrooms, all resulting in increased sales volumes of all Model Y variants.

Volume rankings: The Model 3, which is in a category rapidly losing popularity, sedans, was the 26th best selling vehicle in the US in 2019, according to GoodCarBadCar. A Model Y priced at or near $40,000 could be a huge seller in the US, and could likely crack both the top 20 sales chart and possibly rank #1 in a category such as “midsized luxury SUV” — giving Tesla some bragging rights and great press coverage. There is safety in numbers, and the better the Model Y sells, the more people will be comfortable buying it, spurring even more sales. And many people may opt for one of the more expensive variations of the Model Y.

Competitiveness of similar range EVs: Of the non-Tesla BEV small/midsized crossovers/hatchbacks currently available in the US, only the Nissan LEAF offers different range options — 149 or 226 miles of range. But in the coming 12 to 18 months, the Mustang Mach-E and Nissan Ariya — two BEVs expected to go head to head against the Model Y — will be available in two or more battery pack options. There will also be 6 BEVs available with expected EPA ranges of from 210 to 250 miles.

For consumers who place a higher priority on some combination of price, build quality, existing brand preference, or service over longer range, Tesla would be giving up this market segment to competitors.

Shortsighted thinking: Tesla continues to improve energy efficiency of its batteries, and just in the last 12 months or so, the company increased the range on the Model S Long Range from 335 to 370 to now 402 miles. So, I would assume that within 3 to 6 months of launch, Tesla could increase the range of a Model Y Standard Range to 250 miles from ~235, as it has done with every other model recently.

This approach provides more proof of Tesla‘s leadership in batteries, and then also positions its cheapest and shortest range Model Y ahead of the others in the crossover category.

200–225 miles of range meets 99% of most households’ driving needs: For most American households, a range of 225 to 250 miles meets their needs for daily commutes and errands and weekend trips to the beach, the mountains, or to visit relatives and friends. What that range isn’t ideal for are the 2–3 long road trips (1% of trips for most) that they might take each year. (I will cover solutions for the “1% challenge” in an upcoming multi-part series.)

As of 2017, 58% of US households had two or more vehicles. So, roughly 6 out of 10 households potentially have a second vehicle they can use for these few long trips per year if they don’t want to use their shorter-range EV. 

Europeans need less range: A lower range Model Y could be a massive hit in European countries where trains and regional flights provide a convenient alternative to long road trips in a car. With access to great train systems, most Europeans clearly can get by with a shorter range BEV. Although, surprisingly, they expect more range than North Americans, according to a recent CleanTechnica survey.

[Editor’s note: Having lived in Europe for more than 10 years, and having listened to many Europeans on this matter, I think there is a bit of a misconception about this. Europeans, on average, drive a lot less than Americans. However, that is mostly because they tend to have shorter commutes, commute more frequently via urban transit systems, and do not have to do so much driving across sprawling suburban areas for shopping and routine activities. When it comes to road trips, Europeans with cars do tend to go on far away road trips in their cars — if they don’t fly or, less commonly, take a train. Those further north like to vacation in the south, for example, which means a very long drive/trip. Additionally, since they have longer vacations — much more vacation time — it is not uncommon to want to have your car with you on vacation, stimulating a drive instead of a flight. So, all in all, I think it is a little bit of a myth that Europeans care less about range. Maybe for daily commutes and errands, yes, but not for those occasional road trips. Lastly, Europe is typically colder than the US, so they also have to think more about the hit the range will take for several months in winter, fall, and even spring.]

Why Is Musk Saying No To A Model Y With Under 250 Miles Of Range Model Y?

The case for a less than 250-mile range Model Y is very compelling in my opinion, but if I wear my brand hat from being in marketing for 36 years, I can also make the case against it. The following are several reasons to not offer a Model Y Standard Range:

Additional production complexity: Producing another variant of the Model Y adds additional complexity to the manufacturing process and has the potential to impact production of other Model Y variants. Musk has often talked of the need to simplify vehicle manufacturing and reduce the number of model variants. A Model Y Standard Range, however, would presumably use the same 50 kWh battery pack as the Model 3 Standard Range Plus, so that would eliminate the need for a different battery pack or the need to limit range via software. And recent rumors are that the Model Y and Model 3 will soon share the same universal battery pack.

