Nissan shows single-seat concept using Ariya EV drivetrain

Nissan has a rich performance past, with the GTR and various Z models and the automaker used their recent Nissan Futures event to showcase the Ariya EV drivetrain in the, what else, the Ariya Single-seat Concept. With Ariya deliveries right around the corner, what better way to drum up interest than with a performance concept utilizing the EV crossover's powertrain. "We are delighted to present the Nissan Ariya Single Seater Concept from our Nissan Futures event," said Hoyos. "At Nissan, we dare to do what others don't. With this concept we want to showcase the high-performance potential of the Ariya's powertrain in a motorsports-inspired package that not only hints at the design and styling of the road car that inspired it, but that also demonstrates a new and efficient EV performance language. Acting as a testbed for future technological evolution, this project can help bring excitement from the road to the race track, and also demonstrate Nissan's expertise in transferring knowledge and technology from the race track to the road." Add another seat and you might have a new clean performance model. Interesting. We shall see if the design elements show up on future Nissan vehicles. For more info, check out the media release and insta-video by clicking on "read more" below. Enjoy.

Source: Nissan - Media release, pics, and video

Ford to make Bronco Sport parts from 100% recycled ocean plastic

As some of you may know, there is a mound of discarded plastic floating in the Pacific that has been accumulated by the various tides that is the size of a small state. "Up to 13 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year, threatening marine life and polluting shorelines, according to Pew Charitable Trusts, a global nongovernmental organization. Much of that is attributed to the fishing industry, which has come to rely on plastic fishing nets and other equipment because of the durability, light weight, buoyancy and low cost of the material. Those same qualities contribute to creating ghost nets, a fatal and growing threat to marine life. Ghost gear comprises nearly 10% of all sea-based plastic waste, entangling fish, sharks, dolphins, seals, sea turtles and birds." Oceans the world over face this problem and a company called DSM Engineering Materials is pulling discarded fishing nets from the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea for recycling. (The plastic debris includes other floating items like bottles, etc.) This material is then recycled into pellets and used in everything from sunglasses, t-shirts, running shoes, and more. But this is the first use of recycled ocean plastic for car parts and Ford is leading the way. “This is another example of Ford leading the charge on sustainability,” said Jim Buczkowski, vice president of research and Henry Ford technical fellow. “It is a strong example of circular economy, and while these clips are small, they are an important first step in our explorations to use recycled ocean plastics for additional parts in the future. Despite spending time in saltwater and sunlight, the material is as strong and durable as petroleum-based clips, Ford testing shows.” Now let's tackle that plastic acreage in the Pacific. Click on "read more" below to view the media release and to view a Bronco Sport walkaround video.

Source: Ford - Media release, pics

Jessie gives Tasha tie-dyed New Beetle "dream car" for her 40th

This is one from the "awwwww" files.  In today's chaotic world it is nice to read about folks doing nice things for loved ones. Jessie was looking for a special and unique way to celebrate Tasha's 40th birthday. "I went through the process of thinking and asking myself ‘what does she like?’ and ‘what does she need that she doesn’t already have?’,” Jessie says, recounting the gift planning process. “Once I eventually got a list of 40 things, I had to also lead up to something truly groundbreaking. And that’s when I went on the journey of looking for the Volkswagen.” Since Tasha was a VW aficionado since childhood, A unique VW was in order. Tasha also loves tie-dye so there you have it. Jessie looked around and found the perfect car, a New Beetle convertible. Jessie parked the car in his father's garage and worked on it for seven months. With the help of a local business, his father and his 11-year-old son, Jessie was able to have the car customized with its tie-dye, flowery design, as well as repaired and hidden in his dad’s garage. Tasha never knew. On her birthday, a family cookout was the prelude to the VW's unveiling. Tasha was blindfolded and taken outside. “I was just so shocked. I didn’t know what it was or where it was from. I honestly didn’t realize it was going to be my car,” Tasha says of her initial reaction to the car. “But when they said, ‘it’s yours to keep,’ I lost it and started jumping up and down and screaming. This is the coolest thing ever!”  So far, the locals agree; the car has garnered honks from fellow drivers, photo requests from police officers, waves from strangers, and an abundance of comments and smiles from just about anybody who encounters it. "That’s one of my favorite parts about driving the car,” Tasha says. “I’ve had so many conversations with strangers about it. Kids also love it and absolutely adore its color, so it’s been a fun experience all around.” Like I said, one from the awwwwww files... Click on "read more" below to see the media release.

