What you see above is a concept, but one that will see a production version fairly soon. A redesigned 2021 Acura TLX is on the horizon — production delays notwithstanding — but the news is even better than that. See that badge on the front? That’s the one folks are waiting for. That marks the return of the much-loved Type S to the sports sedan fold.
At the heart of the 2021 Acura TLX Type S will be an all-new platform designed exclusively for the model. The 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated V-6 will bow out for a new turbocharged setup, according to a recent Car and Driver report.
Most likely it will be a 3.0-liter unit, as that’s a common displacement for modern turbo V-6 powertrains, but there’s no official information just yet. However, we can rest assured that forced induction will definitely give a major bump over the current model’s 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The TLX (and the TL that preceded it) have always been front-wheel drive-based models, and that’s not likely to change here. However, Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system would be a nice match for more power in the Type S.
For the standard TLX, buyers should get a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder out of the current-generation Accord. That engine, in itself, is basically a detuned Civic Type R engine, so that’s certainly no bad thing either.
Why the TLX?
In a time where crossovers have dominated the landscape — I make no secret of my fondness for the Acura RDX A-Spec, for example — a perfectly reasonable question is, “Why?” There’s still a market for sports sedans, and Acura does still manage to shift the TLX, more so than its other sedan offerings. This class of car is also where Acura should fight. The 2021 Acura TLX Type S would compete against heavyweights like the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4 and Genesis G70, all of which have high-performance variants. More to the point, it’s a part of the market that still draws devoted fans and buyers, even with the shift toward crossovers.
We should get more information from Acura later this year, but at least there’s more confirmation the Type S is indeed coming. It should also undercut its German rivals, as the TLX currently starts in the mid-$30,000 range. Even for the Type S, prices shouldn’t rise much above $50,000. That would put it right in the butter zone of the sort of sedans it’s looking to take on.
If the styling matches the concept and it brings serious power to the table, Acura may just have a winner on its hands.
While most performance cars these days offer an automatic transmission as an option or as standard fare, there are a few hot hatches still out there that strictly come with a six-speed manual transmission. Hyundai’s N performance division recently announced that will no longer be the case with its latest creation, the Veloster N. Instead, they shared that it will get an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission through Instagram:
A post shared by Hyundai N (@hyundai_n_worldwide) on
While the video above doesn’t show too many details, you do get a brief glimpse at “Grin Shift” mode. What is that, you ask? That may just be a marketing message, but at any rate it seems like a fun twist on Sport mode for the Veloster N. Hyundai is also using an eight-speed dual-clutch unit for its upcoming Sonata N Line, and the company has used seven-speed dual-clutch units before.
The new dual-clutch transmission would arrive for the 2021 Veloster N, though Hyundai has yet to announce an official date. Under the hood, things will stay the same as the Veloster N we already know. Namely, a 250 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which you can bump to 275 horsepower with the optional N Performance Package. Pricing for the current model starts at $27,600 before destination fees. Add in a dual-clutch option, and we expect the option to add at least $1,200 to $1,500 to that price (though that could vary a bit).
We have seen recent spy shots that give away what the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport will look like. [Photos: TFLcar]
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is set to debut along with its big brother this year, but lockdowns due to COVID-19 have disrupted the production schedule. According to industry suppliers speaking to Automotive News, the company has to shift production by two months due to the ongoing health crisis.
Those suppliers said parts were supposed to ship this month. The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport will be produced at the Hermosillo, Mexico assembly plant, and that production was supposed to start on July 13, 2020. Now, the automaker reportedly pushed back that date to September 7.
While we will (understandably) have to wait until late summer to officially see the Bronco Sport, we have plenty of information to chew on now. We know the new model will ride on the same platform as the Ford Escape. Recently, we learned with relative certainty it will share the Escape’s engines as well, including a 1.5-liter three-cylinder and 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit, depending on the model. Several trims will be available, including the Badlands, Big Bend, Outer Banks and First Edition models. Buyers can choose from ten different exterior colors, as well.
