Toyota gt86 trd

NEXT BMW Z4 TO HAVE TOYOTA GT86 ROOTS

BMW's recently signed long-term partnership with Toyota will see the company's next-generation Z4 sports car based on the GT86. BMW inked an agreement with Toyota in January to jointly develop a new sports car platform, among other things.

According to Motor Trend, the next-generation BMW Z4 will ride on a modified version of the rear-wheel drive platform that underpins the Toyota GT86, Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. The updated GT86 architecture will also underpin Toyota's upcoming Supra sports car.

Given its GT86 roots, the next Z4 should be quite the handler, but the sports car should also possess above average straight-ling speed. BMW is reportedly developing a new V6 hybrid system for the Z4 that will generate about 400 horsepower.

The Toyota Supra is tipped for a 2017 market launch, but the new BMW Z4 could launch sometime before that. The current version of the Z4 was introduced in 2009, so BMW will likely be eager to update the popular sports car well before the introduction of the Supra.

Toyota will reportedly show off a concept version of the new Supra later this year at the Tokyo Motor Show, so it remains possible that BMW could preview the next Z4 with a concept at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

Ford Explorer Sport

BASIC SPECS
Base Price	$40,720
Drivetrain	All Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs)	4534
City (MPG)	16
Hwy (MPG)	22
Horsepower	350@5500
Torque (lb-ft)	350@1500-5000
Wheelbase	112.6
Length (in.)	197.1
Width (in.)	90.2
Height (in.)	71.0

When the Explorer switched from a traditional body-on-frame configuration to an efficient unibody setup for the latest generation, one of the elements lost in the transition was the old model's optional V8. For the latest model year, Ford has sought to the plug the gap left by the eight-cylinder at the top of its three-row crossover's powertrain lineup with a new, EcoBoost V6-powered Explorer Sport model.

Setting the Sport apart from its less powerful siblings and signaling its more powerful motor are a number of stygian aesthetic upgrades. These include blacked-out headlamps and tailamps, a black lower front fascia with a functional air intake and a sterling grey mesh grille with contrasting black bars. Black trim is also applied to the roof rack, side mirrors and liftgate, while unique painted and machined 20-inch alloy wheels complete the look.

Inside, contrasting black/red seats are available, while special steering wheel stitching makes the tiller stand out. A few additional design touches include revised appliques and illuminated scuff plates. The interior is otherwise unchanged, meaning it retains the high material quality, spacious first two rows and slightly cramped third row of the standard Explorer.

The Sport's twin-turbocharged and direct-injected 3.5-liter "EcoBoost" V6 is good for 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a six-speed automatic unit with paddle shifters, while the crossover also features Ford's Terrain Management light-duty off road control system to make the best use of its standard all-wheel-drive system. For those looking to schlep around a boat or trailer, the Explorer Sport provides a 5,000 lbs. towing capacity.

The EPA rates the crossover at 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

A faster steering ratio along with upgraded anti-roll bars, shocks and suspension bushings are included to help the crossover's handling keep pace with the extra power, while larger brakes bring the action to a quick halt.

Standard and Optional Features
As the range-topping model in the Explorer lineup, the Sport comes well-equipped with a wealth of standard content. Leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, a 12-speaker Sony sound system with two USB ports, an SD card reader and audio/video input jacks, SYNC with MyFord Touch, dual-zone automatic climate control, Ford's MyKey system and a rearview camera.

Those in search of more features can select the catchily-named equipment group 402A, which adds a voice-activated navigation system with Sirius XM TravelLink, perforated leather-trimmed upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a power liftgate, adjustable pedals with memory, memory seats, ambient lighting, a power tilt/telescoping steering column, power-folding mirros, a 110V outlet, intelligent access with push-button start and a remote start system. Also included is a blind sport information system with cross traffic alert and industry-first rear safety belts.

A number of stand-alone options are also available, with highlights including adaptive cruise control, a dual-panel moonroof, a trailer-tow package and a rear entertainment system with dual seven-inch LCD screens and two DVD players.

Occupant Safety
All Explorer models come standard with dual front, side and full-length side curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems, electronic brakeforce distribution and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Key Competitors
While there are numerous three-row crossovers that can compete with the Explorer Sport on the basis of power, the only model with a similar price is the Hemi-equipped Dodge Durango. Others, like the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, are far more expensive, while those closer in price, such as fully-loaded examples of the Honda Pilot and Toyota 4Runner, feature motors with significantly less grunt. 