Competition/Bragging rights: More range is better. Lots of range is even better. 400 miles is awesome. Tesla has not only led the auto industry in delivering BEVs with more range than competitors, but in so doing, the company and Musk have also promoted the idea that whatever their models achieved at the time (250, 300, and now 400 miles) was the EV range that consumers needed (or wanted).

A Model Y with 235 or so miles of range suddenly becomes ho hum, and would be surpassed by several CUVs, including the Mustang Mach-E, Chevrolet Bolt, Hyundai Kona EV, Nissan Ariya, and Volkswagen ID.4. (My counter, however, is that Tesla would still have Long Range models that would surpass anything the competition offered in the category.)

Undermines the Tesla range advantage: If Tesla now in 2020 released a Model Y with ~235 miles of range, the company by default is validating as acceptable the EV range of competitors in the 200–250 EPA mile range.

By making available a ~235-mile range Model Y, consumers may now start placing less emphasis on the importance of range and place a higher priority on quality, service, comfort, interior luxury, and other factors where Tesla tends to not have either a real or a perceived advantage.

Price competitiveness/Vehicle margins: While I’m not going to delve into estimating margins of the Model Y (I’ll leave that to other CleanTechnica writers), the higher the sales price of a vehicle, the greater opportunity there is for higher margins. So, a lower-street price of a Model Y would likely cut into the margins of the portfolio of Model Y battery pack variations.

And that is okay if there is unlimited demand for the higher end Model Ys, but there is clearly a cap. And the fact that Tesla just added a lease option for both the Long Range and Performance versions of the Model Y suggests that demand could be waning, especially as the economy struggles. [Editor’s note: Musk said on this conference call this week demand is definitely not an issue — they have far more demand than they can supply.] Musk is known to not be a fan of offering the lease option, and holds off on leasing until market demand necessitates it. In 2019, Elon Musk said, “We’ve been reluctant to introduce leasing on Model 3 because of its effect on GAAP Financials… Obviously, leasing is a way to improve demand, but it makes our financials looks worse.”

That said, according to this Forbes article “While Tesla’s leasing program is hurting the company’s revenue growth to an extent, it is helping the company’s margins as its leases appear to be more lucrative to the company.” [Editor’s note: Tesla may be less concerned about how their financials look now that Tesla has shown 4 consecutive quarters of GAAP profit. Perhaps that is one reason it recently started offering Model Y leasing rather than waiting longer.]

Tesla does not want to compete on price: Nordstrom doesn’t want to compete with Walmart on price, and nor does Tesla does want to compete with other automakers on price. It hurts its brand reputation, but also opens the door to brands like Hyundai, Kia, Chevrolet, Nissan, and Ford to aggressively compete with and undercut Tesla. And if potential Tesla buyers begin to place price as a much higher factor in their purchase decision, then Tesla’s real or perceived advantages in range, performance, software, etc. are diminished.

But the counter is that we are in a tough economic period and Tesla also needs to support its growth story and scale volume in the US. A lower price Model Y in the hot CUV segment could put it at the top of the sales charts. Higher production volume should also lead to better margins overall with increased scale.

SUV/CUV perception versus sedans: Musk seems to be okay with a sedan, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus, having just 250 miles of range. And while it isn’t listed on the Tesla website, you can special order from Tesla showrooms the Tesla Standard Range, which has only 220 miles of range. 

Perhaps this gives us the most insight into Musk’s thinking. It seems he believes that 300 miles is the standard to be measured by for BEVs, but anything less than 250 miles is an embarrassment, or in his words, “unacceptably low.”

Because the sedan segment is rapidly declining in popularity and primarily being left to Toyota and Honda to compete over, Musk knows that the SUV/CUV segments (and pickup segment) are where automakers will win or lose in the US in the coming years. 

And because SUVs/CUVs are thought of as perfect vehicles to take the family on long trips, Musk clearly believes that a range less than 250 miles will not win over customers.

In the end, the right answer is likely a battle between those at Tesla who believe the brand is everything and those in sales and finance who see how many more Model Ys the company might be able to sell.

What do you think — should maintaining the brand superiority outweigh the opportunity to potentially reach a new and much larger market? Let us know in the comments.

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Tags: EV Range, Tesla, Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model Y range

About the Author

Loren McDonald writes about the factors driving adoption of electric vehicles and the opportunities and challenges the transition to EVs presents companies and entrepreneurs in the auto, utility, energy, retail and other industries. His research and content are published on CleanTechnica, his own blog/site, www.EVAdoption.com, and in his upcoming book “Gas Station Zero” about the huge shifts and changes in multiple industries driven by the transition to battery electric, autonomous and shared vehicles.