There are still a few question marks remaining, one of which is price. We suggested the Bronco Sport will likely run somewhere around the same price as the Jeep Renegade — i.e. it should start somewhere in the low-$20,000 range — to effectively compete. Whether it will have the same eight-speed automatic transmission we can get in the Escape is also likely, but not a complete certainty at the moment.
Will it make an auto show debut?
Normally, we’d cover the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport at its auto show reveal. However, since the New York Auto Show was cancelled and the North American International Auto Show isn’t happening this summer in Detroit either, you may be able to see it in person sometime this fall. If the rescheduled New York Auto Show takes place in August, that’s where it will most likely make an appearance.
Of course, the Bronco Sport isn’t Ford’s only big product launch this year. Far from it — the automaker also plans to reveal or launch the all-new Bronco, next-generation F-150 and Mustang Mach-E. Thanks to the current uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus in the U.S., those may be pushed back as well.
Among the most recognizable names in Formula One history, Sir Stirling Moss is one of the all-time greats. Sadly, an FIA press release announced he has died at the age of 90 on Sunday. He began his racing career all the way back in 1948, and drove in Formula One alongside Juan Manuel Fangio, and took home sixteen Grand Prix wins, including his 1961 victories in both Monaco and Germany.
Moss was born in London on September 17, 1929.
On top of his F1 career, Sir Stirling Moss also drove a Mercedes 300 SLR to victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia race. There, he actually beat Fangio to take the title. While Moss didn’t wholesale win any championship titles, he also competed in Le Mans and Sebring. Apart from some touring car racing in the 1980s, he left Formula One racing after a crash at Goodwood in 1962, and officially retired from racing in 2011, at the age of 81.
Fellow F1 drivers and racing enthusiasts across the world remember Moss’ legacy, and we all extend our condolences to his family.
This is Peugeot 6008 Concept car, but it could influence the future Dodge Journey. Then again, so could the Challenger Hellcat! (Image: PSA)
In this week’s Ask Nathan:
What is the future Dodge Journey going to be like?
I want a cheap old reliable truck.
Nathan – you bought WHAT!?
The first question comes from a NathanAdlen@Twitter question, asking about a future Dodge Journey
Q: (Via NathanAdlen@Twitter) Work gave me a 2018 Dodge Journey.
Driven it for 2 years and I don’t hate it. What will the future Dodge Journey be like?
Anonymous
(Image: PSA)
A: That’s a great question!
There are a TON of rumors about the future Dodge Journey. Everything is on the table including the platform, engine, source-company (Fiat, Peugeot, Mitsubishi) and possible name. Nothing has been confirmed.
The 2020 Dodge Journey is basically the same vehicle that’s recently been simplified in terms of options and packaged. Less variety usually means a vehicle is at the end of its shelf life.
Dodge Hornet?
Recently, FCA applied for trademarks for both “Hornet” along with “Dodge Hornet” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. We have no idea where the name would work best in the Dodge lineup. In the past, it was attached to a sporty econo-box concept that was about the size of a Fiat 500X. This was before the Fiat merger and we doubt it’s reemerging for production.
The 2006 Dodge Hornet concept. (Image: Chrysler)
Given Dodge’s ageing fleet, and the popularity of the segment the Journey inhabits, it’s entirely possible that it could be part of, or a replacement of the Journey’s name. Some of the additional rumors focus on platforms from Alfa Romeo/Fiat and Peugeot.
The popular rumor has the future Dodge Journey being based on the same Giorgio platform Alfa Romeo uses for the Stelvio. FCA’s former CEO Sergio Marchionne wanted to use the platform for the next versions of the Dodge Challenger, Charger, Journey, and Durango. This was announced back in 2017 and things may have changed.
With the merger of FCA and PSA, some speculate that there will be platform sharing with Peugeot. The Peugeot 5008 could be a platform for the next Journey. It’s about the right size and it could be how Peugeot works their way back into our market.
As of this date, nothing has been confirmed. It should be interesting to see how this old crossover evolves.
– N
1993 Toyota T100 (Image: Toyota)
The next question comes from a fan who is thinking about pulling the trigger on a Toyota T100.
Q: Yo. I don’t have all kinds of money like most people who buy pickup trucks.
