2022 Nissan Armada: Great Size, Smooth Ride

 

Large SUVs aren't as popular as they once were, giving way in large part due to the popularity of midsize crossovers. But that doesn't mean there isn't still a market for the behemoths, and this week's tester, the 2022 Nissan Armada, shows why.

This full-size SUV has three rows of seats and features a 5.6-liter V-8 engine that makes 400 horsepower and is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. The Armada has rear- and four-wheel-drive versions available, and includes 24 cubic feet of cargo space behind its second row and 10.4 cubic feet behind its third row.

That combination of power and size is still valued by many motorists, keeping the Armada relevant. 

Standard features on the Armada include 18-inch aluminum wheels, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation system, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, satellite radio, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. 

Options include 20- or 22-inch aluminum wheels, power moonroof, power liftgate, remote start, leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats and second-row captain’s chairs.

The Armada received an update last model year, and it gave the cabin a more luxurious feel in higher trims and added space to the second row.  The third row remains tight on space, and cargo space is limited when it’s upright. 

The V-8 engine is powerful, but consumes quite a bit of fuel. Mileage is rated at 14 mpg city, 19 highway with the rear-wheel drive and 13 and 18 with all-wheel. And keep in mind that it uses premium fuel. 

The Armada starts at around $50,000 and ranges to around $71,000.

If you're in need of a large, powerful people and cargo hauler, the Nissan Armada is worth a look. 

Ford Opens Research, Innovation Center in Atlanta

 

Ford Motor Co. is opening an Atlanta facility to grow its digital efforts in areas such as software-led connected vehicles, university research, artificial intelligence and more. 

The Ford Atlanta Research and Innovation Center joins a network of Ford research and development facilities in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Palo Alto, Calif., dedicated to pioneering the future of transportation with automated, connected and electrified vehicles. The new Atlanta location places Ford in one of the most diverse tech talent markets in the nation and enables the company to develop a pipeline of software experts with a variety of backgrounds.

 

“Ford is transitioning from a traditional automotive company to a digital products and services company driven by software innovation,” said Jim Buczkowski, executive director for Ford Research, Advanced Engineering. “There’s a high demand for tech talent across industries, and we have an opportunity to create non-traditional career pathways to attract and develop the expertise needed to stay competitive.”

 

Ford says it remains committed to developing a workforce that reflects the communities and customers that it serves, including attracting and retaining historically underrepresented talent, especially in the software engineering and high technology fields.

 

“Atlanta continues to attract and grow tech companies and startups; and we continue to attract a desirable talent base — particularly for Black tech talent. We look forward to this partnership with the Ford Atlanta Research and Innovation Center, which has the potential to help us grow an even more robust and diverse pipeline,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.

 

Aside from serving as an innovation hub and delivering software solutions, the FARIC team will also focus on increasing Black, Hispanic and female representation in software engineering and high technology careers. Strategies include:

 

• Leveraging relationships with regional Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and The Atlanta University Center Consortium to help make high-tech career opportunities more available to diverse students
• Continuing to create and deepen relationships with regional colleges and universities, including HBCUs and Hispanic Service Institutions, to conduct pioneering research and address Ford’s growing need for the new competencies required for electrification, connected vehicles and software engineering that are revolutionizing Ford products, technologies and services

 

• Creating flexible, non-traditional career pathways for people interested in pursuing software and high-tech careers, including co-ops, internships, part-time work, and non-degree software programs in collaboration with Atlanta-based TechBridge and community partner City of Refuge

 

“Underrepresentation is a significant issue in software and engineering industries, especially when it comes to Black and Hispanic communities, which makes it particularly exciting to work with local colleges, universities and nonprofits to help bring greater diversity into the tech space,” said Doron Elliott, senior manager of Ford In-Vehicle Infotainment, who will also oversee FARIC operations. “Building this critical talent base will enable Ford to continue to find innovative and efficient ways to develop cutting-edge products and services to meet the demands of a very diverse customer base.”

 

New Workplace Design Standards

Located within the new 8West development on Atlanta’s Upper West Side (889 Howell Mill Road NW), the 24,000-square-foot FARIC space is designed to surpass standard ADA compliance with a thoughtful, accessible layout that supports inclusion, flexibility, collaboration and innovation.

