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Next Nissan Z rumors, Hummer vs Wrangler and the least expensive Pickup Truck? [Ask Nathan]

By
Nathan Adlen
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MMUSA-Maryland
Emme and Nathan in Maryland

In this week’s Ask Nathan:

  • Do you know what’s happening with the next generation Nissan Z?
  • HUMMER H1 vs Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon?
  • What is the least expensive pickup truck available?

This first question comes from a viewer who wants an update on the next generation Nissan Z.

2018-nissan-z-1

Q: Hi Nate DOGG! I own a Nissan 350 Z with 145,000 miles on it. It runs great and in six years it’s never had a big problem. I replaced brakes and rubber and thats about it. Love the Nissan Z!

So I saw another web site saying that Nissan was going to kill off the Z. They said it sold slow and that there were no plans to build a new one right now. Is this the truth?!?!? Is Nissan Z coming to a end?

Common Dogg help me out! Tell me you got something!

Charles

Hacienda Heights, California

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A: Hi Charles, thanks for the email!

It’s interesting; you’re the second person this week to mention owning a reliable Nissan Z. Not only that, he lives in the City of Industry, right by Hacienda Heights! Look him up, his name is Andres and he used to work for Automundo. He’s on all the Nissan Z boards.

Here are a few of the rumors floating around about the next generation Nissan Z:

  • One bizarre and persistent rumors is that the next Nissan Z will be a crossover SUV of some sort. Yep, think of it as a beefier Nissan Juke and you’re on the right track.
  • There’s talk of a smaller platform with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine feeding a seven-speed automatic; or, possibly, a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
  • Another possibility, although one that I came up with on my own, is that the next Nissan Z may share a platform and components with the recently released Infiniti Q60. This might include the twin-turbocharged, intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter V-6.
  • One rumor that swirled around the awesome concept – the Nissan IDx – is that the next Nissan Z could become something similar. The Nissan IDx was a hugely popular concept, one that fans still want to see in production. Like the first rumor, if this holds true, it would be returning to simpler roots.

Keep this in mind Charles: these are all completely unsubstantiated rumors. Not a single thing here has been confirmed by anyone at Nissan. Still, it’s good to see so many rumors about the next Nissan Z. It means there’s a lot of interest out there.

I’ll keep searching for more info – promise!

N

2006-h1-cover-800

This next question is from an off road fan who wants me to choose between a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon or a fresh-from-the-army HUMVEE.

Q:Hi Nathan. I know you’re a Jeep guy, I wonder if you could answer this question.

I was thinking about the best, used 4X4 I could get my hands on and I came up with these two: the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon and the HUMVEE H1, recently decommissioned with an upgraded engine.

I was wondering which vehicle you would get. Is it worth my time to get the Hummer or is it smarter to get the Jeep? Tell me why.

John

jeep-wrangler-unlimited-hard-rock-mountains

A: Hi John,

Easy answer: Jeep.

I’ve driven both vehicles quite a bit. While the HUMVEE has a ton of character and presence, it truly is a truck for moving goods, people and munitions. The Jeep was specifically built to perform well off road while being a tolerable daily driver.

The HUMVEE is a very rugged truck, but it is no trail machine. The H1 is wider than most half-ton trucks, it corners like a battleship and its not easy to see out of. It’s not the easiest vehicle to live with. Unless you have long desert trails to cross, or a battle to fight, the HUMVEE is not the vehicle to own.

Even the accommodations, despite being larger on the outside, the HUMVEE is uncomfortable and was never built to be ergonomically savvy. Nope, it’s a truck – pure and simple. Don’t just take my word for it – rent one for a few days and see what you think.

Good luck!

N

The last question comes from a viewer who wants a work truck that’s as affordable as possible.

ike gauntlet tfltruck tfltruck.com

Q:I have a small catering business and I just got approved a loan to expand. Right now I use an old Dodge Caravan with no seats, but I want a pickup truck.

