A Dodge Challenger show car with 1,000 horsepower was stolen just before this years SEMA convention and crashed but still managed to make it to the show floor on time.The car was built by Quintin Brothers Auto and Performance in Vermont, who sent it to Las Vegas where the SEMA parts convention is held. The Challenger was reported stolen on October 30, when it was swiped from the overflow parking lot of the Main Street Station Casino.According to local news, Nevada Highway Patrol was at some point dispatched to the parking structure of the Rio Hotel and Casino, where they found the stolen vehicle. In an attempt to stop the thief from leaving, an officer parked in front of the car, but before he could leave his vehicle, the Challenger rammed into the side of his cruiser and proceeded to escape the parking complex.The vehicle was later abandoned at The Boulevard Mall and then given back to its owners to display at the show. We were in shock, we couldnt imagine that anything like this could ever happen, shop co-owner Cole Quintin said. It looks like they were living in the thing, but they only had it for about 11 hours.The front end was smashed in the hit-and-run police chase, making it look more like a drift missile than a straight-line star. Were sure that with 1,000 horsepower it would burn up the rear tires either way. Props to the builders on still showing the car, even though everyone wouldve completely understood if theyd decided not to. The 2020 Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak, unveiled at the 2019 SEMA Show, delivers sportsman racers a new, turnkey package loaded with suspension and chassis upgrades and is certified for NHRA and NMCA competition. Production is limited to 50 serialized units. Mopar Speaking of Challengers, Mopar itself had a little debut at SEMA heralding the return of the Drag Pak after a five-year hiatus. The fourth generation of the special edition makes more power than the previous version, according to Mopar, and the previous version made 1,200 horsepower and ran mid-7-second quarter-miles, so hold onto your socks for the official numbers.That massive output comes courtesy of a supercharged 5.8-litre V8 coupled to a manually shifted three-speed automatic transmission. Mopar will build 50 of the
Origin: Custom Dodge Challenger gets stolen, wrecked in police chase, still makes it to SEMA
2020 Porsche 718 Boxster T and Cayman T make North American debut
Are the standard Porsche 718 Boxster and its sister, the 718 Cayman, just too milquetoast for you? Do you simply not have enough consonants in your life?Then the boffins at Porsche have an answer for you, the 718 Boxster T and Cayman T.Filled to the gunwales with performance-enhancing features to sharpen its handling when compared to a non-T Boxster or Cayman, these new models will include the PASM Sport Suspension as standard equipment, along with a mechanical limited-slip diff and Porsche Torque Vectoring.The inclusion of those natty suspenders mean shorter springs are on-board, plus re-tuned adaptive dampers and a ride height thats about an inch closer to terra firma. The Sport Chrono Package is also standard.Just dont go looking for more power. The 718 Boxster T and 718 Cayman T are powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine as the standard Boxster and Cayman models, developing 300 ponies and 280 lb.-ft. of twist.In conjunction with the optional PDK transmission and using the Launch Control feature, both variants can reach 96 km/h from a standstill in just 4.5 seconds. Mercifully, the standard transmission for the 718 T variants is a six-speed manual gearbox. Top speed is 272km/h.Various trimmings and trappings distinguish the T from other 718s as well. Eagle-eyed spotters will spy the Agate Grey mirror caps and rollover protection bars. Joining the festival, Mr. Ts model designation badges are also this colour.Inside, Sport Seats Plus with pronounced bolsters and Sport Tex fabric are standard, while Full Bucket Seats, normally reserved for GTS and GT4 models, can be optionally ordered. In the grand Porsche tradition of taking things away and then charging more, black fabric door opening loops replace the traditional door handles.Given the extra handling chops of the T, count on it to get ham-fisted drivers out of trouble more easily than the now-admittedly-workaday standard non-T car, a vehicle now completely worthless and one whose owners are busy running it through the nearest wood chipper.The 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster T and 718 Cayman T are available to order now and are expected to reach dealers in summer 2020. South of the border, MSRP for the 718 Cayman T is US$66,400, while the 718 Boxster T retails for US$68,500. Expect a modest increase in those numbers for Canadian
Origin: 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster T and Cayman T make North American debut
Aston Martin shows off DBX SUV’s interior, reveals pricing
