2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro: A Quick Walk Around This Serious Off-Road Machine

Toyota has decided they don’t want to risk playing second fiddle to the new Nissan Frontier and its PRO-4X trim. So they hauled out the entire orchestra for the 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro! FOX internal bypass shocks, a suspension lift, and new upper control arms are among the instruments that make up the off-road sonnet that is the 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. In other words, hang on to your lug nuts and dipsticks because this is one serious truck!

Underbody Treatments

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is all about what’s underneath! A newly revised suspension lift allows for an increase of 1.5 inches in front and 0.5 inches in the rear. This extra suspension lift translates to better approach and departure angles while off the beaten path. According to Toyota, the new Tacoma TRD Pro provides a 36.4-degree approach angle, a 24.7-degree departure angle, and a 26.6-degree breakover angle.

Additional off-road protection comes by way of an aluminum front skid plate with red TRD lettering.

Likewise, the new forged aluminum control arms play an important role. Engineered specifically for heavy off-road use by Toyota Racing Development (or “TRD”), the upper control arms are an enabler of sorts. TRD engineers sought to make sure the placement and design of the new control arms would allow the 2.5-inch FOX internal bypass shocks to make the most of the additional rebound stroke afforded by the suspension lift.

Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Engine & Powertrain

Under the hood of the new Tacoma TRD Pro is a 3.5-liter V6 with 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft. of torque. The engine is complete with two proprietary Toyota technologies: D-4S fuel injection, which incorporates direct injection and port injectors, and VVT-iW technology (Toyota’s variable valve timing system). Atkinson-cycle combustion helps increase efficiency, while a catback exhaust gives off a healthy growl.

Toyota offers both a six-speed automatic and a six-speed manual for the 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro. Perhaps not surprisingly, Toyota describes the manual as a “fan favorite.”

Exterior Styling

The color of the truck shown here is Electric Lime Metallic, a brand new paint for 2022. If the Lime ain’t your thing, Toyota has three other new colors on offer: Super White, Magnetic Gray Metallic, and Midnight Black Metallic. Some of the exterior elements will match the color you pick. For example, if you go for that wild Lime color, the rear bumper, door handles, and power outside mirrors will all be green. The fender flares and hood scoop, however, will still be black.

There is a new TRD Pro stamp on the rear quarter panel and a new black Tacoma badge on the driver and passenger doors. If you want a little extra, heritage-inspired hood graphics are available.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is standard with Goodyear Territory all-terrain tires, LED headlights, and Rigid Industries LED fog lights. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Interior Amenities

Black leather seats (heated, of course) are standard, with the driver having a 10-way power-adjustable seat. TRO Pro headrest logos nicely compliment the TRD shift knob and all-weather floor mats. A JBL audio system is included if you opt for a Tacoma TRD Pro with an automatic. However, a moonroof is standard no matter the transmission choice.

The Tacoma TRD Pro includes an eight-inch multimedia touchscreen display compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Meanwhile, the Multi-Terrain Monitor displays front-, rear- and side camera views from around the truck on the eight-inch touchscreen, which is a helpful tool for off-roading. The 4.2-inch multi-information display is also helpful on the go. It shows an inclinometer, tilt gauge, outside temperature, odometer, trip reading, and current fuel economy.

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Safety Features

The 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro is standard with Toyota Safety Sense-P, a package of advanced safety technology. It includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and Automatic High Beams. Additionally, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is standard with Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, and Smart Stop brake override technology.

Warranty Coverage & Maintenance Cost

Every Toyota Tacoma comes with a three-year, 36,000-mile new vehicle warranty and a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The ToyotaCare maintenance program is free for two years or 25,000 miles. According to RepairPal, the average annual Toyota maintenance cost is $441.

Based on how much you drive, extending your Toyota warranty might be a good idea. This comprehensive guide will help you make the right decision.

2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Pricing & Availability

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro will arrive later this year, with pricing expected closer to that time. If you are searching for a new Tacoma, we trust Rydeshopper to help you find the best deal. Rydeshopper is a free and neutral third-party search site* that lets you see dealer inventory and pricing in your area. 