I want to get the most for my money and I need a new one with a full warranty, nothing fancy or built for off-road driving. I just need a simple, clean and new truck that will give me many years of reliable service.

I used to have an old Mitsubishi Mighty Max that lasted me years and was very reliable. I even liked having a manual transmission.

What do think?

I like your videos and I enjoy the new Ask Nathan segment too! Please help me.

Thanks,

Jose

—

nissan-king-base

A: Hi Jose!

Good question. I did some research on half-ton and mid-sized trucks only to find a truck which is on the oldest platform out there. Still, it’s robust and I’m sure it’s (by far) the least expensive one out there. I refer to the 2016 Nissan Frontier.

Base-priced at $18,290; you can get the base model for $19,190 with no options. This is a four–cylinder, rear drive king-cab with a 5-speed manual transmission. If you include a few handy options, you can still get one for under $22,000.

The next cheapest truck is the base-model Chevrolet Colorado which also has a manual 5-speed and a four-cylinder engine. Just like the Nissan, the Colorado comes standard in a King-cab/extra-cab setup. While the Chevrolet has a much nicer interior and a modern look, it starts at $20,055 and a few options will easily move the price into the high 20’s.

nissan nv 200 2

I would like to recommend looking at the new batch of utility/work vans that hit the market over the past few years. The Nissan NV200 starts at $20,870 and larger, more power vans like the Ram Promaster City begin at $23,445 and the Ford Transit Connect starts at $22,675.

For catering, I can’t think of better suited vehicles like these vans.

Good luck!

N

Here’s the next video episode of “Ask Nathan!”

Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.

From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.

Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com

How to Buy a New Tesla Model S and Get a Huge Bargain [Video]

By
John Inama
-

So you want a new Tesla Model S, but the thought of spending well over 60 grand is scaring you away? Well, TFL’s Roman Mica and special guest Anton Wahlman tell you how you can go about getting one without breaking the bank.

The Model S may be the company’s flagship, but certain economic conditions have made getting one more affordable. For one thing, the supply has finally caught up to demand, so no more waiting lists for a new Tesla.

Another issue is the upcoming Model 3. Since the new model is designed to be less expensive, and therefore more attainable for the average car buyer, chances are that sales of the Model S will slow down. This might make ones that are already on the lot more affordable.

Tesla Model S

While Tesla doesn’t do rebates or discounts, they are more likely to drop the price by waiving portions of the payment like the destination charge, or even some additional options.

Then of course there are the government incentives, which are higher in certain states like TFL’s home state of Colorado.

This video might be a long one, but the information within is valuable for anyone looking to get an affordable Tesla without having to wait until the Model 3 goes to market. Check out the full video above.

Lexus UX Concept hints at future crossover design [News]

By
Aimee Inama
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Lexus UX Concept

Lexus is looking to create a unique user experience with its UX concept compact crossover car that it’s touting as designed from the “inside out.”

Lexus unveiled the new crossover during the Paris Auto Show recently, giving viewers a first glimpse at the new vehicle, which was designed by ED2, Lexus’ design center in the South of France.

“The ‘inside-out’ concept came from a lot of discussions within the team,” said Alexandre Gommier, interior designer at ED2, in a news release. “We wanted to show the human-centric aspect of the concept in a visually as well as philosophically strong way. A strong symbiosis between the exterior and interior was felt to be important by all the designers involved. To create the anticipation from the exterior, which could then have a visual link and expand into the interior, was a key goal.”

Lexus UX Concept

Some of the user experience features that Lexus said it’s added includes cockpit ergonomics, its new kinetic seat concept and 3-D human-machine interface technology.

