Toyota Announces 2019 Corolla Hatchback Pricing and MPG: Surprise, the Manual is Thirstier than the CVT [News]

By

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May 25, 2018

Back in April, Nathan had the chance to drive the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback in San Diego, California. He very much enjoyed both the manual and CVT versions of the car, citing sporty handling and good looks as some of the major plus points. However, he left San Diego still without two important pieces of information about the Corolla Hatchback: pricing and fuel economy. Fortunately, Toyota has just released Corolla Hatchback pricing and MPG figures, so our depth of knowledge is finally complete.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Pricing

The base SE starts at just $19,990 and comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, powering the front wheels. For this price, you get some cool features like an 8-inch touch screen, adaptive cruise, and auto emergency braking. Jump to the CVT and you’ll spend another $2,100, raising the price to $22,090. Should you find yourself wanting some additional features, you can spend $1,400 for blind spot monitoring, a different infotainment system and Toyota’s connected-car services.

The XSE gives the Corolla Hatch some nice looking appearance upgrades including a bigger spoiler and bigger alloy rims. It starts at $22,990 with a six-speed manual. The CVT costs, on the XSE, $1,100 for a total of $24,090. There is a $1,600 technology package available on the XSE that nets you connected-car services, wireless phone charging, navigation and an 800-watt speaker setup.

Fuel Economy

As you would expect these days, the CVT is a bit better on fuel than the manual. The CVT equipped in the SE gets 26 city, 37 highway, for 32 combined. The CVT is significantly better, at 32 mpg city, 42 highway, and 36 combined.

While the extra bits on the XSE look better, they also detract from MPG. The XSE CVT gets 30 city, 38 highway, for 33 combined, a slight decrease. Toyota hasn’t released MPG for the manual, but it would be fine to guess that it will be a similar decrease compared to the SE.

It doesn’t matter what trim or transmission you buy, the Corolla Hatch will be powered by the same 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder that makes 168 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. Also regardless of transmission, that power will be sent to the front wheels.

The Corolla Hatch is set to go on sale later in the summer. Be sure that we will get our hands on one for some high-elevation testing as soon as we can.

In the meantime, you can watch the video below featuring the top ten things you need to know about the 2019 Corolla Hatchback:

Possible Return: 2021 Dodge Viper V8 says “Never Die!”

By

Nathan Adlen

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May 25, 2018

The Viper may still have some venom left, after all

It looks like we may see a 2021 Dodge Viper V8, possibly as early as the 2019 Detroit Motor Show! According to a recent Car and Driver report, FCA has every intention on bringing back the Viper to challenge the Corvette (both front and rear-engine) and the Ford GT – among others. While it appears that there will be no V10 offered, an all-aluminum Hemi is said to be in development.

There’s also the possibility of a (next generation) Dodge Hellcat or Demon engine being used, but that is speculation, along with a majority of this post.

It is said that the 2021 Dodge Viper V8 will maintain a front-engine, rear-drive layout with the signature long hood and small cabin intact. This also means that the look may be an evolution of the old Viper’s design. The report goes on to say that, just like the old Vipers, a convertible will be offered first with a coupe design coming later in its production.

Some of you might speculate that the 2021 Dodge Viper V8 could be a discounted 2019 Ferrari Portofino, which is a replacement for the Ferrari California. That’s a pretty good theory, but I suspect FCA wants to have the Ferrari and Viper kept as far away as possible to avoid brand contamination. Still, FCA isn’t building the 2021 Dodge Viper V8 to be third fastest among its American competition.

While no official details are available yet, it is a good bet that the 2021 Dodge Viper V8 may come with a manual transmission. That would make it one of the last supercars to offer a manual transmission option. That could be a huge selling point in itself.

Faking Engine Noise – Yay or Nay? [Video/Poll]

By

Zach Butler

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May 25, 2018

What do you think about simulated engine noise enhancement?

I like it - It makes the car sound nicer.

I don't like it - Give me real engine noise!

View Results

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Fake it until you make it?

