Toyota Mirai 2016

Toyota's Fuel Cell Vehicle, which was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show last year, now has a name: Mirai, which means "future" in Japanese.  This new production model lays out Toyota's vision for hydrogen as the future fuel for automobiles. The Mirai is a midsize 4-door sedan said to have a range of 300 miles on a single tank of compressed hydrogen. Designed to be fun to drive, Mirai's fuel cell stack produces 153 horsepower enabling it to reach 60 mph in about nine seconds. It's also expected to be as quiet as a Lexus hybrid. An interesting feature of the Mirai is that in the event of an emergency, the car can serve as a generator. There's an outlet in the trunk for that purpose, and the Mirai can power appliances in a home for up to a week

It takes about five minutes to fill the tank, and the only emission from the fuel cell is water vapor. Toyota is helping companies that are developing the hydrogen infrastructure, so the number of refueling stations will continue to increase

High style

One of the biggest standout features of the 2016 Toyota Mirai is its styling. When the Prius arrived in the U.S., the reason for its looks was twofold: functional necessity, plus the goal of making the Prius look unlike anything else on the road. The Mirai uses a similar mix of form and function. The front end's shape helps draw in air. Both the roof and underbody ensure air flows smoothly over and under the car, improving aerodynamics. And you can't confuse the Mirai for any other car out there

That mix of form and function is also apparent inside. Along the top of the dash there's a widescreen showcasing several key pieces of information, including range, speed and the "Ready" indicator that indicates the car is running. For one section of the display, you can toggle through different screens by using buttons on the steering wheel. The most useful is the power/regeneration screen, which is similar to the one you'd find in a Prius. As your eyes move down the center stack, there are unique swooping flourishes that break up the black dash. The car's shifter is nearly identical to the Prius. Below that is the climate control, which doesn't use knobs or buttons. There are two sliders, one for the driver and one for the passenger. You run your finger along the slider to raise or lower the temperature. Despite some similar components, this isn't a Prius interior; it's more luxurious. The dash and doors use generous amounts of soft-touch materials, the seats are covered in exceptionally soft leather and there are carbon fiber accents

24/7 support

The 2016 Mirai will come with concierge service that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Three years of Toyota Care maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance are included, and the warranty on the fuel cell components is for 8 years/100,000 miles. On sale first next month in Japan, Mirai sales roll out in regionally in the U.S. a year from now with about 200 units in California, followed by the Northeast in 2016 as production ramps up. Shoppers will have a choice of buying or leasing the $57,500 Mirai. Toyota expects most customers will opt for the $499 per month for 36 months lease plan.  However, that price is before incentives, which could bring the price down to under $45,000

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Scion iM 2016

Unveiled at last April's New York auto show, this addition to the Scion lineup is presented as all-new for 2016, which is true-as far as the U.S. market is concerned. In other markets-Europe, for example-it's some three years into its product cycle, it's known as the Auris, and it wears Toyota badges. The Scion brand, of course, was created for, and is limited to, the U.S

Scion classifies the iM as a subcompact, but this 5-door is only slightly smaller than the hatchback version of the compact Ford Focus, a car that Scion cites as a key iM marketing target

Save for the addition of a body kit and 17-inch alloy wheels (standard), the Scion team hasn't altered the iM's styling in preparation for the U.S. market. This is not a bad thing-the exterior has a sassy, sporty look. It doesn't exactly turn heads, but it's no wallflower

Seductive interior

The interior is more seductive, with supportive seats, an attractive control layout, a 7-inch info screen, a 6-speaker Pioneer audio system, quality materials, soft touch surfaces, and an extensive array of standard features including air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel with a tilt/telescope column, pushbutton start,  Bluetooth, a USB port and a rearview camera

The iM is supported up front by MacPherson struts, an all-but-universal setup in this class. But there's a multilink arrangement at the rear, another element that's a notch above basics among compact hatchbacks

