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About the 2014 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/04 in Toyota with Comments Off on About the 2014 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab

The small pickup truck market has steadily shrunk since the 1990s as shoppers choose larger trucks that offer more power, higher payloads, tremendous towing capabilities and fairly competitive fuel mileage. Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge have left the market with only Toyota and Nissan remaining.

The Toyota Tacoma controls two-thirds of the small pickup truck market, fielding regular and extended cab models including the Access Cab, a truck with two standard doors and dual, large rear hinge access doors. Its the middle model in the Tacoma line up, priced from $20,515 and sold in 4×2, 4×4 and PreRunner configurations.

Engines and Transmissions

The standard engine with the 2014 Toyota Tacoma is a 2.7-liter inline four cylinder, a 16-valve motor with direct fuel injection. This engine makes 159 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 180 foot-pounds of torque at 3,800 rpm. It measures 3.74 bore by 3.74 stroke and has a 9:6-to-1 compression ratio. A five-speed manual transmission is standard; a four-speed automatic transmission is available.

Buyers can also choose a 4.0-liter V-6 engine, a 24-valve motor that is also outfitted with direct fuel injection. This engine makes 236 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 266 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. It measures 3.70 bore by 3.74 stroke and has a 10.0-to-1 compression ratio. A six-speed manual transmission is standard; a five speed automatic transmission is available. 

Technical Information

The Access Cab is a 4×2 model or it can be equipped with part-time 4×4. It comes with a coil spring independent double wishbone suspension up front and a leaf spring rigid suspension in the rear. This model has rack-and-pinion power steering, ventilated front disc brakes, leading-drum brakes in the rear, and is outfitted with standard 15-inch steel wheels.

Optional wheels include 15- and 16-inch styled steel wheels, and 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels. All season tires are standard; mud & snow rated tires are also available. This truck is equipped with an anti-lock brake system, electronic braking distribution, brake assist, stability control, and traction control. 

Vehicle Dimensions

The Toyota Tacoma Access Cab sits on a 127.4-inch wheelbase and measures 208.1 inches long, up to 70.3 inches tall and as much as 74.3 inches wide. It comes equipped with a 6-foot bed.

This model has a ground clearance of 7.9 to 9.1 inches. Its payload ranges from 1,255 to 1,500 pounds. Standard towing capacity is 3,500 pounds. Choose the optional V-6 tow prep package and that limit pushes up to 6,500 pounds. The Tacoma is outfitted with a 21.1-gallon fuel tank and is rated as high as 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, and as low as 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. Regular grade gasoline is recommended.

Key Features

The Toyota Tacoma Access Cab comes equipped or has available the following exterior features: mud guards, an engine skid plate, variable speed wipers, fog lights, bed tie downs, and a full spare tire.

Inside, Toyota equips this model with air conditioning, fabric-trimmed front seats, fold up rear seats with under seat storage, power windows and power door locks, LED-illuminated gauges, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, rear seat heat vents, two 12-volt outlets, two bottle holders up front, and up to five cup holders.

An Entune audio system is standard across the model line. The multimedia package features an AM/FM/CD player. a 6.1-inch touchscreen, iPod connectivity, hands-free phone access, voice recognition, Bluetooth wireless technology, and an auxiliary jack. An upgraded package with SiriusXM satellite radio is available as are navigation and app suite package upgrades.

Tacoma Considerations

The Toyota Tacoma made its debut in 1995, but Toyota has been building trucks for decades. The previous model was simply known as "Pickup." 

Several special equipment packages are available including SR5, TRD Off-Road, TRD Sport Package and a Limited package. Equipment upgrades include a front tow hook, a 115-volt outlet, chrome grille surround, upgraded seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an integrated backup camera a and special graphics. Chrome cladding, color-keyed bumpers and heated front seats are among the other available upgrades.

Photo courtesy of Toyota.

Author Information
Harrison Plamer is a professional blogger that provides information on CDL truck driving and owner operator truck driving jobs. He writes for BestDriverJobs.com, the best place to find a truck driving job nationwide.

Specifications of a 2014 Nissan Titan Pickup Truck

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/10/25 in Nissan with Comments Off on Specifications of a 2014 Nissan Titan Pickup Truck

The Nissan Titan is a full-size pickup truck, a model introduced to the market in 2004. Major changes are coming to the Titan line with a new model slated for 2015, a truck that will include a diesel option. Shopping for a Titan now can save you thousands of dollars on some trim levels, providing a vehicle that can satisfy your passenger and equipment carrying needs.

Model Overview

Nissan sells the Titan in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations and offers two extended cab models: King Cab and Crew Cab. Three bed choices are available; you can choose from four trim levels: S, SV, PRO-4X and SL. Standard seating is for six people with S and SV editions equipped with a bench seat and provides seating for five elsewhere.