Source: Volkswagen - Media release, pics

Mini USA to pay holiday pet adoption fee at Best Animal Friends Society shelters December 10 - 12 across the country

Since the holidays are here, Mini USA is working with the Best Animal Friends Society to increase holiday pet adoption. "While adoptions were up the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the last six months have proven challenging for animal shelters. Intake has been higher, staffing has decreased, and adoptions have dropped, resulting in overcrowded shelters and thousands of pets waiting longer than usual for homes. That’s why MINI USA stepped in to sponsor adoption fees and help promote the joys of adopting a new best friend this holiday season."  Visit bestfriends.org to find a location near you. "Whatever life has in store, having a pet makes everything better. Pets provide constant companionship while drastically reducing stress, which many of us can really appreciate these days,” said Julie Castle, CEO at Best Friends Animal Society. “The holidays are a great time to adopt and thanks to MINI, we hope to get a record number of dogs and cats into loving homes this season.” Mini is paying the adoption fees at all Best Animal Frinds Society locations from December 10 through the 12th. “All pets from Best Friends are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, so it's really fantastic to be able to save the adoption fee, as well, to put towards pet supplies for your new best friend,” Castle added. If you are looking for a new best animal friend, Mini has just made it a whole lot easier,  Happy Holidays. To review the media release, click on "read more" below.

Source: Mini - Media release, pics

Nissan releases more info regarding all-new 2023 Ariya EV crossover and opens for reservations

Nissan is getting close with the new Ariya EV crossover. Nissan has opened the doors for Ariya reservations with deliveries beginning next year (the top-end Platinum e-Force model won't be available until late Fall 2022). In the beginning, the Ariya will be available in four trim levels: Venture + (fwd), Evolve + (fwd), Premiere (fwd, limited availability), and Platinum + e-4orce (awd). The first three trim levels come with a single-motor drive system that produces 238 hp and 221 lb./ft. of torque and an 87 kWH battery pack with an estimated range of 300 miles (final EPA-certified range figures not yet available),  The Platinum + e-4orce model features a dual-motor system that produces 389 hp, 442 lb./ft. of torques, all-wheel drive, and an 87 kWH battery pack that should be good for a 265 mile range. Prices start at $45,950 (+ taxes, license, fees, options, and minus any federal, state, and local rebates) for the Venture + trim to $58,950+/- for the top-of-the-line Platinum + e-4orce trim. The dash pic appears to be of one of the lower trim levels. To reserve your Ariya or to check out the various colors and trim levels go to NissanUSA.com/ariya/reserve. To view the media release, a spec chart, and two videos, click on "read more" below. More choices!

Source: Nissan - Media release, pics, and videos (2)

Mercedes Benz EQB compact crossover EV goes on sale

This is Mercedes' latest EV salvo, the compact EQB crossover. The cool thing about Mercedes of late is their advancement of the EV marketplace by showing a battery-electric vehicle in just about every size class including a G-Wagen concept EQG that should see production. The EQB has joined the full-size EQS sedan in production with EQB deliveries starting this month in Germany. Let's hope that Mercedes brings this EV to the US soon. The EQB comes in two trim levels the EQB 300 and the EQB 350 with numerous optional packages like the Advance Package, the Advance Package Plus, and more. The EQB 300 makes about 230 hp, hits 60 from a standstill in under 8 seconds, and has a range of 260 miles. The EQB 350 (the version most likely to come to the US) makes almost 300 horsepower, hits 60 in around 6 seconds and also has a 260 mile range. Both models feature 4Matic all-wheel drive. Prices given are in Euros, but hint that these vehicles will not be price-leaders with an MSRP in the mid to high five-figure range. Expect most of Mercedes' safety and tech as standard with other equipment available as an option. This is a good-looking seven-passenger compact crossover that we hope makes it to the US. For more information, click on "read more" below to view the multiple media releases, a spec chart, and two videos. Enjoy!

