It’s a rare occasion when a global automaker releases a new series of powertrains. Toyota’s all-new Dynamic Force lineup is poised to shake up the automotive industry and unlock a new world of fuel efficiency, performance, and eco-friendliness.
What Is Dynamic Force?
Dynamic Force powertrains are a critical component of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. Modular parts and technologies will streamline and simplify Toyota’s manufacturing process. Behind each new vehicle’s unique skin will be key systems — such as drivetrain, shifters, air bags, and steering — of which there are just a small handful, handpicked for each specific vehicle. Toyota anticipates a savings of about 20 percent and more consistent quality and performance as well.
The fuel we choose to put in our gastric gas tanks can make the difference between our being sleek sports cars or smoke-belching jalopies. Those who care about what they eat are all too familiar with the challenges of dining out. Who knows how it’s prepared, or where the ingredients come from? Fortunately, as home to the Healthy Kingsport initiative, this town has no shortage of local restaurants providing high-octane premium fuel for your body.
Mustard Seed Cafe
The quaint, laid-back Mustard Seed Cafe prides itself on locally sourced, fresh, and healthy ingredients. It serves a variety of sandwiches, quiches, and specialty coffees. All of the soups are made daily from scratch. Folks rave about the Tomato Pie quiche, the chicken salad, and the Micah’s Smash sandwich.
Mustard Seed is nutrition for the soul as well as the body. The pleasant service, relaxing atmosphere, and roomy interior make it a perfect place for a healthy and refreshing meal. Oversized windows flood the restaurant with light. Outside seating is available for those who want an additional dose of vitamin D with their lunch.
Why the RAV4 Hybrid Is Perfect for Outdoorsy Folks
While Toyota has been leading the way in the green car market for 20 years, with the Prius being a popular choice for many eco-conscious drivers, it held off on a hybrid version of the Rav4 — until now. The first Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was launched in 2016 to rave reviews, and it’s quickly following it up with a 2017 model. If you’re an eco-friendly driver who loves being out in nature, how will the RAV4 Hybrid match your outdoors lifestyle?
Capable Powertrain
The RAV4 Hybrid’s mix of 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and battery pack combine to pump out sufficient juice for adventures in the backcountry and tackling some light off-roading. Their combined power amounts to a not-too-shabby 194 horsepower. Being a hybrid, it is more responsive on acceleration because of the instant power provided by the two electric motors. The first motor mobilizes the front wheels, and the second motor powers the rear wheels and quickly kicks in when extra traction is needed.
How to Choose Between the Corolla and the Corolla iM
Those who are fans of the cute and compact hatchback, listen up: Toyota’s 2017 lineup is bringing back the hatchback. Technically it has already been in the Toyota family under the Scion brand. Scion was a division of Toyota targeted at a young market with more sporty compact cars.
Toyota decided to shut down the Scion brand in 2016 but is bringing in the iM model under the Toyota badge in 2017. With this additional model coming onboard, what are the differences between the Corolla and Corolla iM – and which one should you choose?
Toyota Corolla Sedan
The trusty Corolla Sedan turned 50 this year. Since it first went into production in 1966, it has consistently been a top seller for Toyota and named the world’s bestselling car. It always scores top marks for dependability and reliability, so with this long-established pedigree you’re assured of what you’re getting.
There are seven trim levels, including a 50th Anniversary Special Edition in black cherry. Pricing starts at $18,500 for the L model and escalates to $22,680 for the top-of-the-range XSE. This means you will have a wider variety of features than on the Corolla iM to choose from, like Smart Key System with push-button ignition and nice touches like a moonroof.
Home EV Chargers: Four Questions and Answers
The biggest advantage of buying an electric vehicle is never having to roll into the gas station again, as well as doing your part to help the environment. Although you’ll be saving a fortune in fuel, you will need to buy a charger and pay for the installation. You may wonder if it’s worth the hassle. Here are the answers to the most common questions asked by drivers thinking about buying an electric vehicle.
What Type of Charger Do I Need?
Charging your car requires Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). That’s the technically correct term for the charger. There are Level 1 and Level 2 chargers.