The Nissan Titan competes in the large pickup truck segment dominated by the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500 and the GMC Sierra. The Toyota Tundra also competes in this class. Nissan also offers a smaller truck model, the Frontier.

Engine and Transmission

For 2014, all Nissan Titans are powered by a 5.6-liter V-8 engine, making 317 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 385 foot-pounds of torque at 3,400 rpm. This 32-valve aluminum engine is naturally aspirated and longitudinally mounted, and has a 9.8 to 1 compression ratio. It measures 3.86 inches bore by 3.62 inches stroke.

Titan’s engine is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The drive system is two-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive. The final drive ratio measures 2.937 or 3.357 with the PRO-4X.

The Nissan Titan takes regular grade gasoline or it can run on E85 fuel. Gas mileage is 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway for the 4×2 edition and 12 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway for the 4×4 edition.

Nissan Titan Dimensions

The 2014 Nissan Titan has a standard 139.8-inch wheelbase, expanded to 159.5 inches with the crew cab body style. This truck’s length measures 224.6 inches to as long as 244.2 inches with the crew cab. Overall height ranges from 74.6 to 76.9 inches; this truck measures 79.5 inches wide.

Ground clearance for the Nissan Titan measures 10.2 to 10.7 inches. Bed lengths are 67.3, 79.1 and 87 inches, depending on the model selected. Its curb weight ranges from 4,847 to 5,556 pounds. Total interior volume ranges from 112.8 for the king cab to 125.6 inches for the crew cab. Payload ranges from 1,644 to 2,153 pounds. Towing capacity ranges from 7,300 to 9,500 pounds.

Exterior Highlights

The 2014 Nissan Titan is outfitted with standard 18-inch steel wheels with black sidewall Continental tires in the S edition. Upgrades to alloy wheels, 20-inch wheels and Goodyear or BF Goodrich tires is available. Nissan tucks a full-size spare tire underneath the rear bed area.

Halogen headlights are standard across the model line and include an automatic on/off feature with the Pro-4X and SL editions. Fog lights are optional with the SV edition and are standard with the two top trim levels. 

Interior Highlights

A base cloth package is standard with the Titan S with premium and two-tone cloth available with other trim levels. Choose the SL and your truck receives leather-appointed seating. Heated front seats are standard with the SL and are optional with the Pro-4X. A power driver’s seat with an 8-way function is standard with the SL. A 4-way power function is available for the front passenger.

The Nissan Titan is equipped with a six-speaker audio system in the king cab and an eight-speaker audio system in the crew cab. Also available is a Rockford Fosgate audio system. A navigation system is available as is a DVD entertainment system.

Convenience features available with the Nissan Titan include power windows, power door locks, cruise control, keyless entry, power folded side mirrors, reading lights, power adjustable foot pedals, 12-volt outlets and a 120-volt outlet. Safety features include an anti-lock braking system, stability control, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. 

Author Information
Joseph Grey is a professional blogger that shares news and information on CDL trucking jobs and companies. He writes for TruckersClassifieds.com, where you can find trucking jobs nationwide online.  

Image photo: http://www.nissanusa.com/trucks/titan 

Next Generation Acura MDX Prototype Rolls Out

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/01/18 in Acura with Comments Off on Next Generation Acura MDX Prototype Rolls Out

The Acura MDX is a seven-passenger crossover SUV, one of the more successful and profitable models offered by Honda’s premium make. A prototype of the 2014 model was released at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, offering what Acura describes as a "strong direction" for what its third generation crossover will offer when it is released later this year.

Aero Sculpture

The next generation Acura MDX features an "aero sculpture" or an exterior design that is clean, uncluttered and unpretentiously luxurious. From the front, "jewel eye" LED headlights offer an unmistakably rich appearance, accenting the MDX’s handsome grille. Acura says that the new model is 16 percent slippier than the current edition, an aerodynamic improvement that will help boost fuel economy.

The new model also stands in slightly lower than the current edition, with 1.5 inches shaved from its roofline. The wheelbase has been increased by a few inches to provide improved second row seating room and easier access to the third row.

Body Rigidity

Acura says that the 2014 MDX is more rigid and lighter than the 2013 model, benefiting from a new suspension system that also provides improved handling. Under the hood, an all-new direct injection 3.5-liter V-6 engine with variable cylinder management powers this SUV, offering improvements in horsepower and torque.

Big for 2014 will be a number of safety improvements. The Acura MDX has long been a leader in all things passenger safety, but the new model will raise the bar further.

Besides its stronger body structure, the Acura MDX will offer both forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems, and update what it calls its "visibility technologies" that provide blind spot intervention, lane keeping assist and active cruise control. The focal points of the changes is a multi-angle rearview camera that makes it possible for drivers to see an even wider area around the rear of the vehicle.