Power is supplied by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder, essentially the same engine that propels the Toyota Corolla. In this application, it's rated for 137 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. There are two transmission choices-a 6-speed manual (standard), and a continuously variable automatic (CVT)

More than 30 mpg combined

Officially a CVTi-S 7-speed A/T in Scion-speak, the automatic has seven simulated shift points programmed into its computer control, diminishing the slipping clutch sensation that's been a CVT turnoff to many in the past. With the standard 6-speed, the iM is EPA rated for 27 mpg city, 36 on the highway, 31 combined. The CVT version is projected one mpg better across the board

While the iM's powertrain generates respectable mpg numbers, the acceleration that goes with the economy-oriented engine tends toward ho-hum, in tepid contrast to the standard engines in compact hatchback top dogs. The 2.0-liter four in the Focus, for example, is rated for 160 hp. The 1.8-liter turbo 4-cylinder in the VW Golf churns up 170 hp. The 2.0-liter SkyActiv four in the Mazda 3 is rated for 155 hp, and the base engine in the Kia Forte makes 148 hp. There are others, and most of the cars in this class offer upgrade engines with even more muscle

Solid chassis

On the other hand, the iM gives a good account of itself on the road. Chassis solidity measures up with the best in class, and the iM's responses are athletic, with the right level of damping to smooth out all but the sharpest bumps. The electric power steering could be a little more precise, as could the engagements of the manual transmission. Still, it's hard to imagine anyone being dissatisfied with the iM's dynamics

Like other Scion vehicles, the iM comes in a single trim, with almost no options. The MSRP for the manual transmission version is $19,255, add $740 for the CVT. While there are other compact hatchbacks with lower base prices, none offer the iM's array of standard features. Overall, the 2016 Scion iM has a strong value story

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Scion iA First Review 2016

The auto industry has a long history of pragmatic alliances, often resulting in surprising marketing arrangements. And the new Scion iA provides an excellent example of the phenomenon. It's built by Mazda, in Mexico, and it's basically a Mazda 2, the company's subcompact sedan

Mazda sold a hatchback version of the 2 in the U.S. but disappointing volumes led to its disappearance. Mazda refrained from offering the sedan version to American buyers, but Toyota's Scion division is poised to do so

The car that will roll into showrooms is essentially all Mazda. The front fascia is supplied by Toyota, and Toyota consulted with Mazda regarding interior appointments. But beyond that, it's Mazda's chassis, sheetmetal, and powertrain

Fiesta fighter

At 171.7 inches in length on a 101.2-inch wheelbase, the iA is similar in size to Ford's Fiesta sedan, though the Fiesta is almost two inches longer and nearly an inch wider. Like almost all cars today, regardless of size, the iM is rated as a 5-passenger vehicle, and like all the cars at this end of the spectrum the center rear seat is uninhabitable for any human much over three feet tall

Similarly, though there is actual legroom in the outboard rear seats, there isn't much of it, and putting a couple adults back there requires considerable cooperation from those up front. But this, too, can be said of many subcompact automobiles

However, if passenger volume is typical of the class, a couple other elements are not. For one, interior materials are a cut or two above what one might expect to find in a car priced under $17,000. For another, the standard equipment inventory includes a rearview camera, automatic climate control, push-button start, tilt/telescope steering, a pair of USB ports, 6-speaker audio, Bluetooth, voice recognition, and a 7-inch touch screen display set up for navigation, one of very few iA options. A tachometer is conspicuous by its absence, but with this powertrain it's pretty much extraneous

Styling a cut above

Like the interior, the iA's styling looks a cut or two above its class and price. The front fascia looks more like contemporary Toyota than Scion, but it lends a sporty touch to a slick package, and the standard 16-inch alloy wheels-as distinct from the more common steel wheels with plastic covers-raise the car's curbside appeal

The suspension components-MacPherson struts front, beam axle at the rear-are standard fare for most subcompacts, but the combination of firm tuning, a solid chassis, and a sharp electric power steering system add up to a level of agility that rates with the best in this class