Level 1 charging simply means plugging your vehicle into your home’s standard electric outlet. However, your home only provides a 120-volt outlet, which means it takes a lot longer to charge the car. Depending on the type of car, it can take up to 20 hours. Another potential problem is the amount of power it draws could overload your home’s electric circuit, causing breakers to trip.
Professionals agree it’s best to buy a Level 2 EVSE. These are 240-volt charging stations that require a dedicated electrical circuit, and you will need to get a professional electrician to install it. It’s worth it because the charge time is significantly less.
Dotted across the Kingsport region in Tennessee are some great venues where you can kick back, enjoy some tasty food and listen to some of the area’s best music. Here are a few not-to-be-missed restaurants that support local artists and feature open mic nights.
1. The Woodstone Deli
There are a few good reasons to visit The Woodstone Deli. First, their burger is listed as one of the best burgers in town. Second, owner Jeremy Jones has a big heart. He’s well-known for giving back to the community, and you’ll even find a Give Back Meal. It’s a $5 sandwich and if you pay more than the price, the extra money goes toward helping those less fortunate.
The third reason is for the varied live music. Wednesday night is open mic night featuring music across various genres, plus you get a basket of wings for only $5. The restaurant welcomes up-and-coming talent, so if you’d like a spot on open mic night, get in touch with the manager.
Active families need the right vehicle to accommodate their hectic lifestyles. Doctors’ visits, soccer and football games, dance recitals, and weekend getaways are just a few reasons why a reliable car is a must. Power packed with advanced safety features, tons of space, and smooth performance, families seeking affordable convenience can have it all with the 2017 Toyota Sienna.
One Size Fits All
The new Sienna can comfortably fit seven to eight passengers and has notably increased its interior space. This includes a roomier second row for passengers and much needed cargo room for shopping bags or sports equipment. Extra features like multiple climate control options, a touch screen video display, resonating speakers, Blu-ray entertainment capabilities, and 12-volt power outlets make it a top selection for large families. With this type of room, passengers can relax and spread out during long trips or bring a few extra bags for vacation.
4 Tennessee Lodges Perfect for a Winter Weekend Away
When the weather gets chilly in the Kingsport, Tennessee, area, it’s always fun to plan a little getaway to a nearby lodge. When you take time away from the busy day-to-day activities, you can enjoy a relaxing retreat and take advantage of the beautiful scenery that surrounds the area.
RiverStone Resort & Spa
This unique property is in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, which is about 100 miles from Kingsport. It sits near the Smoky Mountains and includes a variety of condos available for short-term rental. The condos have between one and four bedrooms, so larger groups and families can easily enjoy time together. It’s within a short distance from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and next door to the Gatlinburg Golf & Country Club. If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to pay a visit to Pigeon Forge Parkway, a fun location that has indoor skydiving, go-kart racing, and bumper boats.
Is Your Seat Positioned Correctly?
There’s a good reason so many car seats offer so many ways to adjust their position. While a seat in the perfect position can make driving a comfortable, relaxed experience, whether you’re traveling for two minutes or two hours, a seat in a bad position will soon have you feeling tired, sore, and cranky, and it may even be unsafe.
Legs
On the one hand, you need your body to be far enough forward that your foot can easily push both (or all three) pedals all the way down. If you’re so far back that you have to make an effort to mash on the brake as hard as possible, that’s actively unsafe. And on the other hand, you need the seat to be far back enough that your knees aren’t wedging themselves up against the underside of the dashboard.
Kingsport may not be the biggest city in the world, but it sits in the perfect spot in Tennessee to draw from all kinds of musical traditions. It’s just across the border from Virginia and a short drive away from Kentucky and North Carolina. Between the four states, live bands who play all kinds of music are always stopping by.
Twilight Alive Summer Concert Series
Throughout June and July, you can go to the corner of Broad Street and Market Street at 7 p.m. on Thursdays to enjoy Bluegrass on Broad, and you can stop by on Fridays to listen to Twilight Alive. The Thursday night events are obviously geared towards bluegrass bands and bluegrass lovers, but the Friday night bands come from a few different genres. Guest bands have included ’80s tributes, country bands, and a few local acts.
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