In the mind of any hot-blooded gearhead, nothing beats the sound of a thundering V8. Or a high-revving rotary. Even a nice, throaty V6 will do the trick to get the heart pumping a bit. Four-pots, though? Most of the time, they’re not what you’d call…lively. Sure, slap a turbocharger on one and you can get a pretty decent power return, but the sound they make just doesn’t stir the soul. Well, now, cars like the 2019 Hyundai Veloster offer up a deeper, resonant tone from their engines. Sort of.

Welcome to the modern automotive age, where everything, even engine note, is computerized. Yes, the Hyundai’s engine makes some noise on its own, but now it has an electronic wingman. Located in the infotainment system, Hyundai included options to enhance the engine’s sound through the car’s audio system. With either a “Normal” or “Enhanced” effect, drivers can amplify their car’s engine note with a simple selection. Now, plenty of people out there will absolutely hate this feature.

2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo sneak peek — 2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo and R-Spec. [Photo: Hyundai]

It’s not to everyone’s taste, this simulated engine noise enhancement. If it’s not natural sound you’re hearing, then it’s a waste of time. However, others may enjoy the deeper, louder noise, simulated or otherwise. Despite the “fake it ’til you make it” attitude that comes with fitting such a feature, Hyundai did at least include the option to turn it off. Whichever crowd you’re in, the simple fact of the matter is that this sort of feature is here to stay. Whether it’s in hot hatches or performance cars, some will let you enhance the sound at your whim.

Check out our demonstration of the 2019 Hyundai Veloster‘s engine noise enhancement above. Let us know what you think in the comments! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow for more news, views, and real-world, tech demo reviews. Find out more about the 2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo below:

Recall Alert: FCA Forced to Recall 4.8 Million Vehicles due to Cruise Control Issue [News]

By

Michael Curtis

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May 25, 2018

Apparently, certain FCA vehicles are having a problem with their cruise control system. When the system is forced to accelerate to keep speed, say on a hill, there is a potential for the system to short circuit. The result of this short circuit is a vehicle that is ‘locked’ in cruise control, meaning the vehicle will not exit cruise control when you push the button or tap the brakes. FCA says the vehicles can still be stopped by using the brakes, or shifting into neutral (or both).

Top 10 Most Recalled Cars — 2018 Chrysler 300S. [Photo: Chrysler]

Since we know you’re wondering, nobody has been killed or injured as a result of this fault. Though there has been one reported incident.

4.8 million vehicles is a large number, but not every FCA vehicle is included in this recall.

Affected Vehicles

These are the vehicles that FCA is recalling:

• 2015-17 Chrysler 200 sedan

• 2014-18 Chrysler 300 sedan

• 2017-18 Chrysler Pacifica minivan

• 2014-18 Dodge Charger sedan

• 2015-18 Dodge Challenger coupe

• 2014-18 Dodge Durango SUV

• 2014-18 Dodge Journey crossover

• 2014-18 Jeep Cherokee SUV

• 2014-18 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV

• 2018 Jeep Wrangler

• 2014-19 Ram 1500 pickup

• 2014-18 Ram 2500 pickup

• 2014-18 Ram 3500 cab chassis

• 2014-18 Ram 3500 pickup

• 2014-18 Ram 4500/5500 cab chassis

Nothing from Alfa Romeo or Fiat has been recalled.

The Fix

Fortunately for those of you that own any of these vehicles, FCA has a simple software update that can fix the problem, requiring a short trip to the dealership.

In the meantime, FCA is advising all owners to avoid using cruise control, for obvious reasons.

So, if you own an FCA product that is part of the recall, please be safe and get your car fixed as soon as possible!

Be sure to come back to TFLcar.com for all the news, views, and real world reviews.

