From Home-Buying Seminars to Grow Your Business Workshops, we believe that education is one of the best ways to help our members accomplish the goals and dreams that they have for their family, their business, and their own personal life.
To learn more about upcoming events, please visit our Workshops & Events page.
Our whole staff, from employees to Board of Directors, are all involved in a variety of volunteer activities in the Downriver area. Some of these are on an individual basis, such as in local schools, churches, and social groups, and some are on an organized team basis, such as our efforts in the City-Wide Clean-Up Day for the City of River Rouge.
Every year, Downriver Credit Union awards a $1,000 scholarship to eight or more high school seniors who are planning to attend a college or trade school after graduation. Scholarship winners are chosen on a variety of factors, including GPA, demonstrated leadership ability, community involvement, and the satisfactory submission of an essay on a chosen topic. The scholarships are presented at the Credit Union's Annual Meeting.
To learn more, please visit our Scholarship Program page.
We love working with our local schools. There are many ways in which we do this, including participation in school events, donation of awards and prizes, and by providing Bully-Prevention Curriculum and Assemblies for both elementary and middle schools. In the assemblies, students learn that "It's OK to walk away" and other valuable life lessons taught by nationally-known bully-prevention expert and ventriloquist, Richard Paul.
Local High Schools are getting a FREE education on how to manage their money as a result of Downriver Credit Union's partnership with Banzai, a national award-winning financial literacy program. Through real-life examples, students get to experience what it's like to balance a checkbook, budget their money, and make wise decisions that will help them plan for the unexpected situations that life will throw at them.
To learn more about this program, visit our Banzai Financial Literacy Page.
Chambers have had a long history that can be traced back to 1599 when the term "chamber of commerce" appeared for the first time in Marseille, France. Because of their similar purpose as the credit union movement, a collective group established to represent the common interest of its members, we believe that it is important to be an active participant in our own Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Our involvement has included partnerships on business workshops, positions on the Board of Directors, and sponsorship of various events.
For many years, we have been involved in several business associations. We have partnered together to host conferences, expos, and various networking events. These associations are important as they provide a great opportunity for businesses to interact and support one another. We are currently active members of the Downriver and Detroit Business Association and the Trenton Business Association.
To learn more about how Downriver Credit Union is involved in our Downriver Community, please contact us at 313-386-2200 or via email at marketing@downrivercu.com.
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Sands of Iwo Jima: A tough Marine sergeant turns raw recruits into fighting men during World War II in the Pacific.
Flying Tigers: Heroic story of American airmen fighting the Japanese over China in early World War II.
China. -- Kong jun. -- American Volunteer Group -- Drama.
Sands of Iwo Jima: In English or Spanish with optional French and Spanish subtitles; closed-captioned. Flying Tigers: Closed-captioned.
Sands of Iwo Jima special features: "The Making Of Sands Of Iwo Jima," original theatrical trailer.
Flying Tigers special features: Cast and crew information.
Originally produced as a motion picture: Sands of Iwo Jima, 1949; Flying Tigers, 1942.
John Wayne, John Agar, John Carroll, Anna Lee, Adele Mara, Forrest Tucker.
2 videodiscs (210 min.) : sound, black and white ; 4 3/4 in.
DVD, region1; Dolby digital mono.
directors, Allan Dwan, David Miller ; producers, Merian C. Cooper, Edmund Grainger ; writers, Harry Brown [and others].
Add tags for "The sands of Iwo Jima ; The Flying Tigers". Be the first.
China. -- Kong jun. -- American Volunteer Group.
schema:about <http://experiment.worldcat.org/entity/work/data/4735146187#Organization/china_kong_jun_american_volunteer_group> ; # China. Kong jun. American Volunteer Group.
<http://experiment.worldcat.org/entity/work/data/4735146187#Organization/china_kong_jun_american_volunteer_group> # China. Kong jun. American Volunteer Group.


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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Compact Performance: 2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO
April 27, 2017 by admin 4 Comments
Top-end Sentra model offers NISMO touches, enhanced performance.
The 2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO offers the look of the brand's motorsport division, but it falls short of expectations. That doesn't mean the Sentra NISMO isn't a fun car, rather the production version is a step-down from the Sentra Concept shown a few years earlier.
From Concept to Modified Reality
Indeed, that concept featured a 1.8-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 240 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque according to Road & Track.
In addition to its NISMO (NISsanMOtorsports) good looks, the enhanced engine came paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, which sent power to the front wheels by a limited-slip differential.
Alas, the larger engine and the limited-slip differential were not assigned to the new model, finally released this year. Instead, the engine is the same 1.6-liter turbo four cylinder found in the Sentra SR as well as in the Nissan Juke.
Moreover, although the manual gearbox is available, you can also choose a continuously variable transmission. Notably, the CVT when operated in manual mode simulates seven forward shift points.
So, how much of a change in performance is the production version from the concept? Try 188 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. That's a 22-percent drop in horsepower and a 26-percent difference in torque over the concept, representing significant departures certain to disappoint core Nissan enthusiasts.
Fun Factored In
Despite falling short of expectations, the Sentra NISMO has fun factored in. And that's despite my test model coming equipped with a CVT instead of the manual.
Indeed, once spooled up, the turbo delivers a spirited drive with decent on-road acceleration. Although the limited-slip differential would have improved handling through balanced power distribution to the front wheels, even without it present it was manageable. Just expect torque steer to kick in at times, requiring adroit steering on your part. But that feeling can be fun, especially when navigating twisty roads.
Nissan outfitted the Sentra NISMO with grippy Michelin Pilot Sport all-season tires. You can also upgrade to summer tires. The wheels are nothing short of handsome as they're dressed in 18-inch NISMO 10-spoke machined-finish aluminum-alloy.
Other exterior enhancements include a layered double wing look to the front fascia, a dark chrome grille, and LED daytime running lights. You'll also find front, side, and rear body panels, and a NISMO rear fascia with an oversized exhaust tip and diffuser-like trim. Lastly, this sedan sits 0.4 inches lower to the ground than other Sentra models.
NISMO Touches and Standard Equipment
Inside, the NISMO look extends to the unique front seats embroidered with the NISMO logo and enhanced by extra bolstering. Unique cloth material with red stitching covers the rear seats.
Other NISMO embellishments extend to the push-button start surrounded by a red ring, a leather shift knob, and a special meter cluster with a red tachometer.
As for the interior color, the choice is clear — charcoal with red accents. That's because there are no other choices. NISMO carpets and an unusual Alcantara and leather-wrapped steering wheel are among the other features present.
You'll find a long list of standard features in this model too, including keyless entry, a tilt and telescopic steering column, full power accessories, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, navigation with NissanConnect apps, and a six-speaker Bose audio system.
A CD player, USB port, and an auxiliary input jack are also included.
Now back to the driving dynamics. If you have the CVT, you'll notice immediately the pulling sensation common to such transmissions. Nissan tempers that feeling somewhat by adjusting power as you build RPMs. Instead of a steady climb, the RPMs rise and fall — similar to an automatic transmission. The transmission maintains the smoothness of the CVT without the gear hunting of an automatic.
Shift the transmission stick into sport gear and you have seven steps to work with. Here, you'll gain a measure of control and engagement, but we all know it isn't the same as a three-pedal workout. Also, there are no paddle shifters to be had.
Incidentally, if you choose the manual gearbox expect to have a load of fun. It has been nearly four years, but I had a Juke NISMO equipped with the same engine and the manual, taking it for an excursion through the Appalachian Mountains. The Juke is about 200 pounds lighter than the Sentra, but I would venture that the sedan would provide a similar driving experience.
Ease into any curve and you'll note the adjustments made to the suspension, particularly to the front struts as well as the new rear dampers. Steering has a certain weightiness and the sedan responds quickly. Oh, to have a manual available for heel-and-toe play!
Choose a 2017 Sentra NISMO and you'll pay $24,990, plus $865 for the destination charge. That's exactly $3,000 more than the Sentra SR with the same engine and transmission.
You should know that whether you choose the CVT or the manual, there is no extra cost involved.
Is the $3,000 premium worth your while for this sedan? The NISMO embellishments are enticing and not overdone. The handful of people who cast their eyes on the sedan found its looks impressive. No doubt, NISMO got this one right.
That said, investing in the Sentra NISMO means comparing it with the Mazda 3, Honda Civic Si and the Hyundai Elantra turbo. It isn't in the same performance (or price) league as the Volkswagen GTI or the Subaru WRX, so manage your expectations accordingly. Could Nissan have gone with the concept? Yes, but they did not and we do not know why.
All in all, the Sentra line now includes a pair of beefed-up models. Your dilemma may not be what the competition offers, but on which Sentra is most worthwhile to you.