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and the Society of Automotive Historians. He serves on the board of directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, is a past president of Detroit Working Writers, and a loyal Detroit Lions fan.

Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Original article: 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro: A Quick Walk Around This Serious Off-Road Machine

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Merging Performance & Connectivity: Inside The New Digital Cockpit of The Volkswagen Golf GTI & Golf R

• This article originally appeared on AutoVision News. It has been republished with permission.

The VW Mk 8 Golf GTI and Golf R may be smaller cars, but buyers can expect big things from both the engine bay and inside the cabin. According to VW, the new electronic architecture that underpins the Golf GTI and Golf R enables a “digitally networked” world of interior displays and controls that drivers can customize accordingly. And this network of personalized displays and connectivity features brings out the unique performance-oriented attributes of the new VW Golf GTI and Golf R.

Mk 8 Golf GTI & Golf R: Quick Overview

The Golf GTI and Golf R represent the eighth generation of the now-iconic Golf nameplate (hence the “Mk 8” terminology). Earlier in 2021, VW announced it would cease Golf production for the United States market after nearly 50 years. As a result of the phase-out, the Golf comes in just one trim level, the TSI, for 2021. Advanced safety features on the lone model include Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), blind-spot monitoring, and Rear Traffic Alert.

With the traditional Golf on its way out, VW is making room for the sportier and more feature-packed Golf GTI and Golf R. “Each member of our team is aware of the responsibility on their shoulders when developing a new Golf,” explained Klaus Bischoff, Head of Volkswagen Group Design and the Volkswagen brand’s Design department. “Evolving an icon like this is an enormous challenge but also the most exciting thing that can happen to you as a designer.”

Golf GTI

Under the hood of the new Golf GTI is a 2.0-liter TSI turbo four-cylinder that produces 242 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is available. New suspension configurations (springs, bump stops, control arm bearings), a progressive variable-rate steering system, and a VAQ limited-slip front differential increase ride and handling capability for the front-wheel drive GTI.

Golf R

By contrast, the all-wheel drive Golf R is even more performance-oriented with its EA888 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder. The engine creates 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. of torque and features an electronic coolant regulator and variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust cams. Drive modes include Comfort, Sport, Race, Nürburgring (Special), and Drift.

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VW Golf GTI (left/red) and VW Golf R (right/blue). Photos: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

New Standards of Performance?

VW’s new digital interior shows that performance, in an automotive context, isn’t limited to the engine, transmission, or suspension (which is how the phrase is generally used). Instead, VW’s digital interior shows that connectivity features within the vehicle must also meet a specific performance (and personalization) standard for a new generation of buyers. Designers and engineers at VW worked to ensure the digital experience begins the moment the doors are opened and that any such experience would fully support the sporty driving dynamics of both the Golf GTI and Golf R.

For example, when drivers tap the push-button start (which gives off a red pulse), VW’s Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster and infotainment screens immediately come to life. The 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro syncs automatically with the infotainment system, allowing drivers to tailor the information they want to see. This can include everything from vehicle status and driving data to phone information and driver assistance features. VW models equipped with the Discover Pro infotainment system with navigation can display a full-screen map in the digital cluster and simultaneously on the 10-inch center display.

Driver Centric Controls

The Golf GTI and Golf R have a new view button on the steering wheel. By pressing this, drivers can see the rev counter (with either a GTI or R logo in the center), flanked by two additional and customizable instruments, showing the engine’s boost pressure or current power output. On the Golf R steering wheel specifically, the R button activates a menu with various driving profiles. A more forceful press of the R button activates Race mode.

The Golf R goes even a step farther with an exclusive feature called R-View, which VW describes as a “3D-look with numerical fields.” A horizontal rpm counter, ranging from zero to eight, appears at the top edge of the driver’s display. This display helps provide visible shift recommendations for the track-only Special and Drift modes when the manual DSG mode is activated. Additionally, the Digital Cockpit in the Golf R can display the boost pressure, transmission temperature, and torque distribution of the all-wheel drive system. Drivers can also view a G-meter and a lap timer while at the track.

