New Cars
Snorkel-Like ‘Desert Air Intake’ Breathes Life into Tacoma TRD Pro
Even before Toyota pulled the sheets off their trio of new 2019 TRD Pro models at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, it was clear that the Tacoma was going to stand out from its off-road-friendly brothers. That’s because the compact pickup was the only TRD family member that had a hard-to-ignore bulge protruding from the top of the form-fitting cover draped over it.
When the curtain was finally lifted during the early-morning news conference, all eyes fell on the bulge-inducer, which was revealed to be a long, black, external air intake pipe. Officially branded the “Desert Air Intake,” the pipe looks a lot like a snorkel, which is fitting, as it actually serves a similar purpose.
Benefits of the Toyota Tacoma Desert Air Intake
Traditionally, air intakes are located within the wheel wells. This is just fine for pavement-exclusive rides, but on a more rugged vehicle built for the trails, the low placement of the intakes causes them to encounter quite a bit of dirt, sand and other debris when they kick up the dust. By extending the pipe up along the windshield and above the roofline where the air quality isn’t quite as tainted, the intake system doesn’t have to work as hard to strain out the impurities, meaning the engine inhales cleaner air at a faster rate.
There are some obvious performance-enhancing benefits that come courtesy of the Desert Air Intake, but Toyota also expects the feature to prolong engine health. In the long run, it should save owners on parts costs as well, as the filters should—at least theoretically—take on a longer lifespan.
Benefits aside, it is safe to say that the scuba diving Tacoma look is not going to be for everyone. That is something that Toyota seems to fully understand, as they have made the Desert Air Intake optional, rather than mandatory.
New Off-Road Features of the 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro
In addition to the unique air intake, the Tacoma TRD Pro has been outfitted with a wide range of updated features and a fresh suit of armor—available in Super White, Midnight Black Metallic and Voodoo Blue—that prove the truck was bred for off-road performance.
The new lift-increasing springs, black chrome-tipped cat-back exhaust and TRD-encrusted skid plate were updated in-house by the engineers at Toyota Racing Development (TRD), but Fox—a well-known name in off-road performance—was called on for the revamped 2.5-inch front shocks that take on larger 46mm pistons and more bypass zones to help cushion the ride.
Joining the interior party is an Entune Premium JBL audio system that comes standard. Both inside and out will be new TRD Pro branding that consists of the well-known emblem stitched and stamped just about anywhere that you can imagine. That includes the headrests, floor mats, wheels and back bumper.
For those who are curious, although the 4Runner and Tundra TRD Pro models that also debuted at the Windy City event have been equipped with many of the features listed above, neither will offer the Desert Air Intake or any special breathing apparatuses for their engines. The snorkel is a feather that will be unique to the cap of the Tacoma TRD Pro.
Those looking to dive into the latest version of the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro won’t have to wait too much longer. Toyota anticipates that the entire line of all-new TRD Pro models will be available in the fall of this year.
We want to know what you think of the aesthetics of the Desert Air Intake. Let us know in the comments below!
If this is the future of electric pony cars, I’m on board.
We’ve heard rumors of the next iteration of the Dodge Charger. We’ve seen the concept pictures. But after seeing it in person at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show, I can say, the electric future is pretty bright at Stellantis (aside from the Ram overkill).
From a design perspective, nobody beats the designers of Dodge cars, in my opinion. The lines on this car pay tribute to Chargers of the past, while also being very modern. Even the triangle-shaped logo, known as a Fratzog, harkens to its Mopar past.
Where the design gets more modern, without losing us in the new wave is the unique aero hood that is undetectable looking at the front of the car. But a look from around the windshield clearly shows a full scoop at the front of the hood that is unlike anything in the class.
The concept is also a two-door, which is a deviation from the modern-day Chargers that only came in four-door. Whether the company will release a four-door version still remains to be seen.
2024 Dodge Charger Engine Specs
While the design is catching many eyes, it’s still Dodge we’re talking about here. People are going to want to know about the power. After all, Dodge making an electric vehicle seems like a clear departure from the gas-guzzling, tire-burning Dodges of the past.
