The Tesla Model 3 has earned its first award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and its a good one.In crash testing, Teslas cheapest model won the organizations top-tier award, Top Safety Pick+, which means that it scored good or better in the passenger-side small overlap test and the headlight evaluation, areas many automakers struggle with.The Model 3 earned big points for its performance in the driver-side small-overlap front crash test, one of the most challenging tests to score well at as well.The car held up fairly well, with the lower door pillar intruding only 8 inches, equal to a moderate risk of injury to the drivers lower leg, and no other injuries reported.Another aspect modern-day cars have to score big in is front crash prevention systems, and Teslas systems scored well in these areas, too, earning good marks for the 20 km/h and 40 km/h tests.Vehicles with alternative powertrains have come into their own, IIHS Chief Research Officer David Zuby says. Theres no need to trade away safety for a lower carbon footprint when choosing a vehicle.The fact the car scored so well is a great feat of engineering, as the Model 3 obviously doesnt have an engine in the front to absorb any of the impact. The battery is also very innovative in that it is rigid and fortified, which diverts crash forces away from the
Origin: The Tesla Model 3 just earned the IIHS’ top safety award
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Tesla Sentry Mode catches couple mistaking Model 3 for their Hyundai Elantra
The Tesla Model 3’s new Sentry Mode yknow, the feature that turns on the parked cars cameras when the vehicle is disturbed has by now caught some very weird things on video, were sure.But this clip of a couple walking up to a white example and repeatedly reaching for door handles that arent there has got to be one of the more chuckle-worthy.The clip, posted to the TeslaMotors sub on reddit, shows the pair walking up the Model 3 from a nearby strip mall. The driver-side Sentry camera shows a man in a white shirt walk up, fumble for the cars retracting flush-with-the-body door handles about three times, pause to press the key fob to unlock the car, then try for the non-existent handle again.On the other side, his passenger fares just about as well. That moment you mistake a Model 3 for your Hyundai from teslamotors Footage from the passenger side of the parked Model 3 shows the couples also-white 2015-ish Hyundai Elantra just two spaces away and explains maybe just a little bit how they mistook one entry-level four-door for another.We get that walking up to and opening your car is something you do so often, thats so subconscious, that even the smallest distraction might throw your brain for a loop and why you might forget your car, last you checked, had door handles, ones that dont pop out via key-fob button.But its mistaking the Model 3 for the Hyundai in the first place you can see the latter at the bottom in the photo below, Model 3 on top that confounds us, unless youre really engaged in your conversation, we suppose. At the very least, I guess its sort of a compliment to Hyundai-designers-of-four-years-ago that people could confound the
Origin: Tesla Sentry Mode catches couple mistaking Model 3 for their Hyundai Elantra
Ferrari shelves plan for entry-level Dino model
Ferrari has no imminent plans for a modern-day Dino, although chief commercial officer Enrico Galliera has refused to rule it out entirely. When asked if the new Dino was dead, he said: “I would never use the word dead in the future strategy. (But) it’s certainly not something that we’re planning shortly.” A V6-powered, entry-level Dino was on the drawing board as recently as 2016. At the time, then-Ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne said both a reintroduction of the famous Dino name and a V6 engine were possible. The plans have since been shelved; Ferrari’s fifth model line instead became the SF90 Stradale, revealed earlier this year as the brand’s first plug-in hybrid. That launch was part of new boss Louis Camilleri’s revised strategy, in which 15 models will arrive by 2022, including the four already revealed this year: the F8 Tributo, SF90 Stradale, F8 Spider and 812 GTS. Rather than developing a new Dino, which would be the cheapest model in the line-up, Ferrari is instead choosing to focus on growth through new segments, especially higher-priced models, such as the SF90 Stradale. That car costs 25% more than the rest of the Ferrari range. Galliera said: “Our product line-up is basically trying to redesign our positioning, but we don’t feel there is a need for an entry-price (model) in our product range, and we plan to remain consistent with what we already declared we want to