Source: Mercedes Benz - Media Releases (2), pics, and videos (2). Previous post

Ford and Purdue University developing new fast-charge cables for EV charging units

Ford, in conjunction with Purdue University, is developing the next generation of charging unit cables that could ultimately result in charging times that are similar to gas fill-ups. The cables use liquid cooling to allow a speedy transfer of power since heat is one of the problems with the current (sorry for the pun) set-up. “Today, chargers are limited in how quickly they can charge an EV’s battery due to the danger of overheating. Charging faster requires more current to travel through the charging cable,” said Michael Degner, senior technical leader, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering. “The higher the current, the greater the amount of heat that has to be removed to keep the cable operational.

"This innovation could one day deliver significantly more power than today’s leading systems to re-charge electric vehicles, making the potential of faster re-charging times possible if vehicle charging and other technology enhancements are made in parallel. Ultimately, this could eventually lead to re-charging EVs as quickly as conventional gas station fill-ups." While there is work to be done, this bodes well for the future of battery-electric vehicles and public acceptance of electric vehicles.

“Electric vehicle charging time can vary widely, from 20 minutes at a station to hours on an at-home charging station, and that can be a source of anxiety for people who are considering buying an electric vehicle,” said Issam Mudawar, Betty Ruth and Milton B. Hollander Family professor of mechanical engineering, Purdue University. “My lab has come up with a solution for situations where the amounts of heat that are produced are beyond the capabilities of today’s technologies.” More to come...click on "read more" below to view the full media release.

Source: Ford - Media release, pics

Hyundai unveils new Seven SUV EV Concept that points the Ioniq sub-brand's way forward

Hyundai's Seven Concept is an Ioniq EV for the future featuring a lounge-style interior. Sort of reminds me of Mini's Urbanaut concept with ideas, screens, and moveable seats for the ultimate adaptability. The Seven Concept even features an interior UVC Sterilization mode. Is that overkill or an honest nod to our possible future (disease-wise). The roof features a screen that can show what's above the vehicle or other shapes and designs. The video after the jump shows this clearly. Of course I think a kid planting plants and creating a YouTube video from the back lounge seat of the car seems well... My question is where do you put your stuff that most of take places and pick-up in our vehicles. I guess you remove the middle seats and stick your stuff on the floor. There's plenty of room for it. The pillar-less side doors (fronts open normally, rears open with a rear hinge) provide unobstructed entry and exit for passengers (and their stuff). The dash is one large screen and the welcome lighting sequence (the whole band of rear lights circle around the tailgate, and the front lights put on a little dance as well) is kinda cool but could get boring after a while. Lots of new EVs are offering this feature. No actual EV info was given other than the Seven is using Hyundai's latest EV platform. 

The Seven (passenger capacity) is an interesting look at one possible new vehicle for Hyundai's Ioniq EV sub-brand. Or something like it. Wouldn't be cheap but it is a luxury lounge on wheels. It will be interesting to see what Mini does with their similar Urbanite which is rumored to be in development for eventual production. Might force Hyundai's Ioniq hands, so to speak. For more info, click on "read more" below to view the media release and video. “The SEVEN concept demonstrates Hyundai’s creative vision and advanced technological development for our electrified mobility future,” said José Muñoz, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. “Its innovative interior space, eco-friendly powertrain and cutting-edge safety and convenience technologies reveal an exciting future for Hyundai SUV customers.” We shall see... Enjoy the video...