Quick access to safety, comfort, and convenience features are paramount in VW’s new digital interior. For example, the exterior lights and defrost functions reside on a digital panel just to the left of the steering wheel; touch sliders control the air conditioner, audio volume, and sunroof. A Travel Assist button on the steering wheel will engage the partially-automated hands-on driving system of the same name.

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Availability

According to VW, the first U.S. deliveries of the Golf R will arrive in late 2021. The 2021 VW Golf GTI is available now with a starting MSRP of $28,695. This free and easy search tool* will help you see which VW dealers in your area offer the best price on a new Golf GTI.

Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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Original article: Merging Performance & Connectivity: Inside The New Digital Cockpit of The Volkswagen Golf GTI & Golf R

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Mini-chop: A solid gold Kawasaki W175 from West Java

The Indonesian custom scene is a rich seam of gold, and this compact chop from Tole Motorworks is 24-carat perfection. It’s based on the Kawasaki W175, and not surprisingly, picked up an award at the huge local show Kustomfest.

The W175 is one of those bikes from the big Japanese manufacturers that we never see in the West. It’s a step up from the usual no-frills commuter machines, and blends old school styling with a reliable 13 hp air-cooled single.

A lot of W175s in Southeast Asia get customized after the warranty has expired, usually with paint-by-numbers ‘cafe racer’ makeovers. But there’s also a thriving chopper subculture for W175s, and that’s the direction Tole has gone in.

The workshop is based in the mountain resort city of Bogor and is a one-man operation run by 25-year-old Febrian Ramadhan. He doesn’t have a laboratory-level workshop or a CAD workstation, but he knows how to weld frames and beat metal.

Febrian is helped by his English-speaking brother Ghifara, who gave us an insight into how Tole started. “He was homeschooled because got he bullied, and then went to the Hendriansyah Speed Shop for training in engine mechanics.”

“That was where he got the nickname ‘Tole,’ which means ‘Boy’ in Javanese. He was the youngest trainee there; the others were in their late 20s or early 30s.” Febrian actually built his first bike when he was 15 (and we’ve seen the snapshots of him working at home, welding sparks and all).

But back to this Kawasaki. It bears little resemblance to the factory W175, and looks a good half-century older than it really is. It helps that the front of the frame is a single down tube, but the back half is completely new and is more akin to a vintage hardtail.

“We went for a ‘British chopper’ silhouette,” says Ghifara. “Since the engine is only 175 cc, we wanted to keep the build compact and slim. We chopped out 80% of the frame and recreated the rest.”

Wheels are critical to getting that vintage chopper stance, so Febrian has gone for an F21/R19 setup, using slim Akront rims. The tires are a slender 160 section at the front and 195 at the rear.

The front disc brake is gone—which meant fashioning a new front hub in aluminum too. And the rear drum brake is now on the left side, to clean up the view on the (custom) exhaust side of the W175.

Febrian’s metalworking skills are to the fore on the peanut tank, which is impeccably beaten and garnished with a classic ‘W’ badge, based on the W800 design.

Tole’s client Omar asked for a gold finish on the W175, and named the bike Cahaya Ilahi—which in Indonesian means ‘Divine Light.’ The paint was outsourced to local expert Bronx Kustompaint, and the soft metallic glow is sublime.

Febrian has also fabricated a new tire-hugging rear fender, and an under-seat box to conceal the minimal electrics.

There’s an appealing simplicity to this build, because it’s something of a lost art in the West—where custom shops are constrained by punitive regulations, pervasive electronics and the cost of marketing. Sadly, bikes like this are a dying breed.

Tole Motorworks Instagram | Images by Ghifara Prayudha, with thanks to Hendra Prathama

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Compare Car Insurance Quotes for the Best Rates (2021)

• Compare car insurance quotes from at least three providers to find the best rates. 
• Everything from your age and zip code to your credit score and type of vehicle can affect your rates. 
• You can use the quote tool on this page to compare prices from leading auto insurance companies in your area. 

Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.

If you compare car insurance quotes from a dozen companies, you won’t see the same price twice. That’s because each provider evaluates you in a different way when setting car insurance premiums. The important thing is to compare enough quotes to see the range of premiums available to you. 