NISSAN 370Z NISMO

Nissan's track-oriented 370Z NISMO has gained a handful of subtle upgrades for an early 2014 model year arrival.

Though functionally identical to the outgoing 2013 370Z NISMO, the 2014 model gains dark grey accents to its front and rear fascias, its lower side sills, its mirrors and its rear spoiler. In addition, red pinstripe accents have been added throughout. Up front, the fascia features a longer nose and a new front splitter to  improve aerodynamics. Overall, the NISMO stretches a significant 6.2 inches longer than the standard 370Z.A new Magma Red paint color replaces the previous Solid Red paint shade.
Inside, a new steering wheel features Alcantara synthetic suede  with red accents and a red tachometer has been added.

Otherwise, the 370Z NISMO remains unchanged for 2014.

The NISMO's suspension is tuned for a firmer ride and sharper handling. Compared to a standard 370Z Coupe, front spring rates have been dialed up 15 percent, rear spring rates 10 percent, the front stabilizer bar rate was upped 15 percent, and the rear stabilizer bar is 50 percent stiffer. The roll stiffness rate has been increased by 15 percent and front and rear damping factors have been increased by 40 percent and 140 percent, respectively.

The NISMO 370Z rides on unique five-spoke Nissan-branded 19-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels (19x9.5-inch front, 19x10.5-inch rear) mounted with Yokohama ADVAN Sport Y-rated high-performance tires (P245/40ZR19 front, P285/35ZR19 rear).

Bringing the NISMO 370Z to a stop are standard NISMO Sport Brakes with large-diameter 14.0-inch front and 13.8-inch rear vented rotors with four-piston front and two- piston rear aluminum calipers. The calipers are covered in red paint. Braking performance has been increased slightly thanks to high-rigidity brake hoses with R35 Special II brake fluid flowing through them.

Nissan hasn't priced the 370Z NISMO, but the automaker did confirm that it will go on sale this summer. 

TOYOTA TUNDRA 2014

After remaining mum about its third-generation full-size pickup, Toyota has finally taken the wraps off of a new-for-2014 Tundra.

Though its profile is clearly closely related to the outgoing 2007-2013 Tundra, the 2014 is said to be a full redesign inside and outside, if not necessarily beneath its skin. 

Toyota says that its Calty design studio in California was responsible for penning the new Tundra. Up front, the chrome grille is much larger than before. A new bed design and a tailgate with an integrated spoiler and big Tundra badging further sets the new truck apart from its predecessor.

Notably, the three-piece front and rear bumper arrangements are said to be less expensive to repair - an important factor for those who use trucks for more than carpool duty. New aerodynamic fins are scattered throughout the Tundra to improve fuel efficiency.

Tundra's suspension remains similar to the outgoing model, although shock absorber valving and steering improvements are said to make it ride and handle better. 

On the powertrain front, the same choice of 4.0-liter V6 (270 horsepower, 278 lb-ft. of torque), 4.6-liter V8 (310 horsepower, 327 lb-ft. of torque) and 5.7-liter V8 (381 horsepower, 401 lb-ft. of torque) engines are on offer. The V6 includes a five-speed automatic, while the V8 models are equipped with a six-speed unit. From what we can tell from the information Toyota has released, there are no major powertrain changes.

Toyota has not outlined any changes to the Tundra's frame, either.

Inside, Toyota says that each trim level will get its own detailing, but the basic look has been improved for better access. Addressing a common complaint with the outgoing Tundra, the new trucks' audio and climate controls are 2.6 inches closer to the driver than before. 

Five Tundra trim levels will be on offer - SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum and 1794 Edition. That last trim derives its name from the year the ranch where the Tundra plant in San Antonio, Texas, was founded. The ranch's storied history dates back to when Texas was part of New Spain.

Tundra SR5 models feature what Toyota calls a "professional gear" theme with more upmarket materials than before. Stepping up to the Limited grade nets leather seating, soft-touch stitched panels on the door and center console, wood-tone trim and a choice of three interior colors.

Platinums gain perforated black double-stitched diamond pleated leather of a higher grade than Toyota has ever used on a pickup on the seats and door and instrument panel inserts. In addition, Platinums gain a 12-speaker audio system, heated and ventilated seats, navigation and a blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert. 

Following in the footsteps of Ford's King Ranch package and Ram's Laramie Longhorn, the 1794 Edition draws on Texas' western heritage with saddle brown leather trim. 

Toyota hasn't priced the 2014 Tundra and the automaker is remaining silent about fuel economy figures for now, but more details should become available closer to the trucks' September on-sale date. 

BMW F32 4

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