Source: Hyundai - Media release, pics, and video

First ZEVA awards - Zero Emission Vehicle Awards - announced at the LA Auto Show

The Zero Emissions Vehicle Awards held their inaugural event at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show. The ZEVAs winners and finalists were honored during AutoMobility LA, LA Auto Show’s media and industry days, at a special event hosted by E for Electric YouTube channel creator and host, Alex Guberman (above). “Our amazing community of car fans and LA Auto Show visitors helped make THE ZEVAS a huge success, ushering thousands of votes to award this year’s winners,” said Lisa Kaz, owner and CEO of the LA Auto Show. “Introducing this first-of-its-kind awards program totally surpassed our expectations thanks to the support of Electrify America and our automotive partners. This industry is on a fast-track towards electrification and the LA Auto Show is excited to showcase and celebrate it during our ZEVAS reception at AutoMobility LA.” To be eligible, a zero-emissions vehicle had to be on sale or available for pre-order at the time of voting (online). More than 90 vehicles were nominated. The list of 2021 winners in the nine categories are:

Compact: Hyundai KONA Electric
Coupe: Alpha Motor Co. ACE Coupe
Crossover ($50,000 and below): Fisker Ocean
Crossover (above $50,000): Tesla Model Y
Hatchback/Van/Wagon: Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle
Sedan ($60,000 and below): Tesla Model 3
Sedan (above $60,000): Lucid Air
Sport Utility Vehicle: Mullen FIVE
Truck: Rivian R1T

It will be interesting to see how these awards develop in the coming years. To view the media release, click on "read more" below.

Source - Los Angeles Auto Show - Media release, pic (by Jim Donnelly photo)

Fisker debuts new Ocean SUV EV

Fisker has been making cars for some time and the Ocean EV is their latest offering. Shown at the LA Auto Show in production-intent form, the Ocean SUV is an attractive vehicle that manages to NOT look like everybody else's crossover EVs. The Ocean will come in three trim levels, Sport, Ultra, and Extreme, with features and prices climbing with each upgrade. The first 5,000 cars will be the top-of-the-line Ocean One with prices matching that of the Extreme trim. 

Speaking of prices...Ocean prices are expected to start at $37,499 (+ taxes, license, fees, and options minus government incentives) for the Sport trim level, jump to $49,999+ for the Ultra trim and finish out at $68,999+ for the Extreme and One editions. Interior materials are vegan with luxury touches comparable to the trim level chosen. Interestingly, the center video screen has a "Hollywood" mode that allows the 17.1-inch screen to rotate from portrait to landscape at the push of a button. Don't know what that will accomplish but it does give you choices. Various wheel sizes are standard or optional. Two roof options include one that opens up the vehicle for an almost convertible feel (see video) to a solar roof that energizes the batteries and increases range. The single motor Sport model has 275 hp and an estimated 250 miles of range. The dual-motor Ultra and Extreme (also One) models will feature about 550 hp, have 340-350 miles of range and hit sixty from zero in 3.9 seconds.

For more information, an additional pic, spec charts, and the reveal video click on "read more" below. Production will begin in Austria very soon with personal deliveries (no dealers) starting with the first reservations delivered by the the first quarter of 2022.

Source: Fisker - Media release, pics, spec charts, and reveal video

Subaru unveils the production Solterra all-wheel-drive EV crossover

Well Subie fans, hear it is in it's production duds. Subaru unveiled the production version of the Solterra EVSUV (as they call it in the video) just in time for this year's subdued LA Auto Show (It's amazing that the show happened at all, what with the less-deadly "breakthrough" COVID infections). The design is attractive, if somewhat reminiscent, although the front is made somewhat awkward by the wheel arch flairs intruding under the headlights. Fewer parts, easier manufacturing? Whatever the reason this little detail bugs me and I bet it will be less intrusive in darker colors. The interior is following the "minimalist" trend but looks good and serviceable. Since this is a Subie, all-wheel drive is on board with all of Subaru's safety suite including a 360 degree camera system, blind-spot warning, lane change assist, rear-cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, and more. The Solterra is the first vehicle utilizing the new e-Subaru Global Platform that will also underpin the Solterra's sister EV from Toyota (yes Subaru is in an alliance with anti-EV Toyota). From the early specs, the Solterra seems underpowered with only 215 hp from two electric motors (front and rear) but has class-competitive torque ratings of 248 ft./lbs (similar to the base iD.4). The Solterra supports level 2 fast charging that will provide an 80% charge in under an hour (enough time for lunch). Range is currently estimated at 220 miles but numbers could change after the EPA does their thing. I can't wait to see this one. Looks good. More choice. What could be better? Solterra won't be economy-car cheap (no prices announced), but should be price competitive. For more info, click on "read more" below to view the media release, and additional pic, and the "Love is now electric" video.

