#United States #Fredericksburg #Nissan #CVT #Tour Detour

Three Friends, Three Used Cars, One Epic Road Trip

What do you get when three auto dealers swap their polished showrooms for the rugged terrain of the American West? The answer lies in the upcoming YouTube series, Tour Detour: The Good, The Bad & The CVT, launching on October 15. Over the course of seven thrilling episodes, viewers will witness a captivating blend of automotive challenges, road-trip humor, and the stunning landscapes that only the West can provide.

This daring adventure takes three high-mileage Nissans on a relentless 1,500-mile journey across salt flats, sand dunes, and mountainous passes, all aimed at showcasing the durability of vehicles these dealers confidently sell. The participants — Tim Pohanka from Pohanka Automotive Group (VA), Jason Cole from Cole Automotive Group (WV), and Chris Lenckosz from Empire Lakewood Nissan (CO) — each took the plunge by purchasing used Nissans for under $10,000, each boasting over 100,000 miles and equipped with the often-maligned continuously variable transmission (CVT).

With little to no off-road experience, they embarked on an unpredictable journey to answer one major question: Can these underestimated vehicles endure and stand the test of rough terrains?

"This wasn't just a stunt in front of a showroom," Pohanka said. "We invested in these cars personally and put them through the ultimate challenge on the rugged roads of the West. We wanted proof that they could earn our trust — and the trust of our customers too."

Meet the Stars of the Show

Each car turned into a character of its own in this adventure:

• - The Duke — a scrappy 2016 Nissan Juke, often overlooked but fiercely determined.
• - Luciano the Murano — Jason’s 2014 Murano, chosen for its comfort and practicality.
• - Emma — Chris’s 2017 Murano, sleek and marketed as the safe choice.

As these three drivers and their beloved vehicles tackle diverse challenges, from drag racing at Bonneville to navigating cliffside switchbacks in Colorado, their journey becomes anything but ordinary. As Lenckosz aptly stated, "The cars weren't perfect, and neither were we, but that’s what made the experience so enjoyable — three of us with our cherished Nissans, bonding over the unpredictability of the road."

Much More than Just a Car Story

Throughout the seven episodes, audiences will experience nail-biting moments at Bonneville, where speed records were attempted, and they'll ride along as the dusty Little Sahara swallowed the cars whole. Viewers will find themselves immersed in riveting river crossings, stormy canyon adventures, and steep alpine ascents.
Beyond the excitement, challenges loomed with breakdowns, rogue roof racks flying off, and even a detour that rerouted them to Denver instead of Santa Fe. In a world where the reliability of Nissan's CVT has often been a topic of scrutiny, Tour Detour flips the narrative by testing everyday high-mileage cars in extreme conditions.

"Many believed these cars wouldn't last even a day on this adventure," reflects Cole. "For us, it was all about reveling in the fun of surprising the skeptics… or simply proving that we were stubborn enough to persist."

Don't Miss the Action

The excitement begins on October 15, 2025, with the premiere of Tour Detour on YouTube. Each week, new 10-minute episodes will release, culminating on November 26, complemented by engaging behind-the-scenes clips shared daily on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shorts.

For those eager for a sneak peek, check out the official trailer on thetourdetour.com.

The series is a fascinating collaboration among Pohanka Automotive Group (VA), Cole Automotive Group (WV), and Empire Lakewood Nissan (CO), showcasing their commitment to proving the durability of the vehicles they passionately endorse. Buckle up and get ready for a thrilling ride as these three everyday cars challenge expectations across America’s toughest terrains.