To see two of these recalled vehicles in action, check out this off-roading video below:

What Has Improved in the 2019 Acura RDX? These are the Top 10 Features [Video]

By

Zach Butler

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May 25, 2018

We saw the prototype in Detroit and the production model in New York. Now, it’s time to try out the 2019 Acura RDX in the real world. All new for this model year, the RDX gets the updates it badly needed to bring it up to date with the rest of its competition. That competition is fierce as well, as the compact luxury crossover market houses some of the most powerful names in the business. Volvo, BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Infiniti – everyone’s here.

For the 2019 Acura RDX to successfully fight the headwinds it inevitably faces in such a hotly contested market, it doesn’t just have to look different. It has to drive and feel different as well. So does it? Here are our Top 10 Things You Need to Know about the all-new Acura RDX.

10) More Power and More Torque: 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft

Power comes from a 2.0-liter VTEC engine, and it makes nearly as much power as the current RDX’s 3.5-liter V6. On the new model, there’s 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque on tap, which is plenty to shift this compact luxury crossover along nicely.

9) 10-speed automatic transmission (first in the segment)

Not only does the RDX get a new engine, but it also gets a new transmission. The 2019 Acura RDX will downshift from tenth to sixth gear on the fly when you need to overtake. First gear is also 15% lower than before for quick acceleration, and tenth gear is 7% higher for improved fuel economy.

8) Super-Handing All-Wheel Drive

The Acura RDX has the brand’s emphatically-named Super Handling All-Wheel Drive as well. It can actually move 70% of the power to the rear wheels. Then, on top of that, it can shift all of that power to either the left rear wheel or the right rear wheel, depending on which has traction. Instead of braking the inner wheel to improve traction in the corners, this system actually moves the power to the outside to push the outer wheel through the corner for true torque vectoring.

7) New chassis

The 2019 Acura RDX has a better suspension setup than before, all in pursuit of better handling. This time, the car has five-link rear suspension, as well as adaptive damping on the front and rear. There’s also multiple drive modes, including Sport, Sport Plus. Comfort and a Snow mode.

6) Driving modes

Sticking with those driving modes, the 2019 Acura RDX has a prominently displayed dial to switch between them. Sport, Sport Plus, Comfort and Snow mode are yours to command by simply rotating that dial in either direction. Changing driving modes adjusts the throttle, steering, suspension, the all-wheel drive system, and the level of noise enhancement.

5) The competition

The 2019 Acura RDX pitches into battle among a crowded segment of luxury compact crossovers. There’s the Volvo XC60, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5, to name just a few. There’s also the Lexus NX and the Infiniti QX50 to consider. So the Acura’s styling, handling process, and overall usability has to be strong to stand a chance against its European and Asian rivals.

4) New infotainment system

One of our complaints in the 2018 Acura MDX was its old-style infotainment system. Weirdly, the top screen was not a touchscreen, and that’s the one that housed the most important features, like Apple CarPlay. The 2019 Acura RDX switches that up by offering two touchpads to control the split screen of this new infotainment system. It’s fairly intuitive to use, and the voice controls – while not perfect – are much better than older infotainment systems.

3) The seats

Seats in the 2019 Acura RDX are comfortable and good-looking. They’re 16-way adjustable as well, which helps you dial them in just where you need them. Like all modern cars should, frankly, the new RDX also has thigh support, which helps tremendously to keep you comfortable on long trips.

2) Panoramic sunroof

There are four flavors of the 2019 Acura RDX. You can get a base model, the Technology Package, the A-Spec shown above, or the Advanced package. All of them come in front-wheel drive or with the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system. However, no matter which one you get, you still can have that massive panoramic sunroof.

1) The safest RDX ever

Acura has used high-strength steel throughout the body of the 2019 Acura RDX, as well as all the latest technology available to mitigate accidents happening in the first place. As a result, the company expects to receive a Top Safety Pick+ when crash test results for the new model come back.

Pricing isn’t available just yet, but we will bring you that information when Acura brings it to the public. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow for more news, views, and real-world, Canadian wilderness reviews.