You can compare car insurance quotes as often as you like. If you don’t find a cheaper rate, then you know you have the best option. But if you do, it could be time to make a change. Enter your ZIP code below to get started and compare auto insurance quotes from the best car insurance companies in your area. 

How To Compare Car Insurance Quotes

There are a few ways you can get car insurance quotes: in person, over the phone, or online. If you go in person, you can see a captive agent who works for one company or an independent agent who can represent multiple companies. You’ll get personal service working with an agent, but it can be a slower process to compare multiple quotes. You could also work with a broker who represents you as a buyer, but some brokers can charge fees.

Working with an agent or insurance representative over the phone is more convenient. An agent can help you choose the right level of car insurance coverage, which can be confusing to do on your own. However, it also takes some time to compare rates from multiple companies this way.

If you’re looking to compare car insurance quotes in the most efficient way, shopping online is the way to go. In about 10 to 15 minutes, you can get a free quote based on your driver profile. You can do this for multiple providers, or you can use a quote comparison tool like the one above to send your info to multiple companies at once. All major providers offer car insurance quotes online, and after you choose which insurer to go with, you can get your ID card and other documents emailed to you or delivered in a mobile app, which makes things easy. 

5 Steps to Comparing Car Insurance Quotes

Here’s what you need to do to get quotes and purchase car insurance coverage:

1. Choose your desired coverage: Decide if you want to get minimum coverage, full coverage, or something in between. If you’re financing your vehicle, your lender may require you purchase full coverage. Also, think about any extras you might need, like roadside assistance or rideshare coverage.
2. Gather your information: You’ll need to include your social security number and the birthdays, driver’s license numbers, addresses, and employment information of anyone who drives your vehicle. You’ll also provide your driving record, basic contact information, vehicle identification number (VIN), and vehicle make, model, and mileage.
3. Get quotes: With your information handy, pick your top choices for providers and go online, call, or visit an office location to get a quote.
4. Compare car insurance quotes side by side: The key to finding the best rate is to get at least three quotes and compare them side by side. Make sure to pick the same deductibles, coverage, and limits for each. Check out what extras the companies offer as well.
5. Choose the best plan: Lastly, pick the car insurance policy that offers the best prices, discounts, and extra options for your situation.

What Factors Affect Insurance Rates?

Car insurance companies use complex methods to determine how likely drivers are to file claims, so no two drivers find exactly the same prices. As you compare car insurance quotes, you’ll find different rates from each provider. The secret recipe of car insurance pricing involves a number of ingredients: 

Car Insurance Rate Factor	How It Affects Rates
Who you are	Your age and credit score affect rates quite a bit. Homeownership, gender, marital status, and level of education all influence rates to a lesser degree.
What you drive	Different vehicles have different safety ratings and repair costs, so companies customize auto insurance rates for each vehicle.
How you drive	Your driving history plays a huge role in determining rates. A poor history may even require you to purchase specialized high-risk insurance, which is expensive. If you have a lapse in insurance coverage, you’ll pay more in the future, too. Many companies give discounts for low annual mileage. Finally, if you use your car for a ridesharing program like Uber, you’ll need to add special insurance coverage.
Where you live	Auto insurance quotes vary by state and by zip code. Because people file accident, vandalism, and theft claims more often in densely populated areas, car insurance is usually the most expensive in cities. Inclement weather patterns can also lead to more claims in an area, which drives up costs. Prices are higher for everyone in the area since companies use auto insurance policy funds to cover claims for the region.

Ways to Save on Car Insurance

You can do a few things to find lower auto insurance costs. For example, when you compare car insurance quotes, look for companies that offer discounts that apply to your situation. Common discounts include: 

Multi-policy	Multi-vehicle	Good student	Student away at school
Driver’s education	Defensive driving course	Military	Good driver
Homeowner	Vehicle safety features	New car	Low mileage

You can also try usage-based programs for more discounts. Usage-based programs like Progressive’s Snapshot track your driving for safety and mileage. These programs can be useful if you have points on your license, because the discounts depend on current driving habits, not your past driver profile. However, some programs put more emphasis on driving fewer miles, so a safe driver who commutes every day might not get as good of a discount.