Origin: Ferrari shelves plan for entry-level Dino model
Volvo launches S60 T8 Twin Engine model
Volvo launches S60 T8 Twin Engine model The PHEV is both the most powerful and most efficient model in the range Volvo has expanded its S60 saloon range with new trim levels and the eagerly-awaited T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain. Featuring an 11.8 kWh battery and 87hp electric motor, the S60 T8 Twin Engine can cover up to 36 miles in electric mode, has official CO2 emissions of 39 g/km, and a WLTP combined fuel economy score of 176.5 MPG. It’s also the range-topping powertrain with 390hp available to the driver, seeing the motor combine with a 303hp four-cylinder petrol engine. Power is put through an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the S60 T8’s 0-62mph time is just 4.6 seconds. New trim levels for the line-up have seen R-Design Plus and Inscription Plus. The former replaces the launch R-Design Edition trim, and adds a sporty air to the S60. The Inscrption Plus trim is a new specification, and focuses on a more luxurious set-up. Prices start at £37,935 for R-Design Plus, and £38,835 for Inscription Plus – both of which use the originally available T5 petrol engine. The new T8 Twin Engine powertrain is only available in R-Design Plus trim for now, and starts at £49,805.
Origin: Volvo launches S60 T8 Twin Engine model
Hyundai Ioniq: UK pricing confirmed for updated model
Hyundai has released pricing details for its refreshed Ioniq family hatchback. The range now starts from £22,795 for the entry-level hybrid model, with the upgraded electric version priced from £29,450. The Toyota Prius rival now offers 182 miles of WLTP-certified range in fully electric form, marking a 36% improvement over the range of the outgoing 28kWh model. It’s still around 100 miles less than the currently sold-out Kona Electric, however. The Ioniq Electric’s 38.3kWh battery pack is mated to an electric motor producing 134bhp and 218lb ft of torque, and is fitted with a new 7.2kW onboard charger compatible with Type 2 AC charging points. Hyundai claims the facelifted EV can be charged to 80% capacity in as little as 54 minutes as a result. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain variants are unchanged, but the latter now has a WLTP target electric range of 32 miles. The Ioniq Hybrid will be offered in three basic trim levels, along with a limited edition 1st Edition. The entry-level SE Connect features 15in alloys, rear parking sensors, an 8in touchscreen and a number of driver assistance features. The Premium trim, starting at £24,695, adds bespoke 15in alloy wheels, keyless entry, wireless charging, heated seats and a widescreen 10.25in touchscreen. Above that, Premium SE starts from £26,995 and includes 17in wheels, an electric parking brake, electrically adjustable seats and adaptive cruise control. The 1st Edition costs £24,955 and is based on Premium spec, with 17in wheels and an electric parking brake. The plug-in hybrid and electric versions are both offered in two trim levels: Premium and Premium SE. Premium models start at £29,950 for the plug-in hybrid and £29,450 for the electric version. They include 16in wheels, a 10.25inch widescreen touchscreen, wireless charging pad, keyless entry and rear view monitor. Premium SE models cost from £31,950 (PHEV) and £31,450 (electric) and add the likes of privacy glass, chrome door handles, leather heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, an electrically operated driver’s seat and automatic windscreen wipers, along with safety features including blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert. Prices for the electric model include the UK Government’s discount. Visually, the new Ioniq is marked out from its predecessor by a redesigned front fascia (on both hybrid and electric models), revised front and rear bumpers and reshaped front and rear light
Origin: Hyundai Ioniq: UK pricing confirmed for updated model
Tesla scrutinized by U.S. agency over Model 3 safety claims