Your Next Car May Get Much More Expensive As Trump Mulls 25% Import Tariff [News]

By

Zach Butler

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May 24, 2018

Import brands could take a large hit if the U.S. raises import tariffs to 25%. [Photo: Wikimedia Commons]

President Donald Trump is considering a plan to tag a 25% import tariff onto cars manufactured overseas.

One of the most popular cars in America, the Toyota RAV4, might get much more expensive soon. That is, if President Trump’s push to execute a 25% tariff on cars imported to the U.S. succeeds. On Wednesday, he ordered the U.S. Commerce Department to launch a probe into whether it could feasibly jack up tariffs on imported cars on the grounds of national security.

At the same time, negotiators are attempting to overhaul NAFTA’s rules as well regarding the flow of cars and automotive parts across the Canadian and Mexican border into the U.S. “Core industries such as automobiles and automotive parts are critical to our strength as a nation,” the president stated. Now, the probe could take several months to complete, according to a Politico article. When it’s over, they could recommend to the president whether to restrict imports by way of tariffs and exactly how to do it. Trump could then make a decision to raise tariffs or not.

There will be big news coming soon for our great American Autoworkers. After many decades of losing your jobs to other countries, you have waited long enough!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 23, 2018

Roughly half of cars sold in the U.S. are American-built

According to a Wall Street Journal article citing the Center for Automotive Research, just over half of cars sold in the U.S. are built inside the country. In fact, 56% percent of cars sold here last year were also built in the U.S. Canada and Mexico each comprised 11% of the 17.3 million cars sold. That brings the total for countries bound by the NAFTA agreement to 78%, while the other 22% come from overseas.

Japan, for instance, accounts for 11% of cars sold in the U.S. in 2017. Germany and South Korea account for 4% each, while other nations make up the final 3%. If the Commerce Department makes the recommendation to President Trump to impose higher tariffs, it could have a seriously disruptive impact on the industry.

According to Wilbur Ross, Commerce Secretary, “There is evidence suggesting that, for decades, imports from abroad have eroded our domestic auto industry.” Foreign manufacturers like Toyota were alarmed at the proposed plan. Stock prices for several automakers, including Toyota, BMW, Daimler (Mercedes-Benz) and Volkswagen Group fell Thursday in light of the news.

2019 Toyota RAV4 - 25% import tariff may make cars much more expensive — The Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular cars in America, but would become much more expensive if import tariffs are raised. [Photo: Toyota]

What does this mean for you?

The move would impact our allies, as they rely on the U.S. market for a huge portion of their sales. European automakers exported $43 billion worth of cars to the U.S., while Japanese automakers exported $41 billion. Two of the most popular cars in America – the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue – are largely built outside the U.S. Toyota doesn’t manufacture the RAV4 at any of its U.S. plants. While Nissan does build some Rogues in Smyrna, Tennessee, the company imports over half the models it sells in the U.S. from Japan or South Korea.

If this tariff goes through, imported cars will inevitably get much more expensive. As it stands, we currently impose a 2.5% import tariff on cars from Europe and Japan. We don’t have any tariffs on cars from Mexico or Canada. That’s the reason why several car companies – like Volkswagen and Mazda – set up in Mexico. Manufacturers, industry spokespeople and analysts agree that the decision would lead to fewer choices and higher prices for American consumers.

“A general tax on imports would choke the U.S. auto economy,” according to Ferdinand Dudenhöffer, director of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR).

What Would You Do If a Gun Flew into Your Front Bumper? [News]

By

Zach Butler

-

May 24, 2018

A Washington state motorist got a small, metal surprise in his front bumper.

You definitely don’t see this everyday. This motorist was just driving their Honda Civic on I-5 near Lakewood, Washington when a flying metal object was embedded in his front bumper. When the object hit his car, it didn’t seem to cause any damage and no indicator lights came on, so he kept driving. Finally, when he stopped for gas 18 miles later, he got out to find what was actually lodged in his bumper. It was a handgun.