Source: Subaru - Media release, pics, and video

Ford develops Eluminator concept to showcase EV crate motor

Ford used this year's SEMA show to unveil the F-100 Eluminator Concept to showcase Ford's new EV Eluminator e-crate motor. The concept uses the body from a 1978 F-100 truck with a new frame from MLe Racecars and the new e-crate motor. Thr Eluminator e-crate motor develops 281 hp and 317 lb./ft of torque and is street legal in all 50 states. This new motor is one of the motors from the Mustang Mach-e GT. The motor is available online from Ford Performance Parts for $3,900, but sorry, the first allotment is spoken for aka sold out. In fact, Ford Performance plans to develop a wide list of components for the Eluminator powertrain with some of the leading performance manufacturers, including battery systems, controllers and traction inverters to close the loop on full turnkey aftermarket electrification solutions. Why don't some of the new EV start-ups just buy these systems from Ford until they can develop their own? GM has an EV crate motor that develops 200 hp from the Bolt, but rumor has it that the motors are scheduled but not yet available. So if you have a vehicle that you like, you will be able to convert to electric propulsion very soon. Companies like Zlectric Motors (in San Diego) are already performing conversions (to Volkswagen Beetles, Porsches, etc.) with motors and controllers, batteries, etc. from totaled Teslas. Visit their website and review their work, which is quite spectacular (but it ain't xheap). For more info, click on "read more" below and check out the media release and video after the jump. The future looks Eluminated...

Source: Ford - Media release, pics, and video

TA.b - Quickie - Ford F-150 Lightning "Can Strike Anywhere"

The new Ford F-150 Lightning EV truck can be (will be?) a game changer. An EV truck for anyone, the F-150 Lightning will hit the market in the Spring of 2022 (ahead of the Tesla Cybertruck, but behind Rivian who is delivering EV trucks as you read this) with more than 100,000 reservations. What caused me to post this Quickie was the "Can Strike Anywhere" video (below) which shows the interior and the giant frunk that I had forgotten about. Can you say "lots more storage?" Click on "read more" to view the brief media release and the F-150 Lightning reveal video. Enjoy!

Source: Ford - Media release, image, and videos

TA.b -Quickie - Aston Martin completes first Valkyrie hypercar

Aston Martin is a storied marque that has been producing luxury and performance cars for years. Decades even. Even James Bond thought they were cool. But the world is changing and the car industry is going through a revolution of sorts that has made it hard for smaller manufacturers to survive. Drawing on its ruch racing heritage and history, Aston Martin determined that ultra-performance hypercars were the way to go to survive and thrive. The result is the car you see here, the Aston Martin Valkyrie.  The Valkyrie (a Norse goddess of war) is a very limited edition with only 200 cars being built. Power comes from a hybrid V12 that produces in excess of 1,100 horsepower and the price is in the seven-figure range. As you can see from the pic and following video, the Valkyrie is basically an F1 car for the road. While it would've been cool to see electric propulsion, I guess we must take baby steps. I doubt many of us will ever see one of these outside of an auto show, so click on "read more" below and view the brief media release and video.  Here's to more Aston Martins in the future!