2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO Specifications
Sentra NISMO
Segment Compact Sedan
Base Sticker Price $24,990
Transmission CVT or a six-speed manual
Seating 2+3
Width (inches) 69.3 (without mirrors)
Head room (f,r — inches) 39.4, 36.7
Leg room (f,r — inches) 42.5, 37.4
Shoulder room (f,r — inches) 54.7, 53.9
Hip room (f,r — inches) 50.9, 50.1
Fuel premium
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway) 27/33
Manufacturing Plant Aguas Calientes, Mexico
All photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.
Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2017 cars, compact sedan, CVT, motorsport, NISMO, Nissan Sentra NISMO, six-speed manual, turbo
Driven: 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport
An attainable luxury model from Britain's iconic SUV maker.
2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport.
Consider the Discovery Sport your cost-effective Land Rover, the SUV you'll want until you can afford a Range Rover. This five-passenger, all-wheel-drive utility vehicle starts at under $40,000 and delivers a handsome product in an altogether tidy package.
When you think of "Land Rover" there is a pair of sub-brands or categories that may come to mind. The standard Discovery series includes two models: Discovery Sport and Discovery. The high-end Range Rover line now includes four models: Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Velar, and Evoque.
Even some of these models offer further differentiation with the flagship Range Rover presented in short- and long-wheelbase models. The Evoque is the outlier here, offered in two- and four-door body styles as well as a convertible.
2017 Discovery Sport: Charting the Changes
The Discovery Sport was new as of 2015, replacing the previous Freelander, itself was originally known as the LR2. Changes for 2017 include an all-new InControl interface, featuring a larger screen, sharper graphics, and quicker response times.
You'll also find a newly available Intelligent Dynamics pack, what brings in an adaptive suspension system and an active all-wheel-drive system that sends power to two wheels for improved fuel economy.
The Discovery Sport features Land Rover's recognizable honeycomb, two-slat horizontal grille. Positioned directly above the grille are the letters forming the word Discovery — the only indication that this model is the Discovery Sport is on the liftgate. Specifically, the SPORT badging fastened to the left of the rear license plate supplies the requisite cue.
Circular-themed headlights and tail lamps mark this model. Moreover, you'll also find a narrow lower air intake, front and rear skid plates, front fog lamps, pronounced wheel wells, side vents, a rising beltline, and a sweeping roofline. A liftgate spoiler, rear fog lights, and dual exhaust tips bring up the rear. Also included are alloy wheels, power-folding heated side mirrors, and daytime running lights.
Inside, there is room for five, although this SUV is most suitable for four. The front bucket seats are comfortable and supportive; the rear bench seat features a 40:20:40 design — drop that center seat to access the storage compartment or use the armrest for just the two of you back there.
Speaking of the storage compartment, it measures 32 cubic feet or 66.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. Optionally, you can choose three-row seating, what brings in two extra seats for the little ones. However, this choice also greatly reduces the amount of standard cargo area space available. If you need seven seats, consider the Discovery.
Three Grades to Consider
The 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport is available in three trims: SE ($37,695), HSE ($42,195), and HSE Luxury ($46,595). Add $995 for the destination charge.
Standard equipment includes eight-way partial leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a center console with a sliding armrest, dual-zone climate control, a 10-speaker audio system, mood lighting, cruise control, a rear parking aid, and a rearview camera.
Upgrades and options are many and include Xenon headlights with LED signature, larger wheels, grained leather seats, a navigation system, and a 10-speaker Meridian sound system. A fixed panoramic roof and a powered gesture tailgate are also available.
The Discovery Sport's cabin is airy and bright, and features high-quality materials and the precise fit and finish you'd expect of it.
The instrument panel has a pair of oval recesses at each corner featuring the speedometer and odometer. In the middle is a digital display.
The center stack comes with a colorful rectangular display, climate vents, and the knobs and switches to control the climate system. At the base of the stack is an open area for your smartphone. You'll find all types of connectivity ports — USB 3.0, auxiliary, and 12-volt outlets inside the console.
The transmission shifter is a dial and the top sits flush with the surface when the engine is off, emerging once the ignition is on. However, this particular dial may be the SUV's weakest point. Not a few times did it refuse to budge at first attempt and it doesn't have the smoothness you'd expect. I don't mind dials, as long as they work as intended, but give me a transmission shift stick anytime.
Front and rear cup holders and in-door beverage holders assure you that you're never without a drink when properly stocked. One of the strongest points of this SUV is the standard storage area — it rivals the size of other small SUVs in roominess. Drop the second-row seats and you have even more space to work with, although those seats don't quite rest flush with the floor. Happily, there is a spare underneath the storage area — a donut, but at least a spare is present.
One Powertrain Combination
You get one and only one powertrain choice with the Discovery Sport — a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine makes 240 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. This engine comes paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Step on the pedal and the Discovery Sport moves forward in a leisurely manner. But it isn't too far up in the band curve — 1,750 RPM to be precise — when the turbocharger kicks in.
Force the pedal hard and you'll note the lag — power seems long in coming, but when it does, this SUV throws it down.
Passing power is ample and when you move down your favorite curvy road, the SUV remains poised. That doesn't mean that there isn't some body-roll present, but it is minimal and not unexpected.
Personally, I would love to see a second engine offered. Specifically, the 2.0-liter "Ingenium" turbo-diesel first presented in the Jaguar XF followed by the XE would be terrific. In addition to serving the Discovery Sport, the Jaguar F-PACE might also benefit.
In the XF, the turbo-diesel makes 180 horsepower and 318 pound-feet of torque. Most impressive is the 42 mpg highway the diesel delivers. That's far better than the 20/25 mpg city/highway you'll get with the gas engine.
As for off-road capabilities, the Discovery Sport comes with an All-Terrain Progress Control system, what delivers automatic cruise-control for off-road driving. This means you'll release your foot from the gas pedal and allow the SUV to move forward on its own. The system allows you to control your speed too, supplying "crawl control" as needed. Thus, when activated, the SUV can travel at speeds ranging from 1 to 19 mph.
Safety and Technology
The 2017 Discovery Sport comes equipped with a full suite of airbags, including a driver's knee bolster airbag. Traction and stability control, hill start assist, and trailer stability assist are standard.
This model is not yet rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That said, high-profile vehicles such as SUVs typically offer superior crash protection, although an elevated risk of a rollover is common to these vehicles.
As for tech items, upgrading to a 380-watt, 11-speaker Meridian sound system with a subwoofer ($800) is one option. This package also brings in satellite radio and HD radio. Navigation is available and comes with apps. Also included with all models is a USB port up front and two in the rear. An available entertainment pack ($3,000) brings in an 825-watt, 16-speaker Meridian audio system.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport provides an ideal segue to this British SUV brand. Upgrade your Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson or other small SUV and you'll come away with a luxurious utility vehicle with strong off-road capabilities to boot. That's something no small mainstream SUV offers outside of a Jeep Compass or a Subaru Forester.
Even as you weigh this Land Rover, the luxury competition is strong. Compare this model with the Cadillac XT5, Audi Q5, Lincoln MKC, BMW X5, Lexus NX, Infiniti QX50, and others.
All in all, the 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport delivers as promised. That said, if you want a larger engine or more room, then cross-shop the all-new and larger Discovery.
2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport Specifications
Transmission Nine-speed automatic
Torque (lb.-ft.) 251 @ 1,750
Hip room (f,r — inches) NR
Storage (cubic feet) 32/66.9
Manufacturing Plant Halewood, UK
Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2017 SUVs, all-wheel drive, four-cylinder engine, JAGUAR F-PACE, Land Rove Discovery Sport, Land Rover, MERIDIAN AUDIO SYSTEM, RANGE ROVER, SUV, turbo
Bigly Pickup Truck: Nissan Titan Crew Cab
Nissan's all-new Titan strikes a responsive chord.
2017 Nissan Titan SL Crew Cab 4×4.
Of the six major automakers with a presence in the US, Nissan is easily outpacing the other five. General Motors, Ford, Fiat Chrysler, Toyota and Honda looked on in envy last year as Nissan posted double-digit sales gains. Even as the market begins to pull back slightly, Nissan continues to outpace the pack.
The Nissan Rogue is the biggest contributor to the brand's success, so much so that March's sales tally was close to 40,000 units. Through the first quarter this year, Nissan has sold more than 111,000 Rogues, outpacing the Toyota Camry — America's perennial best-selling car.
Not all models sell anywhere near as close to the Rogue, but not a few are contributing records sales. The Nissan Titan, a full-size pickup truck, topped 5,500 units sold last month, a record. Although this number is roughly equal to the number of F-150 trucks Ford sales every three days, it is still noteworthy.
