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8 automakers, 15 utilities collaborate on open smart-charging for EVs

We're going to lead with General Motors here. GM is one of eight automakers working with 15 utilities and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) at developing a "smart" plug-in vehicle charging system. Why did we start with GM? Because it's the first automaker whose press release we read that mentioned the other seven automakers. Points for sharing. For the record, the collaboration also includes BMW, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Chrysler, Mitsubishi and Ford. The utilities include DTE Energy, Duke Energy, Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas & Electric. The idea is to develop a so-called "demand charging" system in which an integrated system lets the plug-ins and utilities communicate with each other so that vehicle charging is cut back at peak hours, when energy is most expensive, and ramped up when the rates drop. Such entities say there's a sense of urgency to develop such a system because the number of plug-in vehicles on US roads totals more than 225,000 today and is climbing steadily. There's a lot of technology involved, obviously, but the goal is to have an open platform that's compatible with virtually any automaker's plug-in vehicle. No timeframe was disclosed for when such a system could go live but you can find a press release from EPRI below. EPRI, Utilities, Auto Manufacturers to Create an Open Grid Integration Platform for Plug-in Electric Vehicles PALO ALTO, Calif. (July 29, 2014) – The Electric Power Research Institute, 8 automakers and 15 utilities are working to develop and demonstrate an open platform that would integrate plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) with smart grid technologies enabling utilities to support PEV charging regardless of location. The platform will allow manufacturers to offer a customer-friendly interface through which PEV drivers can more easily participate in utility PEV programs, such as rates for off-peak or nighttime charging. The portal for the system would be a utility's communications system and an electric vehicle's telematics system. As the electric grid evolves with smarter functionality, electric vehicles can serve as a distributed energy resource to support grid reliability, stability and efficiency. With more than 225,000 plug-in vehicles on U.S. roads -- and their numbers growing -- they are likely to play a significant role in electricity demand side management.

Hi-po Toyota GT86 to get KERS?

We happen to like the Toyota GT86 - and, it of course goes without saying that the same applies to the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S, as well - just the way it is. Yes, that includes the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine and its 200 horsepower at 7,000 rpm.
That said, a little extra power never hurt anybody, right?
The most obvious way to add some punch to the GT86 would be with a turbocharger, and that has indeed long been rumored for an STI version of the BRZ. Will Toyota follow suit? According to Top Gear, the answer is no. Says GT86 chief engineer Tetsuya Tada, "I think 300bhp with a turbo and 200g/km of CO2 would be tasteless in this day and age. And a turbo would mean the loss of the GT86's uniqueness." Perhaps a bit harsh, but there you go.

2016 Toyota Tacoma fears no canyon in Detroit

It took a lot for it to finally happen, but with the 2015 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado posing a clear and present danger to its near monopoly in the mid-size pickup market, Toyota finally introduced a new version of its Tacoma. Introduced at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, the long-serving Taco has been refit, ditching its old, thirsty and uncouth 4.0-liter V6 with a Toyota's smooth-revving and powerful 3.5-liter, naturally aspirated six pot. Output figures haven't been published, but considering the V6 churns out around 270 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque in vehicles like the Toyota Camry and Highlander, we should expect similar numbers in the 3.5's first truck application. Joining the six-pot will be the previous truck's 2.7-liter four-cylinder. Beyond the powertrain tweaks, Toyota has delivered a significantly updated aesthetic that borrows elements of the 4Runner with newer design touches. A strong, prominent grille and muscular fender arches are fitting touches, while the new wheel design, one of our, featured on the show Tacoma deliver some added visual impact. The cabin, meanwhile, could best be thought of as that of a baby Tundra, sporting a similar layout and, when properly equipped, materials and touches that wouldn't look out of place on its big brother, the Tundra. Take a look at our full crop of live shots, available up top.