We at TFL, like most people, have seen a lot of objects hit cars before. Animals, rocks and various other debris, sure – but definitely not a handgun. Naturally, the driver was a bit freaked out, so he called the police. That’s when Washington State Trooper Guy Gill arrived at the scene:

Gun strikes car in Washington State — [Photo: @wspd1pio, via Twitter]

According to Gill, “The driver called 911 and he was just kind of like everyone else saying, ‘this is so strange, but I believe I struck a firearm and it’s still stuck in the front of my vehicle.” Seattle’s KOMO News reports it was the strangest things he’s seen in his 23-year career. “It’s probably nothing I’ll ever see in my career. I’ve never seen anything like it before.”

Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. The Washington State Patrol recovered the gun and turned it over to Lakewood Police. At time of writing, the police haven’t tracked down who threw the gun out on the freeway. Still, it makes a good story. We’ll bet the driver will keep telling his friends and family about that one for years.

Come back to TFLcar.com for more strange, interesting news, views and real-world reviews!

It’s How Fast in the Quarter Mile? Watch the Hellcat-Powered PriSRT8 In Action [Video]

By

Zach Butler

-

May 24, 2018

[Video: American Racing Headers]

**This 800 wheel horsepower Prius runs the quarter mile in under 10 seconds. Yes, this Prius.**

If you all don’t remember, there’s a rather special Toyota Prius out there in the world. But this isn’t just any Prius – it’s the Prius from Hell. It’s a mad creation – something that you’d never believe someone actually built. Build it someone did, however. Specifically, American Racing Headers of Deer Park, New York took an SRT Hellcat engine and shoved it under the hood of a humble Prius. In doing that, they pretty much made the car one of the most politically incorrect machines on the planet. Yep, we love it. It was one of our favorite cars we covered at SEMA last year (check out the video below!).

Nick Filippedes, owner of American Racing Headers, created this monster from a humble Prius for one purpose: to drive in New York’s HOV lanes.

“This is something I’ve been wanting to do for quite awhile…I said, ‘You know what? I’m gonna take one of these cars and stuff a thousand horsepower motor in it, and I’m gonna drive it on the HOV lane.”

The “Prius from Hell” PriSRT8 at SEMA 2017. [Photo: TFLcar]

Taking it to the drag strip

That would be quite a sight, but so is this: earlier in May, Filippedes took the “PriSRT8”, as it’s officially known, to the drag strip. Mind you, this Prius has gone from around 110 horsepower to 800 horsepower at the wheels. All the politically correct, tree-hugging parts are gone. In their place, there’s that Hellcat engine, plus a 4.5 Whipple supercharger and a 6-speed Tremec transmission. So you’d expect it to lay down a fairly quick quarter mile.

As it turns out, “fairly quick” would be an understatement. In fact, this wolf in sheep’s clothing puts down a 9.38 second quarter mile at 147 miles per hour. That’s definitely a Prius we’d be proud to own. Especially if you can blast it up and down the HOV lanes with your “Clean Pass” sticker in the window.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Pricing

Fuel Economy

The Viper may still have some venom left, after all

Other questions:

What do you think about simulated engine noise enhancement? I like it - It makes the car sound nicer. I don't like it - Give me real engine noise! View Results Loading ...

Fake it until you make it?

Affected Vehicles

The Fix

10) More Power and More Torque: 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft

9) 10-speed automatic transmission (first in the segment)

8) Super-Handing All-Wheel Drive

7) New chassis

6) Driving modes

5) The competition

4) New infotainment system

3) The seats

2) Panoramic sunroof

1) The safest RDX ever

President Donald Trump is considering a plan to tag a 25% import tariff onto cars manufactured overseas.

Roughly half of cars sold in the U.S. are American-built

What does this mean for you?

A Washington state motorist got a small, metal surprise in his front bumper.

This 800 wheel horsepower Prius runs the quarter mile in under 10 seconds. Yes, this Prius.

Taking it to the drag strip

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What do you think about simulated engine noise enhancement?

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**This 800 wheel horsepower Prius runs the quarter mile in under 10 seconds. Yes, this Prius.**