Its early November and Aston Martin is teasing us, as it always does, with the upcoming reveal of its DBX SUV. Soon to be revealed in full, the brand decided to show off just a couple of features that make its first SUV so unique.While the exterior of the DBX remains a secret, this newest head-on photo does show some details. The front fascia looks like it was borrowed from the gorgeous DB11, slightly elongated to fill out the SUVs large stance.A large panoramic sunroof is also visible.The interior has been kept less of a secret, with the teaser image showing the view out of the front window from the back seat. In the distance we can see the banked curves of the Brooklands racetrack, the place where Aston Martin set a few speed records in the 1920s. The luxurious materials covering the interior are on full display, and theres no doubt theyre of the highest quality.According to Aston Martin, six months of development were devoted specifically to the driving position, taking into account visibility above all else, to the controls and to the space around the vehicle.The driving position also allows the driver to see the hood, which should make the relatively large vehicle easier to maneuver. Aston also consulted with children to determine the optimal ingress and egress experience, using a model at its design studio.The 2020 Aston Martin DBX will debut officially on November 20, which is also when orders will be taken. In Canada, if youre interested in getting one, youll want to know the DBXs starting price is
Origin: Aston Martin shows off DBX SUV’s interior, reveals pricing
Car Review: 2019 Nissan Micra S
2019 Nissan Micra SPeter Bleakney / Driving OVERVIEW Base Micra a charming throwback to basic transportation PROSgood ride quality, zippy engine and handling, roomy, great visibility, price CONScan you live without A/C? VALUE FOR MONEYvery good WHAT TO CHANGE?It’s perfectly austere HOW TO SPEC IT?I’d pass on the metallic paint and save $135 Ive had the good fortune of driving some pretty hot and rare-ish cars lately the Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye, Mercedes-AMG’s GT 63 S 4-Door, and the Range Rover Sport SVR but none have been as hot or rare as this base, five-speed manual, $10,488 Nissan Micra S. Hot because it has no air conditioning, and rare because, well, who in their right mind is going to buy a new car with no A/C these days? And since Millenials look at manual transmissions as anti-theft devices, there goes that demographic, too.Nonetheless, this little tinder box exists if for nothing else for its low-low price, and this is the spec youll be buying if you want to partake in the Nissan Micra Cup race series. After a week of sweating behind the wheel of this Micra, I totally get why Nissan started the Micra Cup this little four door hatch with a stick-shift is a hoot to drive.Power comes from a DOHC 1.6L four making a modest 109 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 107 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400, and while this doesnt sound like much, its all about the power-to-weight ratio. Its a smooth, linear, and eager unit that has little mass working against it, so the Micra never feels flat-footed. Put you foot into it, and this diminutive hatchback turns into a snarling little puppy, all frisky and eager to please. The steering is sharp and direct, too, and while the chassis exhibits a fair bit of body roll, the Micra is an agile little thing that loves to be thrown into the corners, hanging on with, err, dogged persistence while carving an accurate path. Good ride quality, too. In this age of overweight, overpowered, and overly complicated vehicles, the base Micra S is a breath of fresh air literally as youll probably have the windows rolled down most of the time. Yes, I said rolled: For you youngsters, the strange cranking devices sprouting from the door cards will be as unrecognizable as milk in a bottle. But for us more seasoned types, crank windows is a throwback to simpler times. And with the Micra, the cabin is so small you can reach over and drop the passenger window from the drivers seat.Additionally, this stripper model has no central power door locks another convenience we are totally used to. As a result, one has to ensure each of the five doors is manually locked before turning in something I totally missed out on for the first few nights. New for 2019 is a standard back up camera, and Nissan has also recently added a USB port.Two questions loomed large as I prepared to drive to a gig at a country music festival in Shelburne, Ontario, about a two hour drive from my house: Would the Micra accommodate my upright bass, and could I endure the trip with no A/C on a hot summer day? The answers are yes, and barely. Surprisingly, with the 60/40 split rear seat folded and the front passenger chair pushed fully forward, the bass slid in no problem. I also fitted in a small amp, bass guitar, music stand, and a few other items. Nice.The drive started out swimmingly, with the windows open and the swirling breeze keeping me cool and feeling pretty smug. Look at all those poor wretches sealed away from this beautiful summer, in their air-conditioned cocoons. The world would be a better place if we all had to crank our own windows, lock our own doors, and listen to FM radio on a crappy two-speaker radio! Look at me, this little four banger is sipping regular fuel as daintily as Miss Scarlett sipped a mint julep, while your fancy fuel sucking rigs have to power, and carry around, such unnecessary posh trappings as air conditioning systems, automatic transmissions, power door locks, and motors to work the windows, mirrors, and seats. When I was your age yada, yada, yada. Then things got considerably more swimmingly. Dark clouds loomed up ahead, and before long my wee ovoid car-lette and I were caught in a deluge of biblical proportions. I soon found my smug self presented with two options, neither of which were particularly excellent: Roll up the windows and perish in this $10,000 mobile sauna, or keep em down and get soaked. Turned out, I didnt have much choice as the de-frost didnt actually work in these conditions. So, I got soaked.Now, if youre worried about the Micra, it did get a bit damp, but the whole interior is basically one big piece of hose-out plastic, so no harm done. Given this is the base Micra, there is a deficiency of electronic gubbins in here to get damaged, and since seat heaters are off the Micras menu, I wasnt afraid of getting electrocuted either.Damn, I love this little