The Tesla Model 3 PerformanceHandout / Tesla The U.S. National Highway Traffic Administration sent Teslas Elon Musk a cease-and-desist letter last year regarding Model 3 safety claims and has subpoenaed the carmaker for information on several crashes, according to documents posted by a nonprofit advocacy group.NHTSA lawyers took issue with an October 7 Tesla blog post that said the Model 3 had achieved the lowest probability of injury of any vehicle the agency ever tested, the documents released Tuesday by the legal transparency group Plainsite show.The regulator said the claims were inconsistent with its advertising guidelines regarding crash ratings and that it would ask the Federal Trade Commission to investigate whether the statements were unfair or deceptive acts.The documents, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, also include orders for information that NHTSA sent to Tesla following several crashes, including a fatal March 1 crash involving a Model 3 operating on Autopilot.Representatives for Tesla and NHTSA didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. A spokeswoman for the FTC declined to comment.NHTSA issued a statement in October that took exception with Teslas characterization of the agencys safety ratings. The agency said its crash tests combine into an overall safety rating and that it doesnt rank vehicles that score the same ratings. NHTSAs guidelines for the use of its test results in advertising warn that using terms such as safest and perfect to describe a particular rating or an overall score are misleading. NHTSA issued a similar statement in 2013, when Tesla said that its Model S achieved a vehicle safety score equated to 5.4 stars. The agency said then that it doesnt rate vehicles beyond 5 stars.This is not the first time that Tesla has disregarded the guidelines in a manner that may lead to consumer confusion and give Tesla an unfair market advantage, Jonathan Morrison, chief counsel at NHTSA, wrote in an October 17 letter addressed to Musk.Al Prescott, Teslas deputy general counsel, wrote in a reply letter that the company respectfully disagreed with NHTSA.Tesla has provided consumers with fair and objective information to compare the relative safety of vehicles having 5-star overall ratings, Prescott wrote in an Oct. 31
Origin: Tesla scrutinized by U.S. agency over Model 3 safety claims
Tesla brings back free supercharging for Model S, X owners
In an effort to attract buyers back into its dealerships rather, its web pages Tesla is offering free, unlimited supercharging as an incentive on the purchase of a brand-new Model S or X.Breaking the news in a Tweet, the promotion started earlier this month. Globally, there are 1,604 Superchargers stations, so that should help curb any range anxiety. Tesla has also simplified its trim levels to include only Long Range and Performance models.A few years ago, Tesla offered a similar deal, but it was limited to 400 kWh of electricity credits each year for Model S and X orders. Tesla says the promotion is applicable to Canada, too.Last month in the U.S., Tesla amassed 18 days’ worth of Model S and X selling inventory, a stark change from the zero days Tesla started with when it was first introduced. This, coupled with now lower base prices of its vehicles, suggests Tesla is having a bit of a tough time moving EVs.Unfortunately for current Tesla owners, they will still have to pay for supercharging. In the U.S, that rate stands at 28 cents per kWh, or between 13 and 26 cents per minute.If there was ever a great time to pick up a Model S or X, nows your chance Tesla changes its charging policies frequently, so theres no telling how long this promotion will
Origin: Tesla brings back free supercharging for Model S, X owners
This Nova Scotia man has owned the same Model T truck for 70 years
Randall Pitman is 87 years old, and for the last 70 years hes been driving the same old truck, a 1927 Ford Model T.According to the CBC, Pitman was 17 years old when he bought his truck in 1949, and the pair have gone on a number of adventures since, spanning hundreds of kilometres.To be able to afford the truck, Pitman worked at a gas station earning just 10 cents an hour, equivalent to $1.13 in 2019 money.Eventually, he saved up $50 ($563 today) and went to the auction house to buy the truck.Eventually, I bid $45 and the auctioneer, as auctioneers do, kept saying, Forty-five! Who will give me 50?’ he remembers. I stupidly said Forty-seven fifty, and he said Sold!’The truck is pretty basic in the truest sense of the word. Asking Pitman about brakes elicits a chuckle and a reassurance that they work. Nothing on the truck is done for you; even the ignition timing must be manually adjusted to start it.It doesnt even have turn signals Pitman has to stick his hand out the window and signal like you would on a bicycle.Pitman will put the truck on a flatbed to take it on a 600-kilometre journey to Crapaud, P.E.I for a car show that is expected to attract hundreds of vehicle and enthusiasts. Hes covered journeys longer than that in the past, but said that as the car gets older, the parts become more expensive; roadside repairs would still be possible, but not favourable.Pitmans other vehicle is another 1927 Model T, but a coupe model he bought in the 1960s and has been slowly restoring. Hes confident hell keep both vehicles on the