After all, until the 2017 Titan redesign — following the introduction of the Titan XD in 2016 — achieving monthly sales of 1,000 units was no small feat. Today, large pickup truck shoppers see the Titan/Titan XD and like what the duo offers.
Nissan Titan or Nissan Titan XD
I've spent ample time driving and reviewing both the Titan XD and the Titan. If you follow these pages, you already are familiar with my explanation outlining the differences between the two — the Titan is the standard pickup truck, while the Titan XD fills the white space between light- and heavy-duty full-size pickup trucks.
That also means Nissan isn't participating in the heavy-duty class, continuing to allow Ford, Chevrolet/GMC, and Ram to control the market. At the same time, the Titan XD provides upwards of 12,000 pounds of towing capacity without the steep price of the heavy duties.
Following the Titan XD's introduction in 2016, the redesigned Nissan Titan launched in 2017. The first-generation model lasted an uncommonly long 12 years — from 2004 to 2015 — there was no 2016 model.
2017 Nissan Titan Trims
The 2017 Nissan Titan comes with standard rear-wheel drive and available four-wheel drive. Single and crew cab options are available; there is no extended cab. At least not as of this writing.
The Titan single cab is available in two trims: S ($29,580) and SV ($32,460) plus a $1,195 destination charge. Add $3,030 for four-wheel drive.
The Titan crew cab is available in five trims: S ($34,780), SV ($37,670), PRO-4X ($45,020), SL ($46,380) and Platinum Reserve ($52,310). The same destination charge applies here, but the four-wheel drive premium ranges from $3,030 to $3,090, depending on the trim. The PRO-4X does, by the way, come in four-wheel drive only.
My test model was the four-wheel-drive crew cab dressed in SL trim. Nissan was tame with the packages, including offering only the towing convenience package ($360), pushing the final price to $51,015. At this trim, there are three other packages available: chrome ($1,200), Texas ($1,250), and off-road ($400). I should point out the chrome and Texas packages are an either or proposition — both make important changes to the exterior, with one geared toward fanciness along the lines of GMC's Denali trim and the other advancing a southwestern look commonly available in this segment.
The off-road package is, by the way, rolled into the chrome and Texas packages. All told, you could pay as much as $52,265 to drive away in a 2017 Nissan Titan Crew Cab SL 4×4.
My test model came with a broad front fascia amplified by LED lights, a massive hood, side vents with "Endurance" badging, and alloy wheels. At the rear is a locking tailgate with a retractable step bumper. A bed management system with rails and hooks is also present.
If there is anything of concern I would have about the exterior is the strength of the retractable step. It held my near-200 pound weight just fine, but some of you guys are beefier, topping 300 pounds…easily! I couldn't find any information about a weight limit. Personally, I like GM's corner step bumpers the best in this segment.
Sizable Interior and Generous Amenities
The Titan Crew Cab seats five with generously portioned and comfortable bucket seats up front and a 60/40 split fold-up seat in the second row. That second-row seat also conceals an in-floor storage compartment, ideal for hiding tools and other pricey items out of the sight of prying eyes. Sure, you could still use an in-bed toolbox, but if you're concerned about theft, the in-floor storage compartment is a nifty feature.
Full-size pickup trucks offer the most interior room of any two-row vehicle on the market. Nearly everything seems larger too — from the massive instrument cluster to a sizable center stack. I especially liked the oversized covered storage area between the seats — it is a great place to stash a laptop or a purse. You'll also find in-door storage areas with two drink holders and a storage pocket. Four cup holders and seatback pockets are also present.
The Titan SL comes well equipped, adding leather seats, heated front seats, a 12-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system, a power-sliding back window with defroster, and a power tilt and telescoping steering column to the list of features.
This model already comes with full power accessories and six airbags. You'll also find trailer sway control, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, and a front and rear sonar system for ease of parking.
Under the Hood and On/Off the Road
For now, the lone powertrain choice is a 5.6-liter, V8 gasoline engine, also available in the Titan XD. The V8 makes 390 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque and comes paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. A V6 engine arrives later, but it will be available with the single cab only. The EPA rates this model at 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
No, the Cummins 5.0-liter turbo-diesel available in the Titan XD is not available in the standard Titan. I asked a Nissan spokesman about this discrepancy and his answer was decidedly noncommittal. That means either the diesel will stay with the larger model or arrive later. Personally, I think Nissan would do well to make the Cummins as widely available as possible.
As for the V8, it is entirely suited for the task. No, I didn't have anything to tow, but with 9,730 pounds of towing capacity and a 1,930-pound payload limit, for the single cab, you have a hard worker at the ready. Choose the crew cab and those numbers fall to 9,390 and 1,610 pounds, respectively. But still highly competitive.
Some pickup truck engines seem to strain under the load or offer long shift points between gears. Not so with the Nissan. The Titan isn't quick off the mark, but as speed builds, it moves with authority. Passing power is excellent and I imagine if you were to tow, you'd be happy with the Titan just as you would with a Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra or Toyota Tundra.
If you choose the four-wheel-drive model, you'll find a switch-operated two-speed transfer case for shift-on-the-fly action — at speeds up to 60 mph. I've taken both the Titan and Titan XD off road several times and can vouch that each one is up to the task.
The 2017 Nissan Titan in Crew Cab form should meet the needs of most buyers. It is a highly capable truck with a ladder frame and the on- and off-road credentials to go with it.
As with any large truck, prices can jump very quickly. For a well-equipped four-wheel drive model, expect to shop in the $45,000 range. At the same time, discounting in this segment is rampant — knocking $5,000 off your price shouldn't be that difficult, especially as we head further into the model year.
2017 Nissan Titan SL 4WD CC Specifications
Transmission Seven-speed automatic
Storage (bed length) 67.0 inches
Gross vehicle weight (pounds) 7,300
Towing (pounds) 9,230 (tow package)
Payload (pounds) 1,620 (tow package)
Manufacturing Plant Canton, Mississippi
Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2017 trucks, Chevrolet Silverado, FORD F-150, four-wheel drive, GMC SIERRA, Nissan Titan, Nissan Titan XD, PAYLOAD, PICKUP TRUCKS, RAM 1500, TOWING, TOYOTA TUNDRA, V8 engine
Book Review: Preston Tucker
…and His Battle to Build the Car of Tomorrow.
Preston Tucker may not be a name familiar to people outside of the auto industry or the business world, unless you happened to watch the 1988 movie, "Tucker: The Man and His Dream."
I never saw the movie, but have been long familiar with the story. Or at least I thought so.
That is until I read the book, "Preston Tucker and His Battle to Build the Car of Tomorrow," by Steve Lehto (Chicago Review Press; 272 pages; $27,99; ISBN: 978-1-61374-953-1). In effect, Lehto exposed the entire story, going well beyond the man's aspirations to show how industry leaders, politicians, and regulators colluded to destroy the company and perhaps the man who ran it.
I must say that the author's story was infuriating — not for how he illustrated it, but for the hard truths exposed. Tucker himself weathered injustice after injustice as the three largest automakers of that era — General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler — did everything they could to wreck Tucker's dream.
Unfortunately, the Big Three succeeded.
Attorney and Industry Expert
To his credit, Lehto brought not just an investigative touch to the story, but his legal expertise. Indeed, he is not only the author of the "Lemon Law Bible," but he's a practicing attorney based in Michigan. His website reveals his background in lemon law and consumer protection, areas where the auto industry has made significant changes following years of neglect or willful ignorance.
Preston Tucker was the consummate entrepreneur, born in 1903 just outside of Detroit. That proximity to Motor City meant that he had access to the emerging industry and everything related to it. Early on, he managed a service station near where he grew up with his wife, Vera. While Vera managed the station during the day, Preston worked on a Ford assembly line.
When the service station lease ended, Tucker quit Ford, joined the police force, then moved on to sell Studebakers, then Stutz and Chrysler. Stints at Pierce-Arrow and Dodge should also be counted, before his interest in race car development and military vehicles followed.
WWII: An Opportunity Emerges
During the Second World War, America's car companies quit producing passenger vehicles and became assembly lines for all sorts of military vehicles and hardware. As the war labored on, pent-up demand for new vehicles surged and by the time the war ended, consumers were looking for new designs.
Unfortunately for the traditional manufacturers, the only "new" cars planned were based on designs used before the war. It would take several more years before the pre-war styles were retired.
A New Automaker: Tucker Corporation
Preston Tucker saw an opportunity and formed the Tucker Corporation even before the war ended. In quick succession, Tucker assembled a group of industry leaders to launch his enterprise, based on a 1946 design of the car. Soon, a "Tin Goose" prototype followed and the company acquired its first manufacturing plant.