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[actutrends]

Comma.ai launches Comma Two, a $999 kit that imbues cars with assisted driving features

Two years ago, analysts predicted that upwards of 10 million self-driving cars would hit the road by 2020. They weren’t the only ones — in 2015 and 2016, respectively, The Guardian and Business Insider proclaimed that people would become “permanent backseat driver[s],” riding in fully autonomous cars from 2020 “without needing any interaction from [drivers].”

Fast forward to today. Despite assurances that as many as 8 million driverless cars will be added to the road in 2025, even operations like that of Alphabet’s Waymo have yet to expand beyond selected metros. The reasons are regulatory as well as technological in nature, but expense plays a role. Conservative estimates peg the cost of outfitting cars at between $100,000 to 250,000 per car.

So why not go the do-it-yourself route? That’s the question George Hotz posed five years ago — he’s the American hacker best known for developing exploits that targeted Apple’s iOS operating system and reverse-engineering Sony’s PlayStation 3. In September 2015, Hotz founded Comma.ai with the goal of developing a semi-automated system — OpenPilot — that would improve cars’ visual perception and electromechanical motor control. Unlike most full-stack solutions in testing, it’s intended to replace OEM advanced driver-assistance systems, effectively imbuing cars with self-driving capabilities.

For the first time in its history, Comma.ai has an official presence at the Consumer Electronics Show. The company this week invited members of the press (including VentureBeat) to test-drive the latest version of its system — and to show off the Comma Two.

OpenPilot

OpenPilot’s development had a bit of a rocky start. The first version’s reveal in a Bloomberg article and video prompted a cease-and-desist letter from the California Department of Motor Vehicles, which accused Comma.ai of testing a self-driving car in the state without a license. Subsequently, OpenPilot was packaged into a shippable device dubbed the Comma One, which again ran afoul of the authorities because of noncompliance with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Under pressure from the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration, Comma One was canceled, and Comma.ai open-sourced OpenPilot on GitHub.

Much has changed. In the roughly three years since Comma.ai made OpenPilot available to the public, over 1,500 users have racked up more than 14 million autonomous miles collectively, half of which were driven autonomously. (That’s up from 10 million miles as of May 2019.) Moreover, they’ve forked the GitHub repository over 2,300 times, adding features like automatic lane change and support for older Tesla, Chrysler, and Jeep models.

Comma Two

Comma.ai previously sold the Eon Devkit, a self-contained and windshield-mounted modified OnePlus phone. It started at $599, and once OpenPilot was installed to it, it automatically recognized car models by analyzing CAN network traffic. (The presence of certain CAN messages and their lengths is an indication of the model year, car brand, car model, and trim.) Companion devices dubbed the Panda and Giraffe plugged into cars’ OBD-II ports to track RPMs, MPG, cornering G-force, battery life, and more, and to provide access to the communication buses and enable the Eon to interface with the car.

The Comma Two replaces the Eon, but it retains all of the Eon’s features and then some. That said, it ditches the Panda for a single-cord solution, and it’s slightly pricier at $1,000 (though it’s available on a payment plan through Affirm).

The first batch of 300 units are available for purchase today. They’ll begin shipping later in the month, Hotz says.

The Comma Two is powered via OBD-C as opposed to by battery, which Hotz says was a top complaint among current Eon owners, and it has a larger mount as well as a custom fan-based hardware cooling solution. Like the Eon, which used a camera to recognize drivers’ faces and decelerate if it detected those drivers were distracted, the Comma Two performs facial recognition. In point of fact, it’s in improved in that it leverages two infrared sensors as opposed to an RGB sensor, enabling it to work during nighttime.

Other highlights include front and back cameras, as well as a fourth CAN bus to connect the OBD-II port and a low-power mode that automatically shuts off the Comma Two after three days to save car battery.

The Eon was equipped with cellular service and a SIM card supplied by Comma.ai. Data was unlimited (though capped to 512Kbps), and users could spring for Comma Prime if they so chose, a $24 per month service that enables remote access (via T-Mobile) from anywhere and online storage of 14 days’ worth of drive data (compared with the standard three days). The Comma Two also taps cellular for connectivity and plays nicely with new and existing Comma Prime subscriptions, and it comes with a year’s worth of storage.