Origin: Car Review: 2019 Nissan Micra S
Volvo launches free electricity offer for UK PHEV buyers
Volvo is offering UK buyers of its plug-in hybrid models a year’s worth of free electricity, in a bid to encourage them to use their cars as efficiently as possible. The Take Charge offer, which was revealed at the unveiling of the XC40 Recharge EV last month, will be available to any UK buyer of one of the firm’s seven plug-in hybrid models between now and 30 June 2020. Volvo now offers an electrified version of every car in its line-up, with plug-in hybrid versions of the XC40, XC60, XC90 SUVs, the V60 and V90 estates and S60 and S90 saloons. All those models will now carry the new Recharge badge for electrified machines. The firm will record the total level of charge put into it over the course of a year using the Volvo On Call app, with Volvo then giving the customer a rebate based on the average price of electricity. Björn Annwall, Volvo’s commercial boss, said the scheme was designed to showcase that plug-in hybrids can be a sustainable stepping stone or alternative to full electric cars, and to fight the belief that many are bought for tax incentives and rarely plugged in to charge. “Plug-in hybrids can be very efficient if they are used in the right way,” said Annwall. “But if you just buy them for tax reasons and leave the cables in the boot it’s just a waste. “We wanted to make consumers more aware of the benefits, and this was something we could do to help all plug-in hybrid buyers. We think incentives can help, because they can put a spotlight on efficient energy usage. “The first year with a new car is when you set your habits with it, so if we put incentives then it will really make people think about how they use their cars, and show how they can change.” While Volvo’s plug-in hybrid models have previously carried Twin Engine branding, that will be phased out in favour of the new Recharge label, which will also be used for full-electric cars such as the new XC40 Recharge. Volvo has introduced an electrified version of every model in its range, and is aiming for plug-in hybrid cars to account for 20% of its sales next year. This is a key part of a major push towards electrification and reducing its average carbon emissions. The firm is aiming to be carbon neutral by
Origin: Volvo launches free electricity offer for UK PHEV buyers
Volvo PHEV buyers offered a years free charging
Volvo PHEV buyers offered a year’s free charging Twin Engine model buyers will get their charging reimbursed Volvo is offering customers a year’s free electricity to charge their car if they buy any of the Swedish manufacturer’s plug-in hybrid models. The deal is available to buyers of any of Volvo’s seven-strong PHEV line-up. These see PHEV powertrains available in the XC40, S60, V60, XC60, S90, V90, and XC90 ranges. Volvo’s aim is to encourage drivers to maximise their zero-tailpipe emission mileage with an incentive to off-set costs associated with charging their car. Customers will charge their car throughout the year, and Volvo will then reimburse them their associated costs at the end of the 12 month period. The amount repaid will be based on the average cost of electricity in the UK, and will be calculated by using the Volvo On Call app. This offers customers a number of features, but includes the ability to track how much power the car consumes. Since the majority of trips in the UK are well within a Volvo’s electric-only range, it is hoped that this added incentive will see fuel costs for a year significantly reduced for customers, while also reducing emissions produced on each journey. The offer is available to both private and business customers, with Volvo recognising that the best way to maximise a PHEV’s efficiency is to charge it as often as is reasonably possible. Since the focus is to improve driving and charging behaviour, for business customers, the refund will go to the driver rather than the company or fleet operator. Kristian Elvefors, Volvo Car UK Managing Director, said: “At Volvo, in keeping with our Swedish roots, we’ve always taken a keen interest in looking after the environment. Our recently stated ambition to become a carbon-neutral company by 2040 shows we are serious about addressing climate change. “It’s crucial that we help our plug-in hybrid customers understand how they can make the most of their car’s electric potential. So, by meeting their electricity charging costs for a year, we can encourage them to develop the good habit of regularly recharging their car’s battery, as well as saving them money at the same time.” Volvo offers plug-in hybrid options across its entire range, and is increasing the choice available to two PHEV models in some models. Hybrid options have recently been phased in, and a pure-electric XC40 is due soon as Volvo electrifies its fleet.
