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2014 Toyota Tundra appears with revised styling, same mechanicals

Toyota has pulled the curtain back on its 2014 Tundra, showing a truck that has gotten its most significant refresh since its launch as a 2007 model. For better or worse, however, the changes that Toyota has made to the fullsize pickup are mostly cosmetic, with the underpinnings of the vehicle staying unchanged.
The most obvious revision for 2014 is to the bluff front fascia of the truck. There's a new, taller squared-off grille decorating the Tundra's nose, along with a revised, three-part front bumper design. The optional black grille-frame strikes us as an acquired taste, to say the least, but other models, like the Limited above, is all clad in chrome. Fenders and wheel wells are more square than in the out-going truck, too. Perhaps most significant is the revised bed design, which Toyota calls "all-new," with new sheet metal on the sides, a revised tailgate and a very subtle integrated spoiler.
Inside, Toyota has given buyers some new seats and a new-look instrument panel. A backup camera (always handy on big trucks) is now standard equipment on all grades, as is Bluetooth connectivity. Blind spot monitoring is a new, optional feature as well. In all, as with the exterior mods, the changes in-cabin are far more evolutionary than revolutionary.

Toyota confirms all-wheel drive V8 hybrid for TS040 LMP1 car in 2014

The 2014 FIA World Endurance Championship is gearing up to be one of the most exciting seasons of endurance racing in recent memory. All of the factory-entered LMP1 class cars are using hybrid powertrains, and Porsche is returning to the top class of the sport after a 16-year absence. Don't count out Toyota, though. The team has just revealed the first official details about its 2014 TS040 LMP1 car, and it has a big surprise - all-wheel drive.
The TS040 will follow Audi's lead and will use a combination motor and generator to power the front wheels. The system will generate power under braking and will use it up when accelerating to give a boost in traction over last year's rear-wheel-drive Toyota TS030. Toyota will stick with a gasoline-fueled, naturally aspirated 3.4-liter V8 to feed the rear wheels and will take on Audi's diesel, turbocharged 3.7-liter V6 and Porsche's gasoline-fueled, turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
Sadly, there are no real pictures of the TS040 yet. Toyota is holding off on unveiling the car until the end of March at the WEC test at the Paul Ricard circuit, and the racing season doesn't begin until April 20 with the 6 Hours of Silverstone. You can read the whole press release about the TS040 below.

Recharge Wrap-up: BMW i8 Futurism Edition, Tesla picks Hankook for Model 3

BMW Italia has created a special edition BMW i8 to celebrate 50 years of the German automaker in Italy. The BMW i8 Futurism Edition, made in partnership with Garage Italia Customs, replicates artist Giacomo Balla's "Lampada ad Arco" on the car. The special edition i8 will take part in the 2016 Mille Miglia, following a BMW 328 driven by BMW Italia President and CEO Sergio Solero. The car "represents the pairing of a sports car of the future with Italian creativity and art," says Solero. See how it was made in the video above, and read more in the press release below. The Toyota Mobility Foundation has joined the New Cities Foundation (NCF) as a Global Strategic Member. The organizations will work together on research and initiatives to improve lives through better mobility. Toyota Group Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Latondra Newton will serve on the NCF's Board of Trustees. "Our expanded partnership with New Cities Foundation will allow us to advance our work by joining a global network of leaders who are focused on solving the most pressing challenges to cities around the world," says Newton. Read more from Toyota. Electric bus manufacturer Proterra has created a simulator to help fleet managers assess the benefits of using EVs. The Proterra EV Simulator allows for a comparison of its electric buses alongside diesel, CNG, and hybrid buses on specific routes within a transit system. It uses Google Maps plus data and algorithms from two million miles of real-world driving to compare costs, performance, and environmental benefits, taking into account variables like routes, local temperatures, and passenger loads. Proterra will display the simulator at the American Public Transportation Association Bus and Paratransit Conference on May 17. Read more from Proterra. Tesla has chosen Hankook as the tire supplier for its upcoming Model 3 EV. According to Korean network Arirang News, Tesla chose Hankook after sampling various offerings from companies around the globe. Hankook will build the tires specifically for the Model 3 with the goal of minimizing driving range losses. The value of the contract has not been disclosed. See more from Arirang News, and read more at Teslarati. BMW Italia and Garage Italia Customs present the BMW i8 Futurism Edition. The initiative is part of the 50th anniversary celebration of BMW history in Italy.