JDM Tuner HKS Teases Exhaust for 2022 Toyota GR 86

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The aftermarket is already heating up for Toyota‘s revamped GR 86. While the OEM engineering boffins upped power and torque with the new FA24 engine, that’s only a baseline for improvement. The vehicle hasn’t arrived at US dealers yet, but JDM tuners have already managed to get their hands on it for a head start. Here are some exciting developments from HKS that will be available soon.

One of the top JDM aftermarket brands

HKS and Fujitsubo exhaust systems on display at the 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon in Chiba, Japan | Alessandro Di Ciommo/NurPhoto via Getty Images

HKS is a staple in the JDM car community, well-known for high-quality aftermarket upgrades. Started in 1973, the Japanese company has grown from humble beginnings on a dairy farm near Mount Fuji to one of the most recognized brands in the tuning scene worldwide.

The firm produced a wide range of mods for the original Toyota FR-S / 86 and Subaru BRZ, including superchargers for the 2.0-liter FA20 powertrain. With 228 hp at the crank, the larger FA24 is already a massive improvement, but HKS is working on a GT2 supercharger kit for the new engine as well.

The FA24 engine clears its throat with help from JDM legend HKS

From the in-car video clips released so far, it’s clear the 2.4-liter GR 86 is vocal from behind the wheel, with help from the car’s speakers. But factory exhausts are generally too quiet from outside the vehicle, at least for enthusiasts’ ears. HKS’ Hi-Power Spec L II exhaust opens the tap and allows more of the FA24’s raw boxer sound to shine through. With 0.5mm piping and a titanium tip, the new exhaust is lightweight as well.

Classic Subaru fans might notice a distinct lack of rumble from the flat-four engine in the above video clip, however. That’s because the Toyobaru twins use an equal-length header from the factory. Like the FA20DIT in the 2015+ WRX, this design produces more of a subdued inline-four sound. For those yearning to hear the signature unequal-length rumble, JDM tuners could release headers to address that in the future.

HKS offers handling solutions and aero parts for the GR 86

2022 Toyota GR 86
2022 Toyota GR 86 | Toyota

Toyota did a fantastic job styling the new GR 86 overall. By most accounts, the factory suspension tuning is spot-on as well. That said, it’s the job of JDM tuners like HKS to provide improvements and they intend to deliver. For next-level aerodynamics, the firm will soon offer a front spoiler, side skirts, front/rear canards, and a GT-style rear wing.

For those obsessed with handling but unwilling to compromise on ride quality, HKS’ Hipermax S coilovers are a compelling option. The inverted monotube construction provides an inherently balanced result, thanks to low-friction technologies and improved bump stop design.

Final thoughts

Between factory and aftermarket improvements, there’s plenty to be excited about with the GR 86 and BRZ. Really, the mere fact that Toyota and Subaru renewed these models for another generation is a reason to celebrate. Most buyers will enjoy the GR 86 in stock form, but there’s plenty of room to optimize from there and take things to the next level. HKS has been around for a long time and clearly has no intention of letting up in pursuit of innovative performance solutions.

RELATED: 2022 Toyota GR Corolla Hot Hatch: How Fast Will It Be?

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This Japanese Automaker Create the First Adaptive Cruise Control System

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Adaptive Cruise Control (sometimes referred to as ACC) has become a pillar in automotive features these days. You can weed out the budget cars by seeing which vehicles have it and which vehicles don’t. The top trim 2022 Nissan Sentra, which costs just $18,540, features adaptive cruise control (even if it’s optional). But this once highly luxurious feature was first conceived by none other than Mitsubishi.

1995 Mitsubishi Diamante | DY5W-sport via Wikimedia

The Mitsubishi Diamante introduced ACC for production cars

Released in 1995, the Mitsubishi Diamante featured the earliest version of Adaptive Cruise Control. There were others that could maintain a certain speed regardless of terrain or environment, but they wouldn’t slow the car down to prevent accidents. The Diamante, meanwhile, used lidar systems to detect the car ahead.