Origin: Volvo PHEV buyers offered a years free charging
The best car Alfa Romeo makes, the 4C Spyder, is now dead
2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Just a few months after the death of the coupe version of the Alfa Romeo 4C, were seeing the Spyder version also being flushed down the drain, killing the model completely.The wonderful little car was touted for its excellent road feel and handling prowess; it was also the last official car to be available without power steering, which is what made it great in the first place.The 4C was powered by a 1.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that churned out 237 horsepower, more than enough to move the carbon-fibre-tubbed vehicle around. A scant weight of just 895 kilograms didnt stand in the way, either. As Alfa Romeo restructures itself to be a more restrained company, the small sports cars days were numbered anyway. The Giulia and Stelvio are still around to take the place of the performance section, but the focus will no longer be on fun, but instead on profitability. As FCA is poised to become a larger presence in Europe, a place where Alfa Romeo hasnt sold a city car since the MiTo, it will have to rethink how it approaches vehicles.The merger between FCA and PSA could have something to say about the death of this vehicle, but with the word around FCA being rationality, its unlikely well see a small, two-seat sports car for quite some time under the Alfa Romeo brand
Origin: The best car Alfa Romeo makes, the 4C Spyder, is now dead
Hyundai Autron’s next-gen autonomous car software to be powered by BlackBerry
2019 Hyundai Elantra GT N LineBrian Harper / Driving Hyundai is tapping Canada-based tech company and former cellphone giant BlackBerry to help develop its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving software. Does this mean the next Elantra will be getting a trackball control for its center screen!? Doubtful. What it does mean is Hyundai Motor Group’s software research and development company, Hyundai Autron, will use BlackBerry’s QNX OS for Safety system, already embedded in over 150 million cars on roads today, to build “competitive automotive and mission-critical systems in a cost-effective and safe manner.” This could impact features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure, smartphone connection and more. “Hyundai Autron develops the Hyundai Motor standard software platform based on the international AUTOSAR standard,” said Dae-Heung Moon, CEO at Hyundai Autron, in a press release. “Powered by BlackBerry QNX technology, together we will deliver ADAS and autonomous driving software platforms that will set a new standard for the automotive industry.”BlackBerry was a major player in the cell phone market of the 2000s (RIP, BBM) but stopped making its popular keyboard and trackpad devices in 2016. Today the Waterloo, Ontario-based company focuses on software solutions and outsources production of phones to partner companies.BlackBerry will demonstrate what this new standard looks like when it showcases the QNX OS for Safety at CES in Las Vegas in January 2020.
Origin: Hyundai Autron’s next-gen autonomous car software to be powered by BlackBerry
These companies will convert your classic into an EV
The electrification of the automobile seems, to many, to be simply unstoppable, but as battery technology advances, styling looks like its going in reverse.We struggle to think of modern vehicles in general wed call pretty, but todays electric vehicle (EVs) are arguably the most homely of the bunch.Theres also something very sterile about new cars they dont have a character or a tactile feel to them. For the most part, theyre recyclable appliances, discarded after theyve outlived their use.Luckily, theres a new solution to these issues: classic car EV conversions. A classic car has a character and a feel when you sit behind the steering wheel whether its a fully restored stunner or a clapped-out heap, it has a story to tell. When converted to electric power, it brings all the benefits of looking and feeling good to a world where you no longer need to burn fuel. But just because youve converted your classic to be more environmentally friendly doesnt mean everybody is going to think youre a hero.In fact, the Federation Internationale des Vehicules Anciens (FIVA), a group dedicated to the preservation and protection of vintage vehicles, recently declared once your vehicle has been converted to electric, it doesnt comply with the FIVA definition of a historic vehicle, nor does it support the goal of preserving historic vehicles and their related culture. So, take that into account before shopping for electric powertrains.If you dont care about FIVA, though, here are ten companies that will convert your classic car into an EV.Electra Meccanica’s 356 eRoadsterRange: 250 kilometresPeak torque: 644 lb.-ft.Price: $124,900Based in Vancouver, B.C., Electra Meccanica is an electric offshoot of parent company Intermeccanica, which has been making Porsche replicas since the 70s. In the last few years, its turned to electrifying its replicas to make them into stylish West Coast cruisers even more hippie than their predecessors.Voitures Extravert’s Porsche 911Range: 321 kilometresPeak torque: 672 lb.