March 2018

Nissan gets cooking with ‘Smokin’ Titan’ debut at work truck show

(March 11, 2018) INDIANAPOLIS — Taking barbecue to another level, Nissan is debuting the world's first fully integrated in-truck-bed smoker and mobile kitchen — a specially modified 2018 Titan XD Gas King Cab dubbed "Smokin' Titan." Designed as a dream project vehicle for tailgating and barbecuing enthusiasts, Smokin' Titan features a custom flatbed with a built-in Lang BBQ smoker and an abundance of chef-friendly features.

A look at Jaguar’s electrifying crossover

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(March 10, 2018) Jaguar pulled the covers off its I-Pace electric SUV one week before its world debut at Geneva, and the production car is quite close to the concept vehicle introduced in November 2016. At that time, Jaguar talked of 400 hp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque, a dynamic front:rear torque split, torque vectoring, 0-60 mph in about four seconds, and a conservative range estimate of 220 miles.

Toyota, Mazda establish their new joint-venture company

(March 9, 2018) HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Mazda Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Corporation have established their new joint-venture company “Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, U.S.A., Inc.” (MTMUS) that will produce vehicles in Huntsville starting in 2021.

The new plant will have the capacity to produce 150,000 units of Mazda’s crossover model that will be newly introduced to the North American market and 150,000 units of the Toyota Corolla. The facility is expected to create up to 4,000 jobs. Toyota and Mazda are investing $1.6 billion towards this project with equal funding contributions.

Rhapsody in Atlantic Blue: A new color for McLaren 720S

(March 9, 2018) GENEVA — An award-filled year on from its world premiere at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show, the McLaren 720S is again taking the Geneva spotlight with a breathtaking-in-blue bespoke creation from McLaren Special Operations (MSO). Combining the deepest of deep blue paint finishes specially formulated for the car with a classic Saddle Tan leather interior, the McLaren 720S in Atlantic Blue by MSO presents the dynamism of the McLaren Super Series wrapped up in a timeless, luxury-accented allure.

Design sketch of all-new Nissan Altima revealed before global debut in N.Y.

(March 9, 2018) NEW YORK — The all-new sixth generation of the Altima will make its world debut at the 2018 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) on March 28. This official exterior sketch reveals an expressive, sophisticated all-new Altima and hints at the future of Nissan’s sedan design language.

The sixth-generation sedan looks like it's ready to make a stronger design statement.

Yard art



The original F-Series Ford pickup was built from 1948 through 1952. A well-preserved copy was spotted doing service as yard art at a home near Seattle, Wash.
(Photo by Jim Meachen)

J&P Cycles announces biggest mobile retail tour ever

(March 8, 2018) DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — J&P Cycles, the world's largest retailer of motorcycle parts and accessories, announced its biggest mobile retail tour ever, including Daytona Bike Week, Sturgis and Harley-Davidson's 115th Anniversary. J&P Cycles anticipates more than 1 million attendees during the nine-stop tour.

The tour is an immersion into motorcycle customization where attendees can touch, test and buy hundreds of new products and top motorcycle design consultants are available to help DIY builders.

Infiniti nods to past and shows glimpse of future at Amelia Island

(March 8, 2018) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Infiniti will showcase its pioneer spirit and longstanding passion for design at the 2018 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance this weekend with the all-electric Prototype 9 retro roadster and the Q Inspiration concept that offers a hint at the future of Infiniti design.

Nissan debuts IMx KURO electric crossover concept in Geneva

(March 8, 2018) GENEVA — The Nissan IMx KURO has been unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show, marking the European debut of the IMx electric crossover concept vehicle. Kuro, which means black in Japanese, comes to life on the IMx, which was first revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show in October7, with new look black trim and wheels, an updated grille and a new dark gray body color.