It may be that some will find the ride quality a little stiff. But be that as it may, the iA is nimble. The badge may say Scion, but there's Mazda zoom zoom in the reflexes

Pre-collision system standard

The safety inventory includes yet another feature you wouldn't expect in this class-Scion calls it the Low-speed Pre-Collision System. Like other similar systems, sensors determine whether the driver is paying attention in sluggish urban traffic (between 2 and 18 mph), and if system brain concludes that intervention is warranted, it's capable of stopping the car

If there's any soft suit in the iA resume, it's power. Mazda's 1.5-liter engine is tuned for fuel economy, and it delivers: 31 mpg city, 41 highway with the standard 6-speed manual transmission, according to the EPA, 33/42 with the optional 6-speed automatic. The automatic has a sport mode, raising shift points for a little more go power. But manual or automatic, 106 hp doesn't generate much in the way of haste, even in a car weighing around 2400 pounds, and back road passing requires careful planning

The iA enters the subcompact derby with an MSRP of $16,495, $17,595 with automatic transmission. It's a one-size-fits-all price-a single trim level with a couple of options (automatic transmission, navigation). It won't be perceived as a thrill ride, but the iA's combination of good looks, fuel economy, athletic dynamics, and exceptional standard features add up to a strong value proposition

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Porsche Boxster Spyder: A Tale of Two Roadsters 2016

It's the essence of Porsche enthusiasm to be of two minds about the 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder. While we have wonderful memories its predecessor, the 2011-2012 "987" model Boxster Spyder, which combined a modest power boost, lighter weight and sharply tuned suspension to create a truly great driver's car, the latest iteration boasts a larger engine, substantially more power and takes a slightly less hardcore approach. The 2016 Boxster Spyder is the fastest, most powerful, most formidable version of Porsche's mid-engined convertible yet. But is it good

A beast of a Boxster

Power is provided by the 3.8-liter flat-six from the 911 Carrera S-that's right, Porsche's so serious about the Spyder that it finally dropped a 911 engine into a Boxster-rated at 375 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. As a result, the 2016 Spyder gets a massive 55-horsepower gain over the first Boxster Spyder, and 45 over the top-spec Boxster GTS. A 6-speed manual is the only transmission; no PDK dual-clutch automatic available. Porsche claims a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph

The 2016 Boxster Spyder's design cues mesh quite well: the front and rear fascia, taken from the Cayman GT4, add 10mm of length while contributing to the 72 pounds the Spyder loses over the GTS. They also give the Spyder a more aggressive look. The Boxster is already a good-looking car; add the classic "streamliners," that run from the headrests and the result is flat-out gorgeous

The manual top in the previous Spyder was fussy, but when down gave the car a pure roadster feel. For the 2016 Boxster Spyder, the top is more refined; think of it as a mostly manual version of the soft top available on standard models. After electrically unlatching the top, you manually fold and stow it in just a few steps. The roof is lighter than those on other Boxsters thanks to the loss of the mechanism, but still allows you to hit top speed with the roof up or take it through a car wash - two things you couldn't do in the previous Spyder

More knife than scalpel

With peak torque at nearly 5,000 rpm and horsepower at just under 7,000 rpm, this is a car that begs to be revved hard. Thanks to the 3.8-liter, those revs produces a glorious noise; the 2016 Boxster Spyder sounds like it has an angry 911 spirit animal living amidships-one constantly demanding more from your right foot. Though the new Spyder hits peak horsepower 500 rpm sooner than the 987 (while providing nearly 40 more lb-ft of torque at the same rpm), it's happier high in the rev range. Mash the gas at lower speeds and it can feel like it's waiting to spool up to deliver the Spyder's considerable power

Helping to wrangle that power is the Sport Chrono package from the GTS; optional on that car but standard here along with dynamic transmission mounts to aid cornering. Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) and a mechanical differential lock are also standard, providing "targeted brake interventions" to either rear wheel while inside of a curve to further aid steering performance. The variable power steering rack is the electric unit found in the 911 Turbo, and is not only quicker than the hydraulic one in the last Spyder, but the rest of the current Boxster line. Thanks to the steering and the 911-sourced brakes, this is an easy car to drive fast. And because of its softer suspension, it's more easy-going than the previous Spyder