-ft.Price: $450,000Not only will these guys convert your Porsche 911 to electric, but theyll restore it for you too. Voitures Extravert has said it won’t touch 1960s Porsches. However, it will backdate your 70s or 80s Porsche to look like its from the 60s, with a few added modern conveniences to boot and in the boot.Lunaz’s Jaguar XK120Range: N/APeak torque: 516 lb.-ft.Price: $594,790Named after the daughter of the companys founder, upstart Lunaz converts vintage British luxury vehicles into electrically-powered beasts. Its first project was a 1953 Jaguar XK120 that was meticulously disassembled and 3D-scanned in order to properly fit the companys bespoke drivetrain.That drivetrain, by the way, makes 516 lb.-ft. of torque. Next up is a 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, but for now, interested customers will have to settle for the 350,000 ($594,790) Jag.Jaguar’s 2020 E-Type Zero EVRange: 275 kilometresPeak output: 295 hpPrice: N/AJaguar itself will build you an electric version of its classic E-Type, dubbed the E-Type Zero. Famously driven by Prince Harry at his wedding, the classic conversion mixes great looks with perfect reliability (yes, despite the brands reputation).This is one of the best EV conversions available as its completely reversible. Plus the electric drivetrain weighs the same as the original, so it retains the same weight distribution.Zero Labs’ Ford BroncoRange: 305 kilometresPeak torque: 277 lb.-ft.Price: $265,000If sports cars arent really your thing, perhaps a classic truck is more to your liking. The Bronco is a bona fide classic, but it was never really known for its powerful drivetrain. That can change thanks to Zero Labs, which will install an electric motor good for 440 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque in the 44, a 500-per-cent improvement! Add a 305-kilometre range and youre good for a few hours of off-road fun.Charge’s Ford MustangRange: 200 kilometresPeak torque: 885 lb.-ft.Price: $509,820Sporting Eleanor body kits, the Mustangs turned out by this British firm take muscle in a different direction. Underneath the reproduction 1967 Stang body sits dual electric motors, capable of providing 402 horsepower and 885 lb.-ft. of torque to all four wheels.While it looks vintage, theres really nothing vintage about it, especially in terms of performance. Zero-to-100-km/h happens in just 3.1 seconds, and youll get 200 km out of a full charge all for 300,000 (CAD$509,820).Garage Italia’s Icon-E Fiat 500Range: N/APeak torque: N/APrice: N/AIf being environmentally friendly is all about reducing your footprint, there isnt a much smaller shoe than the Fiat 500. Garage Italia is a firm based in Italy dedicated to the preservation of the style and history of motor vehicles, so it only seems fitting it would build a future-proof EV Fiat 500 Jolly.Details such as battery size, range, or price are not available, but it doesnt really matter in a piece of history like this. The only indication re:
Origin: These companies will convert your classic into an EV
Volkswagen ID Space Vizzion confirmed for 2021 production
Volkswagen has previewed a new addition to its ID electric vehicle family ahead of its public debut at the Los Angeles motor show. The ID Space Vizzion is an estate variant of the ID Vizzion luxury saloon that was revealed in early 2018, and it has been confirmed for production late next year. The ID Space Vizzion is described as “a wagon of tomorrow that combine the aerodynamic characteristics of a gran turismo with the spaciousness of an SUV”. The concept makes use of an extended version of the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, and the firm promises it will be capable of up to 367 miles on a single charge under the WLTP testing regime. Volkswagen claims a “completely digitised cockpit” alongside the use of sustainable materials such as ‘Appleskin’, an artificial leather made partially from residual matter of apple juice production. It has been confirmed that different variants of the production car will be offered in North America, Europe and China, although it’s not clear yet how different these region-specific models will be. The concept’s unveiling will take place at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, US on 19 November, with attendees invited to examine the ‘accessible and unlocked’ concept in detail, suggesting that it will feature a fully finished interior. Volkswagen will display four other MEB-based concepts at the event, likely the ID Crozz and ID Roomzz SUVs, ID Buzz Cargo van and ID Buggy off-roader. The firm unwrapped its first production-ready MEB electric car, the ID 3 hatchback, at last month’s Frankfurt motor show. That will soon be joined by a production version of the ID 4 SUV, which we recently saw undergoing pre-production testing in heavy
Origin: Volkswagen ID Space Vizzion confirmed for 2021 production
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