But problems and opposition arose early on, including some of Tucker's own making. Known as a consummate salesman, Tucker easily endeared himself to others and did an outstanding job of promoting the company's stock. However, he soon found that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) would scrutinize the company, launching a formal investigation.
It is at this point in the story that the Tucker Corporation was racing against time. The company needed to get vehicles produced to convince detractors that production-ready models were possible. At the same time, at least one Michigan politician was hell bent against Tucker, and quite possibly in the pocket of at least one automaker threatened by what the Tucker entity might become.
Tucker 48: The Car of Tomorrow
What became known as the "Tucker 48" was truly a state-of-the-art conveyance. Tucker envisioned a car that wasn't just modern, but equipped with safety equipment not offered in that day.
A padded dashboard, disc brakes, a pop-out windshield, and a third headlight which swiveled when taking corners, were just a few of the safety features offered. Its rear-wheel, rear-engine design was unusual too — altogether, the Tucker 48 had the potential to not just shake up the industry, but to transform it. It became known as "the car of tomorrow" — a stark contrast to the aged designs offered by Detroit.
I won't go into all the details about how the Tucker Corporation unraveled — you need to read the book — but I will say that there were enough doubters, backstabbers, and ne'er-do-wells to undermine the company. Sadly, the media was complicit, launching baseless critiques of the car or advancing a disproven narrative, e.g. — the car could not drive in reverse.
That Tucker was able to get 51 cars to the market before the whole thing crumbled is a tribute to the man. That there were only 51 cars built is a crying shame — without much interference, the industry could have transformed much faster, delivering safer cars and saving thousands of lives.
But consider this: safety features are costly and manufacturers long put share values above consumer safety, a problem that isn't as prevalent today, but it still does exist.
The End of the Road
After several years of wrangling with the opposition, Tucker found himself without a company and with people launching civil suits against the company and himself, including dealers who lost their investment.
Though Tucker prevailed, he was destitute, yet he maintained the dream of launching a new company. At the same time, he was never quite himself and was later diagnosed with lung cancer, passing away at age 53 — just eight years after launching the Tucker 48.
Shades of Musk and Tesla?
There is much that can be gleaned from Letho's work, which I think has an important place in chronicling Tucker history, even without the foreword by Jay Leno.
Some compare Tucker's rise and fall to Elon Musk, founder of Tesla Motors. Although Musk is similarly imbued with entrepreneurialism, his personal wealth and the very favorable government backing for his electric vehicle initiative means comparisons between the two stops there. Indeed, although Musk's long-term success is still in doubt, at least he hasn't faced the same insurmountable headwinds as Tucker.
And that's putting it all very mildly.
See Also — Book Review — The Allure of the Automobile
Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: auto industry, Chicago Review Press, ELON MUSK, INNOVATION, Jay Leno, Preston Tucker, regulators, safety, SEC, Steve Lehto, TESLA MOTORS, Tucker 48
The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon by the Numbers
Updated on May 24, 2017, to include pricing.
$86,090 for the world's fastest production car.
Got lift? The SRT Demon is the first production car
where the front wheels are lifted at launch.
By now, you have heard that the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is the fastest production car ever built. That means it outperforms the McLaren 570S, the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport Worldwide, and even the Tesla Model S when the electric sedan operates in Ludicrous mode. Certainly, if the Challenger SRT Hellcat wowed you, then the SRT Demon introduced at the 2017 New York International Auto Show is certain to leave you spellbound.
Let's take a look at some of the "numbers" that define this specialty model:
1 — Purchase a 2018 SRT Demon and you'll receive one full-day session at the Bob Bondurant School of High-Performance Driving. Notably, the class is free — you'll want to participate if race car driving is unfamiliar to you.
2.3 — How fast does the new Dodge go? How about a 0-60 mph time of just 2.3 seconds? That's faster than any production car on the market, including exotics costing millions of dollars. And on your way to greater speeds, you'll hit 30 mph in exactly one second.
2.92 — The amount of feet the front wheels lift off the ground at launch. The number in itself (certified by the Guinness Book of World Records) is impressive, but what is most amazing is that this is the world's first production car to offer that feature. No, it doesn't automatically lift at all times — only when you engage launch control. And here is another number you should allow to sink in: 1.8 — as in the g-force, the highest ever recorded at launch in a production car.
9.65 — Once you hit 60 mph and keep going, you'll want to test the quarter-mile performance for this beast. You'll hit that in just 9.65 seconds at 140 mph as certified by the National Hot Road Association (NHRA). Once again, the SRT Demon holds another record: the fastest quarter-mile time of any production vehicle.
45.2 — You can't miss the functional air scoop centered on the hood of the SRT Demon. It measures a whopping 45.2 square inches, the largest of any production car. Air is a key ingredient in performance and Dodge makes certain this hyper coupe gets what it needs.
100 — Premium grade, anyone? Although the SRT Demon runs fine on 91 octane, the hot coupe also takes 100+ octane for optimum performance. Your local speedway has it on tap as do some service stations, including certain Sunoco outlets. Keep in mind that the SRT Demon takes high-octane unleaded fuel, not leaded.
232 — The SRT Demon weighs at least 200 pounds less than it could have in part by subtracting unnecessary equipment. Removing the front passenger seat and the back seat saved 58 and 55 pounds, respectively. Other weight savings came by deleting the 16-speaker audio system, removing the trunk deck cover trim, carpeting, and spare tire cover. Substituting parts for lighter materials, including sway bars, brake calipers and rotors, and even switching to a manual tilt and telescopic steering column brought additional weight savings. In all, the weight savings were at least 232 pounds.
500 — The SRT Demon comes with a pair of key fobs. Key fob no. 1 is black and limits engine horsepower to a more pedestrian 500 horsepower. To achieve full power, you'll need the key fob no. 2 (red), what enables this beast to reach its full potential of 808 horsepower and 717 pound-feet of torque. You'll reach those numbers by fueling with 91 octane.
840 and 770 — These two are the most important numbers to race car enthusiasts, representing horsepower and torque, respectively. However, you'll only reach peak power by opting for the available Direct Connection powertrain controller. The SRT Demon utilizes the same supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine found in the SRT Hellcat, but there are some important distinctions. Modifications include a 2.7-liter per rev supercharger with increased boost to 14.5 psi. You'll also find a higher rpm limit of 6,500 and the first-ever production car with a liquid-to-air intercooler chiller system. Also present is an after-run chiller that keeps cooling the supercharger and the charge air cooler when the engine is off.
3,300 — The 2018 SRT Demon will be available in two markets: the United States and Canada. For its first year of production, just 3,300 copies can be had. Of these, Americans will have access to 3,000 units and Canadians to 300 copies, roughly in line with the 10-to-1 population ratio of these two North American markets.
86,090 — Six weeks after announcing the SRT Demon, Fiat Chrysler supplied pricing information. To our surprise, it will cost considerably below our estimated $100,000 figure, costing customers $86,090, including $1,700 for the gas guzzler tax and another $1,095 for destination. Interestingly, Dodge is charging just $1 extra for the Demon Crate option, what unleashes the full 840 horsepower this model achieves when running on racing fuel. Otherwise, you'll have to settle for "only" 808 horsepower. Other $1 options include a front passenger seat, rear seat, and trunk carpeting. But these options add weight and will keep the SRT Demon from reaching its full performance potential. This also means not opting for the power sunroof, what adds weight and $4,995 to your cost. As for dealer markups, we expect they'll be substantial and drive the final cost well above $100,000. So, our earlier estimate really isn't out of line. You can learn about other upgrades here.
Dodge Challenger SRT Demon: Beyond the Numbers
Hard numbers are one thing, but they're only part of the story. Indeed, when you drill down on the information supplied by Dodge and gleaned by others, you'll discover some important facts about this super coupe. For one, the Bilstein Adaptive Damping shocks are drag racing tuned, effectively shifting as much weight as possible to the rear axle to maximize traction. Dodge says this feature increases rear tire grip by 11 percent.
To further enhance weight shift to the rear wheels, Dodge "softened" select suspension components, including the springs and sway bars. Compared with the SRT Hellcat, the softer springs are 35 percent lighter up front and 28 percent lighter in the rear. Further, the sway bars are 75 percent lower upfront and 44 percent lower in the rear.
Lastly, Dodge will also make a "Demon Crate" available, carrying such exclusive components as Direct Connection Performance Parts. The crate includes the all-important performance powertrain control module, what allows the SRT Demon to take high octane. You'll also find a conical performance air filter, fender cover, tool bag, and other parts, representing the ultimate package for this stunning super coupe.
See Also — Dodge Cancels SRT Hellcat Orders, Resets for 2016
All photos copyright Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. All rights reserved.
