Volkswagen launches design competition for the iD.3 EV

While we are all sheltering in place and maintaining social distancing, Volkswagen has come up with a way to not only pass some time, but to potentially influence the direction of auto design. Okay, that one may be a stretch, but one never knows does one. VW is asking those inclined to participate, to imagine the iD.3 EV in 2050 and submit your design to them on Instagram. The top three designs will be flown to Munich (virus not withstanding) and the best design will be 3D printed on a 1:4 scale. Who knows, they might offer you a job. For more specific info, check out the press release with a link to Volkswagen's Privacy Policy page. Make sure you use the #VolkswagenDesign2050 hashtag. Enjoy!

Source: Press release and link after the "read more" jump courtesy of Volkswagen.

Coming soon! The new Range Rover Evoque P300e PHEV compact luxury crossover

Jaguar/Land Rover's Range Rover Evoque (Yeah I know it's confusing. Jaguar/Land Rover is the parent company and Range Rover is the name given to upscale Landies) is arguably one of, if not the best-looking compact SUVs on the market today. The Evoque was totally redesigned and now a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) joins the gas, diesel and mild hybrid models. (Click on the infographic, right, for a closer look) The numbers are pretty impressive. The Evoque P300e will travel 41 miles in EV mode, much more than 100 mpg in the Euro cycle (EPA numbers not yet available), rapid charging (80% in 30 minutes depending on the charger), and just over 6 seconds to get from 0 to 60 mph. A 1.5-liter three cylinder engine is mated to the hybrid unit for almost 300 hp and an eight-speed automatic. The hybrid motor is mounted to the rear axle for a sort of all-wheel drive depending on hybrid mode (EV-only, hybrid, gas-only) selected. Three trim levels are on hand S, SE, HSE, which determines the lux level of your ride and hit to your wallet. Remember PHEV vehicles are usually $5k more than their gas-powered counterparts. Pricing will be announced closer to the US roll-out. J/LR would be silly not to bring this model and it's Discovery sibling, to the US. But stranger things have happened. VW is not bringing their iD.3 EV to the US (hopefully for now) due to expected demand in Germany and the rest of Europe and some in VW feel the iD.3 is too small (Golf-sized). Yet many people are looking for an inexpensive (relatively) compact EV. That's why I believe the Range Rover Evoque P300e could do well here (As long as the J/LR folks don't overprice it). It's also good-looking, luxurious, and can be outfitted however you like. Did I mention that it's good-looking? For more info and pics, hit the "read more" link below.

Source: Pics and Press release courtesy of Jaguar/Land Rover. More after the "read more" jump.

Mini Convertible Sidewalk Edition Drops its top in time for Springtime Cherry Blossoms

Mini's vehicles are about sportiness, efficiency, and fun and the 2020 Mini Convertible Sidewalk edition is special-edition fun. Shown is a Cooper S model with the turbo four (192 hp) and a seven-speed automatic. What makes the Mini Convertible Sidewalk special is the edition-specific Deep Laguna Metallic paint and matching stripes (see right). Also on hand are Anthracite seating with Petrol and Energetic Yellow contrast stitching, 17-inch light-alloy Scissor Spoke two-tone wheels, and a soft-top roof with a woven-in arrow design. The Mini Convertible Sidewalk edition can also be ordered with the 1.5-liter inline-three cylinmder (102 hp) and six-speed manual of the base Cooper model. As with all Mini's (and most every car available today) you can order your new drop-top with as many of as few options and extras that you like and your budget will allow. I like how these pics contrast the car against the cherry-blossom backdrop.Check out the two press releases and pics after the jump. Now if that dang virus would just go away. Top down, masks on!

Source: Pictures and press releases courtesy of Mini. More after the "read more" jump.

All-new Land Rover Defender updates an age-old classic

The Defender model has been important to Land Rover for ages. The go-everywhere, beat-it-'til-it-dies, every vehicle was right-sized and found in garages, barns, and stables all over the UK (and around the world). Since the Defender was getting long in the tooth. Land Rover knew it was time for an update...and it didn't hurt that new government regulations were a hurdle the Defender couldn't get over. It took a long time for Land Rover to re-engineer the Defender and bring it into the 21st century. From the looks of it, they have succeeded very well...very well indeed.