I need a good old pickup truck to haul crap from my dad’s old property to the dump. It needs to be reliable and cheap and easy to fix. Don’t need to tow a lot. Never owned a truck and never needed to. I just need to reliably haul junk for the next year or two. It’s a lot and I don’t need anything new of fancy.
Saw a few ads for American trucks for less than $5,000 but I hate U.S products. Saw lots of TFL videos with old Toyota trucks and it got me thinking about getting one. So I checked out a $4,000 94 Toyota T100 and it looks like a solid deal to me. It’s got low miles and runs real good.
Is this a good truck? Do you have any experience with one?
Sam
1996 Toyota T100 (Image: Toyota)
A: Hi!
Great question. The Toyota T100 was Toyota’s first attempt to build a truck that competes with 1/2-ton trucks like the Ford F-150. It was never a big challenger with sales or performance, but it was a solid truck. It was like a slightly enlarged version of the renowned Toyota Tacoma. They had similar running gear and many components were shared.
If you can find a well take care of example, it could be the right buy.
A few things to look for:
These trucks were notorious for rust, both on the body panels and on the frame. You need to check the bottom of the vehicle carefully. I know someone personally who had issues with the throttle positioning sensor and went through a few starters.
Like any well used vehicle, many components will experience wear. Make sure the brakes and tires are in good shape and take it to a trusted mechanic to give it a good look.
Best of luck!
— N
The last batch of questions and comments come from the reactions from my video about buying my spouse a 2015 Mini Cooper Countryman All4 S.
The video where I talk about buying my spouse’s 2015 Mini Cooper Countryman ALL4 S solicited some interesting responses. (Image: TFLcar)
Q: (Here are some responses to my Mini Cooper video)
Nathan! What you’ve been smoking lately brother. I love your reports all this years and out of all three of you, I favor you more. .. .. But something is happening there . what u showing us today is a disgrace. That should be an Acura or Honda. Just for comprising -you would be better of if you bought a Honda Hrv manual. Especially in this rough time when people look for reliable efficient and affordable car – Milko Vasilev
So bought a car sight unseen with out knowing what options it had and it showed up 2 weeks late….. smells like a sponsored video – andycap Benedictus
A Mini Countryman? You’re supposed to be a professional! Why would you recommend such a POS!? Scotty would kill you if he knew! – JTing
A: Hi folks.
There is something you guys need to take into account: this is something the boss-woman wanted. I would say “She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed” but @Shamey Reed said., “…please, please, please stop with the ‘she who must be obeyed” schtick.” So, I’ll hold off on saying “She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed” – even though I got “She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed” from author John Mortimer and his series, “Rumpole of the Bailey.”
I did the best I could with the requirements I needed to meet. She WANTED the car. She WANTED the MINI!
Of course I know about Mini’s reputation. Still, I did do some research with a ton of owners, some I know personally and found it wasn’t too terrible. The ones that have low mileage and a good maintenance history seem to last. That’s what I looked for.
To answer some of your observations:
@JTing – Sorry bro, but I NEVER recommended buying this car, I recommended the organization I used to buy it – Carvana. Also, unless Scottie is married to my spouse, he has NO say in my choices.
@andycap Benedictus – All of the options were stated, I just forgot to double check about a few details. My fault, I should have known that this model of Mini didn’t have certain options. The delivery was late (which I mentioned… which makes it weird that my criticism would be “sponsored”). The overall experience was good and I stand by that.
@Milko Vasilev – I honestly wanted her to like the Subaru CrossTrek. Honda and Acura have nothing that combines the options she likes. Only Jeep, Volkswagen, Subaru and Mini made the cut.
At the end of the day, one must weigh what makes them or “She-Who-Mu-Obeyed” happy.
Over the next several months, (and – hopefully – years) I will post a few updates. Until then, I remain happy that she’s happy.
Supra vs. 86: Can Toyota’s sports car revival crush its older sibling?
It would be bold to claim Toyota has changed the playing field for sports cars with the new GR Supra because they perfected something that the world might no longer need. Now that the long wait is over, will it send its little brother—the 86—into retirement. Or will both agile sports cars of different eras find a comfortable place in Toyota’s product line into the foreseeable future?