Filed Under: New Models Tagged With: air cooler, air scoop, Bilstein shocks, DODGE CHALLENGER, eight-speed transmission, Guinness World Records, KEY FOB, launch control, NHRA, NYIAS, racing fuel, SRT Demon, supercharger 6.2-liters, V8 engine
Premium Truck: GMC Canyon Denali Crew Cab 4×4
April 11, 2017 by admin 11 Comments
GMC brings luxury touches to its midsize pickup truck.
2017 GMC Canyon Denali Crew Cab 4×4 short bed.
It's been three years since GMC reintroduced its midsize Canyon pickup truck, this brand's equivalent of the Chevrolet Colorado. Both trucks have been an overwhelming success for GM and the segment's renewal follows that achievement.
Yes, the Toyota Tacoma remains the class leader. And although the Nissan Frontier is clearly aged, that fact hasn't kept customers away from the Nissan. Indeed, the Frontier is the value leader with its most expensive vehicle costing about $8,000 less than the competition. Within two years, both Ford and Jeep will soon field trucks in this segment once again.
2017 GMC Canyon Denali
The GMC Canyon Denali is an example of a top-tier truck with a retail price of $42,820 for the Crew Cab short-wheelbase model (plus $995 for destination). Yes, it is possible to top $50,000 with a Denali powered by the optional 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine along with a bed-mounted tubular bar. My test model cost "only" $44,155 — that in itself is a stunning figure. Nevertheless, it is very easy to save thousands of dollars off of the sticker price due to manufacturer incentives alone.'
Read "Denali" and immediately you should recognize the top-trim of the GMC line. Every GMC product features Denali, a line marked by chrome touches across the grille, front skid plate, side mirror caps, window trim, door handles, and the wheels. Inside, you'll find leather generously used in many places — on the dashboard, the seats, and surrounding the steering wheel. Woodgrain and aluminum trim adds contrast, elevating this model.
The base Canyon truck begins at $21,880, an extended cab, rear-wheel drive model with vinyl floor covering and no rear seat. You'll also find a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. This engine comes with with a six-speed manual transmission. Optionally, a six-speed automatic transmission is available.
Standard Equipment: Exterior and Interior
Standard Canyon Denali equipment includes projector-type headlights with LED signature lights, daytime running lights, front fog lamps, front recovery hooks, and 20-inch ultra-bright machined aluminum wheels. You'll also find side assist steps, a locking tailgate, corner step bumpers, spray on bedliner, and cargo area lamps. Power side mirrors with a heating function are also standard.
Inside, you'll find room for five. Of course, the crew cab is best suited for holding five; the extended cab offers limited legroom. Even with space for five, the crew cab is best suited for four grown men. Plush and supportive bucket seats are up front; a 6040 split folding bench seat is in the rear.
The front seats offer four-way power adjustment and power lumbar support. Every model comes equipped with keyless entry, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt and telescopic steering column, steering wheel-mounted controls, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and a sliding rear window.
On the connectivity front, the Canyon Denali rocks it. You'll find no less than four USB ports, OnStar, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, and an available seven-speaker Bose audio system. An eight-inch color display sits at the top of the center stack and acts as the "nerve center" for all things infotainment.
The infotainment system comes with navigation and this may be the GMC's weakest point. The maps are accurate and colorful, but when it comes to understanding voice commands, not so much. Indeed, after more than a half-dozen tries to find my son's soccer field, we abandoned the system and used our Siri phones to satisfy our needs. And it wasn't just a recurring local mistake — the IntelliLink system pulled up addresses out of state again and again.
As for standard safety equipment, beyond the usual traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, and a suite of airbags you'll find a rearview camera. Lane departure warning and forward collision alert are also included. GMC adds in "Teen Driver," a function enabling parents to restrict certain behaviors as well as to track the teen's driving habits.
Two Engine Choices
The four-cylinder engine is not available in the Denali. Instead, GMC supplies a 3.6-liter V6 engine, which is also available in upper trim Canyon models. This engine makes 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque and comes with with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Two-wheel drive models make an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Four-wheel drive models come in at 17/24 mpg city/highway.
New this year and available with the Canyon Denali is a 2.8-liter turbocharged diesel engine. What's significant about the turbo-diesel is that the GMC (and Chevrolet) are the only models in this segment to offer one. The TD makes 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque and also delivers the best fuel economy in the segment — 22/30 for two-wheel drive and 20/28 with four-wheel drive. This engine comes with with a six-speed automatic transmission.
As for the drive, the Canyon Denali moves away from a full stop with some deliberation. The truck seems heavy and it is — the 4×4 weighs in at just over 4,500 pounds. That's a lot of mass to move and no wonder the V6 is standard.
I was more than a little surprised to encounter some hesitation with the transmission as I applied pressure to the gas pedal. Typically, gears shift smoothly, but in several instances the shift changes came in longer than I expected or wanted. Slight hesitations, but noticeable nonetheless. Notably, the gear changes seemed rough when upshifting, but not when downshifting.
Overall, the ride is as smooth as you would expect for a midsize pickup truck — not horribly bumpy, but not as smooth as a sedan. I don't think ride quality is the biggest issue with such trucks anyway — payload, towing, and overall versatility rank high.
Off-road capabilities is important to some, but even as a 4×2 the Canyon should satisfy most customers. It doesn't have the girth of a GMC Sierra and that's important to some. At the same time, the Canyon isn't anything like the tiny Chevrolet Luv trucks that once represented the bottom of the segment. Sure, some people would prefer the tiny trucks that once plied America's roadways, but the "chicken tax" has assured us that nothing of the sort will happen. Instead, we may see a few car-based models appear down the line, with Hyundai reportedly considering one.
All in all, the Canyon Denali is a truck that blends elegance with burliness, but it comes at a steep cost. If you can live without the Denali label, a fully-optioned truck should cost you no more than $35,000. At the same time, you may find that discounting on the larger Sierra comes in steeper, bringing into play a truck you might have thought too big for your needs or at least out of your range.
2017 GMC Canyon Denali Crew Cab 4×4 Specifications
Segment midsize pickup truck
Towing (pounds) 3,500/7,000 (tow package)
Fuel Tank (gallons) 21
Manufacturing Plant Wentzville, Missouri
Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2017 trucks, Canyon Denali, CHEVROLET COLORADO, CREW CAB, FORD RANGER, four-wheel drive, GMC CANYON, GMC SIERRA, Jeep, NISSAN FRONTIER, PICKUP TRUCKS, Toyota Tacoma
Big-Time Hit: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SUV
April 7, 2017 by admin 13 Comments
A 2018 Volkswagen Atlas outfitted with camping gear.
The Atlas brings strength to Volkswagen's product line.
The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is a midsize, three-row crossover SUV, the first model of its kind from this German automaker. Sure, the Volkswagen Group has produced sizable SUVs before, but Audi and Porsche claimed them. For reasons not quite known, the eponymous Volkswagen brand has always lacked such a model.
Beyond Routan and CrossBlue
That's all changing when, just before this summer, the 2018 Atlas arrives in dealer showrooms. Conceived, designed, and built in America, the VW Atlas fills a glaring gap in the brand's lineup.
Not since the Chrysler-supplied Routan minivan's cancellation following the 2014 model year has Volkswagen offered a seven-passenger model. Without one, the competition loomed as the only choice. Indeed, the Dodge Durango, Toyota Highlander, and Kia Sorento are just a few models that likely captured errant VW shoppers.
Although late to the party, the Volkswagen Atlas should quickly find its place in a popular segment. With an all-new compact Tiguan arriving later this summer, the automaker will have a strong mainstream SUV product line available to consumers. Add the Golf AllTrack to the mix and you'll understand the depth of VW's coverage.
The VW Atlas has been in the planning stages for several years. Introduced as the CrossBlue Concept in 2013, the production version is similar, but different. Initially, VW showed a diesel hybrid, but those plans changed as the company became involved in an emissions scandal of its own doing in 2015. Instead of diesel and hybrid options, VW offers a pair of gasoline engine choices.
Five Grades and One Special Edition
The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is available in five trims: S ($31,425), SE ($34,515), SE Technology ($36,615), SEL ($40,085), and SEL Premium ($49,415). All prices reflect a $925 destination charge.
Volkswagen will also provide an S Launch edition for $34,425. This model brings in the V6 engine and adds a sunroof, a larger infotainment screen, satellite radio, footwell lighting, and Homelink. The launch edition serves as a bookmark until the base four-cylinder engine is ready.
A Powerful Stance
The Atlas' front fascia includes the familiar VW horizontal grille with the brand's insignia prominently displayed in the middle. You'll also find LED headlamps with LED accent lighting, available fog lights, and a sporty lower grille opening. Distinctive creases run from the front to the back of the hood.