The new model looks like a Defender, but better. It sort of reminds me of the Toyota FJ Cruiser, which was an update of Toyota's original Land Cruiser which was a sort of Japanese copy of the Defender and Mercedes G-Wagon. One big difference is that the 2020 Defender will come with either three doors (90) or five-doors (110) and all the technology, features and options your heart and wallet can handle. There are four main options groups geared to how you will use your Defender and 6 main models from Standard to the top-of -the-line Defender X. Prices start ar around $40k and go up to more than $80k plus taxes, license, fees, options, and accessories. Two engines will be available mated to an eight-speed automatic. Base engine is a 2.0-liter turbo I4 with almost 300 hp and a mild-hybrid 3.0-liter I6 (almost 400 hp)  with turbo- and super-charging. Even software updates are sent out to customers over Wi-Fi. And it goes on and on...

Now if you want a Defender, you don't have to buy a used (and sometimes trashed) model and take it to an automotive re-builder. Now you only need to stop by your nearest Land Rover dealer and spec out exactly what you want. For most of the info check out the press release. Personally, I like the 90. You? Now if it only had an EV option...

Source: Pics and extensive press release courtesy of Land Rover after the "read more" jump.

Nissan offers 5 tips for cars parked amid pandemic

As we all stay at home to survive the Covid-19 onslaught. I noticed the last time I started my car, it didn't seem to have the same "zip" as before. When this press release hit my inbox, I thought it must have been kismet. Obviously from my experience, Number 1 is extremely important - Keep the battery charged. Since we're sorta stuck inside these days (and for the foreseeable future) I try to take the long route to get to the necessary visits like food shopping, doctor's visits, etc. Since I do that, I'm taking care of #2 - Drive around the block. Check the fluids, aka #3 is a good idea anytime as is #4 Maintain recommended tire pressure. Both tips help your vehicle perform at its best. The last tip, #5 - Wash your vehicle, assumes a yard or open self-wash center where you can get out the hose and do it yourself. They also mention that by doing it yourself, you relieve some stress, get some exercise, and relieve boredom. Plus it's good for your car. Some of these tips are common-sense jobs that many do anyway. But with the current disruption to our lives, It's always a good idea to get a little reminder. Thanks Nissan. Click on image to enlarge.

Source: Nissan provided pictures and press release. More after the "read more" jump.

All-new Ford Escape Hybrid brings economy back to Ford's compact CUV

Ford was the first automaker to introduce a hybrid crossover way back in 2005. The model was extremely popular. Granted, overall, Ford sold more regular gas-powered versions of the compact CUV, but celebrities and politicians chose Ford's little gas-saver in droves. Then with the Escape's next complete makeover, the hybrid was gone. Big mistake (yes executives at automakers make mistakes). Everybody and his brother soon had CUV hybrids of varying stripes and Ford was left out in the cold. Now for 2020 the Hybrid version returns to the all-new Escape. The Hybrid drivetrain will be available in most trim levels but comes only as an SE Sport Hybrid or Titanium level in the beginning. Fuel economy numbers are impressive with city/highway/overall numbers of 44/37/40 mpg (lower with all-wheel drive). Later, the plug-in hybrid will provide even more efficiency increasing the Escape's electric-only range
(increasing fuel-economy numbers) to around 30 miles. Expect fuel economy numbers at least in the 50s for the Plug-in version. But firstly, the new Escape is a looker and very sporty especially when compared to its predecessor. Of course the nearly 200+hp (total system) of the hybrid drive won't win many stoplight races, it will race past many a gas pump.The all-new Escape is even better in person and the new Escape is right-sized as CUVs and most cars today seem to get bigger with every re-do. Not everybody needs, or has room for, a giant vehicle and most automakers have larger vehicles to choose from. Yes, I know the Ecosport is smaller than the Escape... Hybrid prices will start around $28,000 and go up to $30k+ not including options, taxes, license, fees, etc. All of Ford's latest tech is available either standard or as an option (check out the press release). So it looks like Ford's Escape will be back on many folks' new-car lists. Vehicles are appearing at your local dealer now. Check out the b-roll video in the previous post. For lots more info in the press release... Click on images to enlarge.

Source: Pictures and press release from Ford. More after the "read more" jump.See previous post for video.

The All-New 2020 Ford Escape | Escape Hybrid | Ford

Video provided by Ford.