Upgraded Telematics

Inside, the MDX’s telematics system will receive an important upgrade as the next generation of AcuraLink rolls out. This cloud-based connection system makes it possible to bring in personalized news reports, SMS text messaging, SiriusXM satellite radio, Pandora radio connectivity while also providing ease of smartphone connectivity. An upgraded audio system will also be available and concierge services will include live person support.

Not much else about the 2014 Acura MDX has been released although true to Honda Motor America practice, the prototype should be a near perfect representation of the production version. Honda may like to surprise its customers, but when it comes to design you’re usually seeing what you will get.

Improved Performance

The new 3.5-liter V-6 engine comes in slightly smaller than the outgoing engine. This single overhead cam engine is expected to make about 310 horsepower and 265 foot-pounds of torque, or the same as the current model, but do so more efficiently. With a lighter weight underneath and the right transmission pairing in place, the 2014 Acura MDX just may move to the top of the segment. Front-wheel-drive is standard, all-wheel-drive is optional.

The latter features Acura’s acclaimed Super Handling system that provides for optimum handling and control under a variety of road conditions.
Bringing the Acura MDX to the market later this summer is important for Honda’s premium brand. Acura sales rose by 26.7 percent in 2012, for its best year since 2007. Acura has long lived in the shadow of its Japanese competitors, namely Lexus and Infiniti, but the good money is betting that the MDX and other planned products will vault the brand in the coming years.

Author Information
Jonathan Allbones is a personal finance writer and car fan. He contributes to a number of leading blogs across the web. If you are looking for a car supermarket visit The Car People.

Photo courtesy of Acura.

Side By Side: Nissan 370z vs Mitsubishi Lancer Evo

by Carsurfer Admin on 2012/11/29 in Nissan with Comments Off on Side By Side: Nissan 370z vs Mitsubishi Lancer Evo

Gather round, sports car enthusiasts. Automakers have released their 2013 vehicle lines, and two Japan-based motor companies’ athletic coupes are turning heads on the road. Nissan’s latest release from its legendary Z line, the 370Z, continues the high performance legacy with pure speed and precise handling. Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evo blends under-the-hood excellence with day-to-day dependability to create a rare driving experience. These two go head-to-head in style and performance.

Look

Auto enthusiasts may see a resemblance to the classic Porsche 911 in Nissan’s newest 370Z. Slimmed down from its predecessor, the 350z (currently available through used Nissan dealers in AZ), the 370Z’s body exudes speed. This chic frame is mounted on 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and features LED daytime running lights along with traditional headlights. The Z’s cozy interior feels more like a cockpit than a driver’s seat. Contoured padding supports the ideal motion, whether you’re driving an automatic or a manual, and bright gauges help will help you keep hold of the reins.

By contrast, the 4-door Lancer Evo has a more square shape, providing space and convenience for its passengers within a stylish frame. It’s easy to spot a Lancer because of their trademark spoiler, which arches high above the car’s trunk. The body sits low to the ground on 18-inch alloy wheels, promoting road-hugging handling and smooth style.

Performance

Speed is the name of the game for these two bullet racers. The 370Z’s 3.7-liter, 7-speed engine generates 332 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and features the Variable Valve Event and Lift system, which reduces friction and improves performance. The Synchro Match function detects shifts in either direction and matches the speed accordingly, providing smooth accelerations and decelerations. To help drivers to harness this power, the 370Z is mounted on “high response” shock absorbers and anti-lock brakes. Add it all up, and the result is a car that goes zero to 60 in 4.7 seconds with impeccable handling.

Forged from the pits of rally racing circuits around the world, the Lancer Evo is a race car in disguise. Mitsubishi’s Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) affords drivers total control of the 291 horsepower, 2-liter turbo-charged engine. Experience four-wheel handling and a balanced torque split — ideal handling proportions. Lightweight, two-piece brake rotors and an upgraded suspension give you the potential to remain in control at break-neck speeds.

Utility

Nissan seems to have tailored every aspect to create the best driving experience around, but it sacrificed some utility in the process. The 370Z seats two and provides minimal cargo space, so it may not be ideal for families. At an EPA estimated 21 combined miles per gallon, this sporty coup holds its own in terms of gas mileage, so individual passengers can cruise through everyday life in style.

Part of the Lancer Evo’s allure is its versatility. As capable of racing the streets of Monaco as it is picking up groceries, this comfortable sedan will inject speed and style into day-to-day tasks. The Lancer Evo seats five and provides substantial trunk space.

Price

The 2013 Nissan 370Z Coupe starts at $33,120. Find a list of available add-ons on Nissan’s website, and the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo starts at $34,695. View additional features at Mitsubishi’s website.