Powerful shoulders, a long flowing roofline, and dramatic character lines mark this SUV's profile. On top of the roof, you'll find roof racks, laser welded to avoid rivets. Available rocker panel trim, distinct wheel arches, and 18 inch or larger aluminum-alloy wheels are also present.
From the rear, you'll find a liftgate spoiler, wraparound combination lamps with distinct LED lights, and a pair of exhaust finishers. Various trim embellishments are available, depending on the grade.
Ample Room for Seven
Crossovers in this segment typically offer room for seven or eight. Volkswagen plays it safe and went with the lower number. In a few moments, you'll understand why.
Following the front bucket seats is a 60/40 split fold-down second-row seat, then a 50/50 split fold-down rear seat. Buyers can also choose to swap out the middle row for a pair of captain's chairs ($625 option).
What's notable about the Atlas' seating arrangement is just how far forward the second-row seats move and tilt. I took a photo with car seats in place, but it came out too blurry. Trust me here: a tall individual can slip into the third row — I had none other than a six-foot seven-inch VW rep, John, sit back there. His head scraped the roof, but he fit. It is also a good thing that Volkswagen didn't try to make room for three — there just wasn't enough space.
All seating positions are comfortable, even back yonder. The third-row seats are typically lacking in support and padding, but not so in the Atlas.
As far as the rest of the interior, it offers an excellent example of Volkswagen fit and finish. Soft touch materials are in abundance, plastic is present but not obvious or overwhelming, and seats swathed in cloth, imitation leather, or leather complete the look. The instrument panel is simple, ordered, and the displays are easy to read.
Kudos to Volkswagen for offering generous cargo space. You'll find in-door pockets with bottle holders, multiple cup holders throughout the cabin, a deep storage compartment up front, and storage nets. Standard equipment includes full power accessories, a tilt and telescopic steering column, a six-speaker audio system, Car-Net apps — Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink inclusive, dual-zone climate control, two USB ports, and a rearview camera.
Depending on the chosen trim, you'll find many more amenities. These include: keyless entry with push-button start, power front seats, heated front seats, 8- or 12-speaker audio systems, additional USB ports, a power liftgate, and a 115-volt outlet. Choose the top trim and Volkswagen goes all out — larger wheels, navigation, power-folding door mirrors, puddle lights, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel.
Driver assist features are commonplace these days or at least available across most model lines. Volkswagen provides the following as part of its SE with Technology package: adaptive cruise control (ACC); forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring (front assist); and lane departure warning — also known as lane assist.
Two Powertrain Choices
Volkswagen hosted journalists in Texas hill country to learn more about the Atlas and to test drive same. But there were only V6 models for comparison as the standard 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine will arrive later in the model year.
That base engine is similar to the one found in the Golf GTI, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It is available with front-wheel drive only and like the V6 it comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
All other models come outfitted with a 3.6-liter V6, the same engine available in the Passat. This engine makes 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, the latter just 8 lbs.-ft. more than the turbo four. But the larger engine is the one with a 5,000-pound towing capacity, available by choosing the factory-installed trailer hitch. Otherwise, both engines can pull upwards of 2,000 pounds.
If I were shopping for an Atlas, I would put my money on the V6. Unless you'll never carry a bigger payload — people and stuff — the four-cylinder might work for you. The V6's payload capacity is just 1,213 pounds, with the turbo's numbers coming in lower once published.
Step on the gas and you'll feel the V6 come alive as you move out. Stomp on the gas pedal and your 0-60 mph time should come in around 8 seconds, but longer with more passengers onboard. The engine isn't loud, the transmission shifts smoothly, and when climbing hills, the Atlas is up to the task.
Texas hill country offers a number of steep ascents and steady declines, and we took advantage of them. I've driven a number of competing models, including the Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, and Honda Pilot, and the Atlas matches each one well. The ride is smooth, the interior is quiet, and it likely checks all the boxes for most families. Importantly, it should be more than sufficient to keep VW enthusiasts in the product fold.
Volkswagen has been taking steps to overhaul its product line, especially its utility vehicles. The Golf AllTrack, although technically not an SUV, provides the interior room, versatility, and all-wheel drive capabilities of other small models, such as the Mazda CX-3, Jeep Renegade, and Honda HR-V.
The all-new Tiguan should address a problem inherent in this model since its 2009 release — size. Smaller than other models in this segment, the new Tiguan will offer an available third-row seat, putting it closer in size to the Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, and the Chevrolet Equinox.
As for the Volkswagen Atlas, it'll gain the distinction of becoming the brand's flagship model. Sure, the Touareg is still available, but in all likelihood, this premium five-passenger SUV will be quietly retired as Volkswagen repositions the brand in an effort to serve mainstream shoppers.
Filed Under: New Models Tagged With: 2018 Atlas, 2018 SUVs, all-wheel drive, crossover, SUV, turbo, Volkswagen Atlas, VW Atlas
Premium Compact: 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited
2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited.
Top-of-the-line 2017 Elantra trim delivers the trappings in style.
Compact sedans typically offer great value, supplying an ideal entryway to new car ownership for the majority of consumers. Nearly all manufacturers offer one, although the segment has been taking a hit as shoppers continue to shift their purchase decisions to small SUVs.
The Hyundai Elantra is one such model, a five-passenger front-wheel drive sedan offered in five grades: SE ($17,150), Value ($20,250), Eco ($20,650), Sport (21,650), and Limited ($22,350). Add $835 for destination.
Yes, the Elantra is a sedan-only model, but there is a hatchback, the Elantra GT, and it is sold separately. A coupe version was discontinued in 2015.
My test vehicle was a 2017 Elantra Limited outfitted with a pair of packages — tech ($2,500) and ultimate ($1,900). The final tally came in at $27,890, near the top end of the segment.
The Elantra name can be traced all the way back to 1990 when the first-generation model was released. The current and sixth-generation Elantra rolled out in early 2016 as a 2017 model year vehicle.
Hyundai is making a significant deal about the Elantra's starting price, coming in at $100 lower than the previous model. That $100 savings tells only a small part of the story: two new powertrains are offered and a driver's knee airbag is included.
But the focus of this review is on the top-of-the-line Limited edition. Like other top trims, this one overlaps the next model up, namely the Sonata midsize sedan.
Indeed, you can obtain a fairly well-equipped Sonata for about the same price as the Elantra. Then again, if you want the tech and ultimate packages offered in the Elantra Limited, you'll find yourself shopping for similarly packaged Sonata Limited costing about $33,000.
The Elantra Limited does a commendable job of transforming a mainstream compact four door into a premium sedan. No, it isn't a luxury model, although it does possess a few extravagances you typically won't find in this segment.
For starters, the exterior is dressed to impress, featuring a unique chrome grille, chrome beltline molding, and chrome door handles. You'll also find LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, and door handle approach lights. Hyundai's well-received hands-free smart trunk is included — no need to swish a leg back and forth under the bumper in a sometimes vain effort to make the lid lift. All Limited models are outfitted with 17-inch alloy wheels set within all-season tires.
Inside, the premium features are nearly everywhere. Right off, you'll notice the standard leather seats. You'll also find heated front seats, a power driver's seat with lumbar support, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and keyless entry with push-button start.
The hits keep coming with the dual climate control system, a seven-inch color display with an audio package, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual charging USB ports, a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, and BlueLink telematics. On the safety front, blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert is also included.
Choose Your Package
What absolutely elevates the Elantra Limited is its two package options: tech and ultimate. You can buy tech alone, but the ultimate package requires you to pay for tech too. As you read on you'll learn how beneficial the duo are to this model.
The tech package brings in a navigation system with an eight-inch touchscreen. You'll also enjoy a sweet sounding Infinity audio system with eight speakers, including a center channel and subwoofer. Hyundai adds a 4.2-inch color instrument cluster display, a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, heated (outboard) rear seats, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink and compass.
The ultimate package brings in the driver assist features consumers want. For starters, you'll receive HID headlights with dynamic bending light technology — the better to view around corners. Automatic high beam assist is included adding to the standard automatic on/off headlamps.
Further, you'll find automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, smart cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, a memory system for the driver's seat and exterior mirrors.
All in all, Elantra Limited offers a complete package, delivering the broadest range of amenities for the money in this segment.
Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH)
The absolute bugaboo with some small cars is NVH: noise, vibration, and harshness. That's understandable as budgetary constraints typically mean manufacturers place price above all else.
No small car cabin is whisper quiet, even the Elantra Limited. The din of the engine is always heard inside and at times it is quite loud. As for vibration, this sedan does everything to ensure it is mitigated — no creaking dashboard or door shimmy detected. And when it comes to harshness, traveling over bumpy surfaces doesn't produce the jarring feel through the steering column common to certain models. No, the Elantra isn't a Sonata, but it certainly does a credible job in all matters NVH.