The next-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI for MY 2022

Volkswagen is going through a renaissance just as it did several decades ago. Then, VW was phasing out the Beetle and replacing it with the Golf family of cars. Now, evidently, over the course of the next few years, VW is phasing out the Golf line-up and replacing it with the ID.3 EV. Yup. VW is going electric in a big way. Why you ask? Consumers are turning to EVs for efficiency and clean air/climate change reasons. The electrics will also allow VW to meet the tough EU emissions standards. In the US, the Golf line-up will consist of the GTI and the R models. If you want something cheaper and more basic, VW has a Jetta with your name on it. So until the ID.3 EV makes it across the pond, you can have the updated GTI which features a new look, more power, and more standard tech. Horsepower will jump to close to 250hp. The suspension is freshened to maintain the GTI's cred as a well-balanced handler that is the perfect balance between comfort and all-out performance. New tech includes the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, an updated Front Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and pedestrian monitoring, Climatronic, and much more as either optional or standard equipment. And yes, plaid upholstery is still available. More info is outlined in the press release after the jump even though it is Euro-centric at this time. US specifications will be announced closer to the new GTI's intro next year as a 2022 model. VW is having problems with the technology suite on the ID.3 so even though they have begun production of the compact (ish) EV, don't expect to see them in the US for the foreseeable future. In fact, the ID.4 CUV will be the first new EV from Volkswagen in the US. So what do we have to look forward to for now? A good-looking, well-balanced, good-sized performance car that is the answer to many prayers and dreams. I wonder it there'ii be an ID.3 GTI? Stay tuned...

Source: Pictures and press release provided by Volkswagen. More after the "Read more" jump

TA.b - EV talk 4.20

Many want to deride the numerous EVs (electric vehicles) that are appearing in the marketplace today (hold on to your hats, there are lots and lots more coming). While many current EVs are little more than city cars (which would actually be sufficient for many), there are a quite a few, various Teslas, duplicate Kias and Hyundais, Jaguar i-Pace, Audi e-tron, and the Chevy Bolt for example, that make the newer EVs viable as a "daily drivers" for the masses. One thing is sure, this IS your future, so get used to it.

Why are they our future you ask? Many scientists and general smart folk agree that Climate Change is a major oil-related problem, but few talk about something called "Peak Oil Production. and Supply" Peak Oil Production is a theory that suggest that we will hit a point where oil production will generally decline and not rise again, so to speak, and Peak Oil Supply deals with the larger issue of just how much oil is left down there? In other words, have we taken more oil out of the ground then there are reserves left? (And yes Monica, someday we will run our of the gooey stuff). And let's not forget that petroleum oil is the basis for many plastics, fertilizers, and other stuff we depend on besides gasoline, so when supplies get scarce,...

If there is anything that Covid-19 has taught us is that cars do pollute. Since the stay-in-place orders went in to place, the air HAS gotten sweeter. There is much less air pollution. They have pictures and scans from space to prove it. Los Angeles has had the most clean air days since the 70s since we've stopped driving all over the place (of course the work stoppage has assisted as well in lowering emissions). Having lived most of my life in LA, I can tell you that the sky is definitely bluer. Oh, and air-pollution has been found to exacerbate the effects of Covid-19.

Pricing is another issue. Gasoline (where I live at least) is at a high (still lower then Europe and many parts of the world) but charging your EV at home or at a charging station, is much cheaper. If you have solar panels on your roof, you may be able to drive your EV for free (after purchase and installation costs are recovered). So unless you have a personal oil refinery in your backyard...

One way to look at it, is to see that an electric drivetrain is really just another option, like gas or diesel, four, six, eight, or more cylinder engines, etc. EVs require less maintenance currently (no semi-annual oil changes) and are generally more efficient. (Check out the EPA efficiency listings.) Many folks have singled out Tesla for the change in consciousness, but the change was already underway with numerous wind and solar farms popping up all over the globe (clean energy is now cost-effective). I get it. Change is hard. I have a friend that I talk cars with who really loved his gasoline and even diesel engines. We talked about Tesla vehicles and their general improvements of the automobile in structure, technology, and new drive trains (including all-wheel drive). As a result, he rented one when his truck needed service and came back a convert. Today's EVs are getting better and better. Range anxiety is diminishing with larger batteries and improved efficiency with more charging stations being added every day. I think gas stations and truck stops should add chargers for the numerous EVs that are coming like Tesla's Semi. It would become another source of income for them and we all know that "money talks."