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