An all-new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine powers the Elantra Limited. This engine produces 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque and sits between the available 1.4- and 1.6-liter turbo engines in the power spectrum. This naturally aspirated engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The lion's share of drivers should find the Elantra Limited's engine suits their needs. Certainly, it isn't a performance boss, but it is no slouch either. Off-the-mark acceleration is more than sufficient and when you press the pedal to the metal, the engine delivers a distinct roar (a purr is more like it).
If you want more performance, the larger turbo delivers it, but it does so at the cost of fuel economy, coming in about 4 mpg less than the standard engine.
Safety Features and Rating
Besides its seven standard airbags and the usual traction and stability control, and anti-lock brakes, Hyundai delivers top scores in all things crashworthiness. But there is one caveat.
Notably, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2017 Elantra with its highest honor — Top Safety Pick+. In testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2017 Elantra scored four stars out of five, missing the top rating in frontal crash and rollover. This is an unusual discrepancy between the two main North American crash testing authorities, one worth keeping in mind.
If you aren't a Hyundai owner, why should you consider one? After all, the Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cruze, Nissan Sentra, Volkswagen Jetta, and Mazda 3 are compelling reasons to consider the competition.
That said, Hyundai still offers the best warranties in the business, including a five-year, 60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. On top of that, you'll have five years of complimentary roadside assistance.
The warranties alone are a difference maker for certain buyers. Drill down on the amenities list and you'll find that Hyundai backs up its "class above" claims quite well. Moreover, it does so at a price point that shouldn't be easily dismissed.
2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited Specifications
Base Sticker Price $22,350 (sedan); $15,395 (hatchback)
Standard Engine 2.0-liter, four cylinder
Towing (pounds) N/A
Manufacturing Plant Montgomery, Alabama or Ulsan, Korea
Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2017 cars, compact sedan, four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive, HYUNDAI BLUELINK, Hyundai Elantra, IIHS, leather seats, NHTSA, SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION


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Nikola Badger Electric Pickup Truck Canceled, All Deposits to Be Refunded
For a hot minute this year, when it seemed like hydrogen and EV startup Nikola had what it took to become the next Tesla, the tip of its spear was the Nikola Badger—a fantastic, futuristic electric pickup truck with supercar-crushing acceleration and 600 miles of range. But amid Nikola's continuing problems, allegations of fraud and now a drastically reduced deal with General Motors, it seems the Badger truck is off the table completely.
Among today's bad news for Nikola was the fact that Nikola will not be making the Badger pickup at all, apparently lacking the ability to do so without support from GM. It was previously clear that no Nikola Badger actually existed, but apparently, no Nikola Badger will ever exist, with the company saying that "The MOU does not include the previously contemplated GM equity stake in Nikola or development of the Nikola Badger. As previously announced, the Nikola Badger program was dependent on an OEM partnership. Nikola will refund all previously submitted order deposits for the Nikola Badger."
Previously, Nikola claimed the Badger would use both a hydrogen fuel cell and a lithium-ion battery and could run with power on either, put out more than 900 horsepower, accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, tow over 8,000 pounds and power construction equipment. Like most EV concepts, it all seemed a bit too fantastical.
This is bad news for Nikola, who has spent a significant amount of time hyping up the truck and could use some good PR lately. In the last several months the company has been accused of fraud, has been put under investigation by the Justice Department, and its founder, Trevor Milton, resigned after allegations of sexual misconduct. The company's flagship vehicle getting canned on top of all this doesn't exactly paint a pretty picture.
Additionally, the electric truck game is shaping up to be the next big thing in the coming EV wars. Until its financial issues arose this summer, Nikola seemed poised to do battle in that arena, competing against the electric Ford F-150, Tesla's Cybertruck, the Rivian R1T, the GMC Hummer EV, and any number of hybrid truck options due out in 2021.
The Drive contacted Nikola for further information concerning the cancellation of the Badger, however, a representative told us that all we needed to know was contained in the press release. It's not clear when the deposits will be refunded, only that they will eventually happen.
With the cancellation of the Badger, it's expected that the company will focus on creating at least some of the other vehicles it says it plans to, primarily it's class 7/8 trucks. The fate of other, smaller vehicles like the company's Reckless and WAV are still unknown, but Nikola's plan for producing those vehicles is likely as good as yours or mine.
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Ted Cruz Discusses Extreme Importance Of West Texas Voters In Election [INTERVIEW]
On Tuesday's edition of The Chad Hasty Show, Senator Ted Cruz (R) joined the broadcast to talk about issues in the tightly contested race with challenger Robert "Beto" O'Rourke (D) for the U.S. Senate.
Cruz and Hasty discussed the positions and agenda of O'Rourke and the Democratic Party, including impeaching President Trump, border security, Constitutional freedoms, as well as the state and national media's infatuation with O'Rourke, and much more.
About his opponent's position on border security, Cruz said,
Beto O'Rourke has proposed decriminalizing crossing the border illegally. In other words, make it no longer a crime. Which would mean that the caravan marching north through Mexico, if Beto O'Rourke's policy view were to prevail, they would be allowed to march right across the Rio Grande, straight into Texas. Over ten thousand people, and there would be no criminal offense whatsoever. That is radical, that's reckless, and that's not Texas. We want to secure the border. And lets be clear: We can do that while welcoming and celebrating legal immigrants.
While answering Hasty's question about the media's response to Cruz's call for answers as to how O'Rourke would handle the northbound caravan, Cruz said,
The national media is so in love with Beto O'Rourke, they crawl into bed and they spoon with him. Their hearts, their little hearts go 'pitter-patter'...There is nothing the national media would like more than for Texas to be represented by an Elizabeth Warren-type leftist. And Beto O'Rourke is running to the left of Elizabeth Warren.
Listen to the entire interview with Senator Ted Cruz in the video above.
More about U.S. Senator Ted Cruz is available on his website.
The Chad Hasty Show airs weekday mornings live, from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM on News/Talk 95.1 FM and 790 AM KFYO, online at KFYO.com, on the fantastic & the free KFYO App, as well as on all Alexa-enabled devices using the KFYO Skill. Follow Chad on Twitter via @ChadHastyRadio & KFYO Radio at @KFYO!
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Filed Under: Beto O'Rourke, border security, chad hasty show, Election 2018, Illegal Immigration, ted cruz
Categories: Interview, National News, National Politics, Regional News, Texas Politics, Videos


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Listen to the new Dex Romweber Duo album, 'Is That You In The Blue?'!
July 19th, 2011 by Rami
We're getting pretty excited about the release of the Dex Romweber Duo's latest, Is That You In The Blue?, which will be available on CD and LP (and at digital retailers, natch) next Tuesday. The folks over at Paste have a FULL preview of the album streaming on their site right now -- so take a listen, and let us know if you like it as much as we do. In other Dex news, Blurt mag just posted a video interview with Dex, where he talks about the new album, the Flat Duo Jets, and his influences and his own influence on younger musicians.
album stream
Dex Romweber


One of the solitary essential concepts in business is the sales funnel. Sales funnels can enhance your revenue online by automating your organisation. They supply a course of least resistance to growing and scaling your service on auto-pilot. But after spending time with a few of the world's finest marketers, I can inform you with near certainty, not only exactly how sales funnels will enable you to make even more loan online, however which specific funnels you must implement.
Now, if you're anything like me, you could be averse to particular funnels. For example, I'm not an ecommerce person, however I do recognize that free-plus-shipping funnels are absolutely squashing it. In fact, just this previous week, while participating in the Closing Table Mastermind with Perry Belcher as well as Roland Frasier, I gained extra insight into the attractive "tripwire" funnel, allegedly coined by Perry Belcher.
Nonetheless, Belcher didn't create the idea. He attracted that from an old Columbia House ad that sold 13 CDs or tapes for the huge price of $1.00. Remember it? But we all understand that this irresistible offer (also known as tripwire) had way extra to it than just the $1.00 price tag. In the background, there was a connection program at the workplace. In Columbia House's' version, this was called unfavorable alternative payment. That suggests, you instantly get routine monthly shipments (in addition to a bill) unless you expressly specify otherwise.
So why is this so powerful and also what does it have to do with sales funnels? Actually, what you'll observe is that Columbia House's sales funnel was fairly straightforward. You just picked the CDs or tapes you desired for a buck, then received a regular month-to-month shipment every month at a pre-defined price. They would continually bill you for those CDs or tapes every single month. There were variations of this offer also where you might get hold of 11 CDs or tapes for one penny then obtain the 12th free.