“Our brief was to create a new genre of compact crossover; a vehicle that could progress the user experience and create something unique from a customer’s point of view,” said Stephan Rasmussen, exterior designer with ED2, in a news release. “Inspiration came from many sources, but the main source of inspiration comes from the key phrases representing the character of the car: ‘robust yet agile’ and ‘inside-out styling concept’. This comes from one of the Lexus fundamentals, the ‘Yet’ philosophy. We were looking for inspiration representing the synergy of contrasting values, in architecture, fashion design or nature, with a view to fusing lightness, structural, artistic and emotional values.”

Lexus indicated that the new vehicle is a new version of the four-seater crossover that contrasts the look of an off-road four-by-four with a low ground clearance with a coupe-like driving position.

The vehicle also is being touted by Lexus as looking more futuristic with the “inside-out” design features. One of the designs features the Japanese automaker points out is with the top view of the vehicle, which has an X-shaped movement in the architecture from the cabin outward. Lexus also called out other features including the fenders, wheel arches, roof bars, grille, door cameras and see-through A pillars.

Lexus also said the inside reflects the new “inside-out” styling with the way the cabin is designed to optimize user experience. For example, the front and rear passenger will have a different experience with Lexus designing the backseat area brighter.

Lexus UX Concept

The new crossover will be targeted to two groups of consumers, Lexus indicated: younger buyers who are looking for a higher end crossover that’s stylish and offers and “engaging driving experience,” and higher end consumers looking for a quality vehicle that offers a lot of amenities.

Check out this TFLcar video of one of Lexus’ current crossovers, the NX300h, taking on the Infiniti QX30:

2017 Nissan Sentra SR Turbo Behind-the-Scenes First Drive [Video]

By
Aimee Inama
-

Nissan is putting power into the Sentra by offering a turbo version in 2017 that provides 50 percent more horsepower than the average, run-of-the-mill version.

TFL’s Roman Mica had the chance to test drive the new Sentra SR Turbo in Georgia recently, seeing firsthand how the new trim level behaves.

2017-nissan-sentra-sr-turbo-driving

The turbo will go on sale in October and comes equipped with a 1.6-liter, direct-injected, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, which is about 64 and 52 more, respectively, than the regular Sentra. Buyers can also choose between a manual or a six-speed transmission.

The turbo starts at $21,990, and buyers can add a premium package that includes cross traffic alert, Bose sound system, blind spot monitoring and other features for an additional $2,590.

Nissan equipped the SR Turbo with a stiffer suspension and modified damper tuning in the front and rear. They also added 11.7-inch brakes as opposed to 11-inch brakes, and a re-enforced body in the cowl to increase body rigidity.

Inside, Roman noticed there’s plenty of legroom in the rear seats, but headroom may be lacking for some people.

How did Roman rate the car? Find out by watching the complete TFL video above.

2017 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo Refresh Revealed in Paris [News]

By
Michael Curtis
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In 2013, BMW released the first iteration of the 3-Series Gran Turismo. Crossovers are on fire in the US, so it should come as no surprise that automakers are tapping into this formula with many of their cars. This crossover-esque, slightly larger brother to the normal 3-Series offered customers a little bit extra in the realm of practicality, but kept the smaller form-factor of the 3 Series. It also offered its customers a product with BMW quality and performance. It has been a while since the Gran Turismo came out, so BMW has given the Gran Turismo a nice facelift to keep it looking stylish.

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Most notable are the visual enhancements that separate the new Gran Turismo from the old one. The headlights have received a large update in that they are now fitted standard with LED high and low beams as well as LED fog lights, which BMW says gives the car, “a visually broader stance on the road.” Of course, the rear lights are also all LED now to help ensure that the people driving behind you will know that you are, in fact, stopping.

465781_p90220398_highres

The interior has also seen a refresh. With a new set of both metal and wood interior trims, the refreshed Gran Turismo should continue to “take perceived quality to another new level,” so says BMW. As with before, the Gran Turismo continues to offer loads of interior space and an elevated driving position to give drivers the feel of a crossover with the economy of a 3-Series.