Source: Aston Martin - Media release, pics, and video

Volkswagen reveals new iD 5 EV SUV "coupé"

Volkswagen unveiled the iD 5 EV coupé showcasing VW's juggernaut of future electric vehicles. The iD 5 uses the same MEB EV platform as the 5's iD 4 sibling and many other VW models including Audi, iD 3,  etc. The iD 5 is the latest member of the iD family of EVs and yes, it is a streamlined iD 4 which is not a bad thing. No specific numbers regarding range or horsepower were provided, but the numbers should mimic those of the iD 4 except range which might be greater due to the increased aerodynamic efficiency. Choices, choices... As with the iD 4, expect 200+ hp with rear-wheel drive for base models and just over 300+ hp with the all-wheel drive Pro (US) model. Only the largest battery from the iD 4 will be offered in the "5" at this time. Don't expect the good stuff like the GTX model (an iD GTI so to speak) or the enhanced heads up display which are offered in Europe and other markets but not the US. Don't understand that but, hey...and VW is having enough trouble getting its dealers to sell and embrace EVs even though sales are good. Many dealers in the US are conservative oilheads, so this isn't a problem that only VW faces. But the iD 5 is a good-looking alternative to the more family-oriented iD 4. Now if we here in the US could get the better stuff. For more info and two videos (including a walk-a-round video of both models), click on "read more" below. The first pic after the jump has the regular iD 5 and a red GTX model for comparison. Also the videos feature the GTX version as well. Enjoy!

Source: Volkswagen  - Media release, pics, and videos (2)

TA.b Quickie - Lucid Motors begins deliveries of the Air Dream Edition EVs

Lucid has begun deliveries of its first EV, the Air Dream Edition and yes the first cars are loaded with everything but the kitchen sink. Lucid made headlines with the Air Dream Edition models that were the first EPA-rated EVs to exceed 500 miles of range (520 mile-range for the Dream Edition Range model with 19-inch wheels). Looks like the Tesla Model S has some strong competition. Of course it doesn't hurt that the Air models are a new design and the Model S is getting a little long-in-the-tooth (few design changes in almost a decade). Of course many will argue that if you design it right, you don't need updates but that had less meaning when there was no competition. Admittedly, the Lucid Air is more expensive than the Model S but it looks and acts more expensive. In fact it has been reported that the Air Dream Edition's competition is in fact the Model S Plaid due in part to the Air Dream Edition's 1,110 hp and and 0-60 time of 2.42 seconds. And the pricing is much closer, but the Lucid Air looks to be a better deal when comparing fitments, etc. It's great to see the EV market continue to grow. For more info, click on "read more" below to view the media release and a "We are Lucid" video. The first 500+ vehicles are being delivered and the Grand Touring and Pure Air models will follow.

Source: Lucid Motors - Media release, pics,

Hertz orders 100,000 Tesla Model 3 EVs with half available to Uber drivers

Hertz announced its latest foray into the EV marketplace with an order of 100,000 Tesla Model 3 sedans that will be added to Hertz's rental vehicle fleet. Interestingly, half (50,000 EVs) will be available to Uber drivers to be used in major city markets. "Climate change is an urgent global challenge we must all tackle together, and now is the time to drive a green recovery from the pandemic," said Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. "This combines the power of Tesla, Hertz and Uber to help accelerate the transition to zero-emissions mobility. We look forward to seeing more EVs on the road right away." Hertz has even gone so far as to enlist the help of Tom Brady to introduce the new initiative with TV (and internet) commercials (after the jump). The Hertz announcement caused Tesla's stock to hit new heights and increased Tesla's overall valuation to more than most automakers except Volkswagen and Toyota. Lofty heights indeed. Beginning in early November and expanding through the end of the year, customers will be able to rent a Tesla Model 3 at Hertz airport and neighborhood locations in U.S. major markets and select cities in Europe. This gives consumers more choice and can even allow one to make a rental "test drive" by renting a Model 3 and living with it for a period of time. Kinda cool. For more info, check out the media releases, and Hertz commercial by clicking on "read more" below. Enjoy! No word if the Hertz Model 3s will all be white.