Compare Car Insurance Quotes by State

Location is one of the biggest factors in what insurance providers charge. Simply moving across state lines can drastically change your rate. States work closely with insurance companies to regulate prices, and states can require very different levels of coverage. For example, until July 1, 2020, Michigan required its drivers to have unlimited personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This drove up prices for Michigan car insurance and made it one of the most expensive states for many years. 

Louisiana is another expensive state. Drivers are more likely to file auto injury lawsuits in Louisiana than in many other states. Louisiana’s legislation also encourages attorneys to sue companies on behalf of drivers. Insurance companies pay out more in the state for court settlements, so they charge drivers more overall. 

Other things that affect costs in a particular state include highway conditions, average commuting distances, and weather that damages vehicles. States with high levels of uninsured motorists can also have high costs, because drivers with uninsured motorist coverage pick up the tab.

So, which states are expensive and which are cheap? Here are the top 10 most and least expensive states for car insurance and what drivers in the states pay on average per year, according to data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC):

Most Expensive States	Average Annual Cost	Least Expensive States	Average Annual Cost
#1 Louisiana	$1,545.82	#1 North Dakota	$686.08
#2 Michigan	$1,469.73	#2 Maine	$686.25
#3 District of Columbia	$1,429.43	#3 Iowa	$700.71
#4 Florida	$1,426.46	#4 South Dakota	$721.67
#5 New York	$1,425.00	#5 Idaho	$722.06
#6 New Jersey	$1,385.61	#6 North Carolina	$734.06
#7 Rhode Island	$1,333.12	#7 Wisconsin	$755.97
#8 Delaware	$1,291.39	#8 Wyoming	$765.81
#9 Nevada	$1,260.43	#9 Indiana	$767.72
#10 Connecticut	$1,216.55	#10 Vermont	$778.29

Compare Car Insurance Quotes from Top Providers

Whether you want basic liability coverage or full coverage with high policy limits, it’s important to compare car insurance quotes to find the best price. Insurance rates change periodically, so you should also compare rates each time your policy is up for renewal. 

You don’t have to spend hours calling different companies and remembering quotes if you don’t want to. Instead, you can use an easy, free online quote comparison tool. You can see many quotes at once and choose which provider to move ahead with in just a few minutes. Enter your ZIP code below to find the best rates from top companies in your area. 

Our Recommendations for Car Insurance

While it’s important to find a good price for car insurance, it’s equally as important to shop from providers that are reliable and that offer good service. After thoroughly analyzing the biggest car insurance companies, we recommend GEICO, State Farm, and Progressive for affordable and high-quality coverage. 

GEICO: Best Overall

GEICO is one of the cheapest car insurance companies, and it offers plenty of discounts to help drivers find affordable rates. The company has been around since 1936 and is the second-largest car insurance provider in the U.S. GEICO’s highly rated mobile app makes it easy to view your ID card, start a claim, or pay your bill from your phone. GEICO auto insurance has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and an A++ financial rating from AM Best. 

State Farm: Best for Student Drivers

If you’re under the age of 25, it’s a good idea to look into State Farm auto insurance. That’s because the company has the best good-student discount in the industry – you can save up to 25% for having good grades. State Farm’s Steer Clear^® educational app can help drivers under 25 save up to an additional 20%. And, if you’re a good driver, you can enroll in the Drive Safe & Save^TM program to stack another discount on the pile. State Farm is the largest provider in the U.S. and has an A++ financial strength rating. 

Progressive: Best for High-Risk Drivers

In our research, we found that Progressive car insurance is the best option for drivers with a less-than-perfect record. Drivers with recent at-fault accidents tend to find cheaper rates from Progressive than from other companies. The same goes for teen drivers and drivers with poor credit. Progressive’s features include the Name Your Price^® tool, which lets you choose your desired budget and shows you auto insurance coverage within your price range. Founded in 1937, Progressive has an A- rating from the BBB and an A+ financial strength rating from AM Best. 