For a closer look, check out the video below!

The Updated 2013 Nissan Titan Pickup Truck

by Carsurfer Admin on 2012/07/30 in Nissan with Comments Off on The Updated 2013 Nissan Titan Pickup Truck

Nissan’s Titan pickup truck is coming to the end of its lifecycle. A new truck is due out in 2014, one that is expected to bring in new engine and transmission choices, perhaps even additional body styles. The 2013 edition brings in several changes, but before we discuss what those are, let’s take a look at what this truck has to offer the large truck buyer.

Body Styles

The 2013 Nissan Titan is available in crew- and extended-cab styles, with short- and long-bed lengths available. Choose the King cab and your model comes with either 6.5-foot or 8-foot beds. Choose the crew cab and your truck offers either 5.5-foot or 7-foot beds.

Choose the crew cab if four traditional doors suit you or the extended cab with rear hinged doors. The Titan seats up to five or six when a front bench seat is chosen. Four trim levels are offered including the standard S, the upgraded SV, the luxuriant SL or the performance PRO-4X. Every model is available in rear- or four-wheel-drive.

Engine and Transmission

The current Nissan Titan is outfitted with just one engine and transmission choice. This model is equipped with a 317-horsepower 5.6-liter V-8 engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. You get a tow/haul mode with the transmission. Standard towing capacity is 7,400 pounds with maximum towing of 9,500 pounds in select King Cabs and 9,400 pounds in some Crew Cab editions.

The EPA rates the four-wheel-drive Nissan Titan at 12 mpg city, 17 mpg highway. This truck takes regular grade gasoline and has a 28.0 gallon fuel tank. Maximum cruising range comes in at 476 miles or enough to take you from Kansas City to Wichita and back on one tank of fuel.

New for 2013

Changes to the Nissan Titan for 2013 are understated, but still of note. This is the final year of a 10-year product life cycle.

Nissan has been making waves across the world as just recently in some countries is has surpassed popular brands. In Australia Nissan recently bumped off the popular brand Holden to capture one of the top three positions as most popular auto. It’s safe to say that whether you are looking for a new car or just passing by a local car wash Melbourne, Nissan cars will be more visible in practically any country.

This truck brings in a new tailgate design and offers an aerodynamic rear spoiler with an integrated rear view camera. That camera is standard with the SL and PRO-4 editions and is available as part of an upgrade package in the Titan SV.

Exterior changes with the PRO-4 include a satin chrome grille, update graphics, wheel embellishments and skid plate color changes. On the inside, the PRO-4 offers a new logo design, refined embroidery and stitching accents.

Seven new colors are added, with nine now offered. New colors include Cayenne Red and Pearl White, and various black, blue and metallic finishes.

Standard with the Titan S is a 120-volt out that is located in the truck bed, quite useful for powering your tools. Nissan makes this feature available with its PRO-4X and SV editions as well.

Wheel changes to the S and mud guards on the SL are among the exterior enhancements. A set of sliding extended sun visors is now standard across the model line. The steering wheel now features a four-spoke design and various navigation and audio options are now available.

Truck Dimensions

Nissan’s Titan King Cab sits on a 139.8-inch wheelbase and is 224.6 inches long, 79.5 inches wide and 76.6 inches tall. This vehicle weighs from 4,847 pounds and has a payload capacity from 1,900 pounds. King Cab passenger volume measures 112.8 cubic feet.

Titan Crew Cab models weigh from 5,047 pounds and offer from 1,773 pounds of payload. Interior passenger volume measures 125.6 cubic feet.

Popular Amenities

Nissan equips the Titan with various comfort and convenience items. Standard equipment includes air-conditioning, a tilt steering column, a pair of dash-mounted 12-volt outlets, retained accessory power, a digital clock, eight drink holders, an overhead console, an AM/FM/CD system and six speakers.

Upgrades and package options are many, allowing you to configure your Titan in numerous ways. Such options include Bluetooth connectivity, power accessories, front captain’s chairs, upgraded trim, metallic accents, a Rockford Fosgate audio system, XM satellite radio and an input jack.

Titan Miscellany

Nissan outfits the Titan with 18- or 20-inch wheels. A switch-operated 2-speed transfer case is standard with four-wheel-drive models. Rear-wheel-drive models offer a 2-wheel active brake limited slip differential; a 4-wheel active brake limited slip comes with four-wheel-drive models. This truck offers front and rear vented brakes. An electronic locking rear differential is standard with the PRO-4X edition.

Upgrade packages are available with select trim levels. Such packages bring interior upgrades such as leather trimmed seats and adjustable pedals or exterior changes that include a factory installed spray bed liner, lockable bedside storage and fog lights.

Author Information

Photo courtesy of Nissan North America, Inc.

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