By default, OpenPilot uploads driving data in real time from the road-facing camera, CAN, GPS, inertial measurement unit, magnetometer, thermal sensors, and operating system to Comma.ai’s servers for machine learning training and development purposes. Much of this data can be accessed locally through the Comma Connect app for iOS and Android or through Explorer, an online dashboard of recent drives from which disengagements (i.e., instances when a driver took control from OpenPilot) can be annotated to help improve the system.

From within the app, Comma Two owners can remotely wake up the Comma Two and snap a picture from either the front- or rear-facing cameras. Additionally, they’re able to switch among multiple units on the fly and to view their real-time geographic locations.

Compatibility

OpenPilot isn’t compatible with every car under the sun. It only works with these models and model years:

Acura ILX (2016-2018) and RDX (2016-2018)

Buick Regal (2018)

Chevrolet Malibu (2017)

Volt (2017-2018)

Cadillac ATS (2018) and Pacifica (2017-2018)

GMC Acadia Denali (2018)

Holden Astra (2018)

Honda Accord (2016-2019), Civic (2017-2019), Civic Hatchback (2017-2019), CR-V (2015-2019), CR-V Hybrid (2017-2019), Fit (2018), Odyssey (2018-2019), Passport (2019), Pilot (2016-2019), and Ridgeline (2017-2019)

Hyundai Elantra (2017-2019), Genesis (2018), and Santa Fe (2019)

Jeep Grand Cherokee (2016-2019)

Kia Optima (2019), Sorento (2018), and Stinger (2018)

Lexus RX Hybrid (2016-2019) and ES Hybrid (2019)

Subaru Crosstek (2018) and Impreza (2019)

Toyota Avalon (2016-2018), Camry (2018-2019), C-HR (2017-2019), Corolla (2017-2020), Corolla Hatchback (2019), Highlander (2017-2018), Highlander Hybrid (2018), Prius (2017-2019), Prius Prime (2017-2020), Rav4 (2016-2019), Rav4 Hybrid (2017-2018), and Sienna (2018)

Equally critically, OpenPilot isn’t capable of fully autonomous driving on all road types in all conditions. It can currently handle lane centering on roads without clear marking thanks to machine learning algorithms trained with user data, and it can maintain a safe follow distance and drive in stop-and-go traffic without supervision.

But it’s complicated. On all supported cars, OpenPilot’s automated lane centering and lane keep assist replace the stock systems. Only on specific supported cars does the system’s adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning slot in for default, however, and on no model does OpenPilot take over things like auto high-beam, blind spot warning, and side collision warning.

Driving experience

So how’s the driving experience with the Comma Two? “Smooth sailing” sums it up. OpenPilot indeed maintains its lane position even when the markings aren’t obvious — or aren’t visible. In a construction site with cones on either side and on an unpaved road without dividing lines, we watched OpenPilot deftly keep centered and maintain a comfortable following distance from the car in front of it.

It doesn’t much matter whether the road ahead is straight or severely curved. OpenPilot used to scrape OpenStreetMap for road curvature and traffic data, but it doesn’t any longer — now, it’s smart enough to calculate the trajectory in real time and to ensure it doesn’t speed along that trajectory too violently.

In this respect, OpenPilot is akin to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, Volvo’s Pilot Assist, and GM’s Super Cruise, the last of which is one of the few systems that offers hands-free driving thanks to an eye-monitoring infrared camera. But in contrast to Super Cruise, which only engages on about 130,000 miles of U.S. and Canadian highway that GM has mapped, OpenPilot theoretically works anywhere there’s a discernible road.

OpenPilot can change lanes automatically, but it requires signaling from drivers before it does so — they have to first switch on a turn signal and nudge the steering wheel in the direction they’d like to go. It smoothly merging while keeping pace with the traffic ahead in our brief experience. But Hotz noted that OpenPilot won’t prevent lane changes when cars are to the immediate left or right, in the Comma Two’s blind spot.

Of course, Comma Two and OpenPilot can’t anticipate every situation. An SUV rear-ended a hatchback during our driving demo, forcing Hotz — who was behind the wheel — to tap the brake and disengage the system. And OpenPilot doesn’t handle things like red lights or stop signs — at least not yet.

Safety

Whether OpenPilot can be considered truly safe is a semantics question, in part. The driverless car industry lacks an agreed-upon metric for safety — Noah Zych, head of system safety at Uber’s Advanced Technologies Group, told Wired in an interview that miles traveled isn’t a particularly insightful measure without context like location. Derek Kan, U.S. secretary for policy at the U.S. Department of Transportation, echoed that sentiment in remarks at a conference two years ago.