Origin: This Nova Scotia man has owned the same Model T truck for 70 years
Tesla cut the starting price of its Model 3 — and it’s making investors nervous
Tesla cut the starting price of the Model 3 sedan in the U.S. weeks after a federal tax credit shrank in half, renewing concern over whether the electric-car maker can sustain sales with less support from incentives.The Model 3 now starts at US$38,990, according to Teslas website. Arndt Ellinghorst, an analyst at Evercore ISI, wrote in a report Tuesday that the halving of the U.S. tax credit to US$1,875 at the beginning of July is causing the company to reduce prices to support demand.The key question remains will Tesla be able to sustain itself given steadily declining ASPs and worsening mix? Ellinghorst wrote, referring to the average selling prices of the companys vehicles dropping as the Model 3 becomes a greater share of deliveries.While the starting price of the Model 3 has dropped, Teslas moves to simplify its lineup include dropping a standard-range version of its larger and more expensive Model S sedan. The cheapest version available is now US$79,990, according to the companys website.Tesla also cut prices on all vehicles shipped to China, with the Model 3 dropping to 355,900 yuan (US$51,764) from 377,000 yuan, according to a Tesla representative. Prices of the Model S and Model X were cut about 4 per cent to 776,900 yuan and 790,900 yuan, respectively.The changes wont affect prices of Model 3s that will be produced near Shanghai, according to the representative. Tesla is expecting to begin output at a factory there later this year.Tesla is adjusting prices in order to continue to improve affordability for customers, the Chinese unit said in a statement. We are standardizing our global vehicle lineup and streamlining the number of trim packages offered for Model S, Model X and Model
Origin: Tesla cut the starting price of its Model 3 — and it’s making investors nervous
Tesla streamlines UK line-up with model price overhaul
Tesla has reconfigured its UK pricing structure and range as part of a move towards a simpler and more concise global line-up. The most significant alteration is the discontinuation of entry-level Standard Range variants of both the Model S luxury saloon and Model X SUV. To compensate for the reduction in choice, prices for both models in Long Range trim have been brought down by £800. In line with the removal of these Standard Range variants, Tesla has sought to distinguish the two remaining trim options with a £6300 price hike for the top-spec Model S Performance, and an increase of £5900 for the equivalent Model X. These two options are now available from £91,800 and £96,400 respectively. All Model S and X Performance variants will come as standard with the brand’s Ludicrous Mode, which brings 0-60mph times down to 2.4 seconds for the saloon and 2.7 seconds for the SUV. Lower down the range, the Standard Range Plus variant of the new Model 3 is now available from £36,490 (after application of the government’s £3500 plug-in car grant), a saving of £1560 over its initial £38,050 launch price. Meanwhile, prices for the dual-motor Model 3 Long Range Performance, which is capable of ultra-fast 200kW charging, have risen £550 to £49,140. This trim comes equipped as standard with performance wheels and a carbonfibre spoiler, and offers a 162mph top speed. A Tesla spokesperson said: “In order to make purchasing our vehicles even simpler, we are standardising our global vehicle lineup and streamlining the number of trim packages offered for Model S, Model X and Model 3. “We are also adjusting our pricing in order to continue to improve affordability for customers. Like other car companies, we periodically adjust pricing and available options.” UK pricing for the Model Y seven-seat compact SUV is still yet to be officially confirmed, with first deliveries not anticipated to take place before 2022. In the US, the new model is being offered from £35,500 in 300-mile Long Range
Origin: Tesla streamlines UK line-up with model price overhaul
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