Which comparison site is best for car insurance?

Many reputable sites offer car insurance comparison tools, and they all accomplish the same goal, for the most part. You can use the quote comparison tool on this page to get up-to-date pricing from multiple leading providers and compare car insurance quotes for free.

How do I get the best car insurance quote?

Simply compare multiple providers when you shop to get the best car insurance quote. Besides that, make sure you provide accurate information to qualify for discounts. You can also build your credit, concentrate on driving safely, and try out a usage-based program to further lower your car insurance costs.

How do I compare car insurance plans?

To compare car insurance plans, choose the same deductibles, coverage types, and levels of coverage from different providers when you get quotes. For example, choose the same bodily injury limits for each quote. This way, you’ll see an equal comparison of rates from different companies.

Which car insurance is the best and cheapest?

After a full industry analysis, we ranked GEICO as the best and cheapest car insurance overall. The company offers 16 discounts and cheap car insurance rates for many drivers. Also in our top five picks are USAA, State Farm, Progressive, and AAA auto insurance. Remember, your own rates will vary depending on a number of factors, so you may find cheaper rates with one provider based on your unique situation.

Original article: Compare Car Insurance Quotes for the Best Rates (2021)

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Win This 1975 Porsche 911 Carrera From Omaze!

People can rattle off lists of reasons why they love the Porsche 911 – the racing history, the rear engine, the polished yet classic look – but when you get down to the brass tacks of it, it’s the combination of those things which make this Porsche a unique and memorable car. In Omaze’s latest campaign, you have the chance to win this 1975 Porsche 911 Carrera curated by Patrick Long and his Luftgekühlt team.

Affiliate Disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you participate in this campaign. No donation or payment is necessary to enter or win this sweepstakes.

1975 Porsche 911 Carrera

This classic Porsche 911 is for anyone who loves a sleek, iconic look but still wants to delight in some modern-day perks. Air conditioning, a luxury Porsche didn’t introduce until later, is included along with a revamped suspension. The classic Porsche details are still there: a wooden shift knob, the glowing red “fasten seat belt” icon, and refinished leather seats with OEM pinstripes. Just make sure you turn on the radio or pop in a cassette tape when you take that Sunday joyride.

Powered by a classic 3.0 MFI flat-six engine, this rear-wheel drive Porsche can produce 250 horsepower. Other notable features include the limited-slip differential, Dansk single-out exhaust, Pirelli CN36 tires, and the TracTive semi-active dampers that the driver can adjust while sitting in the cockpit. The approximate value for this Porsche and all its updates amounts to about $175,000!

How to Enter to Win

You can enter to win this updated 1975 Porsche 911 Carrera by visiting the official page for this Omaze campaign.

By participating in this campaign, you benefit the Dempsey Center, an organization providing relief to those dealing with the impact of cancer on their lives. The goal is to make their lives better by providing personalized services to the individual, however diverse that need may be. Your participation in this campaign helps pay for the support cancer patients desperately need for themselves or their loved ones. This can include things like support groups, fitness classes, nutrition consultation, and many more services.

Original article: Win This 1975 Porsche 911 Carrera From Omaze!

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These New Basecamp Accessories Will Jazz Up Your 2022 VW Taos

The 2022 VW Taos is compact, sporty, and gentle on your bank account with a starting MSRP under $25,000. However, if you want to spend a little extra, VW is offering a nice array of accessories for the new Taos. The add-ons, designed to make the Taos more rugged and sporty, are part of VW’s Basecamp package and larger accessory lineup.

Basecamp Package

At the heart of the Basecamp accessory package are the custom body cladding elements, seen in the photos above. This body cladding kit jazzes up the Taos with front and rear fender flares, splash guards, lower door side plates, and a special Basecamp badge on the front grille.

If you want to go further, VW offers other fun accessories beyond the body kit in the Basecamp package. You can pick from things like MuddyBuddy (rubber) or Monster Mats (carpeted) floor liners, Bumperdillo guards for the rear, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with VW’s HomeLink Connect.

Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Pricing & Availability

According to VW, the dealer-installed components are each available separately, except for the Basecamp badge, which is only available as part of the complete package for $999. Similar Basecamp accessories are also available for the Atlas.

Getting The Best Deal

If you want to add accessories to your VW Taos, it helps to get the best deal on the vehicle beforehand. What you save on the purchase price you can put towards some of these Basecamp accessories. Begin by knowing and understanding dealership terminology, and the difference between the MSRP and invoice price. After that, we encourage you to utilize Rydeshopper, a free and neutral third-party search site* that lets you see VW dealer inventory in your area. As a trusted partner of ours, Rydeshopper will help you compare prices and see which dealers are offering the best discounts and incentives.

Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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Original article: These New Basecamp Accessories Will Jazz Up Your 2022 VW Taos

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2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Original Baby Benz Has Updated Styling, More Tech & Simplified Trim Levels

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class graces the automotive realm as the first “classic” Benz to receive an electrified mild-hybrid powertrain. The latest W206 C-Class is still riding on the brand’s Modular Rear Architecture (MRA) platform, but it’s now longer and wider than the outgoing model.

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class features a cab-backward exterior design with more dynamic proportions and a longer hood. It also has new headlights, two-piece horizontal taillights, a sleeker side profile, and a higher beltline to deliver a more athletic yet progressive stance.

Innovative 48-Volt Mild-Hybrid Powertrain

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class will initially arrive with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine pumping out 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. It also has a 48-volt EQ Boost mild-hybrid system contributing an additional 20 horsepower and 148 lb-ft. of torque for short bursts of rapid acceleration. The hybrid system can also turn off the gas engine when coasting to save fuel. Power goes to the rear wheels via a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Of course, the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC AWD system remains optional.

Are you missing the AMG C 63 S model from last year? Don’t fret. Yes, there are plans to introduce more powerful versions of the 2022 C-Class soon, so keep your chin up.

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Photo: MBUSA.

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Trim Levels

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is arriving in three simplified trim levels: Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle. Here’s a brief rundown of each.

C-Class Premium

The 2022 C-Class Premium may be the base model, but it comes loaded with advanced tech features. It has a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, an 11.9-inch center touchscreen display with MBUX, and a biometric finger scanner similar to the flagship S-Class. It also gets heated front seats, a sunroof, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights with adaptive high beams, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and interior ambient lighting.

There’s more. The C-Class Premium also has a hands-free trunk, blind-spot assist, active brake assist, attention assist, and Mercedes Pre-Safe.

C-Class Exclusive

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Exclusive has all the goodies from the Premium trim while adding an enhanced ambient lighting system, wireless charging, illuminated door sills, and a Burmester 3D surround audio system. Parktronic with active parking assist and a 360-degree camera are both standard.

Optional features include ventilated seats, a panoramic roof, heated steering wheel, quick-charge USB ports, and Sirius XM satellite radio.

C-Class Pinnacle

The 2022 Mercedes C-Class Pinnacle builds upon the Exclusive trim and adds MBUX augmented video for navigation, a heads-up display, and an updated navigation system. Optional features include a dashcam, ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and an integrated toll pass, to name a few.

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class interior layout. Photo: MBUSA.

AMG Line With Night Package

Mercedes claims its AMG Line with Night Package “represents the sportiest expression of the new C-Class sedan.” The package includes AMG body styling with blacked-out accents, exclusive AMG wheel designs, a new diamond grille with a chrome star design, and an updated front bumper with custom A-wings. Meanwhile, the interior receives a flat-bottom AMG steering wheel, an MB-Tex dashboard, and AMG floor liners.

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Pricing & Availability

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class will arrive at U.S. dealerships in early 2022. Pricing remains forthcoming, but we’re expecting the base C300 RWD and C300 AWD to start at around $43,500 and $46,000, respectively. This free and easy search tool* will show you which Mercedes-Benz dealers are offering the best incentives when ordering a 2022 C-Class.

Alvin Reyes is an Automoblog feature columnist and an expert in sports and performance cars. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.

Photos & Source: MBUSA.

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Original article: 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Original Baby Benz Has Updated Styling, More Tech & Simplified Trim Levels

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