Last among the major changes for the Gran Turismo is the wide range of new engine options available to the car. Now featuring eight, that’s right, eight different engines, the 3-Series Gran Turismo has an engine for just about any job. Perhaps most interesting is the fact that five of these engines are diesel. Among these are a mix of four- and six-cylinder diesel and gas engines ranging from 150 horsepower to upwards of 326 horsepower, offering a range of fuel economy anywhere from 36 to 65 MPG. It should be said that not all of these will be available in the US.

BMW has not said when the new 3-Series Gran Turismo will hit US dealers, but sometime next year would be reasonable. Until then, check out what Roman and our professional racing driver Paul think about the 2016 BMW 340i:

2017 Honda Civic Type R makes its Debut in Paris [News]

By
Michael Curtis
-

Honda Civic Type R front

Honda was arguably one of the most dominant car manufacturers of the 1990’s. Their cars were fun and affordable, and remain some of the best bargain sports cars to date, cars like the S2000, the NSX, and even many variations of sporty Civics. However, in the mid 2000’s it felt like Honda’s performance car output quieted down a lot. Honda sent out a lot of good, but rather boring economy cars that really didn’t bring out the proverbial fizz in a lot of car enthusiasts.

That may finally change. Honda (technically Acura) finally made a sequel to one of the most important sports cars ever in the new NSX, and they have just announced another important return for the brand, and a new face to the US market, as the 2017 Honda Civic Type R makes its debut in Paris, albeit as a prototype. Honda seems to be quite proud of this one, and they may have the data to back up their enthusiasm.

Honda Civic Type R back

What separates this Type R from the run-of-the-mill Civic Si? A lot of it is aesthetic changes. A massive rear wing, as well as a carbon fiber front splitter, a plethora of intake vents (including hood scoop), 20-inch piano-black alloy wheels with 245 section tires, and of course the trademark of any car with the Type R name, the famous red ‘H’ badge that lets everyone know exactly the type of car they are dealing with, literally…

Honda Civic Type R wheel

While we have a good idea of the design of the car, Honda has not given us much in the form of performance figures. Although, the Type-R has been spied doing testing at the Nürburgring, presumably going after the FWD segment record. Do note that this is just a prototype model, so we may see a few changes on the production car when it is revealed at SEMA the first weekend in November this year.

Until the full reveal of the 2017 Honda Civic Type R, why not check out another interesting new release by Honda with the 2017 Honda Ridgeline:

2016 Toyota Camry XLE Hybrid Test Drive [Review]

By
Arv Voss
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toyota-camry-xle-hybrid-rsf

Toyota’s Camry was revised as an all-new vehicle for the 2012 model year, with several versions to choose from. It was the seventh generation of the iconic Toyota Camry, which was first introduced in 1983 and has since sold over 15 million units worldwide.
toyota-camry-xle-hybrid-rsd

We’ll deal here with the 2016 Toyota Camry XLE Hybrid. The latest Camry continues to display a bold, athletic design persona that provides a spacious interior, admirable driving characteristics and a comfortable ride quality. It continues to improve and is literally the best Camry built to date, leading its class in terms of safety equipment and features, fuel economy and state-of-the-art multi-media technology. The Camry was designed to deliver a more appealing and stylish form along with a more rewarding driving experience while striving to maintain its long-standing class leadership.

toyota-camry-xle-hybrid-lsd
The 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid still draws its motive force from a revised version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, which includes an enhanced 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with improved fuel economy.

toyota-camry-xle-hybrid-eng

Through its unique transaxle, the Hybrid Synergy Drive system combines output from the four-cylinder engine with a small high-torque electric motor. The system produces a combined 200 horsepower and varies power between the gas engine and electric motor, or combines both, as needed. The 2.5-liter engine, utilizes the Atkinson cycle principle. An electric water pump, a roller-rocker type valvetrain and a variable-output oil pump contribute in helping to reduce internal friction, thereby boosting economy.

toyota-camry-xle-hybrid-nose
The 2016 Camry Hybrid meets AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial-credit Zero Emissions Vehicle) standards, and because there are scenarios in which the Camry Hybrid’s gas engine shuts off, air conditioning and power steering systems are electrically driven.

toyota-camry-xle-hybrid-trnk

The proven nickel-metal-hydride battery is positioned in the luggage compartment behind the rear seats featuring enhanced air-cooling. Its compact size, along with relocating the DC/DC converter to the engine compartment, resulted in an increase in trunk space.