A little history
Toyota rebadged the FR-S to 86 when the Scion brand was shuttered. Originally introduced as the 2013 Scion FR-S, it boasted lightweight fun in a compact package with 200 ponies sending power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. For drivers not challenged by low ceilings and economy-class legroom, positioning is near perfect—the shifter, the steering wheel, the pedals—are precisely where you want them.
Toyota 86 TRD
On the other hand, the Supra’s heritage spans several decades and four generations, until US sales halted with the 1998 model year. Regaining a new lease on life, made possible by collaborating with BMW, the fifth-generation Supra arrived amidst immense fanfare and delight from sports car enthusiasts.
The Supra, after a 22-year hiatus, makes a comeback equipped with a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, and several styling cues that pay homage to its family legacy.
So how does the A90 Supra compare to the 86, and does it irrefutably dominate the lesser-powered coupe?
My compliments to the designers
Some of the exterior design inspiration for the Toyota 86 comes from the Sports 800 and 2000GT built in the sixties. Step back a few feet, and you’ll notice it has a clean and compact shape that’s not overdone.
The mild front fender bulges convey a muscular element underneath the hood. From the side, the shark-nosed two-seater has a relatively short hood and soft flowing lines over the passenger cabin. The backside view is low and wide.
The fifth-generation Supra, with its swoopy styling, has an intriguing design influenced by Toyota’s classic line-up of sports cars such as the 2000GT, Celica, early Supras, and even the FR-S.
The Supra’s long nose and aggressive bulges show off Toyota’s focus on design flow and belie its seductiveness. The car’s aerodynamics captures the elements of emotion and energy that does a damn good job of raising one’s blood pressure.
Toyota GR Supra interior
Light ’em up!
Set your expectation sights on low, and the 86 comes back feeling surprisingly responsive and engaging. Handling is tight, and the electronically assisted steering will provide modest feedback and oodles of fun.
Sadly, low power, wait-for-it acceleration and rigid suspension remind you of the coupe’s weaknesses—however, its nimble handling and predictive tail-spin tip the fun-meter to the plus side.
One fundamental factor that differentiates the 86 and Supra is that the former has an available six-speed manual transmission. The modern Supra only comes with an eight-speed automatic. In terms of connecting the driver and machine, there’s no substitute for stirring the gears manually.
Toyota 86 TRD interior
If you can overcome the old-school thinking and accept shifting on the fly using paddles or switching the transmission to manual mode, then that satisfying feeling of flying down your favorite ribbon of asphalt will be fulfilling.
Breaking down the performance elements is fine, but the GR Supra delivers a solid dose of pizzazz and punch. Whereas the 86 has some excellent sports car traits—but the GR Supra, taken as the whole enchilada—is truly excellent.
For me, it’s not just how the GR Supra performs on the track, or how it accelerates or brakes on the road or closed course. It’s also how it sounds under hard acceleration, how engaging it can be for the driver, and how it can turn heads when it comes into view. Bottom line: it’s a high-performance vehicle that performs well beyond expectations and readily brings on the feeling of nirvana.
Truth be told, the Supra puts me in a much happier place than the 86 every day of the week.
Finish line
A persistent quibble about the 86 (FR-S/BRZ) is the car’s less-than-adequate power output—205 horsepower from a normally aspirated 2.0-liter boxer-four. A quick survey of the outdated cabin and electronics doesn’t help boost the agile sports car’s image to any degree. I concede that the 86 is a light and nimble sports car easily affordable but put it side-by-side with the Supra, and I’ll pick the curvaceous two-seater any day of the week.
An aggressive look and feel, advanced technology, and pulse-pounding performance all contribute to make the Supra a unique sports car and unforgettable as its ancestors. Prestige, performance and Supra’s heritage come together in a package that will always override the 86 from any angle.
The 2020 Porsche Taycan 4S comes out on top for range.
The folks over at taycanforum.com saw that the lower-end Porsche Taycan 4S received its CARB certification on March 16. Its range is 289.7 miles, according to their figures. By comparison, the Taycan Turbo got 281.8 miles and the Turbo S 273.8 miles range.
