Toyota Bringing Stop-Start Tech to the Highlander and the New 5-Series Gets a V8 Abroad: The Evening Rush
Plus, this weekend is prime time for fall foliage.
The Evening Rush is your daily roundup of auto, gear, and lifestyle news, all in one place. Less time searching, more time driving. Motor on.
Automotive
Although stop-start technology has been around for a while, Toyota is only introducing it into its naturally-aspirated models now. According to reports, the 2017 Toyota Highlander will have stop-start technology across its four different engine options. The new addition should allow the 2017 Highlander to get one mile per gallon better than the outgoing model.
BMW has debuted the redesigned 5-Series, and we have to admit, the thing still looks sharp. Although BMW has yet to officially confirm a V8 variant will come to the U.S., the M550i xDrive sold in other markets will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 good for 445 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, you can expect the new V8 5-Series to hit 62 mph in just 4.0 seconds.
Mustangs haven’t had the best of luck lately, especially leaving events involving coffee. And, apparently, at drag races. A video has been released of a Mustang dragster sailing an impressive 300 feet down the track before coming to a violent crash upside down. The ‘Stang was traveling at 190 mph before air crawled under the vehicle, launching it into the sky.
Gear
Bike racks are great inventions for cars, but few have mastered working with pickup trucks. Fortunately, Swagman has come out with a rack that clips onto a pickup bed for easy use. The rack runs an affordable $270, and keeps your prized ride away from the harsh elements of the road.
Although most water sports may be coming to an end as the weather turns cold, the fluffy frozen version can quickly ruin your day by melting in your bag. Rather than learning that the hard way, pick up a NRS 2.2 Bill’s Bag Dry Bag for 30 percent off on Steep and Cheap. The durable design will keep all your belongings dry, and you won’t have to worry about your ski poles puncturing anything.
Casual shoes can turn a stressful day into one chill session. Okay, that's an exaggeration, but you get the point. SeaVees is currently running a sale on Huckberry, and a ton of their Desert, Chukkas, and Sneakers are being sold at a discount.
Lifestyle
Fall is finally upon us, and so are the beautiful autumn colors. This weekend is just around peak foliage in much of the Northeastern United States, so do yourself a favor and get out and enjoy it. Whether you are cruising the back roads of New York or traversing the Appalachians, now is the time to appreciate what Mother Nature has to offer.