There was one camera on the front bumper and a smaller one mounted to the rearview mirror which, together, determined the distance between the Mitsubishi and other cars. However, while the Diamante did have an ACC system onboard, it was (unsurprisingly) primitive.

The shortcomings of the Mitsubishi Diamante’s Adaptive Cruise Control

1995 Mitsubishi Diamante
1995 Mitsubishi Diamante
| IFCAR Via Wikimedia

Adaptive Cruise Control systems on today’s cars use the brakes to slow the vehicle down, but the Mitsubishi Diamante couldn’t do that. Instead, the car would either ease off the accelerator or shift to a lower gear. And if it detected that an impact was imminent, all it could do was alert the driver with lights and sounds.

Then there’s the lidar system, which wasn’t great in and of itself. See, lidar uses light to determine distance, whereas traditional radar uses radio waves. That means that, if it’s cloudy or rainy, a lidar system simply won’t work. Radar, on the other hand, can function in any weather.

And on top of all that, the Diamante’s lidar ACC couldn’t operate at speeds over 67 mph, meaning that highway usage was impossible. For those reasons, Mitsubishi decided that the system should only be used on Japanese market cars. Their speeds were lower and traffic denser, which allowed the low-speed system to function optimally.

Which car had the first “real” Adaptive Cruise Control system?

Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220
Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220 | Mercedes

While the Mistubishi Diamante sported the first Adaptive Cruise Control system, it doesn’t line up with today’s definition of the feature. The first practical ACC goes to the Mercedes S-Class, but more specifically, the W220 model revealed in 1998. Unlike Mitsubishi’s system, the Mercedes Distronic ACC could control the brakes and operate at higher speeds.

Mercedes also opted to use radar systems rather than lidar. Not only was it cheaper to obtain, but it worked in inclement conditions as well.

Considering this once was a luxury feature, it makes sense that Mercedes fine-tuned the technology. But Mitsubishi takes the win on this one, having developed the technology in 1992 (a limited version that could only detect impacts, not slow the car down), before fully implementing it on their Diamante in 1995.

RELATED: 8 of the Best Cars Mitsubishi Ever Built

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Used Car Prices: Trading a C8 Corvette for a Honda Civic Type R

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Just when you thought the used car situation couldn’t get any worse, it does. Toyota recently announced a 40% global production cut due to various issues, primarily supply chain issues. It seems more automakers are going to follow suit if that hasn’t happened already. On Reddit, this guy traded his 2021 C8 Corvette Stingray for a 2019 Honda Civic Type R to capitalize on the situation.

Trading a 2021 C8 Corvette Stingray for a 2019 Honda Civic Type R

Trading a C8 Corvette for a Honda Civic Type R | Chevrolet

Reddit user The_Exia on the Cars subreddit made an interesting trade. While waiting for his 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing to get delivered sometime next year, he decided to sell the C8. The C8 Corvette Stingray is going for an insane amount of money right now on the used car market.

When the C8 3LT came out, it was priced around $72,945. Right now, the same Corvette is going for between $100,000 and $120,000. Most of the vehicles have between one and 10 thousand miles on the odometer. Carvana and CarMax seem to have the most inventory right now, but the prices are pretty high. Most automakers have not recovered from the semiconductor chip shortage, and it heavily impacted Corvette production.

The price of a used C8 Corvette is through the roof

When it came down to it, the price for the used 2021 C8 Chevrolet Corvette was worth getting rid of it. A 2019 Honda Civic Type R is pretty easy to get right now. These popular vehicles are going for between $36,000 and $40,000, depending on the mileage. The Reddit user could trade the C8 for the 2019 Honda Civic Type R and have no payments. Quite the contrary. He was owed money afterward.

In this situation, the owner of the vehicle also has a Chevrolet Corvette C7 Z06. So it’s not like there is a shortage of sports cars in the driveway. When else are buyers going to make so much money on a used car? Probably never again. The Civic Type R is missing a few features that make it an excellent daily, but it gets the job done.