Source: Hertz - Media releases, pics, and commercial

Honda debuts new sport-focused Civic Si for 2022

Honda took the wraps off of the new CIvic Si sedan that has been redesigned for 2022. The Si model has received all of the updates of "lesser" Civics plus a new turbocharged VTEC engine and the availability of a standard six-speed manual transmission. In the olden days, Honda performance models did not offer automatics due to the simple fact that the automatics that Honda had on hand, could not handle the extra power. In fact many of Honda's performance automatic models had reduced engine power. Most other automakers either develop automatics that can handle the power or they buy them from other firms. Honda, just go out and buy automatics that can handle the extra power.  And while you're at it, get dual-clutch automatics that mimic a manual transmission and get superior fuel efficiency. Or even better yet, go electric,,,you're going to  have to anyway regardless of what Toyota's chairman thinks (google it). The Si Civic is comparable to VW's GTI models. Performance is more balanced with improved handling and straight-line "go" than standard Civics, but not as on-the-edge as the Type S models. This should give potential buyers a well-rounded driving experience. Standard equipment includes the 2.0-liter turbocharged VTEC engine (200 hp, 192 lb./ft. of torque), the six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching, sports seats with red accents, sport mode system, Bose audio, upgraded sport suspension, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Honda Sense, a 9-inch touchscreen, Honda's latest safety equipment and tech. and more. Prices weren't released, but prices should start around $30 to $35k plus options, fees, taxes, license, etc. Oh, and the Blazing Orange Pearl paint (shown) is an Si exclusive. If the new Civic Si sedan is your cup of tea, check with your local dealer as the Si models will arrive soon (if not already there). For more specific info, pics, and a brief video, click on "read more" below.

Source: Honda - Media release, pics, and video

Alpha Motors shows Wolf EV pickup at the Petersen Automotive Museum

 

 

Just a quick (ish) look at the Alpha Motors Wolf EV pickup that is currently on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Yes folks, they're hanging in there. Alpha has interesting designs (drawn from the same basic shape and platform) and  many of us are pulling for them to succeed. Enjoy!

Source: Alpha Motors/YouTube

Lexus upgrades the all-new 2022 NX crossover

Lexus has updated the 2022 NX crossover with a new size, new tech, a plug-in hybrid, and much cleaner styling. It's as if the previous generation was trying to be funky (in a good way) and failing...miserably. All of the major dimensions have been increased for more comfort and room for stuff. Four powertrains are available starting with the NX250's 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (with start/stop functionality) that is mated to an eight-speed transmission (available in both FWD and AWD options), produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb. ft. of torque (resulting in 0-60 times of 8.2 seconds (FWD) and 8.6 seconds (AWD), while having an EPA-estimated 28 combined mpg. The NX350 gets the the 2.4L turbo (275 horsepower and 317 lb. ft. of torque) mated to a new eight-speed transmission that gets to 60 in 6.6 seconds with an EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined. Next up is the NX350h with the fuel injected 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine with two high-torque electric drive motor-generators (instead of transfer gears and a driveshaft to the rear wheels). Drivers will also notice the quicker 0-60 time of 7.2 seconds, a full 1.5 seconds quicker than the previous generation hybrid. The updated hybrid powertrain produces 239 combined system horsepower, while on its way to a 0-60 time of 7.2 seconds with a combined EPA-estimated 39 MPG. The big newbie here is the new NX450h+ plug-in hybrid, a first for the NX series. has an EPA-estimated 36-mile range on electric power only, made possible by the new high-capacity lithium-ion battery. The system achieves the output equivalent to a 2.0-liter engine for an EPA-estimated combined 84 MPGe. The NX450+ delivers on the performance luxury consumers are seeking with an estimated 6.0 second 0-60 time. All the tech and safety features have been upgraded with Lexus' latest (see media release). The new NX250 starts at $37,950 (plus taxes, license, fees, options, and $1,075 destination) all the way up to $55,560+ for the NX450+. Prices seem a bit steep especially for the plug-in hybrid model but it's up to you to determine a car's value and affordability. Is Lexus trying to dissuade folks from buying the plug-in hybrid model? Who knows, but you'd think they'd have the whole hybrid thing down which would help reduce prices. If this looks like your kind of crossover, click on "read more" below to view the media release (with tech and safety info) and a video. Enjoy!

Source: Lexus - Media release, pics, and video.