The vehicle’s light overall vehicle weight contributes to the improvements in performance and fuel economy. Its 7.6-second zero-to-60 acceleration time places the Camry Hybrid between other four-cylinder and V6 model Camrys. Lower rolling resistance tires, available in 17-inch size, also aid in boosting fuel economy.

toyota-camry-xle-hybrid-tail
The 2016 Toyota Camry XLE Hybrid, comes with an EV Drive mode that allows the driver to operate the car on the electric motor alone for up to 1.6 miles at lower speeds (below approximately 25 mph). The EV indicator illuminates when the vehicle is being propelled solely by the electric motor.

toyota-camry-xle-hybrid-dsh
An ECO mode optimizes throttle response and air conditioning output to prioritize maximum fuel economy. A Hybrid-exclusive instrument cluster with Hybrid System Indicator and fuel consumption indicator helps the driver to
monitor the car’s economic operation. Instantaneous fuel economy is indicated by LEDs around the outside of the average fuel economy gauge. The car’s multi-information display graphically displays fuel economy in real time and can also depict energy flow, and cruising range information.

toyota-camry-xle-hybrid-int
Application of the brake converts the motor to a generator that captures kinetic energy from the vehicle wheels, storing it in the hybrid battery pack. Placing the shifter into “B” uses regenerative braking as a form of engine braking for enhanced control on steep descents, while the Hill-Start Assist control prevents the vehicle from rolling backward for a short period when starting off on an incline when the brake pedal is released.

toyota-camry-xle-hybrid-rint
The gas powered Camry is available in six different model grades: a value-driven LE grade, and premium XLE, a sporty SE grades; and an XSE trim, all powered by a 4-cylinder mated to a 6-speed ECTi transmission. The XSE and XLE come with a V6 gas engine and the same ECTi transmission. The Camry Hybrid is offered in LE, XLE and SE grades with the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive System linked to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

In terms of its styling, the 2016 Camry Hybrid stable showcases the same styling language as the balance of the Toyota Camry clan, making an “architectural statement” via crisp, precise character lines, while a more strongly curved door cross-section and more defined rocker panel molding (chrome accented on LE and XLE) give the car a more expressive appearance. Headlights showcase a more dynamic shape, with a pronounced curvature of the main-beam unit merging into the bumper cover. Rear lamp clusters wrap tightly into the body sides, with their top sections extending into the trunk panel.

My test 2016 Toyota Camry was the Hybrid model in XLE trim, with the base price set at $30,140. The exterior was finished in Ruby Flare Pearl metallic, while the interior was done in Black. The final sticker was elevated to $35,800 after adding: the Safety Connect Package, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, the Convenience Package; Power Tilt/Slide Moonroof; special paint finish, Toyota’s Entune Premium infotainment connectivity suite, Advanced Technology Package, wireless charging and the delivery handling and processing fee.

The front-wheel drive 2016 Camry Hybrid XLE posts EPA fuel economy estimates at 40 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. It is loaded with an impressive inventory of standard equipment and features, while offering an extensive array of optional equipment and feature packages for individual personalization as evidenced by my test vehicle’s Monroney sticker.

toyota-camry-xle-hybrid-rsr
Driving the Camry Hybrid is actually no different from piloting a conventionally gas-fueled Camry, other than the notably improved fuel economy and the fact that the gasoline engine shuts off when it’s not needed.