A 2019 vehicle is going to likely still have a warranty on it and will also have some modern safety features. Plus, the Honda Civic will hold value reasonably well.

Supply and demand isn’t going to level out yet

Used car prices are going to get worse before getting better. With Toyota slashing production by 40% in the coming months, new cars are going to be hard to find still. That means that prices of used vehicles aren’t going to go down anytime soon.

According to a recent article by CNN, the third quarter of 2021 was supposed to see a return to normal prices. Instead, coronavirus (COVID-19) cases are causing a new round of chip shortages.

Toyota usually produces around 900,000 vehicles during September but will instead produce under 600,000 cars total. North American plants will make 140,000 to 170,000 fewer vehicles for August and September combined. Volkswagen commented it might follow suit, while GM, Ford, and Stellantis echoed the statements.

At first glance, trading a 2021 C8 Corvette for a 2019 Honda Civic Type R sounds insane. But don’t just a book by its cover, even if it has a Civic on the front.

RELATED: Two Dead After a Corvette Crashed Into a Pool at 150 MPH

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The Nissan Titan XD Gains Diesel Power to Outmuscle Rivals

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Nissan Titan XD is an excellent heavy-duty truck to consider. But it’s about time it received a few upgrades to catch up with rivals. Nissan is about to go all-in on updating this truck. The new Nissan Titan XD is even bring the diesel engine back. 

The Nissan Titan XD regains diesel power 

2021 Nissan Titan XD | Nissan

The reliable Nissan Titan XD that we know today was introduced in 2015. It’s been a while since it received significant updates. But if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it, right? Well, the Titan XD might not be broken, but it’s starting to lag behind rivals. 

Back in 2019, the Titan XD dropped its 5.0-liter V8 Cummins turbo diesel engine. It was a sad day for many diesel fans, especially as more and more automakers are phasing diesel options out to be greener. 

Now rumors suggest that a diesel engine will return. The 5.0-liter V8 turbodiesel engine with 330 hp and 555 lb-ft of torque could arrive. It could also have more power, but the exact numbers haven’t be specified. 

Currently, the Nissan Titan XD has a 5.6-liter V8 engine with 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 11,040 lbs and carry a payload of up to 2,390 lbs when properly equipped. The Ford F-150 can tow up to 15,000 lbs, so the new Titan XD will need more power. 

What to expect with the new Titan XD 

The new Nissan Titan XD is expected to gain a totally refreshed interior with higher quality materials. It’s only available in the larger crew-cab body style, so space is abundant. 

Nissan will probably add their Zero Gravity seats to the front and rear for an exceptional blend of comfort, padding, and support for long drivers. We hope that the seats are both heated and ventilated. 

New tech is expected as well. Larger options will probably replace the 7.0-inch and 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreens. The Titan XD already comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but perhaps wireless connectivity will be added. 

Higher trims offer a 5.0-inch digital gauge cluster that could be enhanced to a larger size. Along with the 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless phone charging could be added. We hope to see a massive panoramic sunroof too. 

Will the Titan XD have off-roading variants? 

Nissan Titan XD interior
Nissan Titan XD interior | Nissan

There is currently a Nissan Titan XD Pro-4X model, so it’s safe to expect a refreshed trim level to roll out. It should include a more aggressive look, suspension upgrades for both on-road and off-roading performance, skid plates, LED lighting, large all-terrain tires, Bilstein shocks, and an electronic locking rear differential. The lava red accents include tow hooks, badges, and embroidering. 

It’s possible that the new Titan XD could gain the Nissan Nismo treatment. Instead of receiving off-roading upgrades, the Nismo package is for racing. It provides a lower stance and sportier appearance. 

The hood and side may be revised for a sportier look and to have better aerodynamics. The interior would also have a racing feel with bucket seats and driver-focused tech. Larger wheels could be included as well. 

The Titan XD could be refreshed for 2022 or 2023. We are still waiting to learn more and will follow the bread crumbs for updates.

RELATED: Nissan Prices the Titan XD Where It’ll Do the Most Damage

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