The Porsche Taycan has a mixed bag of reviews from various outlets, including our own review. The pain point for what’s otherwise a rock solid first attempt for a pure electric car was its less-than-stellar range, at least according to the EPA. In the right trim, though, you won’t be hurting for performance. You can get a 0-60 mph time in as little as 2.8 seconds and have a top speed of 160 mph. If you get the top-of-the-line Turbo S, you can get 750 horsepower and 774 lb-ft of torque.
While Tesla has products that can well exceed 300 miles of range, this is still a small victory for Porsche. Every mile helps.
The 2020 Porsche Taycan 4S CARB certificate is below:
In time, we’ll see other Porsche products that are electrified certified by CARB. It will be interesting to see if they intend to increase range, or opt for better performance. Time will tell.
Tommy lays out his top-10 list of absolute duds put out by otherwise great car companies. Some are misguided attempts to create “entry-level” options to capture new buyers to the brand. Many are miserable workarounds to avoid taxes. or meet government regulations. Whatever the case, do yourself a favor and avoid these rides. Your soul will be glad it did.
#10 – Ferrari 208 Era: 1979-1980 Con: Slowest Ferrari of all time thanks to a 153 hp detuned engine. That’s less powerful than a Toyota Camry. Why: To avoid a ruthless V.A.T. in Italy.
#9 – Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JK (2WD) Era: 2007-2010 Con: Why would anyone buy a Wrangler and NOT get 4WD? Why: A misguided bid to get people into Wranglers at a lower price.
#8 – Ford Mustang II MPG Era: 1974 Con: A poseur pony powered by an anemic 2.3-liter 4-cyl. engine good for 89 hp and 118 lbs-ft. torque. Why: The gas crisis led Ford to put this ‘stang out, claiming 34 mpg.
#7 – Tesla Model S 40kwh Era: 2012-2013 Con: The entry-level Model S had a range of only 139 miles, was slow, and couldn’t use a Supercharger station. Why: At under $50K, it was the “affordable” Tesla that no one wanted.
#6 – BMW 3-SeriesHatch Era: 1992-1998 Con: For a BMW, the 318i has a woefully bad rear suspension that resulted in anything but the ultimate driving machine. Plus, it only came in a 4-cyl. Why: BMW’s attempt to compete on price, not performance.
#5 – Mini Cooper CVT Era: 2003-2006 Con: An otherwise fantastic sporty compact undone by a CVT automatic with a nearly 100% failure rate that castrated the car when it worked. Why: Only Mini knows.
#4 – Land Rover Discovery MPi Era: Early 1990s Con: Sold in the U.K., the MPI used an over-matched 2-liter, 4-cyl engine good for 134 hp and 137 lbs-ft. torque to move the 4,200-lbs. 4×4 really, really slow. Why: A bid for affordability and to avoid taxes on bigger displacement engines.
#3 – Porsche 912 Era: Mid- to late-60s Con: Same great body and suspension as the 911, but with a flat-4 boxer engine good for 102 hp, not the 911’s flat-6. Basically a VW Beetle engine in a Porsche. Why: Porsche believed it needed a less pricey option than the 911.
#2 – BMW 740e Era: 2017-2019 Con: A plug-in hybrid that put out 322 hp combined between the electric motor and 2-liter 255 hp engine. Once the battery was used up after 14 miles, the ICE was it. Why: With tax credits, the 740e was the *least* expensive 740 in the line-up.
#1 – Chevy Corvette C3 Era: Roughly 1978-1982 Con: At the end of its run, the C3 was reduced to a small block V8 good for 190 hp. Hardly a sportscar after early years of 7.4-liter, 460-hp V8s. Why: New draconian emissions controls.
To find out how Tommy came to rank this list of stinkers, click on the video below. Got your own stinker model to add to his list? Drop it into a comment below. Then let the debates begin!
Roman just bought one of the most hated modern Land Rovers to prove a point: Even this SUV doesn't suck! Or maybe it does...that's what we're going to find out in our latest project series.
According to a White House announcement Tuesday, President Trump will sign a new executive order aimed at easing the impact of automotive-related tariffs.