Companies like Intel’s Mobileye and Nvidia have proposed mathematical models that aim to codify good habits like giving other cars the right of way. Essentially, they’re decision-making policies in a motion-planning stack that monitor unsafe actions by analyzing real-time sensor data.

Comma.ai has a safety model of its own, which Hotz said involves several forms of regression testing. Commits aren’t merged to the OpenPilot codebase before they’ve met the test suite’s muster.

This aside, Comma.ai problematically hasn’t committed to regularly publishing any sort of statistics beyond miles driven, like disengagements or accidents. California’s Department of Motor Vehicles mandates that all companies testing autonomous cars report disengagements, but because Comma.ai doesn’t have a permit to test cars, it’s exempt from this requirement.

Hotz for his part asserts that the infrared sensors in Comma Two will improve safety substantially, as will the onboarding video customers are required to watch before they launch OpenPilot for the first time. On the subject of the former, a warning appears on the Comma Two’s screen if a driver diverts their eyes from the road for four seconds, and after six seconds, OpenPilot disengages and begins to slow down. (Unclicking the driver-side seat belt or opening the car door also disengages the system.)

For what it’s worth, we encountered only one disengagement — Hotz’s stop to avoid the accident — over roughly 7 miles and 25 minutes of driving  “We pushed on nuance [with this latest version of OpenPilot],” said Hotz. “Intersections have no lane lines — it’s unclear where you should go. [OpenPilot] follows the path that the human would follow.”

Backend improvements

On the backend side of the OpenPilot equation, new is a simulation environment called the Small Offset Simulator that loads in real-world routes and simulates deviations of them. “You can’t just take a lot of data and train a model to mimic the data, because that model doesn’t realize that if it takes action, the world will change,” said Hotz. “The only way to really do that is to build a simulator.”

Using a technique called projected geometry and generative adversarial networks (GANs), or two-part AI models comprising generators that synthesize data samples and discriminators that attempt to distinguish between the synthesized samples and real data, the simulator redraws scenes meters to the left or right or with curvature and other perturbations. Hotz said that the models within the Small Offset Simulator are now training on 200,000 minutes of driving data collected by Eon users.

It’s similar — but not quite the same — as the simulation environments deployed internally by Uber, Waymo, and others. GM’s Cruise, for instance, leverages a replay approach that involves extracting real-world sensor data, playing it back against the car’s software, and comparing the performance with human-labeled ground truth data. Cruise also engages in planning simulation, which lets the company’s data scientists create up to hundreds of thousands of variations of a scenario by tweaking variables like the speed of oncoming cars and the space between them.

Future developments

Going forward, Comma.ai plans to release new hardware on roughly a yearly cadence — Hotz believes its business model of selling devices at profit and eating the cost of software development is sustainable. (Comma.ai has raised $8.1 million in venture capital to date across two funding rounds, the most recent of which closed in April 2018.) As for OpenPilot, achieving a better end-to-end driving experience remains an acute area of focus for the engineering team.

“What we want to do is move away from [lead car following] and move to an end-to-end longitudinal [model],” he said. “One of the problems we as a company have trying to convey is, when it works well, you don’t even notice it. Our company mission is to solve self-driving cars while shipping intermediaries.”

But Comma.ai isn’t discouraging rivals from cloning its hardware and piggybacking off of OpenPilot. In fact, Hotz encourages it, just as he encourages those with proprietary solutions to compete with Comma.ai.

One such challenger — former Yahoo CTO John Hayes’ Ghost Locomotion — emerged from stealth last November promising an aftermarket self-driving kit to retrofit existing cars. Another — Cambridge, U.K.-based Wayve — claims its driverless cars self-improve by learning from safety driver interventions. Mobileye doesn’t sell a consumer product, but like Comma.ai, its driverless tech leans on cameras for autonomous decision-making. And then there’s Tesla, which recently release a preview of an active guidance system (Navigate on Autopilot) that navigates a car from a highway on-ramp to off-ramp, including interchanges and making lane changes.

Hotz is unconcerned. “Mobileye is the Windows [of autonomous driving] that’s going to do Microsoft-style business development deals with big companies, Tesla’s the Mac that’s going to ship sexy hardware to consumers, and we’re the Linux,” he said. “Everybody should use us for whatever they want.”

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