Acceleration off the line in pure EV mode is rapid and most impressive, but otherwise is not really any different from any other 4-cylinder Camry, and the ride quality and handling characteristics are nearly identical. Braking feels totally normal, except that it is regenerative, and restores energy to the battery cells when applying brake pressure or when coasting.

toyota-camry-xle-hybrid-whl
Up to date safety technology is fully in evidence in this latest Camry Hybrid, making it a secure and desirable family sedan for the discerning consumer, and the Entune Multimedia System keeps one in touch while on the road with entertainment, and useful information.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2016 Toyota Camry XLE Hybrid

Base Price: $30,140.
Price as Tested: $35,880.

Hybrid Synergy Drive System includes:

Engine Type and Size: 2.5-liter, DOHC, 16-valve with Dual VVTi and electronic fuel injection.

Horsepower (bhp): 156 @ 5,700 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 156 @ 4,500 rpm

Permanent Magnet AC Synchronous Motor: 105kW/4,500 rpm / 199 lb.-ft. torque @ 0-1,500 rpm. Sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack – 244.8 V (204 cells @1.2 V) – 6.5 ampere hour / 650 volts maximum.

Transmission: Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Drive Train: Front mounted engine and motor / Front-wheel drive.

Suspension: Front – Independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar.
Rear – Independent dual link with stabilizer bar.

Brakes: Electronically controlled four-wheel disc brake system (vented front), with ABS, BA and integrated regenerative brake system.

Tires: Bridgestone Turanza EL400 – P215/60 R17 All-season, mounted on 5-“V”–spoke alloy wheels.

Wheelbase: 109.3 inches

Length Overall: 190.9 inches

Width: 71.7 inches

Height: 57.9 inches

Curb Weight: 3,441 lbs.

Turning Circle: 36.7 ft.

Fuel Capacity: 17.0 gallons

EPA Mileage Estimates: 40 mpg city / 38 mpg highway

Drag Coefficient: 0.27

0 – 60 mph: 7.6 seconds

 

Disco’s not dead: Land Rover unveils all-new Discovery in Paris [News]

By
John Inama
-

Land Rover Discovery

Land Rover unveiled the all-new Discovery at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, showcasing a vehicle that should appeal to the off-roaders and the family-haulers alike.

The three-row, seven-passenger Discovery retains some styling cues from previous Discos – like the stepped rear roofline – but for the most part just looks like a slightly larger Range Rover. The tall roofline and the up-sloping side creases give the new Discovery the optical illusion that it actually gets bigger from front to back. The tall rear quarters and overly large black-and-silver bumper give it odd proportions in the back, which is by far its worst viewing angle.

The front looks better thanks to the familial grille treatment that looks more like the Range Rover Evoque than the regular Range Rover. The side profile looks good, too, at least until the eyes get past the C-pillar to the bulbous rump.

Inside, the Discovery has an upright dash that’s an odd mix of utilitarian and luxurious. Circles and dials abound, from the gauges to the steering wheel buttons and down the center console to the HVAC, transmission and all-wheel-drive controls. The myriad of circles contrasting with the rectangular dash gives the Discovery interior a very geometric look.

Land Rover Discovery

At least the interior can be swathed in leather and wood trim, like Windsor leather and Oak veneer trim. The seven seats can also be configured and controlled through a smartphone app. Called Intelligent Seat Fold technology, the seats can be moved from either controls at the back, the infotainment screen, or from the app.

Under the hood, the Disco has either a 3.0-liter, supercharged gasoline V-6 or a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel. The gas engine puts out 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the diesel puts out 245 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. It has a tow rating of 8,201 pounds.

The new Discovery will be in Land Rover showrooms in mid 2017 and will start at $49,990 plus $995 destination.

Let’s go into the wayback machine and go to the 2014 New York auto show and this TFLcar video of the Land Rover Discovery Vision concept, which was the precursor to the new Discovery:

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