A matter of perspective

Still, we are of two minds; simultaneously appreciating the 2016 Boxster Spyder for the truly epic car that it is while longing for the vastly more engaging 987 Spyder. Where that car was basically a roofless Cayman R, the 2016 Boxster Spyder is distinctly different from the current and raw, Cayman GT4 track-day special. It's suited more to an enthusiast who wants something to take to Cars & Coffee on Saturday morning, then tear through some nice back roads on the way home. Starting at $82,000 and available this fall, it's hard to nail down the car's competition - perhaps the Jaguar F-Type S Convertible, which costs about the same and comes with a tick more horsepower, a more luxurious interior, optional all-wheel drive, and a top that you don't have to get out of the car to stow

Porsche has built an awesome car in the 2016 Boxster Spyder-it's just different than the last one. The earlier model was a precision instrument; a dance partner with which you had a running conversation where you discovered and expanded your limits. The new car? It's better in every measurable way - quicker, faster, stickier, sexier, yet more comfortable and more useable. But it's lost a bit of edge. It may be a disservice to compare them - they share a name but not a mission. Buy a 2016 Boxster Spyder because you want a top of the line mid-engined convertible, with that excellent 3.8-liter from the 911 Carrera S. But keep your 2012 Spyder, too

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Nissan Titan -- More than a 1/2-ton 2016

Nissan unveiled the brawniest member of the all-new 2016 Titan lineup at the Detroit auto show. The Titan XD is the most capable Titan ever. Nissan showed the Crew Cab Titan XD, powered by a Cummins V8 turbodiesel that puts out 310 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 6-speed automatic. The XD is capable of towing more than 12,000 pounds and hauling more than 2,000 pounds of payload. (We think other cab configurations may be even more capable than that

It has been a long time since Nissan made significant changes to the Titan pickup. But it looks like the 2016 Titan was worth the wait. With the new Titan, Nissan is addressing customers that may not have had the right truck available to them in the past, and are also increasing the scope that the Titan covers. One of the biggest complaints about the current Titan is that when it comes to the number of potential combinations, there isn't enough variety. The 2016 Titan solves that problem

Two Models, Same Goal

The Titan is going to be sold as two models, the Titan and the Titan XD. Both share the Titan's new sheetmetal. The XD uses a larger frame than the Titan, and is built to handle tougher tasks than typical 1/2-tons can handle. It is for those people who want to tow 10,000-12,000 pounds, but don't want to spend the extra premium required to get a heavy-duty truck. Yet, like the heavy-duty offerings from Ford, GM and Ram, the XD is available with a diesel V8, but without that added $12,000-plus cost that can come with the move from 1/2- to a 3/4-ton with a diesel. And since Nissan doesn't offer a 3/4-ton truck, there is no risk at cannibalizing its own heavy-duty truck sales. The Titan XD may simply appeal to those who need something that's a little stouter than a 1/2-ton but not as big or expensive as a 3/4-ton

The Titan XD offers cool features like a gooseneck hitch integrated into the frame, an integrated trailer brake controller, a Trailer Light Check system that makes it easier for one person to hook a trailer up to a truck, a wide variety of towing-centric safety features and Nissan's excellent Around View Monitor, a feature that practically begged to be available on a truck. The Titan will also have lockable in-bed storage and Nissan's Utili-track tie-down system

The interior is far nicer than in the current Titan, with attractive modern style and a bevy of modern comfort and connectivity amenities. Nissan has announced there will be five trim levels, with the top-of-the-line choice being the new Platinum Reserve model

When the Titan lineup goes on sale, there will be three engines--a gas-powered V6 and V8 in addition to the Cummins turbodiesel--three cab configurations which can seat up to six people, and multiple bed lengths. Pricing, fuel economy and the on-sale date haven't yet been announced

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