In either case you look at it, these were all alluring deals. This was also good to skip. However what Columbia House as well as other business understood was that, although they would certainly shed loan out of eviction, they would, generally, over time, earn money turn over initially. Which is the power of the sales funnel. Before automation, this is exactly how sales funnels worked. And also, if you hired, you would get a live person effectively strolling you through the funnel.
The Columbia House instance offers deep understanding right into the psychology of an offer that's alluring. By initial establishing the life time value of a consumer and their retention price, Columbia House established that it might invest a particular quantity of cash getting consumers as well as still be extremely rewarding. That's basically what's finished with sales funnels today. And also what truly makes those sales funnels so powerful are tripwires.
Today, it's the tripwire that produces the irresistible deal. Although Columbia House really did not rather have major up-sells or down-sells in their funnels, they produced a simple two action funnel that worked. It functioned because the tripwire was so alluring. It appealed deeply to the consumer. Besides, how can you resist an offer like that for 12 or 13 CDs or tapes for $1 or 1 cent when they were retailing at around $10 each at the time.
An additional effective instance of this was through Sports Illustrated. Actually, Sports Illustrated was successfully on the decline at the time it presented its revolutionary tripwire. There's something about substantial things that individuals simply connect with. Even when you're using a digital info product on the backside, by sweetening the take care of a concrete great, you can fairly essentially send your conversions through the roof.
In the example of Sports Illustrated, take yourself back to 1990 when publication subscription prices were beginning to drop off. Because period, Sports Illustrated endured a 7% decline in their circulation in the initial fifty percent of the year. Currently, no matter what they did, they were incapable to get the subscription prices up. Also by offering deep price cuts on memberships, customers weren't grabbing it. Plus, if they marked down too steeply, it would impact their capability to obtain marketers paying premium prices without revealing that consumers were paying close to the full cover price of the magazine.
Sports Illustrated, possessed by Time, Inc., had not been the only publication that was enduring under the company's umbrella. Individuals magazine had actually likewise experienced a severe decline of 5%. Time, Inc., understood that it needed to do something quickly. So it began to provide a tripwire that included sports mistakes on VHS. Nonetheless, the price was expensive and there were just a lot of mistakes it might use. So, they resorted to the football phone as the brand-new tripwire.
Why the football phone? Initially, it attracted the target audience. And also, it was distinct as well as amazing. Far more exciting than an uninteresting magazine registration. The football-shaped phone idea was developed by Sports Illustrated's supervisor of circulation at the time, Michael Loeb. At that time, advertising and marketing on cable was likewise really cost-effective. Plus, the phone, which was sourced from China, only cost a couple of dollars "landed". So it all made good sense.
Loeb worked on the logistics of this deal for lots of months. Nonetheless, that had not been the only deal. They likewise prepared a deal that included a sneaker phone. If you'll think back to 1990-1991, it was both uses that were running practically simultaneously. Talk about an early-on split-test, right?
So, what were the results of all this? Over 1 million new clients. That's right. And those offers just competed a restricted time. However it successfully conserved the business. That's the power of a tripwire deal. It's a substantial item that gets people thrilled about whatever else the core deal is. As a matter of fact, some people will only buy what you're marketing entirely for the uniqueness of the concrete tripwire offer.
Sales funnels are one of the single most powerful principles in company today for a very particular factor. It's not simply the example of the tripwire that's effective. It's the whole kitty cheat, in a manner of speaking. There are a lot of parts as well as elements to what make a sales funnel work so well that I wished to break it down and also give some more examples to offer a much deeper understanding to exactly how you can utilize them to enhance your earnings online.
Now, if you're not making use of a sales funnel today, or if you're simply discovering what a sales funnel is, after that there are a few methods you can rapidly leverage this powerful concept in your company to develop eruptive outcomes. Primarily, if you don't have a ClickFunnels account, go below and also register for the 14-day complimentary test. When you've configuration your account, grab a custom domain and also begin building your funnel. If you need assistance, view some of the on-boarding video clips included with ClickFunnels.
It matters not if you have an existing company or you're functioning to setup a brand-new service, funnels are the secret to growing and also scaling despite where you're beginning with. However, there are 5 particular ways you can use sales funnels to raise your revenue right now. It matters not what business you remain in or what you're selling, you can take advantage of these today, today, to create eruptive results.
At the Inner Circle mastermind today, Russell Brunson dissected the hook-story-offer technique that comes before developing the funnel. Can you develop a sales funnel before you have a hook and a tale? Yes. But you could have trouble acquiring traction, particularly if you're competing in a red sea. Red oceans are entrepreneur-infested waters contending for the exact same pool of clients, whereas blue oceans are an area where few business owners are swimming in.
What does that tell you? Spend the moment responsible and also the story. Yes, the deal is likewise vital. But it's the hook and also the tale that's going to reel prospects in. As an example, Brunson utilized the narrative of fit-to-fat-to-fat founder, Drew Manning. Manning, that remained in fantastic form, headed out there as well as acquired a number of weight over a 6 month period to better understand what it seems like to be fat. However after that he went out there as well as lost all the weight.
That right there is an unbelievable hook as well as story. It's special. And, because of that, Manning has actually experienced a speedy surge, although his deal isn't that good. Yet when the hook and the tale is so good, the deal is virtually unimportant. Efficiently, you can market practically anything when the hook as well as the story just crush it. One more example is the tale of Robert Allen that would certainly always say he can be decreased in any type of city in the nation and acquire a house no money down within 60 days. And that's exactly what he did. His brand name has corrected a billion bucks in sales due to it.
Those are all wonderful hooks as well as stories. Without that, your deal will certainly battle. If you can generate an one-of-a-kind means to develop your hook as well as story, the rest will certainly fall into place. Because there is so much red ocean available, this is possibly among the most vital indicate make prior to you release any type of sales funnel.
Tripwires are great low-barrier-of-entry products that make leads take out their charge card. Commonly, these are too-good-to-pass-up products that are used at an astounding price. Simply think about the tripwire offered by Columbia House or Sports Illustrated, for instance. Tripwires assist make it easier to get brand-new customers, and afterwards to rise them up your value ladder.
Anything that makes consumer procurement more difficult, such as a costly product and services out of eviction, is mosting likely to make expanding as well as scaling your business more difficult. The fact is that it sets you back 5 times as much to draw in a brand-new consumer as it does to maintain an existing one. That's why tripwires are so powerful. They reduced the barrier-of-entry right into your business. And also anything that can reduce the obstacle of entry is constantly perfect.
An additional fantastic method to launch a sales funnel as well as easily raise your income whatever service you remain in is through a lead magnet. The lead magnet needs to include genuine worth. But it can be in numerous layouts such as a PDF book, checklist, rip off sheet and so on. After the download, you can supply a single offer. This indicates a three-step funnel. You could additionally create an up-sell if they take the one-time offer or perhaps a payment-plan down-sell if they decline it.
Why do a lead magnet with loads of value? First, you're establishing on your own up as a professional. If that content is truly workable, and also it adds a huge quantity of value to the possibility's life, after that they're mosting likely to regard you as the authority. But it does something far more than that. It refers micro-commitments. The concept? Get a person to concur to do three small things for you as well as the 4th one is quickly an indeed.
One of the most effective sales funnels you can build is based around the webinar. In fact, it was the webinar that conserved Brunson's organisation from bankruptcy a couple of times. It was a mix and conclusion of knowledge that bring about the best webinar script, which develops the basis for the best sales funnel. Some of it came from Jason Fladlien, while various other items came from in other places in Brunson's trip.
Nevertheless, all that information incorporated into the style of a perfect webinar as well as funnel, has essentially transformed the businesses of many business owners that've taken their knowledge as well as monetized it via the exponential pressure of webinars. Constructing a webinar is one of the best courses to success with a sales funnel. Actually, the webinar funnel is quite possibly the most transformative funnel you might introduce for any type of company, new or old.
The application permits you to extract those who aren't serious. And, on the phone call, you can close the deal. Now, this sort of sales funnel works if you have actually already had outcomes with clients. Otherwise, help cost-free till you obtain outcomes for people. Then, accumulate reviews and also utilize those as component of the pitch for the training.
Most likely among the greatest and also most prominent sales funnels these days is the free-plus-shipping offer funnel. It makes an excellent entry point into any kind of funnel by developing an one-time deal or up-sell after the offer, comparable to a tripwire funnel. However, the distinction below is the power of words complimentary. Yes, tripwires, which are very affordable products or services, function well. However there is real power in words cost-free.
As a matter of fact, people will lift and also down for a totally free offer, even if they have to cover the shipping and handling, as opposed to taking a deal that they also need to pay a small quantity of money for.