Two-part Black History Special on Randi Payton and how he drove “Diversity in the Auto Industry”. Tune in to Auto Trends on SiriusXM Channel 141 on Sunday Feb. 21st and 28th, at 4pm EST. ‘Auto Trends’ Talks to Randi Payton, Founder of the First Black-Centric Car Magazine, first automotive website, multicultural awards, and more.
Visit JeffCars.com for a schedule Auto Trends programs on FM radio outlets.
Black Auto History interview with Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network. (Payton launched the first national automotive magazines for African Americans, Latinos, and Asians. He founded and produced the 20th Annual Urban Wheel Awards, the “Official Multicultural Event” of the North American International Auto Show)
The panel of influential auto journalists discuss the latest auto news, recalls, etc., and review cars. Find out why they would buy it or not. Join our auto journalists’ panel, influencers as we discuss this and simplify the latest auto industry news to help you appreciate the business.
To review recorded show https://youtu.be/0Ww-i84dCKw
The first thing you notice about the 2021 Mazda CX-5 crossover is its sculpted exterior design. Redesigned in 2017, it has a shark-looking front end that distinguishes it from other box-shaped competitors in the compact SUV class.
The CX-5 Kodo design is carried over into 2021 with an upgraded multimedia system, more safety features, and a new Carbon Edition model. All CX-5 models receive a larger 10.25-inch display with a three-year trial of the latest Mazda Connect infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Mazda’s i-Activesense safety package is now standard equipment on all models. Features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Mazda also upgraded the front and rear parking sensors with high-definition digital clarity.
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 comes in seven trims which range in price from $25,370 to $37,505 MSRP. They include the base Sport starting at $25,370, the Touring for $27,110, the Carbon at $28,995, and the Carbon Edition Turbo is $30,760 MSRP. The Grand Touring goes for $30,560, the Grand Touring Reserve $35,385, and its top-of-line Signature Edition goes for $37,505 MSRP.
The 2021 front-wheel-drive (FWD) CX-5 models are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that generates 186 horsepower. All-2021 Mazda CX-5wheel-drive (AWD) is optional. The Grand Touring Reserve and top-of-line Signature Edition are AWD and powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that gets 227 horsepower.
The new Carbon model offers the choice of luxury features without the turbo-powered engine for a lower price. Carbon Edition buyers can choose either engine.
I tested the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature for this review, which started at $37,505 MSRP. It includes premium Nappa leather seats, real wood trim, dark silver 19-inch alloy wheels, SiriusXM satellite radio with traffic and travel link, navigation, 360-degree surround-view camera, smart braking, drive attention alert, and much more.
For a complimentary subscription to the latest car and truck reviews, visit www.randolphp.sg-host.com. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network.
The all-new 2021 Acura TLX, re-engineered with new engines, sports performance, and a new generation all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, reinforces Acura’s competitiveness in the premium luxury sports category. Another move by Acura to distinguish its premium luxury performance models in the crowded segment.
The new TLX, based on Acura’s Precision Crafted Performance brand direction, has an aggressive sporty midsize design that is wider, longer, and lower to the ground than the former version. It comes with more powerful engines and an advanced version of the SH-AWD chassis.
The 2021 TLX has a premium sports stance closer to the Audi A7 and Porsche Panamera than competitors in the compact class. The new platform, which shares performance technology with the upcoming Acura TLX Type S, includes an ultra-steel body frame, variable-ratio electric power steering, double-wishbone front suspension, a 4thgeneration SH-AWD, and improved weight distribution.
A new generation 2.0-liter VTEC turbocharged four-cylinder engine is standard on all models. It generates 272 horsepower and replaces the previous 2.4-liter inline-4 and the 3.5-liter V6 engines. The 2021 TLX is more powerful and comes in front-wheel-drive or Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD), which is faster and more responsive.
Interior features include wide-body front seating, a 10.2-inch HD display with touchpad interface with enhanced operations, studio-quality ELS Premium audio with 17 speakers. Customizable ambient lighting in 27 themes to change the environment and mood,
Safety features include new-generation airbags to protect the head in a broader range of collisions. The AcuraWatch safety system includes collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control with low speed, lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, traffic sign recognition, and much more.
The TLX comes in four trim levels: The base TLX starts at $37,500, the TLX with Technology is priced at $41,500, the TLX A-Spec goes up to $44,250, the TLX Advance is $46,300, and the top-of-line TLX SH-AWD Advance, which I test drove starts at $48,300 MSRP. The optional AWD will add another $2,000 to the price tag.
A new 355-hp 3.0-liter turbo-V-6 will power the Acura TLX S-Type, which launches in the Fall. All models come exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The TLX, Acura’s top-selling model, is manufactured in Marysville, Ohio, and assembled with domestic and global parts. The engines are produced in its in Anna Ohio plant and the transmission in Tallapoosa, Georgia.
For a complimentary subscription to the latest car and truck reviews, visit www.randolphp.sg-host.com. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network.
The Toyota Supra’s rebirth is more than just a tribute to a high-speed roadster that ended production in 2021. It returns with the brains of two great sports cars in one. The 2021 Toyota Supra combines a twin turbo-charged engine and technology from the BMW Z4 Roadster.
Relaunched in 2020, the Supra is a nostalgic three-door engineered for enthusiasts who love speed and superior road performance. The 2021 models come with more horsepower and a new four-cylinder twin-turbo engine.
Conceived and designed by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing motorsports program, the base four-cylinder GR Supra 2.0 starts in the lower forties price range. It generates 255 horsepower and goes from 0-60 in 5.0 seconds.
I tested the 2021 GR Supra 3.0 Premium for this review, which came with a six-cylinder twin-turbo inline powerplant that generates 382 horsepower at 368 lb-ft of torque.
The new Supra, built in partnership with BMW, shares the same inline-six engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, and engineering expertise with the BMW Z4. However, Toyota engineers tuned it specifically for the Supra. Additionally, both roadsters share the same chassis.
The Supra reflects characteristics of its former self, but with the latest advanced technology and modern-day conveniences. It is faster and more fun to drive. The eight-speed transmission shifts smoothly, and the paddle shifters provide a sense of manual control. It has a start/stop that turns off in the Sports mode, which also activates a loud exhaust sound.
Safety features include pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic clearance, and adaptive cruise control.
After lowering your head to get inside the cockpit of the two-seater, there’s an 8.8-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone charging, navigation, Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and instead of Toyota’s Entune system, the Supra comes with BMW’s iDrive infotainment.
Then 2021 Supra comes in four trims and four configurations: the new 2.0 I-4 starts at $42,990; the 3.0 Coupe gets 382 horsepower from an I-6 engine and goes for $50,990; the 3.0 Premium starts around $54,490; and the top-of-line A91 Edition is $54,795 MSRP.
For a complimentary subscription to the latest car and truck reviews, visit www.randolphp.sg-host.com. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network.