 

The all-new workspace supports individual needs while promoting creativity and team collaboration through an open and accessible floor plan designed to support the needs of a diverse and innovative team. It includes individual focus space, sit/stand desks, soft seating, and phone booth-style space where employees can take calls or work independently.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights Set to Expand

 

Atlanta is close to realizing its initial dream for the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, as the center is beginning work on a major expansion of the unique attraction in downtown Atlanta.

Read Saporta Report for details. 

Fort Frederica National Monument: History and Culture

 

Fort Frederica, on St. Simons Island, Ga., was established in 1736 by James Oglethorpe to protect the southern boundary of his new colony of Georgia from the Spanish in Florida. Colonists from England, Scotland and the Germanic states came to Georgia to support this endeavor.

Named for Frederick Louis, the Prince of Wales (1702-1754), Frederica was a military outpost consisting of a fort and town. The entire area was fortified with a palisade wall and earthen rampart. The fort's location on the Frederica River allowed it to control ship travel.

Oglethorpe's foresight in establishing Frederica was rewarded in 1742 during the War of Jenkins' Ear. Spanish forces from Florida and Cuba landed on St. Simons Island. Oglethorpe's attack on a Spanish reconnaisance party at Gully Hole Creek led to the battle at "Bloody Marsh". Despite the name, casualties were light and the Spanish continued their campaign on St. Simons. Clever deception on Oglethorpe's part convinced the Spanish to retreat from Georgia seven days later.

This British victory not only confirmed that Georgia was British territory, but also signaled the end for Frederica. When peace was declared, Frederica's Garrison (the original 42nd Regiment of Foot) was disbanded, and eventually the town fell into decline. Today the archeological remains of colonial Frederica are protected by the National Park Service.

- National Park Service

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross: A Wonderful Little Crossover with a Question

Toyota has introduced a new compact crossover vehicle that is quite appealing. The 2022 Corolla Cross offers seating for five and a maximum cargo capacity of 26.5 cubic feet.

It gets great fuel economy, is pleasant to drive and, despite being compact, offers a fairly comfortable interior.

The one question that one might raise about it, though, is why? Why, if you're Toyota, are you rolling this out when you already have the RAV4 (which is probably a bit larger, but still a small-ish crossover SUV) and the C-HR, which is a sporty little crossover vehicle that also is pleasant to drive and is comfortable?

Guess Toyota figures there can never be too much of a good thing. 

The Corolla Cross comes in three trim levels: L, LE and XLE.

Under the hood, you'll find a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 169 horsepower and is linked to a continuously variable transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive being optional. 

Fuel economy checks in at an EPA-estimated 31 mpg city, 33 highway for the FWD model. The AWD model's numbers drop to 29 and 32 mpg.

And just like its sedan sibling, the Corolla Cross gives good driving dynamics, with adequate acceleration, sure handling and reliable braking. So if you like the Corolla, but want a hatchback model, problem solved.

We're not sure that this was an actual problem raised by many in the car-buying public, but regardless, here's the Corolla Cross. 

Pricing starts at around $23,000 and ranges to around $29,000. 

For a compact crossover that you didn't know you needed, the Corolla Cross is a fine choice. 

Mackinac Island, Mich.: A Scenic Area to Enjoy the Great Lakes

 

AAE recently visited Mackinac Island, Mich., which is part of the state's Upper Peninsula. Mackinac is adjacent to Lakes Huron (to the East) and Michigan (to the West), two of the Great Lakes. 

This sidewalk featured shops and eateries along the main drag of the town of St. Ignace. The town had a friendly vibe, and is probably a popular spot for vacationers during summer months. 

As one might expect, boating appears to be a popular activity in this nautical area, and there is a local park with an historic marker that pays tribute to the many boats that overturned in the waters, costing many lives. The boats once heavily traveled the area for commercial purposes such as fishing and shipping of goods. 

This small lighthouse provided a fitting stylistic touch to the local area, which is scenic and relaxing. 

The area provided many peaceful settings for enjoying the surrounding lakes.