However, the company put out a teaser video with clear messaging that performance will not be lost. With the capability of electric powertrain torque, they are likely leaning on takeoff power, and I’m confident the car will be fast. That being said, there’s no replacing the sound of a traditional hemi engine. But, with the electric revolution, some concessions will need to be made.
Right now, all we know about is three engine options under the hood for the 2024 Dodge Charger Electric. They are:
- 340 with 440 horsepower
- 440 with 590 horsepower
- SRT 800 with horsepower not yet released
2024 Dodge Charger Electric Price
While pricing hasn’t been released, since the 2024 Dodge Charger Electric is still listed as a concept, we have a rough idea of where things could land – within an accepted range of error.
Our estimates of price of the 2024 Dodge Charger Electric are:
- Dodge Charger Electric 340, $55-65,000
- Dodge Charger Electric 440, $65-75,000
- Dodge Charger SRT, $90-100,000
No matter how you feel about electric vehicles – especially with Dodge – the world is heading that direction. But with the 2024 Dodge Charger Electric, there is hope.
The 2020 Corvette is here – and it’s the one we’ve been waiting for.
Having seen and sat in the car in person, I can confidently say that Chevrolet nailed it with the G8 Corvette that only shares a single part with its predecessor.
The biggest change is clearly the engine of the car moving from the front to a mid-engine. This has become a high-end performance car staple, but not something Chevrolet has entertained until the release of the newest version for 2020. The mid-engine gives the Corvette better balance and handling dynamics, while it is slightly heavier than the last edition.
The new Corvette will be available in three trim levels, the 1LT, 2LT and 3LT. There will be a single engine offered initially – the 6.2-liter V8 that produces 495 horsepower paired to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 2020 Corvette Stingray 0-60 time, according to Chevrolet, is 2.8 seconds and it can conquer the quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds, reaching 122 mph.
The overall appearance of the Corvette has changed a bit, but it’s still very recognizable as a Corvette, which is key to an evolution that still harkens back to the car’s rich history that began in 1953. The door handles have been hidden and the car has an incredibly sleek and clean look. It retains its convertible option, but has a first-ever production retractable hardtop. It can activate at speeds up to 30 mph.
Inside, the car feels amazingly natural to sit in. You almost become part of the car, which is how you want to feel when navigating a sports car – especially if you are lucky enough to be able to pilot the car around a real track.
There are three seat combinations to choose from, so everyone can find the Corvette that best suits them. There’s even a trunk behind the mid-engine, which the professionals at the Chicago Auto Show were quick to point out “can hold two sets of golf clubs.” While the actual golf bags would have to be pretty small, funnier to me was the assumption that I like golf.
Arriving for sale now, the 2020 Chevy Corvette is sure to impress. It’s already been named the 2020 Motor Trend Car of the Year – and I have a feeling the awards will keep coming.
2020 Chevy Corvette Key Stats
| Horsepower | 495 |
| Torque | 470 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | 194 mph |
| 0-60 Time | 2.9 seconds |
| Quarter-Mile | 11.2 seconds |
Kia promised the new 2021 Seltos to start under $22,000. And thanks to some leaked Kia Seltos pricing information, the brand appears to have made good on it. Barely.
The base Seltos LX (and S) from the information that’s out there, appears to be sneaking just under the bar at $21,990. Yes, $10 MSRP does equal a promise fulfilled.
Yes, we are going to wait until Kia officially gives out the pricing to fully speculate. But for now, it’s up to you to decide if a Kia SUV is in your future.
2021 Kia Seltos Pricing
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| LX AWD | $21,990 |
| S FWD | $21,990 |
| S AWD | $23,490 |
| EX AWD | $25,290 |
| S 1.6L Turbo | $25,490 |
| SX 1.6L Turbo | $27,890 |
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Peter Antinopoulos
Feb 15, 2019 at 8:41 am
I like the look and if it means a cleaner engine and longer life I am all for it….